A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 4

Lucy Downing to John Winthrop1
Downing, Lucy JW

1640-01

To her much honnerd brother the gouerner this present Boston
Sir,

meer indulgence to an akeing head hath caused my long silence whear I moste desire conuers. I thank you for your good aduise. the former are safe I am confident, thoughe not so facill when most nessesary, the later wich is the infusion I haue prepared but not yet experimented but I think to try it very shortly: thes frequent strong distempers and the hazard of my condition otherwise doe now call for preparation for a greater change, whearin I craue your most effectuall help, that wee may one day meet in that eternall bless, wich neither siknes, depts, or deaths can dismall or deuide: I should be very glad to hear of a good Ishue of your troublesome ocasions. I cannot but be 173saded att my owne vnhelpfullnes to you theerin: but what I haue I wish at your seruis and as opertunity will permit, I shall be glad to make a readyer tender theerof. I haue seen the time I have bin a mrs. of some mettall. nowe wee trade all in land wich is not so currant: but god knowes what is best for vs. it is very bad that is not better then I deceru or can vse well.

I should be glad to hear of my neeses safe deliuery.2 I pray present my humblest seruis to my good sister, wishing her fullnes of action may be a means to fre her of all mellancholly ease: wee haue expected my nephew this 3 or 4 dayes, but I presume he stayes for good newes. I am in some hope of the hapynes to see you hear att ower ordination.3 I should be most glad theerof: in the interim I pray pray for and commaund Your great sister

L. D. Ca. January, 1639/40

I pray commend my harty affections to all yours and all our Boston frinds.

1.

W. 4. 12; 5 Collections , I. 33.

2.

Lucy, daughter of John Winthrop, Jr., and Elizabeth Winthrop, was born January 28,1639/40.

3.

The Reverend Edward Norris was ordained at Salem on March 18, 1639/40. Frederick L. Weis, The Colonial Clergy and the Colonial Churches of New England (Lancaster, 1936), 152.

Emmanuel Downing to John Winthrop1
Downing, Emmanuel JW

1640-01-09

Sir,

I haue deferred writing vnto you, in hope to haue ben at Boston 'ere this;

I remember when this plantation began, Mr. Isake Johnson said, more then once, that he was resolved to spend and be spent in this buisines; what he then said you haue effected. Now if the Country should fayle I am confident the Lord will in his good tyme give meanes of freedome out of all your Cares and feares; I haue a Cow Calfe at Mistick, I pray accept of yt, and were I in monie as I haue ben, I should doe that, would become a loving brother; Job was raised to a full estate in this way by his freinds, soe I conceiue tis a dutye and debt the Countrye stands in to free you, and being a way of God you may with Comfort accept yt; however the Country may deale with you, I pray doe not you nor my sister oppresse your spiritts herewith, but wayte with cheerfull patience on the lord, who alone can and ordinarily doth bring good out of evill, and confident I am, he will in his owne way and tyme performe yt to you.

I know not how the buisines stands for mr. Eatons debts, whither I must 174loose that 10li or noe. I am not willing to trouble you therein. I pray speake to my Cosen Stephen to looke after yt for me; soe craving pardon for this boldnes with my love and service to your selfe and my sister I rest Your assured loving brother whilest I am

Em. Downinge Salem 9. 11. 39/40
1.

W. 2. 27; 4 Collections , VI. 52–53.