Hitherto the lord hath beene with us, blessed for ever be his ever blessed name. Our nation, the gospel, the blood of those murthered persons of ours seems to triump in the present successe; now I onely desire to suggest it to your wise and deeper considerations whether it be not probable the confederates of the Pequots will not be glad to purchase a secure and fearless condition to themselves, by delivering up those men or their heads, who have wrought and brought so much miserie upon themselves and theirs. Or if not so, whither (if they give good assurance by hostages etc.) the blood shed by them may not seeme to be sufficiently expiated by so great an inequalitie on their sides. Hitherto the honour and terrour of our peeple to all the natives is abundantly vendicated and made good. If providence for our humbling (as in regard of myselfe I much feare) should flesh them by some new cruelties upon anie of ours, how low wee may be laide both in their, and the eyes of our confederate Indians, and to how great daunger to us, yea possiblie our posterities, I leave to your graver thoughts, if it be worth the consideration. Onely to my shallownes it seemes considerable whither it were not safe pawsing to see what effect this will or may work upon such a demaund. 2dly whither not best to rest in certaine victorie and honour acquired, upon so small a losse. 3dly whither, (if wee carrie away the greatest glory of these poore barbarous people in our triumphs over them,) the losse of three men more (if we should not exceede) may not be paraleld with so manie hundreds more of theirs. 4thly whither we must not be forced at last (and it may be in worse circumstances) to take this course unlesse divine iustice will miraculously shew it selfe in bringing them all into our net, which according to reason is not likely. 5thly, whether the dreadfulnes of our maine Battallion (as it were) be better to be measured by their feares raised on this last, then to see, say or thinke, that our former victorie was not so much of valour as accident which we ourselves do acknowledge providence. 6thly, if we refuse to give or take such conditions now, they may not be likely to hold us to worse, or necessitate us to a perpetual war if for our owne ease wee after seeke them, and when they see us (as they may) afraide in like manner.

Much more, and to as little purpose might be saide. But if you continue your resolutions to proceede according to former intentions you may please to consider whither these bottles to be used granado wise, may not be of some 430use; and whither (if the fort be so difficile as it is reported, into which they shall for their last refuge retire) it were not operae pretium to prepare a petar or two to command entrance. Thus laying my low thoughts and myself at your feete to be kicked out or admitted as you see good, being glad to hope of the continuance of your purpose to see us in your way to Ipswich, With my service to you and yours I rest yet and ever yours (anie thing) to serve you.