OF PLYMOUTH PLANTATION
by William Bradford
1620-1647 Book Two / pp. 311 - 351
1629.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 311
keept Ashley in some good mesure within bounds.
And so they returned their answer to their freinds
in England, that they accepted of their motion, and
joyned with them in Ashleys bussines; and yet with-
all tould them what their fears were concerning
him.
But when they came to have full notice of all ye
goods brought them that year, they saw they fell very
short of trading goods, and Ashley farr better sup-
pleyed then [171] themselves; so as they were forced
to buy of the fisher men to furnish them selves, yea,
& cottens & carseys & other such like cloath (for
want of trading cloath) of Mr. Allerton himselfe, and
so to put away a great parte of their beaver, at under
rate, in the countrie, which they should have sente
home, to help to discharge their great ingagementes;
which was to their great vexation; but Mr. Allerton
prayed them to be contente, and ye nexte yere they
might have what they would write for. And their in-
gagmentes of this year were great indeed when they
came to know them, (which was not wholy till 2.
years after); and that which made them ye more, Mr.
Allerton had taken up some large sumes at Bristoll at
50. pr cent. againe, which he excused, that he was
forcte to it, because other wise he could at ye spring
of year get no goods transported, such were their
envie against their trade. But wheither this was any
more then an excuse, some of them doubted; but how-
312 HISTORY OF [BOOK II.
ever, ye burden did lye on their backs, and they must
bear it, as they did many heavie loads more in ye
end.
This paying of 50. pr cent. and di:ficulty of having
their goods trasported by ye fishing ships at ye first
of ye year, (as was beleeved,) which was ye cheefe
season for trade, put them upon another projecte. Mr.
Allerton, after ye fishing season was over, light of a
bargan of salte, at a good fishing place, and bought
it; which came to aboute 113li.; and shortly after he
might have had 30li. cleare profite for it, without any
more trouble aboute it. But Mr. Winslow coming that
way from Kenebeck, & some other of ther partners
with him in ye barke, they mett with Mr. Allerton,
and falling into discourse with him, they stayed him
from selling ye salte; and resolved, if it might please
ye rest, to keep it for them selves, and to hire a ship
in ye west cuntrie to come on :fishing for them, on
shares, according to ye coustome; and seeing she might
have her salte here ready, and a stage ready builte
& fitted wher the salt lay safely landed & housed.
In stead of bringing salte, they might stowe her full
of trading goods, as bread, pease, cloth, &c., and so
they might have a full supply of goods without paing
fraight, and in due season, which might turne greatly to
their advantage. Coming home, this was propounded,
and considered on, and aproved by all but ye Govr,
who had no mind to it, seeing they had allway lost
1629.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 313
by fishing; but ye rest were so ernest, as thinkeing
that they might gaine well by ye fishing in this way;
and if they should but save, yea, or lose some thing
by it, ye other benefite would be advantage inough;
so, seeing their ernestnes, he gave way, and it was
referd to their freinds in England to alow, or disalow
it. Of which more in its place.
Upon ye consideration of ye bussines about ye paten,
& in what state it was left, as is before remembred,
and Mr. Sherleys ernest pressing to have Mr. Allerto
to come over againe to finish it, & perfect ye accounts,
&c., it was concluded to send him over this year
againe; though it was with some fear & jeolocie; yet
he gave them fair words and promises of well perform-
ing all their bussineses according to their directions,
and to mend his former errors. So he was accordingly
sent with full instructions for all things, with large let-
ters to Mr. Sherley & ye rest, both aboute Ashleys
bussines and their owne suply with trading comodities,
and how much it did concerne them to be furnished
therwith, & what ye had suffered for wante therof; and
of what litle use other goods were [172] in com-
parison therof; and so likewise aboute this fishing ship,
to be thus hired, and fraught with trading goods,
which might both supply them & Ashley, and ye
benefite therof; which was left to their consideration
to hire & set her out, or not; but in no case not to
send any, exepte she was thus fraighte with trading
314 HISTORY OF [BOOK II.
goods. But what these things came too will appere
in ye next years passages.
I had like to have omited an other passage that
fell out ye begining of this year. Ther was one Mr.
Ralfe Smith, & his wife & familie, yt came over into
ye Bay of ye Massachusets, and sojourned at presente
with some stragling people that lived at Natascoe; here
being a boat of this place putting in ther on some
occasion, he ernestly desired that they would give him
& his, passage for Plimoth, and some such things as
they could well carrie; having before heard yt ther was
liklyhood he might procure house-roome for some time,
till he should resolve to setle ther, if he might, or
els-wher as God should disposs; for he was werie of
being in yt uncoth place, & in a poore house yt would
neither keep him nor his goods drie. So, seeing him to
be a grave man, & understood he had been a minister,
though they had no order for any such thing, yet they
presumed and brought him. He was here accordingly
kindly entertained & housed, & had ye rest of his goods
& servants sente for, and exercised his gifts amongst
them, and afterwards was chosen into ye ministrie, and
so remained for sundrie years.
It was before noted that sundry of those that came
from Leyden, came over in the ships yt came to Salem,
wher Mr. Endecott had cheefe comand; and by infection
that grue amonge ye passengers at sea, it spread also
among them a shore, of which many dyed, some of ye
1629.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 315
scurvie, other of an infectious feaoure, which continued
some time amongst them (though our people, through
Gods goodnes, escaped it). Upon which occasion he
write hither for some help, understanding here was one
that had some skill yt way, & had cured diverse of ye
scurvie, and others of other diseases, by letting blood,
& other means. Upon which his request ye Govr hear
sent him unto them, and also write to him, from whom
he received an answere; the which, because it is breefe,
and shows ye begining of their aquaintance, and closing
in ye truth & ways of God, I thought it not unmeete,
nor without use, hear to inserte it; and an other show-
ing ye begining of their fellowship & church estate ther.
Being as followeth.
Right worthy Sr:
It is a thing not usuall, that servants to one mr. and of ye
same houshold should be strangers; I assure you I desire it
not, nay, to speake more plainly, I cannot be so to you.
Gods people are all marked with one and ye same marke,
and sealed with one and ye same seale, and have for ye maine,
one & ye same harte, guided by one & same spirite of
truth; and wher this is, ther can be no discorde, nay, here
must needs be sweete harmonie. And ye same request (with
you) I make unto ye Lord, that we may, as Christian
breethren, be united by a heavenly & unfained love; bend-
ing all our harts and forces in furthering a worke be-
yond our strength, with reverence & fear, fastening our eyse
allways on him that only is able to directe and prosper all
our ways. I acknowledge my selfe much bound to you for
your kind love and care in sending Mr. Fuller among us,
316 HISTORY OF [BOOK II.
and rejoyce much yt I am by him satisfied touching your
judgments of ye outward forme of Gods worshipe. It is, as
farr as [173] I can yet gather, no other then is warrented
by ye evidence of truth, and ye same which I have proffessed
and maintained ever since ye Lord in mercie revealed him
selfe unto me; being farr from ye commone reporte that
hath been spread of you touching that perticuler. But Gods
children must not looke for less here below, and it is ye
great mercie of God, that he strengthens them to goe through
with it. I shall not neede at this time to be tedious unto
you, for, God willing, I purpose to see your face shortly.
In ye mean time, I humbly take my leave of you, comiting
you to ye Lords blessed protection, & rest,
Your assured loving friend,
JO: ENDECOTT.
Naumkeak, May 11. Ano. 1629.
This second leter sheweth ther proceedings in their
church affaires at Salem, which was ye 2. church erected
in these parts; and afterwards ye Lord established many
more in sundrie places.
Sr: I make bould to trouble you with a few lines, for to
certifie you how it hath pleased God to deale with us, since
you heard from us. How, notwithstanding all opposition
that hath been hear, & els wher, it hath pleased God to lay
a foundation, the which I hope is agreeable to his word in
evry thing. The 20. of July, it pleased ye Lord to move
ye hart of our Govr to set it aparte for a solemne day of
humilliation for ye choyce of a pastor & teacher. The former
parte of ye day being spente in praier & teaching, the later
parte aboute ye election, which was after this maner. The
persons thought on (who had been ministers in England)
1629.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 317
were demanded concerning their callings; they acknowledged
ther was a towfould calling, the one an inward calling,
when ye Lord moved ye harte of a man to take yt calling
upon him, and fitted him with guiftes for ye same; the
second was an outward calling, which was from ye people,
when a company of beleevers are joyned togither in cove-
nante, to walke togither in all ye ways of God, and every
member (being men) are to have a free voyce in ye choyce
of their officers, &c. Now, we being perswaded that these
2. men were so quallified, as ye apostle speaks to Timothy,
wher he saith, A bishop must be blamles, sober, apte to
teach, &c., I thinke I may say, as ye eunuch said unto
Philip, What should let from being baptised, seeing ther
was water? and he beleeved. So these 2. servants of God,
clearing all things by their answers, (and being thus fitted,)
we saw noe reason but we might freely give our voyces for
their election, after this triall. So Mr. Skelton was chosen
pastor, and Mr. Higgison to be teacher; and they accepting
ye choyce, Mr. Higgison, with 3. or 4. of ye gravest mem-
bers of ye church, laid their hands on Mr. Skelton, using
prayer therwith. This being done, ther was imposission of
hands on Mr. Higgison also. And since that time, Thursday
(being, as I take it, ye 6. of August) is appoynted for
another day of humilliation, for ye choyce of elders &
deacons, & ordaining of them.
And now, good Sr, I hope yt you & ye rest of Gods people
(who are aquainted with the ways of God) with you, will
say that hear was a right foundation layed, and that these 2.
blessed servants of ye Lord came in at ye dore, and not at ye
window. Thus I have made bould to trouble you with these
few lines, desiring you to remember us, &c. And so rest,
At your service in what I may,
CHARLES GOTT.
Salem, July 30. 1629.
318 HISTORY OF [BOOK II.
[174] Anno Dom: 1630.
ASHLEY, being well supplyed, had quickly gathered
a good parcell of beaver, and like a crafty pate he
sent it all home, and would not pay for ye goods he
had had of ye plantation hear, but lett them stand still
on ye score, and tooke up still more. Now though
they well enough knew his aime, yet they let him goe
on, and write of it into England. But partly ye beaver
they received, & sould, (of which they weer sencible,)
and partly by Mr. Al1ertons extolling of him, they cast
more how to supplie him then ye plantation, and some-
thing to upbraid them with it. They were forct to
buy him a barke allso, and to furnish her wth a mr. &
men, to transporte his corne & provissions (of which
he put of much); for ye Indeans of those parts have
no corne growing, and at harvest, after corne is ready,
ye weather grows foule, and ye seas dangerous, so as
he could doe litle good with his shallope for yt pur-
poss.
They looked ernestly for a timely supply this spring,
by the fishing ship which they expected, and had been
at charg to keepe a stage for her; but none came, nor
any supply heard of for them. At length they heard
sume supply was sent to Ashley by a fishing ship, at
which they something marvelled, and the more yt they
had no letters either from Mr. Allerton or Mr. Sherley;
so they went on in their bussines as well as ye could.
1630.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 319
At last they heard of Mr. Peirce his arivall in ye Bay
of ye Massachusetts, who brought passengers & goods
thither. They presently sent a shallop, conceiving they
should have some thing by him. But he tould them
he had none; and a ship was sett out on fishing, but
after 11. weeks beating at sea, she mett with shuch
foull weather as she was forcte back againe for Eng-
land, and, ye season being over, gave off ye vioage.
Neither did he hear of much goods in her for ye plan-
tation, or yt she did belong to them, for he had heard
some thing from Mr. Allerton tending that way. But
Mr. Allerton had bought another ship, and was to
come in her, and was to fish for bass to ye east-
ward, and to bring goods, &c. These things did much
trouble them, and half astonish them. Mr. Winslow
haveing been to ye eastward, brought nuese of the like
things, wth some more perticulers, and yt it was like
Mr. Allerton would be late before he came. At length
they, having an oppertunitie, resolved to send Mr.
Winslow, with what beaver they had ready, into Eng-
land, to see how ye squars wente, being very jeolouse
of these things, & Mr. Allertons courses; and writ
shuch leters, and gave him shuch instructions, as they
thought meet; and if he found things not well, to dis-
charge Mr. Allerton for being any longer agent for
them, or to deal any more in ye bussines, and to see
how ye accounts stood, &c.
Aboute ye midle of somer arrives Mr. Hatherley in
320 HISTORY OF [BOOK II.
ye Bay of ye Massachusetts, (being one of ye part-
ners,) and came over in ye same ship that was set
out on fhishing (called ye Frendship). They presently
sent to him, making no question but now they had
goods come, and should know how all things stood.
But they found [175] the former news true, how this
ship had been so long at sea, and spente and spoyled
her provissions, and overthrowne ye viage. And he
being sent over by ye rest of ye partners, to see how
things wente hear, being at Bristoll with Mr. Allerton;
in ye shipe bought (called ye White-Angell), ready to
set sayle, over night came a messenger from Bastable
to Mr. Allerton, and tould him of ye returne of ye
ship, and what had befallen. And he not knowing
what to doe, having a great chareg under hand, ye
ship lying at his rates, and now ready to set sayle,
got him to goe and discharg ye ship, and take order
for ye goods. To be short, they found Mr. Hatherley
some thing reserved, and troubled in him selfe, (Mr.
Allerton not being ther,) not knowing how to dispose
of ye goods till he came; but he heard he was arived
with ye other ship to ye eastward, and expected his
coming. But he tould them ther was not much for
them in this ship, only 2. packs of Bastable ruggs, and
2. hoggsheads of meatheglin, drawne out in wooden
flackets (but when these flackets came to be received,
ther was left but 6. gallons of ye 2. hogsheads, it be-
ing drunke up under ye name leackage, and so lost).
1630.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 321
But the ship was filled with goods for sundrie gentle-
men, & others, that were come to plant in ye Mas-
sachusets, for which they payed fraight by ye tun.
And this was all the satisfaction they could have at
presente, so they brought this small parcell of goods
& returned with this nues, and a letter as obscure;
which made them much to marvell therat. The letter
was as followeth.
Gentle-men, partners, and loving friends, &c.
Breefly thus: wee have this year set forth a fishing ship,
and a trading ship, which later we have bought; and so
have disbursed a great deale of money, as may and will
appeare by ye accounts. And because this ship (called ye
White Angell) is to acte 2. parts, (as I may say,) fishing
for bass, and trading; and that while Mr. Allerton was im-
ployed aboute ye trading, the fishing might suffer by car-
lesnes or neglecte of ye sailors, we have entreated your and
our loving friend, Mr. Hatherley, to goe over with him,
knowing he will be a comforte to Mr. Allerton, a joye to
you, to see a carfull and loving friend, and a great stay to
ye bussines; and so great contente to us, that if it should
please God ye one should faile, (as God forbid,) yet ye other
would keepe both recconings, and things uprighte. For we
are now out great sumes of money, as they will acquainte
you withall, &c. When we were out but 4. or 5. hundred
pounds a peece, we looked not much after it, but left it to
you, & your agente, (who, without flaterie, deserveth infinite .
thanks & comendations, both of you & us, for his pains,
&c.); but now we are out double, nay, trible a peece, some
of us, &c.; which maks us both write, and send over our
friend, Mr. Hatherley, whom we pray you to entertaine kindly,
of which we doubte not of. The main end of sending him
322 HISTORY OF [BOOK II.
is to see ye state and accounte of all ye bussines, of all which
we pray you informe him fully, though ye ship & bussines
wayte for it and him. For we should take it very unkindly
that we should intreat him to take such a journey, and that,
when it pleaseth God he returnes, he could not give us con-
tente & satisfaction in this perticuler, through defaulte of
any of you. [176] But we hope you will so order bussines,
as neither he nor we shall have cause to complaine, but to
doe as we ever have done, thinke well of you all, &c. I
will not promise, but shall indeaour & hope to effecte ye full
desire and grant of your patente, & that ere it be longe.
I would not have you take any thing unkindly. I have
not write out of jeolocie of any unjuste dealing. Be you
all kindly saluted in ye Lord, so I rest,
Yours in what I may,
JAMES SHERLEY.
March 25.1630.
It needs not be thought strange, that these things
should amase and trouble them; first, that this fishing
ship should be set out, and fraight with other mens
goods, & scarce any of theirs; seeing their maine end
was (as is before remembred) to bring them a full
supply, and their speatiall order not to sett out any
excepte this was done. And now a ship to come on
their accounte, clean contrary to their both end & order,
was a misterie they could not understand; and so much
ye worse, seeing she had shuch ill success as to lose
both her vioage & provissions. The 2. thing, that
another ship should be bought and sente out on new
designes, a thing not so much as once thought on by
1630.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 323
any here, much less, not a word intimated or spoaken
of by any here, either by word or letter, neither could
they imagine why this should be. Bass fishing was
never lookt at by them, but as soone as ever they
heard on it, they looked at it as a vaine thing, that
would certainly turne to loss. And for Mr. Allerton
to follow any trade for them, it was never in their
thoughts. And 3ly, that their frieds should complaine
of disbursements, and yet rune into such great things,
and charge of shiping & new projects of their owne
heads, not only without, but against, all order & advice,
was to them very strang. And 4ly, that all these mat-
ters of so great charg & imployments should be thus
wrapped up in a breefe and obscure letter, they knew
not what to make of it. But amids all their doubts
they must have patience till Mr. Allerton & Mr.
Hatherley should come. In ye mean time Mr. Winslow
was gone for England; and others of them were forst
to folow their imployments with ye best means they
had, till they could hear of better.
At length Mr. Hatherley & Mr. Allerton came unto
them, (after they had delivered their goods,) and find-
ing them strucken with some sadnes aboute these
things, Mr. Allerton tould them that ye ship Whit-
Angele did not belong to them, nor their accounte,
neither neede they have any thing to doe with her,
excepte they would. And Mr. Hatherley confirmed
ye same, and said that they would have had him to have
324 HISTORY OF [Book II.
had a parte, but he refused; but he made question
whether they would not turne her upon ye generall
accounte, if ther came loss (as he now saw was like),
seeing Mr. Allerton laid downe this course, and put
them on this projecte. But for ye fishing ship, he tould
them they need not be so much troubled, for he had
her accounts here, and showed them that her first set-
ing out came not much to exceed 600li. as they might
see by ye accounte, which he showed them; and for
this later viage, it would arrise to profite by ye fraight
of ye goods, and ye salle of some katle which he shiped
and had allready sould, & was to be paid for partly
here & partly by bills into England, so as they should
not have this put on their acounte at all, except they
[178]* would. And for ye former, he had sould so
much goods out of her in England, and imployed ye
money in this 2. viage, as it, togeither with such goods
& implements as Mr. Allerton must need aboute his
fishing, would rise to a good parte of ye money; for he
must have ye sallt and nets, allso spiks, nails, &c.;
all which would rise to nere 400li.; so, with ye bearing
of their parts of ye rest of ye loses (which would not
be much above 200li.), they would clear them of this
whole accounte. Of which motion they were glad, not
being willing to have any accounts lye upon them; but
aboute their trade, which made them willing to harken
therunto, and demand of Mr. Hatherley how he could
* 177 is omitted in MS.
1630.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 325
make this good, if they should agree their unto, he
tould them he was sent over as their agente, and had
this order from them, that whatsoever he and Mr.
Allerton did togeather, they would stand to it; but
they would not alow of what Mr. Allerton did alone,
except they liked it; but if he did it alone, they would
not gaine say it. Upon which they sould to him & Mr.
Allerton all ye rest of ye goods, and gave them present
possession of them; and a writing was made, and con-
firmed under both Mr. Hatherleys and Mr. Allertons
hands, to ye effecte afforesaide. And Mr. Allertone,
being best aquainted wth ye people, sould away presenly
all shuch goods as he had no need of for ye fishing,
as 9. shallop sails, made of good new canvas, and ye
roads for them being all new, with sundry such usefull
goods, for ready beaver, by Mr. Hatherleys allowance.
And thus they thought they had well provided for
them selvs. Yet they rebuked Mr. Allerton very much
for runing into these courses, fearing ye success of them.
Mr. Allerton & Mr. Hatherley brought to ye towne with
them (after he had sould what he could abroad) a great
quantity of other goods besids trading comodities; as
linen cloath, bedticks, stockings, tape, pins, ruggs, &c.,
I and tould them they were to have them, if they would;
but they tould Mr. Allerton that they had forbid him
before for bringing any such on their accounte; it
would hinder their trade and returnes. But he & Mr.
Hatherley said, if they would not have them, they
326 HISTORY OF [BOOK II.
would sell them, them selves, and take corne for what
they could not otherwise sell. They tould them they
might, if they had order for it. The goods of one
sorte & other came to upward of 500li.
After these things, Mr. Allerton wente to ye ship
aboute his bass fishing; and Mr. Hatherley, (according
to his order,) after he tooke knowledg how things stood
at ye plantation, (of all which they informed him
fully,) he then desired a boate of them to goe and
visite ye trading houeses, both Kenebeck, and Ashley
at Penobscote; for so they in England had injoyned
him. They accordingly furnished him with a boate &
men for ye viage, and aquainted him plainly & thorowly
with all things; by which he had good contente and
satisfaction, and saw plainly yt Mr. Allerton plaid his
owne game, and rane a course not only to ye great
wrong & detrimente of ye plantation, who imployed &
trusted him, but abused them in England also, in pos-
sessing them with prejudice against ye plantation; as
yt they would never be able to repaye their moneys
(in regard of their great charge), but if [179] they
would follow his advice and projects, he & Ashley
(being well supplyed) would qujckly bring in their
moneys with good advantage. Mr. Hatherley disclosed
also a further projecte aboute ye setting out of this
ship, ye White-angell; how, she being wel fitted with
good ordnance, and known to have made a great fight
at sea (when she belongd to Bristoll) and caried away
1630.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 327
ye victory, they had agreed (by Mr. Allerton's means)
that, after she had brought a fraight of goods here into
ye countrie, and fraight her selfe with fish, she should
goe from hence to Port of porte,* and ther be sould,
both ship, goods, and ordenance; and had, for this
end, had speech with a factore of those parts, before-
hand, to whom she should have been consigned. But
this was prevented at this time, (after it was known,)
partly by ye contrary advice given by their freinds
hear to Mr. Allerton & Mr. Hatherley, showing how it
might insnare their friends in England, (being men
of estate,) if it should come to be knowne; and for
ye plantation, they did and would disalow it, and pro-
test against it; and partly by their bad viage, for
they both came too late to doe any good for fishing,
and allso had such a wicked and drunken company as
neither Mr. Allerton nor any els could rule; as Mr.
Hatherley, to his great greefe & shame, saw, & be-
held, and all others that came nere them.
Ashley likwise was taken in a trape, (before Mr.
Hatherley returned,) tor trading powder & shote with
ye Indeans; and was ceased upon by some in author-
itie, who allso would have confiscated above a thousand
weight of beaver; but ye goods were freed, for ye
Govr here made it appere, by a bond under Ashleys
hand, wherin he was bound to them in 500li. not to
trade any munition with ye Indeans, or other wise
* Oporto, called by the Dutch Port a port.
328 HISTORY OF [BOOK II.
to abuse him selfe; it was also manifest against him
that he had comited uncleannes with Indean women,
(things that they feared at his first imployment, which
made them take this strict course with him in ye be-
gining); so, to be shorte, they gott their goods freed,
but he was sent home prisoner. And that I may make
an end concerning him, after some time of imprison-
mente in ye Fleet, by ye means of friends he was set
at liberty, and intended to come over againe, but ye
Lord prevented it; for he had a motion made to him,
by some marchants, to goe into Russia, because he had
such good skill in ye beaver trade, the which he ac-
cepted of, and ill his returne home was cast away at
sea; this was his end.
Mr. Hatherley, fully understanding ye state of all
things, had good satisfaction, and could well informe
them how all things stood betweene Mr. Allerton and
ye plantation. Yea, he found yt Mr. Allerton had gott
within him, and [180] got all ye goods into his owne
hands, for which Mr. Hatherley stood joyntly ingaged
to them hear, aboute ye ship-Freidship, as also most
of ye fraigte money, besids some of his owne perticuler
estate; about wch more will appear here after. So he
returned into England, and they sente a good quantity
of beaver with him to ye rest of ye partners; so both
he and it was very wellcome unto them.
Mr. Allerton followed his affaires, & returned with
his White Angell, being no more imployed by ye plan-
1630.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 329
tation; but these bussinesses were not ended till many
years after, nor well understood of a longe time, but
foulded up in obscuritie, & kepte in ye clouds, to ye
great loss & vexation of ye plantation, who in ye end
were (for peace sake) forced to bear ye unjust burthen
of them, to their allmost undoing, as will appear, if
God give life to finish this history.
They sent their letters also by Mr. Hatherley to ye
partners ther, to show them how Mr. Hatherley & Mr.
Allerton had discharged them of ye Friendships
accounte, and that they boath affirmed yt the White-
Angell did not at all belong to them; and therfore
desired that their accounte might not be charged ther-
with. Also they write to Mr. Winslow, their agente,
that he in like maner should (in their names) protest
against it, if any such thing should be intended, for
they would never yeeld to ye same. As allso to sig-
nifie to them that they renounsed Mr. Allerton wholy,
for being their agente, or to have any thing to doe in
any of their bussines.
This year John Billinton ye elder (one that came
over with ye first) was arrained, and both by grand
& petie jurie found guilty of willfull murder, by plaine
& notorious evidence. And was for the same accord-
ingly executed.* This, as it was ye first execution
* Hubbard, on page 101, notices the execution of Billington as taking
place "about September" of this year. "Tbe murtherer expected that,
either for want of power to execute for capital offences, or for waut of
330 HISTORY OF [BOOK II.
amongst them, so was it a mater of great sadnes unto
them. They used all due means about his triall, and
tooke ye advice of Mr. Winthrop and other ye ablest
gentle-men in ye Bay of ye Massachusets, that were
then new-ly come over, who concured with them yt he
ought to dye, and ye land to be purged from blood.
He and some of his had been often punished for mis-
cariags before, being one of ye profanest families amongst
them. They came from London, and I know not by
what freinds shufled into their company. His facte was,
that he way-laid a yong-man, one John New-comin,
(about a former quarell,) and shote him with a gune,
wherof he dyed.*
Having by a providence a letter or to yt came to
my hands concerning the proceedings of their Red:
freinds in ye Bay of ye Massachusets, who were latly
come over, I thought it not amise here to inserte
them, (so farr as is pertenente, and may be usefull
for after times,) before I conclude this year.
Sr: Being at Salem ye 25. of July, being ye saboath, after
ye eveing exercise, Mr. Johnson received a letter from ye
people to increase the plantation, he should have his life spared; but jus-
tice otherwise determined, and rewarded him, the first murtherer of his neigh-
bour there, with the deserved punishment of death, for a warning to others."
The first offence committed in the colony was by Billington, in 1621, who,
for contempt of the Captain's lawful command, with opprobrious speeches,
was adjudged to have his neck and heels tied together. Prince, I. 103, from
Bradford's pocket-book.
* This paragraph was written on the reverse of page 180 of the original manuscript, near this place.
1630.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 331
Govr, Mr. John Winthrop, manifesting ye hand of God to
be upon them, and against them at Charles-towne, in visit-
ing them with sicknes, and taking diverse from amongst
them, not sparing ye righteous, but partaking with ye wicked
in these bodily judgments. It was therfore by his desire
taken into ye Godly consideration of ye best hear, what was
to be done to pacifie ye Lords wrath, &c. Wher it was con-
cluded, that the Lord was to be sought in righteousnes; and
to that end, ye 6. day (being Friday) of this present weeke,
is set aparte, that they may humble them selves before God,
and seeke him in his ordenances; and that then also such
godly persons that are amongst them, and know each to
other, may publickly, at ye end of their exercise, make
known their Godly desire, and practise ye same, viz. solemly
to enter into [181] covenante with ye Lord to walke in his
ways. And since they are so disposed of in their outward
estats, as to live in three distinct places, each having men
of abilitie amongst them, ther to observe ye day, and be-
come 3. distincte bodys; not then intending rashly to pro-
ceed to ye choyce of officers, or ye admitting of any other
to their societie then a few, to witte, such as are well knowne
unto them; promising after to receive in such by confession
of faith, as shall appeare to be fitly qualified for y estate.
They doe ernestly entreate that ye church of Plimoth would
set apparte ye same day, for ye same ends, beseeching ye
Lord, as to withdraw his hand of correction from them, so
also to establish and direct them in his wayes. And though
ye time be shorte, we pray you be provocked to this godly
worke, seing ye causes are so urgente; wherin God will be
honoured, and they & we undoubtedly have sweete com-
forte. Be you all kindly saluted, &c.
Your brethren in Christ, &c.
Salem, July 26. 1630.
332 HISTORY OF [BOOK II.
Sr: &c. The sadd news here is, that many are sicke, and
many are dead; ye Lord in mercie looke upon them. Some
are here entered into church covenante; the first were 4.
namly, ye Govr, Mr. John Winthrop, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Dud-
ley, and Mr. Willson; since that 5. more are joyned unto
them, and others, it is like, will adde them selves to them
dayly; the Lord increase them, both in number and in holi-
nes for his mercie sake. Here is a gentleman, one Mr. Cot-
tington, (a Boston man,) who tould me, that Mr. Cottons
charge at Hamton was,. that they should take advise of
them at Plimoth, and should doe nothing to offend them.
Here are diverce honest Christians that are desirous to see
us, some out of love which they bear to us, and ye good
perswasion they have of us; others to see whether we be so
ill as they have heard of us. We have a name of holines,
and love to God and his saincts; the Lord make us more
and more answerable, and that it may be more then a name,
or ela it will doe us no good. Be you lovingly saluted, and
all the rest of our friends. The Lord Jesus blese us, and ye
whole Israll of God. Amen.
Your loving brother, &c.
Charles-towne, Aug. 2. 1630.
Thus out of smalle beginings greater things have been
prodused by his hand yt made all things of nothing,
and gives being to all things that are; and as one
small candle may light a thousand, so ye light here
kindled hath shone to many, yea in some sorte to our
whole nation; let ye glorious name of Jehova have all
ye praise.
1631.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 333
[182] Anno Dom: 1631.
ASHLEY being thus by ye hand of God taken away,
and Mr. Allerton discharged of his imploymente for
them, their bussines began againe to rune in one
chanell, and them selves better able to guide the same,
Penobscote being wholy now at their disposing. And
though Mr. William Peirce had a parte ther as is before
noted, yet now, as things stood, he was glad to have
his money repayed him, and stand out. Mr. Winslow,
whom they had sent over, sent them over some supply
as soone as he could; and afterwards when he came,
which was something longe by reason of bussines, he
brought a large supply of suitable goods with him,
by which ther trading was well carried on. But by
no means either he, or ye letters yey write, could take
off Mr. Sherley & ye rest from putting both ye Friend-
ship and Whit-Angell on ye generall accounte; which
caused continuall contention betweene them, as will
more appeare.
I shall inserte a leter of Mr. Winslow's about these
things, being as foloweth.
Sr: It fell out by Gods providence, yt I received and
brought your leters pr Mr. Allerton from Bristoll, to London;
and doe much feare what will be ye event of things. Mr.
Allerton intended to prepare ye ship againe, to set forth
upon fishing. Mr. Sherley, Mr. Beachamp, & Mr. Andrews,
they renounce all perticulers, protesting but for us they
334 HISTORY OF [BOOK II.
would never have adventured one penie into those parts;
Mr. Hatherley stands inclinable to either. And wheras you
write that he and Mr. Allerton have taken ye Whit-Angell
upon them, for their partners here, they professe they neiver
gave any such order, nor will make it good; if them selves
will cleare ye accounte & doe it, all shall be well. What
ye evente of these things will be, I know not. The Lord
so directe and assiste us, as he may not be dishonoured by
our divissions. I hear (pr a freind) that I was much blamed
for speaking wt * I heard in ye spring of ye year, concerning
ye buying & setting forth of yt ship; ! sure, if I should not
have tould you what I heard so peremtorly reported (which
report I offered now to prove at Bristoll), I should have
been unworthy my imploymente. And concerning ye comis-
sion so long since given to Mr. Allerton, the truth is, the
thing we feared is come upon us; for Mr. Sherley & ye rest
have it, and will not deliver it, that being ye ground of our
agents credite to procure shuch great sumes. But I looke
for bitter words, hard thoughts, and sower looks, from
sundrie, as well for writing this, as reporting ye former.
I would I had a more thankfull imploymente; but I hope
a good conscience shall make it comefortable, &c.
Thus farr he. Dated Nov: 16. 1631.
The comission above said was given by them under
their hand and seale, when Mr. Allerton was first
imployed by them, and redemanded of him in ye year
29. when they begane to suspecte his course. He
tould them it was amongst his papers, but he would
seeke it out & give it them before he wente. But he
*Wth in mannscript.
! This was about ye selling ye ship in Spaine.
1631.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 335
being ready to goe, it was demanded againe. He said
he could not find it, but it was amongst his papers,
which he must take wth him, [183] and he would send
it by ye boat from ye eastward; but ther it could not
be had neither, but he would seeke it up at sea. But
whether Mr. Sherley had it before or after, it is not cer-
taine; but having it, he would not let it goe, but keeps
it to this day. Wherfore, even amongst freinds, men
had need be carfull whom they trust, and not lett
things of this nature lye long unrecaled.
Some parts of ( Mr. Sherley's letters aboute these things, in
which ye truth is best manifested.
Sr: Yours I have received by our loving friends, Mr. Aller-
ton & Mr. Hatherley, who, blesed be God, after a long &
dangerous passage with ye ship Angell, are safely come to
Bristoll. Mr. Hatherley is come up, but Mr. Allerton I have
not yet seen. We thanke you, and are very glad you have
disswaded him from his Spanish viage, and yt he did not
goe on in these designes he intended; for we did all uterly
dislick of that course, as allso of ye fishing yt ye Freindship
should have performed; for we wished him to sell ye salte,
and were unwilling to have him undertake so much bussines,
partly for ye ill success we formerly had in those affairs, and
partly being loath to disburse so much money. But he per-
swaded us this must be one way yt must repay us, for ye
plantation would be long in doing of it; ney, to my remem-
berance, he doubted you could not be able, with ye trade
ther, to maintaine your charge & pay us. And for this very
cause he brought us on yt bussines with Ed: Ashley, for he
was a stranger to us, &c.
336 HISTORY OF [BOOK II.
For ye fishing ship, we are sorie it proves so heavie, and
will be willing to bear our parts. What Mr. Hatherley &
Mr. Allerton have done, no doubt but them selves will make
good; * we gave them no order to make any composition,
to seperate you and us in this or any other. And I thinke
you have no cause to forsake us, for we put you upon no
new thing, but what your agent perswaded us to, & you by
your letters desired. If he exceede your order, I hope you
will not blame us, much less cast us of, when our moneys
be layed out, &c. But I fear neither you nor we have been
well delte withall, for sure, as you write, halfe 4000li., nay, a
quarter, in fitting comodities, and in seasonable time, would
have furnished you beter then you were. And yet for all
this, and much more I might write, I dare not but thinke
him honest, and that his desire and intente was good; but ye
wisest may faile. Well, now yt it hath pleased God to give
us hope of meeting, doubte not but we will all indeavore
to perfecte these accounts just & right, as soone as possibly
we can. And I supposs you sente over Mr. Winslow, and we
Mr. Hatherley, to certifie each other how ye state of things
stood. We have received some contente upon Mr. Hath-
erley's returne, and I hope you will receive good contente
*They were too short in resting on Mr. Hatherleys honest word, for his
order to discharg them from ye Friendship's acconnte, when he and Mr.
Allerton made ye bargane with them, and they delivered them the rest of ye
goods; and therby gave them oppertunitie also to receive all the fraight
of boath viages, without seeing an order (to have such power) under their
hands in writing, which they never doubted of, seeing he affirmed he had
power; and they both knew his honestie, and yt he was spetially imployed
for their agente at this time. And he was as shorte in resting on a verball
order from them; which was now denyed, when it came to a perticuler of
loss; but he still affirmed the same. But they were both now taught how
to deale in ye world, espetially with marchants, in such cases. But in ye end
this light upon these here also, for Mr. Allerton had gott all into his owne
hand, and Mr. Hatherley was not able to pay it, except they would have
uterlie undon him, as ye sequell will manifest.
1631.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 337
upon Mr. Winslow's returne. Now I should come to answer
more perticulerly your letter, but herin I shall be very breefe.
The coming of ye White Angele on your accounte could not
be more strang to you, then ye buying of her was to us;
for you gave him comission* that what he did you would
stand too; we gave him none, and yet for his credite, and
your saks, payed what bills he charged on us, &c. For yt
I write she was to acte tow parts, fishing & trade; beleeve
me, I never so much as thought of any perticuler trade,
nor will side with any yt doth, if I conceive it may wrong
you; for I ever was against it, useing these words: They
will eate up and destroy ye generall.
Other things I omite as tedious, and not very perte-
nente. This was dated Novr. 19. 1631.
In an other leter bearing date ye 24. of this month,
being an answer to ye generall order, he hath these
words:
[184] For ye White Angell, against which you write so
ernestly, and say we thrust her upon you, contrary to ye
intente of ye buyer, herin we say you forgett your selves,
and doe us wrong. We will not take uppon us to devine
what ye thougts or intents of ye buyer was, but what he
spack we heard, and that we will affirme, and make good
against any yt oppose it; which is, yt unles shee were
bought, and shuch a course taken, Ashley could not be
supplyed; and againe, if he weer not supplyed, we could
not be satisfied what we were out for you. And further,
you were not able to doe it; and he gave some reasons
*This comission is abused; he never had any for shuch end, as they well
knew, nether had they any to pay this money, nor would have paid a peny,
if they had not pleased for some other respecte.
338 HISTORY OF [BOOK II.
which we spare to relate, unless by your unreasonable re-
fusall you will force us, and so hasten yt fire which is a
kindling too fast allready, &c.
Out of another of his, bearing date Jan. 2. 1631.
We purpose to keep ye Freidship and ye Whit Angell,
for ye last year viages, on the generall accounte, hoping
togeither they will rather produse profite then loss, and
breed less confution in our accounts, and less disturbance
in our affections. As for ye White Angell, though we layed
out ye money, and tooke bills of salle in our owne names,
yet none of us had so much as a thought (I dare say) of
deviding from you in any thing this year, because we would
not have ye world (I may say Bristoll) take notice of any
breach betwixte Mr. Allerton and you, and he and us; and
so disgrace him in his proceedings on* in his intended viage.
We have now let him ye ship at 30li. pr month, by charter-
partie, and bound him in a bond of a 1000li. to performe
covenants, and bring her to London (if God please). And
what he brings in her for you, shall be marked wth your
marke, and bils of laden taken, & sent in Mr. Winslows
letter, who is this day riding to Bristoll about it. So in
this viage, we deale & are with him as strangers. He hath
brought in 3. books of accounts, one for ye company, an
other for Ashley's bussines, and ye third for ye Whit-Angell
and Freidship. The books, or coppies, we purpose to send
you, for you may discover ye errours in them better then
we. We can make it appear how much money he hath had
of us, and you can charg him with all ye beaver he hath had
of you. The totall sume, as he hath put it, is 7103. 17. 1.
Of this he hath expended, and given to Mr. Vines & others,
aboute 543li. ode money, and then by your books you will
*o in MS.
1631.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 339
find whether you had such, & so much goods, as he chargeth
you with all; and this is all that I can say at presente con-
cerning these accounts. He thought to dispatch them in
a few howers, but he and Straton & Fogge were above
a month aboute them; but he could not stay till we had
examined them, for losing his fishing viage, which I fear
he hath allready done, &c.
We blese God, who put both you & us in mind to send
each to other, for verily had he rune on in that desperate
& chargable course one year more, we had not been able to
suport him; nay, both he and we must have lyen in ye
ditch, and sunck under ye burthen, &c. Had ther been
an ordelly course taken, and your bussines better managed,
assuredly (by ye blessing of God) you had been ye ablest
plantation that, as we think, or know, hath been under-
taken by Englishmen, &c.
Thus farr of these letters of Mr. Sherley's. *
[185] A few observations from ye former letters,
and then I shall set downe the simple truth of ye
things (thus in controversie betweene them), at least
as farr as by any good evidence it could be made to
appeare; and so laboure to be breefe in so tedious
and intricate a bussines, which hunge in expostulation
betweene them many years before ye same was ended.
That though ther will be often occasion to touch these
things about other passages, yet I shall not neede to
be large therin; doing it hear once for all.
First, it seemes to appere clearly that Ashley's
bussines, and ye buying of this ship, and ye courses
* The last two words not found in the MS. but obviously intended.
340 HISTORY OF [BOOK II.
framed ther upon, were first contrived and proposed
by Mr. Allerton, as also yt the pleaes and pretences
which he made, of ye inablitie of ye plantation to
repaye their moneys, &c., and ye hops he gave them
of doing it with profite, was more beleeved & rested
on by them (at least some of them) then any thing
ye plantation did or said.
2. It is like, though Mr. Allerton might thinke not
to wrong ye plantation in ye maine, yet his owne
gaine and private ends led him a side in these things;
for it came to be knowne, and I have it in a letter
under Mr. Sherley's hand, that in ye first 2. or 3.
years of his imploymente, he had cleared up 400li. and
put it into a brew-house of Mr. Colliers in London,
at first under Mr. Sherley's name, &c.; besids what
he might have other wise. Againe, Mr. Sherley and
he had perticuler dealings in some things; for he
bought up ye beaver that sea-men & other passengers
brought over to Bristoll, and at other places, and
charged ye bills to London, which Mr. Sherley payed;
and they got some time 50li. a peece in a bargen, as
was made knowne by Mr. Hatherley & others, besids
what might be other wise; which might make Mr.
Sherley harken unto him in many things; and yet
I beleeve, as he in his forementioned leter write,
he never would side in any perticuler trade wch he
conceived would wrong ye plantation, and eate up &
destroy ye generall.
1631.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 341
31y. It may be perceived that, seeing they had done
so much for ye plantation, both in former adventures
and late disbursements, and allso that Mr. Allerton
was ye first occasioner of bringing them upon these
new designes, which at first seemed faire & profitable
unto them, and unto which they agreed; but now,
seeing them to turne to loss, and decline to greater
intanglments, they thought it more meete for ye plan-
tation to bear them, then them selves, who had borne
much in other things allready, and so tooke advan-
tage of such comission & power as Mr. Allerton had
formerly had as their agente, to devolve these things
upon them.
41y. With pitie and compassion (touching Mr. Aller-
ton) I may say with ye apostle to Timothy, 1. Tim.
6. 9. They that will be rich fall into many temtations
and snares, &c., and pearce them selves throw with
many sorrows, &c.; for the love of money is ye roote of
all evill, v. 10. God give him to see ye evill in his
failings, that he may find mercie by repentance for ye
wrongs he hath done to any, and this pore plantation
in spetiall. They that doe such things doe not only
bring them selves into snares, and sorrows, but many
with them, (though in an other kind,) as lamentable
experience shows; and is too manifest in this bussines.
[186] Now about these ships & their setting forth,
the truth, as farr as could be learned, is this. The
motion aboute setting forth ye fishing ship (caled ye
342 HISTORY OF [BOOK II.
Frindship) came first from ye plantation, and ye rea-
sons of it, as is before remembered; but wholy left to
them selves to doe or not to doe, as they saw cause.
But when it fell into consideration, and ye designe was
held to be profitable and hopefull, it was propounded
by some of them, why might not they doe it of them
selves, seeing they must disburse all ye money, and
what need they have any refferance to ye plantation
in yt; they might take ye profite them selves, towards
other losses, & need not let ye plantation share therin;
and if their ends were other wise answered for their
supplyes to come too them in time, it would be well
enough. So they hired her, & set her out, and
fraighted her as full as she could carry with passen-
gers goods yt belonged to ye Massachussets, which rise
to a good sume of money; intending to send ye plan-
tations supply in ye other ship. The effecte of this
Mr. Hatherley not only declared afterward upon occa-
sion, but affirmed upon othe, taken before ye Govr &
Dep: Govr of ye Massachusets, Mr. Winthrop & Mr.
Dudley: That this ship-Frindship was not sett out nor
intended for ye joynt partnership of ye plantation, but
for ye perticuler accounte of Mr. James Sherley, Mr.
Beachampe, Mr. Andrews, Mr: Allerton, & him selfe.
This deposition was taken at Boston ye 29. of Aug:
1639. as is to be seen under their hands; besids some
other concurente testimonies declared at severall times
to sundrie of them.
1631.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 343
About ye Whit-Angell, though she was first bought,
or at least the price beaten, by Mr. Allerton (at Bris-
toll), yet that had been nothing if Mr. Sherley had
not liked it, and disbursed ye money. And that she
was not intended for ye plantation appears by sun-
drie evidences;* as, first, ye bills of sale, or charter-
parties, were taken in their owne names, without any
mention or refferance to ye plantation at all; viz. Mr.
Sherley, Mr. Beachampe, Mr. Andrews, Mr. Denison,
and Mr. Allerton; for Mr. Hatherley fell off, and
would not joyne with them in this. That she was
not bought for their accounte, Mr. Hatherley tooke
his oath before ye parties afforesaid, ye day and year
above writen.
Mr. Allerton tooke his oath to like effecte concerning
this ship, the Whit-Angell, before ye Govr & Deputie,
the 7. of Sep: 1639. and likewise deposed, ye same
time, that Mr. Hatherley and him selfe did, in the
behalfe of them selves and ye said Mr. Sherley, Mr.
Andrews, & Mr. Beachamp, agree and undertake to
discharge, and save harmless, all ye rest of ye partners
& purchasers, of and from ye said losses of Freindship
for 200li., which was to be discounted therupon; as by
ther depossitions (which are in writing) may appeare
more at large, and some other depositions & other
* About ye Whit-Angell they all mette at a certaine taverne in London,
wher they had a diner prepared, and had a conference with a factore aboute
selling of her in Spaine, or at Port a porte, as hath been before mentioned;
as Mr. Hatherley manifested, & Mr. Allerton could not deney.
344 HISTORY OF [BOOK II.
testemonies by Mr. Winslow,* &c. But I suppose
these may be sufficente to evince the truth in these
things, against all pretences to ye contrary. And yet
the burthen lay still upon ye plantation; or, to speake
more truly and rightly, upon those few that were
ingaged for all, for they were faine to wade through
these things without any help from any.
[187] Concerning Mr. Allerton's accounts, they were
so larg and intrecate, as they could not well understand
them, much less examine & correcte them, without a
great deale of time & help, and his owne presence,
which was now hard to gett amongst them; and it was
2. or 3. years before they could bring them to any
good pass, but never make them perfecte. I know
not how it came to pass, or what misterie was in it,
for he tooke upon him to make up all accounts till
this time, though Mr. Sherley was their agente to buy
& sell their goods, and did more then he therin; yet
he past in accounts in a maner for all disbursments,
both concerning goods bought, which he never saw,
* Mr. Winslow deposed, ye same time, before ye Govr afore said, &c. that
when he came into England, and ye partners inquired of ye success of ye
Whit Angell, which should have been laden wth bass and so sent for Port,
of Porting-gall, and their ship & goods to be sould; having informed them
that they were like to faile in their lading of bass, that then Mr. James
Sherley used these termes: Feck, we must make one accounte of all; and
ther upon presed him, as agente for ye partners in Neu-England, to accepte
ye said ship Whit-Angell, and her accounte, into ye joynte partner-ship; which
he refused, for many reasons; and after received instructions from New-Engl:
to refuse her if she should be offered, which instructions he shewed them;
and wheras he was often pressed to accept her, he ever refused her, &c.
1631.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 345
but were done when he was hear in ye cuntrie or at
sea; and all ye expences of ye Leyden people, done
by others in his absence; the charges aboute ye patente,
&c. In all which he made them debtore to him above
300li. and demanded paimente of it. But when things
came to scaning, he was found above 2000li, debtore
to them, (this wherin Mr. Hatherley & he being joyntly
ingaged, which he only had, being included,) besids
I know not how much yt could never be cleared; and
interest moneys which ate them up, which he never
accounted. Also they were faine to alow such large
bills of charges as were intolerable; the charges of ye
patent came to above 500li. and yet nothing done in it
but what was done at first without any confirmation;
30li. given at a clape, and 50li, spent in a journey. No
marvell therfore if Mr. Sherley said in his leter, if their
bussines had been better managed, they might have
been ye richest plantation of any English at yt time.
Yea, he scrued up his poore old father in law's accounte
to above 200li. and brought it on ye generall accounte,
and to befreind him made most of it to arise out of
those goods taken up by him at Bristoll, at 50. per
cent., because he knew they would never let it lye
on ye old man, when, alass! he, poore man, never
dreamte of any such thing, nor yt what he had could
arise nere yt valew; but thought that many of them
had been freely bestowed on him & his children by
Mr: Allerton. Nither in truth did they come nere yt
346 HISTORY OF [BOOK II.
valew in worth, but yt sume was blowne up by interest
& high prises, which ye company did for ye most parte
bear, (he deserving farr more,) being most sory that
he should have a name to have much, when he had in
effecte litle.
This year also Mr. Sherley sent over an accounte,
which was in a maner but a cash accounte what Mr.
Allerton had had of them, and disbursed, for which
he referd to his accounts; besids an account of beaver
sould, which Mr. Winslow & some others had carried
over, and a large supply of goods which Mr. Winslow
had sent & brought over, all which was comprised in yt
accounte, and all ye disbursments aboute ye Freindship,
& Whit-Angell, and what concerned their accounts
from first to last; or any thing else he could charg
ye partners with. So they were made debtor in ye
foote of that accounte 4770li. 19. 2.* besids 1000li. still
due for ye purchase yet unpayed; notwithstanding all
ye beaver, and returnes that both Ashley & they had
made, which were not small.
[188] In these accounts of Mr. Sherley's some things
were obscure, and some things twise charged, as a 100.
* So as a while before, wheras their great care was how to pay the pur-
chase, and those other few debts which were upon them, now it was with
them as it was some times with Saule's -father, who left careing for ye Asses,
and sorrowed for his sonn. 1. Sam. 10. 2. So that which before they looked
at as a heavie burthen, they now esteeme but a small thing and a light
mater, in comparison of what was now upon them. And thus ye Lord
oftentimes deals with his people to teach them, and humble them, that he
may doe them good in ye later end.
1631.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 347
of Bastable ruggs which came in ye Freindship, & cost
75li., charged before by Mr. Allerton, and now by him
againe, with other perticulers of like nature doubtfull,
to be twise or thrise charged; as also a sume of 600li.
which Mr. Allerton deneyed, and they could never un-
derstand for what it was. They sent a note of these
& such like things afterward to Mr. Sherley by Mr.
Winslow; but (I know not how it came to pass) could
never have them explained.
Into these deepe sumes had Mr. Allerton rune them
in tow years, for in ye later end of ye year 1628. all
their debts did not amounte to much above 400li., as
was then noted; and now come to so many thousands.
And wheras in ye year 1629. Mr. Sherley & Mr. Hath-
erley being at Bristoll, and write a large letter from
thence, in which they had given an account of ye debts,
and what sumes were then disbursed, Mr. Allerton
never left begging & intreating of them till they had
put it out. So they bloted out 2. lines in yt leter in
which ye sumes were contained, and write upon it so
as not a word could be perceived; as since by them
was confessed, and by ye leters may be seene. And
thus were they kept hoodwinckte, till now they were
so deeply ingaged. And wheras Mr. Sherley: did so
ernestly press yt Mr. Allerton might be sent over to
finish ye great bussines aboute ye patente, as may
be seen in his leter write 1629. as is before recorded,
and yt they should be ernest wth his wife to suffer him
348 HISTORY OF [BOOK II.
to goe, &c., he hath since confessed by a letter under
my hands, that it was Mr. Allerton's owne doings, and
not his, and he made him write his words, & not his
owne. The patent was but a pretence, and not ye
thing. Thus were they abused in their simplicitie,
and no beter then bought & sould, as it may seeme.
And to mend ye matter, Mr. Allerton doth in a sorte
wholy now deserte them; having brought them into ye
briers, he leaves them to gett out as they can. But
God crost him mightily, for he having hired ye ship
of Mr. Sherly at 30li. a month, he set forth againe
with a most wicked and drunken crue, and for covet-
ousnes sake did so over lade her, not only filling her
hould, but so stufed her betweene decks, as she was
walte, and could not bear sayle, and they had like to
have been cast away at sea, and were forced to put
for Millford Havene, and new-stow her, & put some
of ther ordnance & more heavie goods in ye botome;
which lost them time, and made them come late into
ye countrie, lose ther season, and made a worse viage
then ye year before. But being come into ye countrie,
he sells trading comodities to any yt will buy, to ye
great prejudice of ye plantation here; but that which
is worse, what he could not sell, he trustes; and sets
up a company of base felows and maks them traders,
to rune into every hole, & into ye river of Kenebeck,
to gleane away ye trade from ye house ther, aboute
ye patente & priviledge wherof he had dasht away so
1631.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 349
much money of theirs here; [189] and now what in
him lay went aboute to take away ye benefite therof,
and to overthrow them. Yea, not only this, but he
furnishes a company, and joyns with some consorts,
(being now deprived of Ashley at Penobscote,) and
sets up a trading house beyoned Penobscote, to cute
of ye trade from thence also. But ye French perceiv-
ing that that would be greatly to their damage allso,
they came in their begining before they were well
setled, and displanted them, slue 2. of their men, and
tooke all their goods to a good valew, ye loss being
most, if not all, Mr. Allerton's; for though some of
them should have been his partners, yet he trusted
them for their partes; the rest of ye men were sent
into France, and this was the end of yt projecte. The
rest of those he trusted, being lose and drunken fel-
lows, did for ye most parte but coussen & cheate him
of all they got into their hands; that howsoever he
did his friends some hurte hereby for ye presente, yet
he gate title good, but wente by ye loss by Gods just
hand. After in time, when he came to Pliffioth, ye
church caled him to accounte for these, and other his
grosse miscarrages; he confessed his faulte, and prom-
ised better walking, and that he would wind him selfe
out of these courses as soone as he could, &c.
This year also Mr. Sherley would needs send them
over a new-acountante; he had made mention of such
a thing ye year before, but they write him word, that
350 HISTORY OF [BOOK II.
their charge was great allready, and they neede not
increase it, as this would; but if they were well delte
with, and had their goods well sent over, they could
keep their accounts hear them selves. Yet he now
sente one, which they did not refuse, being a yonger
brother of Mr. Winslows, whom they had been at
charge to instructe at London before he came. He
came over in the White Angell with Mr. Allerton,
and ther begane his first imploymente; for though
Mr. Sherley had so farr befreinded Mr. Allerton, as
to cause* Mr. Winslow to ship ye supply sente to ye
partners here in this ship, and give him 4li. pr tune,
wheras others carried for 3. and he made them pay
their fraight ready downe, before ye ship wente out of
ye harbore, wheras others payed upon certificate of ye
goods being delivered, and their fraight came to up-
ward of 6. score pounds, yet they had much adoe to
have their goods delivered, for some of them were
chainged, as bread & pease; they were forced to take
worse for better, neither could they ever gett all.
And if Josias Winslow had not been ther, it had been
worse; for he had ye invoyce, and order to send them
to ye trading houses.
This year their house at Penobscott was robed by ye
French, and all their goods of any worth they carlied
away, to ye value of 400. or 500li. as ye cost first peny
worth; in beaver 300li. waight; and ye rest in trading
* This word is obscure in MS.
1631.] PLYMOUTH PLANTATION. 351
goods, as coats, ruggs, blankett, biskett, &c. It was
in this maner. The mr. of ye house, and parte of ye
company with him, were come with their vessell to ye
westward to fecth a supply of goods which was brought
over for them. In ye mean time comes a smale French
ship into ye harbore (and amongst ye company was a
false Scott); they pretended they were nuly come from
ye sea, and knew not wher they were, and that their
vesell was very leake, and desired they might hale her
a shore and stop their leaks. And many French com-
plements they used, and congees they made; and in
ye ende, seeing but 3. or 4. simple men, yt were ser-
vants, and by this Scoth-man understanding that ye
maister & ye rest of ye company were gone from
home, they fell of comending their gunes and muskets,
that lay upon racks by ye wall side, and tooke them
downe to looke on them, asking if they were charged.
And when they were possesst of them, one presents
a peece ready charged against ye servants, and another
a pistoll; and bid them not sturr, but quietly deliver
them their goods, and carries some of ye men aborde,
& made ye other help to carry away ye goods. And
when they had tooke what they pleased, they sett them
at liberty, and wente their way, with this mocke, bid-
ing them tell their mr. when he came, that some of
ye Ile of Rey gentlemen had been ther. *
*.The above paragraph was written on the reverse of page 188 of the
original manuscript.
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