Still pardon my offensive boldnes: I know not well whither Mrs. Sheffield haue set mee at liberty or not: my conclusion is, that if you find 113I cannot make an honorable retreat then I shall desire to advance σύν θεώ .

Of you I now expect your last aduise, viz: whither I must goe on or of, salvo evangelij honore: if shee bee in good earnest to leaue all agitations this way, then I stand still and wayt Gods mynd concerning mee; if you find that cannot bee, then let our shee-frends come home, and I shall take what present speedy course I can to come ouer and labor to make vp all breaches. If I had much mony I would part with it to bee free till wee heare what England doth supposing I may bee called to some imployment that will not suite a marryed estate: for indeed (Sir) some must looke out, and I haue very strong thoughts to speake with the Duitch Governor and lay some way there for supplye etc. I heare all men complayning, few doing; if I goe to the Duitch, I pray let my Cossen Stephen goe along, if you thinke it not tanti disswade; why should wee not make some league with them? who are very probable to bee more then ordinary good or bad neighbours: once agayne I say wee must looke out, wee want necessary linnen cum multis alijs, and a voyage to the West Indyes would find vs wintere worke in Cottone etc. fishing will not yet or to purpose, manufactures cannot sine manibus: I am sick to heare the complaynts graunt ships doe come, eyther wee are too many to bee serued by so few ships; or theire supply will not bee quadrate, or we shall want mony to take them of: these things I say not out of want of faith for my selfe, but loue to the country. I resolue to quiet myne owne conscience about the state with what speed I can who haue made it my wife my life; the issue of our faste2 should set vs vpon some singular things. I hardly haue seene more of Gods presence here, then on that day. The Lord hold our harts to the worke.

Once more for Mrs. Sheffield I had from Mr. Hibbins and others her fellow-passengers sad discouragements where they saw her in her trim. I would not come of with dishonor nor come on with griefe or ominous hesitations.

Glad I am our sister is better. the Lord continue her to your bosome a blessed helper.

My sighes and harty desires are for you as for Your unworthy