1638. 6. 28. In my letter to Mr. Hooker, I complain of three things:

1. That they told the Narragansetts, that they were not tied to the agreement2 we made with the Indians; and that they did this, to advance their own reputation with the Indians, and to abase ours; that it was a point of state policy in them not to dissent, while the war was at their doors, for they had need of our help etc. that it was done without any pressing occasion; that it was done unseasonably, after their own commissioners had propounded that before the Indians we should in all things appear as one.

2. That they altered the articles of confederation in the most material point, and all because some preeminence was therein yielded to the Massachusetts, and being again agreed, (only referred to consent etc.) in three months we had no answer from them; that the way which they would have taken, of referring differences to the churches, would occasion infinite trouble and expense, and yet leave the issue to the sword.

I expostulated about the unwarrantableness and unsafeness of referring 54matter of counsel or judicature to the body of the people, quia the best part is always the least, and of that best part the wiser part is always the lesser. The old law was, choose ye out judges etc. and thou shalt bring the matter to the judge etc.

3. That they did still exercise jurisdiction at Agawam, though one of their commissioners disclaimed to intermeddle in our line, and thither we challenged our right, and it was agreed so, and I had wrote to them to desire them to forbear until etc. that Mr. Pincheon had small encouragement to be under them; that if his relation were true, I could not see the justice of their proceeding against him etc.

That the end of my writing to him was, that he might help quench these sparks of contention; that I did open our grievances to him in their most true and reasonable intendment; that though I be strict for our right in public, quia their magistrates are so, yet I am willing to listen to advice, and my aim is the common good.

Wheare as itt is somewhatt questionable whether the three Moneths I was Absentt, as well in the service off the Contrie, as otherr perticular persons: My request therefore is, thatt this honoured Corte would be pleased to disside this controvercie, my selfe Alledgeing itt to be the custome off Nations: Thatt if A Commander be lentt to another State, by thatt state to whome he is a servantt, booth his place and meanes is nott detayned from him, soe longe as he dooth nott refuse the call of his owne state, to which he is a servantt, In case they shall call him home, Butt I leave itt to your Wisdomes. And further thatt this honoured Corte would be pleased to answer my antyentt Suite thatt 250 acres off land promissed me in my first Covenants which some of our honoured Magistrats vndertooke to performe in the name of the whole, And if the honoured Corte shall vouchsafe to make some addition, thatt which hath nott bene deserved: by the same power of god may be in due season: Thus leaving my request to your wise Consideracions I rest: Yours in all service whatt I may to be commanded:

Memorandum on verso: The tyme was when a little went far, then much was not knowne nor desired: now the tyme is that a great deale goeth but a little way; the reason of the difference lyeth only in the error of Judgment, for nature requires no more to vpholde it now then when it was satisfied with lesse.