A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 4

439
Emmanuel Downing to John Winthrof1
Downing, Emmanuel JW

1644-02-06

To his ever honored brother John Winthrop esqr. Governour
Sir,

For my Cosen Deanes buisines, I see noe lett nor hindrance but yt may proceede with as much expedition as you please, without any further delay then modesty requireth in such occasions. the portion as I vnderstand is about 200li if you be content therewith, I suppose the quality and person of the mayde will not give cause of dislike. I shalbe willing to hasten the dispatch thereof, in hope the sooner to enioye your Company here; I am glad my sister will haue so good an arrand to Groton, for shee is like with Gods blessing to retorne with a modest, quiet and discreet wife for hir sonne and one in whom there is good hope of Grace;

I suppose my Cosen Stephen caryed back the accounts for I cannot yet fynde them. if they come to hand I shall retorne them safe vnto you I feare the lord is offended for sparing the lives of Gorton and his Companions, for if they all be as buisye as this at Salem, there wilbe much evill seed sowne in the Countrye; I hope some of them wilbe brought to try all next Court for breach of theire order, and if yet you shall spare them, I shall feare a Curse vpon the land.2 The Good lord direct herein to doe what shalbe pleasing in his sight soe with my love and service to your selfe and all yours I rest your loving brother

Em: Downinge 6. 12.43/44
1.

W. 1. 156; 3 Collections , I. 15–16.

2.

In October, 1643, Samuel Gorton, who had been charged with being “a blasphemos enemy of the true religion of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . and also of all civill authority among the people of God, and perticulerly in this iurisdiction,” had been ordered to be confined in chains at Charlestown during the pleasure of the Court. In the meantime, if he should “either by speach or writing, publish, declare, or maintaine any of the blasphemos or abominable heresies wherewith hee hath bene charged by the Generall Court,” he was to be committed to prison, tried before a jury at the next Court of Assistants, and, if convicted, put to death. Records of Massachusetts, II. 51, 52.

Edward Winslow to John Winthrop1
Winslow, Edward JW

1644-02-07

To the right worshippfull his much honored Friend Joh. Winthrop Esqr. Governour of the Massachusetts these be delivered
Worthy Sir,

About a moneth since I wrote to you and now within a few daies it came to my hands againe yet haue I sent it, being glad of the present 440opportunity by mr. Paddy to salute you and all yours in the Lord Jesus And becawse we would saue your Goverment a labor to send to us for the money due by bond from mr. Bradford my selfe etc. to your Goverment upon Mr. Andrews gift;2 I haue given mr. Paddy a bill of exchange for the discharge of it, onely becawse I know not the exact sum I haue left a blanck for it, and given him authority to insert it; That so he may take up the bond, upon the delivery of the bill to your selfe.

We heard you were upon your gard but becawse we had no notice from your selfe about it it did not trowble us. We heare you have news from Newhaven and Coneetacut. I hope you will impart it to us if there be anithing materiall; however shall be glad to heare of our brethren there.

Thus with my prayers to the Almighty for the continuance and increase of his mercies towards us, humbly take leaue and rest Your assured

Edw. Winslow Marshfield 7 (12) 43/44
1.

Chamberlain Collection, Boston Public Library; 4 Collections , VI. 176.

2.

Cf. Richard Andrews to John Winthrop, July 8, 1639 (pages 129–131, above).