"Oct. 4, 1659 (See Day Book 3).
'Ct. held Feb. 7, 1659). John Thompson Jr., called to show by what right he held Samuel Hitchcock as his servant. John Thompson confessed he had no indenture but affirmed an agreement between his father and himself that Samuel Hitchcock should serve him seven years as an apprentice, and that he was to teach him to read and Write and Arithmetic & he was to go to sea & he to learn him to do his labor at sea, & when he had been with him three years he was to have liberty of a barrel of freight without charge, which agreement (he sd) was witnessed by Mr? Bower and wife. Mr. Bower testified that at three years ago Edward Hitchcock and John Thompson came to his house and desired him to hear terms of an agreement which he could not remember distinctly but etc—He adds practical part of navigation to be taught—serve three or four years & then receive freight to amount of a barrel in all voyages, E. Hitchcock 40s to put him in clothes & his master to keep him in cloths all the time.
Samuel Hitchcock said that his father when sick said he was glad he had so good a place & that if he died he was to stay seven years. Court said the relation was imperfect and asked after John Thompsons part, who said Samuel Hitchcock could read pretty well & was learning to write but denied that he promised to teach the art of Navigation but only to do his labor at sea & to coast & rig a vessel. Mr. Bower could not remember. The Court declared there was no writing & no agreement proved, but that he must expect that he being upon a voyage to England, the Court be satisfied that the conditions were in a probable way to be fulfilled concerning which he is to give account at the next court.' (The last sentence is very difficult to decipher.)
'Ct. held March 6, 1569. (same case) Edward Pattisons testimony given. Court thinks there might be such an agreement & asks John Thompson how he intends to improve the remaining four years according to agreement—inasmuch as he himself was bound for England. John Thompson replied that he intended to take Samuel H── with him. Court said that it would not be allowed on another man's ship. Court ordered that John Thompson should retain Samuel Hitchcock until this time twelve month for help of his wife in his absence provided the terms &c are carried out.'"
