Plymouth and the Pilgrims; or, Incidents of adventure in the history of the first settlers

Preface

The history of our country is full of interest. The annals of our own Commonwealth, and especially of our Pilgrim fathers, abound with vivid illustrations of fearless courage, enduring fortitude, ingenious strategy, and romantic adventure.

The object of the present volume is to give a plain and correct account of the prominent events which have occurred in the history of Plymouth, the oldest colony in New England. "We, of course, have not given all the incidents, neither could we in a volume of reasonable size. We have confined ourselves to the more interesting and important.

4 PREFACE.

Such facts only are related as we presumed would afford entertainment and instruction to the mass of the people, and especially to the youth. A glance at the table of contents will show the nature and variety of our subjects. We have indulged in only a few moral reflections, but have furnished materials eminently suggestive of them. We present facts ; our readers can deduce their own inferences.

In the preparation of the work we have availed ourselves , of the most reliable sources of information from the journals and letters of the first Pilgrims down to historians of a recent date.

Each of the engravings is illustrative of some incident of which we have given an account.

NOTICE.

The Publishers, in presenting to the reading public this first volume of Rev. Mr. Banvard's Series of American Histories, are happy to aimounce that other volumes of the series are in course of preparation.

This series of Histories will be made up of interesting and important events which have occurred in the United States since the first settlement of the country ; illustrating, the trials and adventures of the early colonists both at the North and the South, their intercourse and conflicts with the natives, their peculiarities of character and manners, the gradual development of their institutions, sketches of their prominent men in both the Church and the State, incidents in the Revolution, with various other subjects of interest of more recent date. It is intended to be adapted to the popular mind, and especially to the youth of our country, illustrated with numerous fine engravings. There will be twelve or more 18mo. volumes, consisting of about three hundred pages each ; each volume to be complete in itself; and yet, when all are published, they will, together, form a regular Series of Consecutive American History. 1*

LIST

OF

ILLUSTRATIONS

I. KOBINSON'S- PEAYER AT THE DEPAKTUEE OF

m. MAP OF MASSACHUSETTS BAY 18

IV. THE COPPER CHAIN 60

V. FIVE KERNELS OF COEN 140

VL SIE CHRISTOPHER GARDNER TAKEN 169

VIL CAPTURE OF ANNAWON BY STRATAGEM 252

VnL LIKENESS OF MISS REBECCA RAWSON *.. 198

IX. PRISONERS IN STOCKS 206

Chapter I. Page

A Vessel. — Something unusual on Board. — Sympathy. — Pastor's Prayer. — Separation. — Arrival at Southampton. — Robinson's Letter. — Division of the Company. — Choice of Officers. — Departure from England. — Put back to Dartmouth. — Start again. — Return to Plymouth. — One Vessel abandoned. — The other starts alone. — Storms. — Death at Sea. — Disheartening Event. — " Laud." — Cape Cod Harbor. — Puritan Pilgrims. — Thanks. — The Compact. — Election of Governor. —The Men ashore. — Their Discoveries. — The Shallop. — An Expedition proposed » 19

Chapter II

Exploring Party. — See Indians. — Their Pursuit and Behavior.— Night. — Pursuit renewed. — Great Thirst. — The first Drink of New England Water. — Deer. — Indian Graves. — Corn- found buried. — Large Kettle. — A Fort.— River discovered.— Encampment in a stormy Night. — The Party lost. — Trap found in the Woods. — Reasons for minute Description Strength of Principle. — Water Excursion. — A Party land. — Mumhiies discovered. — Wigwams and Contents.— First Birth. — Third Excursion. — Midnight Alarm. — Skirmish with the Indians. — Thanks for Victory

I CONTENTS.

Storm and Danger. — Clark's Island Sabbath observed. — Landing of the Pilgrims. — Division of the Land. — Commence building. — Fire. — Two Men lost. — Their Adventures. — The first Sabbath on the main Land.— The first Winter. — The Number of Immigrants. — Suffering. — Deaths. — Place called Plymouth. — Return of the Mayflower

Chapter III

A strange Visitor. — Unexpected Salutation. — Information given. — A Difficulty. — Kidnapper. — Indians enslaved. — More Visitors. — Squanto's Adventures. — Indian Chiefs. — Visit of Ceremony. — First Treaty. — The Visit returned. — Massasoit's Poverty. — Novel Mode of Eeling.— First Offence. — The Penalty. — Billington'g Character. — Fu-st Duel, — Peculiar Punishment. — Praying for Mercy. — Character of the Government

Chapter IV

Plymouth in Summer. — Annoyance of Indian Loungers. — Visit to Massasoit. — Delivery of Presents. — The Message. — The Copper Chain. — Hard Lodging. — Subordinate Sachems. — Sports. — Shooting Fish. — Return of the Messengers. — Storm at Night. — Effect of theVisit. — Boy missing. — A Party sent after him. — Their Adventures. — (Jet News of the Boy. — lyanough. — An old Squaw. — Her violent Passion. — Reason of it. — How she is pacified. — Indian Officiousness. — The Owner of the buried Com found. — The lost Boy restored. — Natives rewarded. — Rumors of War. — Danger of the Colony 51

Chapter V

Startling Rumors. — Squanto reconnoitres. — Is taken. — Design3 against him. — Supposed Murder. —Party sent to Middleborough. — Midnight Attack. — Frightened Indians. — Squanto found. —

. ■»

Treatment of the Wounded. — Voyage to Massachusetts. — Origin of the Name. — Conduct of the Squaws. — The first Summer in Plymouth. — Preparatrons for Winter. — Colony alarmed. — Prepare to resist Invaders. — Pleasant Disappointment. — Arrival of the Fortune. — She brings no Stores. — The Consequence. -^ The Fortune returns. — Her Cargo and Capture 61

Chapter VI

Singular Visitor. — Mysterious Package for Squanto. — The Visitor made a Captive. — His Disclosures. — He is released and sent home with a bold Message. — Squanto explains the Package. — A Package of Powder and Balls sent in Reply to it. — It is regarded with Terror. — Finally sent back unopened. — Defensive Preparations. — First General Muster. — An Indian's Advice. — Another Expedition. — Signal for Return. — Why called back. — Hobbamock denies Indian Rumors. — Squanto falls under Suspicion. — His deceitful Conduct. — Buried Plague. — Massasoit demands Squanto's Death. — The Messengers ready to kill him. — His unexpected Deliverance. — Messengers offended. — More Immigrants Winslow sent

to Maine for Food. — Massacre in Virginia. — Fort built. — Used as a Church. — Puritan Character ,

Chapter VII

Arrival of the Charity and the Swan. — A New Colony. — Its Materials. — Its Object. — Its Difficulties. — An Expedition in Partnership. — Chatham. — Shyness of the Natives. — Success in Trade. — Squanto dies. — His last Request. — His History. — Favorable Providence. — Indiscretion of the New Colony. — Storm. — The Shallop aground.— Stores left in the Care of Indians. — The Return. — Puritan Firmness. — Indian Theft. — Restoration demanded. — Its Result. — Ludicrous Ceremony. — Folly of Imitation — Indian Gamblers. — Mysterious Visitors. — Their Object. — Indian Brawl and Murder. — Hobbamock's Advice. — A Powwow executed 81

Chapter VIII

Fears of Conspiracy. — Illness of Massasoit. — Winslovv, with two others, sets out to visit him. — Arrives at a Ferry. — Hears that Massasoit is dead. — Hobbamock's deep Grief. — His Description of the Chief. — They visit Corbitant's House. — A Messenger sent to Pokanoket. — Returns with the News that Massasoit is yet alive. — The Party press on. — Their Arrival. — Powwows at work upon the sick Chief. — Winslovv prescribes for him. — He improves. — Eats too hearty, and becomes worse. — Indian Custom. — Efforts to persuade Massasoit to oppose the English. — They are unsuccessful. — Massasoit reveals the Conspiracy. — His Advice. — Conversation with Corbitant. — How the Puritans taught the Indians. — Origin of Traditions 92

Chapter IX

Condition of Weston's Colony. — Man drowned in digging Clams. — Indian Policy. — The Men rob them. — Indians complain. — A slinderous Tradition. — Butler perpet&ates it. — Its Origin. — Plymouth not responsible for Weymouth. — Consultation of the two Colonies. — Sanders goes to Maine for Provisions. — Dangers of the English. — Their Perils considered by the Court. — Standish sent to Weymouth to capture Indians. — His Instructions. — Insulting Conduct of the Indians. — Pratt's providential Escape. — He relates the wretched Condition of Weymouth. — Pratt is pursued. — His Pursuer captured as a Spy. — Standish arrives at Weymouth. — Makes known the Conspiracy. — The Captain's Policy. — Indians pretend they know his Object. — Their Insults. — The boasting of Indian Braves. — The forbearance of the Captain 104

Chapter X

Silent, but fearful Massacre. — Hobbamock compliments Standish. — Women held Captives. — An Indian escapes. — Three Englishmen among the'Indians. — The Indians haste away at Midnight. —

They meet Standish and his Men. — A Skirmish. — The Indians defeated. — Hobbamock's Bravery. — The Indian Women released uninjured. — The Puritans responsible for the Massacre. — Their Apology. — A young Indian's Confession. — Standish returns, taking an Indian's Head. — The captured Spy recognizes it. — The Spy released and sent as a Messenger. — A Squaw brings back an Answer. — The three Englishmen killed. — The Terror of the Natives. — They attempt to send a Peace-offering to the Governor. — The Boat is wrecked. — Robinson's Letter 118

Chapter XI

The Conspiracy checked. —Arrival of a Blacksmith in disguise.— Who he is. — He hears unwelcome News. — He sails for Weymouth. — Is cast away and robbed. — Kindness of the Puritans

Repaid with Ingratitude. — The Puritans without a Charter. — The Advantage of it. — Their first Patent. — The Ambition of John Pierce, — Is disappointed. — Arrival of more Immigrants and Stores. — The Distress of the Colony. — Admiral West. — Cannot subdue the Fishermen. — Community of Goods abandoned. — Self- Dependence. — Its Results. — The five Kernels of Corn. — No Bread. — Patience of the Sufferers. — Long Drought. — Day of Fasting and Prayer. — Refreshing Showers. — Effect upon the Natives 129

Chapter XII

John Lyford. — His Obsequiousness. — His Connection with John Oldham.- (Governor Bradford takes Copies of their Letters. — Oldham rebels. —Lyford sets up a Meeting.— Their Trial. — The Governor's Address. — Both found guilty. — Oldham banished. — Lyford's Confession and deep Sorrow. — Repeats -his Offence. — Oldham returns. — His abusive Conduct. — Sentenced to run the Gantlet. — He reforms. — Is killed by the Indians. — Timely Abundance. — Trade with the Kennebec. — Return Ship captured.—

Escape of Standish from Slavery. — Death of John Robinson.— His Character. — Death of Robert Cushman. — He preached the first Sermon in New England. — Its Character. — Extracts 141

Chapter XIII

A Pinnace built. — Messengers from the Dutch. —Reception of De Razier. — Trade with him. — Wampum. — The Colony without a Pastor. — Original Agreement respecting their old Pastor. — A Minister found at Nantasket. — He becomes the Plymouth Pastor. — His Character. — Roger Williams. — His Troubles at Salem. — Goes to Plymouth as an Assistant. — Returns to Salem. — He cultivates Acquaintance with the Natives. —John Billington.— Commits Murder. —Is tried and executed. — The Tendency of Sin. — A Shipwreck.— Kindness of the Indians. — Difficulties adjusted. — Governor Winthrop's Visit to Plymouth. — Singular Puritan Custom. — Discussion about the Use of " Goodman Such-a-one." — Hue's Cross 154

Chapter XIV

Sir Christopher Gardner. —Foments Trouble. — Is charged with Bigamy. — Is pursued. — Is delivered up by Indians. — Indian Custom to secure a Welcome. — Small-pox. — Trade extended.— Adventures on the Connecticut. —Troubles on the Kennebec— Captain Hocking killed. — A Plymouth Magistrate arrested in Boston. — Excitement at Plymouth. — Deputies sent to Boston. — Prayer before Business. — The Defence. —The Confession. — The Adjustment.— A Hurricane. — Its dreadful Ravages. — Eclipse of the Moon 167

Chapter XV

An Indian murdered. — Four Englishmen in Want. — They visit Roger Williams. — Are found to be the Murderers. — Three are caught. —Their Trial. — Singular Difficulty. — Their Execution. —

Effect of Puritan Justice on the Indians. — Anecdote of Captain Standish. — Alden talces his new Bride home on a Bull. — Confederation of the New England Colonies. — Germ of the American Union. — Its Influence. — Indian Alliances. — The Removal of the whole Colony proposed. — Subject considered by the Church. — Purchase Eastham. — Found to be more unfavorable than Plymouth.— The Project a'bandoned. — Ex-Governor Prince settles at Eastham 176

Chapter XVI

Quakers ordered out of the Colony. — They refuse to obey. — All forbidden to harbor duakers. — Humphrey Norton imprisoned. — Quakers' Contempt of Government. — Insolence to the Governor. — Refuse to take Oath.— Are whipped. —Norton's Letters. — Fanaticism always troublesome. — No Quaker or Ranter permitted to be a Freeman. — A House of Correction ordered to be built. — Six Quakers banished on Pain of Death. — Milder Laws. — Four Persons appointed to reason with them. — One of these becomes a Quaker. — All Persons authorized to arrest them. — Their Meetings forbidden. — Severity excites Sympathy. — Rigorous Measures were not universally approved. — Charles II. ascends the Throne of England. — He suppresses the Persecutions. — Secretary Rawson. — His Daughter Rebecca receives the attentions of Thomas Rumsey. — Marries him. — Accompanies him to England. — Finds a Relative. — Conduct of her Husband. — Painful Discovery. — Her Abandonment.— Her Self-reliance. — Embarks for Jamaica. — Arrival there. — Her unhappy End 185

Chapter XVII

The Enactment of Law develops Character. — Trial by Jurj\ —Wants of the Colony to be supplied first. — Exports forbidden. — Those who refused the Office of Governor to be fined. — Bradford released by Importunity. — How different now. — Marriage forbidden without the Consent of Parents. — Intentions of Marriage to be pub-

3 , lished. — Consent of Parents to be obtained to address their Daughters. — Punishment to depend upon " Q-uality " of the OiSender. — Short Sleeves forbidden. — Laws against Contempt of the Scriptures. — Sabbath-breaking and Gambling Laws executed. — Stocks and Cage always ready. — Psalm Singing. — Courtship punished. — Abuse of Husbands. — Blackbirds' Heads to be obtained. — Effects of Union of Church and State. — Every Colony to have a Church. — Church Rates. — Whales — Ministers forbidden to leave their People. — Meeting-house in every Town. — Parental Instruction. — Schools. — Arms must be taken to Meeting. — Indians and Wolves. — Effects of these Laws. — The Bible the Basis of their Legislation

Chapter XVIII

Fifty Years of Peace. — New Settlements. — Converted Indians. — Native Preachers. — Philip and the Button. — Indian Magistrates. — Indian Warrant. — Alexander succeeds Massasoit. — Suspicions against him. — His Death. — Philip becomes Grand Sachem. — Pursues John Gibbs for reviling the Dead. — His Alliance with the Narragansetts. — He desires Revenge — Ordered to come to Plymouth.— Declines. — Invites the Governor to come tohim. — They meet at Taunton. — Singular Scene in a Church. — The Treaty. — Indignant Sachem. — Treaty violated. — Conference at Plymouth. — Indian Confederacy. — Philip's deep Plot against the English.— Their Security. — Philip angry with Sassamon. — The latter flees to the English. — The Plot revealed. — Sassamon missing. — Philip again examined. — No Confession. — Suspicions increase 219

Chapter XIX

Harvard College. — Indian Students. — Sassamon. — Search for him. — Body found. — Murderers arrested and executed. — Philip enraged. — Preparations for Conflict. — Bold Language. — Opinion respecting the first Fire.— Indians pant for Plunder. —War began. — English killed on Fast Day. — Excitement in the Colonies. —

Enlisting Recruits in Boston. — Bridgewater Horsemen. — People driven from their burning Houses. — The English surprised and slain. — Affecting Scene. — Philip pursued. — Found at Dinner.— Escapes. — Mutilated Englishmen. — Fuller's narrow Escape. — Church's brave Adventure.— Gelding's timely Arrival.— Marvellous Preservation. — Church's Visit to the Spring amidst a Shower of Balls 224

Chapter XX

Philip retreats to a Swamp. — An Ambush. — Wigwams found. — Philip escapes by Water. — Route discovered.— Ministers fight. — Philip overtaken. — A Battle ensues. — The War becomes general. — Its Consequences. — Disgraceful Conduct towards the Dartmouth Indians. — Sold into Slarvery. — Influence on other Tribes. — Philip's Ravages in Plymouth. — Retreats to a Swamp. — The Swamp surrounded. — Philip shot. — The Enemy routed. — The Gun preserved. — Philip beheaded and quartered. — His Head and Hand preserved. — Bitter Spirit of the English. — His Head exposed many Years , 236

Chapter XXI

The War not ended. — Annawon holds out. — Prowls around the Town. — Church goes in Pursuit. — Captures a Party of Indians. — Man seeking his Father. — Church discovers a Path. — Takes an old Indian and young Girl — Examines them. — Learns Annawon's Retreat. — Old Man becomes Guide. — He refuses to fight against his Chief. — Leads them to Annawon's Encampment. — High Rock. — Exciting Scene.— Church's Stratagem. — Its Execution. — Annawon surprised. — The whole Band captured. — Leaders cannot sleep. — Philip's Ornaments delivered up. — Church's Anxiety. — Morning. — Prisoners taken to Plymouth. — What shall be done with them ? — Opinion of Ministers. — Young Annawon.— Prisoners sold into Slavery. — Church opposed to it 245

Chapter XXII

The Colonies affected by the Home Government. — Arrival of Andros. —Encourages Episcopacy. — Declares Land Titles invalid. — Appropriates public Property to private Uses. — Prohibits Town Meetings. — Other Oppressions. — Andros imprisoned. — Nathaniel Clark seized, — Clark's Island. — The first Sabbath. — Wiswall imprisoned. — Absence from Town Meetings fined. — A Price for Wolves' Heads. — The first Selectmen. — The first Marriage. — An honored Lady. — Introduction of Neat Cattle. — First Record of Horses. — A Present to Philip. — Merry Mount. — Weetamore beheaded. — Its Effect on the Indians. — French Vessel wrecked. — The Crew seized as Prisoners. — Doctor Le Baron. — His Settlement and Marriage. — His Attachment to the Cross. — A Premium for Rats' Heads. — First public Celebration of " The Landing." — The Dinner. — The famous Rock. — Its Locality proved. — The Evidence of Elder Faunce and others. — The Rock splits. — A good Omen. — Is removed. — Treatment of Tories. — Wonderful Egg. — Dreadful Shipwreck. — Statistics 257

Chapter XXIII

Attachment to the Scriptures. — Reason of Puritanic Singularities.— Precise in their Manners. — Their Ministers of equal Authority. — Their Government republican. — Their Self-reliance and divine Dependence. —Were not vindictive.— Did not come here to establish universal Toleration. — Their Object was Liberty for themselves.— This the Origin of their Opposition to other Sects. — The Prospective Influence of their Principles !

EASSASiaOiJSl'if'ii'S IBi\17.

Chapter I

" They crowd the strand, Those few, lone pilgrims. Can ye scan the woe That wrings their bosoms, as the last frail link Binding to man and habitable earth Is severed ? Can ye tell what pangs were there, What keen regrets, what sickness of the heart, What yearning o'er their forfeit land of birth 5 Their distant, dear ones ? " — Sigournet.

A Vessel. — Something unusual on Board. — Sympathy. — Pastor's Prayer, — Separation. — Arrival at Southampton. — Robinson's Letter. — Division of the Company. — Choice of Officers.— Departure from England. — Put back to Dartmouth. — Start again. — Return to Plymouth. ^- One Vessel abandoned. — The other starts alone. — Storms. — Death at Sea. — Disheartening Event. — "Land." — Cape Cod Harbor. — Puritan Pilgrims.— Thanks. — The Compact. — Election of Governor. — The Men ashore. — Their Discoveries. — The Shallop. —An Expedition proposed.

About July 22, in the year of our Lord 1^0, at Delpli Haven, in Holland, might have been seen a company of devout Christian men and women on board of a frail vessel of peculiar structure. A casual observer might have perceived that something unusual was in progress. Little groups were standing here and there in earnest conversation ; others, by themselves, were looking over the sides of the vessel, or gazing with deep interest upon objects with which they were famiUar, but which they never ex-

20 Robinson's prayer.

pected to behold again. Some were hurrying to and fro, making rapid inquiries, to ascertain that nothing which they needed on board was left behind. Friends who sympatliized with them had come from a distance to give them the parting hand, and pronounce upon them their farewell blessing. When the hour of their departure arrived, and they could tarry no longer among those whom they loved so well, their pastor, Rev. John Robinson, falling upon his knees in the midst of the little company, who also knelt around him, commended them, in a most fervent prayer, to the kind protection of their heavenly Father. After the religious services were over, " with mutual embraces," they took their leave of those who were to remain behind.

" Truly doleful was the sight," says Governor Bradford, " of that sad and mournful parting ; to see what sighs and sobs and prayers did sound amongst them ; what tears did gush from every eye, and pithy speeches pierced each other's heart, that sundry of the Dutch strangers that stood on the quay as spectators could not refrain from tears." Winslow, who was with the company on board, says, that when they separated, " We gave them a volley of small shot, and three pieces of ordnance, and so lifting up our hands to each other, and our hearts for each other to the Lord our God, we departed, and found liis presence with us." They directed

THE DEPARTURE. 21

their course to Southampton, where they found a larger vessel, commanded by Captain Jones, waiting for them, as were also Mr. Cushman and the rest of the church, who were to accompany them across the patliless waters to a new world.

Whilst they were tarrying there, they received a letter from their pastor, at Leyden, Rev. John Robinson, who, though he could not accompany them, cherished a deep interest in the success of their enterprise, and who availed liimself of this early opportunity to send them an epistle filled with judicious counsels and cautions. The company were soon called together, and listened with great pleasure to the valuable advice of their religious guide. They were then divided into two parties for the two ships. In order that every thing might be properly conducted on board of their respective vessels, each party, with the i^ermission of their captain, chose a governor and two or three assistants, who were to exercise over them a general supervision.

On the 5th of August, the two vessels, the names of which were the Mayflower and the Speedwell, left Southampton on their perilous voyage. But they had not sailed far, before the Speedwell, which was the smaller vessel of the two, was found to be in a very leaky condition. It was deemed dangerous to proceed. This was pecuUarly unfortunate

22 THE RpTURN.

They both put back to Dartmouth, where the vesse was examined and repaired. She was found to be in such bad condition, that if she had continued at sea but a few hours k)nger, she must liave sunk.

About the 21st of August, they ventured to sea once more, and after having advanced above a hundred leagues, the same vessel was found to leak again, more badly, if possible, than before. They returned now to Plymouth. Upon a second examination, as no important leak was found, the trouble was attributed to her general weakness, on which account she was reluctantly abandoned as an unsafe craft in which to encounter the dangers of the Atlantic. But it was afterwards ascertained that the whole difficulty was caused by the deceitfulness of the captain and crew of the Speedwell. They had engaged to remain in the new country, whither they were going, a whole year ; but they repented of their bargain. They feared that when the provisions which they carried with them were exhausted, they would be unable to obtain more, and consequently would perish from famine. They therefore pretended that their vessel was not sea-worthy, in order to have an excuse for retreating from their engagement, and tarrying behind. Some of them afterwards confessed their timidity, and revealed the stratagem. After the abandonment of the Speedwell, as it was found impossible to accommodate all

A. STORM. 23

of her passengers in the other ship, some of them were compelled to relinquish the voyage. This gave occasion for another painful separation. Among those who remained behind was Mr. Robert Cushman, who had been deeply interested in the arrangements and objects of the emigration, and who afterwards took a prominent part in the history of the colony.

Captain Jones, of the Mayflower, received on board his vessel as many of the passengers of the Speedwell as, with their stores, it was safe for him to carry, and on the 6th of September, started alone. The little vessel, freigiited with the future liberties and glory of a great nation, was soon overtaken by violent storms, which strained her, rendered her leaky, and cracked one of the " main beams of the mid-ships." Fears were entertained that she would never reach her destined shores. One of the passengers having brought " a great iron screw from Holland," it was employed in bringing the broken beam into its place again, where it was securely fastened by the carpenter. The storm continued to rage so furiously that not a single sail could be used, and they were tossed helplessly about for many days together, hke a feather upon the boisterous waves. An additional ingredient in their cup of sorrow was the unwelcome visit of death. To one of their number the green bed of the ocean fur-

24 BURIAL AT SEA.

nished a grave. A burial at sea is always impressive. The solemnity of the sliip's company ; the placing of the corpse on the narrow plank ; the brief prayer — perhaps the absence of prayer ; the raising of the corpse to the side of the vessel by those who had been the cheerful companions of the deceased thus far ; the last look ; the launch into the sea ; the sullen, gurghng plunge ; its disappearance without leaving a trace behind ; and the sense of loss wliich tlie survivors feel ; — all combined, serve to render such a catastrophe deeply affecting ; but, in the present instance, it was unusually so. This band of pilgrims were on their way to a country destitute of civihzed inhabitants. They were about to form a settlement in an inhospitable clime, and among savage men, three thousand miles from their own land. Their whole number would be sufficiently small to be placed in such perilous circumstances, so far from those who could aid them, in case help should be needed. To all appearance they could spare none. When, therefore, this death occurred on their voyage, it must have been a disheartening event. It must have served to deepen their sense of dependence upon that great and good Being, under whose auspices the enterprise was commenced, and without whose constant care it would inevitably fail.

November 9, the cheering cry was heard, " Land, land ! " It proved to be Cape Cod. As it was

PURITAN PILGRIMS. 25

their design to commence their settlements in the vicinity of Hudson's River, they steered their course southerly to reach the mouth of that noble stream. They soon found themselves among shoals and breakers. As the wind subsided, they discovered that they were in danger and could not proceed. They retraced their course, and by the next day arrived at the Cape Harbor.

• This band of adventurers were Puritan Pilgrims, who, because they could not enjoy liberty of conscience in their own country, had most unwillingly, and at great sacrifice, left it, in order that they might find a place where they could worship God, and enjoy the ordinances of religion according to their own views of duty, without the opposition of the civil power. Another object which they had in view, and which they ever kept constantly before them, was the conversion of the natives of the country whither they were going — the savage and superstitious Indians, to Christianity.

As every thing connected with the landing and the first settlement of these Pilgrims is both interesting and instructive, we shall enter somewhat into the details of their early adventures.

The Puritans were men of prayer. In all undertakings of importance, they were accustomed to seek direction from their heavenly Father, and implore his blessing. Accordingly, on Saturday, 3

26 THE COMPACT.

November 11, religious services were held on board of the Mayflower. They fell on their knees, rendered thanks to God for his kind protection of them during their dangerous voyage across the ocean, and implored his favor to rest upon them amid the toils, trials, and temptations upon which they were now to enter.

As some of the party were " not well affected to unity and concord, but gave some appearance of faction," it was deemed advisable to enter into a mutual compact or agreement. Accordingly, a document vv'as prepared, in which they said, " Having undertaken, for the glory of God and the 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, we do, by these pi'esents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God and one 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."