remember our service unto you and yours, thanking you most humbly
for your great kindness, when we were at Plymouth with you: Sir, I
make bold to trouble you with a few lines, for to certify you, how
it hath pleased God to deal with us, since you heard from us; how,
notwithstanding all opposition, that hath been here and elsewhere, it
hath pleased God to lay a foundation, the which I hope is agreeable
to his word, in every thing: The 20th of July, it pleased God to
move the heart of our Governour, to set it apart, for a solemn day
of humiliation for the choice of a pastor and teacher; the former
part of the day being spent in praise and teaching; the latter part
was spent about the election, which was after this manner; the
persons thought on (who had been ministers in England) were demanded
concerning their callings; they acknowledged there was a two-fold
calling, the one and inward calling, when the Lord moved the heart
of a man to take that calling upon him, and fitted him with gifts
for the same; the second (the outward calling) was from the people,
when a company of believers are joined together in covenant, to walk
together in all the ways of God, every member (being men) are to
have a free voice in the choice of their officers, &c. Now we being
persuaded that these two were so qualified, as the apostle speaks of
to Timothy, where he saith a bishop must be blameless, sober, apt to
teach, &c. I think I may say as the eunuch said unto Philip, what
should let him from being baptised, seeing there was water, and he
believed; so these two servants of God clearing all things by their
answers (and being thus fitted) we saw no reason but that we might
freely give our voices for their election after this trial: Their
choice was after this manner, every fit member wrote, in a note, his
name whom the Lord moved him to think was fit for a pastor, and so
likewise, whom they would have for teacher; so the most voice was
for Mr. Skelton to be pastor, and Mr. Higginson to be teacher; and
they accepting the choice, Mr. Higginson, with three or four more of
the gravest members of the church, laid their hands on Mr. Skelton,
using prayers therewith. This being done, then there was imposition
of hands on Mr. Higginson: Then there was proceeding in election of
elders and deacons, but they were only named, and laying on of hands
deferred, to see if it pleased God to send us more able men over; but
since Thursday, being (as I take it the 5th of August) is appointed
for another solemn day of humiliation, for the full choice of elders
and deacons and ordaining them; now, good Sir, I hope, that you and
the rest of God’s people (who are acquainted with the ways of God)
with you, will say that here was a right foundation laid, and that
these two blessed servants of the Lord came in at the door, and not
at the window: And thus I have made bold to trouble you with these
few lines, desiring you to remember us to Mr. Brewster, Mr. Smith,
Mr. Fuller, and the rest of the church; so I rest, at your service in
what I may till death,
CHARLES GOTT.
_Salem, July 30, Anno 1629._
* * * * *
But now I will return again to Mr. Shirley’s letters, and see what he
saith to our last agreement.
_To his worthy and approved loving friend, Mr._ WILLIAM BRADFORD,
_Governour of Plymouth in New England, these_,
_Most worthy Sir, and my continual loving friend_
_Mr._ BRADFORD,
Your letters of the 21st of May, from Plymouth, and of the 6th of
Sept. 1629 from Salem, I have received, whereby I understand of your
health and welfare, and all your friends, for which great mercies
and blessings, the Lord make us thankful, for answer of your loving
letter and the many thanks for small courtesies, I say, in a word,
I would I had power and ability to do for you and all honest men
with you, according to my will and desire; but though I came short
in the former, I hope the Lord will continue my love in affection,
and that you will accept of what I can do: Your deputation we have
received, and the goods have been taken up and sold, by your faithful
agent, Mr. Allerton, myself having been in Holland near three month
this summer, at Amsterdam and other places, about my affairs: I see
further the agreement you have made with the generality, in which
I cannot understand but you have done very well, both for them and
you, and also for your friends at Leyden; Mr. Beauchamp, Mr. Andrews,
Mr. Hatherly and myself, do so like it and approve of it, as we
are willing to join with you in it, and, as it shall please God to
direct and enable us, will be assisting and helpful to you the best
that possibly we can: Nay, had you not taken this course, I do not
see how you should have accomplished the end you first aimed at, and
some others endeavoured these years past: We know it must keep us
from the profit, which otherwise, by the blessing of God and your
endeavours, might be gained; for most of those which came in May
last unto you, as also these now sent, though I hope honest and good
people, yet not like to be helpful to raise profit; but rather, nay
certain, must, a good while, be chargeable to you and us; at which it
is likely, had not this wise and discreet course been taken, many of
your generality would have grudged: Again you say well in your letter
(and I make no doubt but you will perform it) that now being but few
on whom the burden must be, you will both manage it the better and
set to it more cheerfully, having no discontents nor contradiction,
but so lovingly join together in affection and counsel, as God no
doubt but will bless and prosper your honest labours and endeavours:
and therefore in all respects I do not see but you have done
marvellously, discreetly and advisedly, and no doubt but it gives all
parties good content, I mean that are reasonable and honest men, such
as make conscience in giving the best satisfaction they are able
for their debt, and that regard not their own particular so much as
the accomplishing of that good end for which this business was first
intended.
Sir, for our business I shall refer you to our general letter, which
way of advice I would entreat you to use and write a general letter,
naming therein Mr. Beauchamp, Mr. Andrews, and Mr. Hatherly with
myself, though, this time, they did not, nay, Mr. Hatherly would
but could not write to you. Sir, I must of force break off. My wife
desires to be remembered to you and yours, and I think she hath put
up a small token (as a pair of stockings) for you; thus desiring
the Lord to bless and prosper you, and all your, and our honest
endeavours, I ever rest
Your unfeigned, and ever loving friend,
JAMES SHIRLEY.
_March 8, Anno 1629._
P. S. Mr. Bradford, give me leave to put you in mind of one thing;
here are many of your Leyden people now come over, and though I have
ever had good thoughts of them, yet believe not every one, what they
shall report of Mr. Allerton; he hath been a trusty honest friend to
you all, either there or here: And if any do (as I know some of them
are apt to speak ill of him) believe them not. Indeed they have been
unreasonably chargeable, yet grudge and are not contended: Verily
their indiscreet carriage here hath so abated my affection towards
them, as were Mrs. Robinson well over, I would not disburse one penny
for the rest.
* * * * *
This offence was given by some of them, which redounded to the
prejudice of the whole; and indeed our friends which sent this latter
company were to blame; for they now sent all the weakest and poorest,
without any of note and better discretion and government amongst
them, contrary to our minds and advice; for they thought, if these
were got over, the other might come when they would; but partly this
distaste, but especially the great charge, which both these companies
came to, coming so near together, put a bar in the way: for though
this company were the fewer in number, yet their charge came to an
100l. more. And notwithstanding this indiscretion, yet they were such
as feared God, and were to us both welcome and useful, for the most
part; they were also kept at our charge eighteen months, and all new
appareled and all other charges defrayed.
_Another of Mr._ SHIRLEY’S, _to our worthy and beloved friends Mr._
WILLIAM BRADFORD _Governour, and the rest of our loving partners,
these, at Plymouth in New England_.
Most worthy and loving friends Mr. Bradford, Mr. Brewster, Captain
Standish, and Mr. Winslow, with the rest; you may marvel I join you
all in one letter, having many letters from you: But Mr. Allerton
may make excuse for me in this particular; it is true I have had
some of your letters in July and some since by Mr. Peirce, but till
our main business, the patent, was granted, I could not set my mind
nor pen to writing; and Mr. Allerton was so turmoiled about it, and
found so many difficulties and oppositions, as verily I would not,
nay, could not, have undergone it, if I might have had a thousand
pounds; but the Lord so blessed his labours (even beyond expectation
in these evil days) as he obtained love and favour of great men in
repute and place; he got granted from the Earl of Warwick and Sir
Ferdinando Gorges all Mr. Winslow desired in his letters to me, and
more also, which I leave him to relate: Then he sued to the King
to confirm their grant and to make you a Corporation, and so to
enable you to make and execute laws in such large and ample manner,
as the Salem or Massachusetts plantation hath it, which the King
graciously granted, referring it to the Lord Keeper to give order to
the solicitor to draw it up, if there were a precedent for it; so the
Lord Keeper (the best of his rank) furthered it all he could, and
also the solicitor; but as Festus said to Paul, with no small sum
obtained I this freedom, for by the way there were many riddles which
must be resolved, and many locks must be opened with the silver,
nay, the golden key; then it was to come to the Lord Treasurer, to
have his warrant for freeing the custom for a certain time; but he
would not do it but referred it to the Council Table, and there Mr.
Allerton attended, day by day, that they sat, and made great means
and friends, both of Lords and secretaries, for the furtherance of
it, but they were so full of other great matters, as he could not get
his, or rather Mr. Bradford’s petition read, and (by reason of Mr.
Peirce, his being and staying with all the passengers at Bristol,
even ready to set sail, and the wind good) he was forced to leave
the further tending and prosecuting of it to a solicitor, and come
for Bristol; but there is no fear nor doubt but it will be granted;
for he hath the chief of them to friend; yet it will be marvellous
needful for him to return by the first ships that come from thence,
for if you had this granted, then were you complete, and might bear
such sway and government, as were fit for your rank and place that
God hath called you unto, and stop the mouths of base and scurrilous
fellows, that are ready to question and threaten you in every action
you do: And besides, if you have the custom free for seven years
inward and twenty-one years outward, the charge of the patent will
soon be recovered, and there is no fear of obtaining it; only such
things must work by degrees, men cannot hasten it as they would;
wherefore we (I write here, in the behalf of all our partners)
desire you to be earnest with Mr. Allerton, and with his wife here
to come, and she to spare him this one year (nay I hope but a few
months more) to finish this great and weighty business, which we
conceive will be much for your good and well and sure subsisting,
yea, and I hope for your posterity, and for many generations to come;
for I am persuaded Sir Ferdinando (how loving and friendly soever
he seems to be) knows he can, nay, purposeth to overthrow, at his
pleasure, all the patents he grants, but, this being obtained, he
will be frustrate of his intent; and unless a Parliament should call
them in (which is not likely) you need not fear, as Mr. Allerton
can further certify you, and so much for this[9]costly and tedious
business; now I see what most of your letters signify unto me,
concerning the contracting of ourselves into a fewer number for the
managing of our business and paying of our debts, which I confess are
great and needful to be carefully considered of; and no doubt but
we, joining in love, may soon overcome them, but we must follow it
roundly and to purpose, for if we piddle out the time in our trade,
others will step in and nose us; but we know and consider you have
that acquaintance and experience as none the like in the country;
wherefore, loving friends and partners, be no ways discouraged with
the greatness of the debt (of which I refer you to the accounts,
being the only cause of my being at Bristol, and, if time permit and
God enable me, shall be brought in some good and plain form) let
us not fulfil the proverb, bestow twelve pence on a purse, and put
sixpence in it; but as you and we have been at great charge, and
undergone much for settling of you there, and to gain experience;
so, as God shall please to enable us, let us make use of it and not
think with 50l. a year sent you over, to raise such means as to pay
our debts.[10] We see a possibility of good, if you be well supplied
and fully furnished, and chiefly, if you do lovingly, and as you
do (and well you do) profess to be brethren, so say as Abraham
said to Lot, let there be no contention because we are brethren: I
know I write to godly, wise, and understanding men, such as have
learned to bear one another’s infirmities and rejoice at any one’s
prosperity; and if I were able I would press this the more, because
it is hoped by some of your and our enemies, that you will fall out
amongst yourselves and so overthrow our hopeful business; nay, I
have heard it credibly reported, that some have said that till you
be disjointed, by discontents and factions amongst yourselves, it
boots not for any to go over, in hope of getting or doing good in
these parts; but we hope better things of you, and that you will not
only bear with one another, and persuade, and that effectually, one
another to the contrary, but that you will banish such thoughts, and
not suffer them to lodge in your breasts; it is certain offences
will come, but wo unto them, by whom they come, and blessed is
the peace maker; which blessedness I know you all desire, and God
grant you may disappoint the hopes of your foes and procure the
hearty desire of yourselves and friends in this particular. I am
further to acquaint you that we have sent you a large supply for
your magazine, or trade, and also that we have thought good to join
with one Edward Ashley (a man I think whom most of you know) but it
is only of that place whereof he hath a patent, in Mr. Beauchamp’s
name; and to that end have furnished him with large provisions; now
if you please to be partners with us in this, we are willing you
shall, for after we understood how willing and forward, Bristol men,
and, as I hear, some able men of his own kindred have been, to stock
and supply him, hoping of profit, we thought fit for us to lay hold
of such an opportunity, and a kind of running plantation, rather
than other who have not borne the burden of settling a plantation,
as we have done; and he, on the other side, like an understanding
young man, thought it better to join with those that had means by
a plantation, to supply and back him there, rather than strangers,
that look but only after profit: Indeed the Salem partners here, as
Mr. Humfries, Mr. Johnson; but chiefly Mr. Cradock and Mr. Winthrop,
would fain have joined with him, and, when that could not be, with
us, in that business; but we not willing, and they failing they said
he would strip them of all trade in those parts; and therefore they
so crossed him and us in the taking of the patent, as we could not
have it, but to join their name with ours in it, though Knights, and
men of good rank and near the King, spake in his behalf; and this I
conceive they did only to bring it to pass, that they might join
with us: Now it is not known that you are partners with him, or you
and we joined partners with him, but only we four, Mr. Andrews, Mr.
Beauchamp, and myself and Mr. Hatherley, who desired to have the
patent in consideration of our great loss we have already sustained
in settling of the first plantation there; so in conclusion we agree
together to take it in both our names. And now as I said before, if
you please to join with us, we are willing you should partake with
us in the profits, if it please God to send any: Mr. Allerton had no
power from you to make this new contract, neither was he willing to
do anything therein without your consent and approbation. Mr. William
Peirce is joined with us in this, and we thought it very convenient
because of landing Edward Ashley and his goods there, if it please
God, wind and weather serving, as I hope it will, and he will bend
his course accordingly; he hath a new boat hence with him and boards
to make another; and as I think four or five lusty fellows, whereof
one is a carpenter: Now in case you are not willing to join in this
particular with us, fearing the charge and doubting the success, yet
thus much we would entreat of you to afford him all the help you
can either by men, commodities or boats, yet not but that he will
pay you for any thing that he hath; for I will and so desire you to
keep the accounts apart, though you join with us; because there is
(as you see) other partners in this, than in the other; so, for all
men’s wages, boats hire, or commodities which he shall have of you,
make him debtor for it, and what you shall have of him, make the
plantation or yourselves, debtors for it to him; and so there need
be no mingling of the accounts. And now loving friends and partners,
if you join in Edward Ashley’s patent and business (as I cannot see
but it is for your good to do) though we have laid out the money
and taken up much to stock this business and the other, yet I think
it conscionable and reasonable that you should bear your shares and
proportion of the stock, if not by present money yet by securing us,
for so much as it shall come to; for it is not barely the interest
that is to be allowed, and considered of but the adventure; though I
hope by the blessing of God and your honest endeavours, it may soon
be payed; the years that this partnership holds is not long nor many,
let all therefore lay it to heart, and make the best use of the time
that possibly we can; and let every man set too his shoulder and the
burden will be the lighter, for though some speak or write not of it,
but are contented to do as I do, and wholly rely on me, yet I would
be loath they should think themselves hardly dealt with all; but I
know you are so honest and conscionable men, as you will take it into
consideration and return such answer as may give good satisfaction;
there is none of us would have ventured as we do, were it not to
strengthen, settle, and do you good, more than our own particular
profit: Mr. Fogge, Mr. Coalson, and Mr. Thomas, though they seemed
earnest to be partners, yet when they saw the debt and charge fell
themselves off, and left you, us, and the business; but some though
honest, yet I think they minded their own particular profit so
much, as both you and we may be glad we are rid of them: For Mr.
Collier verily I could have wished it would have sorted with his
other affairs, to have been one of us, but he could not spare money,
and we thought it not reasonable to take in any partner, unless he
were willing and able to spare money, and to lay down his portion
of the stock; however, account of him as a sure friend, both ready
and willing to do you all the offices of a firm friend. There is no
possibility of doing any good in buying the debt for the purchase,
I know some will not rebate the interest, and therefore let it run
its course, they are to be paid yearly, and so I hope they shall
according to the agreement. I have much more to write but want time,
and so must be forced abruptly to break off, desiring the Lord to
bless you, and us all, and all our honest endeavours, and grant that
our loves and affections, may still be united and knit together in
the Lord; and so we rest your ever loving friends,
JAMES SHIRLEY,
TIMOTHY HATHERLEY.
_Bristol, March 19, Anno 1629._
* * * * *
Thus it appears that our debts were now grown great about the
coming over of these two companies of the Leyden people, and the
large expenses about the patents, which indeed proved to be large
and excessive, when we saw them: About this business of Ashley’s
we were forced to join in it, though we did not much like it (for
the person’s sake whom we feared was a knave) for if we should have
furnished him with commodities and assistance, it would much have
hindered our own trade; and if we should have denied this their
request, we should have lost the favour of such good friends; so
we thought it the safest way to join with them herein, according
to their offer, though we ran a great hazard. This last company of
our friends came at such a time of the year, as we were fain to
keep them eighteen months at our charge ere they could reap any
harvest to live upon; all which together, fell heavy upon us and made
the burthen greater; that if it had not been God’s mercy, it is a
wonder we had not sunk under it, especially other things occuring,
whereby we were greatly crossed in our supplies for trade, by which
these sums should have been repaid. With this latter company of
our brethren, came over many worthy and able men into the country
(or rather ours with them) amongst whom was that worthy and godly
gentleman, Mr. John Winthrop, Governour of the Massachusetts; and
so began the plantations there, which have since much grown and
increased under his godly, able, and prudent government, and the
church of God, especially, to the rejoicing of our, and the hearts of
all good men; of whose beginnings and proceedings something may be
gathered by a letter or two of some of our own, who were then there
by occasion, which follow:
_A letter to myself from_ SAMUEL FULLER, _being (at this time) in
the bay of Massachusetts_.
SIR,
The gentlemen here lately come over (as I suppose you understand of
their arrival ere this, by Jonathan Brewster) are resolved to sit
down at the head of Charles river, and they of[11] Matapan purpose to
go and plant with them. I have been at Matapan, at the request of Mr.
Warham, and let some twenty of these people blood; I had conference
with them, till I was weary. Mr. Warham holds that the visible church
may consist of a mixed people, godly, and openly ungodly; upon which
point we had all our conference, to which, I trust, the Lord will
give a blessing. Here is come over, with these gentlemen, one Mr.
Phillips (a Suffolk man) who hath told me in private, that if they
will have him stand minister, by that calling which he received
from the prelates in England, he will leave them: The Governour is
a godly, wise, and humble gentleman, and very discreet, and of a
fine and good temper. We have some privy enemies in the bay (but
blessed be God) more friends; the Governour hath had conference with
me, both in private and before sundry others; opposers there is not
wanting, and satan is busy; but if the Lord be on our side who can
be against us; the Governour hath told me he hoped we will not be
wanting in helping them, so that I think you will be sent for: Here
is a gentleman, one Mr. Cottington, a Boston man, who told me, that
Mr. Cotton’s charge at Hampton was, that they should take advice
of them at Plymouth, and should do nothing to offend them: Captain
Endicott (my dear friend, and a friend to us all) is a second Burrow;
the Lord establish him, and us all in every good way of truth: Other
things I would have writ of but time prevents me; again I may be with
you before this letter; remember me unto God in your prayers, and so
I take my leave, with my loving salutations to yourself and all the
rest.
Yours in the Lord Christ,
SAMUEL FULLER.
_Massachusetts, June 28, Anno 1630._
_To our loving brethren and Christian friends Mr._ WILLIAM
BRADFORD, _Mr._ RALPH SMITH, _and Mr._ WILLIAM BREWSTER, _these be_.
_Beloved, &c._
Being at Salem the 25th of July, being the Sabbath, after the evening
exercise Mr. Johnson having received a letter from the Governour, Mr.
Winthrop, manifesting the hand of God to be upon them, and against
them, at Charlestown, in visiting them with sickness and taking
divers from amongst them, not sparing the righteous, but partaking
with the wicked in those bodily judgments, it was therefore by his
desire, taken into the godly consideration of the best here, what
was to be done to pacify the Lord’s wrath; and they would do nothing
without our advice, I mean those members of our church, there known
unto them, viz. Mr. Fuller Mr. Allerton and myself, requiring our
voices, as their own, when it was concluded, that the Lord was to
be sought in righteousness; and so to that end the sixth day (being
Friday) of this present week is set apart, that they may humble
themselves before God, and seek him in his ordinances; and that
then also such godly persons that are amongst them and known each
to other, publicly at the end of their exercise, make known their
godly desire, and practice the same, viz. solemnly to enter into
covenant with the Lord to walk in his ways; and since they are so
disposed of in their outward estates, as to live in three distinct
places, each having men of ability amongst them, there to observe the
day, and become three distinct bodies; not then intending rashly to
proceed to the choice of officers, or the admitting of any other into
their society than a few, to wit, such as are well known unto them,
promising after to receive in such, by confession, as shall appear to
be fitly qualified for that estate; and, as they desired to advise
with us, so do they earnestly entreat that the church at Plymouth
would set apart the same day, for the same ends, beseeching God as
to withdraw his hand of correction, so to establish and direct them
in his ways; and though the time be very short, yet since the causes
are so urgent, we pray you be provoked to this godly work, wherein
God will be honoured, and they and we undoubtedly have sweet comfort
in so doing: Be you all kindly saluted in the Lord, together with the
rest of our brethren: The Lord be with you and his spirit direct you,
in this and all other actions that concern his glory and the good of
his:
Your brethren in the faith of Christ,
And fellowship of the gospel, SAMUEL FULLER,
EDWARD WINSLOW.
_Salem July 26, Anno 1630._
_To his loving friend, Mr._ WILLIAM BRADFORD, _Governour of
Plymouth, these_.
SIR,