of the said countries, traded thither now several years ; in virtue
of a certain general Charter from the High and Mighty Lords
States General, dated the 10th March 1614 {N,8\ That they,
also, have delivered to their High Mightinesses their written Report,
with a Map, of the situation and usefulness of [the] said countries.
And whereas the Petitioners' Charter has expired, so that every
one is now at liberty to trade there ; they have again sent thither
two ships, in order to preserve the reputation of [the] said trade.
Some vessels have been likewise sent by other traders, exclusive of
the Company.
Now it happens that there is residing at Leyden a certain
English Preacher, versed in the Dutch language, who is well
inclined to proceed thither to live : assuring the Petitioners that
he has the means of inducing over four hundred families to
accompany him thither, both out of this country and England.
iVovided they would be guarded and preserved from all violence on
the part of other potentates, by the authority and under the
protection of your Princely Excellency and the High and Mighty
Lords States (General, in the propagation of the true [and] pure
Christian religion, in the instruction of the Indians in that country
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298 Negotiations with the Dutch.
in true learning, and in oonverting them to the Chnstian ftdth :
and thus, through tiie mercy of the Lord, to the greater glory of
this country's government, to plant there a new Commonwealth ;
all under the order and command of your Princely Excellency
and the High and Mighty Lords States GkneraL
And whereas they, the Petitioners, have experienced that
His Majesty of Great Britain would be disposed to people the
aforesaid lands with the English Nation ; and by force to rmider
fruitless their possession and discovery, and thus deprive this
State of its right i and apparently with ease surprise the ships
of this country which are there, and are ordered to remain there
the whole year : wherefore they, tiie Petitioners, pray and request
that your Princely Excellency may benignly please to take all
the aforesaid into favourable consideration, so that, iot the
preservation of this country^s rights, the aforesaid Minister and the
four hundred ^unilies may be taken under tiie protection of this
country ; and that two ships of war may be provisionally
despatched to secure to the State the aforesaid countries ; inasmuch
as they would be of much importance, whenever the West India
Company is established, in respect to the large abundance of
timber fit for shipbuilding, &c., as may be seen by the
accompanying Beport On aU which
(Endorsed) Petition of the Directors of the Company
trading to New Netherland, 12 February 1620.
Documents . . . procured in Holland Sc, Ed. K R
O^Callaohan. VoL L, pp. 22, 23. Albany N.Y., 1866, 4
BBSOLUnOH or THB 8TATB8 GBMKRAL OH THB PSTITIOM
OF THE HEW NSTBEBLAKD OOMPANT.
Saturday, the 11th April 1620 [NJS.].
The Petition of the Directors of the New Netherland Com-
pany, that they, for the peopling of the said Island [of Manhattan],
may be assisted with two ships of war, is again rejected. Ideniy
p. 24.
SIB DUDLEY CABLSTOK TO THE ENGLISH PBIVT COUNCIL.
THE HAGUE ; TinBSDAT, 6/16 FEBBUABT 1621/1622.
May it please your Lordships. Having received your Lordships'
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Negotiations rvith the Dutch. 299
letter, of the 16th of December [1621], touching the Hollandem
entering, a year since ftle. in December 1620], and planting
a Colony, upon some parti of the north of Virginia, witiiin the
precinct of which His Majesty had formerly granted, by his
Patent^ the quiet and full possession unto particular persons : with
, commandment from His Majesty to move the States (General, not
only to make stay of such ships as are here prepared for that
voyage ; but likewise to prohibit the further prosecution of that
Plantation :
I took the liberty which the season gave me — all these country
[IhUoh] ships being then, as they still are, bound in with ice — to
inform myself of the state of the business, before I would appear
in their Assembly ; and could not find (either by such merchants
with whom I have acquaintance at Amsterdam ; or by [Maurice]
the Prince of Orange and some of the States, of whom I made
enquiries) any more in the matter but that, about four or five years
since [1618, or 1617], two particular Companies of Amsterdam
merchants began a trade into those parts, betwixt 40 and 45
degrees [North] ; to which, after their manner, they gave their
own names of New Netherlands ; a South, and a North, Sea ; a
Texel ; a Vlieland ; and the like. Whither they have, over since,
continued to send ships, of 30 or 40 lasts [ = 60 to 80 tons] at the
most, to fetch furs ; which is all their trade : for the providing
of which, they have certain Factors there, continually resident^
trading with [the] savages. And, at this present, there is a ship
at Amsterdam bound for those parts.
But I cannot learn of any Colony; either already planted
there by these people, or so much as intended.
And I have this further reason to believe there is none —
because, within these few months, divers inhabitants of this
country, to a considerable number of families [ue. 60 famiUea of
WaUoons\ have been suitors unto me to procure them a place of
habitation amongst His Majesty's subjects of those parts : which,
by His Majesty's order, was made known to the Directors of the
Plantation [i.e. The London Virginia Company] ; and if these
country men [DtUchmeTi] were in any such way themselves, there is
small appearance [that] they would desire to mingle with strangers,
and be subject to their Government.
Nevertheless because more may be known to your Lordships
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300 Negotiations with the Dutch.
than I can leam here ; I have not failed of my duty in demanding
audience of the States, and saying to them what I was commanded:
the effect [tuftftonos] whereof (as the usd here is, being so required)
I gave them in writing; according to the copy I send your
Lordships herewith.
Which those of [tiie Province of] Holland demanded of the
Assembly ; whereby to take information of the business, of which
they pretended ignorance : thereupon to frame an Answer to His
Majesty ; which, when I shall receive, I will not fail to advertise
your Lordships.
So I most humbly take leave. From the Hague, the 6th of
February 1021.
%.Y.,EM(Md. Bundle 145.
1. The first important point here is, That it is dear that,
on the 2/12 February 1619/1620, the date di the first
document. Master Thomas Weston, the London Merchant of
whom we shall presently hear so much, had not yet come to the
Leyden Church; and made his proposals to them: because,
at page 317, the Rev. John Bobinson writes of him to John
Carver, '< When we had another course with the Dutchmen,
[we] broke it ofi*, at his motion.'' Now these negotiations
were certainly not broken off on the above date.
2. But these v)€Tt broken off before 1/11 April 1620, the
date of the second document; otherwise they would have
come to an end through the failure of the New Netherland
Company, consequent on the refusal of the States General :
instead of which, the Englishmen broke them ofil
3. Therefore we can say with certainty, that, Thomas
Weston appeared on the scene at Leyden, on some date
between 2/12 February and 1/11 April 1620.
4. Notice Sir Dudley Carleton's statement that, up to
the 5/15 February 1622, no Colony of any kind existed at tiiie
island of Manhattan ; but only Fur Factors.
Why then did the Pilgrims, having rejected all idea of
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living under the Dutch, on the arriyal of the Mayflower off
Cape Cod on the 9/19 Noyember 1620, deliberately sail
southward in order to settle themselyes somewhere near the
Hudson river, which, as they then thought, was some thirty
miles ofiP, see page 407 ?
Three reasons may be assigned for this :
First. Their PcUenty granted to Master Wincop, was for
the northern parts of Virginia.
Secondly. In the course of their negotiations with the New
Netherland Company, they must have received some special
and favourable information from them, respecting that part of
North America.
Thirdly. A cogent reason for such a desired proximity
would be, mutual help in time of need. We can see how
deeply they felt their utter isolation from all European aid,
when they first anchored in Cape Cod Bay, from Governor
Bbadford's remarks at pp. 351-354.
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CHAPTER XXXIII.
The Negotiations with Master Thomas Weston,
Merchant; and the Adventurers in
and about london. 1620.
) OR these Negotiations, Govemor Bradford is the
only authority.
About this time, whilst they were
perplexed with the proceedings of the
Virginia Company ; and the ill news from thence about
Master Blackwell and his Company; and making
enquiry about the hiring and buying of shipping
for their Voyage: some Dutchmen made them [? in
January 1620] fair offers about going with them [to
the Hudson river].
Also one Master Thomas Weston, a Merchant of
London, came to Leyden about the same time [? Februa/ry
1620] : who was well acquainted with some of them,
and a furtherer of them in their former proceedings [? at
Boston^ or fat ATnaterdam, or iai Leyden], Having
much conference with Master Robinson and others of
the Chief of them ; [he] persuaded them to go on, as it
seems ; and not to meddle with the Dutch, or too much
to depend on the Virginia Company. For if that failed
[in supplying them with shipping to go to America],
if they came to resolution [to migrate], he and sudi
Merchants as were his friends, together with their [the
PUgrimsf] own means, would set them forth : and they
should make ready, and neither fear want of shipping
802
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Negotiations with the Adventurers. 303
nor money ; for what they wanted should be provided.
And, not so much for himself, as for the satisfying of
such friends as he should procure to adventure in this
business, they were to draw [up] such Articlee of
Agreement^ and make such Propositions, as might the
better induce his friends to venture.
Upon which, after the former's conclusion [the break
off with the Dutch^ in 1 March 1620], Articlea were
drawn, and agreed unto; and were shown unto him,
and approved by him: and afterwards, by their said
Messenger (Master John Carver) sent into England.
Who, together with Robert Cushman, were to
receive the monies, and make provision both for
shipping and other things for the Voyage : with this
charge, not to exceed their Commission ; but to proceed
according to the former Articlea.
Also some were chosen to do the like, for such things
as were to be prepared there [i.e. in Holland]. So those
that were to go, prepared themselves with all speed,
and sold ofif their estates [properties] ; and, such as were
able, put in their monies into the Common Stock : which
was disposed, by those appointed, for the making of
general provisions.
About this time also, they had heard, both by Master
Weston and others^ that sundry honourable Lords had
obtained a large grant from the King for the more
northerly parts of that country, derived out of the
Virginia Patent; and wholly secluded from their
Government : and to be called by another name, viz. New
England.* Unto which, Master Weston and the Chief
* Here is a slip of memoty on behalf of Governor Bradfo&d. Jambs
!.'• Warrant to Sir Thomas Oovkmtbt to prepare the new Patent, for, The
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304 Negotiations with the Adventurers.
of them, began to incline, it was best for them to go : as
for other reasons, so chiefly for the hope of present
[immediate] profit, to be made by the fishing that was
found in that country.
But as, in all businesses, the acting part is most
difficult, especially where the work of many Agents
must concur: so was it found in this. For some of
those that should have gone, in England, fell off; and
would not go. Other merchants and friends that had
offered to adventure their monies, withdrew; and
pretended many excuses. Some disliking they went not
to Guiana. Others again would adventure nothing,
except they went to Virginia. Some again, and those
that were most relied on, fell in utter dislike with
Virginia ; and would do nothing, if they went thither.
In the midst of these distractions, they of Leyden,
who had put off their estates [sold their properties] and
laid out their monies, were brought into a great strait :
fearing what issue these things would come to. But, at
length, the Generality \mobjority of the Adventurers] was
swayed to this latter opinion [of going to Vi/rginia].
But now another difficulty arose. For Master
Weston and some others that were for this course
[of going to Virginia], (either for their better advantage ;
or rather for the drawing on of others, as they pretended)
would have some of these Conditions alter^, that were
first agreed on at Leyden.
To which the two Agents sent from Leyden ; or, at
Oomioil for the Affairs of New En^Mid in America^" ii dated the 23rd
July 1620 ; and the Speedwell left Delfshaven on the 26th July 1620 ; both
Old Style. The aottuJ Patent was not signed till 8rd November 1620.
The Pilgrim Fathers could only hare heard of this Warrant, on their
arriyal at Southampton.— K A.
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Negotiatunis with the Adventurers. 305
least, one of them [Robert Cushman] who is most
charged with it, did consent.
Seeing else that all was like[ly] to be dashed, and the
opportunity lost ; and that they which had put off their
estates \8M their properties], and paid in their monies,
were in hazard to be undone : they presumed to conclude
with the Merchants on those terms, in some things
contrary to their order and Commission; and without
giving them [at Leyden] notice of the same. It was
concealed, lest it should make any further delay.
Which was the cause, afterward, of much trouble and
contentions.
It will be meet [that] I here insert these [altered]
ConditioTia; which are as followeth:
Anno 1620 [O.iS'.], [Saturday,] July ist.
1. The Adventurers and Planters do agree, That every person
that goeth, being aged sixteen years and upwards, be
rated at £10 : and £10 to be accounted a Single Share.
2. That he that goeth in person, and fumisheth himself out
with £10, either in money or other provisions, be
accounted as having £20 in Stock : and in the Division
shall receive a Double Share.
3. The persons transported and the Adventurers shall continue
their Joint Stock and Partnership together, the space
of Seven Years ; except some unexpected impediment do
cause the whole Company to agree otherwise ; during
which time, all profits and benefits that are got by [the]
trade, traffic, trucking, working, fishing, or any other
means, of any person, or persons, [shall] remain still in the
Common Stock until the Division.
4. That, at their coming there {ue, in Vtrgima]j they choose
out such a number of fit persons as may furnish their
ships and boats for fishing upon the sea : imploying the
rest in their several faculties [trades] upon the land;
as building houses, tilling and planting the ground, and
maVing such commodities as shall be most useful for the
Colony.
The Pilgrim Fatbeii u
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3o6 Negotiations with the Adventurers.
5. That at the end of the Seven Years, the Gaptal and Profits
(viz. the houses, lands, goods and chatties) be equally
divided betwixt the Adventurers and [the] Planters.
Which done, every man shall be free from other of them,
of any debt or detriment concerning this Adventure.
6. Whosoever cometh to the Colony hereafter, or putteth
any[thing] into the Stock, shall, at the end of the Seven
Years, be allowed proportionately to the time of his so
doing.
7. He that shall carry his wife and children, or servants, shall
be allowed for every person, now aged sixteen years
and upward, a Single Share in the Division ; or, if he
provide them necessaries, a Double Share : or, if they be
between ten years old and sixteen, then two of them
to be reckoned for a person, both in Transportation and
Division.
8. That such children as now go, and are under the age of
ten years, have no other Shu'e in the Division but fifty
acres of unmanured land.
9. That such persons as die before the Seven Years be
expired, their Executors to have their part or Share at
the Division, proportionately to the time of their life in
the Colony.
10. That all sudi persons as are of this Colony are to have their
meat, drink, apparel, and all provisions out of the Common
Stock and goods of the said Colony.
The chief and principal differences between these,
and the former, Conditions stood in those two points :
[6.] That the houses, and lands improved, especially gardens
and home lots, should remain, undivided, wholly to the
Planters, at the Seven Years' end.
[11.] Secondly. That they should have had two days in a
week for their own private imployment, for the more
comfort of themselves and their ^unilies ; especially
such as had families.
But because Letters are by some wise men counted
the best part of Histories ; I shall show their grievances
hereabout by their own letters : in which the passages
of things will be more truly discerned.
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Negotiations with the Adventurers. 307
[We must here re-arrange these letters in the Bradford
Manuscript in a strict chronological order. — E. A.]
[a letter from sundry of the pilgrim church to their
agents in london.]
wednesday, 31 mat /lo june 1620.
To their loving friends John Carver and Robert Cushman
these, itc.
Good Brethren. After salutations, Ac. We received divers
letters at the coming of Master [Thomas] Nash, and our Pilot
\who was to ivavigate the Speedwell from Delfshaven to Southampton]
which is a great incouragement unto us ; and for whom, we
hope, after times will minister occasion of praising GOD. And
ndeed had you not sent him, many would have been ready to
faint and go back : partly in respect of the new CoTiditiom
which have been taken up [accepted] by you, which all men are
against ; and partly in regard of our own inability to do any
one of those many weighty businesses, you refer to us here.
For the former whereof. Whereas Robert Cushman desires
reasons for our dislike, promising thereupon to alter the same ;
else saying we should think he hath no brains : we desire him
to exercise them therein, referring him to our Pastor's former
reasons ; and them, to the censure of the godly wise. But our
desires are, that you will not entangle yourselves and us in any
such unreasonable courses as these are, viz.
[6.] That the Merchants should have the half of men's houses
and lands at the Divident.
[11.] And that persons should be deprived of the two [week]
days in a week agreed upon ; yea, [of] every moment of
time, for their own particular [private use]. By reason
whereof, we cannot conceive why any should carry
servants, for their own help and coinfort ; for [seeing] that
we can require no more of them, than all men one of
another.
This we have only by relation from Master Nash, and not from
any writing of your own ; and therefore [we] hope you have not
proceeded far in so great a thing without us. But requiring you
not to exceed the bounds of your Commission ; which was to
proceed upon the things or Conditions agreed upon, and expressed
in writing, at your going ever about it, we leave it : not without
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3o8 Negotiations with the Adventurers.
marrelliiig that yourself (as you write) knowing how small a thing
troubleth our consultations, and how few (as you fear) understand
the business aright; [you] should trouble with such matters as
these are, dbc.
Salute Master Weston from us ; in whom we hope we are not
deceived. We pray you make known our estate unto him ; and, if
you think good, show him our letters. At leasts tell him, That,
under GOD, we much rely upon him ; and put our confidence in
him. And, as yourselves well know, that if he had not been an
Adventurer with us, we had not taken it in hand : presuming
that if he had not seen means to accomplish it, he would not have
begun it. So we hope, in our extremity, he will so far help us
as [that] our expectation be no way made frustrate concerning him.
Since therefore, Grood Brethren, we have plainly opened the
state of things with us, in this manner ; you will, d&c.
Thus beseeching the Almighty, who is all-sufficient to raise us
out of this depth of difficulties, to assist us herein : raising such
means, by his Providence and fatherly care for us his poor children
and servants, as we may with comfort behold the hand of our GOD
for good towards us in this our business ; which we undertake in
his name and fear, we take leave, and remain
Your perplexed, yet hopeful, brethren,
Samuel Fuller.
June 10th, New Style, Edward Winslow.
Anno 1620. William Bradford.
Isaac Allerton.
Besides these things, there fell out a difference
amongst those Three that received the monies and
made the provisions in England For besides these two,
formerly mentioned, sent from Leaden for this end, viz.
Master Cabver and Robert Cushman, there was one
chosen in England to be joined with them, to make the
provisions [arraTi^eTTieTifa] for the Voyage. His name was
Master [Chbistopher] Martin. He came from Billericay
in Essex : from which parts came sundry others to go
with them ; as also from London and other placea And
theref(»« it was thought meet and convenient by them
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Negotiations with the Adventurers. 309
in Holland, that these strangers that were to go with
them, should appoint one thus to be joined with them :
not so much for any great need of their help as to
avoid all suspicion, or jealousy, of any partiality. And
indeed their care for \p/gavnsff\ giving offence, both in
this and other things afterward, turned to great
inconvenience unto them ; as in the sequel will appear :
but, however, it shewed their equal and honest minds.
The provisions {preparatioTia] were, for the most part,
made at Southampton; contrary to Master Weston's
and Robert Cushman's mind ; whose counsels did most
concur in all things.
A touch of which things, I shall give, in a letter of
his, to Master Carver : and more will appear afterward.
[ROBERT CU8HHAN AT LONDON TO JOHN CARVBR, ? AT SOUTHAMPTON.]
SATURDAY, 10/20 JUNE 1620.
To his loving friend, Master John Carvbr, these, Se,
Loving friend. I have received from you, some letters full of
[disJafTection and complaints : and what it is you would have of
me, I know not. For your crying out, '^ Negligence ! Negligence !
Negligence ! '^ : I marvel why so negligent a man was used in the
buuness. Yet, know you ! that all that I have power to do here,
shall not be one hour behind, I warrant you !
You have reference to Master Weston to help us with money,
more than his Adventure : when he protesteth, But for lids
promise, he would not have done anything. He saith, We take a
heady course, and is offended that our provisions [preparations]
are made so far o£^ as also that he was not made acquainted with
our quantity of things : and saith, That in now being in three
places too far remote [ue, Leyden^ LondoHj and SotUAampton], we
will, with going up and down, and wrangling and expostulating
pass over the summer before we will go.
And to speak the truth there is ifallen already amongst us a flat
schism ; and we are readier to go to dispute, than to set forward a
voyage. I have received from Leyden, since you went [? ^
Southampton], three or four letters directed to you ; though they
only concern me. I will not trouble you with them.
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3IO Negotiatwns with the Adventurers.
I always feared the event of the Amgterdam's [tie. mmnben of
the Rev, Hmnry AiirawottT^e Ckwah there\ striking in with us. I
trow, you piust excommunicate me, or else you must go without
their company ; or we shall want no quarrelling. But let them pass.
We have reckoned, it should seem, without our host ; and
counted upon one hundred and fifty persona. There cannot be
found above £1,200 and odd monies, of all the Ventures you can
reckon : besides some cloth, stockings, and shoes ; which are not
counted. So we shall come short at least £300 or £400 \i,e, at j^IO
a'peTexm\,
I would have had something shortened, at first, of beer and
other provisions, in hope of other Adventures. And now we