Our humble duties and respects premised: vnderstanding there is an Intention to call Mr. Winthrop Junr. from vs and to committ the Custody of the Castle to him, we could not out of the entire affection we beare to him and his welfare but become earnest petitioners to your worships that you would not depriue our Church and Towne of one whose presence is so gratefull and vsefull to vs. It was for his sake that many of vs came to this place and without him we should not haue come, his abode with vs hath made our abode here much more comfortable then otherwise it would haue bene: Mr. Dudleys leaving vs hath made vs much more desolate and weake then we were, and if we should lose another magistrate it would be too great a greif to vs and breach vpon vs: and not a magistrate only but our Lieutenant Colonell so beloued of our Souldiours and military men that this remote Corner would be left so destitute and desolate; neither can we conceiue but that his removall from vs will much preiudice and vnsetle him, the place he is chosen vnto we feare will neither mayntaine him and his company comfortably nor proue certaine to him, but vpon sundry occasions mutable. It would be very vncomfortable to him as we suppose to live vpon others maintenance, or to neglect that portion of land and loue which God hath giuen him amongst vs. the improvall of his estate here we hope will proue a better and surer support then a yearly stipend from the Country which hath groaned much vnder the burthen of that fort already. We find his affections great and constant to our Towne and we hope ours shall never faile towards him and his. We therfore humbly beseech you that we may still inioy him and that you would not expose him to so solitary a life and a place where we hope there will not be much vse of him: nor vs to the losse and want of one so much desired of vs. The distance we are sett in hath made vs earnest for the company of able men and as loath to loose them when we haue obtained them. Thus hoping you will please to consider and tender our Condition we humbly take our leaues resting your Worships in all due serviss

John Gallop (blessed be the Lord) is safely arrived at our dores and hath brought from the Lord and you a mercifull refreshing to vs: he be graciously pleased to recompence it a thoughsand fold to the whole land and your selues especially.

He relates that there is now riding below 3 pinnaces (the names of the Masters Quick, Jiglies and Robinson):2 and the 2 Shalops as allso that the other whereof——Jackson of Salem is master was in Company with them the night before and waighed anchor togeather but being not able to turne about was faigne to chop to an anchor againe but they hope is in by this time.

Sir I heare our loving friends Mr. Stoughton Mr. Traske etc. are on their way and 160 (the intended number) with them. I hope the Continuance of the number will be seasonable, if not for Pursuit of Sasacous and the Pequts (of whome it is said that they are gone farr and finally) yet for the quelling of their Confederates the Wunnashowatuckoogs and Monashackotoogs etc. who liue neerer to you on the westward etc.

Some 200 of these (since the slaughter at the Fort) came in revenge vpon the Nanhiggonsicks: which the Nanhiggonsicks themselues knew not till three Pequts (now fallen to them) related it: for it pleased the Lord to send a great mist that morning, that they durst not fight, and so returned: so that there is Cause to take some Course with them, and especially if it be possible for the Clearing of land passage to Qunnihticut.

I vnderstand it would be very gratefull to our neighbours that such Pequts as fall to them be not enslaved, like those which are taken in warr: but (as they say is their generall Custome) be vsed kindly, haue howses and goods and fields given them: because they voluntarily choose to come in to them and if not receaved will to the Enemie or turne wild Irish themselues: but of this more as I shall vnderstand: thus in hast with best Salutacions to Mrs. Wintrop and all yours with my poore desires to the Lord for yours I rest Your worships vnfaigned