Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 4

Roger Williams to John Winthrop1

Williams, Roger JW

1638-12-30

For his much honoured and beloved Mr. John Wintrop at his howse at Boston

Providence 10th 30, 1638 Sir,

Hoping of your Health this dead Season with respective Salutacions: I am bold to request a little helpe and I hope the last concerning mine old and bad Debtour about whome I haue formerly troubled your Worship, Mr. George Ludlow.

I heare of a pinnace to put in to Newport bound for Virginia, and I vnderstand that if you please to testifie what you remember in the case I may haue some hope at last to get something.

You were pleased after dealing with him at Boston to certifie me that he had promised to discharge vnto me 800 li. of Tobacco, which you afterwards thought to haue bene discharged: But he fayling, although my due came to much more, I request if you can remember in a line or 2 to testifie: and I shall desire to blesse the Lord for you and to beg of him a mercifull Requitall into your Bozome euen from his holy Left and Right hand especially: my writings are (from hand to hand about the busines) lost: so that all my Euidence will be from your hand, of his Acknowledgment and promise: Sir I rest vncessantly mourning that I am no more Your Worships vnfaigned

Roger Williams

Sir I may not omit my thanckfull acknowledgment of that Councell of Peace you were pleased to giue to a young Man who (when I was at Block Iland) repaired to your Worship for Advice in some Jar betweene him and his neighbours: Your Councell was prosperous and I desire you may haue the Joy of it, for so sayth the Lord To the Councellours of peace is Joy.

Sir I purpose within 20 dayes (if God will) to travell vp to Monhiggin: at my returne I shall trouble you with a line from Onkas, if I can speake with him about your Pequts.

Sir I pray let your Servant direct the natiue with this letter to Mr. David Yale Mrs. Eatons Sonn.

W. 2. 112; 4 Collections , VI. 256–257; N.C. , VI. 127–128.