There are many stories of the original Pilgrims who came to the New World, some better known and some lesser known. The following stories are true and have been excerpted in part from the historical account, "Of Plymouth Plantation," written by William Bradford, who eventually became the governor of the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. I have edited the quotations from their original old English slightly to make them easily readable. These stories account for some of the Pilgrims' voyage on the Mayflower to the United States, and how they prospered once they arrived in the New World. These are dearly beloved stories in my family, and every year since I can remember, my parents have read these stories to us at Thanksgiving to remind us of the beginning of our country, the sacrifices and goodness of those first Pilgrims, and their close connection and dependence on God.
The Story of the Rude Sailor
"There was a proud and very profane young man, one of the seamen, of a lusty, able body, which made him the more haughty; he would always be condemning the poor people in their sickness, and cursing them daily with grievous execrations, and did not [stop] to tell them, that he hoped to help to cast half of them overboard before they came to their journey's end, and to make merry with what they had; and if he were by any gently reproved, he would curse and swear most bitterly. But it pleased God before they came half seas over, to smite this young man with a grievous disease, of which he died in a desperate manner, and so was himself the first that was thrown overboard. Thus, his curses light on his own head; and it was an astonishment to all his fellows, for they noted it to be the just hand of God upon him."
This story was always a good tale of caution to us as children. It is never good or right to look down on others in their poor condition, and it is especially wrong to wish death, as this man did on others. God does have a way of supporting his people in their hardships, and I believe this story is a poignant illustration of His watchful eye over them, for which the Pilgrims were grateful.
William Bradford, Plymouth County Governor in "Embarkation of the Pilgrims," by Robert Walter Weir
The Service of the Healthy Towards the Sick
"But that which was most sad and lamentable was, that in two or three months time, half of their company died, 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 ill accommodated condition had brought upon them; so as there died sometimes two or three [Pilgrims] 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 six or seven 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, shewing herein their true love unto their friends and brethren. And yet the Lord so upheld these persons, as in 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 dyed in this general visitation, and others yet living, that whilst 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 recompense is with the Lord."
It is difficult to imagine such a voyage where half of their company perished in the first few months of the journey. I love the Christian service of story that is related here, however, where all those who were still able-bodied made sure to take care of all the worst forms of service for their fellow shipmates. It must have been difficult, but their hope, faith and knowledge of recompense by God for their service drove them to serve others. I hope Thanksgiving continues to be a time of service for all of us, especially for those who are sick or otherwise disabled.
The Beginning of Capitalism in the Colony
The beginning year of the Plymouth Colony was a difficult one. More died from their meager numbers in the first year, because their economic system was one where all were expected to work, simply so that all could eat. Food and goods were commonly shared among them. Despite the oncoming winter, this system was not working for the settlers - not enough food was being planted and harvested fast enough for everyone to survive the winter. The governor realized it would be necessary for them to introduce capitalism into the society in order for them to survive:
"So they began to think how they might raise as [many crops] as they could, and obtain a better crop than they had done, that they might not still thus languish in misery. At length, after much debate of things, the Governor (with the advice of the chiefest amongst them) gave way that they should give every man for his own particular [land], and in that regard trust to themselves; in all other things to go on in the general way as before. And so assigned to every family a parcel of land, according to the proportion of their number for that end, only for present use (but made no division for inheritance), and ranged all boys and youth under some family. This had very good success; for it made all hands very industrious, so as much more crop was planted then other ways would have been by any means the Governor or any other could use, and saved him a great deal of trouble, and gave far better harvest. The women now went willingly into the field, and took their little-ones with them to go plant, which before would allege weakness, and inability; whom to have compelled would have been thought great tyranny and oppression."
My favorite part of this story has always been the women suddenly finding the strength to go out and work in the fields as soon as it became clear that whatever they worked for, they would be able to keep for their own family. It's amazing what the introduction of private property does to spur people to do support themselves and their community in turn. In part because of this new system, the colony began to thrive and produce enough food to successfully sustain themselves. This led to the first Thanksgiving, or, as they called it, a "Harvest Festival" to celebrate their success and surplus of food. Some of their Native American friends, such as Massasoit and Squanto, joined them in the harvest celebration (the very friends who had helped the colonists through their first difficult winter, which they almost didn't survive).
The First Thanksgiving 1621, by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris
Plentiful Harvest at Last
"They began now to gather in the small harvest they had, being all well recovered in health and strength, and had all things in good plenty; [they were exercised in fishing, about cod, and bass, and other fish, of which they took good store, of which every family had their portion. All the summer there was no want. And now began to come in store of fowl, as winter approached, of which this place did abound when they came first (but afterward decreased by degrees). And besides water foul, there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison, etc. Which made many afterwards write so largely of their plenty to their friends in England, which were not feigned, but true reports."
Even though their friends in England may not have believed the plenty the settlers enjoyed, it was true, and a great blessing given to them. I believe, in part because of their persisting faith in God and thankfulness for the food and shelter they enjoyed, these blessings came to them. I hope that we can all have a greater appreciation for the hardships of those first Pilgrims and that we, too, can have a deep gratitude for God's blessings to us during this Thanksgiving.
The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth, oil on canvas by Jennie Augusta Brownscombe
