[419-420] EDWARD WINSLOW TO JOHN WINTHROP

To the right wor[shi]pp[fu]ll his much honored Friend John Winthrop Esqr. Governer of the Massachusetts these be delivered

MUCH HONORED SIR, Your many and undeserued kindnesses as formerly so much especially at my being last with you tie me if possible yet neerer in heart and affeccion towards you and yours whom I salute in the Lord. At our comming home by the goodnes of our God there was an Indian newly commen from Tittacutt to advertise us that they had that day being the day of our travell and 2d of the weeke discovered the track and footing of a party of Indians which could not be lesse in number then an hundred which made either towards Duxburrow or your parts, advising is to be in readines to receiue them not knowing what their intent might be. Thomas Willet is commen from the Dutch, your son Mr. Stephen in good health, who hath written to you by him. Capt. Vnderhill and the Company at the Fort in health, he hath violently taken a Pecoat woman from the Dutch which was a Sachims wife and hath her prisoner, knows nothing of what we heare concerning Capt. Mason, but onely that he was exspected downe with ninety men. Mr. Gardner it seems much discourageth common men by extolling the valor of your adversaries preferring them before the Spaniards. Your Sachim of the Massachusets is in some jealousie amongst the others because say they he was at Narrohigganset and saw the willingnes of the multitude to become your enemies when the head was brought and did not acquaint you. The Pecoats follow their fishing and planting as if they had no enemies: Their weomen of esteeme and children are gone to long Island with a strong gard at Pecoat. They professe there you shall find them, and as they were there borne and bred there their bones shall be buried and rott in despight of the English: but if the lord be on our side, their braggs will soone fall. The truth is onece they be routed we know their courage will faile: ergo feare not. I pray you when the questions are once stated for the conference let us haue a coppy of them: My letters heer but newly deliuered. The lord in mercy goe along with you. I durst not lose this opportunity, nor can I write more being called on to seale. Yours assured to his power

EDW: WINSLOW

May 22, 1637

I pray you salute your assistants also mr. Wilson mr. Peeters mr. Shepheard etc. let my hast excuse me.