RELATION OR journal of the beginning and proceed of the English Plantation settled at Plymouth in NEW ENGLAND, by certain English adventurers both Merchants and others.  
With their difficult passage, their safe arrival, their joyful building of, and comfortable planting themselves in the now well defended town of NEW Plymouth.  
AS ALSO A RELATION OF four several▪ discoveries since made by some of the same English Planters there resident.  
I. In a journey to Puckanokick the habitation of the Indian's greatest King Massasoyt: as also their message, the answer and entertainment they had of him.  
II. In a voyage made by ten of them to the kingdom of Nawset, to seek a boy that had lost himself in the woods: with such accidents as befell them in that voyage.  
III. In their journey to the kingdom of Namaschet, in defence of their greatest King Massasoyt, against the Narrohiggonsets, and to revenge the supposed death of their Interpreter Tisquantum.  
FOUR Their voyage to the Massachusets', and their entertainment there.  
With an answer to all such objections as are any way made against the lawfulness of English plantations in those parts.  
LONDON, Printed for john Bellamy, and are to be sold at his shop at the two Greyhounds in Cornhill near the royal Exchange. 1622.   

TO HIS much REspected Friend, Mr. I. P.  
GOod Friend: As we cannot but account it an extraordinary blessing of God in directing our course for these parts, after we came out of our native country, for that we had the happiness to be possessed of the comforts we receive by the benefit of one of the most pleasant, most healthful, and most fruitful parts of the world: So must we acknowledge the same blessing to be multiplied upon our whole company, for that we obtained the honour to receive allowance and approbation of our free possession, and enjoying thereof under the authority of those thrice honoured Persons, the precedent and counsel for the affairs of New-England, by whose bounty and grace, in that behalf, all of us are tied to dedicate our best service unto them, as those under his majesty, that we own it unto: whose noble endeavours in these their actions the God of heaven and earth multiply to his glory and their own eternal comforts.  
As for this poor Relation, I pray you to accept it, as being writ by the several Actors themselves, after their plain and rude manner; therefore doubt nothing of the truth thereof: if it be defective in any thing, it is their ignorance, that are better acquainted with planting then writing. If it satisfy those that are well affected to the business, it is all I care for. Sure I am the place we are in, and the hopes that are apparent, cannot but suffice any that will not desire more then enough, neither is there want of aught among us but company to enjoy the blessings so plentifully bestowed upon the inhabitants that are here. While I was a writing this, I had almost forgot, that I had but the recommendation of the relation itself, to your further consideration, and therefore I will end without saying more, save that I shall always rest  
From Plymouth in New-England. Yours in the way of friendship, R. G.   

To the Reader.  
COurteous Reader, be entreated to make a favourable construction of my forwardness, in publishing these inseving discourses, the desire of carrying the gospel of Christ, into those foreign parts, amongst those people that as yet have had no knowledge, nor taste of God, as also to procure unto themselves and others a quiet and comfortable habitation: wear amongst other things the inducements (unto these undertakers of the then hopeful, and now experimentally known good enterprise for plantation, in New England, to set afoot and prosecute the same & though it fared with them, as it is common to the most actions of this nature, that the first attempts prove diffecult, as the sequel more at large expresseth, yet it hath pleased God, even beyond our expectation in so short a time, to give hope of letting some of them see (though some he hath taken out of this vale of tears) some grounds of hope, of the accomplishment of both those ends by them, at first propounded.  
And as myself then much desired, and shortly hope to effect, if the Lord will, the putting to of my shoulder in this hopeful business, and in the mean time, these relations coming to my hand from my both known & faithful friends, on whose writings I do much rely, I thought it not a miss to make them more general, hoping of a cheerful proceeding, both of adventurers and planters, entreating that the example of the hon: Virginia and Bermudas Companies, encountering with so many distasters, and that for diverse years together, with an unwearied resolution, the good effects whereof are now eminent, may prevail as a spur of preparation also touching this no less hopeful Country though yet an infant, the extent & commodities whereof are as yet not fully known, after time will unfold more: such as desire to take knowledge of things, may in form themselves by this ensuing treatise, and if they please also by such as have been there a first and second time, my harry prayer to God is that the event of this and all other honourable and honest undertake, may be for the furtherance of the kingdom of Christ, the enlarging of the bounds of our sovereign Lord King James, & the good and profit of those, who either by purse, or person, or both, are agents in the same, so I take leave and rest  
Thy friend, G. Mourt.   

CERTAIN useful ADVERTISEMENTS SENT in a Letter written by a discreet friend unto the Planters in New England, at their first setting sail from Southampton, who earnestly desireth the prosperity of that their new Plantation.  
Loving and Christian friends, I do hearty and in the Lord salute you all, as being they with whom I am present in my best affection, and most earnest long after you, though I be constrained for a while to be bodily absent from you, I say constrained, God knowing how willingly and much rather than otherwise I would have have borne my part with you in this first brunt, were I not by strong necessity held back for the present. Make account of me in the mean while, as of a man divided in myself with great pain, and as (natural bonds set aside) having my better part with you. And though I doubt not but in your godly wisdoms you both foresee and resolve upon that which concerneth your present state and condition both severally and jointly, yet have I thought but my duty to add some further spur of provocation unto them who run already, if not because you need it, yet because I own it in love and duty.  
And first, as we are daily to renew our repentance with our God, special for our sins known, and general for our unknown trespasses; so doth the Lord call us in a singular manner upon occasions of such difficulty and danger as lieth upon you, to a both more narrow search and careful reformation of our ways in his sight, lest he calling to remembrance our sins forgotten by us or unrepented of, take advantage against us, and in judgement leave us for the same to be swallowed up in one danger or other; whereas on the contrary, sin being taken away by earnest repentance and the pardon thereof from the Lord, sealed up unto a man's conscience by his Spirit, great shall be his security and peace in all dangers, sweet his comforts in all distresses, with happy deliverance from all evil, whether in life or in death.  
Now next after this heavenly peace with God and our own consciences, we are carefully to provide for peace with all men what in us lieth, especially with our associates, and for that end watchfulness must be had, that we neither at all in ourselves do give, no nor easily take offence being given by others. Woe be unto the world for offences, for though it be necessary (considering the malice of Satan and man's corruption) that offences come, yet woe unto the man or woman either by whom the offence cometh, saith Christ, Math. 18.7. And if offences in the unseasonable use of things in themselves indifferent, be more to be feared then death itself, as the Apostle teacheth, 1. Cor. 9.15. how much more in things simply evil, in which neither honour of God nor love of man is thought worthy to be regarded.  
Neither yet is it sufficient that we keep ourselves by the grace of God from giving offence, except withal we be armed against the taking of them when they are given by others. For how unperfect and lame is the work of grace in that person, who wants charity to cover a multitude of offences, as the Scriptures speak. Neither are you to be exhorted to this grace only upon the common grounds of christianity, which are, that persons ready to take offence, either want charity to cover offences, or wisdom duly to weigh humane frailty; or lastly are gross, though close hypocrites, as Christ our Lord teacheth, Math. 7.1, 2, 3. as indeed in mine own experience, few or none have been found which sooner give offence, than such as easily take it; neither have they ever proved sound and profitable members in societies, which have nourished in themselves that touchey humour. But besides these, there are diverse special motives provoking you above others to great care and conscience this way: As first, you are many of you strangers, as to the persons, so to the infirmities one of another, and so stand in need of more watchfulness this way, lest when such things fall out in men and women as you suspected not, you be inordinately affected with them; which doth require at your hands much wisdom and charity for the covering and preventing of incident offences that way. And lastly your intended course of civil community will minister continual occasion of offence, and will be as fuel for that fire, except you diligently quench it with brotherly forbearance. And if taking of offence causelessly or easily at men's doings be so carefully to be avoided, how much more heed is to be taken that we take not offence at God himself, which yet we certainly do so oft as we do murmur at his providence in our crosses, or bear impatiently such afflictions as wherewith he pleaseth to visit us. Store we up therefore patience against the evil day, without which we take offence at the Lord himself in his holy and just works.  
A fourth thing there is carefully to be provided for, to wit, that with your common employments you join common affections truly bend upon the general good, avoiding as a deadly plague of your both common and special comfort all retiredness of mind for proper advantage, and all singularly affected any manner of way; let every man repress in himself and the whole body in each person, as so many rebels against the common good, all private respects of men's selves, not sorting with the general conveniency. And as men are careful not to have a new house shaken with any violence before it be well settled and the parts firmly knit: so be you, I beseech you brethren, much more careful, that the house of God which you are and are to be, be not shaken with unnecessary novelties or other oppositions at the first settling thereof.  
Lastly, whereas you are to become a body politic, using amongst yourselves civil government, and are not furnished with any persons of special eminency above the rest, to be chosen by you into office of government: Let your wisdom and godliness appear, not only in choosing such persons as do entirely love, and will diligently promote the common good, but also in yielding unto them all due honour and obedience in their lawful administrations; not beholding in them the ordinarinesse of their persons, but God's ordinance for your good; nor being like unto the foolish multitude, who more honour the gay coat, then either the virtuous mind of the man, or glorious ordinance of the Lord. But you know better things, and that the image of the Lords power and authority which the Magistrate beareth, is honourable, in how mean persons soever. And this duty you both may the more willingly, and aught the more conscionably to perform, because you are at least for the present to have only them for your ordinary governors, which yourselves shall make choice of for that work.  
Sundry other things of importance I could put you in mind of, and of those before mentioned in more words, but I will not so far wrong your godly minds, as to think you heedless of these things, there being also diverse among you so well able to admonish both themselves and others of what concerneth them. These few things therefore, and the same in few words I do earnestly commend unto your care and conscience, joining therewith my daily incessant prayers unto the Lord, that he who hath made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all rivers of waters, and whose providence is over all his works, especially over all his dear children for good, would so guide and guard you in your ways, as inwardly by his Spirit, so outwardly by the hand of his power, as that both you and we also, for and with you, may have after matter of praising his Name all the days of your and our lives. Far you well in him in whom you trust, and in whom I rest  
An unfeigned well-willer of your happy success in this hopeful voyage, I. R.   

A RELATION OR Journall OF THE proceed OF THE Plantation settled at Plymouth in New ENGLAND.  
WEdnesday the sixth of September, the Wind coming East North East, a sine small gale, we loosed from Plymouth, having been kindly entertained and courteously used by diverse friends there dwelling, and after many difficulties in boisterous storms, at length by God's providence upon the ninth of November following, by break of the day we espied land which we deemed to be Cape Cod, and so afterward it proved. And the appearance of it much comforted us, especially, seeing so goodly a Land, and wooded to the brink of the sea, it caused us to rejoice together, and praise God that had given us once again to see land. And thus we made our course South South West, purposing to go to a river ten leagues to the South of the Cape, but at night the wind being contrary, we put round again for the Bay of Cape Cod: and upon the 11. of November, we came to an anchor in the Bay, which is a good harbour and pleasant Bay, circled round, except in the entrance, which is about four miles over from land to land, compassed about to the very Sea with Okes, Pines, juniper, Sassafras, and other sweet wood; it is a harbour wherein 1000 sail of Ships may safely ride, there we relieved ourselves with wood and water, and refreshed our people, while our shallop was fitted to coast the Bay, to search for an habitation: there was the greatest store of fowl that ever we saw.  
And every day we saw Whales playing hard by us, of which in that place, if we had instruments & means to take them, we might have made a very rich return, which to our great grief we wanted. Our master and his mate, and other experienced in fishing, professed, we might have made three or four thousand pounds worth of oil; they preferred it before Greenland Whale-fishing, & purpose the next winter to fish for Whale here; for Cod we assayed, but found none, there is good store no doubt in their season. Neither got we any fish all the time we lay there, but some few little ones on the shore. We found great Mussles, and very fat and full of Sea pearl, but we could not eat them, for they made us all sick that did eat, as well sailors as passengers; they caused to cast and scour, but they were soon well again. The bay is so round & circling, that before we could come to anchor, we went round all the points of the compass. We could not come near the shore by three quarters of an English mile, because of shallow water, which was a great prejudice to us, for our people going on shore were forced to wade a bow shoot or two in going aland, which caused many to get colds and coughs, for it was many times freezing cold weather.  
This day before we came to harbour, observing some not well affected to unity and concord, but gave some appearance of faction, it was thought good there should be an association and agreement, that we should combine together in one body, and to submit to such government and governor's, as we should by common consent agree to make and choose, and set our hands to this that follows word for word.  
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 honour of our King and country, a Voyage to plant the first Colony in the Northern parts of VIRGINIA, do by these presents solemnly & 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, 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 here under subscribed our names. Cape Cod 11. of November, in the year of the reign of our sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland 18. and of Scotland 54. Anno Domino 1620.  
The same day so soon as we could we set ashore 15. or 16. men, well armed, with some to fetch wood, for we had none left; as also to see what the Land was, and what Inhabitants they could meet with, they found it to be a small neck of Land; on this side where we lay is the Bay and the further side the Sea; the ground or earth, sand hills, much like the downs in Holland, but much better; the crust of the earth a Spits depth, excellent black earth; all wooded with Okes, Pines, Sassafras, juniper, Birch, Holly, Vines, some Ash, Walnut; the wood for the most part open and without underwood, sit either to go or ride in: at night our people returned, but found not any person, nor habitation, and laded their Boat with juniper, which smelled very sweet & strong, and of which we burned the most part of the time we lay there.  
Monday the 13. of November, we unshipped our Shallop and drew her on land, to mend and repair her, having been forced to cut her down in bestowing her betwixt the decks, and she was much opened with the people's lying in her, which kept us long there, for it was 16. or 17. days before the Carpenter had finished her; our people went on shore to refresh themselves, and our women to wash▪ as they had great need; but whilst we lay thus still, hoping our Shallop would be ready in five or six days at the furthest, but our Carpenter made slow work of it, so that some of our people impatient of delay, desired for our better furtherance to travail by Land into the country, which was not without appearance of danger, not having the Shallop with them nor means to carry provision, but on their backs, to see whether it might be fit for us to seat in or no, and the rather because as we sailed into the Harbour, there seemed to be a river opening itself into the main land; the willingness of the persons was liked, but the thing itself, in regard of the danger was rather permitted then approved, and so with cautions, directions, and instructions, sixteen men were set out with every man his Musket, Sword, and Corslet, under the conduct of captain Miles Standish, unto whom was adjoined for counsel and advise, William Bradford, Stephen Hopkins, and Edward Tilley.  
Wednesday the 15. of November, they were set a shore, and when they had ordered themselves in the order of a single File, and marched about the space of a mile, by the Sea they espied five or six people, with a dog coming towards them, who were Savages, who when they saw them ran into the Wood and whilled the dog after them, etc. First, they supposed them to be master Jones, the Master and some of his men, for they were a shore, and knew of their coming, but after they knew them to be Indians they marched after them into the Woods, lest other of the Indians should lie in Ambush; but when the Indians saw our men following them, they ran away with might and main and our men turned out of the Wood after them, for it was the way they intended to go, but they could not come near them. They followed them that night about ten miles by the trace of their footings, and saw how they had come the same way they went, and at a turning perceived how they run up an hill, to see whether they followed them. At length night came upon them, and they were constrained to take up their lodging, so they set forth three sentinels, and the rest, some kindled a fire, and others fetched wood, and there held our rendezvous that night. In the morning so soon as we could see the trace, we proceeded on our journey, & had the track until we had compassed the head of a long creak, and there they took into another wood, and we after them, supposing to find some of their dwellings, but we marched thorough boughs and bushes, and under hills and valleys, which tore our very Armour in pieces, and yet could meet with none of them, nor their houses, nor find any fresh water, which we greatly desired, and stood in need off, for we brought neither beer nor Water with us, and our victuals was only biscuit and Holland cheese, and a little Bottle of aquavite, so as we were sore a thirst. About ten a clock we came into a deep Valley, full of brush, wood-gaile, and long grass, through which we found little paths or tracts, and there we saw a deer, and found springs of fresh water, of which we were hearty glad, and sat us down and drunk our first New-England water with as much delight as ever we drunk drink in all our lives. When we had refreshed ourselves, we directed our course full South, that we might come to the shore, which within a short while after we did, and there made a fire, that they in the ship might see where we were (as we had direction) and so marched on towards this supposed River; and as we went in another valley we found a fine clear Pond of fresh water, being about a Musket shot broad, and twice as long; there grew also many small vines, and fowl and dear haunted there; there grew much sassafras: from thence we went on & found much plain ground, about fifty Acres, fit for the blow, and some signs where the Indians had formerly planted their corn; after this, some thought it best for nearness of the river to go down and travail on the Sea sands, by which means some of our men were tired, and lagged behind, so we stayed and gathered them up, and struck into the Land again; where we found a little path to certain heaps of sand, one whereof was covered with old mats, and had a wooden thing like a mortar whelmed on the top of it, and an earthen pot laid in a little hole at the end thereof; we musing what it might be, digged & found a Bow, and, as we thought, arrows, but they were rotten; We supposed, there were many other things, but because we deemed them graves, we put in the Bow again and made it up as it was, and left the rest untouched, because we thought it would be odious unto them to ransack their Sepulchers. We went on further and found new stubble, of which they had gotten corn this year, and many walnut trees full of Nuts, and great store of Strawberries, and some Vines; passing thus a field or two, which were not great, we came to another, which had also been new gotten, and there we found where an house had been, and four or five old planks laid together; also we found a great Ketle, which had been some Ships ketle and brought out of Europe; there was also an heap of sand, made like the former, but it was newly done, we might see how they had padled it with their hands which we digged up, and in it we found a little old Basket full of fair Indian corn, and digged further & found a fine great new Basket full of very fair corn of this year, with some 36. goodly ears of corn, some yellow, and some red, and others mixed with blue, which was a very goodly sight: the Basket was round, and narrow at the top, it held about three or four Bushels, which was as much as two of us could lift up from the ground, and was very handsomely and cunningly made; But whilst we were busy about these things, we set our men sentinel in a round ring, all but two or three which digged up the corn. We were in suspense, what to do with it, and the Ketle, and at length after much consultation, we concluded to take the Ketle, and as much of the corn as we could carry away with us; and when our Shallop came, if we could find any of the people, and come to parley with them, we would give them the Ketle again, and satisfy them for their corn, so we took all the ears and put a good deal of the lose corn in the Ketle for two men to bring away on a staff; beside, they that could put any into their Pockets filled the same; the rest we buried again, for we were so laden with Armour that we could carry no more. Not fare from this place we found the remainder of an old Fort, or Palizado, which as we conceived had been made by some Christians, this was also hard by that place which we thought had been the river, unto which we went and found it so to be, deviding itself into two arms by an high bank, standing right by the cut or mouth which came from the Sea, that which was next unto us was the less, the other arm was more than twice as big, and not unlike to be an harbour for ships; but whether it be a fresh river, or only an indraught of the Sea, we had no time to discover; for we had commandment to be out but two days. Here also we saw two Canoes, the one on the one side, the other on the other side, we could not believe it was a canoe, till we came near it, so we returned leaving the further discovery hereof to our Shallop, and came that night back again to the fresh water pond, and there we made our rendezvous that night, making a great fire, and a Baricado to windward of us, and kept good watch with three sentinels all night, every one standing when his turn came, while five or six inches of Match was burning. It proved a very rainy night. In the morning we took our Ketle and sunk it in the pond, and trimmed our Muskets, for few of them would go off because of the wet, and so coasted the wood again to come home, in which we were shrewdly puzzled, and lost our way, as we wandered we came to a tree, where a young Spritt was bowed down over a bow, and some acorns strewed under neath; Stephen Hopkins said, it had been to catch some deer, so, as we were looking at it, William Bradford being in the rear, when he came looked also upon it, and as he went about, it gave a sudden jerk up, and he was immediately caught by the leg; It was a very pretty devise, made with a Rope of their own making, and having a noose as artificially made, as any Roper in England can make, and as like ours as can be, which we brought away with us. In the end we got out of the Wood, and were fallen about a mile too high above the creak, where we saw three Bucks, but we had rather have had one of them. We also did spring three couple of Partridges; and as we came along by the creak, we saw great flocks of wild Geese and Ducks, but they were very fearful of us. So we marched some while in the Woods, some while on the sands, and other while in the water up to the knees, till at length we came near the Ship, and then we shot off our pieces, and the long Boat came to fetch us; master Jones, and master carver being on the shore, with many of our people, came to meet us. And thus we came both weary and welcome home, and delivered in our corn into the store, to be kept for seed, for we knew not how to come by any, and therefore were very glad, purposing so soon as we could meet with any of the Inhabitants of that place, to make them large satisfaction. This was our first Discovery, whilst our Shallop was in repairing; our people did make things as fitting as they could, and time would, in seeking out wood, and heluing of Tools, and sawing of timber to build a new Shallop, but the discommodiousnes of the harbour did much hinder us for we could neither go to, nor come from the shore, but at high water, which was much to our hindrance and hurt, for oftentimes they waded to the middle of the thigh, and oft to the knees, to go and come from land; some did it necessarily, and some for their own pleasure, but it brought to the most, if not to all, coughs and colds, the weather proving suddenly cold and stormy which afterward turned to the scurvy, whereof many died.  
When our Shallop was fit indeed, before she was fully fitted, for there was two days work after bestowed on her, there was appointed some 24 men of our own, and armed, then to go and make a more full discovery of the rivers before mentioned. Master Jones was desirous to go with us, and took such of his sailors as he thought useful for us, so as we were in all about 34. men; we made master Jones our Leader, for we thought it best herein to gratify his kindness and forwardness. When we were set forth, it proved rough weather and cross winds, so as we were constrained, some in the Shallop, and others in the long boat, to row to the nearest shore the wind would suffer them to go unto, and then to wade out above the knees; the wind was so strong as the Shallop could not keep the water, but was forced to harbour there that night, but we marched six or seven miles further, and appointed the Shallop to come to us as soon as they could. It blowed and did snow all that day & night, and froze withal; some of our people that are dead took the original of their death here. The next day about 11. a clock our Shallop came to us, and we shipped ourselves, and the wind being good, we sailed to the river we formerly discovered, which we named, Cold Harbour, to which when we came we found it not Navigable for Ships, yet we thought it might be a good harbour for Boats, for it flows there 1●. Foot at high water. We landed our men between the two creeks, and marched some four or five miles by the greater of them, and the Shallop followed us; at length night grew on, and our men were tired with marching up and down the steep hills, and deep valleys, which lay half a foot thick with snow: Master Jones wearied with marching, was desirous we should take up our lodging, though some of us would have marched further, so we made there our rendezvous for that night, under a few Pine trees, and as it fell out, we got three fat Geese, and six Ducks to our Supper, which we eat with soldier's stomaches, for we had eaten little all that day; our resolution was next morning to go up to the head of this river, for we supposed it would prove fresh water, but in the morning our resolution held not, because many liked not the hillinesse of the soil, and badness of the harbour, so we turned towards the other creek, that we might go over and look for the rest of the corn that we left behind when we were here before; when we came to the creek, we saw the Canow lie on the dry ground, and a flock of Geese in the river, at which one made a shot, and killed a couple of them, and we launched the Canow & fetched them and when we had done, she carried us over by seven or eight at once. This done, we marched to the place where we had the corn formerly, which place we called Cornhill; and digged and found the rest, of which we were very glad: we also digged in a place little further off, and found a bottle of oil; we went to another place, which we had seen before, and digged, and found more corn, viz. two or three Baskets full of Indian Wheat, and a bag of Beanes, with a good man, of fair Wheat-eares; whilst some of us were digging up this, some others found another heap of corn, which they digged up also, so as we had in all about ten Bushels, which will serve us sufficiently for seed. 
Note.  And sure it was Gods good providence that we found this corn, for else we know not how we should have done, for we knew not how we should find, or meet with any of the Indians, except it be to do us a mischief. Also we had never in all likelihood seen a grain of it, if we had not made our first journey; for the ground was now covered with snow, and so hard frozen, that we were fain with our Curtlaxes and short Swords, to hue and carve the ground a foot deep, and then wrist it up with levers, for we had forgot to bring other tools; whilst we were in this employment, foul weather being towards, Master Jones was earnest to go aboard, but sundry of us desired to make further discovery, and to find out the Indians habitations, so we sent home with him our weakest people, and some that were sick, and all the corn, and 18. of us stayed still, and lodged there that night, and desired that the Shallop might return to us next day, and bring us some Mattocks and Spades with them.  
The next morning we followed certain beaten paths and tracts of the Indians into the Woods, supposing they would have led us into some town, or houses; after we had gone a while, we light upon a very broad beaten path, well nigh two foot broad than we lighted all our Matches, and prepared ourselves, concluding we were near their dwellings, but in the end we found it to be only a path made to drive dear in, when the Indians hunt, as we supposed; when we had marched five or six miles into the Woods, and could find no signs of any people, we returned again another way, and as we came into the plain ground, we found a place like a grave, but it was much bigger and longer than any we had yet seen. It was also covered with boards, so as we mused what it should be, and resolved to dig it up, where we found, first a Matt, and under that a fair Bow, and there another Matt, and under that a board about three quarters long, finely carved and painted, with three tynes, or broochs on the top, like a crown; also between the mats we found bowls, treys, Dishes, and such like Trinkets; at length we came to a fair new Matt, and under that two Bundles, the one bigger, the other less, we opened the greater and found in it a great quantity of fine and perfect red Powder, and in it the bones and skull of a man. The skull had fine yellow hair still on it, and some of the flesh unconsumed; there was bound up with it a knife, a pack-needle, and two or three old iron things. It was bound up in a sailor's canvas Casacke, and a pair of cloth breeches; the red Powder was a kind of Embaulment, and yielded a strong, but no offensive smell; It was as fine as any flower. We opened the less bundle likewise, and found of the same Powder in it, and the bones and head of a little child, about the legs, and other parts of it was bound strings, and bracelets of fine white Beads; there was also by it a little Bow, about three quarters long, and some other odd knacks; we brought sundry of the prettiest things away with us, and covered the corpse up again. After this, we digged in sundry like places, but found no more corn, nor any things else but graves: There was variety of opinions amongst us about the embalmed person; some thought it was an Indian Lord and King: others said, the Indians have all black hair, and never any was seen with brown or yellow hair; some thought, it was a Christian of some special note, which had died amongst them, and they thus buried him to honour him; others thought, they had killed him, and did it in triumph over him. Whilst we were thus ranging and searching, two of the sailors, which were newly come on the shore, by chance espied two houses, which had been lately dwelled in, but the people were gone. They having their pieces, and hearing no body entered the houses, and took out some things, and dared not stay but came again and told us; so some seven or eight of us went with them, and found how we had gone within a slight shot of them before. The houses were made with long young Sapling trees, bended and both ends stuck into the ground; they were made round, like unto an Arbour, and covered down to the ground with thick and well wrought mats, and the door was not over a yard high, made of a mat to open; the chimney was a wide open hole in the top, for which they had a mat to cover it close when they pleased; one might stand and go upright in them, in the midst of them were four little trunches knocked into the ground, and small sticks laid over, on which they hung their Pots, and what they had to seethe; round about the fire they lay on mats, which are their beds. The houses were double matted, for as they were matted without, so were they within, with newer & fairer mats. In the houses we found wooden bowls, treys & Dishes, Earthen Pots, Hand baskets made of Crab shells, wrought together; also an English pail or Bucket, it wanted a bail, but it had two Iron ears: there was also Baskets of sundry sorts, bigger and some lesser, finer and some courser: some were curiously wrought with black and white in pretty works, and sundry other of their household stuff: we found also two or three Deeres heads, one whereof had been newly killed, for it was still fresh; there was also a company of Deeres feet, stuck up in the houses, hearts horns, and Eagles claws, and sundry such like things there was: also two or three Baskets full of parched acorns, pieces of fish, and a piece of a broiled hearing. We found also a little silk grass, and a little Tobacco seed, with some other seeds which we knew not; without was sundry bundles of Flags, and Sedge, Bull-rushes, and other stuff to make mats; there was thrust into an hollow tree, two or three pieces of Venison, but we thought it fit for the Dogs then for us: some of the best things we took away with us, and left the houses standing still as they were, so it growing towards night, and the tide almost spent, we hasted with our things down to the Shallop, and got aboard that night, intending to have brought some beads, and other things to have left in the houses, in sign of Peace, and that we meant to truk with them, but it was not done, by means of our hasty coming away from Cape Cod, but so soon as we can meet conveniently with them, we will give them full satisfaction. Thus much of our second Discovery.  
Having thus discovered this place, it was controversal amongst us, what to do touching our abode and settling there; some thought it best for many reasons to abide there.  
As first, that there was a convenient harbour for boats, though not for Ships.  
Secondly, Good corn ground ready to our hands, as we saw by experience in the goodly corn it yielded, which would again agree with the ground, and be natural seed for the same.  
Thirdly, Cape Cod was like to be a place of good fishing, for we saw daily great Whales of the best kind for oil and bone, come close aboard our Ship, and in fair weather swim and play about us; there was once one when the Sun shone warm, came and lay above water, as if she had been dead, for a good while together, within half a Musket shot of the Ship, at which two were prepared to shoot, to see whether she would stir or no, he that gave fire first, his Musket flew in pieces, both stock and barrel, yet thankes be to God, neither he nor any man else was hurt with it, though many were there about, but when the Whale saw her time she gave a snuff and away.  
Fourthly, the place was likely to be healthful, secure, and defensible.  
But the last and especial reason was, that now the heart of Winter and unseasonable weather was come upon us, so that we could not go upon coasting and discovery, without danger of losing men and Boat, upon which would follow the overthrow of all, especially considering what variable winds and sudden storms do there arise. Also cold and wet lodging had so tainted our people, for scarce any of us were free from vehement coughs, as if they should continue long in that estate, it would endanger the lives of many, and breed diseases and infection amongst us. again, we had yet some beer, Butter, Flesh, and other such victuals left, which would quickly be all gone, and then we should have nothing to comfort us in the great labour and toil we were like to undergo at the first; It was also conceived, whilst we had competent victuals, that the Ship would stay with us, but when that grew low, they would be gone, and let us shift as we could.  
Others again, urged greatly the going to Anguum or Angoum, a place twenty leagues off to the North-wards, which they had heard to be an excellent harbour for ships; better ground and better fishing. Secondly for any thing we knew, there might be hard by us a fare better seat, and it should be a great hindrance to seat where we should remove again. Thirdly, The water was but in ponds, and it was thought there would be none in Summer, or very little. Fourthly, the water there must be fetched up a steep hill: but to omit many reasons and replies used here about; It was in the end concluded, to make some discovery within the Bay, but in no case so fare as Angoum: beside, Robert Coppin our Pilot, made relation of a great Navigable River and good harbour in the other head land of this Bay, almost right over against Cape Cod, being a right line, not much above eight leagues distant, in which he had been once: and because that one of the wild men with whom they had some trucking, stole a harping Iron from them, they called it thievish harbour. And beyond that place they were enjoined not to go, whereupon, a Company was chosen to go out upon a third discovery: whilst some were employed in this discovery, it pleased God that Mistress White was brought a bed of a son, which was called Peregrine.  
The fift day, we through God's mercy escaped a great danger by the foolishness of a Boy, one of Francis Billingtons' sons, who in his father's absence, had got gunpowder, and had shot of a piece or two, and made squibs, and there being a fowling piece charged in his father's cabin, shot her off in the cabin, there being a little barrel of powder half full, scattered in and about the cabin, the fire being within four foot of the bed between the decks, and many flints and Iron things about the cabin, and many people about the fire, and yet by God's mercy no harm done.  
Wednesday the sixth of December, it was resolved our discoverers should set forth, for the day before was too fowl weather, and so they did, though it was well o'er the day ere all things could be ready: So ten of our men were appointed who were of themselves willing to undertake it, to wit, captain Standish, Master Carver, William Bradford, Edward Winsloe, John Tilley, Edward Tilley, John Houland, and three of London, Richard Warren, Steeven Hopkins and Edward Dotte, and two of our seamen, john Alderton and Thomas English, of the Ships Company there went two of the master's Mates, Master Clarke and Master Copin, the Master Gunner, and three sailors. The narration of which Discovery, follows, penned by one of the Company.  
Wednesday the sixth of December we set out, being very cold and hard weather, we were a long while after we lunched from the ship, before we could get clear of a sandy point, which lay within less than a furlong of the same. In which time, two were very sick, and Edward Tilley had like to have founded with cold; the Gunner was also sick unto Death, (but hope of truking made him to go) and so remained all that day, and the next night; at length we got clear of the sandy point, and got up our sails, and within an hour or two we got under the weather shore, and then had smother water and better sailing, but it was very cold, for the water froze on our clothes, and made them many times like coats of Iron: we sailed six or seven leagues by the shore, but saw neither river nor creek, at length we met with a tongue of Land, being flat off from the shore, with a sandy point, we bore up to gain the point, & found there a fair income or road, of a Bay, being a league over at the narrowest, and some two or three in length, but we made right over to the land before us and left the discovery of this Income till the next day: as we drew near to the shore, we espied some ten or twelve Indians, very busy about a black thing, what it was we could not tell, till afterwards they saw us, and ran to and fro, as if they had been carrying some thing away, we landed a league or two from them, and had much ado to put a shore any where, it lay so full of flat sands, when we came to shore, we made us a Baricado, and got fire wood, and set out our sentinels, and betook us to our lodging, such as it was; we saw the smoke of the fire which the Savages made that night, about four or five miles from us, in the morning we divided our company, some eight in the Shallop, and the rest on the shore went to discover this place, but we found it only to be a Bay, without either river or creek coming into it, yet we deemed it to be as good an harbour as Cape Cod, for they that founded it, found a ship might ride in five fathom water, we on the land found it to be a levill soil, but none of the fruitfullest 5 we saw two becks of fresh water, which were the first running streams that we saw in the Country, but one might stride over them: we found also a great fish, called a Grampus dead on the sands, they in the Shallop found two of them also in the bottom of the bay, dead in like sort, they were cast up at high water, and could not get off for the frost and ice; they were some five or six paces long, and about two inches thick of fat, and fleshed like a Swine, they would have yielded a great deal of oil, if there had been time and means to have taken it, so we finding nothing for our turn, both we and our Shallop returned. We than directed our course along the Sea-sands, to the place where we first saw the Indians, when we were there, we saw it was also a Grampus which they were cutting up, they cut it into long rands or pieces, about an ell long, and two handful broad, we found here and there a piece scattered by the way, as it seemed, for haste: this place the most were minded we should call, the Grampus Bay, because we found so many of them there: we followed the tract of the Indians bare feet a good way on the sands, as length we saw where they struck into the Woods by the side of a Pond, as we went to view the place, one said, he thought he saw an Indian-house among the trees, so went up to see: and here we and the Shallop lost sight one of another till night, it being now about nine or ten a clock, so we light on a path, but saw no house, and followed a great way into the woods, at length we found where corn had been set, but not that year, anon we found a great burying place, one part whereof was encompassed with a large Palazado, like a churchyard, with young spires four or five yards long, set as close one by another as they could two or three foot in the ground, within it was full of graves, some bigger, and some less, some were also paled about & others had like an Indian-house made over them, but not matted those graves were more sumptuous than those at Cornhill, yet we digged none of them up, but only viewed them, and went our way; without the Palazado were graves also, but not so costly: from this place we went and found more corn ground, but not of this year. As we ranged we light on four or five Indian-houses, which had been lately dwelled in, but they were uncovered, and had no mats about them, else they were like those we found at Cornhill, but had not been so lately dwelled in, there was nothing left but two or three pieces of old mats, a little sedge, also a little further we found two Baskets full of parched Acorns hid in the ground, which we supposed had been corn when we began to dig the same, we cast earth thereon again & went our way. All this while we saw no people, we went ranging up and down till the sun began to draw low, and then we hasted out of the woods, that we might come to our Shallop, which when we were out of the woods, we espied a great way off, and called them to come unto us, the which they did as soon as they could, for it was not yet high water, they were exceeding glad to see us, (for they feared because they had not seen us in so long a time) thinking we would have kept by the shore side, so being both weary and faint, for we had eaten nothing all that day, we sell to make our rendezvous and get fire wood, which always cost us a great deal of labour, by that time we had done & our Shallop come to us, it was within night, and we fed upon such victuals as we had, and betook us to our rest, after we had set out our watch. About midnight we heard a great and hideous cry, and our sentinel called, Arm, Arme. So we bestirred ourselves and shot off a couple of Muskets, and noise ceased; we concluded, that it was a company of wolves or Foxes, for one told us, he had heard such a noise in Newfound land. About five a clock in the morning we began to be stirring, and two or three which doubted whether their pieces would go off or no made trial of them, and shot them off, but thought nothing at all, after Prayer we prepared ourselves for breakfast, and for a journey, and it being now the twilight in the morning, it was thought meet to carry the things down to the Shallop: some said, it was not best to carry the Armour down, others said, they would be readier, two or three said, they would not carry theirs, till they went themselves, but mistrusting nothing at all: as it fell out, the water not being high enough, they laid the things down upon the shore & came up to break fast. Anon, all upon a sudden, we heard a great & strange cry, which we knew to be the same voices, though they varied their notes, one of our company being abroad came running in, and cried, They are men, Indians, Indians; and withal, their arrows came flying amongst us, our men ran out with all speed to recover their arms, as by the good Providence of God they did. 
Our first combat with the Indians.  In the mean time, captain Miles Standish, having a snaphance ready, made a shot, and after him another, after they two had shot, other two of us were ready, but he wished us not to shoot, till we could take aim, for we knew not what need we should have, & there were four only of us, which had their arms there ready, and stood before the open side of our Baricado, which was first assaulted, they thought it best to defend it, lest the enemy should take it and our stuff, and so have the more vantage against us, our care was no less for the Shallop, but we hoped all the rest would defend it; we called unto them to know how it was with them, and they answered, Well, Well every one, and be of good courage: we heard three of their pieces go off, and the rest called for a firebrand to light their matches, one took a log out of the fire on his shoulder and went and carried it unto them, which was thought did not a little discourage our enemies. The cry of our enemies was dreadful, especially, when our men ran out to recover their arms, their note was after this manner, Woath woach ha' ha' hach woach: our men were no sooner come to their arms, but the enemy was ready to assault them.  
There was a lusty man and no whit less valiant, who was thought to be their captain, stood behind a tree within half a musket shot of us, and there let his arrows fly at us; he was seen to shoot three arrows, which were all avoided, for he at whom the first arrow was aimed, saw it, and stooped down and it flew over him, the rest were avoided also: he stood three shots of a Musket, at length one took as he said full aim at him, after which he gave an extraordinary cry and away they went all, we followed them about a quarter of a mile, but we left six to keep our Shallop, for we were careful of our business: then we shouted all together two several times, and shot off a couple of muskets and so returned: this we did that they might see we were not afraid of them nor discouraged. Thus it pleased God to vanquish our Enemies and give us deliverance, by their noise we could not guess that they were less than thirty or forty, though some thought that they were many more yet in the dark of the morning, we could not so well discern them among the trees, as they could see us by our fire side, we took up 18. of their arrows which we have sent to England by Master Iones, some whereof were headed with brass, others with heart's horn, & others with Eagles claws many more no doubt were shot, for these we found, were almost covered with leaves: yet by the especial providence of God, 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 Baricado, were shot through and through. So after we had given God thankes for our deliverance, we took our Shallop and went on our journey, and called this place, The first Encounter, from hence we intended to have sailed to the aforesaid thievish Harbour, if we found no convenient Harbour by the way, having the wind good, we sailed all that day along the Coast about 15. leagues, but saw neither River nor creek to put into, after we had sailed an hour or two, it began to snow and rain, and to be bad weather; about the midst of the afternoon, the wind increased and the Seas began to be very rough, and the hinges of the rudder broke, so that we could steer no longer with it, but two men with much ado were same to serve with a couple of oars, the Seas were grown so great, that we were much troubled and in great danger, and night grew on: Anon Master Coppin bade us be of good cheer he saw the Harbour, as we drew near, the gale being stiff, and we bearing great sail to get in, split our Mast in 3. pieces, and were like to have cast away our Shallop, yet by God's mercy recovering ourselves, we had the flood with us, and struck into the Harbour.  
Now he that thought that had been the place was deceived, it being a place where not any of us had been before, and coming into the Harbour, he that was our Pilot did bear up northward, which if we had continued we had been cast away, yet still the Lord kept us, and we bore up for an island before us, and recovering of that island, being compassed about with many Rocks, and dark night growing upon us, it pleased the Divine providence that we fell upon a place of sandy ground, where our Shallop did ride safe and secure all that night, and coming upon a strange island kept our watch all night in the rain upon that island: and in the morning we marched about it, & found no Inhabitants at all, and here we made our rendezvous all that day being Saturday, 10. of December, on the sabbath day we rested, and on Monday we sounded the Harbour, and found it a very good Harbour for our shipping, we marched also into the Land, and found diverse corn fields, and little running brooks▪ a place very good for situation, so we returned to our Ship again with good news to the rest of our people, which did much comfort their hearts.  
On the fifteenth day, we weighed Anchor, to go to the place we had discovered, and coming within two leagues of the Land, we could not fetch the Harbour, but were fain to put room again towards Cape Cod, our course lying West; and the wind was at North west, but it pleased God that the next day being Saturday the 16. day, the wind came fair, and we put to Sea again, and came safely into a safe Harbour; and within half an hour the wind changed, so as if we had been letted but a little, we had gone back to Cape Cod. This Harbour is a Bay greater than Cape Cod, compassed with a goodly Land, and in the Bay, 2. fine lands uninhabited, wherein are nothing but wood, Okes, Pines, Wal-nut, Beech, Sasifras, Vines, and other trees which we know not; This Bay is a most hopeful place, innumerable store of fowl, and excellent good, and cannot but be of fish in their seasons: Skote, Cod, Turbot, and Herring, we have tasted of, abundance of Musles the greatest & best that ever we saw; Crabs, and Lobsters, in their time infinite, It is in fashion like a Cikle or Fish-hooke.  
Monday the 13. day, we went a land, manned with the master of the Ship, and 3. or 4. of the sailors, we marched along the coast in the woods, some 7. or 8. mile, 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 4. or 5. small running brooks of very sweet fresh water, that all run into the Sea: The Land for the crust of the earth is a spits depth, excellent black mould and fat in some places, 2. or 3. great oaks but not very thick, Pines, Wal-nuts Beech Ash, Birch, Hasell, Holley, Asp, Sasifras, in abundance, & Vines every where, Cherry trees, Plum trees, and many other which we know not; many kinds of herbs, we found here in Winter, as strawberry leaves innumerable, Sorrell, Yarow, carvel, Brook-lime, Liver-wort, Water-cresses, great store of leeks, and onions, and an excellent strong kind of flax, and hemp; here is sand, gravel, and excellent clay no better in the world, excellent for pots, and will wash like soap, and great store of stone, though somewhat soft, and the best water that ever we drunk, and the brooks now begin to be full of fish; that night many being weary with marching, we went aboard again.  
The next morning being Tuesday the 19 of December, we went again to discover further; some went on Land, and some in the Shallop, the Land we found as the former day we did, and we found a creek, and went up three English miles, a very pleasant river at full Sea, a bark of thirty ton may go up, but at low water scarce our Shallop could pass: this place we had a great liking to plant in, but that it was so fare from our fishing our principal profit, and so encompassed with woods, that we should be in much danger of the savages, and our number being so little, and so much ground to clear, so as we thought good to quit and clear that place, till we were of more strength; some of us having a good mind for safety to plant in the greater isle, we crossed the Bay which there is five or six miles over, and found the I'll about a mile and a half, or two miles about, all wooded, and no fresh water but 2. or 3. pits, that we doubted of fresh water in Summer, and so full of wood, as we could hardly clear so much as to serve us for corn, beside we judged it cold for our corn, and some part very rocky, yet diverse thought of it as a place defensible, and of great security.  
That night we returned again a ship board, with resolution the next morning to settle on some of those places, so in the morning, after we had called on God for direction, we came to this resolution, to go presently ashore again, and to take a better view of two places, which we thought most fitting for us, for we could not now take time for further search or consideration, our victuals being much spent, especially, our beer, and it being now the 19 of December. 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 an 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 hill side, and many delicate springs of as good water as can be drunk, and where we may harbour 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, from thence we may see into the Bay, and fare into the Sea, and we may see thence Cape Cod: our greatest labour will be fetching of our wood, which is half a quarter of an English mile, but there is enough so fare off; what people inhabit here we yet know not, for as yet we have seen none, 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, but the next morning being Thursday the 21. of December, it was stormy and wet, that we could not go ashore, and those that remained there all night could do nothing, but were wet, not having daylight enough to make them a sufficient court of guard, to keep them dry. All that night it blew and rained extremely▪ it was so tempestuous, that the Shallop could not go on land so soon as was meet, for they had no victuals on land. About 11. a clock the Shallop went off with much ado with provision, but could not return it blew so strong, and was such foul weather, that we were forced to let fall our Anchor, and ride with three Anchors an head.  
Friday the 22. the storm still continued, that we could not get aland, nor they come to us aboard: this morning Good wife Alderton was delivered of a son, but dead borne.  
Saturday the 23. so many of us as could, went on shore, felled and carried timber, to provide themselves stuff for building.  
Sunday the 24. our people on shore heard a cry of some Savages (as they thought) which caused an Alarm, and to stand on their guard, expecting an assault, but all was quiet.  
Monday the 25. day, we went on shore, some to fell timber, some to saw, some to rive, and some to carry, so no man rested all that day, but towards night some as they were at work, heard a noise of some Indians, which caused us all to go to our Muskets, but we heard no further, so we came aboard again, and left some twenty to keep the court of guard; that night we had a sore storm of wind and rain.  
Monday the 25. being Christmas day, we began to drink water aboard, but at night the Master caused us to have some beer, and so on board we had divers times now and then some beer, but on shore none at all.  
Tuesday the 26. it was foul weather, that we could not go ashore.  
Wednesday the 27. we went to work again.  
Thursday the 28. of December, so many as could went to work on the hill, where we purposed to build our platform for our Ordinance, and which doth command all the plain, and the Bay, and from whence we may see fare into the sea, and might he easier impayled, having two rows of houses and a fair street. So in the afternoon we went to measure out the grounds, and first, we took notice how many Families they were, willing all single men that had no 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 19 Families; to greater Families we allotted larger plots, to every person half a pole in breadth, and three in length, and so Lots were cast where every man should lie, which was done, and staked out; we thought this proportion was large enough at the first, for houses and gardens, to impale them round, considering the weakness of our people, many of them growing ill with colds, for our former Discoveries in frost and storms, and the wading at Cape Cod had brought much weakness amongst us, which increased so every day more and more, and after was the cause of many of their deaths.  
Friday and Saturday, we fitted ourselves for our labour, but our people on shore were much troubled and discouraged with rain and wet that day, being very stormy and cold; we saw great smokes of fire made by the Indians about six or seven miles from us as we conjectured.  
Monday the first of January, we went betimes to work, we were much hundred in lying so fare off from the Land, and fain to go as the tide served, that we lost much time, for our Ship drew so much water, that she lay a mile and almost a half off, though a ship of seventy or eighty tun as high water may come to the shore.  
Wednesday the third of January, some of our people being abroad, to get and gather thatch, they saw great fires of the Indians, and were at then corn fields, yet saw none of the Savages, nor had seen any of them since we came to this Bay.  
Thursday the fourth of January, captain Miles Standish with four or five more, went to see if they could meet with any of the Savages in that place where the fires were made, they went to some of their houses, but not lately inhabited, yet could they not meet with any; as they came home, they shot at an Eagle and killed her, which was excellent meat; It was hardly to be discerned from Mutton.  
Friday the fifth of January, one of the sailors found alive upon the shore an hearing, which the Master had to his supper, which put us in hope of fish, but as yet we had got but 〈◊〉 Cod; we wanted small hooks.  
Saturday the sixth of January, Master Marten was very sick, and to our judgement, no hope of life, so Master Carver was sent for to come aboard to speak with him about his accounts, who came the next morning.  
Monday the eight day of January, was a very fair day, and we went betimes to work, master Jones sent the Shallop as he had formerly done, to see where fish could be got, they had a great storm at Sea, and were in some danger, at night they returned with three great seals, and an excellent good Cod, which did assure us that we should have plenty of fish shortly.  
This day, Francis Billington, having the week before seen from the top of a tree on an high hill, a great sea as he thought, went with one of the master's mates to see it, they went three miles, and then came to a great water, divided into two great Lakes, the bigger of them five or six miles in circuit, and in it an I'll of a Cable length square, the other three miles in compass; in their estimation they are fine fresh water, full of fish, and foul; a brook issues from it, it will be an excellent help for us in time. They found seven or eight Indian houses, but not lately inhabited, when they saw the houses they were in some fear, for they were but two persons and one piece.  
Tuesday the 9 January, was a reasonable fair day, and we went to labour 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, we agreed that every man should build his own house, thinking by that course, men would make more haste than working in common: the common house, in which for the first, we made our rendezvous, being near finished wanted only covering, it being about 20. foot square, some should make mortar, and some gather thatch, so that in four days half of it was thatched, frost and foul weather hindered us much, this time of the year seldom could we work half the week.  
Thursday the eleventh, William Bradford being at work, (for it was a fair day) was vehemently taken with a grief and pain, and so shot to his hucklebone; It was doubted that he would have instantly died, he got cold in the former discoveries, especially the last, and felt some pain in his ankles by times, but he grew a little better towards night and in time through God's mercy in the use of means recovered.  
Friday the 12. we went to work, but about noon, it began to rain, that it forced us to give over work.  
This day, two of our people put us in great sorrow and care, there was 4. sent to gather and cut thatch in the morning, and two of them, john Goodman and Peter Browne, having cut thatch all the fore noon, went to a further place, and willed the other two, to bind up that which was cut and to follow them; so they did, being about a mile and an half from our Plantation: but when the two came after, they could not find them, nor hear any thing of them at all, though they hallowed and shouted as loud as they could, so they returned to the Company and told them of it: whereupon Master Leaver & three or four more went to seek them, but could hear nothing of them, so they returning, sent more, but that night they could hear nothing at all of them: the next day they armed 10. or 12. men out, verily thinking the Indians had surprised them, they went seeking 7. or 8 miles, but could neither see nor hear any thing at all, so they returned with much discomfort to us all. These two that were miss, at dinner time took their meat in their hands, and would go walk and refresh themselves, so going a little off they find a lake of water▪ and having a great mastiff bitch with them and a spaniel; by the water side they found a great deer the Dogs chased him, and they followed so fare as they lost themselves, and could not find the way back, they wandered all that after noon being wet, and at night it did freeze and snow, they were slenderly apparelled and had no weapons but each one his cycle, nor any victuals, they ranged up and down and could find none of the savages habitations; when it drew to night they were much perplexed, for they could find neither harbour nor meat, but in frost and snow, were forced to make the earth their bed, and the Element their covering, and another thing did very much terrify them, they heard as they thought two lions roaring exceedingly for a long time together, and a third, that they thought was very near them, so not knowing what to do they resolved to climb up into a tree as their safest refuge, though that would prone an intolerable cold lodging; so they stood at the trees root, that when the lions came they might take their opportunity of climbing up, the bitch they were fain to hold by the neck, for she would have been gone to the lion; but it pleased God so to dispose, that the wild beasts came not: so they walked up and down under the Tree all night, it was an extreme cold night, so soon as it was light they travailed again, passing by many lakes and brooks and woods, and in one place where the savages had burnt the space of 5. miles in length, which is a fine Champion country, and even. In the afternoon, it pleased God from an high Hill they discovered the two isles in the Bay, and so that night got to the Plantation, being ready to faint with travail and want of victuals, and almost famished with cold, john Goodman was fain to have his shoes cut off his feet they were so swelled with cold, and it was a long while after ere he was able to go▪ those on the shore were much comforted at their return, but they on shipboard were grieved as deeming them lost; but the next day being the 14. of January, in the morning about six of the clock the wind being very great, they on shipboard spied their great new rendezvous on fire, which was to them a new discomfort, fearing because of the supposed loss of the men, that the savages had fired them, neither could they presently go to them for want of water, but after 3. quarters of an hour they went, as they had purposed the day before to keep the sabbath on shore, because now there was the greater number of people. At their landing they heard good tidings of the return of the 2. men, and that the house was fired occasionally by a spark that flew into the thatch, which instantly burned it all up, but the roof stood and little hurt; the most loss was master Carvers and William Bradfords, who then lay sick in bed, and if they had not risen with good speed, had been blown up with powder: but through God's mercy they had no harm, the house was as full of beds as they could lie one by another, and their Muskets charged, but blessed be God there was no harm done.  
Monday the 15. day, it rained much all day, that they on shipboard could not go on shore, nor they on shore do any labour but were all wet.  
Tuesday, wednesday, thursday, were very fair Sun-shinie days, as if it had been in April, and our people so many as were in health ought cheerfully.  
The 19 day, we resolved to make a Shed, to put our common provision in, of which some were already set on shore, but at noon it rained, that we could not work. This day in the evening, john Goodman went abroad to use his lame feet, that were pitifully ill with the cold he had got, having a little spaniel with him, a little way from the Plantation, two great wolves ran after the Dog, the Dog ran to him and betwixt his legs for succour, he had nothing in his hand but took up a stick, and threw at one of them and hit him, and they presently ran both away, but came again, he got a pail board in his hand, and they sat both on their tails, grinning at him, a good while, and went their way, and left him.  
Saturday 20. we made up our Shed for our common goods.  
Sunday the 21. we kept our meeting on landlord.  
Monday the 22. was a fair day, we wrought on our houses, and in the afternoon carried up our hogsheads of meal to our common store house.  
The rest of the week we followed our business likewise.  
Monday the 29. in the morning cold frost and sleet, but after reasonable fair▪ both the long boat and the Shallop brought our common goods on shore.  
Tuesday and wednesday 30. and 31. of January, cold frosty weather and sleet, that we could not work: in the morning the Master and others saw two Savages, that had been on the island near our Ship, what they came for we could not tell, they were going so fare back again before they were descried, that we could not speak with them.  
Sunday the 4. of February, was very wet and rainy, with the greatest gusts of wind that ever we had since we came forth, that though we rid in a very good harbour, yet we were in danger, because our Ship was light, the goods taken out, and she unballased; and it caused much daubing of our houses to fall down.  
Friday the 9 still the cold weather continued, that we could do little work. That afternoon our little house for our sick people was set on fire by a spark that kindled in the roof, but no great harm was done. That evening the master going ashore, killed five Geese, which he friendly distributed among the sick people; he found also a good deer killed, the Savages had cut off the horns, and a wolf was eating of him, how he came there we could not conceive.  
Friday the 16. day, was a fair day, but the northerly wind continued, which continued the frost, this day afternoon one of our people being a fouling, and having taken a stand by a creek side in the Reeds, about a mile and an half from our Plantation, there came by him twelve Indians, marching towards our Plantation, & in the woods he heard the noise of many more▪ he lay close till they were passed, and then with what speed he could he went home & gave the Alarm, so the people abroad in the woods returned & armed themselves, but say none of them, only toward the evening they made a great fire, about the place where they were first discovered: captain Miles Standish, and Francis cook, being at work in the Woods, coming home, left their tools behind them, but before they returned, their tools were taken away by the Savages. This coming of the Savages gave us occasion to keep more strict watch, and to make our pieces and furniture ready, which by the moisture and rain were out of temper.  
Saturday the 17 day, in the morning we called a meeting for the establishing of military Orders amongst ourselves, and we chose Miles Standish our captain, and gave him authority of command in affairs: and as we were in consultation here about, two Savages presented themselves upon the top of an hill, over against our Plantation, about a quarter of a mile and less, and made signs unto us to come unto them; we likewise made signs unto them to come to us, whereupon we armed ourselves, and stood ready, and sent two over the brook towards them, to wit, captain Standish and Steven Hopkins, who went towards them, only one of them had a Musket, which they laid down on the ground in their sight, in sign of peace, and to parley with them, but the Savages would not tarry their coming: a noise of a great many more was heard behind the hill, but no more came in sight. This caused us to plant our great Ordinances in places most convenient.  
Wednesday the 21. of February, the master came on shore with many of his sailors, and brought with him one of the great pieces, called a Minion, and helped us to draw it up the hill, with another piece that lay on shore, and mounted them, and a saller and two bases; he brought with him a very fat Goose to eat with us, and we had a fat Crane, and a Mallerd, and a dried neats-tongue, and so we were kindly and friendly together.  
Saturday the third of March, the wind was South, the morning misty, but towards noon warm and fair weather; the Birds sang in the Woods most pleasantly; at one of the clock it thundered, which was the first we heard in that country, it was strong and great claps, but short, but after an hour it rained very sadly till midnight.  
Wednesday the seaventh of March, the wind was full East, cold, but fair, that day Master Carver with five other went to the great Ponds, which seem to be excellent fishing places; all the way they went they found it exceedingly beaten and haunted with deer, but they saw none; amongst other foul, they saw one a milk white foul, with a very black head: this day some garden seeds were sown.  
Friday the 16. a fair warm day towards; this morning we determined to conclude of the military Orders, which we had began to consider of before, but were interrupted by the Savages, as we mentioned formerly; and whilst we were busied here about, we were interrupted again, for there presented himself a Savage, which caused an Alarm, he very boldly came all alone and along the houses strait to the rendezvous, where we intercepted him▪ not suffering him to go in, as undoubtedly he would, out of his boldness, he saluted us in English, and bade us welcome, for he had learned some broken English amongst the English men that came to fish at Monchiggon, and knew by name the most of the captains, Commanders, & Masters, that usually come, he was a man free in speech, so fare as he could express his mind▪ and of a seemly carriage, we questioned him of many things, he was the first Savage we could meet withal; he said he was not of these parts, but of Morattiggon, and one of the Sagamores or Lords thereof, and had been 8. months in these parts, it lying hence a day's sail with a great wind, and five days by land; he discoursed of the whole Country, and of every Province, and of their Sagamores, and their number of men, and strength▪ the wind beginning to rise a little, we cast a horsemans' coat about him, for he was stark naked, only a leather about his waist, with a fringe about a span long, or little more; he had a bow & 2 arrows, the one headed, and the other unheaded; he was a tall strait man, the hair of his head black, long behind, only short before, none on his face at all; he asked some beer, but we gave him strong water, and biscuit, and butter, and cheese, & pudding, and a piece of a mallerd, all which he liked well, and had been acquainted with such amongst the English; he told us 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 as there is none to hinder our possession, or to lay claim unto it; all the afternoon we spent in communication with him, we would gladly have been rid of him at night, but he was not willing to go this night, than we thought to carry him on shipboard, wherewith he was well content, and went into the Shallop, but the wind was high and water scant, that it could not return back: we lodged him that night at Steven Hopkins house, and watched him; the next day he went away back to the Masasoits, from whence he said he came, who are our next bordering neighbours: they are sixty strong, as he saith▪ the Nausites are as near southeast of them, and are a hundred strong, and those were they of whom our people were encountered, as we before related. They are much incensed and provoked against the English, and about eight months ago slew three English men and two more hardly escaped by flight to Monhiggon; they were Sir Ferdinando Gorge his men, as this Savage told us, as he did likewise of the Huggerie, that is, Fight, that our discoverers had with the Nausites, & of our tools that were taken out of the woods, which we willed him should be brought again, otherwise, we would right ourselves. These people are ill affected towards the English, by reason of one Hunt, a master of a ship, who deceived the people, and got them under colour of truking with them, twenty out of this very place where we inhabit, and seven men from the Nausites, and carried them away, and sold them for slaves like a wretched man (for 20. pound a man) that cares not what mischief he doth for his profit.  
Saturday in the morning we dismissed the savage, and gave him a knife, a bracelet, and a ring; he promised within a night or two to come again▪ and to bring with him some of the Massasoyts our neighbours, with such bevers skins as they had to truck with us.  
Saturday and Sunday reasonable fair days. On this day came again the Savage, and brought with him five other tall proper men, they had every man a Deeres skin on him, and the principal of them had a wild cat's skin, or such like on the one arm; they had most of them long hosen up to their groins, close made; and above their groins to their waist another leather, they were altogether like the Irish-trouses; they are of complexion like our English Gipsies, no hair or very little on their faces, on their heads long hair to their shoulders, only cut before some trussed up before with a feather, broad wise, like a fan, another a fox tail hanging out: these left (according to our charge given him before) their bows and arrows a quarter of a mile from our town, we gave them entertainment as we thought was sitting them, they did eat liberally of our English victuals, they made semblance unto us of friendship and amity; they song & danced after their manner like antics; they brought with them in a thing like a Bow-case (which the principal of them had about his waist) a little of their corn pownded to Powder, which put to a little water they eat; he had a little Tobacco in a bag, but none of them drunk but when he listed, some of them had their faces painted black, from the forehead to the chin, four or five fingers broad; others after other fashions, as they liked; they brought three or four skins, but we would not truck with them at all that day, but wished them to bring more, and we would truck for all, which they promised within a night or two, and would leave these behind them, though we were not willing they should, and they brought us all our tools again which were taken in the Woods, in our men's absence, so because of the day we dismissed them so soon as we could. But Samoset our first acquaintance, either was sick, or feigned himself so, and would not go with them and stayed with us till Wednesday morning: Then we sent him to them, to know the reason they came not according to their words, and we gave him an hat, a pair of stockings and shoes, a shirt, and a piece of cloth to tie about his waist.  
The sabbath day, when we sent them from us, we gave every one of them some trifles, especially, the principal of them, we carried them along with our arms to the place where they left their bows and arrows, whereat they were amazed, and two of them began to slink away, but that the other called them, when they took their arrows, we bade them farewell, and they were glad, and so with many thankes given us they departed, with promise they would come again.  
Monday and tuesday proved fair days, we digged our grounds, and sowed our garden seeds.  
Wednesday a fine warm day, we sent away Samoset.  
That day we had again a meeting, to conclude of laws and orders for ourselves, and to confirm those Military Orders that were formerly propounded, and twice broken off by the Savages coming, but so we were again the third time, for after we had been an hour together, on the top of the hill over against us two or three Savages presented themselves, that made semblance of daring us, as we thought, so captain Standish with another, with their Muskets went over to them, with two of the master's mates that follows them without arms, having two Muskets with them, they wherted and rubbed their arrows and Strings, and made show of defiance, but when our men drew ne'er them, they ran away. Thus we were again interrupted by them; this day with much ado we got our Carpenter that had been long sick of the scurvy, to fit our Shallop, to fetch all from aboard.  
Thursday the 22. of March, was a very fair warm day. About noon we met again about our public business, but we had scarce been an hour together, but Samoset came again, and Squanto. the only native of Patuxat, where we now inhabit, who was one of the twenty captives that by Hunt were carried away, and had been in England & dwelled in Cornhill with master john Slanie a merchant, and could speak a little English, with three others, and they brought with them some few skins to truck, and some red Herrings newly taken and dried, but not salted, and signified unto us, that their great Sagamore Masasoyt was hard by, with Quadequina his brother, and all their men. They could not well express in English what they would, but after an hour the King came to the top of an 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 unwilling to come to us, so Squanto went again unto him, who brought word that we should send one to parley with him, which we did, which was Edward Winsloe, to know his mind, and to signify the mind and will of our governor, which was to have trading and peace with him. We sent to the King a pair of knives, and a Copper chain, with a jewel at it. To Quadequina we sent likewise a Knife and a jewel to hang in his ear, and withal a Pot of strong water, a good quantity of biscuit, and some butter, which were all willingly accepted: our Messenger made a speech unto him, that King James saluted him with words of love and Peace, and did accept of him as his Friend and Alie, and that our governor desired to see him and to truck with him, and to confirm a Peace with him, as his next neighbour: he liked well of the speech and heard it attentively▪ though the Interpreters did not well express it; after he had eaten and drunk himself, and given the rest to his company, he looked upon our messenger's sword and armour which he had on, with intimation of his desire to buy it, but on the other side, our messenger shown his unwillingness to part with it: In the end he left him in the custody of Quadequina his brother, and came over the brook, and some twenty men following him, leaving all their bows and arrows behind them. We kept six or seven as hostages for our messenger; captain Standish and master Williamson met the King at the brook, with half a dozen musketeers, they saluted him and he them, so one going over, the one on the one side, and the other on the other, conducted him to an house then in building, where we placed a green rug, and three or four Cushions, then instantly came our governor with drum and Trumpet after him, and some few musketeers. After salutations, our governor kissing his hand, the King kissed him, and so they sat down. The governor called for some strong water, and drunk to him, and he drunk a great draught that made him sweat all the while after, he called for a little fresh meat, which the King did eat willingly, and did give his followers. Then they treated of Peace, which was; 

1. That neither he nor any of his should injure or do hurt to any of our people. 
The agreements of peace between us and Massasoyt▪   
2. And if any of his did hurt to any of ours, he should send the offender, that we might punish him.  
3. That if any of our tools were taken away when our people were at work, he should cause them to be restored, and if ours did any harm to any of his, we would do the like to them.  
4. If any did unjustly war against him, we would aid him; If any did war against us, he should aydeys.  
5. He should send to his neighbour Confederates, to certify them of this, that they might not wrong us, but might be likewise comprised in the conditions of Peace.  
6. That when their men came to us, 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 would esteem of him as his friend and Alie: all which the King seemed to like well, and it was applauded of his followers, all the while he sat by the governor he trembled for fear: In his person he is a very lusty man, in his best years, an able body, grave of countenance, and spare of speech: In his attire little or nothing differing from the rest of his followers, only in a great chain of white bone beads about his neck, and at it behind his neck, hangs a little bag of Tobacco, which he drank and gave us to drink; his face was painted with a sad red like murry, and oiled both head and face, that he looked greasily; All his followers likewise, were in their faces, in part or in whole painted, some black, some red, some yellow, and some white, some with crosses, and other antic works, some had skins on them, and some naked, all strong, tall, all men in appearance: so after all was done, the governor conducted him to the brook, and there they embraced each other and he departed: we diligently keeping our hostages, we expected our messengers coming, but anon word was brought us, that Quaddequina was coming, and our messenger was stayed till his return, who presently came and a troop with him, so likewise we entertained him, and conveyed him to the place prepared; he was very fearful of our pieces, and made signs of dislike, that they should be carried away, whereupon commandment was given, they should be laid away. He was a very proper tall young man, of a very modest and seemly countenance, and he did kindly like of our entertainment, so we conveyed him likewise as we did the King, but diverse of their people stayed still, when he was returned, than they dismissed our messenger. Two of his people would have stayed all night, but we would not suffer it: one thing I forgot, the King had in his bosom hanging in a string, a great long knife, he marveiled much at our Trumpet, and some of his men would sound it as well as they could, Samoset and Squanto, they stayed all night with us, and the King and all his men lay all night in the woods, not above half an English mile from us, and all their wives and women with them, they said that within 8. or 9 days, they would come and set corn on the other side of the brook, and dwell there all Summer, which is hard by us: That night we kept good watch, but there was no appearance of danger; the next morning diverse of their people came over to us, hoping to get some victuales as we imagined, some of them told us the King would have some of us come see him; captain Standish and Isaac Alderton went venterously, who were welcomed of him after their manner: he gave them three or four ground Nuts, and some Tobacco. We cannot yet conceive, but that he is willing to have peace with us, for they have seen our people sometimes alone two or three in the woods at work and fowling, when as they offered them no harm as they might easily have done, and especially because he hath a potent Adversary the Narowhigansets, that are at war with him, against whom he thinks we may be some strength to him, for our pieces are terrible unto them; this morning, they stayed till ten or eleven of the clock, and our governor bid them send the King's kettle, and filled it full of pease, which pleased them well, and so they went their way.  
Friday was a very fair day, Samoset and Squanto still remained with us, Squanto went at noon to fish for eels, at night he came home with as many as he could well lift in one hand, which our people were glad of, they were fat & sweet, he trod them out with his feet, and so caught them with his hands without any other Instrument,  
This day we proceeded on with our common business, from which we had been so often hindered by the savages coming, and concluded both of Military orders, and of some laws and Orders as we thought behooveful for our present estate, and condition, and did likewise choose our governor for this year, which was Master john Carver a man well approved amongst us.  

A journey TO PACKANOKIK, The Habitation of the Great King MASSASOYT. As also our Message, the answer and entertainment we had of HIM.  
IT seemed good to the Company for many considerations to send some amongst them to Massasoyt, the greatest Commander amongst the Savages, bordering about us; partly to know where to find them, if occasion served, as also to see their strength, discover the Country, prevent abuses in their disorderly coming unto us, make satisfaction for some conceived jniuries to be done on our parts, and to continue the league of Peace and Friendship between them and us. For these, and the like ends, it pleased the governor to make choice of Steven Hopkins, & Edward Winsloe to go unto him, and having a fit opportunity, by reason of a Savage, called Tisquantum (that could speak English) coming unto us; with all expedition provided a horseman's coat, of red Cotton, and laced with a slight lace for a present, that both they and their message might be the more acceptable amongst them. The Message was as followeth; That forasmuch as his subjects came often and without fear, upon all occasions amongst us, so we were now come unto him, and in witness of the love and good will the English bear unto him, the governor hath sent him a coat, desiring that the Peace and amity that was between them and us might be continued, not that we feared them, but because we intended not to injure any, desiring to live peaceably: and as with all men, so especially with them our nearest neighbours. But whereas his people came very often, and very many together unto us, bringing for the most part their wives and children with them, they were well come; yet we being but strangers as yet at Patuxet, alias New Plymouth, and not knowing how our corn might prosper, we could no longer give them such entertainment as we had done, and as we desired still to do: yet if he would be pleased to come himself, or any special friend of his desired to see us, coming from him they should be welcome; and to the end we might know them from others, our governor had sent him a copper chain, desiring if any Messenger should come from him to us, we might know him by bringing it with him, and hearken and give credit to his Message accordingly. Also requesting him that such as have skins, should bring them to us, and that he would hinder the multitude from oppressing us with them. And whereas as our first arrival at Paomet (called by us Cape Cod) we found there corn buried in the ground, and finding no inhabitants but some graves of dead now buried, took the corn, resolving if ever we could hear of any that had right thereunto, to make satisfaction to the full for it, yet since we understand the owners thereof were fled for fear of us, our desire was either to pay them with the like quantity of corn, English meal, or any other Commodities we had to pleasure them withal; requesting him that some one of his men might signify so much unto them, and we would content him for his pains. And last of all, our governor requested one favour of him, which was, that he would exchange some of their corn for seed with us, that we might make trial which best agreed with the foil where we live.  
With these presents and message we set forward the tenth June, about 9 a clock in the Morning, our guide resolving that night to rest at Namasches, a town under Massasoyt, and conceived by us to be very near, because the Inhabitants flocked so thick upon every slight occasion amongst us: but we found it to be some fifteen English miles. On the way we found some ten or twelve men women and children, which had pestered us, till we were weary of them, perceiving that (as the manner of them all is) where victual is easiliest to be got, there they live, especially in the Summer: by reason whereof our Bay affording many Lobsters, they resort every spring tied thither: & now returned with us to Namaschet. Thither we came about 3. a clock after noon▪ the Inhabitants entertaining us with joy, in the best manner they could, giving us a kind of bread called by them Maixium, and the spawn of Shade, which then they got in abundance, in so much as they gave us spoons to eat them, with these they boiled musty Acorns, but of the Shads we eat hearty. After this they desired one of our men to shoot at a Crow, complaining what damage they sustained in their corn by them, who shooting some fourscore off and kill, they much admired it, as other shots on other occasions. After this Tisquantum told us we should hardly in one day reach Pakanokick, moving us to go some 8. miles further, where we should find more store and better victuals than there: Being willing to hasten our journey we went, and came thither at sun setting, where we found many of the Namaschecks (they so calling the men of Namaschet) fishing upon a Ware which they had made on a River which belonged to them, where they caught abundance of Basse. These welcomed us also, gave us of their fish, and we them of our victuals, not doubting but we should have enough where ere we came. There we lodged in the open fields: for houses they had none, though they spent the most of the Summer there. The head of this River is reported to be not fare from the place of our abode, upon it are, and have been many towns, it being a good length. The ground is very good on both sides, it being for the most part cleared: Thousands of men have lived there, which died in a great plague not long since: and pity it was and is to see, so many goodly, fields, & so well seated, without men to dress and manure the same. Upon this River dwelleth Massasoyt: It cometh into the Sea at the Narrohiganset Bay, where the French men so much use. A ship may go many miles up it, as the savages report, and a shallop to the head of it: but so fare as we saw, we are sure a Shallop may.  
But to return to our journey: The next morning we broke our fast, took our leave and departed, being then accompanied with some six savages, having gone about six miles by the Riverside, at a known shoal place, it being low water, they spoke to us to put off our breeches, for we must wade thorough. Hear let me not forget the valour and courage of some of the savages, on the opposite side of the river, for there were remaining alive only 2. men, both aged, especially the one being above threescore; These two espying a company of men entering the River, ran very swiftly & low in the grass to meet us at the bank, where with shrill voices and great courage standing charged upon us with their bows, they demanded what we were, supposing us to be enemies, and thinking to take advantage on us in the water: but seeing we were friends, they welcomed us with such food as they had, and we bestowed a small bracelet of beads on them. Thus fare we are sure the Tide ebbs and flows.  
Having here again refreshed ourselves we proceeded in our journey, the weather being very hot for travel, yet the Country so well watered that a man could scarce be dry, but he should have a spring at hand to cool his thirst, beside small Rivers in abundance: But the savages will not willingly drink, but at a spring head. When we came to any small brook where no bridge was, two of them desired to carry us through of their own accords, also fearing we were or would be weary, offered to carry our pieces, also if we would lay off any of our clothes, we should have them carried: and as the one of them had found more special kindness from one of the Messengers, and the other savage from the other so they shown their thankfulness accordingly in affording us all help, and furtherance in the journey.  
As we passed along, we observed that there were few places by the River, but had been inhabited, by reason whereof, much ground was clear, save of weeds which grew higher than our heads. There is much good Timber both oak, wallnuttree, fir, Beech, and exceeding great Chessnut-trees. The Country in respect of the lying of it, is both Champany and hilly, like many places in England. In some places it's very rocky both above ground and in it: And though the country be wild and overgrown with woods, yet the trees stand not thick, but a man may well ride a horse amongst them.  
Passing on at length, one of the Company an Indian espied a man, and told the rest of it, we asked them if they feared any, they told us that if they were Narrohigganset, men they would not trust them, whereat, we called for our pieces and bid them not to fear; for though they were twenty, we two alone would not care for them: but they hailing him, he proved a friend, and had only two women with him: their baskets were empty, but they fetched water in their bottles, so that we drank with them and departed. After we met another man with other two women, which had been at rendezvous by the salt water, and their baskets were full of roasted Crab fishes, and other dried shell fish, of which they gave us, and we eat and drank with them: and gave each of the women a string of beads, and departed.  
After we came to a town of Massasoyts, where we eat Oysters and other fish. From thence we went to Packanokick, but Massasoyt was not at home, there we stayed he being sent for: when news was brought of his coming, our guide Tisquantum requested that at our meeting, we would discharge our pieces, but one of us going about to charge his piece, the women and children through fear to see him take up his piece, ran away, and could not be pacified, till he laid it down again, who afterward were better informed by our Interpreter.  
Massasoyt being come, we discharged our pieces, and saluted him, who after their manner kindly well com us, and took us into his house, and set us down by him, where having delivered our foresaid Message, and Presents, and having put the Coat on his back, and the chain about his neck, he was not a little proud to behold himself, and his men also to see their King so bravely attired.  
For answer to our Message, he told us we were welcome, and he would gladly continue that Peace and Friendship which was between him & us: and for his men they should no more pester us as they had done: Also, that he would send to Paomet, and would help us with corn for seed, according to our request.  
This being done his men gathered near to him, to whom he turned himself, and made a great Speech; they sometime interposing, and as it were, confirming and applauding him in that he said. The meaning whereof was (as fare as we could learn) thus; Was not he Massasoyt Commander of the country about them? Was not such a town his and the people of it? and should they not bring their skins unto us? To which they answered, they were his & would be at peace with us, and bring their skins to us. After this manner, he named at least thirty places, and their answer was as aforesaid to every one: so that as it was delightful, it was tedious unto us.  
This being ended, he lighted Tobacco for us, and fell to discoursing of England, & of the King's majesty, marvelling that he would live without a wife. Also he talked of the Frenchmen, bidding us not to suffer them to come to Narrohiganset, for it was King James his country, and he also was King James his man. Late it grew, but victuals he offered none; for indeed he had not any, being he came so newly home. So we desired to go to rest: he laid us on the bed with himself and his wife, they at the one end and we at the other, it being only planks laid a foot from the ground, and a thin Mat upon them. Two more of his chief men for want of room pressed by and upon us; so that we were worse weary of our lodging then of our journey.  
The next day being Thursday, many of their Sachims, or petty governors came to see us, and many of their men also. There they went to their manner of Games for skins and knives. There we challenged them to shoot with them for skins: but they durst not: only they desired to see one of us shoot at a mark, who shooting with Haile-shot, they wondered to see the mark so full of holes. About one a clock, Massasoyt brought two fishes that he had shot, they were like bream but three times so big, and better meat. These being boiled there were at least forty looked for share in them, the most eat of them: This meal only we had in two nights and a day, and had not one of us bought a Partridge, we had taken our journey fasting: Very importunate he was to have us stay with them longer: But we desired to keep the sabbath at home: and feared we should either be lightheaded for want of sleep, for what with had lodging, the Savages barbarous singing, (for they use to sing themselves asleep) louse and pleas within doors, and Muskeetoes without, we could hardly sleep all the time of our being there; we much fearing, that if we should stay any longer, we should not be able to recover home for want of strength. So that on the Friday morning before sunrising, we took our leave and departed, Massasoyt being both grieved and ashamed, that he could no better entertain us: and retaining Tisquantum to send from place to place to procure truck for us: and appointing another, called Tokamahamon in his place, whom we had found faithful before and after upon all occasions.  
At this town of Massasoyts, where we before eat, we were again refreshed with a little fish; and bought about a handful of meal of their parched corn, which was very precious at that time of the year, and a small string of dried shellfish, as big as Oysters. The latter we gave to the six Savages that accompanied us, keeping the meal for ourselves, when we drank we eat each a spoonful of it with a Pipe of Tobacco, in stead of other victuals; and of this also we could not but give them so long as it lasted. Five miles they led us to a house out of the way in hope of victuals: but we found no body there, and so were but worse able to return home. That night we reached to the wire where we lay before, but the Namascheusks were returned: so that we had no hope of any thing there. One of the Savages had shot a Shad in the water, and a small squirrel as big as a Rat, called a Neuxis, the one half of either he gave us, and after went to the wire to fish. From hence we wrote to Plymouth, and sent Tokamahamon before to Namasket, willing him from thence to send another, that he might meet us with food at Namasket. Two men now only remained with us, and it pleased God to give them good store of fish, so that we were well refreshed. After supper we went to rest, and they to fishing again: more they got and fell to eating a fresh, and retained sufficient ready roast for all our breakfasts. About two a clock in the morning, arose a great storm of wind, rain, lightning, and thunder, in such violent manner, that we could not keep in our fire; and had the Savages not roasted fish when we were asleep, we had set forward fasting: for the rain still continued with great violence, even the whole day thorough, till we came within two miles of home.  
Being wet and weary, at length we came to Namaschet, there we refreshed ourselves, giving gifts to all such as had showed us any kindness. Amongst others one of the six that came with us from Packanokik having before this on the way unkindly forsaken us, marvayled we gave him nothing, and told us what he had done for us; we also told him of some discourtesies he offered us, whereby he deserved nothing, yet we gave him a small trifle: whereupon he offered us Tobacco: but the house being full of people, we told them he stole some by the way, and if it were of that we would not take it: For we would not receive that which was stolen upon any terms; if we did, our God would be angry with us, and destroy us. This abashed him, and gave the rest great content: but at our departure he would needs carry him on his back thorough a River, whom he had formerly in some sort abused. Feign they would have had us to lodge there all night: and wondered we would set forth again in such wether: but GOD be praised, we came safe home that night, though wet, weary, and surbated.   

A VOYAGE MADE BY TEN of our Men to the kingdom of nauset, to seek a Boy that had lost himself in the WOODS; With such Accidents as befell us in that VOYAGE.  
THe 11th of June we set forth, the weather being very fair: but ere we had been long at Sea, there arose a storm of wind and rain, with much lightning and thunder, in so much that a spout arose not far from us: but God be praised, it dured not long, and we put in that night for Harbour at a place, called Cummaquid, where we had some hope to find the Boy. Two Savages were in the Boat with us, the one was Tisquantum our Interpreter, the other Tokamahamon, a special friend. It being night before we came in, we Anchored in the midst of the Bay, where we were dry at a low water. In the morning we espied Savages seeking Lobsters, and sent our two Interpreters to speak with them, the channel being between them; where they told them what we were, and for what we were come, willing them not at all to fear us, for we would not hurt them. Their answer was, that the Boy was well, but he was at Nauset; yet since we were there they desired us to come ashore & eat with them: which as soon as our Boat floated we did: and went six ashore, having four pledges for them in the Boate. They brought us to their Sachim or governor, whom they call Jyanough, a man not exceeding twentie-six years of age, but very personable, gentle, courteous, and fair conditioned, indeed not like a Savage, save for his attire; his entertainment was answerable to his parts, and his cheer plentiful and various.  
One thing was very grievous unto us at this place; There was an old woman, whom we judged to be no less than an hundred years old, which came to see us because she never saw English, yet could not behold us without breaking forth into great passion, weeping and crying excessively. We demanding the reason of it, they told us, she had three sons, who when master Hunt was in these parts went aboard his Ship to trade with him, and he carried them captives into Spain (for Tisquantum at that time was carried away also) by which means she was deprived of the comfort of her children in her old age. We told them we were sorry that any English man should give them that offence, that Hunt was a bad man, and that all the English that heard of it condemned him for the same: but for us we would not offer them any such injury, though it would gain us all the skins in the country. So we gave her some small trifles, which somewhat appeased her.  
After dinner we took Boat for Nauset, Jyanough and two of his men accompanying us. Ere we came to Nauset, the day and tide were almost spent, in so much as we could not go in with our Shallop: but the Sachim or governor of Comm●quid went a shore and his men with him, we also sent Tisquantum to tell Aspinet the Sachim of Nauset wherefore we came. The savages here came very thick amongst us, and were earnest with us to bring in our Boate. But we neither well could, nor yet desired to do it, because we had lest cause to trust them, being they only had formerly made an Assault upon us in the same place, in time of our Winter discovery for Habitation. And indeed it was no marvel they did so, for howsoever through snow or otherwise we saw no houses, yet we were in the midst of them.  
When our boat was a ground they came very thick, but we stood therein upon our guard, not suffering any to enter except two: the one being of Maramoick and one of those, whose corn we had formerly found, we promised him restitution, & desired him either to come to Patuxet for satisfaction, or else we would bring them so much corn again, he promised to come, we used him very kindly for the present. Some few skins we gate there but not many.  
After sunset, Aspinet came with a great train, & brought the boy with him, one bearing him through the water: he had not less than an hundred with him, the half whereof came to the Shallop side unarmed with him, the other stood aloof with their bow and arrows. There he delivered us the boy, behung with beads, and made peace with us, we bestowing a knife on him, and likewise on another that first entertained the Boy and brought him thither. So they departed from us.  
Here we understood, that the Narrohigansets had spoilt some of Massasoyts men, and taken him. This struck some fear in us, because the Colony was so weakly guarded, the strength thereof being abroad: But we set forth with resolution to make the best haste home we could; yet the wind being contrary, having scarce any fresh water least, and at least 16. leagues home, we put in again for the shore. There we met again with Jyanough the Sachim of Cummaquid, and the most of his town, both men women & children with him. He being still willing to gratify us, took a runlet and led our men in the dark a great way for water, but could find none good: yet brought such as there was on his neck with them. In the mean time the women joined hand in hand, singing and dancing before the Shallop, the men also showing all the kindness they could, Jyanough himself taking a bracelet from about his neck, and hanging it upon one of us.  
Again we set out but to small purpose: for we got but little homeward; Our water also was very brackish, and not to be drunk.  
The next morning, Jyanough espied us again and ran after us; we being resolved to go to Cummaquid again to water, took him into the Shallop, whose entertainment was not inferior unto the former.  
The soil at Nauset and here is alike, even and sandy, not so good for corn as where we are; ships may safely ride in either harbour. In the Summer, they abound with fish. Being now watered, we put forth again, and by God's providence, came safely home that night.   

A journey TO THE kingdom of NAMASCHET in defence of the Great King MASSASOYT against the Narrohiggansets, and to revenge the supposed Death of our Interpreter Tisquantum.  
AT our return from Nauset, we found it true, that Massasoyt was put from his country by the Narrohiggansets. Word also was brought unto us, that one Coubatant a petty Sachim or governor under Massasoyt (whom they ever feared to be too conversant with the Narrohiggansets) was at Namaschet, who sought to draw the hearts of Massasoyts subjects from him, speaking also disdainfully of us, storming at the Peace between Nauset, Cummaquid, and us, and at Tisqua●tum the worker of it; also at Tokamahamon, and one Hobbamock (two Indians or Lemes, one of which he would treacherously have murdered a little before, being a special and trusty man of Massasoyts) Tokamahamon went to him, but the other two would not; yet put their lives in their hands, privately went to see if they could hear of their King, and lodging at Namaschet were discovered to Coubatant, who set a guard to beset the house and took Tisquantum (for he had said, if he were dead, the English had lost their tongue) Hobbamock seeing that Tisquantum was taken, and Coubatant held a knife at his breast, being a strong and stout man, broke from them and came to New-Plimmouth, full of fear and sorrow for Tisquantum, whom he thought to be slain.  
Upon this news the Company assembled together, and resolved on the morrow to send ten men armed to Namaschet and Hobbamock, for their guide, to revenge the supposed death of Tisquantum on Coubatant our bitter Enemy, and to retain Nepeof, another Sachim or governor, who was of this confederacy, till we heard, what was become of our friend Massasoyt.  
On the morrow we set out ten men Armed, who took their journey as aforesaid, but the day proved very wet. When we supposed we were within three or four miles of Namaschet, we went out of the way and stayed there till night, because we would not be discovered. There we consulted what to do, and thinking best to beset the house at midnight, each was appointed his task by the captain, all men encouraging one another, to the utmost of their power.  
By night our guide lost his way, which much discouraged our men, being we were wet, and weary of our arms: but one of our men having been before at Namaschet brought us into the way again.  
Before we came to the town we sat down and ate such as our knapsack afforded, that being done, we threw them aside, and all such things as might hinder us, and so went on and beset the house, according to our last resolution. Those that entered, demanded if Coubatant were not there: but fear had bereft the Savages of speech. We charged them not to stir, for if Coubatant were not there, we would not meddle with them, if he were, we came principally for him, to be avenged on him for the supposed death of Tisquantum, and other matters: but howsoever we would not at all hurt their women, or children. Notwithstanding some of them pressed out at a private door and escaped, but with some wounds: At length perceiving our principal ends, they told us Coubatant was returned with all his train, and that Tisquantum was yet living, and in the town offering some Tobacco▪ other such as they had to eat. In this hurley burley we discharged two pieces at random, which much terrified all the Inhabitants, except Tisquantum and Tokamahamon, who though they knew not our end in coming, yet assured them of our honesty, that we would not hurt them. Those boys that were in the house seeing our care of women, often cried Neensqua●s, that is to say, I am a Woman: the Women also hanging upon Hobbamock, calling him Towam, that is, Friend. But to be short, we kept them we had, and made them make a fire that we might see to search the house. In the mean time, Hobbamock got on the top of the house, and called Tisquantum and Tokamahamon, which came unto us accompanied with others, some armed and others naked. Those that had bows and arrows we took them away, promising them again when it was day. The house we took for our better safegar 〈◊〉 released those we had taken, manifesting whom we came for and wherefore.  
On the next morning we marched into the midst of the town, and went to the house of Tisquantum to breakfast. Thither came all whose hearts were upright towards us, but all Coubatants faction were fled away. There in the midst of them we manifested again our intendment, assuring them, that although Coubatant had now escaped us, yet there was no place should secure him and his from us if he continued his threatening us, and provoking others against us, who had kindly entertained him, and never intended evil towards him till he now so justly deserved it. Moreover, if Massasoyt did not return in safety from Narrohigganset, or if hereafter he should make any insurrection against him, or offer violence to Tisquantum, Hobbamock, or any of Massasoyts subjects, we would revenge it upon him, to the overthrow of him and his. As for those were wounded, we were sorry for it, though themselves procured it in not staying in the house at our command: yet if they would return home with us, our Surgeon should heal them.  
At this offer, one man and a woman that were wounded went home with us, Tisquantum and many other known friends accompanying us, and offering all help that might be by carriage of any thing we had to ease us. So that by God's good Providence we safely returned home the morrow night after we set forth.   

A RELATION OF our Voyage to the MASSACHVSETS, And what happened there.  
IT seemed good to the Company in general, that though the Massachusets' had often threatened us (as we were informed) yet we should go amongst them, partly to see the country, partly to make Peace with them, and partly to procure their truck.  
For these ends the governors chose ten men, fit for the purpose, and sent Tisquantum, and two other savages to bring us to speech with the people, and interpret for us.  
We set out about midnight, the tide then serving for us; we supposing it to be nearer than it is, thought to be there the next morning betimes: but it proved well near twenty Leagues from New Plymouth.  
We came into the bottom of the Bay, but being late we anchored and lay in the Shallop, not having seen any of the people. The next morning we put in for the shore. There we found many Lobsters that had been gathered together by the savages, which we made ready under a cliff. The captain set two Sentinels behind the cliff to the landward to secure the Shallop, and taking a guide with him, and four of our company, went to seek the Inhabitants, where they met a woman coming for her Lobsters, they told her of them, and contented her for them. She told them where the people were; Tisquantum went to them, the rest returned, having direction which way to bring the Shallop to them.  
The Sachim, or governor of this place, is called Obbatinewat, and though he live in the bottom of the Massachuset bay, yet he is under Massasoyt. He used us very kindly, he told us, he durst not then remain in any settled place, for fear of the Terentines. Also the Squa Sachim, or Massachusets' Queen was an enemy to him.  
We told him of diverse Sachims that had acknowledged themselves to be King James his men, and if he also would submit himself, we would be his safeguard from his enemies; which he did, and went along with us to bring us to the Squa Sachim. Again we crossed the Bay which is very large, and hath at least fifty lands in it: but the certain number is not known to the Inhabitants. Night it was before we came to that side of the Bay where this people were. On shore the savages went but found no body. That night also we rid at Anchor aboard the Shallop.  
On the morrow we went ashore, all but two men and marched in arms up in the country. Having gone three miles, we came to a place where corn had been newly gathered, a house pulled down, and the people gone. A mile from hence, Nanepashemet their King in his life time had lived. His house was not like others, but a scaffold was largely built, with pools and planks some six foot from ground, and the house upon that, being situated on the top of a hill.  
Not fare from hence in a bottom, we came to a Fort built by their deceased King, the manner thus; There were pools some thirty or forty foot long, stuck in the ground as thick as they could be set one by another, and with these they enclosed a ring some forty or fifty foot over. A trench breast high was digged on each side; one way there was to go into it with a bridge; in the midst of this palisado stood the frame of an house, wherein being dead he lay buried.  
About a mile from hence, we came to such another, but seated on the top of an hill: here Nanepashemet was killed, none dwelling in it since the time of his death. At this place we stayed, and sent two savages to look the Inhabitants, and to inform them of our ends in coming, that they might not be fearful of us: Within a mile of this place they found the women of the place together, with their corn on heaps, whither we supposed them to be stead for fear of us, and the more, because in diverse places they had newly pulled down their houses, and for haste in one place had left some of their corn covered with a Mat, and no body with it.  
With much fear they entertained us at first, but seeing our gentle carriage towards them, they took heart and entertained us in the best manner they could, boiling Cod and such other things as they had for us. At length with much sending for came one of their men, shaking and trembling for fear. But when he saw we intended them no hurt, but came to truck, he promised us his skins also. Of him we enquired for their Queen, but it seemed she was far from thence, at lest we could not see her.  
Here Tisquantum would have had us rifled the salvage women, and taken their skins, and all such things as might be serviceable for us, for (said he) they are a bad people, and have oft threatened you: But our answer was; Were they never so bad, we would not wrong them, or give them any just occasion against us: for their words we little weighed them, but if they once attempted any thing against us, than we would deal far worse than he desired.  
Having well spent the day, we returned to the Shallop, almost all the Women accompanying us, to truck, who sold their coats from their backs, and tied boughs about them, but with great shamefastness (for indeed they are more modest than some of our English women are) we promised them to come again to them, and they us, to keep their skins.  
Within this Bay, the savages say, there are two rivers; the one whereof we saw, having a fair entrance, but we had no time to discover it. Better harbours for shipping cannot be then here are. At the entrance of the Bay are many rocks; and in all likelihood very good fishing ground. Many, yea, most of the lands have been inhabited, some being cleared from end to end, but the people are all dead, or removed.  
Our victual growing scarce, the wind coming fair, and having a light moon, we set out at evening, and through the goodness of GOD, came safely home before noon the day following.   

A LETTER SENT FROM New England to a friend in these parts, setting forth a brief and true Declaration of the worth of that Plantation; As also certain useful Directions for such as intent a VOYAGE into those Parts.  
Loving, and old Friend, although I received no Letter from you by this Ship, yet forasmuch as I know you expect the performance of my promise, which was, to write unto you truly and faithfully of all things. I have therefore at this time sent unto you accordingly. Referring you for further satisfaction to our more large Relations You shall understand, that in this little time, that a few of us have been here, we have built seven dwelling houses, and four for the use of the Plantation, and have made preparation for diverse others. We set the last Spring some twenty Acres of Indian corn, and sowed some six Acres of barley & Pease, and according to the manner of the Indians, we manured our ground with herring or rather Shadds, which we have in great abundance, and take with great ease at our doors. Our corn did prove well, & God be praised, we had a good increase of Indian corn, and our barley indifferent good, but our Pease not worth the gathering, for we feared they were too late sown, they came up very well, and blossomed, but the sun parched them in the blossom▪ one harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a more special manner rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruit of our labours; they four in one day killed as much fowl, as with a 〈◊〉 beside, served the Company almost a week, at which time amongst 〈…〉 Recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest King Massassoyt, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain, and others. And although it be not always so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so fare from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty. We have found the Indians very faithful in their Covenant of Peace with us; very loving and ready to pleasure us: we often go to them, and they come to vs; some of us have been fifty miles by Land in the Country with whom, the occasions and Relations whereof you shall vndestand by our general and moreful Declaration of such things as are worth the noting, yea, it hath pleased God so to possess the Indians with a fear of us, and love unto us, that not only the greatest King amongst them called Massasoyt, but also all the Princes and peoples round about us, have either made suit unto us, or been glad of any occasion to make peace with us, so that seven of them at once have sent their messengers to us to that end, yea, an Fle at sea, which we never saw hath also together with the former yielded willingly to be under the protection, and subjects to our sovereign Lord King James, so that there is now great peace amongst the Indians themselves, which was not formerly neither would have been but for us▪ and we for our parts walks as peaceably and safely in the wood, as in the high ways in England, we entertain them familiarly in our houses, and they as friendly bestowing their Venison on us. They are a people without any Religion, or knowledge of any God, yet very trusty, quick of apprehension, ripe witted, just the men and women go naked, only the skin about their middles; for the temper of the air, here it agreeth well with that in England, and if there be any different at all, this is somewhat hotter in Summer, some think it to be colder in Winter, but I cannot out of experience so say, the air is very clear and not foggy, as hath been reported. I never in my life remember a more seasonable year, than we have here enjoined: and if we have once but Kine, Horses, and sheep, I make no question, but men might live as contended here: as in any part of the world. For fish and fowl, we have great abundance, fresh Codd in the Summer is but course meat with us, our Bay is full of Lobsters all the Summer, and affordeth variety of other Fish; in September we can take a Hogshead of Eels in a night, with small labour, & can dig them out of their beds, all the Winter we have Mussells and Othus at our doors: Oysters we have ●● noneere, but we can have them brought by the Indians when we will; all the Spring time the earth sendeth forth naturally very good salad Herbs: here are Grapes, white and red, and very sweet and strong also. Strawberries, gooseberries, Raspas, etc. Plums of three sorts, with black and red, being almost as good as a Damsen: abundance of Roses, white; red, and damask: single, but very sweet indeed; the country wanteth only industrious men to employ, for it would grieve your hearts (if as I) you had seen so many miles together by goodly rivers unihabited, and withal to consider those parts of the world wherein you live▪ to be even greatly burdened with abundance of people. These things I thought good to let you understand, being the truth of things as new as I could experimentally take knowledge of, and that you might on our behalf give God thankes who hath dealt so favourably with us.  
Our supply of men from you came the ninth of November 1621. putting in at Cape Groënland, some eight or ten leagues from us, the Indians that dwell there about were they who were owners of the corn which we found in caves, for which we have given them full content, and are in great league with them, they sent us word there was a ship ne'er unto them, but thought it to be a French man and indeed for ourselves, we expected not a friend so soon. But when we perceived that she made for our Bay, the governor commanded a great piece to be shot off, to call home such as were abroad at work; whereupon euery man, yea, boy that handle a Gun were ready, with full resolution that if she were an Enemy, we would stand in our just defence, not fearing them, but God provided better for us than we supposed; these came all in health unto us, not any being sick by the way (otherwise then by Sea sickness) and so continue at this time, by the blessing of God, the good wife Ford was delivered of a son the first night she landed and both of them are very well. When it pleaseth God, we are settled and sitted for the fishing business, and other trading, I doubt not but by the blessing of God, the gain will give content to all; in the mean time, that we have gotten we have sent by this ship, and though it be not much, yet it will witness for us, that we have not been idle, considering the smallness of our number all this Summer. We hope the merchants will accept of it, and be encouraged to furnish us with things needful for further employment, which will also encourage us to put forth ourselves to the uttermost. Now because I expect your coming unto us with other of our friends, whose company we much desire, I thought good to advertise you of a few things needful; be careful to have a very good bread-roome to put your biscuits in, let your Cask for beer and Water be Iron-bound for the first tire if not more; let not your meat be dry salted, none can better do it then the sailors; let your meal be so hard trod in your Cask that you shall need an adds or Hatchet to work it out with: Trust not too much on us for corn at this time, for by reason of this last company that came, depending wholly upon us, we shall have little enough till harvest; be careful to come by some of your meal to spend by the way, it will much refresh you, build your cabins as open as you can, and bring good store of clothes, and beding with you, bring every man a Musker or fowling piece, let your piece be long in the barrel, and fear not the weight of it, for most of our shooting is from Stands; bring juice of Lemons, and take it fasting, it is of good use; for hot waters, aniseed water is the best, but use it sparingly: if you bring any thing for comfort in the Country, Butter or salad oil or both is very good; our Indian corn even the coursest, maketh as pleasant meat as Rice, therefore spare that unless to spend by the way; bring Paper, and Linced oil for your windows, with Cotton yarn for your Lamps; let your shot be most for big fowls, and bring store of Powder and shot: I forbear further to write for the present, hoping to see you by the next return, so I take my lean, commending you to the LORD for a safe conduct unto us. Resting in him  
Plymouth in New England this 11. of December. 1621. Your loving Friend E. W.   

Reason & considerations touching the lawfulness of removing out of England into the parts of America.  
FOrasmuch as many exceptions are daily made against the going into, 
The Preamble.  and inhabiting of foreign desert places, to the hindrance of plantations abroad, and the increase of distractions at home: It is not amiss that some which have been care witnesses of the exceptions made, and are either Agents or Abettors of such removals and plantations, do seek to give content to the world, in all things that possibly they can.  
And although the most of the opposites are such as either dream of raising their fortunes here, to that than which there is nothing more unlike, or such as affecting their home-born country so vehemently, as that they had rather with all their friends beg, yea starve in it, the undergo a little difficulty in seeking abroad, yet are there some who out of doubt in tenderness of conscience, and fear to offend God by running before they be called, are straitened and do straiten others, from going to foreign plantations.  
For whose cause especially, I have been drawn out of my good affection to them, to publish some reasons that might give them content and satisfaction, and also stay and stop the wilful and witty caviller: and herein I trust I shall not be blamed of any godly wise, though thorough my slender judgement I should miss the mark, and not strike the nail on the head, considering it is the first attempt that hath been made (that I know of) to defend those enterprises. Reason would therefore, that if any man of deeper reach and better judgement see further or otherwise, that he rather instruct me, then deride me.  
And being studious or brevity, we must first consider, 
Cautions. Gen. 12. 1, 2 & 35. 1.  that whereas God of old did call and summon our Fathers by predictions, dreams, visions, and certain illuminations to go from their countries, 
Mat. 2. 19  places and habitations, to reside and dwell here or there, 
Psal. 105. 13.  and to wander up and down from city to city, and Land to Land, according to his will and pleasure. Now there is no such calling to be expected for any matter whatsoever, neither must any so much as imagine that there will now be any such thing. 
Eseb. 1. 1, 2.  God did once so train up his people, but now he doth not, but speaks in another manner, and so we must apply ourselves to God's present dealing, and not to his wont dealing: and as the miracle of giving Manna ceased, 
Josh. 5. 12.  when the fruit● of the land became plenty, so God having such a plentiful storehouse of directions in his holy word, there must not now any extraordinary revelations be expected.  
But now the ordinary examples and precepts of the Scriptures reasonably and rightly understood and applied, must be the voice and word, that must call us, press us, and direct us in every action.  
Neither is there any land or possession now, like unto the possession which the Jews had in Caanan, 
Gen. 17. 8  being legally holy and appropriated unto a holy people the seed of Abraham, in which they dwelled securely, and had their days prolonged, it being by an immediate voice said, that he (the Lord) gave it them as a land of rest after their weary travels, and a type of eternal rest in heaven, but now there is no land of that Sanctimanie, no land so appropriated; none typical: much less any that can be said to be given of God to any nation as was Caanan, which they and their seed must dwell in, till God sendeth upon them sword or captivity: but now we are all in all places strangers and Pilgrims, travellers and sojourners, most properly, having no dwelling but in this earthen Tabernacle; 
2 Cor. 5 1, 2.3.  our dwelling is but a wand'ring, and our abiding but as a fleeting, 
So were the Jews, but yet their temper all blessings and inheritances were more large than ours  and in a word our home is nowhere, but in the heavens: in that house not made with hands, whose maker and builder is God, and to which all ascend that love the coming of our Lord Jesus.  
Though then, there may be reasons to persuade a man to live in this or that land, yet there cannot be the same reasons which the Jews had, but now as natural, civil and Religious bands tie men, so they must be bound, and as good reasons for things terrene and heavenly appear, so they must be led. And so here falleth in our question, 
Object.  how a man that is here borne and bred, and hath lived some years, may remove himself into another country.  
I answer, 
Answ.  a man must not respect only to live, and do good to himself, but he should see where he can live to do most good to others: 
1 What persons may hence remove.  for as one saith, He whose living is but for himself, it is time he were dead. Some men there are who of necessity must here live, as being tied to duties either to Church, commonwealth, household, kindred, etc. but others, and that many, who do no good in none of those nor can do none, as being not able, or not in favour, or as wanting opportunity, and live as outcasts: no bodies, eie-sores, eating but for themselves, teaching but themselves, and doing good to none, either in soul or body, and so pass over days, years, and months, yea so live and so die. Now such should life up their eyes and see whether there be not some other place and country to which they may go to do good and have use towards others of that knowledge, wisdom, humanity, reason, strength, skill, faculty, 
2 Why they should remove.  etc. which God hath given them for the service of others and his own glory.  
But not to pass the bounds of modesty so far as to name any, though I confess I know many, who sit here still with their talon in a napkin, having notable endowments both of body and mind, 
Luk. 19.20.  and might do great good if they were in some places, which here do none, nor can do none, and yet through fleshly fear, niceness, straightness of heart, etc. sit still and look on, and will not hazard a dram of health, nor a day of pleasure, nor an hour of rest to further the knowledge and salvation of the sons of Adam in that New world, 
Reas. 1.  where a drop of the knowledge of Christ is most precious, which is here not set by. Now what shall we say to such a profession of Christ, to which is joined no more denial of a man's self? 
Object.  But some will say, what right have I to go live in the heathens country?  
Letting pass the ancient discoveries, 
Answ.  contracts and agreements which our English men have long since made in those parts, together with the acknowledgement of the histories and Chronicles of other nations, who profess the land of America from the Cape De Florida unto the Bay of Canad● (which is South and North 300. leagues and upwards; and East and West, further than yet hath been discovered) is proper to the King of England, yet letting that pass, lest I he thought to meddle further than it concerns me, or further than I have discerning: I will mention such things as are within my reach, knowledge, sight and practice, since I have travailed in these affairs.  

Reas. 2.  And first seeing we daily pray for the conversion of the heathens, we must consider whether there be not some ordinary means, and course for us to take to convert them, or whether prayer for them be only referred to God's extraordinary work from heaven. Now it seemeth unto me that we ought also to endeavour and use the means to convert them, and the means cannot be used unless we go to them or they come to us: to us they cannot come, our land is full: to them we may go, their land is empty.  

Reas. 3.  This then is a sufficient reason to prove our going thither to live, lawful their land is spacious and void & there are few and do but run over the grass, as do also the Foxes and wild beasts: they are not industrious, neither have are, science, skill or faculty to use either the land or the commodities of it, but all spoils, rots, and is marred for want of manuring, gathering, ordering, etc. As the ancient patriarchs therefore removed from straighter places into more roomthy, where the Land lay idle and waste, and none used it, though there dwelled inhabitants by them, as Gen. 13.6.11.12. and 34.21. and 41.20. so is it lawful now to take a land which none useth, and make use of it.  

Reas. 4.  And as it is a common land or unused, & undressed country; 
This is to be considered as respecting new England and the about the plantation.  so we have it by common consent, composition and agreement, which agreement is double: First the Imperial governor Massasoit, whose circuits in likelihood are larger than England and Scotland, hath acknowledged the King's majesty of England to be his Master and Commander, and that once my hearing, yea and in writing, under his hand to captain Standish, both he and many other Kings which are under him, as Pamet, Nauset, Cammaquid, Narrowhiggonset, Namaschet, etc. with diverse others that dwell about the bays of Patuxet, and Massachuset: neither hath this been accomplished by threats and blows, or shaking of sword, and sound of trumpet, for as our faculty that way is small, and our strength less: so our warring with them is after another manner, namely by friendly usage, love, peace, honest and just carriages, good counsel, etc. that so we and they may not only live in peace in that land, 
Psal. 110.3. & 48. 3.  and they yield subjection to an earthly Prince, but that as voluntaries they may be persuaded at length to embrace the Prince of peace Christ Jesus, and rest in peace with him for ever.  
Secondly, this composition is also more particular and applicatory, as touching ourselves there inhabiting: the Emperor by ajoint consent, hath promised and appointed us to live at peace, where we will in all his dominions, taking what place we will, and as much land as we will, and bringing as many people as we will, and that for these two causes. First, because we are the servants of James King of England, whose the land (as he confesseth) is, 2. because he hath found us just, honest, kind and peaceable, and so love's our company, yea, and that in these things there is no dissimulation on his part, nor fear of breach (except our security engender in them some vnthought of treachery, or our uncivility provoke them to anger) is most plain in other Relations, which show that the things they did were more out of love then out of fear.  
It being then first a vast and empty Chaos: Secondly acknowledged the right of our sovereign King: Thirdly, by a peaceable composition in part possessed of diverse of his loving subjects, I see not who can doubt or call in question the lawfulness of inhabiting or dwelling there, but that it may be as lawful for such as are not tied upon some special occasion here, to line there as well as here, yea, and as the enterprise is weighty and difficult, so the honour is more worthy, to plant a rude wilderness, to enlarge the honour and fame of our dread sovereign, but chief to display the efficacy & power of the gospel both in zealous preaching, professing, and wise walking under it, before the faces of these poor blind Infidels.  
As for such as object the tediousness of the voyage thither, the danger of pirate's robbery, of the savages treachery, etc. these are but lions in the way, 
Prou. 22.13.  and it were well for such men if they were in heaven, for who can show them a place in this world where iniquity shall not compass them at the heels, and where they shall have a day without grief, 
Psal. 49.5. Mat. 6.34.  or a lease of life for a moment; and who can tell but God, what dangers may lie at our doors, even in our native country, or what plots may be abroad, or when God will cause our sun to go down at noon days, 
Amos 8.9.  and in the midst of our peace and security, lay upon us some lasting scourge for our so long neglect and contempt of his most glorious gospel.  

Ob.  But we have here great peace, plenty of the gospel, and many sweet delights and variety of comforts.  

Answ. 2. Chro. 32.25.  True indeed, and fare be it from us to deny and diminish the least of these mercies, but have we rendered unto God thankful obedience for this long peace, whilst other people's have been at wars? Have we not rather murmured, repined, and fallen at jars amongst ourselves, whilst our peace hath lasted with foreign power? was there ever more suits in law, more envy, contempt and reproach then now adays? Abraham and Lot departed asunder when there fell a breach betwixt them, 
Gen. 13.9.10.  which was occasioned by the straightness of the land: and surely I am persuaded, that howsoever the frailties of men are principal in all contentions, yet the straitness of the place is such, as each man is fain to pluck his means as it were out of his neighbour's throat, there is such pressing and oppressing in town and country, about farms, trades, traffic, etc. so as a man can hardly any where set up a trade but he shall pull down two of his neighbours.  
The towns abound with young tradesmen, and the Hospitals are full of the ancient, the country is replenished with new Farmers, and the almshouses are filled with old Labourers, many there are who get their living with bearing burdens, but more are fain to burden the land with their whole bodies: multitudes get their means of life by prating, and so do numbers more by begging. Neither come these straits upon men always through intemperancy, ill husbandry, indiscretion, etc. as some think, but even the most wise, sober, and discreet men, go often to the wall, when they have done their best, wherein as God's providence swayeth all, so it is easy to see, that the straightness of the place having in it so many straight hearts, cannot but produce such effects more and more, so as every indifferent minded man should be ready to say with Father Abraham, Take thou the right hand, and I will take the left: Let us not thus oppress, straiten, and afflict one another, but seeing there is a spacious Land, the way to which is thorough the sea, we will end this difference in a day.  
That I speak nothing about the bitter contention that hath been about Religion, by writing, disputing, and inveighing earnestly one against another, the heat of which zeal if it were turned against the rude barbarism of the Heathens, it might do more good in a day, than it hath done here in many years. Neither of the little love to the gospel and profit which is made by the Preachers in most places, which might easily drive the zealous to the Heathens who no doubt if they had but a drop of that knowledge which here flieth about the streets, would be filled with exceeding great joy and gladness, as that they would even pluck the kingdom of heaven by violence, and take it as it were by force.  
The greatest let that is yet behind is the sweet fellowship of friends, 
The last 〈◊〉.  and the satiety of bodily delights.  
But can there be two nearer friends almost then Abraham and Lot, or then Paul and Barnabas, and yet upon as little occasions as we have here, they departed asunder, two of them being patriarchs of the Church of old; the other the Apostles of the Church which is new, and their covenants were such as it seemeth might bind as much as any covenant between men at this day, and yet to avoid greater inconveniences they departed asunder.  
Neither must men take so much thought for the flesh, as not to be pleased except they can pamper 〈◊〉 bodies 〈◊〉 variety of dainties. Nature is content with little, and health is much endangered, by mixtures upon the stomach: The delights of the palate do often inflame the vital parts: as the tongue setteth a fire the whole body. 
james 3.6.  Secondly, varieties here are not common to all, but many good men are glad to snap as a crust. The rend taker life's on sweet morsels, but the rend payer eats a dry crust often with watery eyes: and it is nothing to say what some one of a hundreth hath, but what the bulk, body and cominalty hath, which I warrant you is short enough.  
And they also which now live so sweetly, hardly will their children attain to that privilege, but some circumuentor or other will outstrip them, and make them sit in the dust, to which men are brought in one age, but cannot get out of it again in 7. generations.  
To conclude, without all partiality, the present consumption which groweth upon us here, whilst the land groaneth under so many close fisted and unmerciful men, being compared with the easiness, plainness and plentifulness in living in those remote places, may quickly persuade any man to a liking of this course, and to practise a removal, which being done by honest, godly and industrious men, they shall there be right heartily welcome, but for other of dissolute and profane life, their rooms are better than their companies; for if here where the gospel hath been so long and plentifully taught, they are yet frequent in such vices as the Heathen would shame to speak of, what will they be when there is less restraint in word and deed? My only suit to all men is, that whether they live there or here, they would learn to use this world as they used it not, keeping faith and a good conscience, both with God and men, that when the day of account shall come, they may come forth as good and fruitful servants, and freely be received, and enter into the joy of their master.  
FINIS.