Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 4
1644-02-06
For my Cosen Deanes buisines, I see noe lett nor hindrance but yt may proceede with as much expedition as you please, without any further delay then modesty requireth in such occasions. the portion as I vnderstand is about 200li if you be content therewith, I suppose the quality and person of the mayde will not give cause of dislike. I shalbe willing to hasten the dispatch thereof, in hope the sooner to enioye your Company here; I am glad my sister will haue so good an arrand to Groton, for shee is like with Gods blessing to retorne with a modest, quiet and discreet wife for hir sonne and one in whom there is good hope of Grace;
I suppose my Cosen Stephen caryed back the accounts for I cannot yet fynde them. if they come to hand I shall retorne them safe vnto you I feare the lord is offended for sparing the lives of Gorton and his Companions, for if they all be as buisye as this at Salem, there wilbe much evill seed sowne in the Countrye; I hope some of them wilbe brought to try all next Court for breach of theire order, and if yet you shall spare them, I shall feare a Curse vpon the land.2 The Good lord direct herein to doe what shalbe pleasing in his sight soe with my love and service to your selfe and all yours I rest your loving brother
W. 1. 156; 3
Collections
, I. 15–16.
In October, 1643, Samuel Gorton, who had been charged with being “a blasphemos enemy of the true religion of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . and also of all civill authority among the people of God, and perticulerly in this iurisdiction,” had been ordered to be confined in chains at Charlestown during the pleasure of the Court. In the meantime, if he should “either by speach or writing, publish, declare, or maintaine any of the blasphemos or abominable heresies wherewith hee hath bene charged by the Generall Court,” he was to be committed to prison, tried before a jury at the next Court of Assistants, and, if convicted, put to death. Records of Massachusetts, II. 51, 52.