A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 4

John Tinker to John Winthrop1
Tinker, John JW

1640-02-26

To the Right Worshippfull and his much honered Mr. Jno. Winthropp Esqr. Governour of the Matachuses thesse deliver in Boston N: Engl:
Lond: Febr: 26th 1639/40 Right Worshippfull,

Haueing an oportunyty wherein to aquainte you with the Lords goodnesse in our wellfare, I thought it not good to neglect it though I haue nothing to present to your worshipp for present, but thesse few lines, haueing effected nothing as yett eyther for the Receiueing of monys or paying Mr. Rowe or buying of any comodytyes, it beeing a very dead and hard time for monyes generally, and like to bee a yeare in which (so farr as I can see for the preasent) there are like to come but a small quantyty of Passengers ouer, in comparison of what hath beene formerly, and the reasone I conceiue to be the hopes of some reformation in England by the intended parlament, the which cann hardly bee expected per judicious and wise men (by reason of that great stroak the Prealacy haue in poynting out the Countrys choyce of Parlament men:) but rather see trublesome times aproaching both within and without the Kingdome. The lord teach vs to make a saintyfyed vse of his vissitacions, and to learne righteoussnesse by all his Judgments abroad in the World. There ware Comissioners sent from the Scotts which after some long continuance the King vouchsafed them Audience this last fryday being the 21th of febr: and after some discontented speeches at last obteined Fauour to kisse the Kings hand, which was a hopefull signe of Reconsillment but they resolue they will neuer haue more Bishopps, but I shall not truble your worshipp farther with any discourse of news there being so litle certeinty in any thing we heare. I haue carefully delivered all 206your worshipps letters: I was at Mr. Tindalls about the 11th and 12th of Jenuary at Maplested and they ware all very well blessed be God, and doe desire to be remembred to your worshipp and to my mistris with thankes for the Indian baskett she sent to Mr. Tindall. hee hath not as yet sould your worshipps Land, but doth indeauour to put it to sale, which if it be sould I doe intend according to your Worshipps apoyntment to request 100li or 2 to convert to your vse. I haue bene diuers times with Mr. White the Layer and he doth not as yett giue me an Answer concerning the letter your worshipp sent to him. The Otter you sent per Mr. Cutting was lost ouerbord, which Mr. Paine doth much bewaile haueing intended it a present to the King. if your worshipp could by any meanes purchasse the like againe in the Cuntry, it would be worth the adventureing once more, if possible it might be preserved to that purpusse. Mr. Harrisson doth remember his servis to your worshipp he hath so farr obteined fauour at his Fathers hand as to haue his vsuall pention of 50li a yeare and his Chamber in the Temple: I heare Goodman Luxford hath charged bills of exchange vppon men in London for some hundred Pounds, of which some is for the vse of Mr. Vallentine Hill, for so much received of him there and was to be paid to Mr. Huchinson Linen draper in Cheapeside. now the partyes seeing so litle reason why he should charge any thing one them haue protested his bills, and doe think it to be litle better then a cheate. his brother allso by vertue of a letter from him did desire to take vpp some mony for him to pay in N. Engl: against which I advised some partyes he spake to, soposeing if it hadd bin your worshipps minde you would at the lest haue giuen your hand testymoniall to a matter of so great consiquence but I shall craue your worshipps pardone if I haue done amisse in it. I shall by Gods leaue come to the Bay a part vndertaker with Mr. Paine in the Susan and ellin. we shall intreate the Churches prayers for our safe and speedy conduct, and so with my humble servis to your worshipp and to my mistris I mekely leaue you to the Allmightys protecion and rest: your faithfull seruant to my poor abillity

John Tinker

I would intreate your worshipps fauour that this leter to my mother may be conveyed by the first opertunyty for it is mater of consequence and I shall rest bound to your worshipp.

We intend to set out aboute the 20th of Aprill.

Endorsed by Governor Winthrop: Jo: Tinker Recd. per Mr. Goose (4) 6. 40.

1.

W. 3. 59; 4 Collections , VII. 220–222.