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Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 4

Roger Williams to John Winthrop1
Williams, Roger JW

1638-06-07

For his much honoured and beloved Mr. Governour of Massachusets these in hast
Providence this 5t of present weeke ca. June 7, 1638 Much honoured Sir,

Blessed be the Father of mercies that once againe I receaued your hand the last night by the Messengers by whome I sent.

By them I vnderstand that according as you please to intimate your expectation, Mr. Heynes is come: with Okace 34 Monahiggins and 6 Pequts.2

One of the 6 Pequts is Pametesick which was one of the Murtherers who cut of the 3 English going in a boate for clay vpon Qunnihticut river after the Fort was cut of: They not only spilt their bloud, but exercised inhumane and tormenting revenge vpon 2 of them, which cries for Vengeance to heaven.

So that I refer it humbly to your wisedome whether (although I desire not the destruction of the surviving Pequts but a safe dispersion of them yet) the actuall murtherers be not to be surrendred vp and this Pametesick (I am partly confident this is he) at present apprehended.

Our loving friends of Quinnihticut reported that some Monahigganie 39women were wronged (as their hair cut of etc.) by the Nanhiggonsicks: but Okace knowes it was done by Wequashcuck of Nayantuquit to whom Okace sent for a Pequt Queene: they 2 haue got in the Pequts (though Okace haue the Harvest). Against Wequashcuck Caunounicus and Miantunnomu had long since proceeded, but our loving friends of Qunnihticut interposed: I hope for the best to saue blood: So beseeching the great Councellour and Prince of Peace to guide your Councels I rest Your Worships most vnworthy yet vnfaigned

Roger Williams

All respectiue Salutes etc.

1.

New York Public Library; 4 Collections , VI. 230–231; N.C. , VI. 106–107.

2.

Winthrop records Uncas's arrival in Boston under date June 5, 1638 (I. 271); also printed in D.J.W. .