249 



liistory, when ^Yas 'otecl to his widow, (Rebecca Whichcott), 

 aC679.6.4, which appeared to be a balance due to the Governor 

 in his life time, and which was ultimately thus paid as some 

 return for his heavy dishursements. 



Moreover the many and great services of Cradock were ren- 

 dered to the plantation in its infancy, when aid was most 

 needed. He selected his "loving friend and cousin," John 

 Endicott, as the pioneer and first local Governor of the Com- 

 pany, He first proposed and counselled the transfer of the 

 charter. He concurred in the appointment of Winthrop, and 

 consented to serve as one of a committee to settle the accounts. 

 When Winthrop appeared and presided at the Company's 

 Courts, in London, Cradock joined them in the subordinate 

 capacity of assistant. Pride he undoubtedly had, but no false 

 pride. In this respect, he was a marvel of self-abnegation and 

 devotion to duty. He could readily change position, but with 

 a change of position there came no change of devotion to duty. 

 He continued still the same constant friend of the enterprise. 

 Nothing seemed to swerve him from his main purpose; as prin- 

 cipal or subordinate, he remained still constant and true. Other 

 men, of probity and worth, also rendered many and great services. 

 Conant, Rev. John White, Endicott, Winthrop, Dudley, 

 Saltonstall, Johnson, Humphrey and others, were conspicu- 

 ous and efficient in our early history. Their agency is fully 

 appreciated and must ever be historically recognized. But honor- 

 ing, applauding and appreciating them all, conceding to their ser- 

 vices, all and severally the full measure of merit and applause 

 which the most exacting family friendship or love of historical 

 truth can claim or desire, yet, without disparagement to any or 

 all, could the whole extent of the risks, services and sacrifices 

 of Mathew Cradock be fully known, could his private and 

 public letters and correspondence be brought before the public, 

 could all that was said and done by him for the Company by 

 himself in London, or through his agent (Nicholas Davison) 

 here be put upon the page of history, — a flood of light would 



ESSEX INST. PROCEED. 32. 



