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Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 4

Roger Williams to John Winthrop1
Williams, Roger JW

1638-07-23

For his much honoured and beloued Mr. John Wintrop at his howse in Boston these
Prouidence 23 5th 1638

2 dayes since I was bold to present you with a line, and still (so it pleaseth the most High) I am occasioned againe to be a constant trouble etc.

These your Worships Servants visiting me in their Travell, I enquire after your Runnawayes: The man sayth he hath much to relate to your selfe, and wanting vtterance desires me to write. He sayth he hath enquired much after the Runnawayes and vnderstands for certaine that they are all at Monhiggin.

That the Flight was long since plotted, for he hath now heard by a Pequot that came from Monhiggin, that the 10 Monhiggins which came to your Worship in the Spring to buy one of the maidens and offered 10 fathom of Beades, came from Onkas who intended that maide for his wife.

That he gaue order to those 10 men, that (in case they could not buy her) 47they should leaue one man there at your Howse to perswade and worck their Escape.

That man was the Pequt Robin (Causa Senamut) who hath effected his busines for which (as he heares) Onkas promised him and hath giuen him the 10 fathom of wompam.

Onkas hath taken the 2 daughters Marie and Jane both to wife and sayth that now he hath done sending of presents to Massachuset.

Repriue was promised Joane by the Old Squaw for the futherance of the busines and hath her He advised their Escape by Neepmuck, because once before, escaping through the Narigansett Countrey, himselfe was sent back, by the Nariganset Sachims.

This man thincks allso that no Indian meanes will be able to effect their Returne, but that the English must fetch them: It will be your Worships wisedome to forecast so much and to prepare (Captaine Patrick and many more may be occasioned to fetch theirs allso) yet I request your Worships patience a few dayes.

Sir this young man who comes along is this Womans Nephew an ingenuous sober fellow, one of my long acquaintance (whome I called Oldway as his Indian name (Necawnimeyat) signifies) he tells me he hath a good mind to abide one yeare with these his Friends in your Worships Service I incourage him and present him to your Wisedome and pity, not knowing but that the purpose of the only wise and most pitifull God may be toward him for good. Vnto the euerflowing streames of the most holy fountaine of Living Waters (whose Drops are able to refresh and saue worlds of wandring Soules) I heartily recommend your Worship, your dearest Companion, and all yours, Grieuing That I dare be no more Your Worships

R: Williams
1.

W. 2. 106; 4 Collections , VI. 231–233; N.C. , VI. 108–109.