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Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 4

Edward Winslow to John Winthrop1
Winslow, Edward JW

1641-01-28

To his much honored Friend Joh: Winthrop Esqr. at his howse at Boston these be delivered
Worthy Sir,

When I remember your constant and long continued loue I cannot but blame my selfe that having no speciall busines into your parts this winter season and thereby debarred sight haue not so much as written these two moneths unto you. This later I must needs confesse is inexcusable, but for the former however it is busines enough for me to see the face of your selfe and yours together with the many godly and pretious friends and brethren I haue both in Boston and elsewhere amongst you, yet the many businesses I haue had (and the more in regard of mr. Blinmans friends that are come to liue with us and the streightnes of place to receiue them) and our preparacons to enter into Covenant together with many affliccons in my Family God being pleased still to exercise me under his hand by taking away one of my children by death and some others in my Family exercised with sicknes, together with some other outward losses in my cattle, may rather cawse me to stay at home and consider, then to be exercised abroade. But God willing I 313shall take a due season to see you and them. In the meane time let these my lines witnes my continued loue to you and them, whose welfare if my heart deceiue me not I desire as mine owne.

I received letters lately from mr. Endecot and your brother Peters, and make bold to trowble you with conveyance of my answers to them together with many smale pamphlets bownd up together which we printed in the netherlands occasioned by one of them called the peoples plea for the exercise of Prophesie, which he much desired me to procure and send him, and which I entreat you to convay by the first opportunity, for it was long before I could call to minde where I had lent it, and could not procure another in all Plimoth.

There is a Friend of mine that desired me to crave your advice in two particulars: the one in case he hath sold a parcell of goods of some value to one upon day and hath but a bare bill for his security and the person's sufficiency suspected, whether your court allow not an arrest for better security? or if he cannot be that way relieved, then by what other? The 2d is of greater consequence, vizt. having an estate of lands still in wales, tho as formally made over to another as advice of law could passe it, and acknowledged before a master of the Chancery; yet since his comming away is credibly informed that he was called in Court of Star-chamber and fined 200li for not appearance, but was never served with any precept nor heard of it till within these 14 daies nor can conceiue any thing saue malice should be alledged against him now what course you will advise him to take in it. I pray you Sir pardon my boldnes with you, and let me receiue a word or to from you as your occasions will permit. Be you kindely saluted also mr. Cotten, mr. Wilson, your sons mr. Joh. mr. Steph. and mr. Adam with all other my beloved Friends with you, whose prayers I desire, especially in that great and weighty worke which doth so much concerne the glory of God in raysing up his church amongst us. And the Father of mercies and God of comfort raise and keepe up your spirit aboue all the crosses of this life, and fill you with his comforts in Christ Jesus. Amen. Yours in many bonds

Edw: Winslow Careswell 11. 28. 1640/41

Endorsed by Governor Winthrop: Mr. Winslow Rec. 12. 13. 40.

1.

W. 2. 92; 4 Collections , VI. 171–172.