A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 4

52
Roger Williams to John Winthrop1
Williams, Roger JW

1638-08-14

For his much honoured and beloved Mr. Governour of Massachusets
Providence 14th of the 6th 1638 Sir,

Since my last (vnto which you were pleased to giue answere with kind advice concerning the murther of the natiue) I have receaued divers letters from Qunnihticut. the Summ of all is this, that it hath pleased the Lord to encline all hearts to peace. Juanemo was perswaded to goe over in person and to giue that Satisfaction which was demaunded: Only concerning a Mare killd by some Nayanticks, (others say by Pequts) but as yet no proofe: Our friends haue taken his promise to enquire and informe, and so they dismist him.

It hath pleased the Magistrates at Qunticut to envite Miantunnomu over to them to discover some Pequt passages and Murtherers, which are denied, and to enter vpon some Articles with themselues: denying themselues to be obliged in the Articles of the Bay.2

I haue conceaved that all the English in the Land were wrapt vp in that Agreement (a Copie of which you were pleased Sir to send me): nevertheles I perswade him to goe over: His desire was (which Agowaun Sachim Masquanominity had in charge to expresse to you) that Mr. Governour would please to spare 4 English from himselfe as witnesses of Passages: as allso my selfe with Cutshamoquene and Masquanominit.

I haue formerly engaged my Promise to Miantunnomu: and resolue to take 2 or 3 English from hence, and hope (through the Lords mercy) that the iourney may be for peace.

Sir vnles any passe by accident to Qunnihticut (if so you shall see good) that desire of 3 or 4 English may be denied and yet graunted in effect by the going of some freely with my selfe.

Only Sir, be pleased to giue an hint of your pleasure in any matter considerable which we shall endeavour to effect.

The natiues, friends of the slaine had Consultacion to kill an English man in revenge: Miantunnomu heard of it and desired that the English would be carefull on the high wayes, and sent himselfe expresse threatnings to them etc. and informed them that Mr. Governour would see Justice done. Ousamequin, comming from Plymmouth told me that the 4 men were all guiltie: I answered but one: he replied true one wounded him, but all lay in wait 2 53dayes and assisted in Conclusion: he tould me that the Principall must not dye for he was Mr. Winslowes man: and allso that the man was by birth a Neepmuck man: and so not worthy an other man should die for him: I answered what I thought fit but conceaue there will be neede of Wisedome and Zeale in some and remembrance of that Vox Coeli: He that doth Violence to the blood of any Person let him flee to the Pit, let none deliver him. The Lord mercifully cleanse the Land from bloud, and make the bloud of his sonn Jesus more precious in all our eyes. So prayes Your Worships most vnworthy

Roger Williams

To Mrs. Wintrop Mr. Deputie and his all yours best respects etc.

1.

W. 2. 110; 4 Collections , VI. 248–249; N.C. , VI. 115–116.

2.

I.e., the treaty negotiated with the Narragansetts in 1636. Cf. Journal, I. 193–194; also printed in D.J.W. .