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Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 4

Theophilus Eaton to John Winthrop1
Eaton, Theophilus JW

1640-06-01

To the Right Worshipfull John Wynthrop Esq: Governour of the plantations in thè Massachusetts Bay deliver
Sir,

I can neither write nor indeede thinke of my brothers2 miscariages without much greife and shame. He who searcheth the heart knew what sapp ranne within when the fairest leaves appeared outwardly, but his late and I feare present fruite hath bin exceeding bitter and his state the more dangerous because I feare he is but a litle sensible of it, besides much dishonour to the great name of God. I heare he hath bin very injurious to sundrie men, the particulers I fully vnderstand not, nor as yett how farr my self am interressed in his sinfull projects. Some moneys he received for me, some goods he had of mine, some goods by my order he sent me, and some without order. how these reconings stand he never sent me any account though I wrote to him for it into the Bay and since to Virginea. other moneys I payd him upon his torn such security as gave me present satisfaction supposing him faithfull partly by a bond partly by a deede of Bargaine and Sale, which I suppose to be good, though the witnesses heard them not read, when they saw him seale and deliver them as his deeds. I am not privie to any the least indirect ayme on my part in that cariage nor did I foresee that inconvenience which hath since followed. I formerly wrote to Mr. Bellingham desiring a share in the estate he hath left, according to my interest, and I desire from your self all lawfull furtherance herein. beyond Justice I know you cannot grant nor doe I desire. he hath also received Fowerscore pownds for Mr. Foxcroft by Mr. Lings order from goodman Lyne as I take it of 254Charlestowne, and severall sommes of Mrs. Woolcott for Mr. White. I assure my self they also (with others) shall have satisfaction so farr as the estate will goe. I pray you excuse this boldnes. might I doe you any service in these parts I should gladly imbrace the opportunity. with my due respect to your self Mrs. Wynthropp and other freinds I rest Yours in all service of love

Theoph: Eaton Quinypiock this first June 1640

I have intreated my Cozen Malbons help in my buisnes what he doth in it I shall allow.

1.

W. Au. 98; 4 Collections , VI. 344–345.

2.

Nathaniel Eaton.