William Stoughton letter to William Blathwayt, 1697 January 25

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In my Severall letters ths this last Summer, and by this opportunity, I have
given to the Lords Commissioners of the Councill of Trade, a full account
of all that was in theirs to me from tyme to tyme conteyned; and
of what was needfull for me to acquaint them with; And so have
nothing further to interupt your Honor with at this tyme, but
with all thankefullnesse to acknowledge the kindnesse of your
particular letter to me of the 6th of february last, which is so much
the greater, and obliging to me, because it is the continuance
of that favour and regard to me, in his Majesties Service, which
for so long a tyme I have had the testimonies and effects of
from you, of so great value with me, and incouragement
to me, that I cannot ever bee unmindfull thereof, or by any
faylure and neglect, make a forfiture thereof at any tyme.

I have been very sensible of the many difficulties, almost dayly
occurring in this tyme of my management, and of those publick
losses, and disasters that have happened also within the Province
by the hand of the Enemy; But the good Effects of the peace
now concluded, together with the happy arrivall of his Ex=
cellency the Governor which we wayt for, will (I trust) in a little
tyme, change the whole state of things, with us, much to the better

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In confidence whereof it will not only bee most
agreeable to me, but esteemed as a great honor to
give up the Goverment into so noble and prosperous
hands. And whatsover [illegible] publick Service, shall during
his Majesties pleasure, remain for me, under the happier di=
rection & conduct of so worthy a Governor, I shall
most sincerely endeavor to expresse all that loyalty
and dilligence which I ow to the greatest and best
of masters therein. With my earnest desires of
your Honors long continuance, & multiplyed happinesses