A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 4

502
Emmanuel Downing to John Winthrop1
Downinge, Emmanuel JW

1639-08-13

13. 6, 1639 Sir,

according your direction I haue advised with mr. Endicott and some others about mr. Pester, with whom I am rather encouradged to proceede, then to breake of; but mr. Hathorne tells me from the Elders of the Bay that yt wilbe a scandall to marry my daughter to such a man that hath noe religion he sayth that I was stayned in poynt of coveteousnes in mr. Cooks buisines, for demaunding my monie before yt was dew; (wherein mr. Sheapheard having the papers I sent may doe me right.) And now in this match, yt wilbe confirmed in theire opinions that I preferr the world above all, which is farr contrarie to my desire and resolution.

Its well knowne how my daughter hath lost fayre opportunityes, and in those tymes when I had monie at will, to haue spared hir, whereof shee is now verie sensible, and feares that if shee should refuse mr. Pester, shee may stay long ere shee meet with a better, vnles I had more monie for hir then now I can spare. I pray afoard me your Councell herein.

Mr. Norris preached here last saboth to the well likeing of most. some few only founde fault with the weaknes of his voyce. I am in some hope to haue him setle with vs.2 I heare now my Cow is reasonable well. I pray let hir be sold with the Calfe. I could sell hir if shee were here, but I had rather doe yt there to pay you; I doe want 10 bushells of Rye for seede, which I would sowe 3 weeks or a moneth hence at farthest, for which I must entreat you to lett me haue yt I entend to send sacks or caske for yt. soe for present I rest yours assured

Em: Downinge
1.

W. 2. 38; 4 Collections , VI. 73–74.

2.

Edward Norris was ordained minister of the church in Salem on March 18, 1639/40. Weis, Colonial Clergy, 152.