Part 3

"A chair which belonged to Gov. Carver. The sword of Miles Standish, presented by William S. Williams, Esq. A pewter dish which belonged to Miles Standish, presented by the late Joseph Head, Esq. An iron pot which belonged to Miles Standish, presented by the late John Watson, Esq. A brass steelyard, owned by Thomas Southworth. A cane which belonged to William White; presented by Hon. John Reed. A dressing-case which belonged to William White. The gun-barrel with which King Philip was killed, presented by Mr. John Cook of Kingston. The original letter of King Philip to Gov. Prince, written in 1662. A china mug and leather pocket-book which belonged to Thomas Clark. A piece of ingenious embroidery, in a frame, executed by Lora Standish, a daughter of Miles Standish; presented by Rev. Lucius Alden of East Bridgewater. Many curiosities are still in the hands of individuals and families, which might add much to the interest of Pilgrim Hall."

The following Portraits embellish Pilgrim Hall: "1. of Edward Winslow, painted in London in 1651, copied from the original, by C. A. Foster. 2. of Josiah Winslow, the first native Governor of the Old Colony, painted in London in 1651, copied from the original, by C. A. Foster. 3. of Gov. Josiah Winslow's wife, Penelope Pelham, copied from the original, by C. A. Foster. 4. of General John Winslow, copied from the original, by C. A. Foster. The portrait of Gov. Edward Winslow is the only one preserved, of those individuals who came in the Mayflower. The originals of these paintings belong to Isaac Winslow, Esq., of Boston, and are now in the rooms of the Massachusetts Historical Society. 5. A portrait of the Hon. Ephraim Spooner, presented by Thomas Davis, Esq., of Boston. 6. A portrait of John Alden, Esq., of Middleborough, who died in 1821, aged 102 years, who was the great-grandson of John Alden, who came in the Mayflower; painted and presented by Cephas Thompson, Esq. 7. A portrait of Hon. John Trumbull, presented by Col. John Trumbull. This portrait was painted in 1781. The face was executed by Mr. Stewart, and the other parts by Mr. Trumbull himself, while a student with him. 8. A portrait of James Thacher, M. D., late Librarian and Cabinet-Keeper of the Pilgrim Society. It was painted by Mr. Frothingham, in January, 1841, by order of the Pilgrim Society, pursuant to a vote expressing their sense of the valuable services he had rendered, in promoting the objects of said society.[K]

"The Hall contains also a bust of Hon. Daniel Webster, presented by James T. Hayward, Esq., of Boston; and the bust of Hon. John Adams, presented by Samuel Nicholson, Esq."

For an account of "Forefathers' Rock" and the beautiful monument erected by the Pilgrim Society for its preservation, we make the following extract from Dr. Thacher's History of Plymouth.

"The inhabitants of the town," [1774] "animated by the glorious spirit of liberty which pervaded the Province, and mindful of the precious relic of our Forefathers, resolved to consecrate the Rock on which they landed to the shrine of liberty. Col. Theophilus Colon and a large number of the inhabitants assembled, with about twenty yoke of oxen, for the purpose of its removal. The rock was elevated from its bed by means of large screws; and in attempting to mount it on the carriage, it split asunder, without any violence. As no one had observed a flaw, the circumstance occasioned some surprise. It is not strange that some of the patriots of the day should be disposed to indulge a little in superstition, when in favor of their good cause. The separation of the rock was construed to be ominous of a division of the British Empire. The question was now to be decided whether both parts should be removed, and being decided in the negative, the bottom part was dropped again into its original bed, where it still remains, a few inches above the surface of the earth, at the head of the wharf. The upper portion, weighing many tons, was conveyed to the liberty-pole square, front of the meeting-house, where, we believe, waved over it a flag with the far-famed motto, 'Liberty or death.' This part of the rock was, on the 4th of July, 1834, removed to 'Pilgrim Hall,' and placed in front of that edifice, under the charge of the Pilgrim Society. A procession was formed on this occasion, and passed over Cole's hill, where lie the ashes of those who died the first winter.

"A miniature representation of the Mayflower followed in the procession, placed in a car decorated with flowers, and drawn by six boys. The procession was preceded by the children of both sexes of the several schools in town. On depositing the rock in front of the Hall, a volley of small arms was fired over it by the Standish Guards, after which, an appropriate address was delivered by Doct. Charles Cotton, and the services were closed with a prayer by Rev. Dr. Kendall.

"It affords the highest satisfaction to announce, that the long desired protection of the 'Forefathers' Rock' is at length completed; and it may be pronounced a noble structure, serving the double purpose of security to the rock and a monument to the Pilgrims. The fabric was erected in June of the present year, [1835,] and consists of a perfect ellipse, forty-one feet in perimeter, formed of wrought iron bars, five feet high, resting on a base of hammered granite. The heads of the perpendicular bars are harpoons and boat-hooks alternately. The whole is embellished with emblematic figures of cast iron. The base of the railing is studded with emblems of marine shells, placed alternately reversed, having a striking effect. The upper part of the railing is encircled with a wreath of iron castings, in imitation of heraldry curtains, fringed with festoons; of these there are forty-one, bearing the names in bass-relief of the forty-one Puritan fathers who signed the memorable compact while in the cabin of the Mayflower, at Cape Cod, in 1620. This valuable and interesting acquisition reflects honor on all who have taken an interest in the undertaking. In the original design by George W. Brimmer, Esq., ingenuity and correct taste are displayed; and in all its parts, the work is executed with much judgment and skill. The castings are executed in the most improved style of the art. This appropriate memorial will last for ages, and the names and story of the great founders of our nation will be made familiar to the latest generation. This monument cost four hundred dollars. The fund was obtained by subscription; Lieut. Gov. Armstrong heading the paper, and Samuel T. Tisdale, Esq., of New York, contributing one hundred dollars. The author of this work" (Dr. Thacher,) "had the honor and satisfaction of being the active agent in its execution."

This account of the Pilgrim Society we conclude, by expressing our high commendation of its object. To be affected at the sufferings of the Pilgrims of New England; to exercise gratitude for their inestimable labors and sacrifices; to venerate their virtue and piety; to revere their principles of religious and civil liberty; and to hand down a suitable memorial of them to succeeding generations, is at once the duty and privilege of their descendants. Most cordially can we adopt the expressive language of President Dwight, in speaking of our ancestors. "When I call to mind," says he, "the history of their sufferings on both sides of the Atlantic, when I remember their preëminent patience, their unspotted piety, their immovable fortitude, their undaunted resolution, their love to each other, their justice and humanity to the savages, and their freedom from all those stains which elsewhere spotted the character, even of their companions in affliction, I cannot but view them as illustrious brothers, claiming the veneration and applause of all their posterity. By me the names of Carver, Bradford, Cushman,[L] and Standish, will never be forgotten, until I lose the power of recollection."

Our apology for appending so many notes to this historical notice is, that they illustrate the character of the Pilgrims of New England and the times in which they lived, and thus serve to accomplish the object we have in view. For instance, a few sentences in the farewell discourse of the Rev. Mr. Robinson, who was in an important sense the Father of the Plymouth colony, show the cast of mind, the religious faith, and the adherence to Protestant principles, of himself and of his flock.[M]

The first Presidents of the Society were Hon. Joshua Thomas, John Watson, Alden Bradford, LL. D., and Nathaniel M. Davis, Esqs.

The present officers are Charles H. Warren, _President_; William Davis, _Vice-President_; Andrew L. Russell, _Recording Secretary_; Benjamin M. Watson, _Corresponding Secretary_; William S. Russell, _Librarian and Cabinet-Keeper_; Nathaniel M. Davis, John B. Thomas, Isaac L. Hedge, William M. Jackson, Schuyler Sampson, Joseph Cushman of Plymouth, and James T. Hayward and William Thomas of Boston, _Trustees_.

FOOTNOTES:

[B] The term _Puritan_ was originally a term of reproach, though now one of commendation. Neal, in his History of the Puritans, speaks thus of them: "If a man maintained his steady adherence to the doctrines of Calvin and the Synod of Dort; if he kept the Sabbath and frequented sermons; if he maintained family religion and would neither swear nor be drunk, nor comply with the fashionable vices of the times, he was called a _Puritan_." The Puritans arose in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. After the famous Act of Uniformity, or, as it is called, the Bartholomew Act, passed by the English Parliament, in 1602, they were called Non-conformists. Since that period they have been more generally denominated Dissenters.

[C] The Rev. Mr. Robinson never came to New England as he intended; but died at Leyden, March 1, 1625, in the fiftieth year of his age. His widow and children afterwards came to Plymouth. Mr. Robinson received a university education in England, and ranked among the first divines of his age. Prince, the New England Annalist, in his Chronology, thus speaks of him: "He was highly esteemed both by the city and university of Leyden, for his learning, piety, moderation, and excellent accomplishments. The magistrates, clergy, and scholars lamented his death as a public loss."

[D] Mr. William Brewster was born in England, 1560, was educated at the University of Cambridge, and became a zealous Puritan. He resided in the north of England, and when the church was formed over which the Rev. Messrs. Richard Cilfton and John Robinson were ordained as pastors, the members met at his house on Lord's day for worship, so long as they were permitted by the civil authorities. When the church, with their pastors, on account of persecution, had removed to Holland, Mr. Brewster was elected Ruling Elder. After the arrival of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, he usually preached to them twice every Sabbath for nine years, as they had no regular minister till Mr. Ralph Smith was ordained their pastor, in 1629; but he never administered the sacraments. He was a man in whom the church reposed the most unlimited confidence in respect to all their spiritual affairs. For piety he was eminent. For human as well as sacred literature, he had a great taste; and at his death, which occurred April 16, 1644, being 83 years old, he left a handsome library valued in that day at _forty-three_ pounds, a catalogue of which is to be found in the colony records.--_Allen's Biog. Dict._

[E] The ship Speedwell, commanded by Capt. Reynolds, proved leaky and unfit for the voyage, and was discharged from service before the Pilgrims left Plymouth. The whole company, therefore, which came over to this country, were passengers in the May Flower.

[F] Holmes's American Annals.

[G] Governor Carver died greatly lamented on the 5th of April following, having sustained the office of chief-magistrate but four months and twenty-four days. "He was a man of great prudence, integrity, and firmness of mind. He had a good estate in England, which he spent in the migration to Holland and America. He was one of the foremost in action, and bore a large share of suffering in the service of the colony, who confided in him as its friend and father. Piety, humility, and benevolence, were eminent trails in his character."--_Dr. Belknap._

On the death of Governor Carver, although only thirty-two years old, and confined at the time by sickness, Mr. William Bradford was unanimously elected his successor, as Governor of the colony. He conducted the affairs of the colony for the great part of the time, as chief, and two or three years as second magistrate, with consummate prudence and ability for a period of more than thirty-one years.--In his youth, he embraced the doctrines which were taught by the venerable Clifton, and afterwards by Robinson, and became one of their most devoted followers. He applied himself with great diligence to the study of the ancient languages, both Latin and Greek. Of the Hebrew his knowledge was intimate, and the French and Dutch he spoke with ease. He read much on subjects of history and philosophy. In theology he was deeply versed, and few there were who could contend with him successfully in a polemical dispute. He wrote considerably; the loss of his valuable manuscript history of the colony to 1646, can never be supplied.--_Dr. Thacher's History of Plymouth._

[H] The following dishes were served up for entertainment on the first anniversary; and the account is here inserted as a matter of curiosity: "1, a large baked Indian whortleberry pudding; 2, a dish of sauquetach (succotash, corn and beans boiled together); 3, a dish of clams; 4, a dish of oysters and a dish of cod fish; 5, a haunch of venison, roasted by the first jack brought to the colony; 6, a dish of roasted sea fowl; 7, a dish of frost fish and eels; 8, an apple pie; 9, a course of cranberry tarts and cheese made in the Old Colony."--_Dr. Thacher's History of Plymouth._

The following toasts were also given on the occasion:

1. To the memory of our brave and pious ancestors, the first settlers of the Old Colony.

2. To the memory of John Carver and all the other worthy Governors of the Old Colony.

3. To the memory of that pious man and faithful historian, Mr. Secretary Morton.

4. To the memory of that brave man and good officer, Capt. Miles Standish.

5. To the memory of Massasoit, our first and best friend, and ally of the Natives.

6. To the memory of Mr. Robert Cushman, who preached the first sermon in New England.

7. The union of the Old Colony and Massachusetts.

8. May every person be possessed of the same noble sentiments against arbitrary power that our worthy ancestors were endowed with.

9. May every enemy to civil or religious liberty meet the same or a worse fate than Archbishop Laud.

10. May the Colonies be speedily delivered from all the burthens and oppressions they now labor under.

11. A speedy and lasting union between Great Britain and her Colonies.

12. Unanimity, prosperity, and happiness to the Colonies.--_Russell's Guide to Plymouth._

[I] The address was published, and has passed through several editions, and been a source of considerable income to the Society.

[J] It is said of Capt. Standish, He possessed much native talent, was decided, ardent, resolute, and persevering, indifferent to danger, a bold and hardy man, stern, austere, and unyielding; of exemplary piety, and of incorruptible integrity; "an iron-nerved Puritan, who could hew down forests and live on crumbs."

The Rev. John Thornton Kirkland, D. D., President of Harvard College, and the Rev. Eleazar Wheelock, D. D., first President of Dartmouth College, were descendants of Capt. Standish.

[K] Dr. Thacher was appointed Librarian and Cabinet-Keeper of the Pilgrim Society at its first organization, and his indefatigable efforts contributed largely to the promotion of its objects. The following extract from the report of a Committee of the Society indicates the sense entertained of his services. "The undersigned, to whom was referred the report of Dr. James Thacher, respecting the Iron Railing around the Forefathers' Rock, report that the Society are indebted to Dr. Thacher for this beautiful and costly monument, which while it secures the Pilgrim Rock from further depredation, records for the benefit of posterity, the names of our fathers, and affords a pleasing subject of contemplation to many strangers who visit us." Dr. Thacher died May 23, 1811, aged 90--The two extracts above are taken from the Guide to Plymouth.

[L] "On the 11th of November, [1621] Robert Cushman arrived at Plymouth, in a ship from England, with thirty-five persons, destined to remain in the Colony. By this arrival the Plymouth colonists received a charter, procured for them by the adventurers in London, who had been originally concerned with them in the enterprise; and they now acknowledged the extraordinary blessing of Heaven, in directing their course into this part of the country, where they had happily obtained permission to possess and enjoy the territory under the authority of the president and council for the affairs of New England."--_Holmes's Annals._

The names of the thirty-five persons who came in the Fortune, (for so the vessel was called,) are, Robert Cushman, William Hilton, John Winslow, William Conner, John Adams, William Tench, John Cannon, William Wright, Robert Hickes, Thomas Prence, (Prince,) afterwards Governor, Stephen Dean, Moses Simonson, (Simons,) Philip De La Noye, (Delano,) Edward Bompasse, (Bumpus and Bump,) Clement Brigges, (Briggs,) James Steward, (Stewart,) William Pitts, William Palmer, probably two in his family, Jonathan Brewster, Bennet Morgan, Thomas Flavil and his son, Hugh Stacie, (Stacy,) William Beale, Thomas Cushman, Austin Nicolas, (Nicholas,) Widow Foord, probably four in her family, Thomas Morton, William Bassite, (Bassett), two probably in his family.

Mr. Cushman was one of those who left England for the sake of religious liberty, and settled at Leyden. In 1617 he was sent to England, with Mr. Carver, the first governor of the Colony, to procure a grant of lands in America, and in 1619 he was sent again, with Mr. Bradford, second governor of the Colony, and obtained a patent. He set sail with the first company in 1620, but the Speedwell proving leaky, he was obliged to relinquish the voyage. He came, however, to Plymouth, November 10, 1621, but remained there only one month, when he returned. While preparing to remove to America, he died, 1626. He was a man of activity and enterprise, talents and piety, and well versed in the Scriptures. Though not a minister, yet, while at Plymouth, he delivered a discourse in the form of a sermon "on the Sin and Danger of Self-Love," which was the first sermon from New England, ever printed. It was first published at London, 1622, then at Boston, 1724, and at Plymouth, 1785. After his death, Mr. Cushman's family came to New England. Many are their descendants in this country.--_Allen's Biog. Dict._--_Farmer's Register._

[M] "Brethren," said he, "we are now quickly to part from one another, and whether I may ever live to see your face on earth any more, the God of heaven only knows; but whether the Lord hath appointed that or not, I charge you before God and his blessed angels, that you follow me no farther than you have seen me follow the Lord Jesus Christ. If God reveal any thing to you by any other instrument of his, be as ready to receive it as ever you were to receive any truth by my ministry; for I am fully persuaded, I am very confident, that the Lord has more truth yet to break forth out of his holy word. For my part, I cannot sufficiently bewail the condition of the reformed churches, who are come to a period in religion, and will go at present no farther than the instruments of their reformation. The Lutherans cannot be drawn to go beyond what Luther saw; whatever part of his will our good God has revealed to Calvin, they will rather die than embrace it; and the Calvinists, you see, stick fast where they were left by that great man of God, who yet saw not all things.

"This is a misery much to be lamented, for though they were burning and shining lights in their times, yet they penetrated not into the whole counsel of God; but were they now living, would be as willing to embrace further light, as that which they at first received. I beseech you to remember that it is an article of your church covenant, that you shall be ready to receive whatever truth shall be made known to you from the written word of God. Remember that, and every other article of your sacred covenant. But I must here withal exhort you to take heed what you receive as truth. Examine it, consider it, and compare it with other Scriptures of truth, before you receive it; for it is not possible that the Christian world should come so lately out of such thick antichristian darkness, and the perfection of knowledge should break forth at once."

PASSENGERS OF THE GOLDEN HIND.

(The First Englishmen in North America.)

BY SAMUEL G. DRAKE, M. A.

[The above engraving is an exact copy of an armed ship of the time of Queen Elizabeth, the original publication of which bears date 1594, and is to be found in that rare old work on "Nauigation, lately collected out of the best _Moderne writers thereof by M. Blundinile, and by him_ reduced into such a plaine and orderly forme of teaching as euery man of a meane capacitie may easily vnderstand the same."

It is doubtless a much better representation of the ships that transported our fathers to these shores than any hitherto given.]

It was long ago remarked that but for the voyages and expeditions of SIR FRANCIS DRAKE, North America would have remained unsettled, if not almost unknown, for many years, if not for ages. To those who are familiar with the history of the state of Europe during the century in which Elizabeth lived, no argument will be required to convince them of the truth of that position.

An exception may be taken to the heading of our article, but we are well aware of the voyages of the Cabots, of Ponce de Leon, and of Verazzini; the former of whom it is said discovered Newfoundland, and the latter ravaged some part of Florida; and that Verazzini, a little later, was eaten by the Indians of North America. If we consult history, popularly known as such, it will hardly appear that the Cabots set foot on these shores, while what was done by the others tended only to discourage voyages of discovery in this hemisphere.

It is the intention in this article to furnish as complete a list of the persons who sailed upon the voyage with SIR FRANCIS DRAKE round the world, as can be collected, after long and patient search and investigation. That such a list or catalogue cannot fail to be interesting at this day, we feel assured, for two reasons; first, because they were probably the first Englishmen, (certainly the first whose names we have,) who landed in North America; and secondly, many of them bore names common amongst us, even to this time. Whether they were the ancestors or connections of the ancestors of these, we leave for the investigation of those who bear these names, or who may have the curiosity and leisure to pursue the interesting inquiry.

A third reason might have been given why such a catalogue of names should be made out, had we published earlier, but as a settlement of the "Oregon Question" has taken place, no one will be likely to put in a claim to any part of that territory by right of discovery made by his ancestor; and hence an emigrant to that region has no other reason for any interest he may take in the following names than any of us have on this side of the Rocky Mountains. And instead of the ancient claim of rights by discovery, the Oregonian must now console himself as well as he can with this distich of our famous revolutionary poet, Freneau: