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Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 4

Roger Williams to John Winthrop1
Williams, Roger JW

1639-05-02

For his much honoured and beloued Mr. Governour of the Massachusets, these
Sir,

In my last I gaue intimacion of another answere, which from the Sachims is this.

First, that although they remember not any agreements that haue passed about the natiues yealding vp their hunting places, advantages, etc. with in praescribed limits etc., yet, because satisfactorie agreements may haue bene vnknowne to them, betweene yourselues and the natiues about you, they haue sent for this man, Wuttattaaguegin, (who keepes most at Massachuset with Cutshamoquene, and hath not bene this 3 yeares with them.)

This man Wuttattaaguegin hath promised to satisfie in wampam, beauer and venison what it comes to.

But he belieues not the dammage can be so great, for thus he relates: hauing laid his traps, intending dayly to tend them, Cutshamoquin sent for him to be a guide to him in a hunting match about the Bay, where other natiues were ignorant. He went, yet sent a youth to view his traps, who saith 119that he saw the English men loose 3 horses out of the traps, and rode away vpon 2 of them, the third only was lamed.

Vpon this he desired libertie to returne to the Bay, to enquire more perfectly the dammage: and being not come back as yet, they haue this present sent againe for him.

Yet because they see not that Wuttattaaguegin broke any knowne couenant in laying his traps in that place, nor willingly wrought evill against the English, they conceaue it would be very faire and honourable in all natiues eyes, that it would please the English to make knowne as well their moderation as their justice in the case.

And for themselues they resolue if this man should not be faythfull or able to satisfie your demaunds, they promise (vpon perswasions and some offers of mine to them) to contribute themselues out of their owne, and to draw in helpe, that may in wampam, beauer, and venison make vp the whole summe before the next hunting be ouer.

So crauing humbly your loving acceptation of my poore service herein, or whateuer els you shall please to vse me in, I rest Your Worships most vnworthy

Roger Williams Providence 2d 3, 1639

My due respect to my honoured friends Mr. Deputie and the rest of the Councell.

1.

Original not located; 4 Collections , VI. 257–259; N.C. , VI. 131–133.