Laura Martin

SSE 3312 Spring 2016

Dr. Van De Mark

Diary Entries for William Bradford

Summer 1607
Dear Diary,
Since becoming an orphan, life has been challenging. I have been ill a long time. During
my illness, Master Brewster has taken me under his wing. He is an educated, worldly, and
honorable man. He comes to visit me often. He helps me with my studies, he shares stories
of his travels, and he brings me gifts. His most recent present was a Bible printed in
English.
I have been reading the Bible and discussing its meaning with Master Brewster. It is a
glorious book. When I am lonely or in pain, reading the Bible brings me peace and comfort.
I want to learn more about the Scriptures. The Bible fills my souls and is the roadmap for
how I want to live my life. When I get strong enough, my uncles want me to farm the land
my father left me. I picture myself as a sea captain sailing the wide ocean to the New
World, wild America.
Late 1607
Dear Diary,
I am healthier now and I have been able to walk the twenty miles to Babsworth to hear
Mr. Clyfton preach from the Bible. His readings and discussions make me happy and
comfort me. Mr. Clyfton has amassed quite a following. Master Brewster has asked him to
come to Scrooby to start a congregation. Our congregation wants to practice Christianity
differently from the Church of England. We dont agree with the Puritans who are trying to
reform the State Church. We want to worship in our own manner, therefore, we are known
as Separatists. It is illegal to separate from the Church of England so we have to meet in
secret to avoid persecution.
Word of our meetings has made it to the King. He has spies and informants watching us.
It is becoming more difficult to find meeting places. I will face persecution or death before I
give up my beliefs and convictions. I will not be forced to join the Church of England. I love
my country, but my faith comes first. The Scrooby congregation has no choice. If we want
religious freedom, we must flee to Holland.
1608-1620
Dear Diary,
The Separatists enjoyed 12 wonderful years in Leyden. We were free to worship, as we
desired. We found work, built homes, and lived a peaceful life. During my years in Holland,
I studied Greek and Latin. I learned to speak Dutch and French. I even became a Dutch
citizen. Most importantly, I married by beloved Dorothy and our son John was born. Our
years in Leyden were good years, but things were changing.
The 12-year treaty between Spain and Holland was coming to an end. Civil war was
eminent. Our children were becoming immersed in Dutch culture. Second to only our
faith, was our love of our mother country, England. If we wish to preserve our English
heritage and enjoy religious freedom, we must voyage to America.

1620
Dear Diary,
It has been challenging, but we have been granted a patent from King James to travel to
America and settle a new colony in northern Virginia. We have procured two ships, the
Speedwell and the Mayflower to make the voyage to the New World. In America, we will be
British subjects, but we will have the religious freedom we so desire. All the arrangements
and provisions have been made. We will depart on July 22, 1620.
Our journey has been plagued from the onset. We have had to turn back twice. The
Speedwell is leaking and it has been determined that she is not seaworthy. She cannot
make the voyage. We have lost precious time, money, and provisions. It is with heavy
hearts that we must leave some passengers behind. Only the Mayflower will sail the
Atlantic Ocean to Virginia. It is September 6, 1620. With 102 passengers, we have begun
our trip. We have left friends, family, and our country to make a new life in the New World.
Our faith is strong. It will comfort us and guide us on our journey.
October 1620
Dear Diary,
The journey has been long and difficult. The ship is overcrowded, low on provisions, and
disease has stricken many. We have encountered treacherous weather and storms. In one
severe storm, the main beam was damaged. By the grace of God, we were able to repair it.
The ship is sturdy and able to continue on. Sadly, we lost one passenger, but God blessed
us with a child. His parents named him Oceanus.
September, 9,1620, today is a glorious day! After 66 days at sea, we have finally spotted
land. Our prayers have been heard and answered. Unfortunately, the captain tells us we
are north of our destination. Since our patent is for a settlement in Virginia, we must sail
south.
It has turned out to be too dangerous to continue to sail south. We have decided to
anchor in Cape Cod Bay. It has been decided that before we set foot on land, we must have
an agreement by which to govern the colony. November 11, 1620, the Mayflower Compact
is drawn up and signed by 41 male passengers. With a governing agreement in place, the
strongest men will venture out to find a suitable place to settle.
December 1620
Dear Diary,
The search party has found a suitable area to build our settlement. We will build a
Common House first. As we build homes, the passengers will be able to depart the
Mayflower. The building of the colony is arduous and grueling. The weather is brutal. We
are ill equipped for the harsh winter. Food is in short supply and many are sick. Despite
the hardships, our faith and our resolve are strong. Glory be to God.
Spring 1621
Dear Diary,
The lord has provided us with strength and courage during these dark days. Many settlers
have been stricken with the great sickness. We have lain to rest over half of our
community.

It is March 16, 1621. Today, Samoset and Squanto arrived in our community. They are
Native American Indians and they speak English. They are peaceful and are friendly.
Squanto stays and lives in the colony with us. He is a blessing from God. Over the past few
months, Squanto has taught us how to farm, hunt, and work the land.
Summer of 1621
Dear Diary,
Our darkest days are behind us. By the grace of God and with the blessing of Squantos
help, we have had a prosperous summer. We have built several houses, the great
sickness has subsided, our crops have been plentiful, and we have signed a peace treaty
with the Massasoit tribe. Our blessings are abundant. Mostly, we are thankful to worship
God according to his word.
As Governor of Plymouth Colony, to celebrate our good fortune, I have planned a
celebration of Thanksgiving for Gods blessings. We will invite Chief Massasoit and friends
to join the festivities. There will be food, games, contests, and parades. We will enjoy the
bounty of our harvest and the friendship of the Indians. We will be joyous with family and
most importantly; we will give thanks to God. This festival will take place in October 1621.