On November 11, 1620, the following Pilgrim men signed the Mayflower Compact:
John Carver, William Brewster , John Alden .
, William Mullins ., John Howland, John Tilly ,
Thomas Tinker, John Turner, William Bradford , Isaac Allerton, Samuel Fuller, William White, Stephen Hopkins, Francis Cook, John Ridgdale, Francis Eaton, Edward Winslow, Miles Standish, Christopher Martin, Richard Warren, Edward Tilly , Thomas Rodgers, Edward Fuller, and James Chilton.
Francis Billington , who was not a Pilgrim, was not allowed to sign the Compact. Also not in his favor was his spirit of rebellion. Then there was a heated discussion as to whether Mathew Stevens should be allowed to become a member. Both Captain Miles Standish and John Alden favored Stevens signing. Opposed to Stevens signing the Compact were Edward Winslow and one of the Fuller men. Their opposition stemmed from the fact that Stevens possessed Spanish blood and was assumed to be of Catholic ancestry.
The Mayflower Compact remained the basis of government in Plymouth Colony until it was made part of Massachusetts in 1691.
It was now time to go ashore, explore, and establish a settlement. On the surface this sounds simple. The Puritans would soon learn differently.
Recommended Reading:
William Brewster and others migrate to Holland to avoid religious persecution.
The Brewsters sail to England to join others aboard the Mayflower who are also going to America.
Speedwell and Mayflower set sail for America.
The Mayflower Reaches America.
On Saturday, November 21, the Mayflower moored in what would come to be called Provincetown Harbor, in present-day Massachusetts.
Sources:
Athearn, Robert G. The New World: American Heritage New Illustrated History of the United States, Volume 1. Dell Publishing Co., Inc., New York, 1963.
Collier's Encyclopedia, Volume 15. Crowell-Collier Educational Corporation, 1968.
Musick, John R. Columbian Historical Novels, Volume V: The Pilgrims: A Story of Massachusetts. Funk & Wagnalls Company, New York, London and Toronto, 1895.
