Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 2

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John Winthrop to John Winthrop, Jr.

9 September 1630

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3 October 1630

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Forth Winthrop to Martha Fones1

Winthrop, Forth Fones, Martha

1630-09-25

Louing Sister,

You draw in the same yoake with vs, you laboure vnder the same burthen, and are afflicted with the same crosse, be it therefore your wisdome (as I know it is) to let your demeanour soe clearly shine through this cloudy tempest as our distressed sister2 may read comfort in your eyes and consolation in your speeches: We are all well here (blessed be God) though very sorowfull. my Aunt Paynter is with child. My cozen Vrsula remembers her affectionate loue to you. I hope shortly to see you, in the meane time with my true loue to you I rest your truely louing brother

Forth Winthrop: Exon: Septem. 25 1630:

remember my loue to my sister Mary, cozen Anne, the maydes etc.

remember me to all at my vncle Gostlinges and to Sir Arkisden.

W. 1. 82; L. and L. , II. 80–81; 5 Collections , VIII. 198. This was written on hearing that his brother Henry had been drowned. Robert Charles Winthrop supposed that the letter was written to Mary Winthrop. This can not be, since the recipient is asked to give Mary Winthrop a message. The letter is to Martha Fones, addressed, after the fashion of the day, as “sister” because her sister, Elizabeth Winthrop, was Forth Winthrop's sister-in-law.

Elizabeth Winthrop.