Letters from Plymouth

Rock

To my dearest Margaret,We have finally made

landing in America! While this may be happy news, I fear we have many trials ahead of us still. We have already suffered illness on our voyage, and it appears that our conditions have only gotten worse. The weather is harsh, and building a settlement has proven more difficult than expected. I pray everyday that our situation will improve in hopes that when you finally join me here, we can live in peace and comfort.

Your husband,William Weatherfoot

The crew of the Mayflower first spotted land on November 9, 1620. However, because of harsh sea conditions, the Mayflower did not make anchor until November 11, in what is now known as Provincetown Harbor.

Many houses burnt down after building them because they were built with thatched roofs. Eventually, the Pilgrims passed a law that said new houses must be built with plank (wood) instead.

To my dearest Margaret,Excellent news! We have

finally made contact with the Native people here, and have agreed upon a treaty! This is a most joyous occasion, for we no longer have to worry for lack of food or protection. I cannot wait until we can celebrate our first harvest together! I send my love to you and the children and look forward to the day you will be joining me in this wonderful land.

Your husband,William Weatherfoot

Bibliography

On April 1 of 1621, The Treaty with Massasoit was signed. This treaty called for “an alliance of mutual support.” Some parts of the treaty included that no party may do harm to the other and that each party would aid the other in times of war.

The first Thanksgiving was held in early Autumn of 1621 to celebrate the treaty between the two parties, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag. Some of the food present might have included duck, venison (deer), seafood, cabbage, squash, onions, and corn.

BibliographyJohnson, Caleb. “Houses in Plymouth.” Mayflower History. 28 October

2012 http://www.mayflowerhistory.com/History/plymoth2.php .

Johnson, Caleb. “Land Ho!” Mayflower History. 28 October 2012 http://mayflowerhistory.com/History/voyage7.php.

“Politics and Coexistence.” Pilgrim Hall Museum. 18 May 2005. The Pilgrim Society. 28 October 2012 http://www.pilgrimhall.org/politics.htm.

“The Thanksgiving Feast.” Scholastic. 28 October 2012 http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/feast .