The Embarkation

Embarkation, showing buildings and actual wharf from which the Pilgrims departed

Pertinent to the foregoing it is interesting to quote from Young’s Chronicles, page 84, as follows:—“There is no foundation for this charge. The Plymouth people were not ‘misguided by their religious theories,’ nor influenced by an ‘imitation of the primitive Christians,’ in forming their joint stock company. They entered into this hard and disadvantageous engagement with the Merchant Adventurers not voluntarily, but of necessity, in order to obtain shipping for transporting themselves to America; and they put their own little property into a common fund in order to purchase provisions for the voyage. It was a partnership that was instituted, not a community of goods, as that phrase is commonly understood.”

A small vessel of about sixty tons called the Speedwell and commanded by Captain Reynolds was secured in Holland and another, somewhat larger, the Mayflower, of London, commanded by Captain Jones. The Speedwell left Delft-Haven in July, 1620, with a company of thirty, including William Bradford, William Brewster, John Carver, Edward Winslow, Isaac Allerton, Samuel Fuller and John Howland. Captain Myles Standish was also a member of the company although not of the congregation. He was a soldier whose value to the Colony proved outstanding. They left with the blessing of John Robinson who intended to follow but whose dreams were never to be realized.

Note: Dates following accord with the modern calendar except those marked O.S. indicating Old Style.

The first party reached Southampton where the Mayflower awaited them with ninety passengers. On the fifteenth of August both vessels set sail but had gone but a short distance when the Speedwell began to leak. They put back to Dartmouth where eight days were spent in repairs when the ships again put to sea. They had covered scarcely three hundred miles when the Speedwell again began leaking. Both vessels turned back, putting into Plymouth harbor where the leaking craft was abandoned. Here eighteen of her passengers decided not to continue.

Sighting of Provincetown, showing deck construction of Mayflower type of boat

The Mayflower with its added burden, now numbering one hundred and two souls, left Plymouth September 16th, 1620, and began its historic journey westward. For a goodly part of the voyage of over two months duration the ship was buffeted by equinoctial winds and high seas and, as they neared the coast, a death is recorded, that of William Butten, a youth, servant of Samuel Fuller. The records also disclose the birth of a son, Oceanus, to Stephen and Elizabeth Hopkins. “After long beating at sea they fell with that land which is called Cape Cod; the which being made and certainly known to be it, they were not a little joyful. After some deliberation had amongst themselves and with the master of the ship, they tacked about and resolved to stand for the southward (the wind and weather being fair) to find some place about Hudson River for their habitation.

“But after they had sailed the course about half the day, they fell amongst dangerous shols and roaring breakers, and they were so far entangled therewith as they conceived themselves in great danger; and the wind shrinking upon them withall; they resolved to bear up again for the Cape, and thought themselves happy to get out of thosedangers before night overtook them, as by God’s providence they did. And the next day they got into the Cape Harbor where they rode in safety.”

It was the 21st of November (present calendar) when the Mayflower dropped anchor in the sheltered and quiet waters of Provincetown Harbor and one may well imagine the happiness and gratitude of these weary voyagers when they sighted this haven of refuge and were once more able to place their feet upon dry land. As Bradford records: “Being thus arrived in a good harbor and brought safe to land, they fell upon their knees and blessed the God of heaven who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean, and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof, again to set their feet on the firm and stable earth, their proper element.”

On Monday the 23rd a landing was made, the men to make repairs to the shallop and the women to wash, thus establishing Monday as the generally accepted “Washday.”

The Mayflower Compact was drawn up and signed in all probability before Mayflower dropped anchor in Provincetown Harbor. This document was partly the result of friction that had arisen during the voyage and the intimation that some among them might exercise their individual liberty without restraint and against the peace and welfare of the community as a whole. The text follows with Bradford’s explanatory note:

“I shall a little return back and begin with a combination made by them before they came ashore, being the first foundation of their government in this place; occasioned partly by the discontented and mutinous speeches that some of the strangers amongst them had let fall from them in the ship—That when they came ashore they would use their own liberty; for none had power to command them, the patent they had being for Virginia, and not for New England, which belonged to another Government, with which the Virginia Company had nothing to do. And partly that such an act by them done (this their condition considered) might be as firm as any patent, and in some respects more sure.”

“In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign Lord, King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland King, defender of the faith, etc., having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions and offices from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof, we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod, the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our sovereign lord, King James of England, France, and Ireland the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domino. 1620.”

The earliest known list of the signers of the Compact is that contained in Morton’s “New-Englands Memoriall,” published in 1669. The names follow:

Signing the Compact

“After this they chose, or rather confirmed, Mr. John Carver (a man godly and well approved amongst them) their Governor for that year.”

This meeting, held in the cabin of the Mayflower, is generally accepted as the first New England town meeting, although on the 27th of February following, a meeting, later referred to, was held in the common house for the purpose of establishing a military guard at which Myles Standish was chosen captain.

On April 2nd another meeting was held on “common business” and at which laws “convenient for the common state” were passed.

From these first meetings evolved our present form of town meeting, held, and elections made, according to the will of the majority.

On November 25th, a party of sixteen men under the leadership of Captain Standish set out on foot looking for a place for permanent settlement “having such instructions as was thought meet.” They had proceeded but a short distance when they met a small party of Indians who fled upon approach. They were followed for some miles, when, darkness coming on, they made camp for the night.

Nov. 26 to 28

The following day further exploration was made. Some Indian corn was discovered, also fresh water from which they drank being sorely in need thereof “this being the first New England water drunk of.”

Returning from the vicinity of Truro and the Pamet River to which their exploration had taken them, they saw deer and “great flocks of wild geese and ducks, but they were fearful of us.”[6]Also signs of Indian habitation and “heaps of sand newly padled with their hands, which they, digging up, found in them divers fair Indian baskets filled with corn, and some in ears, fair and good, of divers colors, which seemed to them a goodly sight (having never seen any such before). So their time limited to them being expired, they returned to the ship, lest they should be in fear of their safety; and took with them part of the corn ... of which on their return they were marvellously glad....”

The days immediately following were occupied in completing repairs to the shallop, in cutting wood and getting tools in readiness, in anticipation of a permanent landing.

With this in view a party of thirty set forth on Dec. 7, “for the better discovery of this place.” They found signs of Indian habitation also “more of their corn and of their beans of various colors. The corn and beans they brought away proposing to give them good satisfaction when they should meet with any of them (as about 6 months afterward they did, to their good content).” “And here it is to be noted a special Providence of God, and a great mercy to this poor people that here they got seed to plant them corn the next year or else they might have starved, for they had none, nor any likelihood to get any until the season had been past (as the sequel did manifest).”

Not finding the desired harborage or place for permanent settlement this party returned to the Mayflower.

During their absence and while the Mayflower lay in the Harbor of Provincetown, a son was born to Susanna White, wife of William White. He was named Peregrine.

Wed. Dec. 16

On the sixteenth of December another party set out in the shallop “upon further discovery intending to circulate that deep bay of Cape Cod.” This party consisted of Myles Standish, John Carver, William Bradford, Edward Winslow, John Tilley, Edward Tilley, John Howland, Richard Warren, Stephen Hopkins, Edward Dotey, John Allerton, Thomas English, the ship’s mates, Mr. Clark and Mr. Coppin, and the master gunner and three sailors.

“The weather was very cold and it froze so hard as the spray of the sea lighting on their coats, they were as if they had been glazed.”

Proceeding as far as Wellfleet they discovered a party of “ten or twelve Indians very busy about a black thing,—what it was we could not tell,—until afterwards they saw us, and ran to and fro, as if they had been carrying something away. We landed a league or two from them where we made us a barricade and got firewood and set out sentinels and betook us to our lodging, such as it was.” This landing was at Eastham ten miles distant.

Thurs. Dec. 17

When morning came the company was divided, eight cruising along shore in the shallop while the remainder explored the land bordering thereon. They came to the spot “where they saw the Indians the night before and found they had been cutting up a great fish like a grampus.” (small whale or blackfish).

Nothing of importance having been discovered this day, they returned to the shallop which had come ashore at their calling. “So being weary and faint,—for we had eatennothing all day,—we fell to make our rendezvous and get firewood and we fed upon such victuals as we had, and betook us to our rest, and we had set out our watch.”

Fri. Dec. 18

In the early morning of the 18th, they had their first encounter with the Indians “some thirty or forty of them, though some thought that they were many more.” Many arrows were shot but “none of them either hit or hurt us, though many came close by us and on every side of us and some coats which hung up in our barricade were shot through and through.” But after several shots were fired at them, they all left with apparently no casualties. This was the first actual encounter with the Indians.

During the day the reunited party skirted the coast, the wind increasing during the afternoon to gale force. The boat’s rudder was broken and the mast split and they were dependent upon their oars for steering. In this condition they were driven across the bay toward Saquish where the high seas prevented landing. By skillful maneuvering however they managed to round Saquish head and “although it was very dark and rained sore, yet in the end they got under the lee of a small island,[7]and remained there all the night in safety.”

Sat. Dec. 19

“Yet, God gave them a morning of comfort and refreshment for the next day was a fair and sunshiny day and they found themselves to be on an island secure from the Indians, where they might dry their stuff, fix their pieces and rest themselves. And this being the last day of the week, they prepared there to keep the Sabbath.”

Sun. Dec. 20Mon. Dec. 21

This Sabbath was spent on Clark’s Island where they rested and held service. “On Monday they sounded the harbor and found it fit for shipping, and marched into the land,[8]and found divers cornfields, and little running brooks, a fit placefor situation; at least it was the best they could find, and the season, and their present necessity, made them glad to accept it. So they returned to their ship again with this news to the rest of their people, which did much comfort their hearts.”

The romance surrounding the Rock that has become famous in history is not easily discredited. The fact is, that Elder Thomas Faunce, who was born in Plymouth in 1647 and died in 1746 at the age of ninety-nine years, made a statement a few years prior to his death, at a time when removal or covering of the rock was under contemplation, protesting vigorously at what he considered the desecration of an object of deep veneration. He stated in the presence of many hearers that his father, John Faunce, who came over in the ship Anne, had told him that it was on that rock that the Pilgrims landed as stated by them to him. It is further probable that they may have imparted this information to him directly as a number of the Mayflower passengers lived for many years subsequent to his birth.

This information has passed from generation to generation. “Plymouth Rock has now become a symbol of the Pilgrim venture into the unknown of their day and has inspired present-day Americans with a new Faith in democracy and in the American way of living.”

It was during their absence on December 17th, that Dorothy Bradford, wife of William Bradford, was drowned in Provincetown harbor.

Fri. Dec. 25Sat. Dec. 26

On the 25th, they set out in the Mayflower for Plymouth, but the wind being unfavorable, they failed to make the harbor and put back to Provincetown. “But it pleased God, the next day being Saturday, the wind came fair, and we put to sea again and came safely into a safe harbor.” This was the first arrival of the Mayflower at Plymouth. Sunday was spent on the ship.

It is evident that they were favorably impressed both with the security of the harbor and the general surroundings, although there was some division of opinion as to the best location for a permanent settlement as the following discloses: “This bay is a hopeful place, innumerable store of fowl, skate, cod, turbot and herring we have tasted of; abundance of muscles, the greatest and best that ever we saw; crabs and lobsters, in their time infinite.”

Mon. Dec. 28

“Monday we went aland manned with the master of the ship and three or four of the sailors. We marched along the coast in the woods seven or eight miles, but saw not an Indian nor an Indian house; only we found where formerly had been some inhabitants, and where they had planted their corn.”

“We found not any navigable river but four or five small running brooks of very sweet fresh water, that all ran into the sea.”

They speak of the trees, the herbs and the soil, some sandy and some rich and fertile. They also speak of the streams that are beginning to fill with fish. That night they returned to the ship, “many being weary with marching.”

Tues. Dec. 29

The next day being Tuesday, Dec. 29, the party divided, some going on foot and some in the shallop. They came to a creek and “went up three English miles, a very pleasant river[9]at full sea. This place we had a great liking to plant in, but that it was so far from our fishing, our principal profit, and so encompassed with woods that we should be in much danger of the savages. Some of us, having a good mind for safety, to plant in the greater isle,[10]we crossed the bay, which is there five or six miles over. We judged it cold for our corn and some part very rocky; yet divers thought of it as a place defensible, and of great security.”

That night they returned again to the Mayflower determined to settle the next day on a permanent location.

Wed. Dec. 30

The final selection of a place for settlement is described as follows: “After our landing and viewing of the places, so well as we could, we came to a conclusion, by most voices, to set on the main land, on the first place, on a high ground, where there is a great deal of land cleared, and hath been planted with corn three or four years ago; and there is a very sweet brook, runs under the hillside, and many delicate springs of as good water as can be drunk, and where we may harbor our shallops and boats exceeding well; and in this brook much good fish in their seasons; on the further side of the river also much corn-ground cleared. In one field is a great hill, on which we point to make a platform, and plant our ordinance, which will command all round about.”

“So there we made our rendezvous, and a place for some of our people, about twenty, resolving in the morning to come all ashore and to build houses.”

The first building, showing position in relation to Town Brook and Pilgrim Spring

From the foregoing the reader will readily recognize Coles Hill and Burial Hill and the site of the first fort, marked now by an appropriate tablet. Also Town Brook and the adjacent spring which has quenched the thirst of many a modern day pilgrim as well as residents of this historic town.

1621 Sat. Jan. 2 to Sat. Jan. 9

During Dec. 31, and Jan. 1, a violent storm prevailed and it was Saturday, Jan. 2, before work on shore could be started. In the several days following trees were felled, timbers shaped, and work begun on the Common House and the “platform” or fort on the hill.

Mon. Jan. 11Mon. Jan. 18

Allotments of land were made, first by taking notice of “how many families there were, willing all single men that had not wives, to join with some family as they thought fit, that so we might build fewer houses; which was done and we reduced them to nineteen families.”Friday and Saturday being stormy and Jan. 10 being the Sabbath, work was resumed on Monday, Jan. 11. During this period the greater number were living on the Mayflower which presumably anchored in the lower harbor, necessitated going to and fro and in bad weather seriously interfered with work on shore. It was on Monday, the 18th, that Francis Billington made a visit to the “great sea” as he thought and which he had seen from a tree the week previous. This fine pond of sparkling water “full of fish and fowl” thus derived its name Billington Sea.

After some interruptions occasioned by bad weather, work was again resumed on the 19th. “We agreed that every man should build his own house, thinking by that course men would make more haste than working in common.”

Tues. Jan. 19 to Fri. Mar. 26

With this end in view work was resumed and “we went to labor that day in the building of our town, in two rows of houses for more safety. We divided by lot the plot of ground whereon to build our town, after the proportion formerly allotted. The common house in which for the first we made our rendezvous, being near finished, wanted only covering, it being only about twenty foot square. Some should make mortar, and some gather thatch; so that in four days half of it was thatched.”

During this period William Bradford was seriously ill which caused much concern. Two of the colony became lost in the nearby woods and after a night’s exposure to cold, found their way back in an exhausted condition. Indians were seen upon several occasions. The roof of the Common House was set on fire by a spark but fortunately only the thatch burned. John Goodman was attacked by “two great wolves” but succeeded in fighting them off. A shed was built for common storage. On Sunday, Jan. 31st, they held their first meeting on land. A heavy wind on Sunday, Feb. 14th, did some damage to their houses and on Friday, Feb. 19th, the roof of the little house they had built for their sick caught fire but no serious damage resulted. “That evening the master going ashore, killed five geese, which he friendly distributed among the sick people.”

The First Street, in its true topographical setting

On Friday, Feb. 26th, a party of twelve Indians were seen near the plantation and on the same day the tools of Captain Myles Standish and Francis Cooke, who had been at work in the woods, were stolen during their absence.

On the morning of the next day, Saturday, Feb. 27th, a meeting was called, Myles Standish was chosen Captain and given authority to command in military affairs. Two Indians were seen on this day “upon the top of a hill” (Watson’s Hill) but upon the approach of Captain Standish and Stephen Hopkins, they ran away.

These frequent visitations caused much alarm among the colonists and “caused us to plant our great ordinances in most convenient places.”

On Saturday, Mar. 13th, they experienced their first thunderstorm. This occurred in the afternoon following a day of sunshine and warmth while “birds sang in the woods most pleasantly.”

On Wednesday, Mar. 17th, though the weather was cold, it was fair and they planted their garden seed.

Nothing has been said thus far about the crushing losses the first winter this little colony sustained through exposure and disease. Their sufferings must have been well nigh indescribable, yet history records very little complaint. William Bradford bore his sufferings with the rest and it seems fitting to quote here his vivid description:

“But that which was most sad and lamentable was, that in two or three months time half of their company died, especially in January and February, being the depth of winter, and wanting houses and other comforts, being infected with the scurvy and other diseases, which this long voyage and their inaccommodate condition had broughtupon them; so as there died sometimes two or three a day, in the aforesaid time; that of 100 and odd persons, scarce 50 remained. And of these in the time of most distress, there was but 6 or 7 sound persons, who, to their great commendations be it spoken, spared no pains, night nor day, but with abundance of toil and hazard of their own health, fetched them wood, made them fires, dressed them meat, made their beds, washed their loathsome clothes, clothed and unclothed them; in a word did all the homely and necessary offices for them which dainty and queasy stomachs cannot endure to hear named; and all this willingly and cheerfully, without any grudging in the least, showing herein their true love unto their friends and brethren. A rare example and worthy to be remembered. Two of these seven were Mr. William Brewster, their reverend elder, and Myles Standish, their Captain and military commander, unto whom myself and many others, were much beholden in our low sick condition. And yet the Lord so upheld these persons, as in this general calamity they were not at all infected either with sickness or lameness. And what I have said of these, I may say of many others who died in this general visitation, and others yet living, that while they had health, yea, or any strength continuing, they were not wanting to any that had need of them. And I doubt not but their recompence is with the Lord.”

They who died the first winter were buried on Coles Hill. A fitting memorial now marks the spot.

Samoset’s Visit

Fri. Mar. 26

On Friday, Mar. 26, an Indian walked boldly into the settlement. He saluted them in English and bade them “Welcome.” He explained that his home was in Maine where he had learned some English from the captains of fishing vessels that frequented the coast in the vicinity of Monhegan Island, lying half way between the Penobscot and Kennebec Rivers and about twelve miles off the coast. From him they gathered much information. “He discoursed of the whole country and of every province and of their sagamores and their number of men and strength.”

“He told us that the place where we now live is called ‘Patuxet’ and that about four years ago all the inhabitants died of an extraordinary plague and there is neither man, woman nor child remaining, as indeed we have found none; so there is none to hinder our possession, or lay claim unto it.”

The night Samoset stayed at the house of Stephen Hopkins where they “watched him,” being suspicious of the scattering bands previously seen. He had told them ofanother Indian whose name was Squanto, a native of the place who had been in England and could speak better English than himself and whom he would later bring with him.

Sat. Mar. 27

The following day he returned to the Wampanoags whence he had come. This tribe, with the Nausets, occupied the territory lying between Narragansett Bay and Cape Cod. He also spoke particularly of the Nausets to the southeast who were one hundred strong while the former numbered approximately sixty. Massasoit was the Sachem or overlord of the Indians in the territory stated. It appeared that the Nausets were much provoked against the English, having been deceived by a Captain Hunt who “got them under cover of trucking with them, twenty out of this very place and seven men from the Nausets, and carried them away and sold them for slaves.”

It seems that the Indian Squanto who was one of the number had fortunately made his escape and had been returned through the good offices of certain Englishmen who were friendly to the colonists.

On Sunday, March 28, Samoset again appeared, bringing with him five others. They brought with them a few skins but, it being the Sabbath, no trading was done. However, they accepted the hospitality of the settlement and “did eat liberally of our English victuals.” They also returned the tools which had been taken from the woods during the absence of the settlers. That night they departed with a promise to come again. Samoset, who was reluctant to go, remained until Wednesday, May 31.

Thur. April 1

On April 1, he returned with Squanto. They reported that Massasoit, their great sagamore, with his brother Quadequina was near with all their men. “They could not express well in English what they would, but after an hour the King came to the top of a hill (Watson’s Hill) over against us and had in his train sixty men, that we could well behold them, and they us. We were not willing to send our governor to them and they were unwilling to come to us.”

Squanto was accordingly sent to confer with them andreturned with word that they should send one to “parley with him.” Edward Winslow was selected to go that they might “know his mind and signify the mind and will of our governor which was to have trading and peace with him.”

Hostages were exchanged and Captain Standish with a half dozen armed men met them at the brook (Town Brook) whence they were “conducted to a house then in building where we placed a green rug and three or four cushions.” Here they were met by the governor and others and after due felicitations and assurances of friendship were exchanged, a treaty which may well have marked the first diplomatic agreement in New England history. It was faithfully observed by both parties during the reign of Massasoit and was in force thereafter until the breaking out of the King Philip War in 1675.

It seems of interest to state here that this outbreak was instigated by Metacom or Philip as he was called by the English. He was the youngest son of Massasoit and had succeeded his brother Wamsutta or Alexander as head of the Wampanoags. But the recital of that devastating struggle is not within the sphere of this booklet. Suffice it to say that it resulted in the practical extermination of Indians including the Narragansetts, who were hostile to the white settlers and who for some years had been a perpetual and growing menace.

“1. That neither he nor any of his, should injure or do hurt to any of their people.

2. That if any of his did any hurt to any of theirs, he should send the offender that they might punish him.

3. That if anything were taken away from any of theirs, he should cause it to be restored; and they should do the like to his.

4. That if any did unjustly war against him, they would aid him; if any did war against them, he should aid them.

5. That he should send to his Neighbor-Confederates to certify them of this that they might not wrong them, but might be likewise comprised of these Conditions of Peace.

6. That when his men came to them upon any occasion, they should leave their bows and arrows behind them as we should do our pieces when we came to them.

Lastly, that doing thus, King James, their Sovereign Lord, would esteem him his friend and ally.”

The Treaty with Massasoit, in its actual setting, “an unfinished building”

Early in April John Carver was re-elected governor and laws and regulations were made for the conduct of the colony. During this month Governor Carver died. He had come “out of the field very sick, it being a hot day; he complained greatly of his head and lay down, and within a few hours his senses failed, so as he never spoke more until he died. Whose death was much lamented, and caused great heaviness amongst them as there was cause. He was buried in the best manner they could, with some volleys of shot by all that bore arms; and his wife, being a weak woman, died within 5 or 6 weeks after him.”

William Bradford was chosen governor in his stead, and not having fully recovered from his recent severe illness, wherein he had been near the point of death, Isaac Allerton was chosen to be an assistant “unto him who, by renewed election every year, continued sundry years together.”

It may be stated that Bradford was re-elected to the same office no less than 30 times, for a total term of 33 years—every year from 1622.[11]He was Governor of Plimoth Colony continuously from 1627-1656 inclusive excepting for five years when he “by importunity gat off.”

On April 15th, the Mayflower left on her return voyage to England. During this month the first offence is recorded, that of John Billington who had defied the authority of Captain Standish. It seems however that the offence was more a matter of words or “opprobrious speeches” than of deeds.

May 22

The first marriage in the colony took place on the 22nd of May, that of Edward Winslow to Susanna White, widow of William White. This marriage was performed “according to the laudable custom of the Low Countries in which they had lived, was thought most requisite to be performed by the magistrate, as being a civil thing, upon which many questions about inheritances do depend, with other things most proper to their cognizance and most consonant to the scriptures (Ruth 4) and nowhere found in the gospel to be laid on the ministers as a part of their office.”

June 28

What is recorded as the first duel fought in New England was between Edward Dotey and Edward Leister, servants of Mr. Hopkins. They fought with sword and dagger and both were wounded, one in hand and the other in the thigh. This was the second offence for which punishment was invoked by the entire company. It was ordered that their heads and feet be tied together and to so lie for twenty-four hours. Their sufferings being great however they were released by the governor “upon their promise of better carriage.”

The months of July and August were featured by several events of interest. On July 12, Edward Winslow and Stephen Hopkins paid a visit to Massasoit taking with them clothing and other small gifts which the chieftain gladly accepted. They learned that the Wampanoags had been greatly reduced by the plague that had visited them prior to the coming of the colonists, “wherein thousands of them died, they not being able to bury one another; their skulls and bones were found in many places, lying still above aground, where their houses and dwellings had been, a very sad spectacle to behold.”

It was learned also that the Narragansetts “lived but on the other side of that great bay and were a strong peopleand many in number, living compact together and had not been at all touched by this wasting plague.”

During the last of July John Billington, Jr., became lost in the woods lying to the south of the settlement and was forced to subsist for several days on berries and whatever nature afforded. He came in contact with an Indian plantation below Manomet whence he was conducted to the Nausets on the Cape. Word reached Massasoit who, in turn, informed the Plymouth company as to his whereabouts. A party of ten men was despatched in the shallop by the Governor and he was located and returned to the colony apparently none the worse for the experience.

It was about this time that Hobamack, another Indian, came to live at the settlement. He was a friend of Squanto and “faithful to the English until he died.” During a visit to Nemasket (Middleboro) they came into conflict with a sachem named Corbitant who was a minor sachem under Massasoit and who was held to be deceitful both to his superior and the whites. Hobamack was seized and held against his will by Corbitant but being of great strength he broke away making his escape to Plymouth. Fearing that Squanto might have been killed “it was resolved to send the Captain and 14 men well armed” to investigate and to seek retribution if harm had befallen him. They entered the house of Corbitant who at the moment was away while others in attempting to leave against the Captain’s orders, were injured and were later taken to Plymouth where their injuries were treated to their apparent satisfaction. Squanto was uninjured and made his way back to the settlement. Corbitant later explained that his actions were only in the nature of threats and that he intended no harm. He also sought the mediation of Massasoit to regain the friendship of the whites.

Sept. 28

On September 28th a party of ten men with Squanto for guide and interpreter, set out in the shallop to explore in and around Massachusetts Bay. They made friendly contact with the Indians of the neighborhood and returned with “A good quantity of beaver.”

Nov. 19

On November 19th the Fortune, a vessel of small tonnage, arrived bringing Robert Cushman and thirty-five others. They brought practically no provisions except some clothing but being mostly able-bodied young men the colony was thus augmented in man power of which it had been much depleted, there remaining but fifty of the original colony at this time. They came to settle permanently and were made welcome.

Let us now step ahead a few months. As the patent to the lands they now occupied arrived on the Fortune, it is not irrelevant to mention here the abortive attempt of John Pierce to get control of the Plymouth colony. On April 20, 1622, Pierce obtained another patent, superseding the first, broader in scope and running to himself, his heirs, associates and assigns forever.

As an evidence of his intention let us quote from a letter from one of the English company to Governor Bradford—“in regard he, whom you and we so confidently trusted, but only to use his name for the company, should aspire to be lord over us all, and so make you and us tenants at his will and pleasure, our assurance or patent being quite void and disannuled by his means.” etc. The adventurers protested in vain and it is further stated that he demanded “500 pounds which cost him but 50 pounds” for the surrender of the patent.

Whether or not this or any sum was paid there seems to be no record. However the same letter states that “with great trouble and loss we have got Mr. John Pierce to assign over the grand patent to the company, which he had taken in his own name and made quite void our former grant.”

Furthermore the records of the Council for New England which appear in Palfrey’s History of New England furnish the following: “Whereas there were severaldifferences between John Pierce citizen and clothmaker of London and the Treasurer and other the associates of him the said John Pierce that were undertaken with him for the settling and advancement of the plantation at Plymouth, in the parts of New England, said differences, after the full hearing and debating thereof before us were finally concluded upon by the offer of the said John Pierce, and mutual adoption of the said Treasurer and Company then present, in behalf of themselves and the rest of said Company, that the said associates with their undertakers and servants now settled or to be settled in Plymouth aforesaid should remain and continue tenants unto the Council established for the managing of the aforesaid affairs of New England, notwithstanding a grant, bearing date the 20th of April, 1622, by said Pierce obtained without the consent of the said associates, from the said Council, contrary to a former grant to the said Pierce made in behalf of himself and his said associates dated the 1st of June, 1621.”

Thus the new patent was cancelled and the patent dated June 1st, 1621, remained in force.—Ancient Landmarks of Plymouth. Wm. T. Davis, 1883. p. 45.

A Good Harvest

The harvest season drawing near, attention was given to gathering their crops and to putting their houses in readiness for the approaching winter. While some were thus engaged others were employed in fishing and their store of cod, bass and other fish seems to have been plentiful, for “‘every family had their portion.’” Of water-fowl, wild turkeys and venison, there seems, at this time, to have been an abundance. They had a peck of meal a week to a person, also Indian corn in like proportion of which they had planted some twenty acres with six acres of barley and peas.

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