Charlestown in New England
July 16, 1630
My Dear Wife,—Blessed be the Lord, our good God and merciful Father,
that yet hath preserved me in life and health to salute thee, and to
comfort thy long longing heart with the joyful news of my welfare, and
the welfare of thy beloved children.
We had a long and troublesome passage, but the Lord made it safe and
easy to us; and though we have met with many and great troubles (as
this bearer can certify thee) yet He hath pleased to uphold us, and
give us hope of a happy issue.
I am so overpressed with business, as I have no time for these or
other mine own private occasions. I only write now that thou mayest
know that yet I live and am mindful of thee in all my affairs. The
larger discourse of all things thou shalt receive from my brother
Downing, which I must send by some of the last ships. We have met with
many sad and discomfortable things, as thou shalt hear after, and the
Lord’s hand hath been heavy upon myself in some very near to me. My
son Henry! my son Henry! ah, poor child! [_His son Henry was drowned
on the day the ship landed._] Yet it grieves me much more for my dear
daughter. The Lord strengthen and comfort her heart, to bear this
cross patiently. I know thou wilt not be wanting to her in this
distress. Yet for all these things (I praise my God) I am not
discouraged; nor do I see cause to repent or despair of those good
days here, which will make amends for all.
I shall expect thee next summer (if the Lord please) and by that time
I hope to be provided for thy comfortable entertainment. My most sweet
wife, be not disheartened; trust in the Lord, and thou shalt see His
faithfulness.
Commend me heartily to all our kind friends ... and all the rest of my
neighbors and their wives, both rich and poor....
The good Lord be with thee and bless thee and all our children and
servants.
Commend my love to them all; I kiss and embrace thee, my dear wife,
and all my children, and leave thee in His arms, Who is able to
preserve you all, and to fulfill our joy in our happy meeting in His
good time. Amen.
Thy faithful husband,
Jo. Winthrop.