A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 4

Hugh Peter to John Winthrop1
Peter, Hugh JW

1638-01

To our noble Gouernor these deliver Boston
Sir,

I humbly thanke you for your tender care of vs to let vs to vnderstand how the lord hath honored himselfe vpon these heathen; I am afrayd that 5these women and children are not where they should bee, nor can I foresee euents.

For this woman that troubles you thus: indeed shee should haue any thing from mee were fit, but shee hath already bin very chargeable, and in conscience I cannot answer her desire. Shee hath 4 spoones, six slighter I sold Mr. Endecot which are euen broken with thinnes and for lynnen it is most disposed of: but I haue striuen to giue her satisfaction by a letter to Mrs. Wilson. I desire my cossen Stephen should pay her passage, and 4li out of my beuer; and that shee may haue all conuenient content; I think a few words of your selfe would doe it.

I was at Ipswich where the towne haue dealt very nobly with your son, and giuen him another farme neere the towne called Castle-hill,2 where hee hath 100 akers of medow, and all intire to himselfe: but of this hee hath written to you. I intend to bee with you on Monday still remembring you all to him in whom I am Yours if any thing

H: Peter Salem 5 day ca. January, 1637/38

Mr. Endecot and Ancient Reade wonder at your bounty in your Graynes sent etc.

1.

W. 2. 55; 4 Collections , VI. 102–103.

2.

According to the Ipswich town records, Castle Hill was granted to John Winthrop, Jr., on January 13, 1637/38. Thomas F. Waters, A Sketch of the Life of John Winthrop the Younger (Cambridge, 1899), 23.

Richard Saltonstall, Jr., to John Winthrop1
Saltonstall, Richard, Jr. JW

1638-01

To our worthy honoured Governour John Winthrop Esqr. deliver Boston
Honoured Sir,

I had not any oportunitie (before this) that I was aware of, to lett you know, that vppon my comming hoame I agreed with goodman Medcalfe to bring aboute the boate; (shee was then frozen in) but there beeing possibilitie to gett her out, wee intended to procure the helpe of many of the towne the next day; and that very night it did freeze soe bitterly that wee sawe, it would bee in vayne to endeavour it, if wee could have had all the hands in the towne. It would very much have contented mee if by any means I could have procured you the vse of her this winter. And for the boate itselfe I must crave leave to sett my owne prise (which shall bee much more then shee is worth) and that is, your acceptance, without any further troble 6to your selfe, or thought aboute it (directly, or indirectly). If you deale otherwise with mee, truly, I shall count it an abatement of the prise I have sett vppon her. It is but a meane testimony of my duty, and thankfullnesse, where soe much, (and indeede my selfe toe) is more then due. I have very good cause to make such accompt in regard of your greate love and favour to mee; although you have seene my vnworthynesse therof. Thus with my humble duty and sarvice to yourselfe, besceeching the lord that (in much marcy to vs all) your life and health may bee praetious in his eyes, I take my leave and shall ever rest, yours vnfaynedly

Richard Saltonstall Ca. January, 1637/38
1.

W. 3. 68; 4 Collections , VII. 254. For Saltonstall, see 4 Collections , VII. 251n.