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Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 3

Francis Kirby to John Winthrop, Jr.1
Kirby, Francis Winthrop, John, Jr.

1631-12-26

To his very lovinge and much respected frend mr. John Winthrop Junior this deliver in noua Anglia in Charlton per a frend whom god preserue
Laus Deo in London 26° 10bris 1631 My very louinge and no lesse loued friend,

harty salutation to your selfe and second selfe with my respect to your good father and mother for whom as also for the rest of your company I do and shall daily implore the aid of the almighty; we haue taken notice of very boisterous winds we had immediately after your departure from our Coaste (res est soliciti plena timoris amor) We haue no hope to hear from you vntill the returne of mr. Peirce from Virginia whom we expecte siccis faucibus.

I desire to acquaint you with such occurrents as may be newes to you whether foreine or domesticall. I received a letter dated in August last from Newfound Land in the bay of Bulls aboord the William and Thomas rideinge there to take in fishe and is bound for Genoa. my frend writeth that the ships Company goeinge on shore to cut timber did accidentally set that woody Contry on fire which had then burnt 20 miles alonge and that they had no likelyhood to quenche it vntill rayny wether come.

Captain Bruton who was imployed by my Cozen Moris Thomson2 and 56company for the trade of beuer in the riuer of Canada is now ariued heere haueinge been since at St. Christophers for a freight of tobacco. he hath brought in heer about 3000li. weight of beuer, and they are now hasteninge to set forth a small ship only for that riuer hopeinge to be there before Captain Kerke whom (I hear) is to fetch his men from Quibeck and yeild vp the Castle againe to the Frenche this next somer.3 For German newes, you shall vnderstand that Swedens kinge hath been very successfull. the duke of Saxon who all this while hath been a neuter is now forced to take vp armes and craue the aid of Sweden, for Tilly did set vpon his cheife towne called Lypswicke and tooke it, but kept it not many daies before he with the helpe of the kinge regained it and gaue him battle about 2 english miles from Lipswicke, slew about 15000 of the imperialists tooke much munition and with the losse of about 6000 of their owne, since that he hath taken Noren-berghe and Frankford and lefte soldiers in them bothe. We hope that god will make Sweden an instrument for the fall of Antychrist. I find noted in the margin by the Geneua translaters Revel: 17. 16 that diuers nations as the Gothes, Vandals and Hungarians who were subiect to Rome shall rise vp to destroy the whore. Sweden is king of Gothes and Vandals. A little of Greenland newes because it may make some what for your encoragement who may sometime possibly aduenture vpon discouery where bread is not alwaies to be had, for therin you may see it is possible to liue without bread by gods blessinge vpon the fleshe of beares and foxes etc. 8 English men wintered there in the latitude of 77½ and are returned home all in good likeinge. they liued from August vntill June without bread or other prouisions then what they killed and the fritters or rather fragments of the whales out of which they had tried oile and cast them to the dunghill the somer before. they lost their passage by reason of misty wether while they were on shore to kill venison.4

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Thus with my earnest praiers to the almighty for you all I rest Your euerlouing frend

Fra: Kirby

Endorsed by John Winthrop, Jr.: Mr. Kirby recd. Jun: 1632.

1.

W. 1. 92; 3 Collections , IX. 237–239. For Kirby, see 4 Collections , VII. 13n.

2.

Morris or Maurice Thompson was the son of Robert Thompson of Watton, Hertfordshire, and with his brothers, George, Paul, and William, lived for a time in Virginia. In 1639 Morris Thompson was engaged in the fishing trade at Cape Ann, and Governor Winthrop wrote that it was hoped he “would, ere long, come settle with us.” Journal, I. 310; also printed in D.J.W. in entry for June 1639.

3.

On February 26, 1630/31, Sir William Alexander, David Kirke, and others, adventurers in the Company of Canada, represented to the Admiralty that about three years before, the King granted them a commission to plant colonies on the St. Lawrence, “to displant those who were enemies in those lands, and to trade with the natives.” Being informed that several ships were bound thither, particularly the Whale of London, Richard Brewerton and Wolston Goslyn, masters, “contrary to that commission and greatly to the petitioners’ prejudice,” they prayed that the vessels might be stayed or sufficient assurance given that they would prosecute no such voyage. The Admiralty directed Lord Dorchester, Secretary of State, to examine those against whom the complaint was made and to prohibit their going if it appeared they had any intention of so doing. Three days later a warrant was issued to stop the sailings in question. Calendar of State Papers, Colonial, 1574–1660, 128.

4.

The story of these men is given in Gods Power and Providence: Shewed, in the Miracvlous Preservation and Deliverance of Eight Englishmen, Left by Mischance in Greenland Anno 1630. Nine Moneths and Twelve Dayes. . . . Faithfully Reported by Edvvard Pellham (London, 1631).

Edward Howes to John Winthrop, Jr.1
Howes, Edward Winthrop, John, Jr.

1632-01

Charissimo Amico,

Setting asside all vowes and protestations of my continuing amitie which would seeme but rather complements then true harted Loue, I salute you with good newes in my mouth; that God hath not forgott to be gracious to his church beyond the seas but hath heard the sighs and grones of his servants yea the blood of his saints hath cryed loud for vengance; and wrath since your departure hath come downe furiously vpon the enemies. I need not instance in particulars, for I dowbt not but the fame thereof is at this day the talke of all the world; yet to satisfie you a little fullier then by word of mouth, and that your worthy father with all my louinge frinds may reead at large the workinge of our God in these latter dayes, here I haue sent you the Swedish Intelligencer2 which speakes wonder to the world withall I haue sent you your Archymedes and an Almenack with a booke or two of other newes besides; Mr. Dudly went away soe sodainely from vs in the begining of Christmas that I could not take my leaue of him as I would. I desire earnestly to heare of your healthe and welbeing; Thus Mr. Allerton staying for my letter I abruptly conclude with my loues to all my frinds I rest Your louing: frind

E. Howes Ca. January, 1631/32
1.

W. 2. 164; 4 Collections , VI. 477–478.

2.

The Swedish Intelligencer was entered in the Stationers’ Register January 9, 1631/32.

Henry Jacie to John Winthrop, Jr.1
Jacie, Henry Winthrop, John, Jr.

1632-01-09

To his very worthy and much respected friend Mr. John Winthrop junr: Son to the Right Worthy Governour of New England at Boston there these be delivered with a Book Leav these with Mr. Huison at London Stone, whom I desire to convey safely
Kind Sir,

I humbly salute you and yours in the Lord.

We eagerly covet to hear of your safe arrival, yours with your good com­58pany, for we have good hope that we shal hear wel when it shall be, (it may be before your receipt hereof,) both in regard you were garded with so many prayers, and so many Angels (as if you had heard and seen would much have rejoiced you and so may do in greatest perplexities you have been are or may be in:) and also we hear this day from Mr. Huison (at London stone) that some that came lately from your coasts saw your ship com’d within 3 days saile of your desired haven. It would be very acceptable to this house if you writ to some of them, and if you pleased to send over also some of your Indian Creatures alive when you may best, as one brought over a Squirrel to Bures another some other creature, one a Rattlesnake Skin with the rattle.

I have herwith sent to John Sanford2 a note of the winds ever since you went til after your arrival in N. E. the Patterne wherof I sent before your going to Jo. Sanford desiring his noting also. I pray you desire him to send back a copy of his, that so we may compare (for I have a copy of this) how they agree or disagree. I have not time now to write to him, no not to your worthy father the Governour, nor to Mris. Winthrop nor others to whom I would gladly. I pray you excuse me to them.

The affairs beyond sea in Germany ar almost beyond credit, how soe weak a king as Sweden should go on and prosper and subdue stil so much against the mighty Emperour and Spains forces, maugre all their mallice and their holy fathers Curses. Our affairs at home ar almost as lamentable, as I have writ (and want time to reherse) to goodman Firmin, and goodman Child. The plague having been lately at Colchester the Bishops3 visit was propria persona at Keldon,4 wher with much gravity and severity he inveighed against the pride in the Ministry, that they must have their plush and satin and their silken Cassoks, and their bandstrings with knots; if every knot had a bel at it, it would be a goodly show, saying if any would informe him of abuses in the ministry by drinking etc. he would severely censure them. Mr. Cook there* being comanded to attend him in his chamber, got a black riband to his rufe, which he so plaid upon O what a show it would make if it were of carnation or purple etc. He was very pleasant thus sometimes: by both which he drew the most people to admire him and applaud his proceedings. There he excommunicated Mr. Weld, who had been suspended above a month, and requiring Mr. Rogers of Dedham to subscribe there (no law 59nor Canon so requires I take it) he refused. He told how he had borne with him, and shewd how he must needs suspend him and so proceed if he reformd not to do all according to Canon after a month to excommunicate him, and then after a month to deprive him of the ministry, (so lying open also to a writ of excommunicato capiendo) as was read in the Canon. Mr. Rogers said if he would rather now put him by for altogether. He said no, he would proceed according to law. So suspended him. Mr. Shepherd he charged to be gon out of his Diocesse as one that kept Conventicles.5

Colchester men would have had his admission of Mr. Bridges of Emanuel for their lecturer in Mr. Maidens steed. He was angry and said When you want one you must go first to Dr. Gouge, and to Dr. Sibs and then you come to me, I scorn to be so used. Ile never have him to lecture in my Diocesse that will spew in the pulpit (it seemes he had preached on this I will spew thee out of my mouth.)

At Braintree (whither he went thence) Mr. Wharton Mr. Marshal and Mr. Bruer and others were spoke to after the Bishop had looked in his book opening it before them. He 1 commended them for parts and paines and their lives, and then charged them with Non Conformity al denied it. Mr. Marshall said he was misinformed. Ay but said he do you conforme always? He answered he did sometimes but not always he was much employed in preaching and in catechising the youth. The Bishop answered your preaching I like wel and your Catechising wondrous wel but I mislike your answers, (which he spake angerly) you wear the Surpless sometimes, and then you lay it aside from you for a long time, and what say your people then?

These good men canot abide these ceremonies, and if they might they would never use them: But to avoid the Persecution of these Bishops that would fetch them up to the High Commission therefore these good men ar fain to stoop to them sometimes. Thus they will say, etc. So enjoining them to conform and seek the peace of the Church they escaped. Mr. Car of Twinsteed being cald Mr. Allen stood up and said (trembling as he spake, as he did at Bury when he informed against his Sudbury people, sitting with heels as high as their head) that many of his people of Sudbury were enterteined by him, etc. The Bishop took him up therefore sharply if he admitted any to the Communion not of his own parish, or if any such came to hear him and he forbad them not, he would take a Course with him.

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He said he hoped to join with his brother of Norwich for reformation there also. Now York being dead (on whose tombe he appointed should be indelibly ingraven, Hic jacet Samuelis Harsnet, quondam vixit indignus Episcopus Cesistrensis, indignior Norvicensis indignissimus Eboracensis, in his wil, therein protesting against the Genevensians) Winchester Dr. Neal to York, Durham to Winchester, Coventry and Litchfield Dr. Morton to Durham, Rochester Dr. Bowls to Coventry, our Norwich Dr. White to Ely who is dead, Oxford Dr. Corbet to Norwich, that Rev. Dr. Linsel to Roch ester or Oxford.

The Kings Attorney Sir Robert Heath is removed. Mr. Noys is put by the King into his place, who is very just in it. Tis said William Noy for his book laid him down about 5 or 7 or 8 peeces. He asked what he meant 20s was due and would no more. Some usd to pay 5li I think. And hearing his man scraping with his foot at the door he came and asked what he gave him. He told a peece. He answered 2s was his due, he should have no more.

But I forget myself; tis near one aclock, I must bid you a good night. Yet a word more with you before I take my leave, for I know not when I shal talk with you thus again. Wher I left before. Mr. Nat. Ward being cald whose silencing was expected and charged with rejecting the Ceremonies and Common Prayer book, he answered (as tis said) ther is one thing I confes I stick at, how I may say for any that dy in sure and certain hope, or that we with this our brother etc. Upon this the Bishop to resolve him made a large explication and so he escaped then. Mr. Wels6 after Excommunication coming into a Church where the Bishop was visiting the Bishop spied him and cald him and asked him if he were on this side N. E. and then if he were not excommunicated. He said yes. And why here then. He hopd he had not offended. But he would make him an Example to al such. Take him Pursi-vant. The Pursivant called Mr. Shepherd and said he would rather have Shepherd, but he escapd,7 and Mr. Wels by a bond of 100 marks others bound with him, and so fled to Bergen. Either he or Mr. Hooker was abated 40li in the forfeiture.

Mr. Bruer the last Terme had 22 Articles against him, and 6 or 7 Addi-tionals, these devised by Ja. Allen as Mr. Bruars late Sexton confesseth in anguish of Conscience. I would write more as I could write too much such as I joy not in writing, but you more safely heare than I write it.

I beseech you Sir consider our Condition and provoke others to it some in 61the General, for some would make the worst of things to your disparagement though tis more their own shame. accept of what I have writ in scribling after midnight hast and let me hear of your receipt hereof, and of your welfare and yours and al your liking of the Country as you may. The Lord our good God and Gracious Father be with you al as he wil be with al his in Christ in whose armes and sweet embracings though tost in afflictions I leave you, resting At your service to be used in him

Hen: Jacie Jan. 9, 1631/32

My Brother Tho. desires to hear whether Mr. Winthrop the Governour have employment for him, he is yet willing to come if he may do him service. he can shoot wel and is content to endure what he can and to work etc. if it may be for his bettring in outward estate. Me thinks I repent I have writ ought about him, for I would not have him to cumber you. Jo. Sanford knows my mind about him. I pray you desire him to write to me, with the Note of Winds.

If I can I wil send you herewith a book of the Morning Star tis cald, of that great star 1572 in the north, (in 63 of latitude and I think 53 of longitude which is Finland of which Sweden is the great Prince) which Ticho Brahe in his Spiritual book on that Star, pag. 800 and so forward shews not to be an ordinary comet, but a new star, the forerunner of happy changes to the Churches especially beginning about 1632 as he calculates, from one that should come from such a place of longitude and latitude, applying it to the King of Sweden.

In this book he stands not so on the Anagram Gustavus Augustus, nor that saying that tis said appals the Emperours wisemen Te debellavit adversus Devs: Why or how Devs, tis said Sved, and relates many passages of the late victories.

Endorsed by John Winthrop, Jr.: Received these June 1st: Mr. Wilson arrived the last of May.

1.

W. 2. 159, 3 Collections , I. 235–240. For Jacie, see Winthrop Papers, II. 87, n. 1 n. 2 .

2.

John Sanford was chosen in 1634 to be cannoneer at the fort in Boston, where he had already done two years’ service. In 1636 he was appointed “surveyor of the ordinance and other ammunition.” Records of Massachusetts, I. 125, 179.

3.

William Laud, Bishop of London.

4.

Kelvedon, Essex.

5.

For Thomas Shepard’s account of this episode, see Publications of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts, XXVII. 369–370.

6.

Thomas Welde, first minister of the church at Roxbury.

7.

For Shepard’s account of this episode, see Publications of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts, XXVII. 370–371.