According as I writ, yesterday in the afternoone Mrs. Ames2 Mr. Phillips3 and 2 more of the church our elder being one met here to deale with mee about Mrs. Ruth:4 where Mr. Phillips with much violence and sharpnes charged mee home with this, that of all offences, such as were agaynst the widow and fatherles were greatest, aggravated it how he could, rememberd that which I never dreamt of that I should hynder the mayd of a match at London, which was not so, could not thinke of any kindnes I euer did her, though shee haue had aboue 300li through my fingers,5 so as if God vphold mee not after an especiall manner, it will sinke mee surely. I told him, if hee had taken halfe that paynes with mee before, hee had done neighborly, and brotherly. hee told mee he would not stop my intended marriage but assured mee it would not be good: much wonder here is in the towne about it, though the elder thought my answear sufficient. Mr. Endecot haue likewise been dealt withall for the same thing, all which makes mee reflect vpon my rash proceedings with Mrs. Sheffield.6 Now (good Sir) let mee know what is best to doe, who am Your troubled and troublesome

Your kinde lines I receaued by Mascanomet and your lovinge token formerly of trees, for both which I humblie thanck you as also for your kinde intertaynement of my wiefe. The Lord requite you for all. I cannot but acquaint you with my thoughts concerning Mr. Peter, since hee receaued a letter from Mrs. Sheffield which was yesterday in the eueninge 110after the fast.2 Shee seeming in her letter to abate of her affeccions towards him, and dislikinge to come to Salem vppon such termes as hee had written. I finde that hee begins now to play her parte, and if I mistake not, you will see him as greatly in loue with her (if shee will but hold of a little,) as euer shee was with him, but hee conceales it what hee can as yett. The begininge of the next weeke you will heare further from him.

I ame sorry to heare of Mrs. Winthrops sicknes, and Mrs. Downings feare of sicknes. The Lord doe good to them both and raise vp the one and keepe vp the other, if it be his will. We had yesterday blessed be our God a comfortable day of it. Mr. Humfryes voluntarily did acknowledge with many teares his cariadges of rashnes and hastines etc. in such a manner as hee drew teares from diuers. the Lord in mercy cary him further on in euery way of his to Gods glorie and his owne peace: I shall not further trouble you at present but committ you to him who is able to doe for vs all aboue what we can ask or thinck. With him I leaue you and your deare yoakefellow and all yours beseeching him neuer to leaue you till hee hath brought you home to himselfe in Glory. In whom I ame Yours euer whilest I ame

Memorandum by Governor Winthrop: Keepe this to your selfe.