A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 4

Roger Williams to John Winthrop1
Williams, Roger JW

1639-08

Much honoured Sir,

You were pleased some while since to refer me to Mr. Heynes for a Lyst of such Pequt as were Authors and chiefe Actors in the late Murthers vpon the English.

Accordingly I haue sent vp once and againe to Mr. Heynes and we are come to a period: The Child is come to the Birth: a little strength from your loving hand (the Lord so pleasing and blessing) will bring it forth.

This Lyst here inclosed (which I request may be returned) was drawne by my best Enquirie and Tho: Stantons in the presence of the Magistrates at Qunnihticut the last yeare.

This List he was pleased to send me with the Addition of 7 more vnder his owne hand.

Some Quaeries I made vpon some of the 7: as allso torn Sasacous his brother Puppompogs (now vpon Long Iland) whome Mr. Heynes desired might be spared and I applauded the Desire in many Respects only I desire for many other respects that he might be sent to some other part of the world.

Allso, since that the Nayantaquit Sachims who harbour many of these and Okace, Caunounicus and Miantunnomu requested that a pinnace might lye some few dayes at Pequt to promote and countenance the worck while Miantunnomu pursued them.

Vnto all which Mr. Heynes in this last is pleased to answer, so that we are come to a period.

137

This weeke I went vp to the Nanhiggonsick about other busines; there I found a Barr which I thought good to request your Worship to remooue by a word or 2.

Your Captiue (which was Maumanadtucks wife) now at Pequt, presuming vpon your experimented Kindnes toward her, informes all Pequts and Nayantaquits that Mr. Governours mind is, that no Pequt man should die, that her 2 Sons shall ere long be Sachims there etc. Your wisedome (now by a fresh line or 2) declaring that none but these (who by the best of Intelligence appeare to be deeply guiltie) shall die may facilitate the Execution to the Honour of your Mercy and Justice and the clearing of the Land from Bloud, either that of our Countrimen allready spilt or that may be hazarded by these wretches: I might but will not trouble your Worship with some presumptions that way: the Lord be pleased to further and blesse: and helpe your precious Soule and mine to remember that Vengeance and to long and expect for it vpon the Enemies of Jesus, when Blood shall flow out of the Wine-press to the horsebridles by the space of 1600 furlongs. Your Worships vnfayned hietherto

Roger Williams August, 1639

Mine humble and true respects to Mrs. Wintrop, Mr. Dudley Mr. Belingham etc.

The messenger is ignorant of the matter and is satisfied.

Endorsed by Governor Winthrop: Mr. Williams about the Pequods to be killed (6) 1639.

1.

W. 2. 113; 4 Collections , VI. 261–262; N.C. , VI. 135–137.