A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 4

Roger Williams to John Winthrop1
Williams, Roger JW

1638

For his much honoured Mr. Governour of the Massachusets these
Much honoured Sir,

I was bould to present you with 2 letters by Thomas Holyway, some weekes since. I am occasioned againe at present to write a word by this bearer Wequash: whome (being a Pequt himselfe) I commended for a guide in the Pequt Expedition.

I presume he may say something to your selfe or to such other of my loving friends as may report vnto your Worship what befell him at Cowesett.

He hath bene 5 or 6 dayes now at my howse in which time I haue had much opportunitie to search into Particulars, and am able to present you with naked Truth.

He came from Monahiganick to Coweeset within night and lodged with his friend called Pananawokshin. At Cowweesit an old man (Weeokamin) hath made great Lamentation for the death of 2 Sons in the Pequt Warrs. 2This Weeokamun with divers of his Consorts in the night time layd hold vpon Wequash intending to bind him, charging him with the death of his 2 Sonns: Much bickring there was betweene them, but no hurt done only Weeokamun strugling with one of Wequash his Company was sore bitten on his hand and also bit the young mans fingers which are well againe. So that their Host kept peace in Caunounicus his name and brought them safe to me the next day: Yet in the Fray they lost a Coate and other small things, which (comming forth before day) they left behind them.

I sent vp a Messenger to the Sachims to demaund a reason of such vsage and their goods: Caunounicus sent his Sonn and Miantunnomu his brother (Yotaash) who went to Cowweeset and demaunded the reason of such vsage and the goods and so came to my howse causing the goods to be restored, professing the Sachims Ignorance and Sorrow for such passages, and giving charge to all Natiues for their safe travell.

Having those Messengers and Wequash at my howse I caused them sollemnly to parley of what I knew was grievance betwixt them, and what els I could any way pick out from either of them concerning our selues the English, or the Pequts, or themselues. All which I carefully writt downe the particulars, and shall readily at your Worships pleasure acquaint you with them: either concerning some Squaws which Wequash acknowledgeth he parted with (and iustly) to Caunounicus and Miantunnomu, or other brablings which I thought not fit to trouble your Worship with, without Commission.

Deare Sir (notwithstanding our differences concerning the Worship of God and the Ordinances ministred by Antichrists power) you haue bene alwayes pleased lovingly to answer my boldnes in civill things: let me once more find favour in your Eyes to gratifie my selfe Mr. James and many or most of the Townesmen combined, in advising what to say or doe to one vnruly Person who openly in Towne meeting more then once, professeth to hope for and long for a better Government then the Countrey hath yet, and lets not to particularize, by a generall Governour, etc. The white which such a Speech or Person levells at can be no other then the Rasing of the Fundamentall Liberties of the Countrey, which ought to be dearer to vs then our Right Eyes. But I am allwayes too bold in prolixitie, etc. therefore at present with humble respect remembred and Cries to Heaven for Mercy to you and yours Roote and Branches and the whole Countrey by your Blessing I rest Your Worships most vnworthy

Roger Williams Ca. 1638 3

Sir, Mr. James and his, my wife and selfe respectiuely salute your honoured selfe and Mrs. Wintrop.

Wequash intends to beg of you and requested me to specify his desire of a Coate, Wastcote and shirt etc. which I could not deny though your wisedome may doe as seemes good.

1.

W. 2. 108; 4 Collections , VI. 242–244; N.C. , VI. 242–244.