A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 4

Roger Williams to John Winthrop1
Williams, Roger JW

1638-01-10

Providence 10th of the 11th mon: 1637/38 Much honoured Sir,

It having pleased the most high to besiege vs all with his white Legions2 I reioice at this occasion from Qunnihticut (these letters sent to me by Mr. Hooker) that I may here of your wellfare and health, which I wish and beg vnfaignedly of the Lord.

Mr. Hooker intimates a report to me that they heare from the Monahiganeucks that Miantunnomu intends Tho: Stantons death: I haue taken some paines in it and other passages sent me finding them slanders: and since 7(for many good ends and) for keeping a passage open betweene yourselues and Qunnihticut by natiues Summer and winter a peace is much to be desired betweene the Monahig: and Nanhiggon I have proffered my paines in procuring a meeting of the Averse Sachims if it please the Magistrates of Qunnihticut to order Wokace (the Monahig Sachim) to touch in at the Nanhiggonset mouth where I hope to get the Nanhiggonset Sachims aboord, and it may please the God of Peace to saue much blood and evill, etc.

Only it behooues our friends of Qunnihticut as I haue writ to them to looke to the 2 or 300 Pequts harboured by Wocase the Monahiggen as allso Wm. Baker of Plymmouth (of whome formerly I wrote) who is there hid, is turned Indian in nakednes and cutting of haire, and after many whoredomes, is there maried: this fire brand with those Pequts may fire whole Townes: I haue intimated how they may with ease take him.

Sir, let me be humbly bold to request a favour of you: I am at present destitute of a Man Servant, and much desire if you light on one that desires to feare the Lord remember me: I haue a lustie Canow and shall haue occasion to runn downe often to the Iland (neere 20 mile from vs) both with mine owne, and (I desire allso freely) your worships swine, so that my want is greatt; I would spare no charge, either out of those beads and Coate in your owne hand: the Tobacco from Mr. Ludlow, and 8 or 10li in James and Tho: Hawkins hand of which I heare not yet.

Sir If any letters from your selfe or other friends are for Qunnihticut I entreate you make hast and speede by this messenger for I cause 4 natiues who came from Qunnihticut to stay his Comming: I haue allready paid him so that his expectation is not great. Thus longing to heare of your healths and with earnest and dayly wishes for that peace which this world cannot giue nor take from you and my poore wiues and mine owne best Salutes to your dearest Companion I rest Your Worships to my power faythfull

Roger Williams

My due respects to Mr. Deputie Mr. Bellingham theirs, and other loving friends etc.

1.

W. 2. 104; 4 Collections , VI. 221–223; N.C. , VI. 84–85.

2.

In the margin: “Job 38. 23.”