This half-inch blank in the original manuscript represents a gap of six weeks, during which time there is evidence that Winthrop was too busy with the affairs of the plantation and the sickness among the settlers to make any entries. For record of a fast day of which Winthrop makes no mention, see Bradford, History of Plymouth (Boston, 1912), II. 112–114, especially Winslow's letter to Bradford written from Salem, July 26: “...Mr. Johnson received a letter from the Gov[erno]r, Mr. John Winthrop, manifesting the hand of God to be upon them, and against them, at Charlestowne, in visiting them with sicknes, and taking diverse from amongst them, not sparing the righteous, but partaking with the wicked in these bodily judgments. It was therfore by his desire taken into the Godly consideration of the best hear, what was to be done to pacifie the Lords wrath, etc. Wher [when] it was concluded, that the Lord was to be sought in righteousnes; and to that end, the .6. day (being Friday) of this present weeke, Friday, July 30 is set aparte . . . solemnly to enter into covenante with the Lord to walke in his ways.” The church at Plymouth was asked to join in this covenant. Winthrop was living in the “great house” built in 1629 at Charlestown, where he and his associates formed the third Massachusetts church, July 30, 1630. ( L. and L. , II. 45.) See entry for Friday, August 27, for the election of John Wilson as teacher.

Elizabeth Gibson, a widow, probably daughter of Philobert Cogan of Chard, co. Somerset, the first Mrs. Endecott having died at Salem. See New England Historical and Genealogical Register, XLIII. 309–310.