I haue nothing certaine to acquaint you with at present: there haue bene reports these 10 dayes, that the Pequts are entred leauge by the hire of 3 or 4 bushells of beades (black and white) with the Mauquawogs or Mohowawogs which signifies Men Eaters in their language: These Caniballs haue bene all the talke these 10 dayes, and the Nanhiggonsicks are much troubled at them.

2 dayes since came tidings that these Mauquawogs and Pequts haue slaine many both English and Natiues at Qunnihticut plantations, as yet I beleeue it not, and hope in the Lords mercy it is false yet since you please to make such good vse of (Poyson) bad and lying newes, (which for that End to awaken people I confesse) I sent the last: I would not conceale this: I hope to send better in like manner after this; yet I sadly feare if the Lord please to let loose these mad dogs, their practice will render the Pequts Canibals too and 2ndly (at the least) cut of all hopes of safe residence at Qunnihticut, and yet they are an 100 mile to the westward of Qunnihticut Plantations: I hope it will please the Most High to put his hooke into their nose etc. as allso to giue wisedome in the managing of the warr, that if it be possible a leauge may rather be firmely strooke with them: they are most savage, their weapons more dangerous and their crueltie dreadfull, rosting aliue etc.

Sir, I heare of the danger of the Innovation of your Government. The God of heaven be pleased to giue you faythfullnes and Courage in his feare: I feare not so much iron and steele as the cutting of our Throats with golden kniues. I meane that vnder the pleasing baits of Execution of Justice to the 439Eastward and Enlargment of Authoritie, beyond all question, lies hid the hooke to catch your vnvaluable Liberties.3 Better an honorable death then a slaves life.

Sir I may not forget due thanckes for your intended Requitalls of my poore Endeavours toward the Barbarous: if it please the Lord to vse (with any good Success) so dull a toole, Satis Superque etc.

One kindnes (yet according to true Justice) let me be bold to request. I haue not yet got a peny of those 2 vnfaythfull ones James and Tho. Haukins of Boston, concerning whome my selfe and wife haue formerly troubled you. Mr. Coxall hath long had their Bills: agreement of mitigation hath bene made since by Arbitrators but to no purpose: Their great Earnings (if I had not lovingly released them) were mine owne: my owne debts lye vnpaid, dayly calld for, and I heare for certaine (though they can flatter and lye) they haue spent lavishly and fared daintily of my purse while my selfe would haue bene glad of a Crust of their Leavings, though yet I haue not wanted through his loue that feedes the Ravens etc. John Throckmorton hath often demaunded but in vaine he will now attend your loving helpefullnes, and he who is most holy and blessed all mercy and all pitie helpe you mercifully to steere (by his holy Compasse and allso with his owne most holy hand) in the ocean of Troubles and Trialls wherein we saile: It is no small favour that once againe (though the occasions are sad) we may sale and speake togeather, but the Harbour (safe and large) will pay for all: Thus praying for our meeting with best salutes to Mrs. Wintrop and all yours and my true respects to Mr. Deputie Mr. Bellingham and other loving friends I rest Your Worships vnfaigned

Noverint universi per presentes me Ferdinandam Adams nuper de Gibvico in Comitatu Suffolk shoemaker teneri et firmiter obligari Johanni Winthrop 440de Boston in Massachusetts in Nova Anglia armigero in ducentis libris legalis monete Anglie Soluendis eidem Johanni vel suo Certo Atturnato executoribus vel Assignatis suis Ad quam quidem solutionem bene et fideliter faciendam obligo me heredes Executores et Administratores meos firmiter per presentes Sigillo meo sigillatas datas 5to die Julij Anno regno domini nostri Caroli Anglie etc. decimo tertio.

The Condition of this Obligation is such that whereas the said Adams is reported at his departure out of England to have been vnder question in some of his majesties Courts for matter of Contempt or misdemeanor, for which some engagement may lye vpon others there, for his departure, or some displeasure or damage may arise to the magistrates or others heere for receivinge of him: If therefore the said Ferdinando Adams shall take suche order whereby all and everye of his friends in Englande shall from tyme to tyme be sufficiently saved harmeless from all damage that may arise to them by occasion of his departure thence, and whereby the magistrates and others heere may be likewise saved harmeless from all trouble or damage that may come to them, for his receiving heere: and shalbe likewise be readye at all tymes to make his personall appearance in any of his majesties Courts if he shalbe so required, there to answeare to suche matter as shalbe obiected against him, then this present obligation to be voyde, otherwise to remaine in full force and effecte.