A Difference of Opinion Concerning the Reasons Why Katharine Winthrop Refused to Marry Chief Justice Sewall

Title: A Difference of Opinion Concerning the Reasons Why Katharine Winthrop Refused to Marry Chief Justice Sewall

Author: R.C.W. Jr [Winthrop, Robert C.]

Publication: Boston: Privately printed, 1885.

Description: An in-depth and spirited defense of Katharine Winthrop, who refused an offer of marriage from Samuel Sewell in 1720. The author Robert C. Winthrop, Jr. was a descendant of Winthrop's husband and felt compelled to defend the family name against accusations that Winthrop had encouraged and then rejected Sewell for mercenary motives or other reasons like his refusal to wear a wig. Privately printed by the author, presumed first edition. Sewn in printed wrappers. 9.5 x 6.25 inches; [2], 25, [1] pages. Chipping to spine, moderate toning to interior. Good.

Samuel Sewell (1652-1730) is perhaps best known for being one of the Salem witch trial judges, actions for which he later apologized. He also kept detailed diaries in which he recounted his courtship of Katharine Brattle Eyre Winthrop (-1725), whom he repeatedly visited and tried to kiss, despite her clearly expressed desire to remain a widow, stay in her home with her children, and continue conducting her business. Cover title: A Few Words in Defence of an Elderly Lady.