We have sent you hear some catle, cloath, hose, shoes, leather, &c., but in another nature then formerly, as it stood us in hand to doe; we have co[=m]itted them to y^e charge & custody of M^r. Allerton and M^r. Winslow, as our factours, at whose discretion they are to be sould, and co[=m]odities to be taken for them, as is fitting. And by how much y^e more they will be chargable unto you, the better[BY] they had need to be husbanded, &c. Goe on, good freinds, comfortably, pluck up your spirits, and quitte your selves like men in all your difficulties, that notwithstanding all displeasure and threats of men, yet y^e work may goe on you are aboute, and not be neglected. Which is so much for y^e glorie of God, and the furthrance of our countrie-men, as that a man may with more comforte [137] spend his life in it, then live y^e life of Mathusala, in wasting y^e plentie of a tilled land, or eating y^e fruite of a growne tree. Thus with harty salutations to you all, and harty prayers for you all, we lovingly take our leaves, this 18. of Des: 1624. Your assured freinds to our powers, J. S. W. C. T. F. R. H. &c. By this leter it appears in what state y^e affairs of y^e plantation stood at this time. These goods they bought, but they were at deare rates, for they put 40. in y^e hundred upon them, for profite and adventure, outward bound; and because of y^e [=v]nture of y^e paiment homeward, they would have 30.[BZ] in y^e 100. more, which was in all 70. [p=]^r. cent; a thing thought unreasonable by some, and too great an oppression upon y^e poore people, as their case stood. The catle were y^e best goods, for y^e other being ventured ware, were neither at y^e best (some of them) nor at y^e best prises. Sundrie of their freinds disliked these high rates, but co[=m]ing from many hands, they could not help it.