250 



be shed upon an other^Yise somewhat obscure passage in our 

 early history, and the conjecture might be hazarded, (if not a 

 confident belief entertained), that Oradock "would, by general 

 consent, be recognized as the Father of this Colony ; and it 

 would not be that others merit was less, but because Cradock's 

 ability was greater. All served faithfully, according to their 

 several ability, but Cradock with like fidelity and according to 

 his greater wealth and abundance. 



Meanwhile, other events transpired. Time wore away and 

 England was being drained by the constant emigration to 

 America. The first Stewart (James 1st), by the despotism of 

 Buckingham in ecclesiastical affairs, had driven the band of 

 Puritans, under John Robinson, to Leyden ; the second Stew- 

 art (Charles 1st), had adopted the same despotic rule in his 

 government and had pressed into his service that ferocious 

 minion of power. Archbishop Laud. Hence, to check emigra- 

 tion and oppress the Colonies, the passenger list was required to 

 be exhibited to the Lord Treasurer and Privy Council, and their 

 approbation of it was a prerequisite, before any ship bound to 

 America could be licensed to depart. 



Before the transfer of the charter to New England, the colo- 

 nists at Plymouth and Cape Ann had suffered much. Though 

 the plague of 1617 had greatly diminished the number of 

 native Indians and the great Sachem had died, yet his Squaw 

 Sachem and three sons, George, John and James still survived 

 and ruled as Sagamores, and could muster 15 or 20 men, whereas 

 formerly they could rally 100 or 200. The colonists were furnish- 

 ed with, arms and instructed to use them in self-defence — and 

 they were instructed also not to be over confident in their 

 security, but to remember Plymouth, and rely somewhat upon 

 the rifle. 



February 16, 1628, was written Governor Cradock's letter 

 to his cousin John Endicott. This probably reached New Eng- 

 land by some fishing craft. The first and second general letters 

 of the Company bear date April 17 and May 28, of the same 

 year. Both referred to the Governor's and Avere written at 



