Of Plymouth Plantation · William Bradford
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 sommer 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 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. 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 frieeds 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 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 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, 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 commited 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 got all the goods into his owne hands, for which M^r. Hatherley stood joyntly ingaged to them hear, aboute y^e ship-Freiidship, 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. 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.
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 knoww each to other, may publickly, at y^e end of their exercise, make known their Godly desire, and practise y^e same, viz. solemmly to enter into 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.
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 I heard in y^e spring of y^e year, concerning y^e buying & setting forth of y^t ship; 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, 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; 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 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:--
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 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.
Thus farr of these letters of M^r. Sherley's.
A few observations from y^e former letters, and then I shall set downe the simple truth of y^e things (thus in controversie betweene them), at least as farr as by any good evidence it could be made to appeare; and so laboure to be breefe in so tedious and intricate a bussines, which hunge in expostulation betweene them many years before y^e same was ended. That though ther will be often occasion to touch these things about other passages, yet I shall not neede to be large therin; doing it hear once for all.
First, it seemes to appere clearly that Ashley's bussines, and y^e buying of this ship, and y^e courses framed ther upon, were first contrived and proposed by M^r. Allerton, as also y^t the pleaes and pretences which he made, of y^e inablitie of y^e plantation to repaye their moneys, &c., and y^e hops he gave them of doing it with profile, was more beleeved & rested on by them (at least some of them) then any thing y^e plantation did or said.
2. It is like, though M^r. Allerton might thinke not to wrong y^e plantation in y^e maine, yet his owne gaine and private ends led him a side in these things: for it came to be knowne, and I have it in a letter under M^r. Sherley's hand, that in y^e first 2. or 3. years of his imploymente, he had cleared up 400^li. and put it into a brew-house of M^r. Colliers in London, at first under M^r. Sherley's name, &c.; besids what he might have other wise. Againe, M^r. Sherley and he had perticuler dealings in some things; for he bought up y^e beaver that sea-men & other passengers brought over to Bristoll, and at other places, and charged y^e bills to London, which M^r. Sherley payed; and they got some time 50^li. a peece in a bargen, as was made knowne by M^r. Hatherley & others, besids what might be other wise; which might make M^r. Sherley harken unto him in many things; and yet I beleeve, as he in his forementioned leter write, he never would side in any perticuler trade w^ch he conceived would wrong y^e plantation, and eate up & destroy y^e generall.
3^ly. It may be perceived that, seeing they had done so much for y^e plantation, both in former adventures and late disbursements, and allso that M^r. Allerton was y^e first occasioner of bringing them upon these new designes, which at first seemed faire & profitable unto them, and unto which they agreed; but now, seeing them to turne to loss, and decline to greater intanglments, they thought it more meete for y^e plantation to bear them, then them selves, who had borne much in other things allready, and so tooke advantage of such comission & power as M^r. Allerton had formerly had as their agente, to devolve these things upon them.
4^ly. With pitie and compassion (touching M^r. Allerton) I may say with y^e apostle to Timothy, 1. Tim. 6. 9. They that will be rich fall into many temtations and snares, &c., and pearce them selves throw with many sorrows, &c.; for the love of money is y^e roote of all evill, v. 10. God give him to see y^e evill in his failings, that he may find mercie by repentance for y^e wrongs he hath done to any, and this pore plantation in spetiall. They that doe such things doe not only bring them selves into snares, and sorrows, but many with them, (though in an other kind,) as lamentable experience shows; and is too manifest in this bussines.
Now about these ships & their setting forth, the truth, as farr as could be learned, is this. The motion aboute setting forth y^e fishing ship (caled y^e Frindship) came first from y^e plantation, and y^e reasons of it, as is before remembered; but wholy left to them selves to doe or not to doe, as they saw cause. But when it fell into consideration, and y^e designe was held to be profitable and hopefull, it was propounded by some of them, why might not they doe it of them selves, seeing they must disburse all y^e money, and what need they have any refferance to y^e plantation in y^t; they might take y^e profile them selves, towards other losses, & need not let y^e plantation share therin; and if their ends were other wise answered for their supplyes to come too them in time, it would be well enough. So they hired her, & set her out, and fraighted her as full as she could carry with passengers goods y^t belonged to y^e Massachussets, which rise to a good sume of money; intending to send y^e plantations supply in y^e other ship. The effecte of this M^r. Hatherley not only declared afterward upon occasion, but affirmed upon othe, taken before y^e Gov^r & Dep: Gov^r of the Massachusets, M^r. Winthrop & M^r. Dudley: That this ship-Frindship was not sett out nor intended for y^e joynt partnership of y^e plantation, but for y^e perticuler accounte of M^r. James Sherley, M^r. Beachampe, M^r. Andrews, M^r. Allerton, & him selfe. This deposition was taken at Boston y^e 29. of Aug: 1639. as is to be seen under their hands; besids some other concurente testimonies declared at severall times to sundrie of them.
About y^e Whit-Angell, though she was first bought, or at least the price beaten, by M^r. Allerton (at Bristoll), yet that had been nothing if M^r. Sherley had not liked it, and disbursed y^e money. And that she was not intended for y^e plantation appears by sundrie evidences; as, first, y^e bills of sale, or charter-parties, were taken in their owne names, without any mention or refferance to y^e plantation at all; viz. M^r. Sherley, M^r. Beachampe, M^r. Andrews, M^r. Denison, and M^r. Allerton; for M^r. Hatherley fell off, and would not joyne with them in this. That she was not bought for their accounte, M^r. Hatherley tooke his oath before y^e parties afforesaid, y^e day and year above writen.
M^r. Allerton tooke his oath to like effecte concerning this ship, the Whit-Angell, before y^e Gov^r & Deputie, the 7. of Sep: 1639. and likewise deposed, y^e same time, that M^r. Hatherley and him selfe did, in the behalfe of them selves and y^e said M^r. Sherley, M^r. Andrews, & M^r. Beachamp, agree and undertake to discharge, and save harmless, all y^e rest of y^e partners & purchasers, of and from y^e said losses of Freindship for 200^li., which was to be discounted therupon; as by ther depossitions (which are in writing) may appeare more at large, and some other depositions & other testemonies by M^r. Winslow, &c. But I suppose these may be sufficente to evince the truth in these things, against all pretences to y^e contrary. And yet the burthen lay still upon y^e plantation; or, to speake more truly and rightly, upon those few that were ingaged for all, for they were faine to wade through these things without any help from any.
Concerning M^r. Allerton's accounts, they were so larg and intrecate, as they could not well understand them, much less examine & correcte them, without a great deale of time & help, and his owne presence, which was now hard to gett amongst them; and it was 2. or 3. years before they could bring them to any good pass, but never make them perfecte. I know not how it came to pass, or what misterie was in it, for he tooke upon him to make up all accounts till this time, though M^r. Sherley was their agente to buy & sell their goods, and did more then he therin; yet he past in accounts in a maner for all disbursments, both concerning goods bought, which he never saw, but were done when he was hear in y^e cuntrie or at sea; and all y^e expences of y^e Leyden people, done by others in his absence; the charges aboute y^e patente, &c. In all which he made them debtore to him above 300^li. and demanded paimente of it. But when things came to scaning, he was found above 2000^li. debtore to them, (this wherin M^r. Hatherley & he being joyntly ingaged, which he only had, being included,) besids I know not how much y^t could never be cleared; and interest moneys which ate them up, which he never accounted. Also they were faine to alow such large bills of charges as were intolerable; the charges of y^e patent came to above 500^li. and yet nothing done in it but what was done at first without any confirmation; 30^li. given at a clape, and 50^li. spent in a journey. No marvell therfore if M^r. Sherley said in his leter, if their bussines had been better managed, they might have been y^e richest plantation of any English at y^t time. Yea, he scrued up his poore old father in law's accounte to above 200^li. and brought it on y^e generall accounte, and to befreind him made most of it to arise out of those goods taken up by him at Bristoll, at 50. per cent., because he knew they would never let it lye on y^e old man, when, alass! he, poore man, never dreamte of any such thing, nor y^t what he had could arise nere y^t valew; but thought that many of them had been freely bestowed on him & his children by M^r. Allerton. Nither in truth did they come nere y^t valew in worth, but y^t sume was blowne up by interest & high prises, which y^e company did for y^e most parte bear, (he deserving farr more,) being most sory that he should have a name to have much, when he had in effecte litle.
This year also M^r. Sherley sent over an accounte, which was in a maner but a cash accounte what M^r. Allerton had had of them, and disbursed, for which he referd to his accounts; besids an account of beaver sould, which M^r. Winslow & some others had carried over, and a large supply of goods which M^r. Winslow had sent & brought over, all which was comprised in that accounte, and all y^e disbursments aboute y^e Freindship, & Whit-Angell, and what concerned their accounts from first to last; or any thing else he could charg y^e partners with. So they were made debtor in y^e foote of that accounte 4770^li 19. 2. besids 1000^li. still due for y^e purchase yet unpayed; notwithstanding all y^e beaver, and returnes that both Ashley & they had made, which were not small.
In these accounts of M^r. Sherley's some things were obscure, and some things twise charged, as a 100. of Bastable ruggs which came in y^e Freindship, & cost 75^li., charged before by M^r. Allerton, and now by him againe, with other perticulers of like nature doubtfull, to be twise or thrise charged; as also a sume of 600^li. which M^r. Allerton deneyed, and they could never understand for what it was. They sent a note of these & such like things afterward to M^r. Sherley by M^r. Winslow; but (I know not how it came to pass) could never have them explained.
Into these deepe sumes had M^r. Allerton rune them in tow years, for in y^e later end of y^e year 1628. all their debts did not amounte to much above 400^li., as was then noted; and now come to so many thousands. And wheras in y^e year 1629. M^r. Sherley & M^r. Hatherley being at Bristoll, and write a large letter from thence, in which they had given an account of y^e debts, and what sumes were then disbursed, M^r. Allerton never left begging & intreating of them till they had put it out. So they bloted out 2. lines in y^t leter in which y^e sumes were contained, and write upon it so as not a word could be perceived; as since by them was confessed, and by y^e leters may be seene. And thus were they kept hoodwinckte, till now they were so deeply ingaged. And wheras M^r. Sherley did so ernestly press y^t M^r. Allerton might be sent over to finish y^e great bussines aboute y^e patente, as may be seen in his leter write 1629. as is before recorded, and y^t they should be ernest w^th his wife to suffer him to goe, &c., he hath since confessed by a letter under my hands, that it was M^r. Allerton's owne doings, and not his, and he made him write his words, & not his owne. The patent was but a pretence, and not y^e thing. Thus were they abused in their simplicitie, and no beter then bought & sould, as it may seeme.
And to mend y^e matter, M^r. Allerton doth in a sorte wholy now deserte them; having brought them into y^e briers, he leaves them to gett out as they can. But God crost him mightily, for he having hired y^e ship of M^r. Sherly at 30^li., a month, he set forth againe with a most wicked and drunken crue, and for covetousnes sake did so over lade her, not only filling her hould, but so stufed her betweene decks, as she was walte, and could not bear sayle, and they had like to have been cast away at sea, and were forced to put for Millford Havene, and new-stow her, & put some of ther ordnance & more heavie goods in y^e botome; which lost them time, and made them come late into y^e countrie, lose ther season, and made a worse viage then y^e year before. But being come into y^e countrie, he sells trading comodities to any y^t will buy, to y^e great prejudice of y^e plantation here; but that which is worse, what he could not sell, he trustes; and sets up a company of base felows and maks them traders, to rune into every hole, & into y^e river of Kenebeck, to gleane away y^e trade from y^e house ther, aboute y^e patente & priviledge wherof he had dasht away so much money of theirs here; and now what in him lay went aboute to take away y^e benefite therof, and to overthrow them. Yea, not only this, but he furnishes a company, and joyns with some consorts, (being now deprived of Ashley at Penobscote,) and sets up a trading house beyoned Penobscote, to cute of y^e trade from thence also. But y^e French perceiving that that would be greatly to their damage allso, they came in their begining before they were well setled, and displanted them, slue 2. of their men, and tooke all their goods to a good valew, y^e loss being most, if not all, M^r. Allerton's; for though some of them should have been his partners, yet he trusted them for their partes; the rest of y^e men were sent into France, and this was the end of y^t projecte. The rest of those he trusted, being lose and drunken fellows, did for y^e most parte but coussen & cheate him of all they got into their hands; that howsoever he did his friends some hurte hereby for y^e presente, yet he gate litle good, but wente by y^e loss by Gods just hand. After in time, when he came to Plimmoth, y^e church caled him to accounte for these, and other his grosse miscarrages; he confessed his faulte, and promised better walking, and that he would wind him selfe out of these courses as soone as he could, &c.
This year also Mr. Sherley would needs send them over a new-acountante; he had made mention of such a thing y^e year before, but they write him word, that their charge was great allready, and they neede not increase it, as this would; but if they were well delte with, and had their goods well sent over, they could keep their accounts hear them selves. Yet he now sente one, which they did not refuse, being a yonger brother of M^r. Winslows, whom they had been at charge to instructe at London before he came. He came over in the White Angell with M^r. Allerton, and ther begane his first imploymente; for though M^r. Sherley had so farr befreinded Mr. Allerton, as to cause M^r. Winslow to ship y^e supply sente to y^e partners here in this ship, and give him 4^li. pper tune, wheras others carried for 3. and he made them pay their fraight ready downe, before y^e ship wente out of y^e harbore, wheras others payed upon certificate of y^e goods being delivered, and their fraight came to upward of 6. score pounds, yet they had much adoe to have their goods delivered, for some of them were chainged, as bread & pease; they were forced to take worse for better, neither could they ever gett all. And if Josias Winslow had not been ther, it had been worse; for he had y^e invoyce, and order to send them to y^e trading houses.
This year their house at Penobscott was robed by y^e French, and all their goods of any worth they carried away, to y^e value of 400. or 500^li. as y^e cost first peny worth; in beaver 300^li. waight; and y^e rest in trading goods, as coats, ruggs, blankett, biskett, &c. It was in this maner. The m^r. of y^e house, and parte of y^e company with him, were come with their vessell to y^e westward to fecth a supply of goods which was brought over for them. In y^e mean time comes a smale French ship into y^e harbore (and amongst y^e company was a false Scott); they pretended they were nuly come from y^e sea, and knew not wher they were, and that their vesell was very leake, and desired they might hale her a shore and stop their leaks. And many French complements they used, and congees they made; and in y^e ende, seeing but 3. or 4. simple men, y^t were servants, and by this Scoth-man understanding that y^e maister & ye rest of y^e company were gone from home, they fell of comending their gunes and muskets, that lay upon racks by y^e wall side, and tooke them downe to looke on them, asking if they were charged. And when they were possesst of them, one presents a peece ready charged against y^e servants, and another a pistoll; and bid them not sturr, but quietly deliver them their goods, and carries some of y^e men aborde, & made y^e other help to carry away y^e goods. And when they had tooke what they pleased, they sett them at liberty, and wente their way, with this mocke, biding them tell their m^r. when he came, that some of y^e Ile of Rey gentlemen had been ther.
This year, on S^r Christopher Gardener, being, as him selfe said, descended of y^t house y^t the Bishop of Winchester came of (who was so great a persecutor of Gods saincts in Queene Maries days), and being a great traveler, received his first honour of knighthood at Jerusalem, being made Knight of y^e Sepulcher ther. He came into these parts under pretence of forsaking y^e world, and to live a private life, in a godly course, not unwilling to put him selfe upon any meane imployments, and take any paines for his living; and some time offered him selfe to joyne to y^e churchs in sundry places. He brought over with him a servante or 2. and a comly yonge woman, whom be caled his cousin, but it was suspected, she (after y^e Italian maner) was his concubine. Living at y^e Massachusets, for some miscariages which he should have answered, he fled away from authority, and gott amonge y^e Indeans of these parts; they sent after him, but could not gett him, and promissed some reward to those y^t should find him. The Indeans came to y^e Gov^r here, and tould wher he was, and asked if they might kill him; he tould them no, by no means, but if they could take him and bring him hither, they should be payed for their paines. They said he had a gune & a rapier, & he would kill them if y^ey went aboute it; and y^e Massachuset Indeans said they might kille him. But y^e Gov^r tould them no, they should not kill him, but watch their opportunitie, & take him. And so they did, for when they light of him by a river side, he got into a canowe to get from them, & when they came nere him, whilst he presented his peece at them to keep them of, the streame carried y^e canow against a rock, and tumbled both him & his peece & rapier into y^e water; yet he got out, and having a litle dagger by his side, they durst not close with him, but getting longe pols they soone beat his dagger out of his hand, so he was glad to yeeld; and they brought him to y^e Gov^r. But his hands and armes were swolen & very sore with y^e blowes they had given him. So he used him kindly, & sent him to a lodging wher his armes were bathed and anoynted, and he was quickly well againe, and blamed y^e Indeans for beating him so much. They said that they did but a litle whip him with sticks. In his lodging, those y^t made his bed found a litle note booke that by accidente had slipt out of his pockett, or some private place, in which was a memoriall what day he was reconciled to y^e pope & church of Rome, and in what universitie he tooke his scapula, and such & such degrees. It being brought to y^e Gov^r, he kept it, and sent y^e Gov^r of y^e Massachusets word of his taking, who sent for him. So y^e Gov^r sent him and these notes to y^e Gov^r ther, who tooke it very thankfuly; but after he gott for England, he shewed his malice, but God prevented him.
See y^e Gov^r leter on y^e other side.
S^r: It hath pleased God to bring S^r. Christopher Gardener safe to us, with thos that came with him. And howsoever I never intended any hard measure to him, but to respecte and use him according to his qualitie, yet I let him know your care of him, and y^t he shall speed y^e better for your mediation. It was a spetiall providence of God to bring those notes of his to our hands; I desire y^t you will please to speake to all y^t are privie to them, not to discovere them to any one, for y^t may frustrate y^e means of any further use to be made of them. The good Lord our God who hath allways ordered things for y^e good of his poore churches here, directe us in this arighte, and dispose it to a good issue. I am sorie we put you to so much trouble about this gentleman, espetialy at this time of great imploymente, but I know not how to avoyed it. I must againe intreate you, to let me know what charge & troble any of your people have been at aboute him, y^t it may be recompenced. So with the true affection of a frind, desiring all happines to your selfe & yours, and to all my worthy friends with you (whom I love in y^e Lord), I comende you to his grace & good providence, & rest
Your most assured friend, JOHN WINTHROP.
Boston, May 5. 1631.
By occation wherof I will take a litle libertie to declare what fell out by this mans means & malice, complying with others. And though I doubt not but it will be more fully done by my honourd friends, whom it did more directly concerne, and have more perticuler knowledg of y^e matter, yet I will here give a hinte of y^e same, and Gods providence in preventing y^e hurte that might have come by y^e same. The intelligence I had by a letter from my much hon^d and beloved friend, Mr. John Winthrop, Gov^r of y^e Massachusets.
S^r: Upon a petition exhibited by S^r. Christo: Gardner, S^r. Ferd: Gorges, Captaine Masson, &c., against you and us, the cause was heard before y^e lords of y^e Privie Counsell, and after reported to y^e king, the sucsess wherof maks it evident to all, that y^e Lord hath care of his people hear. The passages are admirable, and too long to write. I hartily wish an opportunitie to imparte them unto you, being maay sheets of paper. But y^e conclusion was (against all mens expectation) an order for our incouragmente, and much blame and disgrace upon y^e adversaries, w^ch calls for much thankfullnes from us all, which we purpose (y^e Lord willing) to express in a day of thanks-giving to our mercifull God, (I doubt not but you will consider, if it be not fitt for you to joyne in it,) who, as he hath humbled us by his late correction, so he hath lifted us up, by an abundante rejoysing, in our deliverance out of so desperate a danger; so as that w^ch our enemies builte their hopes upon to ruine us by, He hath mercifully disposed to our great advantage, as I shall further aquainte you, when occasion shall serve.
The coppy of y^e order follows.
At y^e courte at Whit-hall y^e 19. Jan: 1632.
Present
Sigillum Lord Privie Seale Ea: of Dorsett Lo: Vi: Falkland Lo: Bp: of London Lord Cottinton M^r. Tre^r M^r. Vic Chamb^r M^r. Sec: Cooke Maister Sec: Windebanck
Wheras his Ma^tie hath latly been informed of great distraction and much disorder in y^t plantation in y^e parts of America called New-England, which, if they be true, & suffered to rune on, would tende to y^e great dishonour of this kingdome, and utter ruine of that plantation. For prevention wherof, and for y^e orderly settling of goverment, according to y^e intention of those patents which have been granted by his Ma^tie and from his late royall father king James, it hath pleased his Ma^tie that y^e lords & others of his most honourable Privie Counsell, should take y^e same into consideration. Their lordships in y^e first place thought fitt to make a comitie of this bord, to take examination of y^e matters informed; which comitties having called diverse of y^e principall adventurers in y^t plantation, and heard those that are complanants against them, most of the things informed being deneyed, and resting to be proved by parties that must be called from y^t place, which required a long expence of time; and at presente their lordships finding the adventurers were upon dispatch of men, victles, and marchandice for y^t place, all which would be at a stand, if y^e adventurers should have discouragmente, or take suspition that the state hear had no good opinion of y^t plantation; their lordships, not laying the faulte or fancies (if any be) of some perticuler men upon the generall govermente, or principall adventurers, (which in due time is further to be inquired into,) have thought fitt in y^e meane time to declare, that the appearences were so faire, and hopes so greate, y^t the countrie would prove both beneficiall to this kingdom, and profitable to the perticuler adventurers, as y^t the adventurers had cause to goe on cherfully with their undertakings, and rest assured, if things were carried as was pretended when y^e patents were granted, and accordingly as by the patentes it is appointed, his Majestie would not only maintaine the liberties & privileges heretofore granted, but supply any thing further that might tend to the good govermente, prosperitie, and comforte of his people ther of that place, &c.
WILLIAM TRUMBALL.
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End of part 19 of 26
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