Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 4Note: you've followed an index reference to a note that, due to changes between the print and digital editions, may no longer be on page 222. Please look at all notes at the end of the document or documents on page 222.
Nathaniel Ward to John Winthrop1
Ward, Nathaniel
JW
1640-04
To the Worshipfull our Gouernour att Boston
Sir,
We are bold to continue our suite concerning the plantation I lately mencioned to yow. our company increases apace from diuers townes, of very desirable men wherof we desire to be very choise. this next weke if God 222hinder vs not we purpose to view the places and forthwith to resort to yow2 and in the meane tyme we craue your secrecy and rest Your Worships
Na: Warde
Ca. April, 1640
We haue already more then 20 families of very good Christians purposed to goe with vs if God will and we heare of more.
Our neighbour Townes are much greiued to see the lauish liberality of the Court in giving away the Countrye. some honest men of our towne affirme that in their knowledge there are 68 townes in England within as litle compasse as the bounds of Ipswich: I knowe neere 40 where I dwelt: Rowly is larger then Ipswich 9 or 10 miles longe and will haue other plantations within it tributaries to it and intend as we heare to stretch their wings much further yet and will spoile Qutcthicqute vtterly if not Pentucket. We earnestly pray yow to prevent it. We should incourage many to come ouer if many plantations were not spoiled by the extreame largnes of those that are already giuen our purpose is to haue no great bands.
1.
W. 3. 11; 4
Collections
, VII. 28.
2.
Giles Firmin, in his letter to Governor Winthrop, February 12, 1639/40, says that “some of vs will veiw Pentuckett Haverhill in the Springe.” The petition for the grant of land for the new settlement came up before the General Court in May, 1640. Records of Massachusetts, I. 290.
Nathaniel Lufkin to John Winthrop1
Lufkin, Nathaniel
JW
1640-04-01
To the Right Worshippfull and Worthy Mr. John Winthrop the Elder now or late Governour in new England giue theise with hast at his house at Boston in Mathechuset Bay
Worthy Sir,
My best observance and respect premised. Though I am vnknowne to you, yet I am bold to wright a few lines vnto you in the behalfe of a poore kinsewoman of mine whoe cometh with the Bearer herof to new England a servant vnto him by couenaunt for some yeares. Soe It is, that there is one Thomas Blower who now liveth (as I heare) at Boston in new England where your Worshipp dwell: This Thomas Blower oweth mee twenty fower pounds of currant English mony. I hope the man hath soe much honesty in him that hee will not denye it. Suer I am that hee often protested while hee was in England that hee was more ashamed of my debt then of any els: but if hee should soe farr forgett himselfe as to denye it (which I am far enough from iudgeing of him) there is one Edmund Rice and Henry Bruning 223whom this Bearer knowes well whoe can tell of this debt as well as my selfe, and will, (I am confident) bee ready to testifie their knowledg herein, If cause shall require: Now my humble desire vnto your worship is that you would stand my kinsewomans friend in this matter. I doe intend to make her Master a Letter of Attorny to receiue the debt for her vse: to whome I doe freely giue it. I hope if your Worshipp doe but speake with the sayd Thomas Blower hee will pay the mony without farther troble: if not my humble desire is that the Bearer hereof may haue the benifitt of a faier way in lawe according to the orders of new England for the recouery of the same. I am bold with your Worshipp being a stranger peradventure more then I should, but knoweing your pious disposition and that you are a true friend to Justice and equity and a hater of the contrary I haue presumed this farr what favour you shall shew vnto my kinswoman herein whose name is Mary Tompson my Sisters daughter I am confident though shee bee never able to requite yet shee will remember it with thankefulnes even vnto the ende, and I for my part shall euer bee bound vnto you in any service that lyes in mee for the same. Thus being heartily gladd with a very great number here in England to heare of your Worshipps prosperity and of the prosperity of the church and commonwealth in new England I humbly take my leaue, comending your worshipp and all yours to the gratious protection of our good God alwayes ours in Christ Jesus, And rest At your Worshipps service
Nathaniell Luffkin
from my house at Hitcham in Suffolke, this 1 of Aprill 1640
1.
W. 4. 100; 5
Collections
, I. 286–287.