CVI. Sir Edwin Sandys. A Letter to John Ferrar
May 1, 1620
Ferrar Papers
Document in Magdalene College, Cambridge. Autograph Letter, Signed, with Seal
List of Records No. 171
Good Mr fferrar: I have not heard from yu since I saw yu wch assures me
yu have ben thoroughly wrought: & how could it be otherwise? But I
heard (wch contented me) first by Mr Bluet & My Cosen David Sandys,
who have been here these 3 dayes, & since by Captain Wilkins, who came
this morning, that y
u were very well. We expected this morning, that the
Bonaventure would have been come about: now they expect hir this
evening. And till then I am told that I may not stirr from hence, by
reason of som writings w
ch must have my hand unto them. ffor as for
my owne letters, they are readie to an haire: having spent in a manner
all my tyme here, in writing letters & Directions, to & for Virginia. ffor
I have left neither person, nor thing unanswered: nor omitted anie thing
to the best of my understanding, w
ch might serve for advancement of the
busines. So carefull have I been to be no example of negligence: w
ch I
knowe o
r people there would be too prone to imitate. This I knowe y
u
will hold for a iust cause, & no excuse, of my abode here longer then I
before had purposed. But would to God there were no other cause then
that. Then should I be free from as much sorroe, care, & feare, as I ever
endured for anie one thing in my life.
ffor my wife by reason of a fever, wch seazed on hir last thursday, hath
had such an inflammation on the one side of hir neck, that it §hath§
excoriated hir throte on the inside, wch is most dangerous for hir life.
And although I humbly thank God, we hope it beginneth §now§ to hele:
yet dooth it deprive hir (beeing wth chyld) of all strengthning nourish-
ment, & thereby is as dangerous to hir & hirs another way. Twice she
hath been let blood, & one tyme purged: wch §also§ encreaseth hir weaknes.
All wch notwithstanding, such & so strong is hir affection, that she will by
no meanes §be§ persuaded to stay behynd me: so that on Thursday God
permitting we set out, entending to take leysure, & make it three days
woork. I have enlarged to yu these particulars, that yu may thoroughly
free me from blame. Besides in verification of the Italian Proverb, Il
mal non viene mai scompagnato; my Coachman going one eevening to
Sandwich, & falling into the hands of thiefs, was so grievously beaten &
wounded that hetherto we have very small hope of his life: though he be
dayly looked to by a good physitian & surgeon: wch enforceth me to be
bold wth som of my neighbors to borroe one. Howsoever, if I be alive,
looke for me on Saturday. Mean tyme, I pray yu keep Wendsday Coort:
though for no other busines, yet to revive the three Committees set on
foot before Easter.
The first, for examination of the Acts of the Generall Assembly in Virginia.
The second, for the prizes unpaid, & monie unbrought in of the Great
Standing Lottarie.
The third, for all the Debts yet due by the Companie.
On the same day I pray yu also not to faile, to begin yor Accounts of this
yeare wth the Auditors: (for so is the order:) ffor when yors are finished,
myne will hold them but one hower.
I trust yu have taken order wth Mr Barbor, to be here by this Day fort-
night at farthest: that so all or Accounts may be made clere & perfect.
I would be glad that my L. of Southampton knew the necessitie of this
my stay here, to stop such suggestions as my unfrends may make. So
wth hartiest commendation to yu & all yors, I rest also
Yors assured
Edwin Sandys
Northborn 1. Maij: 1620.
[Indorsed by Nich Ferrar:] from Sr Edn Sandis dated the 1. May 1619 1620.
[Addressed by self:] To my very woorthie frend Mr John Ferrar, at his
House in St Sithes Lane in London, wth speed. to hast the deliveri hereof
wth all speed possible.
