Neighbour Hammond comming vnto mee with a note you were pleased to send to him about a case of difference between him and Mr. Smith wherin you intimated that it was needfull that I shold write something in the case of my knowledge: and being desired by him I was willing soe much the rather to yeeld to him because I perceiue you iudge it meete. Mr. Smith acknowledged that himselfe and the yong mayd did mutually consent and gaue their promise one to another and further confessed that he really did take her to be his wife and this by his owne act or allowance was publikely sett vpon our meeting house where other things rendered to publike notice are vsually affixed myself viewed it and generally was taken notice of But after this he tooke some distast and wold breake of againe and pleaded two thinges as making in his apprehension a nullity. The first was that the promise was conditionall if the parents and he cold agree but her mother affirmed that her daughter denied that there was any condition The publishing of it seems to eneruate that exception The second thing was that he had heard of some misdemeanor of the yong mayd I turned him Deuter: 22. 13, 20, and wisht him well to consider what he did alleadge and he vndertooke to proue it entreating mee to giue the hearing of the witnesses. I was not very willing to meddle in it but vpon entreaty of her vnckle Payne I yeelded to assist him to cleare the case as farre as I shold be able: he went away resolued to performe it but I neuer heard of him till this time and father Hammond sayth that he came to them and desired that there might bee a mutuall passing by of things as finding it 232difficult to make proof of the reports and hereuppon further proceeded as they say more I know not vpon present remembrance One Mr. Deacon who I thinke is with him was present at all this discourse betwixt him and mee soe was alsoe Mr. Payne who if he were heere might mind mee of somethings I suppose which wold aduantage mee to a clearer expression This I perceaue he hath much entangled the yong mayd put her parents to a great deale of trouble and griefe brought an euill fame vpon the mayd and giuen offence to many in dallying with matters of soe great wayght I leaue all to your wise and Christian considerations and with my prayers to God to guide and blesse you in this and all other your affayres that they may all issue to peace and righteousnes I humbly take my leaue and rest Your worships in all Christian obseruance

Memorandum by Governor Winthrop: Mr. Smith confessed before me and the Treasurer that her father and he did agree vpon portion.