[165] That I may handle things together, I have put these 2. companies
that came from Leyden in this place; though they came at 2. severall
times, yet they both came out of England this year. The former company,
being 35. persons, were shiped in May, and arived here aboute August.
The later were shiped in y^e begining of March, and arived hear y^e
later end of May, 1630. M^r. Sherleys 2. letters, y^e effect wherof I
have before related, (as much of them as is pertinente,) mentions both.
Their charge, as M^r. Allerton brought it in afterwards on accounte,
came to above 550^li. besids ther fetching hither from Salem & y^e Bay,
wher they and their goods were landed; viz. their transportation from
Holland to England, & their charges lying ther, and passages hither,
with clothing provided for them. For I find by accounte for y^e one
company, 125. yeards of karsey, 127. ellons of linen cloath, shoes, 66.
[p=]^r, with many other perticulers. The charge of y^e other company is
reckoned on y^e severall families, some 50^li., some 40^li., some
30^li., and so more or less, as their number & expencess were. And
besids all this charg, their freinds & bretheren here were to provid
corne & other provissions for them, till they could reap a crope which
was long before. Those that came in May were thus maintained upward of
16. or 18. months, before they had any harvest of their owne, & y^e
other by proportion. And all they could doe in y^e mean time was to gett
them some housing, and prepare them grounds to plant on, against the
season. And this charg of maintaining them all this while was litle less
then y^e former sume. These things I note more perticulerly, for sundry
regards. First, to shew a rare example herein of brotherly love, and
Christian care in performing their promises and covenants to their
bretheren, too, & in a sorte beyonde their power; that they should
venture so desperatly to ingage them selves to accomplish this thing,
and bear it so cheerfully; for they never demanded, much less had, any
repaymente of all these great sumes thus disbursed. 2^ly. It must needs
be that ther was more then of man in these acheevements, that should
thus readily stire up y^e harts of shuch able frinds to joyne in
partnership with them in shuch a case, and cleave so faithfullie to them
as these did, in so great adventures; and the more because the most of
them never saw their faces to this day; ther being neither kindred,
aliance, or other acquaintance or relations betweene any of them, then
hath been before mentioned; it must needs be therfore the spetiall worke
and hand of God. 3^ly. That these poore people here in a wilderness
should, notwithstanding, be inabled in time to repay all these
ingagments, and many more unjustly brought upon them through the
unfaithfullnes of some, and many other great losses which they
sustained, which will be made manifest, if y^e Lord be pleased to give
life and time. In y^e mean time, I cannot but admire his ways and workes
towards his servants, and humbly desire to blesse his holy name for his
great mercies hithertoo.
[166] The Leyden people being thus come over, and sundry of y^e
generalitie seeing & hearing how great y^e charg was like to be that was
that way to be expended, they begane to murmure and repine at it,
notwithstanding y^e burden lay on other mens shoulders; espetially at
y^e paying of y^e 3. bushells of corne a year, according to y^e former
agreemente, when y^e trad was lett for y^e 6. years aforesaid. But to
give them contente herein allso, it was promised them, that if they
could doe it in y^e time without it, they would never demand it of them;
which gave them good contente. And indeed it never was paid, as will
appeare by y^e sequell.
Concerning M^r. Allertons proceedings about y^e inlarging & confirming
of their patent, both y^t at home & Kenebeck, will best appere by
another leter of M^r. Sherleys; for though much time & money was
expended aboute it, yet he left it unaccomplisht this year, and came
without it. See M^r. Sherleys letter.
Most worthy & loving freinds, &c.
Some of your letters I received in July, & some since by M^r. Peirce,
but till our maine bussines, y^e patent, was granted, I could not
setle my mind nor pen to writing. M^r. Allerton was so turrmoyled
about it, as verily I would not nor could not have undergone it, if I
might have had a thousand pounds; but y^e Lord so blessed his labours
(even beyond expectation in these evill days) as he obtained y^e love
& favore of great men in repute & place. He got granted from y^e Earle
of Warwick & S^r. Ferdinando Gorge all that M^r. Winslow desired in
his letters to me, & more also, which I leave to him to relate. Then
he sued to y^e king to confirme their grante, and to make you a
corporation, and so to inable you to make & execute lawes, in such
large & ample maner as y^e Massachusett plantation hath it; which y^e
king graciously granted, referring it to y^e Lord Keeper to give order
to y^e solisiter to draw it up, if ther were a presidente for it. So
y^e Lord Keeper furthered it all he could, and allso y^e solissiter;
but as Festus said to Paule, With no small sume of money obtained I
this freedom; for by y^e way many ridells must be resolved, and many
locks must be opened with y^e silver, ney, y^e golden key. Then it was
to come to y^e Lord Treasurer, to have his warrente for freeing y^e
custume for a certaine time; but be would not doe it, but refferd it
to y^e Counsell table. And ther M^r. Allerton atended day by day, when
they sate, but could not gett his petition read. And by reason of M^r.
Peirce his staying with all y^e passengers at Bristoll, he was forct
to leave y^e further prosecuting of it to a solissiter. But ther is no
fear nor doubte but it will be granted, for he hath y^e cheefe of them
to freind; yet it will be marvelously needfull for him to returne by
y^e first ship y^t comes from thence; for if you had this confirmed,
then were you compleate, and might bear such sway & goverment as were
fitt for your ranke & place y^t God hath called you unto; and stope
y^e moueths of base and scurrulous fellowes, y^t are ready to question
& threaten you in every action you [167] doe. And besids, if you have
y^e custome free for 7. years inward, & 21. outward, y^e charge of y^e
patent will be soone recovered, and ther is no fear of obtaining[CL]
it. But such things must work by degrees; men cannot hasten it as they
would; werefore we (I write in behalfe of all our partners here)
desire you to be ernest with M^r. Allerton to come, and his wife to
spare him this one year more, to finish this great & waighty bussines,
which we conceive will be much for your good, & I hope for your
posteritie, and for many generations to come.
Thus much of this letter. It was dated y^e 19. March, 1629.
By which it appears what progress was made herein, & in part what charge
it was, and how left unfinished, and some reason of y^e same; but in
truth (as was afterwards appehended) the meaine reason was M^r.
Allerton's policie, to have an opportunitie to be sent over againe, for
other regards; and for that end procured them thus to write. For it
might then well enough have been finshed, if not with y^t clause aboute
y^e custumes, which was M^r. Allertons & M^r. Sherleys device, and not
at all thought on by y^e colony here, nor much regarded, yet it might
have been done without it, without all queston, having passed y^e kings
hand; nay it was conceived it might then have beene done with it, if he
had pleased; but covetousnes never brings ought home, as y^e proverb is,
for this oppertunytie being lost, it was never accomplished, but a great
deale of money veainly & lavishly cast away aboute it, as doth appear
upon their accounts. But of this more in its place.
M^r. Alerton gave them great and just ofence in this (which I had
omited[CM] and almost forgotten),--in bringing over this year, for base
gaine, that unworthy man, and instrumente of mischeefe, Morton, who was
sent home but y^e year before for his misdemenors. He not only brought
him over, but to y^e towne (as it were to nose them), and lodged him at
his owne house, and for a while used him as a scribe to doe his
bussines, till he was caused to pack him away. So he wente to his old
nest in y^e Massachusets, wher it was not long but by his miscariage he
gave them just occation to lay hands on him; and he was by them againe
sent prisoner into England, wher he lay a good while in Exeter Jeole.
For besids his miscariage here, he was vemently suspected for y^e murder
of a man that had adventured moneys with him, when he came first into
New-England. And a warrente was sente from y^e Lord Cheefe Justice to
apprehend him, by vertue wherof he was by the Gov^r of y^e Massachusets
sent into England; and for other his misdemenors amongst them, they
demolisht his house, that it might be no longer a roost for shuch
unclaine birds to nestle in. Yet he got free againe, and write an
infamouse & scurillous booke against many godly & cheefe men of y^e
cuntrie; full of lyes & slanders, and fraight with profane callumnies
against their names and persons, and y^e ways of God. After sundry
years, when y^e warrs were hott in England, he came againe into y^e
cuntrie, and was imprisoned at Boston for this booke and other things,
being grown old in wickednes.
Concerning y^e rest of M^r. Allertons instructions, in which they
strictly injoyned him not to exceed above y^t 50^li. in y^e goods before
mentioned, not to bring any but trading co[=m]odities, he followed them
not at all, but did the quite contrarie; bringing over many other sorts
of retaile goods, selling what he could by the way on his owne accounte,
and delivering the rest, which he said to be theirs, into y^e store; and
for trading goods brought but litle in comparison; excusing the matter,
they had laid out much about y^e Laiden people, & patent, &c. And for
other goods, they had much of them of ther owne dealings, without
present disbursemente, & to like effect. And as for passing his bounds &
instructions, he laid it on M^r. Sherley, &c., who, he said, they might
see his mind in his leters; also that they had sett out Ashley at great
charg; but next year they should have what trading goods they would send
for, if things were now well setled, &c. And thus were they put off;
indeed M^r. Sherley write things tending this way, but it is like he was
overruled by M^r. Allerton, and harkened more to him then to their
letters from hence.
Thus he further writs in y^e former leter.
I see what you write in your leters concerning y^e over-co[=m]ing &
paying of our debts, which I confess are great, and had need be
carfully looked unto; yet no doubt but we, joyning in love, may soone
over-come them; but we must follow it roundly & to purposs, for if we
pedle out y^e time of our trad, others will step in and nose us. But
we know y^t you have y^t aquaintance & experience in y^e countrie, as
none have the like; wherfore, freinds & partners, be no way
discouraged with y^e greatnes of y^e debt, &c., but let us not fulfill
y^e proverbe, to bestow 12^d. on a purse, and put 6^d. [168] in it;
but as you and we have been at great charg, and undergone much for
setling you ther, and to gaine experience, so as God shall enable us,
let us make use of it. And think not with 50^li. pound a yeare sent
you over, to rayse shuch means as to pay our debts. We see a
possibillitie of good if you be well supplied, and fully furnished;
and cheefly if you lovingly agree. I know I write to godly and wise
men, such as have lerned to bear one an others infirmities, and
rejoyce at any ones prosperities; and if I were able I would press
this more, because it is hoped by some of your enimies, that you will
fall out one with another, and so over throw your hopfull bussines.
Nay, I have heard it crediblie reported, y^t some have said, that till
you be disjoynted by discontents & factions[CN] amongst your sellves,
it bootes not any to goe over, in hope of getting or doing good in
those parts. But we hope beter things of you, and that you will not
only bear one with another, but banish such thoughts, and not suffer
them to lodg in your brests. God grant you may disappointe y^e hopes
of your foes, and procure y^e hartie desire of your selves & freinds
in this perticuler.
By this it appears that ther was a kind of concurrance betweene M^r.
Allerton and them in these things, and that they gave more regard to his
way & course in these things, then to y^e advise from hence; which made
him bould to presume above his instructions, and to rune on in y^e
course he did, to their greater hurt afterwards, as will appear. These
things did much trouble them hear, but they well knew not how to help
it, being loath to make any breach or contention hear aboute; being so
premonished as before in y^e leter above recited. An other more secrete
cause was herewith concurrente; M^r. Allerton had maried y^e daughter of
their Reverend Elder, M^r. Brewster (a man beloved & honoured amongst
them, and who tooke great paines in teaching & dispenceing y^e word of
God unto them), whom they were loath to greeve or any way offend, so as
they bore with much in that respecte. And with all M^r. Allerton carried
so faire with him, and procured such leters from M^r. Sherley to him,
with shuch applause of M^r. Allertons wisdom, care, and faithfullnes, in
y^e bussines; and as things stood none were so fitte to send aboute them
as he; and if any should suggest other wise, it was rather out of envie,
or some other sinister respecte then other wise. Besids, though private
gaine, I doe perswade my selfe, was some cause to lead M^r. Allerton
aside in these beginings, yet I thinke, or at least charitie caries me
to hope, that he intended to deale faithfully with them in y^e maine,
and had such an opinion of his owne abillitie, and some experience of
y^e benefite that he had made in this singuler way, as he conceived he
might both raise him selfe an estate, and allso be a means to bring in
such profite to M^r. Sherley, (and it may be y^e rest,) as might be as
lickly to bring in their moneys againe with advantage, and it may be
sooner then from the generall way; or at least it was looked upon by
some of them to be a good help ther unto; and that neither he nor any
other did intend to charge y^e generall accounte with any thing that
rane in perticuler; or y^t M^r. Sherley or any other did purposs but y^t
y^e generall should be first & fully supplyed. I say charitie makes me
thus conceive; though things fell out other wise, and they missed of
their aimes, and y^e generall suffered abundantly hereby, as will
afterwards apear.
[169] Togeither herewith sorted an other bussines contrived by M^r.
Allerton and them ther, w^{th}out any knowledg of y^e partners, and so
farr proceeded in as they were constrained to allow therof, and joyne in
y^e same, though they had no great liking of it, but feared what might
be y^e evente of y^e same. I shall relate it in a further part of M^r.
Sherley's leter as foloweth.
I am to aquainte you that we have thought good to joyne with one
Edward Ashley (a man I thinke y^t some of you know); but it is only of
y^t place wherof he hath a patente in M^r. Beachamps name; and to that
end have furnished him with larg provissions, &c. Now if you please to
be partners with us in this, we are willing you shall; for after we
heard how forward Bristoll men (and as I hear some able men of his
owne kindrid) have been to stock & supply him, hoping of profite, we
thought it fitter for us to lay hould of such an opportunitie, and to
keep a kind of ru[=n]ing plantation, then others who have not borne
y^e burthen of setling a plantation, as we have done. And he, on y^e
other side, like an understanding yonge man, thought it better to
joyne with those y^t had means by a plantation to supply & back him
ther, rather then strangers, that looke but only after profite. Now it
is not knowne that you are partners with him; but only we 4., M^r.
Andrews, M^r. Beachamp, my selfe, & M^r. Hatherley, who desired to
have y^e patente, in consideration of our great loss we have allready
sustained in setling y^e first plantation ther; so we agreed togeather
to take it in our names. And now, as I said before, if you please to
joyne with us, we are willing you should. M^r. Allerton had no power
from you to make this new contracte, neither was he willing to doe any
thing therin without your consente & approbation. M^r. William Peirce
is joyned with us in this, for we thought it very conveniente, because
of landing Ashley and his goods ther, if God please; and he will bend
his course accordingly. He hath a new boate with him, and boards to
make another, with 4. or 5. lustie fellowes, wherof one is a
carpenter. Now in case you are not willing in this perticuler to joyne
with us, fearing y^e charge & doubting y^e success, yet thus much we
intreate of you, to afford him all the help you can, either by men,
commodities, or boats; yet not but y^t we will pay you for any thing
he hath. And we desire you to keep y^e accounts apart, though you
joyne with us; becase ther is, as you see, other partners in this then
y^e other; so, for all mens wages, boats-hire, or comodities, which we
shall have of you, make him debtore for it; and what you shall have of
him, make y^e plantation or your selves debtore for it to him, and so
ther will need no mingling of y^e accounts.
And now, loving freinds & partners, if you joyne in Ashles patent &
bussines, though we have laid out y^e money and taken up much to stock
this bussines & the other, yet I thinke it conscionable and reasonable
y^t you should beare your shares and proportion of y^e stock, if not
by present money, yet by securing us for so much as it shall come too;
for it is not barly y^e interest that is to be alowed & considered of,
but allso y^e adventure; though I hope in God, by his blessing & your
honest indeavors, it may soon be payed; yet y^e years y^t this
partnership holds is not long, nor many; let all therfore lay it to
harte, and make y^e best use of y^e time that possiblie we cann, and
let every man put too his shoulder, and y^e burthen will be the
lighter. I know you are so honest & conscionable men, as you will
consider hereof, [170] and returne shuch an answer as may give good
satisfaction. Ther is none of us that would venture as we have done,
were it not to strengthen & setle you more then our owne perticuler
profite.
Ther is no liclyhood of doing any good in buying y^e debte for y^e
purchas. I know some will not abate y^e interest, and therfore let it
rune its course; they are to be paied yearly, and so I hope they
shall, according to agreemente. The Lord grant y^t our loves &
affections may still be united, and knit togeither; and so we rest
your ever loving friends,
JAMES SHERLEY.
TIMOTHY HATHERLEY.
Bristoll, March 19. 1629.
This mater of y^e buying y^e debts of y^e purchass was parte of M^r.
Allertons instructions, and in many of them it might have been done to
good profite for ready pay (as some were); but M^r. Sherley had no mind
to it. But this bussines aboute Ashley did not a litle trouble them; for
though he had wite & abillitie enough to menage y^e bussines, yet some
of them knew him to be a very profane yonge man; and he had for some
time lived amonge y^e Indeans as a savage, & wente naked amongst them,
and used their maners (in w^{ch} time he got their language), so they
feared he might still rune into evill courses (though he promised
better), and God would not prosper his ways. As soone as he was landed
at y^e place intended, caled Penobscote, some 4 score leagues from this
place, he write (& afterwards came) for to desire to be supplyed with
Wampampeake, corne against winter, and other things. They considered
these were of their cheefe co[=m]odities, and would be continually
needed by him, and it would much prejudice their owne trade at Kenebeck
if they did not joyne with him in y^e ordering of things, if thus they
should supply him; and on y^e other hand, if they refused to joyne with
him, and allso to afford any supply unto him, they should greatly offend
their above named friends, and might hapily lose them hereby; and he and
M^r. Allerton, laying their craftie wits togither, might gett supplies
of these things els wher; besids, they considered that if they joyned
not in y^e bussines, they knew M^r. Allerton would be with them in it, &
so would swime, as it were, betweene both, to y^e prejudice of boath,
but of them selves espetially. For they had reason to thinke this
bussines was cheefly of his contriving, and Ashley was a man fitte for
his turne and dealings. So they, to prevente a worse mischeefe, resolved
to joyne in y^e bussines, and gave him supplies in what they could, &
overlooked his proceedings as well as they could; the which they did y^e
better, by joyning an honest yonge man,[CO] that came from Leyden, with
him as his fellow (in some sorte), and not merely as a servante. Which
yonge man being discreete, and one whom they could trust, they so
instructed as keept Ashley in some good mesure within bounds. And so
they returned their answer to their freinds in England, that they
accepted of their motion, and joyned with them in Ashleys bussines; and
yet withall tould them what their fears were concerning him.
But when they came to have full notice of all y^e goods brought them
that year, they saw they fell very short of trading goods, and Ashley
farr better suppleyed then [171] themselves; so as they were forced to
buy of the fisher men to furnish them selves, yea, & cottens & carseys &
other such like cloath (for want of trading cloath) of M^r. Allerton
himselfe, and so to put away a great parte of their beaver, at under
rate, in the countrie, which they should have sente home, to help to
discharge their great ingagementes; which was to their great vexation;
but M^r. Allerton prayed them to be contente, and y^e nexte yere they
might have what they would write for. And their ingagmentes of this year
were great indeed when they came to know them, (which was not wholy till
2. years after); and that which made them y^e more, M^r. Allerton had
taken up some large su[=m]es at Bristoll at 50. [p=]^r cent. againe,
which he excused, that he was forcte to it, because other wise he could
at y^e spring of year get no goods transported, such were their envie
against their trade. But wheither this was any more then an excuse, some
of them doubted; but however, y^e burden did lye on their backs, and
they must bear it, as they did many heavie loads more in y^e end.
This paying of 50. p^r cent. and dificulty of having their goods
tr[=a]sported by the fishing ships at y^e first of y^e year, (as was
beleeved,) which was y^e cheefe season for trade, put them upon another
projecte. M^r. Allerton, after y^e fishing season was over, light of a
bargan of salte, at a good fishing place, and bought it; which came to
aboute 113^li.; and shortly after he might have had 30^li. cleare
profite for it, without any more trouble aboute it. But M^r. Winslow
coming that way from Kenebeck, & some other of ther partners with him in
y^e barke, they mett with M^r. Allerton, and falling into discourse with
him, they stayed him from selling y^e salte; and resolved, if it might
please y^e rest, to keep it for them selves, and to hire a ship in y^e
west cuntrie to come on fishing for them, on shares, according to y^e
coustome; and seeing she might have her salte here ready, and a stage
ready builte & fitted wher the salt lay safely landed & housed. In stead
of bringing salte, they might stowe her full of trading goods, as bread,
pease, cloth, &c., and so they might have a full supply of goods without
paing fraight, and in due season, which might turne greatly to their
advantage. Coming home, this was propounded, and considered on, and
aproved by all but y^e Gov^r, who had no mind to it, seeing they had
allway lost by fishing; but y^e rest were so ernest, as thinkeing that
they might gaine well by y^e fishing in this way; and if they should but
save, yea, or lose some thing by it, y^e other benefite would be
advantage inough; so, seeing their ernestnes, he gave way, and it was
referd to their freinds in England to alow, or disalow it. Of which more
in its place.
Upon y^e consideration of y^e bussines about y^e paten, & in what state
it was left, as is before remembred, and M^r. Sherleys ernest pressing
to have M^r. Allert[=o] to come over againe to finish it, & perfect y^e
accounts, &c., it was concluded to send him over this year againe;
though it was with some fear & jeolocie; yet he gave them fair words and
promises of well performing all their bussineses according to their
directions, and to mend his former errors. So he was accordingly sent
with full instructions for all things, with large letters to M^r.
Sherley & y^e rest, both aboute Ashleys bussines and their owne suply
with trading comodities, and how much it did concerne them to be
furnished therwith, & what y^e had suffered for wante therof; and of
what litle use other goods were [172] in comparison therof; and so
likewise aboute this fishing ship, to be thus hired, and fraught with
trading goods, which might both supply them & Ashley, and y^e benefite
therof; which was left to their consideration to hire & set her out, or
not; but in no case not to send any, exepte she was thus fraighte with
trading goods. But what these things came too will appere in y^e next
years passages.
I had like to have omited an other passage that fell out y^e begining of
this year. Ther was one M^r. Ralfe Smith, & his wife & familie, y^t came
over into y^e Bay of y^e Massachusets, and sojourned at presente with
some stragling people that lived at Natascoe; here being a boat of this
place putting in ther on some occasion, he ernestly desired that they
would give him & his, passage for Plimoth, and some such things as they
could well carrie; having before heard y^t ther was liklyhood he might
procure house-roome for some time, till he should resolve to setle ther,
if he might, or els-wher as God should disposs; for he was werie of
being in y^t uncoth place, & in a poore house y^t would neither keep him
nor his goods drie. So, seeing him to be a grave man, & understood he
had been a minister, though they had no order for any such thing, yet
they presumed and brought him. He was here accordingly kindly
entertained & housed, & had y^e rest of his goods & servants sente for,
and exercised his gifts amongst them, and afterwards was chosen into y^e
ministrie, and so remained for sundrie years.
It was before noted that sundry of those that came from Leyden, came
over in the ships y^t came to Salem, wher M^r. Endecott had cheefe
co[=m]and; and by infection that grue amonge y^e passengers at sea, it
spread also among them a shore, of which many dyed, some of y^e
scurvie, other of an infectious feaoure, which continued some time
amongst them (though our people, through Gods goodnes, escaped it). Upon
which occasion he write hither for some help, understanding here was one
that had some skill y^t way, & had cured diverse of y^e scurvie, and
others of other diseases, by letting blood, & other means. Upon which
his request y^e Gov^r hear sent him unto them, and also write to him,
from whom he received an answere; the which, because it is breefe, and
shows y^e begining of their aquaintance, and closing in y^e truth & ways
of God, I thought it not unmeete, nor without use, hear to inserte it;
and an other showing y^e begining of their fellowship & church estate
ther.
Being as followeth.
Right worthy S^r:
It is a thing not usuall, that servants to one m^r and of y^e same
houshold should be strangers; I assure you I desire it not, nay, to
speake more plainly, I cannot be so to you. Gods people are all marked
with one and y^e same marke, and sealed with one and y^e same seale,
and have for y^e maine, one & y^e same harte, guided by one & same
spirite of truth; and wher this is, ther can be no discorde, nay, here
must needs be sweete harmonie. And y^e same request (with you) I make
unto y^e Lord, that we may, as Christian breethren, be united by a
heavenly & unfained love; bending all our harts and forces in
furthering a worke beyond our strength, with reverence & fear,
fastening our eyse allways on him that only is able to directe and
prosper all our ways. I acknowledge my selfe much bound to you for
your kind love and care in sending M^r. Fuller among us, and rejoyce
much y^t I am by him satisfied touching your judgments of y^e outward
forme of Gods worshipe. It is, as farr as [173] I can yet gather, no
other then is warrented by y^e evidence of truth, and y^e same which I
have proffessed and maintained ever since y^e Lord in mercie revealed
him selfe unto me; being farr from y^e commone reporte that hath been
spread of you touching that perticuler. But Gods children must not
looke for less here below, and it is y^e great mercie of God, that he
strengthens them to goe through with it. I shall not neede at this
time to be tedious unto you, for, God willing, I purpose to see your
face shortly. In y^e mean time, I humbly take my leave of you,
co[=m]iting you to y^e Lords blessed protection, & rest.
Your assured loving friend,
JO: ENDECOTT.
Naumkeak, May 11. An^o. 1629.
This second leter sheweth ther proceedings in their church affaires at
Salem, which was y^e 2. church erected in these parts; and afterwards
y^e Lord established many more in sundrie places.
S^r: I make bould to trouble you with a few lines, for to certifie you
how it hath pleased God to deale with us, since you heard from us.
How, notwithstanding all opposition that hath been hear, & els wher,
it hath pleased God to lay a foundation, the which I hope is agreeable
to his word in every thing. The 20. of July, it pleased y^e Lord to
move y^e hart of our Gov^r to set it aparte for a solemne day of
humilliation for y^e choyce of a pastor & teacher. The former parte of
y^e day being spente in praier & teaching, the later parte aboute y^e
election, which was after this maner. The persons thought on (who had
been ministers in England) were demanded concerning their callings;
they acknowledged ther was a towfould calling, the one an inward
calling, when y^e Lord moved y^e harte of a man to take y^t calling
upon him, and fitted him with guiftes for y^e same; the second was an
outward calling, which was from y^e people, when a company of
beleevers are joyned togither in covenante, to walke togither in all
y^e ways of God, and every member (being men) are to have a free voyce
in y^e choyce of their officers, &c. Now, we being perswaded that
these 2. men were so quallified, as y^e apostle speaks to Timothy,
wher he saith, A bishop must be blamles, sober, apte to teach, &c., I
thinke I may say, as y^e eunuch said unto Philip, What should let from
being baptised, seeing ther was water? and he beleeved. So these 2.
servants of God, clearing all things by their answers, (and being thus
fitted,) we saw noe reason but we might freely give our voyces for
their election, after this triall. So M^r. Skelton was chosen pastor,
and M^r. Higgison to be teacher; and they accepting y^e choyce, M^r.
Higgison, with 3. or 4. of y^e gravest members of y^e church, laid
their hands on M^r. Skelton, using prayer therwith. This being done,
ther was imposission of hands on M^r. Higgison also. And since that
time, Thursday (being, as I take it, y^e 6. of August) is appoynted
for another day of humilliation, for y^e choyce of elders & deacons, &
ordaining of them.
And now, good S^r, I hope y^t you & y^e rest of Gods people (who are
aquainted with the ways of God) with you, will say that hear was a
right foundation layed, and that these 2. blessed servants of y^e Lord
came in at y^e dore, and not at y^e window. Thus I have made bould to
trouble you with these few lines, desiring you to remember us, &c. And
so rest,
At your service in what I may,
CHARLES GOTT.
Salem, July 30. 1629.
[174] _Anno Dom_: 1630.
Ashley, being well supplyed, had quickly gathered a good parcell of
beaver, and like a crafty pate he sent it all home, and would not pay
for y^e goods he had had of y^e plantation hear, but lett them stand
still on y^e score, and tooke up still more. Now though they well enough
knew his aime, yet they let him goe on, and write of it into England.
But partly y^e beaver they received, & sould, (of which they weer
sencible,) and partly by M^r. Allertons extolling of him, they cast more
how to supplie him then y^e plantation, and something to upbraid them
with it. They were forct to buy him a barke allso, and to furnish her
w^th a m^r. & men, to transports his corne & provissions (of which he
put of much); for y^e Indeans of those parts have no corne growing, and
at harvest, after corne is ready, y^e weather grows foule, and y^e seas
dangerous, so as he could doe litle good with his shallope for y^t
purposs.
They looked ernestly for a timely supply this spring, by the fishing
ship which they expected, and had been at charg to keepe a stage for
her; but none came, nor any supply heard of for them. At length they
heard sume supply was sent to Ashley by a fishing ship, at which they
something marvelled, and the more y^t they had no letters either from
M^r. Allerton or M^r. Sherley; so they went on in their bussines as well
as y^e could. At last they heard of M^r. Peirce his arivall in y^e Bay
of y^e Massachusetts, who brought passengers & goods thither. They
presently sent a shallop, conceiving they should have some thing by him.
But he tould them he had none; and a ship was sett out on fishing, but
after 11. weeks beating at sea, she mett with shuch foull weather as she
was forcte back againe for England, and, y^e season being over, gave off
y^e vioage. Neither did he hear of much goods in her for y^e plantation,
or y^t she did belong to them, for he had heard some thing from M^r.
Allerton tending that way. But M^r. Allerton had bought another ship,
and was to come in her, and was to fish for bass to y^e eastward, and to
bring goods, &c. These things did much trouble them, and half astonish
them. M^r. Winslow haveing been to y^e eastward, brought nuese of the
like things, w^th some more perticulers, and y^t it was like M^r.
Allerton would be late before he came. At length they, having an
oppertunitie, resolved to send M^r. Winslow, with what beaver they had
ready, into England, to see how y^e squars wente, being very jeolouse of
these things, & M^r. Allertons courses; and writ shuch leters, and gave
him shuch instructions, as they thought meet; and if he found things not
well, to discharge M^r. Allerton for being any longer agent for them, or
to deal any more in y^e bussines, and to see how y^e accounts stood, &c.
Aboute y^e midle of so[=m]er arrives M^r. Hatherley in y^e Bay of y^e
Massachusetts, (being one of y^e partners,) and came over in y^e same
ship that was set out on fhishing (called y^e Frendship). They presently
sent to him, making no question but now they had goods come, and should
know how all things stood. But they found [175] the former news true,
how this ship had been so long at sea, and spente and spoyled her
provissions, and overthrowne y^e viage. And he being sent over by y^e
rest of y^e partners, to see how things wente hear, being at Bristoll
with M^r. Allerton, in y^e shipe bought (called y^e White-Angell), ready
to set sayle, over night came a messenger from Bastable to M^r.
Allerton, and tould him of y^e returne of y^e ship, and what had
befallen. And he not knowing what to doe, having a great chareg under
hand, y^e ship lying at his rates, and now ready to set sayle, got him
to goe and discharg y^e ship, and take order for y^e goods. To be short,
they found M^r. Hatherley some thing reserved, and troubled in him
selfe, (M^r. Allerton not being ther,) not knowing how to dispose of y^e
goods till he came; but he heard he was arived with y^e other ship to
y^e eastward, and expected his coming. But he tould them ther was not
much for them in this ship, only 2. packs of Bastable ruggs, and 2.
hoggsheads of meatheglin, drawne out in wooden flackets (but when these
flackets came to be received, ther was left but 6. gallons of y^e 2.
hogsheads, it being drunke up under y^e name leackage, and so lost).
But the ship was filled with goods for sundrie gentlemen, & others,
that were come to plant in y^e Massachusets, for which they payed
fraight by y^e tun. And this was all the satisfaction they could have at
presente, so they brought this small parcell of goods & returned with
this nues, and a letter as obscure; which made them much to marvell
therat. The letter was as followeth.
Gentle-men, partners, and loving friends, &c.
Breefly thus: wee have this year set forth a fishing ship, and a
trading ship, which later we have bought; and so have disbursed a
great deale of money, as may and will appeare by y^e accounts. And
because this ship (called y^e White Angell) is to acte 2. parts, (as I
may say,) fishing for bass, and trading; and that while M^r. Allerton
was imployed aboute y^e trading, the fishing might suffer by carlesnes
or neglecte of y^e sailors, we have entreated your and our loving
friend, M^r. Hatherley, to goe over with him, knowing he will be a
comforte to M^r. Allerton, a joye to you, to see a carfull and loving
friend, and a great stay to y^e bussines; and so great contente to us,
that if it should please God y^e one should faile, (as God forbid,)
yet y^e other would keepe both recconings, and things uprighte. For we
are now out great sumes of money, as they will acquainte you withall,
&c. When we were out but 4. or 5. hundred pounds a peece, we looked
not much after it, but left it to you, & your agente, (who, without
flaterie, deserveth infinite thanks & comendations, both of you & us,
for his pains, &c.); but now we are out double, nay, trible a peece,
some of us, &c.; which maks us both write, and send over our friend,
M^r. Hatherley, whom we pray you to entertaine kindly, of which we
doubte not of. The main end of sending him is to see y^e state and
accounte of all y^e bussines, of all which we pray you informe him
fully, though y^e ship & bussines wayte for it and him. For we should
take it very unkindly that we should intreat him to take such a
journey, and that, when it pleaseth God he returnes, he could not give
us contente & satisfaction in this perticuler, through defaulte of any
of you. [176] But we hope you will so order bussines, as neither he
nor we shall have cause to complaine, but to doe as we ever have done,
thinke well of you all, &c. I will not promise, but shall indeaour &
hope to effecte y^e full desire and grant of your patente, & that ere
it be longe. I would not have you take any thing unkindly. I have not
write out of jeolocie of any unjuste dealing. Be you all kindly
saluted in y^e Lord, so I rest,
Yours in what I may,
JAMES SHERLEY.
March 25. 1630.
It needs not be thought strange, that these things should amase and
trouble them; first, that this fishing ship should be set out, and
fraight with other mens goods, & scarce any of theirs; seeing their
maine end was (as is before remembred) to bring them a full supply, and
their speatiall order not to sett out any excepte this was done. And now
a ship to come on their accounte, clean contrary to their both end &
order, was a misterie they could not understand; and so much y^e worse,
seeing she had shuch ill success as to lose both her vioage &
provissions. The 2. thing, that another ship should be bought and sente
out on new designes, a thing not so much as once thought on by any
here, much less, not a word intimated or spoaken of by any here, either
by word or letter, neither could they imagine why this should be. Bass
fishing was never lookt at by them, but as soone as ever they heard on
it, they looked at it as a vaine thing, that would certainly turne to
loss. And for M^r. Allerton to follow any trade for them, it was never
in their thoughts. And 3^ly, that their fri[=e]ds should complaine of
disbursements, and yet rune into such great things, and charge of
shiping & new projects of their owne heads, not only without, but
against, all order & advice, was to them very strang. And 4^ly, that all
these matters of so great charg & imployments should be thus wrapped up
in a breefe and obscure letter, they knew not what to make of it. But
amids all their doubts they must have patience till M^r. Allerton & M^r.
Hatherley should come. In y^e mean time M^r. Winslow was gone for
England; and others of them were forst to folow their imployments with
y^e best means they had, till they could hear of better.
At length M^r. Hatherley & M^r. Allerton came unto them, (after they had
delivered their goods,) and finding them strucken with some sadnes
aboute these things, M^r. Allerton tould them that y^e ship Whit-Angele
did not belong to them, nor their accounte, neither neede they have any
thing to doe with her, excepte they would. And M^r. Hatherley confirmed
y^e same, and said that they would have had him to have had a parte,
but he refused; but he made question whether they would not turne her
upon y^e generall accounte, if ther came loss (as he now saw was like),
seeing M^r. Allerton laid downe this course, and put them on this
projecte. But for y^e fishing ship, he tould them they need not be so
much troubled, for he had her accounts here, and showed them that her
first seting out came not much to exceed 600^li. as they might see by
y^e accounte, which he showed them; and for this later viage, it would
arrise to profite by y^e fraight of the goods, and y^e salle of some
katle which he shiped and had allready sould, & was to be paid for
partly here & partly by bills into England, so as they should not have
this put on their acounte at all, except they [178][CP] would. And for
y^e former, he had sould so much goods out of her in England, and
imployed y^e money in this 2. viage, as it, togeither with such goods &
implements as M^r. Allerton must need aboute his fishing, would rise to
a good parte of y^e money; for he must have y^e sallt and nets, allso
spiks, nails, &c.; all which would rise to nere 400^li; so, with y^e
bearing of their parts of y^e rest of the loses (which would not be much
above 200^li.), they would clear them of this whole accounte. Of which
motion they were glad, not being willing to have any accounts lye upon
them; but aboute their trade, which made them willing to harken
therunto, and demand of M^r. Hatherley how he could make this good, if
they should agree their unto, he tould them he was sent over as their
agente, and had this order from them, that whatsoever he and M^r.
Allerton did togeather, they would stand to it; but they would not alow
of what M^r. Allerton did alone, except they liked it; but if he did it
alone, they would not gaine say it. Upon which they sould to him & M^r.
Allerton all y^e rest of y^e goods, and gave them present possession of
them; and a writing was made, and confirmed under both M^r. Hatherleys
and M^r. Allertons hands, to y^e effecte afforesaide. And M^r.
Allertone, being best aquainted w^th y^e people, sould away presenly all
shuch goods as he had no need of for y^e fishing, as 9. shallop sails,
made of good new canvas, and y^e roads for them being all new, with
sundry such usefull goods, for ready beaver, by M^r. Hatherleys
allowance. And thus they thought they had well provided for them selvs.
Yet they rebuked M^r. Allerton very much for runing into these courses,
fearing y^e success of them. M^r. Allerton & M^r. Hatherley brought to
y^e towne with them (after he had sould what he could abroad) a great
quantity of other goods besids trading comodities; as linen cloath,
bedticks, stockings, tape, pins, ruggs, &c., and tould them they were to
have them, if they would; but they tould M^r. Allerton that they had
forbid him before for bringing any such on their accounte; it would
hinder their trade and returnes. But he & M^r. Hatherley said, if they
would not have them, they would sell them, them selves, and take corne
for what they could not otherwise sell. They tould them they might, if
they had order for it. The goods of one sorte & other came to upward of
500^li.
After these things, Mr. Allerton wente to y^e ship aboute his bass
fishing; and M^r. Hatherley, (according to his order,) after he tooke
knowledg how things stood at y^e plantation, (of all which they informed
him fully,) he then desired a boate of them to goe and visite y^e
trading houeses, both Kenebeck, and Ashley at Penobscote; for so they in
England had injoyned him. They accordingly furnished him with a boate &
men for y^e viage, and aquainted him plainly & thorowly with all things;
by which he had good contente and satisfaction, and saw plainly that
M^r. Allerton plaid his owne game, and rane a course not only to y^e
great wrong & detrimente of y^e plantation, who imployed & trusted him,
but abused them in England also, in possessing them with prejudice
against y^e plantation; as y^t, they would never be able to repaye their
moneys (in regard of their great charge), but if [179] they would follow
his advice and projects, he & Ashley (being well supplyed) would quickly
bring in their moneys with good advantage. Mr. Hatherley disclosed also
a further projecte aboute y^e setting out of this ship, y^e
White-angell; how, she being wel fitted with good ordnance, and known to
have made a great fight at sea (when she belongd to Bristoll) and caried
away the victory, they had agreed (by M^r. Allerton's means) that,
after she had brought a fraight of goods here into the countrie, and
fraight her selfe with fish, she should goe from hence to Port of
porte,[CQ] and ther be sould, both ship, goods, and ordenance; and had,
for this end, had speech with a factore of those parts, beforehand, to
whom she should have been consigned. But this was prevented at this
time, (after it was known,) partly by y^e contrary advice given by their
freinds hear to M^r. Allerton & M^r. Hatherley, showing how it might
insnare their friends in England, (being men of estate,) if it should
come to be knowne; and for y^e plantation, they did and would disalow
it, and protest against it; and partly by their bad viage, for they both
came too late to doe any good for fishing, and allso had such a wicked
and drunken company as neither M^r. Allerton nor any els could rule; as
M^r. Hatherley, to his great greefe & shame, saw, & beheld, and all
others that came nere them.
Ashley likwise was taken in a trape, (before M^r. Hatherley returned,)
for trading powder & shote with y^e Indeans; and was ceased upon by some
in authoritie, who allso would have confiscated above a thousand weight
of beaver; but y^e goods were freed, for y^e Governer here made it
appere, by a bond under Ashleys hand, wherin he was bound to them in
500^li. not to trade any munition with the Indeans, or other wise to
abuse him selfe; it was also manifest against him that he had co[=m]ited
uncleannes with Indean women, (things that they feared at his first
imployment, which made them take this strict course with him in y^e
begining); so, to be shorte, they gott their goods freed, but he was
sent home prisoner. And that I may make an end concerning him, after
some time of imprisonmente in y^e Fleet, by y^e means of friends he was
set at liberty, and intended to come over againe, but y^e Lord prevented
it; for he had a motion made to him, by some marchants, to goe into
Russia, because he had such good skill in y^e beaver trade, the which he
accepted of, and in his returne home was cast away at sea; this was his
end.
M^r. Hatherley, fully understanding y^e state of all things, had good
satisfaction, and could well informe them how all things stood betweene
M^r. Allerton and y^e plantation. Yea, he found that M^r. Allerton had
gott within him, and [180] got all the goods into his owne hands, for
which M^r. Hatherley stood joyntly ingaged to them hear, aboute y^e
ship-Fre[=i]dship, as also most of y^e fraigte money, besids some of his
owne perticuler estate; about w^ch more will appear here after. So he
returned into England, and they sente a good quantity of beaver with him
to y^e rest of y^e partners; so both he and it was very wellcome unto
them.
M^r. Allerton followed his affaires, & returned with his White Angell,
being no more imployed by y^e plantation; but these bussinesses were
not ended till many years after, nor well understood of a longe time,
but foulded up in obscuritie, & kepte in y^e clouds, to y^e great loss &
vexation of y^e plantation, who in y^e end were (for peace sake) forced
to bear y^e unjust burthen of them, to their allmost undoing, as will
appear, if God give life to finish this history.
They sent their letters also by M^r. Hatherley to y^e partners ther, to
show them how M^r. Hatherley & M^r. Allerton had discharged them of y^e
Friendships accounte, and that they boath affirmed y^t the White-Angell
did not at all belong to them; and therfore desired that their accounte
might not be charged therwith. Also they write to M^r. Winslow, their
agente, that he in like maner should (in their names) protest against
it, if any such thing should be intended, for they would never yeeld to
y^e same. As allso to signifie to them that they renounsed M^r. Allerton
wholy, for being their agente, or to have any thing to doe in any of
their bussines.
This year John Billinton y^e elder (one that came over with y^e first)
was arrained, and both by grand & petie jurie found guilty of willfull
murder, by plaine & notorious evidence. And was for the same accordingly
executed.[CR] This, as it was y^e first execution amongst them, so was
it a mater of great sadnes unto them. They used all due means about his
triall, and tooke y^e advice of M^r. Winthrop and other y^e ablest
gentle-men in y^e Bay of y^e Massachusets, that were then new-ly come
over, who concured with them y^t he ought to dye, and y^e land to be
purged from blood. He and some of his had been often punished for
miscariags before, being one of the profanest families amongst them.
They came from London, and I know not by what freinds shufled into their
company. His facte was, that he way-laid a yong-man, one John New-comin,
(about a former quarell,) and shote him with a gune, wherof he dyed.[CS]
Having by a providence a letter or to y^t came to my hands concerning
the proceedings of their Re^d freinds in y^e Bay of y^e Massachusets,
who were latly come over, I thought it not amise here to inserte them,
(so farr as is pertenente, and may be usefull for after times,) before I
conclude this year.
S^r: Being at Salem the 25. of July, being y^e saboath, after y^e
evening exercise, M^r. Johnson received a letter from y^e Governor,
Mr. John Winthrop, manifesting y^e hand of God to be upon them, and
against them at Charles-towne, in visiting them with sicknes, and
taking diverse from amongst them, not sparing y^e righteous, but
partaking with y^e wicked in these bodily judgments. It was therfore
by his desire taken into y^e Godly consideration of y^e best hear,
what was to be done to pacifie y^e Lords wrath, &c. Wher it was
concluded, that the Lord was to be sought in righteousnes; and to that
end, y^e 6. day (being Friday) of this present weeke, is set aparte,
that they may humble them selves before God, and seeke him in his
ordenances; and that then also such godly persons that are amongst
them, and kno[=w] each to other, may publickly, at y^e end of their
exercise, make known their Godly desire, and practise y^e same, viz.
sole[=m]ly to enter into [181] covenante with y^e Lord to walke in his
ways. And since they are so disposed of in their outward estats, as to
live in three distinct places, each having men of abilitie amongst
them, ther to observe y^e day, and become 3. distincte bodys; not then
intending rashly to proceed to y^e choyce of officers, or y^e
admitting of any other to their societie then a few, to witte, such as
are well knowne unto them; promising after to receive in such by
confession of faith, as shall appeare to be fitly qualified for y
estate. They doe ernestly entreate that y^e church of Plimoth would
set apparte y^e same day, for y^e same ends, beseeching y^e Lord, as
to withdraw his hand of correction from them, so also to establish and
direct them in his wayes. And though y^e time be shorte, we pray you
be provocked to this godly worke, seing y^e causes are so urgente;
wherin God will be honoured, and they & we undoubtedly have sweete
comforte. Be you all kindly saluted, &c.
Your brethren in Christ, &c.
Salem, July 26. 1630.
S^r: etc. The sadd news here is, that many are sicke, and many are
dead; y^e Lord in mercie looke upon them. Some are here entered into
church covenante; the first were 4. namly, y^e Gov^r, M^r. John
Winthrop, M^r. Johnson, M^r. Dudley, and M^r. Willson; since that 5.
more are joyned unto them, and others, it is like, will adde them
selves to them dayly; the Lord increase them, both in number and in
holines for his mercie sake. Here is a gentleman, one M^r. Cottington,
(a Boston man,) who tould me, that M^r. Cottons charge at Hamton was,
that they should take advise of them at Plimoth, and should doe
nothing to offend them. Here are diverce honest Christians that are
desirous to see us, some out of love which they bear to us, and y^e
good perswasion they have of us; others to see whether we be so ill as
they have heard of us. We have a name of holines, and love to God and
his saincts; the Lord make us more and more answerable, and that it
may be more then a name, or els it will doe us no good. Be you
lovingly saluted, and all the rest of our friends. The Lord Jesus
blese us, and y^e whole Israll of God. Amen.
Your loving brother, &c.
Charles-towne, Aug. 2. 1630.
Thus out of smalle beginings greater things have been prodused by his
hand y^t made all things of nothing, and gives being to all things that
are; and as one small candle may light a thousand, so y^e light here
kindled hath shone to many, yea in some sorte to our whole nation; let
y^e glorious name of Jehova have all y^e praise.
[182] _Anno Dom_: 1631.
Ashley being thus by y^e hand of God taken away, and M^r. Allerton
discharged of his imploymente for them, their bussines began againe to
rune in one chanell, and them selves better able to guide the same,
Penobscote being wholy now at their disposing. And though M^r. William
Peirce had a parte ther as is before noted, yet now, as things stood, he
was glad to have his money repayed him, and stand out. M^r. Winslow,
whom they had sent over, sent them over some supply as soone as he
could; and afterwards when he came, which was something longe by reason
of bussines, he brought a large supply of suitable goods with him, by
which ther trading was well carried on. But by no means either he, or
y^e letters y^ey write, could take off M^r. Sherley & y^e rest from
putting both y^e Friendship and Whit-Angell on y^e generall accounte;
which caused continuall contention betweene them, as will more appeare.
I shall inserte a leter of M^r. Winslow's about these things, being as
foloweth.
S^r: It fell out by Gods providence, y^t I received and brought your
leters p^r M^r. Allerton from Bristoll, to London; and doe much feare
what will be y^e event of things. M^r. Allerton intended to prepare
y^e ship againe, to set forth upon fishing. M^r. Sherley, M^r.
Beachamp, & M^r. Andrews, they renounce all perticulers, protesting
but for us they would never have adventured one penie into those
parts; M^r. Hatherley stands inclinable to either. And wheras you
write that he and M^r. Allerton have taken y^e Whit-Angell upon them,
for their partners here, they professe they neiver gave any such
order, nor will make it good; if them selves will cleare y^e accounte
& doe it, all shall be well. What y^e evente of these things will be,
I know not. The Lord so directe and assiste us, as he may not be
dishonoured by our divissions. I hear (p^r a friend) that I was much
blamed for speaking w^t[CT] I heard in y^e spring of y^e year,
concerning y^e buying & setting forth of y^t ship;[CU] sure, if I
should not have tould you what I heard so peremtorly reported (which
report I offered now to prove at Bristoll), I should have been
unworthy my imploymente. And concerning y^e commission so long since
given to M^r. Allerton, the truth is, the thing we feared is come upon
us; for M^r. Sherley & y^e rest have it, and will not deliver it, that
being y^e ground of our agents credite to procure shuch great sumes.
But I looke for bitter words, hard thoughts, and sower looks, from
sundrie, as well for writing this, as reporting y^e former. I would I
had a more thankfull imploymente; but I hope a good conscience shall
make it comefortable, &c.
Thus farr he. Dated Nov: 16. 1631.
The comission above said was given by them under their hand and seale,
when M^r. Allerton was first imployed by them, and redemanded of him in
y^e year 29. when they begane to suspecte his course. He tould them it
was amongst his papers, but he would seeke it out & give it them before
he wente. But he being ready to goe, it was demanded againe. He said he
could not find it, but it was amongst his papers, which he must take
w^th him, [183] and he would send it by y^e boat from y^e eastward; but
ther it could not be had neither, but he would seeke it up at sea. But
whether M^r. Sherley had it before or after, it is not certaine; but
having it, he would not let it goe, but keeps it to this day. Wherfore,
even amongst freinds, men had need be carfull whom they trust, and not
lett things of this nature lye long unrecaled.
_Some parts of M^r. Sherley's letters aboute these things, in which y^e
truth is best manifested._
Sir: Yours I have received by our loving friends, M^r. Allerton & M^r.
Hatherley, who, blesed be God, after a long & dangerous passage with
y^e ship Angell, are safely come to Bristoll. M^r. Hatherley is come
up, but M^r. Allerton I have not yet seen. We thanke you, and are very
glad you have disswaded him from his Spanish viage, and y^t he did not
goe on in these designes he intended; for we did all uterly dislick of
that course, as allso of y^e fishing y^t y^e Freindship should have
performed; for we wished him to sell y^e salte, and were unwilling to
have him undertake so much bussines, partly for y^e ill success we
formerly had in those affairs, and partly being loath to disburse so
much money. But he perswaded us this must be one way y^t must repay
us, for y^e plantation would be long in doing of it; ney, to my
rememberance, he doubted you could not be able, with y^e trade ther,
to maintaine your charge & pay us. And for this very cause he brought
us on y^t bussines with Ed: Ashley, for he was a stranger to us, &c.
For y^e fishing ship, we are sorie it proves so heavie, and will be
willing to bear our parts. What M^r. Hatherley & M^r. Allerton have
done, no doubt but them selves will make good;[CV] we gave them no
order to make any composition, to seperate you and us in this or any
other. And I thinke you have no cause to forsake us, for we put you
upon no new thing, but what your agent perswaded us to, & you by your
letters desired. If he exceede your order, I hope you will not blame
us, much less cast us of, when our moneys be layed out, &c. But I fear
neither you nor we have been well delte withall, for sure, as you
write, halfe 4000^li.?, nay, a quarter, in fitting comodities, and in
seasonable time, would have furnished you beter then you were. And yet
for all this, and much more I might write, I dare not but thinke him
honest, and that his desire and intente was good; but y^e wisest may
faile. Well, now y^t it hath pleased God to give us hope of meeting,
doubte not but we will all indeavore to perfecte these accounts just &
right, as soone as possibly we can. And I supposs you sente over M^r.
Winslow, and we M^r. Hatherley, to certifie each other how y^e state
of things stood. We have received some contente upon M^r. Hatherley's
returne, and I hope you will receive good contente upon M^r.
Winslow's returne. Now I should come to answer more perticulerly your
letter, but herin I shall be very breefe. The coming of y^e White
Angele on your accounte could not be more strang to you, then y^e
buying of her was to us; for you gave him commission[CW] that what he
did you would stand too; we gave him none, and yet for his credite,
and your saks, payed what bills he charged on us, &c. For y^t I write
she was to acte tow parts, fishing & trade; beleeve me, I never so
much as thought of any perticuler trade, nor will side with any y^t
doth, if I conceive it may wrong you; for I ever was against it,
useing these words: They will eate up and destroy y^e generall.
Other things I omite as tedious, and not very pertenente. This was dated
Nov^r. 19. 1631.
In an other leter bearing date y^e 24. of this month, being an answer to
y^e generall order, he hath these words:--
[184] For y^e White Angell, against which you write so ernestly, and
say we thrust her upon you, contrary to y^e intente of y^e buyer,
herin we say you forgett your selves, and doe us wrong. We will not
take uppon us to devine what y^e thougts or intents of y^e buyer was,
but what he spack we heard, and that we will affirme, and make good
against any y^t oppose it; which is, y^t unles shee were bought, and
shuch a course taken, Ashley could not be supplyed; and againe, if he
weer not supplyed, we could not be satisfied what we were out for you.
And further, you were not able to doe it; and he gave some reasons
which we spare to relate, unless by your unreasonable refusall you
will force us, and so, hasten y^t fire which is a kindling too fast
allready, &c.
_Out of another of his, bearing date Jan. 2. 1631._
We purpose to keep y^e Freindship and y^e Whit Angell, for y^e last
year viages, on the generall accounte, hoping togeither they will
rather produse profite then loss, and breed less confution in our
accounts, and less disturbance in our affections. As for y^e White
Angell, though we layed out y^e money, and tooke bills of salle in our
owne names, yet none of us had so much as a thought (I dare say) of
deviding from you in any thing this year, because we would not have
y^e world (I may say Bristoll) take notice of any breach betwixte M^r.
Allerton and you, and he and us; and so disgrace him in his
proceedings on[CX] in his intended viage. We have now let him y^e ship
at 30^li. p^r month, by charter-partie, and bound him in a bond of a
1000^li. to performe covenants, and bring her to London (if God
please). And what he brings in her for you, shall be marked w^th your
marke, and bils of laden taken, & sent in M^r. Winslows letter, who is
this day riding to Bristoll about it. So in this viage, we deale & are
with him as strangers. He hath brought in 3. books of accounts, one
for y^e company, an other for Ashley's bussines, and y^e third for y^e
Whit-Angell and Freindship. The books, or coppies, we purpose to send
you, for you may discover y^e errours in them better then we. We can
make it appear how much money he hath had of us, and you can charg him
with all y^e beaver he hath had of you. The totall sume, as he hath
put it, is 7103. 17. 1. Of this he hath expended, and given to Mr.
Vines & others, aboute 543^li. ode money, and then by your books you
will find whether you had such, & so much goods, as he chargeth you
with all; and this is all that I can say at presente concerning these
accounts. He thought to dispatch them in a few howers, but he and
Straton & Fogge were above a month aboute them; but he could not stay
till we had examined them, for losing his fishing viage, which I fear
he hath allready done, &c.
We blese God, who put both you & us in mind to send each to other, for
verily had he rune on in that desperate & chargable course one year
more, we had not been able to suport him; nay, both he and we must
have lyen in y^e ditch, and sunck under y^e burthen, &c. Had ther been
an orderly course taken, and your bussines better managed, assuredly
(by y^e blessing of God) you had been y^e ablest plantation that, as
we think, or know, hath been undertaken by Englishmen, &c.