

THE DORSET COLONY IN MASSACHUSETTS. 101 



In 1621 we find the "Plymouth Council" in possession of a 

 charter, dated 1606, conveying the right of most extensive tracts, 

 embracing both coast line and interior, stretching from Nova Scotia 

 to South Carolina, and reaching to the Silent Sea e.e., the Pacific 

 Ocean. 



It was to this trading body that the Pilgrim Fathers applied for 

 permission to settle within its territory, and by consent of the 

 company and permission of the King (James 1st) the request was 

 granted. 



This exemplary body of men was composed of refugees from 

 ecclesiastical tyranny, who, in order to enjoy liberty of conscience 

 and freedom to worship God, had crossed the sea to Holland, 

 finally settling down at Leyden under the pastorate of a Mr- 

 Robinson. Getting tired of the conditions under which they lived 

 there, afraid of the contagion of the dissolute manners of their 

 Dutch neighbours, and, moreover, being strongly imbued with 

 Republican notions, they resolved to emigrate to America, and 

 accordingly, having made the arrangements already referred to, on July 

 21st, 1620, they set sail in the Speedwell, 70 tons, for Southampton, 

 where part of the company were transferred to the Mayflower, a 

 hired ship of 180 tons. (I may mention that a ship of this name 

 is referred to in the Weymouth records under the year 1610). 

 From Southampton they sailed, 120 in number, on August 5th, 

 but, the ships proving leaky, they had to put in at Dartmouth and 

 again at Plymouth. Finally, 19 of their number having given up 

 the project, the remainder were accommodated on board the May 

 Flower, which then proceeded to sea. Of the company 70 were 

 men, the rest women and children. After two months and three 

 days at sea they sighted Cape Cod on November 9th. During the 

 voyage one of the company died, and a child was born and received 

 the appropriate name of Oceanus (Hopkins). On the llth they 

 cast anchor in the harbour, and then proceeded to draw up the 

 following " declaration," which was signed by all the men : " In 

 the name of God. Amen. We, the undersigned, true subjects of 

 our dread ruler, King James, who have undertaken this journey 



