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Sir

I received from you a letter dated Xmas 17th 1716 per Via Boston on the 7th inst wherein you say the Honble Society at a general meeting Novr 16th of the same year, resolved that I should have their leave to return to England: I wish yours had come to hand in due time, I hope theres some mistake in the date, & that I may be entitled to their bounty as in their standing orders, relating to Missionaries page 56 and 16 I joyfully accept their leave for its worse with me than ever. having lost my poor wife who died last year Octr 18th without, any previous sickness, not many

hours before her death, she declared before several of her neighbours that her heart was broken, through our ill usage and comfortless way of living; She prest me sore for divers years either to quit this wretched country or give her leave to go home with her children: I wish I had done either it might have pleased God to have continued her to me many years longer. I propose to take my passage in the next ship that I can hear of going from Virginia for England & therefore countermand my request to the Society in mine of the Ulto Decr last year per via New York. I shall be a great sufferer by leaving this place & yet I would rather undergo that than suffer and get nothing. Whereas I hope to end my days with some comfort in my native country, if the Society will not be pleased to do something better for me. For I would rather be Vicar to the Bear Garden than Bishop of North Carolina These are from Sir,

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