Although this place at Braintre (wherof we have had consultation for the setting vp of the Ironworke) was principally in my thoughts (in respect of the Ironston) both before I went into England and since my last arrivall heere, for the fittest and most convenient place for the first setting vp of an Iron worke, yet being a worke of consequence, I conceived it necessary to have other places searched and this place well veiwed, and considered of by the workemen, both for the vre and the conveniency of waters for furnass and forge, and woods for supply of coales for both workes.

Therfore after my arrivall heere assoone as it pleased God that I recovered from that sicknesse which I tooke at sea in some measure and the workmen also had recovered their health, I tooke them along with me to search in such parts of the country as by information from others or upon veiw, had probability of good Ironston. We went first to braintre and so towards Plimoth, and at Greensharbour we found of the same sort of Ironston that was at Braintre, but could not perceive that it lay in any other but loose stones: and being among very thick woods in a swamppy ground; after we returned thence I went with the miner to Richman Iland, and veiwed all the parts betweene that and the massachusett, it having beene affirmed confidently that both at Pascataway and Agamenticus there was Ironston and great store that triall had beene made of it in England by some sent to Bristol and some to London to Captaine Mason: Also at Sako and at Blackpoint it was informed that there was certainly great quantity of very good mine in those places: In divers of these places we saw some stones that certainly doe conteine Iron in them but in the Judgement of the miner are but poore of Iron and doubtfull how they will worke none of our workemen having seene ever such before: in those parts are very few inhabitants, and 426labourers hard to be obteined for their ordinary occasions and at deare rates. there is an other place about 30 miles westward vp in the country which the workmen have likewise viewed and where there is of the same sort of Ironston that is at Braintre but noe appearance of quantity (though great probabilitie) there is yet noe people dwelling though present intention of plantation.

This sort of vre at Braintre is of the same sorte which they call in Ireland the Bogge mine. we have tried of it since we came over from divers places, and the finer hath made good Iron out of it divers tymes, that which we sent into England was made of that from Braintre. there is of the same sort at severall places neere Greensharbour at Nashaway, at Cohasset, at Woburne, and many other places, but the most appearance of hopefull quantity is at Braintre, according to the Judgement of the workmen, who vpon search affirme that it lieth like a veine (which is not in the other places) and that there is likelihood of ynough for a furnasse for 20 yeares: There are 2 places which by the Judgement of the workmen, are convenient for furnasse and forge, but all the ground neere about them is laid out to particular men as also where the mine is, and cannot be obteined but by purchasse. In the common which wilbe above a mile from any of the workes, Boston hath determined to allot 3000 acres to belong to the worke if we sett it vp in that parte that belongeth to their towne and Dorchester etc.

Now heere I desire your serious advice what is to be done for the most advancement of the worke and profitt of the adventurers: whether to goe to some of those remote places where eyther the same sort of Ironston is, or probabilities of other as good or better, where the land may be had next to the workes and as much as may be needfull.

or to beginne heere at Brantre which wilbe in the heart of all the English colonies if the former be thought best: then there must be a beginning in way of plantation, houses must be first built workmen of all sorts must be carried from these parts and plant themselves there, great store of draft cattle must be provided and the greatest part of our stock expended in such occations before we begin:

If braintre be thought best this helpes we shall have workmen of all sorts more plenty and neere at hand teemes for carriage may be hired housing for our workmen conveniently neere to be hired and wood ynough for present to be procured neere by purchase, and for future to belong to the works to be fetched further of etc.

Therefore necessity seemes to drive vs to accept of this place.

May it plese your Worships fauorably to consider the greate loss by mee lately sustayned2 the greate charge I am at in settinge oute againe And the large expence of so longe a stay whereby I am mutch disabled to discharge that fine layed vpon mee;3 And knowing that you ayme at the punishing of vise and not Lucre of gaine I humbly disire your Worships to consider the premises and Remitt, as in your Wisdomes shall bee thoute good; And I shall acknowledge my selfe Your Worships obliged seruant

Another opportunity offering it self I can do no lesse then write, hoping I am not trowblesom therein, for if I be I should be much more if I lived neer you in often discourse. Since the receipt of yours who intimate enlargement if time had permitted, I understand by mr. Prence who had it from an Indian of good esteem amongst them, that the Narr. prepare for war, that the Mowhakes haue promised to aide them with a thowsand men in the spring, that when they come neer they will make a 428stand, that so Vncas may haue notice of it; whereupon they conceiue he will flie to the English; that done they purpose to send a message to the Engl. and demand Vncas; and as they receiue answere so to proceed. Since this we heare from the Dutch that they haue an army of an 120 men Engl. and Dutch against the Indians. These seeke them and haue slaine 20 Indians with the losse of 2 Engl. they haue also taken 4 Indian prisoners whom they make per force to be their guides. That Captain Patrick is slaine by a Dutch man being probably suspected to haue a hand in directing the Indians in their late mischiefe, The manner thus, Patrick having holpen them to an Indian guide to bring them to a Fort, led them amis the whole night, at day knowing where they were, went again to Patricks howse, where a Dutch man called Patrick traytor. he returned the lie and spet in the Dutch mans face whereat he bent his pistoll and shot him in the head so as he fell down dead and never spake more: the delinquent was committed to the safe custody of Capt. Vnderhill but since escaped.

Concerning Morton, our Governor gaue way that he should winter heer, but begon as soon as winter breaks up. Capt. Standish takes great offence theerat especially that he is so neer him at Duxburrow and goeth sometimes a fowling in his ground. he cannot procure the lest respect amongst our people liveth meanely at 4s per week and content to drinke water so he may dyet at that price. But admit he hath a proteccion yet it were worth the while to deale with him till we see it. The truth is I much question his pretended employment: for he hath heer onely shewed the Frame of a Common weale and some old sealed Commissions, but no inside knowne. As for mr. Rigby if he be so honest good and hopefull an Instrument as report passeth on him he hath good hap to light on two of the arrantest known knaues that ever trod on new English shore to be his Agents East and West as Cleves and Morton but I shall be jealous on him till I know him better and hope others will take heed how they trust him who investeth such with power who haue devoted them selues to the ruine of the Countrey, as Morton hath And for my part (who if my hart deceiue me not can passe by all the evill instrumentally he brought on me) would not haue this serpent stay amongst us who out of doubt in time will gett strength to him if he be suffered who promiseth large porcions of land about Newhaven Narrohigganset etc. to all that will goe with him but hath a promise but of one person who is old weake and decrepid a very athiest and fitt companion for him: but indeed Morton is the odium of our people at present, and if he be suffered (for we are diversly minded) it will be just with God who hath putt him in our hands and we will foster such an one that afterward we shall suffer for it. But the messenger 429cals for my letter and I must breake off, and therefore saluting you in the Lord take leaue and remaine Yours ever to be commanded

Memorandum by Governor Winthrop: Jo: Downam Wm. Latham his wife at Duxbury.