A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 4

Lucy Downing to John Winthrop1
Downing, Lucy JW

1640-01

To her much honnerd brother the gouerner this present Boston
Sir,

meer indulgence to an akeing head hath caused my long silence whear I moste desire conuers. I thank you for your good aduise. the former are safe I am confident, thoughe not so facill when most nessesary, the later wich is the infusion I haue prepared but not yet experimented but I think to try it very shortly: thes frequent strong distempers and the hazard of my condition otherwise doe now call for preparation for a greater change, whearin I craue your most effectuall help, that wee may one day meet in that eternall bless, wich neither siknes, depts, or deaths can dismall or deuide: I should be very glad to hear of a good Ishue of your troublesome ocasions. I cannot but be 173saded att my owne vnhelpfullnes to you theerin: but what I haue I wish at your seruis and as opertunity will permit, I shall be glad to make a readyer tender theerof. I haue seen the time I have bin a mrs. of some mettall. nowe wee trade all in land wich is not so currant: but god knowes what is best for vs. it is very bad that is not better then I deceru or can vse well.

I should be glad to hear of my neeses safe deliuery.2 I pray present my humblest seruis to my good sister, wishing her fullnes of action may be a means to fre her of all mellancholly ease: wee haue expected my nephew this 3 or 4 dayes, but I presume he stayes for good newes. I am in some hope of the hapynes to see you hear att ower ordination.3 I should be most glad theerof: in the interim I pray pray for and commaund Your great sister

L. D. Ca. January, 1639/40

I pray commend my harty affections to all yours and all our Boston frinds.

1.

W. 4. 12; 5 Collections , I. 33.

2.

Lucy, daughter of John Winthrop, Jr., and Elizabeth Winthrop, was born January 28,1639/40.

3.

The Reverend Edward Norris was ordained at Salem on March 18, 1639/40. Frederick L. Weis, The Colonial Clergy and the Colonial Churches of New England (Lancaster, 1936), 152.