A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 4

Roger Williams to John Winthrop1
Williams, Roger JW

1638-10

Much honoured Sir,

Some while since I wrote to you a short narration of the Issue of my Voyage to Qunnihticut and Plymmouth etc. I desire only to know whether it came to hand. I haue bene carefully searching into that Rumour of the Plymmouth man slaine 4 yeares since. The persons to whome I was directed by our Plymouth friends for Informacion are yet absent on hunting: and Miantunnomu is but new returned from Qunticut, yet with what Instruction I haue already gotten I am this morning taking a Journey to the Sachims about it.

I heare of 3 Cowweset men in hold about Mr. Hathornes Cow. The Sachims affirme they can not discover the Partie these 3 were 3 of six then there hunting, yet they say 2 things: 1st that many Northerne and Saugust Indians hunt there allso and 2ndly it may be that some adverse Person might out of subtle Envy shoot the Beast to render them odious to the English and to cause their deserting of the place which they would haue done, but that 66the English were very desirous (especially Mr. Endicot) that they should kill and sell Venison etc.

For my selfe I shall faythfully enquire and disclose: although divers vnderstanding Persons of Salem haue affirmed, that the Cow dying about 3 monthes after, when so many head of Cattell dyed, it is very questionable whether the Arrow occasioned the Death etc.

Sir this is the occasion of this enclosed: I vnderstand that a Servant of yours Joshua —— is some trouble to your selfe, as allso to others and consequently can not (if he desire to feare the Lord) but himselfe be troubled and grieved in his Condicion, though otherwise I know not where vnder Heauen he could be better.

If it may seem good in your Eyes (wanting a Servant) I shall desire him (not simply from you) but for your Peace and his I shall desire your best and full Satisfaction in payment, and what Summe you pitch on, to accept it either from this Bill, or if you better like from that debt of Mr. Ludlow for which he promised your Worship to pay me 800 waight of Tobacco but did not and I presume your Worship may with Ease procure it but I subscribe Ex animo to your choice and with respectiue Salutacions and continued Sighes to Heaven for you and yours rest desirous to be Your Worships vnfained though vnworthy

Roger Williams Ca. October, 1638

Sir I am loath, but I presume once more to trouble you with that deceitfull man James Hawkings, crauing that you would please to lend an hand that by your selfe or the Court at Boston I may find mercy against such Iniustice.

Sir my wife (togeather with her best respects) to Mrs. Wintrop requests her acceptance of an handfull of Chesnuts: intending her (if Mrs. Wintrop loue them) a bigger basket of them at the returne of Gigles.

1.

W. 2. III; 4 Collections , VI. 252–253; N.C. , VI. 125–127.