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Leader for the New World

The Story of William Bradford

By Trudy Wright

Act I England Scene I Childhood Scene II Heretic Scene III Reformation Scene IV Attempts Act II Exiles Scene I Netherlands Scene II Vision Scene III Departure Scene IV Troubles Scene V Voyage Scene VI Arrival Scene VII Fears Scene VIII Exploration

Act III New Plimothi Scene I Founded Scene II Death Scene III Visitor Scene IV Treaty Act IV Leader Scene I Governor Scene II Unrest Scene III Thanksgiving Scene IV Fortune Scene V Christmas Scene VI Summer Scene VII Winter Scene VIII Anne

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Leader for the New World,

The Story of William Bradford

*William Bradford, Governor 1921-32, 35, 37, 39-43, 45

Robert Bradford- William’s uncle

Thomas Bradford- William’s uncle

*William Brewster- Statesman, postmaster, spiritual leader

*Mary Brewster- Wife of William Brewster

*Dorothy May Bradford (Dority)- William’s 1st wife

*Alice Southworth Bradford- William’s 2nd wife

*Richard Clyfton-Pastor of Scooby group in England and Amsterdam

*John Robinson- Pastor of the Separatists in Leiden

*Mrs. Robinson- Wife of Pastor Robinson

*John Carver- Merchant, 1st Governor

*Katherine Carver- Wife of John Carver

Master Christopher Jones- Captain of the Mayflower

Miles Standish- Military leader

*Dr. Samuel Fuller- Physician

Priscilla Mullens- Family died the first winter

John Alden- Sailor, cooper, colonist

*Edward Winslow- Colonist, leader

Susanna White (Winslow)- 2nd Wife of John Winslow

Sachem Massasoit- Chief of the Wampanoag

Sachem Samoset- Algonkain, from Pemiquid Point, Maine

Tisquantum (Squanto)- Pawtuxet (sole survivor), Interpreter

Hobomok- Wampanoag, interpreter

Joe- Young sailor

John Billington- Boy, son of John Billington executed for murder

Thomas Weston- Capitalist, Merchant Adventurer

*Robert Cushman- Helped in planning the colony

*Fear Brewster- William and Mary Brewster’s daughter

*Patience Brewster- William and Mary Brewster’s daughter

* Indicates Separatists

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Act I England

Scene I Childhood

Narrator: William Bradford was born on March 29, 1590 to a rather wealthy landowning family in Austerfield, England

at a time when Queen Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII, was on the throne and head of the Anglican Church of England.

Elizabeth compelled all to attend Sunday services and no other or experience: prison, exile, and ultimately, sometimes

execution. The Church of England may have broken from popery, but still had much in common. Young William was

heir to the lands and flocks of sheep his ancestors had purchased over the years. It is 1597.

Bradford Home (Lights on Home Stage)

Uncle Robert: (Angrily) I ask you now, what are we to do with the boy?

Uncle Thomas: (Sympathetically) Show some mercy. Robert! Our brother, his father, died when he was but a baby.

Uncle Robert: Yes, I know, and his mother shucked him off to our father so she could marry.

Uncle Thomas: (Defensively) She did take him back when father passed away.

Uncle Robert: (Spitting it out) She was forced to. He had no one else to take him!

Uncle Thomas: Come, Come! He is only seven and his mother‘s dead. We are his only kin and much of the property we

work is his inheritance.

Uncle Robert: (Pacing and gesturing) I thought he could help us run the farms; instead he is sick and weak. He isn’t

even strong enough to go into the fields. Why Thomas, you and I did man’s work by his age. What are we to do with an

invalid boy? We must find some use for the boy.

Uncle Thomas: (Thoughtfully) Since William cannot contribute to the farm work, why don’t we send him to the vicar to

learn to read and write? Like our neighbors, we can barely sign our own names. William could give us an advantage. He

could draft deeds and other legal documents, keep accounts, and conduct our family business.

Uncle Robert: Hmm…Yes, I like it. I’ll speak to the vicar tomorrow. (Emphatically) He must contribute!

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Scene II Heretic

Narrator: So, William was sent to Reverend Sylvester of Alkley to learn English and Latin. He read theology books:

Erasmus’ “The Praise of Folly” and John Foxe’s Book of Martyrs about the martyrdom of Christians under Bloody Mary.

He also read the Bible, a feat few achieved. William found studies to his liking and he began to question the Church of

England and its similarities to popery. By age twelve, William was immersed in the Scriptures. He was frail and weak

from his sickness, but loved his studies. Sometime later a young friend invited him to go to a church in Babworth to hear

Richard Clyfton preach, a grave and fatherly old man. It is 1603.

Bradford Home (Lights on Home Stage)

Robert Bradford: (Loudly) William, we told you to stay away from that fanatic schemer, Vicar Richard Clyfton in

Babworth. He is a dangerous man.

Thomas Bradford: (Imploringly) William, we are an important family. Mark my word, it will not go unnoticed. You will

bring disgrace on our family yet.

Robert Bradford: (Strongly) In fact we are forbidding you to attend church in Babworth. You will lose your reputation,

your soul, and all of the family lands. Come back to your church here in Austerfield. You’re… You’re turning into a

heretic and you know what happens to them!

Thomas Bradford: And you don’t need to walk sixteen miles to worship.

Robert Bradford: (Angrily) You’re being very stubborn, William!

Thomas Bradford: That church is trying to reform the Church of England. No good can come of it.

William Bradford: (With conviction) Uncles, if I am to suffer disaster for my new beliefs, it will be for a good cause.

Please, don’t be angry with me and don’t feel sorry for me. God is calling me. He has given me a heart to do this.

Thomas Bradford: (groaning)

Robert Bradford: The neighbors tell us you have been going to Scooby Manor, as well, to see William Brewster. This is

just going from bad to worse.

Thomas Bradford: I know Brewster is a very intelligent, prestigious gentleman educated at Cambridge University and

well respected. It was thought that he would have a brilliant political career as he was connected to the court and

traveled with Ambassador Davidson to Holland. (Shaking his head) He remained faithful to Davidson though Queen

Elizabeth threw Ambassador Davidson in prison for two years as a scapegoat for the murder of Queen Mary, when it was

no more than Queen Elizabeth’s own dastardly deed! He is a good man, but he is headed for trouble and you with him.

Robert Bradford: (emphatically) But, even Brewster’s political connections will not keep him out of prison or keep his

head. He is trying to reform the Church of England. The new king will have none of that.

Thomas Bradford: Think of it. Elizabeth signed the execution of her own half-sister Mary. Now James the first is on the

throne. He has sworn to put down anyone who challenges the authority of the Church and is putting them in prison and

worse. (Motion of cutting his throat)

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William Bradford: (Calmly) William Brewster is a humble, wise, peaceable, tenderhearted man. He is plain and distinct

in his teaching. He is an example to me. He preaches the Scriptures as does Richard Clyfton. (Resolutely) I will follow

the word of God, not man! (Uncles shake their heads)

William Bradford: (Resolutely) No man or church can forgive sin, only God. Jesus Christ’s blood covers me.

Robert Bradford: (Emphatically) William, you are bringing disgrace to our family.

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Scene III Reformation

Narrator: Those following the gospel, those wishing to reform the Church of England were being labeled Separatists and

thrown into prison by droves because they were a threat to authority. They were not allowed food, drink, fire, lodging,

or visitors. Sometimes they went without a trial for months and even years. They were treated worse than felons or

murderers. Some were killed. The authorities watched the homes of those suspected of dissent from the church. It

became a dangerous thing to even speak of reforming the Church of England. It was called “disobedient in matters of

religion.” It is 1607.

Home of William Brewster (Lights on Home Stage)

William Brewster: I am back and very fortunate to have escaped imprisonment. I was fined heavily, but thankfully, they

still prefer my money to me.

Pastor Richard Clyfton: Mr. Brewster, it is getting very dangerous to meet here at Scooby Manor. Fifty people coming

to your house, even a few at a time, will not go unnoticed. We must act soon. Some of our members are already in

prison and you have barely escaped. We must make plans to leave our dear old England.

William Bradford: (Incredulously) Go into exile? Where will we go?

William Brewster: (Nodding) Prison was no more than the disciples suffered for their Lord, but you are right. Yes, we

must sell our property and leave our friends and family. We must come out from among them and be separate. We

have become separate from the church and now we must separate from England.

William Bradford: (Worriedly) I have no funds. I am only seventeen and will not come into my inheritance for four

more years. How will I go with you?

William Brewster: With us that have means. It’s an adventure most desperate. William, you can live with my family.

John Robinson: It is time to embrace a new land, a new language, a new living. (Shaking his head) We know not how,

but we must be free to worship.

Pastor Richard Clyfton: (With assurance) We will rest in the providence of God. Colossians 1:28 says, “That we may

present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” This is the reason we must go.

William Brewster: (To the others) Tell those willing to sell their landholdings as quickly and as quietly as possible. Let

them know we are making arrangements to leave England. Hopefully, we will find a Captain to take us to Amsterdam

for a fair price. I have some connections from my years in Holland with Ambassador Sir William Davidson. I will see

what I can do.

John Robinson: We must stay in inns separately and await a ship to be ready.

Pastor Clyfton: (Confidently) Salvation is by faith. God will deliver us from this tyrannical power! We will find freedom

in Holland.

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Scene IV Attempts

Narrator: The group sold their property and waited in separate inns for several days. Finally the ship put into harbor.

When they were all gathered on board and had paid for their passage, the Captain betrayed them to the magistrates.

All the separatists on board including William Bradford were humiliated before a crowd. They were dragged before the

magistrates of Boston, England and imprisoned for a month then sent back home. William Brewster, Pastor Clyfton,

John Robinson, and four others were kept for trial, but were eventually released. Many lost everything and had no

homes to return to. Some gave up trying to escape England and its tyranny. Their second attempt to leave England

proved only successful for some of the men when the group tried to depart from Grimsby Common at the mouth of the

Humber River. Those captured were released and sent back home. It is 1608.

Home of William Brewster (Lights on Home Stage)

Mary Brewster: Come in, come in, Pastor Robinson. Welcome Mrs. Robinson. Pastor Clyfton, come in.

William Brewster: Thanks for coming. We have much to discuss. How are you my friends? Where have you been

staying?

Mrs. Robinson: Neighbors have kindly taken us in.

Pastor Clyfton: Our family is at my wife’s parents. They are not happy with us, but are letting us stay.

Mrs. Robinson: Dear, dear. If only some of us women had not gotten seasick going down the Humber River to the ship.

We might have made it onto the ship with the men, but we put ashore and got stranded by the tide. (Sighing) Once

again we are penniless, and they have taken all our belongings. I should be thankful they released the men.

Mary Brewster: (Wagging her head) I shall never forget the sight of all those militia bearing down on us with pikes and

guns.

William Bradford: (Cringing & shuddering) I will never forget the women’s tears and seeing the children clinging and

crying from fear to their mothers and quaking with cold. (Shaking his head and looking at the men) I am glad we stayed

to help the women and children. I know the rest of the men ran off in fear for their lives, but I just couldn’t.

Pastor Robinson: Yes. God protected us. You are a brave young man. Mr. Brewster, have you had any word yet from

the men on the ship? Did they make it to Amsterdam?

William Brewster: I received word this morning. As you know the men only had what was on their backs and little in

their pockets…and they are without their families. It was a terrible trip for them. They were caught in a storm and

blown off course clear to Norway. The two day trip took fourteen days. They didn’t see the sun, moon, or stars for

seven days. Even the mariners despaired for their own lives.

Mary Brewster: The men prayed continually even when their mouths were full of water. One wave caught their ship

and turned it completely onto its side. But the hand of God saved them once again and brought the ship back upright.

Why, it is a wonder that no men were lost! The ship was finally brought safely to Amsterdam.

Mrs. Robinson: I am so relieved they are safe. God’s providence once again saved the women and children from such a

trip. We might have lost children at sea. Think of it! What we saw as a curse was really a blessing. We must trust in the

providence of God.

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Pastor John Robinson: Yes. And the witness to our faith has brought much fruit. Though we lost some members from

the hardship, our members are increasing.

Pastor Richard Clifton: It is exciting how they flock to us because of the way we have stood through persecution. We

must be faithful.

William Bradford: It is true! And the newcomers have fresh courage and inspire others.

William Brewster: But, we must use a new strategy. We are watched much more closely. We must go in pairs and small

groups to Amsterdam to avoid notice. We will all get to be in Holland soon. I, in fact, must go immediately… secretly.

Mary Brewster: Yes, he has received orders to appear before the Archbishop of York. That can only mean one thing--

imprisonment, or worse. Only God can save us. (Looks worriedly at her husband)

Mrs. Robinson: We must be leaving and get back to our children. We must trust in the providence of God.

Pastor Robinson: “I will save my people from the east country and from the west country, and they shall be my people,

and I will be their God, in truth and In righteousness.” Numbers 8:7

Pastor Clyfton: God will save us. Keep us informed. Praise God! We will soon be in the Promised Land.

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Act II Exiles

Scene I Netherlands

Narrator: King James the First was now own the throne and decided it was best to let the separatists go out of England.

Stories of the separatist’s persecution only increased their numbers. He wanted to be rid of them. But, on arrival in

Amsterdam, William Bradford was accused of being a fugitive from English justice, but it was quickly righted. Thirty

years earlier a Dutch law declared freedom of religion in Holland to break from popery. They granted William Bradford

that freedom. Finally the Scooby Manor group was in Amsterdam, a city of 240,000 people, a city of narrow lanes,

interlocking canals, and an uncouth language. The Brewster’s, Clyfton’s, and Robinson’s each brought their three

children with them. To simply survive they had to take the lowest paid, unskilled positions. They saw and knew the

grime of poverty. Nine months later, because of doctrinal disagreements with other separatist groups already in

Amsterdam, some of the Scooby group decided to move southwest to Leyden, a city of 40,000, a city of weavers. Pastor

Clyfton stayed in Amsterdam with part of the congregation. John Robinson became the pastor in Leyden. William lived

with the Brewster’s. It is 1609.

Home of William Brewster in Leyden (Lights on the Home Stage)

William Bradford: (Cheerfully) Good evening. Supper sure smells delicious. How is little Patience?

Mary Brewster: (Sadly) She is weaker every day. This is a dark, damp unhealthful place to live. The lane is only five feet wide and we rarely see the sun because the houses are so tall and close. Infection and fumes are everywhere. Patience needs better food, sunshine, and air. (In despair) Our children are dying here! We must do something!

William Brewster: Yes, we must! William, how was your work today at the corduroy factory?

William Bradford: Fine. They like my work and they are increasing my wages.

William Brewster: I am thankful the burgomiester brushed aside King James’ protest that we are all English fugitives

and should be sent back to England.

William Bradford: For that we can be thankful. (Knock on the door)

William Brewster: King James only wishes to worry and torture us. (Knock on the door) Come in, come in.

Pastor John Robinson: Good evening.

William Brewster: Good evening. Come in. We were just discussing the burgomeister’s ruling to allow us to remain in

Leyden. Once again God has been gracious unto us, his people in exile.

Pastor John Robinson: We have much for which to be thankful.

William Bradford: True. I am anxious to tell you my news. Perhaps it will be a blessing to our whole congregation.

Perhaps it will be a blessing to Patience. As you know I have been negotiating the sale of my property in England since I

turned twenty-one. The transaction is finished. I have found a large old house for sale facing the south of Pieterskerk

Cathedral. We could use it as a meeting house. Pastor Robinson, your family could live upstairs. It has a very large

garden in the back. It will mean a five-hundred-guilder mortgage for three years, but I think we can do it. I have been

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eyeing it for some time. There is enough space to build thirty small homes for our congregation in the garden area. We

have so many that are in destitute circumstances.

Mary Brewster: William, you are a generous young man. I know the place. It is indeed a blessing from the Lord. How

can we ever thank you?

William Bradford: (Sincerely) Mary, You have already repaid me ten-fold. You both have been the parents I never had.

Pastor Robinson: Praise God. We will have a real meeting house. Our congregation is increasing and we need it badly.

We have a wonderful congregation living in peace, love, and holiness. The spirit of God is truly with us.

William Bradford: It is a sweet and delightful society that takes care of each other’s needs.

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Scene II Keeping the Vision

Narrator: On March 30, 1612 William Bradford became a citizen of Leyden and a member of a guild. He spoke fluent

Dutch. He used the last part of his money to purchase a house on the Achtergracht Canal close to the University of

Leyden and bought a loom to begin his own business. In 1614 William sent for Dorothy May, a girl he thought was too

young to marry when he was in Amsterdam. They were married in a civil ceremony. Their son John was born in 1617. It

is 1619.

Home of William and Dority Bradford (Lights on the Home Stage)

William Bradford: Come in, Mary. I am glad it is just you. (Motioning for William Brewster to join them) We must be so

careful.

Mary Brewster: (Nervously) I must not stay long. I am fearful the authorities will come. (Wringing her hands)

(Speaking to her husband) They have identified your type. They know you published the Perth Assembly paper. This is

not good, you living in hiding for months, house to house. I must not stay or they will know you are here. (Putting her

cloak on to leave) I brought you some things. (Handing him a paper parcel) Promise me you will be careful.

William Brewster: (Soothingly) Now do not be concerned, my dear Mary. Perhaps it was foolish of me to publish an

attack on King James for forcing the Scottish Presbyterians to accept the rule of the English bishops. But the scholar in

me forces me to write and we must publish truth. God has always watched over me. We can trust his mercy and

providence. (Sees Mary to the door)

William Bradford: Pastor Robinson, what are we to do? He cannot live in hiding forever.

Pastor John Robinson: I have been praying about it. Parents are complaining. The youth in our congregation are taking

on the ways of the Dutch and not keeping the Sabbath. They want the Sabbath to be a holiday. They are departing from

the ways of their parents and are on a dangerous course. Part of our congregation has returned to England because of

the hardships of exile here.

William Brewster: This is a serious thing. Our congregation is very poor, so poor the children are forced into work to

put food on the table. I am grieved about the loss of their education. Their bodies are growing old before their time.

They need to be in school.

William Bradford: The ten year truce the Dutch have with Spain is almost up, as well. If Spain wins a war with the

Dutch, the Inquisition would be upon us and our religious freedom would be finished.

Pastor John Robinson: If we are going to keep our vision alive, perhaps it is time to continue our pilgrimage.

William Brewster: Captain John Smith is writing about a place in America. He writes it is much like England. It has fish

and furs, harbors and fertile land. We could begin in a new land and form our own congregation there.

Mary Brewster: (Turning to Dority) …and health for our children.

Dority Bradford: (Fearfully) But, what about our safety? I have heard it is a savage land and many die there.

William Bradford: All great and honorable actions come with great difficulty and sacrifice. We must act and overcome

with courage.

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Dority Bradford: (Sadly) I am afraid I don’t have your courage.

William Bradford: All courage is from God.

Pastor John Robinson: Now, Dority, God will give us all courage. We will talk to the congregation. We will call a day of

humiliation and seek the Lord for His direction.

William Brewster: It is a good purpose and God will bless it even should we lose our lives.

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Scene III Departure

Narrator: The Leyden group decided some would go to the new world. They decided to go to Virginia and form a colony

apart from the Jamestown Colony. They selected John Carver, a merchant, and Robert Cushman, a deacon, to go to

England to secure a patent from James I. They hoped they could gain financial backing from the London Company that

financed the Jamestown Colony. The company jumped at the chance. The sticking point was that the Separatists

insisted upon a statement from the king that would ensure their religious freedom in the new land. King James backed

down and wanted a meeting to settle their religious differences. Knowing what the consequences were sure to be, they

decided against it.

A new offer came from the New Netherlands Company: Free transportation, cattle, and religious freedom if they would

settle in a Dutch colony but, they would still be under the worldly influence of the Dutch.

And then Mr. Thomas Weston and Mr. Martin from a new company in London the “Merchant Adventurers” made them

a proposal to colonize and plant religion. Negotiations were long and hard. There had been a failed attempt to establish

a colony on the Kennebec River in 1607 and none since. The Leyden group chose to sign an agreement with the

Merchant Adventurers that had a patent for the northern part of Virginia on the Hudson River. They would pay 10

pounds each, purchase their own provisions, and labor for seven years in the colony to repay their debt to the Merchant

Adventurers.

The Leyden group selected William Brewster as the elder to lead the group and decided to send young men and families

to begin the colony. Pastor Robinson remained to pastor the Leyden congregation and kept William and Dority

Bradford’s son John for fear of the hardships involved in a new land. The Separatists sold their homes and purchased a

small 60 ton ship the Speedwell to take them to England to meet up with the main ship, the Mayflower, a 180 ton ship.

The Speedwell was to go to America and remain there for fishing. It is July 22, 1620, Delftshaven, Holland.

Delftshaven, Speedwell (Lights on the land and Speedwell)

(A gathering of: William and Dority Bradford, Pastor and Mrs. Robinson, William and Mary Brewster, John Howland,

Samuel Fuller, Edward Winslow, Katherine Carver)

Pastor Robinson: (Quoting from Scripture) “And there at the river, by Ahava, I proclaimed a fast, that we might humble

ourselves before our God, and seek of him a right way for us, and for our children, and for all our substance.” Ezra 18:21

The time has come for us to separate. (They all begin to sing: Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal, Page 506, A Mighty

Fortress is our God)

A Mighty Fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing; Our helper He, amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing. For still our

ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great; And armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his

equal.

And though this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us, Were not the right man on our side, We will not

fear for God has willed, His truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim, We tremble not for him; His rage

we can endure, For lo! His doom is sure, One little word shall fell him.

Pastor Robinson: (Quoting Scripture) “But now they desire a better country, that is a heavenly: wherefore God is not

ashamed to be called their God: for He hath prepared for them a city.” Hebrews 11:16

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Should we not meet again on any fair shore, God has prepared a better place that we may all be together again. “He will

cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust; his truth shall be thy shield and buckler... For he shall

give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways...” Remember God bids us to “call upon me, and I will

answer.” Psalm 91:4, 11, 15.

William Brewster: Pastor you have led us well. We will be faithful to our Saviour.

John Robinson: I know you will continue to lead them, William. Here is a letter for you to read when you are all

together sailing for the new land from England. (Giving a letter to William Brewster) Make sure the Merchant

Adventurers stick to our agreement, financial and otherwise.

William Brewster: As soon as I meet up with John Carver and Robert Cushman, we will assess the provisions and resolve

financial differences. Thomas Weston is not the honest man we thought. It is my hope that Robert has not made

concessions we are unable to keep.

William Bradford: Come to us with our son as soon as you can.

Dority Bradford: (Weeping openly) I cannot bear to be separated from Johnny.

William Bradford: Now Dority, you know this is for the best. Johnny is barely three years old and not strong yet. We

will establish a safe home for him. He will be well here. God willing, we will be together soon.

Dority Bradford: I know, I know, but my heart breaks. My faith is weak. (Puts her face in her hands)

Mrs. Robinson: Dority, we will love John as our own. We will bring him as soon as ‘tis wise.

Mary Brewster: (Putting her arm around Dority) Come Dority, (Patting her back) There, there. ‘Tis for the best.

Dority: (Sobbing)

Katherine Carver: I am sad to depart, but I am anxious to meet John in England.

William Bradford: We hate to depart. We have many friends here and it has been twelve years of peace.

William Brewster: (Wiping his eyes) We must be off, the tide will not permit us to stay any longer.

All: (Fall to their knees)

Pastor John Robinson: (Earnest prayer and quoting Scripture) Father in Heaven, you have said in Scripture, “Because

thou has made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation: There shall no evil befall thee, neither

shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For, he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.ii”

Father in heaven we commend these, thy servants, into your keeping. We trust to your providence. Amen.

All: (Rising and wiping tears they board the Speedwell) (Waving and saying goodbye)

Pastor and Mrs Robinson: (Rise, but remain on shore. They return to their knees after all are on board kneeling and

praying with hands uplifted) (Lips move)

All: (Those on board sing while wiping their eyes.) … “Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also; The body they may

kill; God’s truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever.” (Lights off)

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Scene IV Troubles

Narrator: The Speedwell met up with the Mayflower in Southampton, England. The separatists were charged 100

pounds per person instead of ten and had to sell provisions to pay. They mainly sold their butter. It was here the

Separatists met up with the Strangers, people chosen by Thomas Weston for their skills for the new colony: Tanners,

weavers, shopkeepers, coopers, soldier. On August 5, 1620 they set out to sea, but three hundred miles out to sea the

Speedwell was not seaworthy and they turned back to England. Another attempt was made, but the captain of the

Speedwell deemed the ship unseaworthy and they turned back once again. This time twenty people remained in

England. Some remained for seasickness, others because of the well-being of their children, some for the lateness of

season, and fear. It was September 6, 1620 when the Mayflower lost sight of Ole England. So it was that 102 souls

crowded together onto the Mayflower with fewer provisions. They set out for the New World with Captain Christopher

Jones and his crew of thirty men. The Captain of the Speedwell later confessed he had cunningly and deceitfully over-

masted and pressed his ship with much sail so he would not need to make the trip and be forced to stay the year of his

contract in the new world.

Mayflower (Lights on the Ship) (Brewsters, Bradfords, Winslow, Fuller)

William Brewster: Like Gideon’s army, we have been divided; our Lord through his providence has shown us the need

for fewer to do His great work. It is time we read together the letter from Pastor Robinson. (Takes out the letter, opens

it, and begins reading.) (These are the main points from John Robinson’s letter) Loving and Christian Friends,

You are in my thought sand affection, though I cannot be with you. It is my duty to give you advice in love.

First, daily renew your repentance with God, particularly for known sins, and then for the unknown. The Lord calls us to

reformation.

Next, after being at peace with God and your conscience, as far as possible be at peace with all men, especially your

associates, for as the Scripture says the work of grace is not true in that person who wants charity to cover offenses.

Then, many are strangers and may not act the way God would have them. Be careful to behave like Christians to them.

A fourth thing to be careful of, provide for the general good avoiding as a deadly plague your own common and special

comforts. Do not esteem one person above another.

Lastly, when you become a political body, let your wisdom and godliness help you to choose virtuous men as leaders

that will love and promote the common good. Also, give them honor and obedience in their lawful administrations.

These few words I commend unto your care and conscience with my daily prayers.

I truly wish you success in this hopeful voyage.

Pastor John Robinson (All reverently nod their heads)

William Bradford: We shall miss Pastor Robinson’s counsel, but God is with us. (All nod their heads again) First Peter

12:11 says, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and Pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the

soul.”

William Brewster: We will now pray and ask our Father’s watch care. (Lights off)

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Scene V Voyage

Narrator: The winds blew the Mayflower out to sea. The passengers lived below, between the cargo stored in the

bottom hold and the ship’s main deck. The ‘tween deck was only five feet in height and was not large enough to sleep

all 102 passengers at once. Needless to say, there was hardly any privacy. The passenger’s meals were mostly cold

biscuits and salt beef. It would be a long voyage as the ship only averaged two miles per hour. Halfway across their

passage, storms of the equinox confined them much of the time below deck. The passengers became seasick even

before the storms and the trip took twice as long as planned.

Mayflower (Lights on the Ship)

Sailor Joe: (Singing and Dancing around) Dumping them into the sea, Oh, Dumping them into the sea, Oh, how fun it

will be to dump them into the sea. (Repeat)

Priscilla Mullens: (Leaning over the side of the boat retching) Joe, please stop. ‘Tis wretched business this seasickness.

Haven’t you ever been sick?

Sailor Joe: I have me sea legs. (Dancing around) Me thinks your food is getting separated from you. Ha. Ha.

Separated! It will be my pleasure to dump the whole lot of you into the sea. ‘Tis no more than King James should have

done with the lot of ya.

Priscilla Mullens: I am not a Separatist. Have mercy on us.

Sailor Joe: Better be asking your God to have mercy on ya. I’ll be having a merry time with your belongings. I could use

me some new duds. (Tugging his ragged shirt)

Priscilla Mullens: I shall pray that God will have mercy on your soul!

Sailor Joe: Where is your God? You think you are better than the rest of us. I worship the God of King James. You don’t

see me sick, now do you! (Goes off singing the same song) (The ship’s cooper John Alden comes on deck)

John Alden: Joe, leave Priscilla alone, get! (Takes his hat and motions him to leave) Say, Priscilla, if he should bother

you again, you just call for me. I’ll take care of Joe and knock a little sense into him. (Winks at Priscilla) (Priscilla blushes

and turns away)

(Dr. Samuel Fuller and William Bradford come on deck) (John Alden leaves)

William Bradford: I heard Joe was bothering you. I will go and have a talk with him. We must show patience and

forbearance. I will see what I can do to help him show a little kindness. The ship has probably been his up-bringing.

(William Leaves)

Dr. Samuel Fuller: (to Priscilla) William has become quite a peacemaker. He has helped resolve many disputes since

we’ve been cooped up together. He has also helped the sailors keep peace with each other.

Priscilla Mullens: I noticed that as well. Dr. Fuller, isn’t there anything more you can do for us? I am afraid some will

die from this seasickness.

17

Dr. Samuel Fuller: I know some are very weak, but I think once the sea is calm and more are able to come up on deck,

they will get well. The fresh sea air is good for them. My concern is about the length of this voyage and other illness.

Priscilla Mullens: I am also very concerned about Dority. I think it is more than seasickness. Why, she is either crying or

looking so sad it breaks my heart. She has an awful faraway look I have never seen before. She just stares out and I

have even heard her cry out for Johnny in the night. I am afraid for her mind.

Dr. Samuel Fuller: Yes, I have the same concern. William is doing all he can for her. He wonders if they have done the

right thing in leaving their Johnny. I think they have for the conditions we are in and will be in for some time, though the

children seem to be faring better than the adults.

Priscilla Mullens: Dority has talked to me and she is without hope. She senses she will never see Johnny again. She is

also afraid of the wild beasts and wild men we will meet on land.

Dr. Samuel Fuller: She is a very fearful young woman. We all have concerns about landing as well. We must all place

our trust in God. You look like you are feeling better.

Priscilla Mullens: Yes. I am beginning to get my sea legs. (Laughs) I don’t think Joe will have my belongings right away.

Dr. Samuel Fuller: (Laughs) Good Girl. I hear John Alden may stay in the colony with us.

(Just then they hear a splash and turn around to see John Howland falling overboard)

John Howland: (Leaning over the ship rail falls into the sea but catches onto a lanyard. Captain Christopher Jones and

John Alden rush out and pull in the rope hauling him in.)

Captain Christopher Jones: He caught a lanyard! …….What are you doing, mate? Are you trying to swim back to jolly

England?

John Howland: (Spewing water from his mouth and sputtering.) Praise God. Praise God.

Dr. Samuel Fuller: John we must get you below and out of those wet clothes before you catch your death of cold.

John Howland: I am none the worse. Perhaps God’s providence saw fit to give me a bath. Maybe it will take away my

seasickness. (Laughing) (They laugh)

Captain Christopher Jones: Haven’t we had enough excitement for one day. The men and I have just finished fixing the

main beam that cracked in that last storm. Thankful we are that you folks were carrying a great iron screw that could

sure up that beam. It should get us to land and we can hew us a new beam. With a little caulking we will be fit, tight,

and seaworthy again. (Loud Boom)

Captain Christopher Jones: Now what?

William Bradford: (Coming in) That was John Billington. That lad is going to be the death of himself and the rest of us.

He fired a musket below and nearly exploded a keg of powder.

(Off stage John Billington, screaming and hollering) Ow! Ow! Ah! Nooooo!

William Bradford: (Laughing) I think that would be his father giving him some instruction.

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Captain Christopher Jones: (Scratching his head) I thought I just said we have had enough excitement for one day.

Someone better get that lad under control before he kills us all.

(Joe stumbles onto deck groaning and sick)

Priscilla Mullens: Runs below and returns with a blanket for him to lie on.

Sailor Joe: Thank you. I am not deserving of your kindness.

Priscilla Mullens: ‘Tis no more than our Lord would do for you. He cared for the sick, you know.

Dr. Samuel Fuller: I will see what I have that could make him comfortable.

Sailor Joe: ‘Tis no use. I am going to die.

Dr. Samuel Fuller: Now lad, I am sure you have many more years to sail the seas, but I am in hopes you will be kinder to

your passengers even if they are Separatists and Strangers.

Sailor Joe: Do you think God will pardon me?

Dr. Samuel Fuller: Yes, lad, I am sure of it. We have only to ask. He longs to forgive a repentant soul.

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Scene VI Arrival

Narrator: The passengers cared for Joe day and night, but the sickness he had was not sea sickness and it was Joe that

was cast into the sea. After Joe was thrown into the sea, the rest of the sailors were much kinder to their cargo of

separatists and strangers. All wondered if it was justice.

They sailed for sixty-six days and nights and on Friday, November 10, 1620, land was sighted. Master Christopher Jones

confirmed their location from his charts: Truro on Cape Cod, New England. Not the land they had a patent for, but land

none the less. They turned south, to get to the Hudson, but at an area called Tucker’s terror they fell amongst

dangerous shoals and roaring breakers. They were in such danger they turned back and went north around the Cape.

Ship (Lights on the Ship)

Dority: (Looking sad)

William Bradford: Now that we are in a good harbor, everyone is praising and thanking God.

William Brewster: God be praised. It will take the men a week to put the shallop boat back together as it is in four

parts. It took a mighty beating in the hold during those storms. We will be meeting in a few minutes to make decisions

regarding our future. I have been working on writing the document we have discussed. (Katherine Carver, John Carver,

Standish, Winslow, and Fuller enter)

John Carver: Is the document ready, William?

William Brewster: Right here. Why don’t you read it aloud before we all sign it?

John Carver: (Reading from the Old English document) “In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten,

the loyal subjects of our dread soveraigne Lord, King James… Having undertaken, for the Glory of God and advancement

of the Christian Faith and Honor of our King and Country …do by these present solemnly & mutually in the presence of

God, and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civill body politick… and by virtue hearof to

enacte, constitute, and frame such just & equall laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, & offices, from time to time, as

shall be thought most meete & convenient for the generall good of the Colonie, unto which we promise all due

submission and obedience.iii” (They sign the document)

William Brewster: Now we need to choose our Governor. I know this isn’t usual for a group to choose a Governor, but

we are in unusual circumstances.

William Bradford: I believe we would have a just, wise, and patient man in John Carver. We have in our group: elders,

merchants, tradesmen, and servants. He treats all as equals no matter their station in life or their religious persuasion.

William Brewster: A grand choice. (Nods all around) The people have spoken. Will you take this office at the will of the

people, John?

John Carver: With God granting me wisdom and with your support.

Samuel Fuller: He never lets us down.

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John Carver: As soon as the shallop is ready, we need to explore and find a suitable location for the colony. It is already

winter and Master Christopher Jones needs to return his ship to England.

Miles, will you and William form a group of young men willing to explore? We must find a suitable place to live.

Miles: As soon as the shallop is ready and we have the men.

William Bradford: I will help Miles in every way I can.

Dority: (to William, distraught) Must you be the one to go? What if you meet up with the wild men? What if a beast is

lurking?

William Bradford: Now, Dority, you must realize we are all going to be on land soon. We must find a place to live. The

ship must return. And it is winter; we must build homes to get the women and the children off this ship. The hold is an

unhealthy place to live and there is no privacy.

Dority: (Turns away crying) Yes, William. ‘Tis right.

William Bradford: We will be careful. God goes with us. His providence has brought us to this place.

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Scene VII Fears

Narrator: For weeks the men searched for a suitable location to establish a colony. Finding a place with fresh water, a

place suitable to grow food, and a safe harbor was a monumental task. It was now mid-December, 1620.

Mayflower (Lights on the ship)

Katherine Carver: I am anxious for the men to return. John will be relieved when they return.

Mary Brewster: He is bearing a lot of responsibility with winter on us.

Katherine Carver: It is very important that we find a place to build.

Priscilla Mullens: (Shivering) It is very cold. I am worried about poor Dority.

Mary Brewster: I know. I am as well. What a pity. I sympathize as we left our daughters Fear and Patience. It is very

difficult, but I would rather we are settled before they come.

Priscilla Mullens: She continues to grieve for her son...

Katherine Carver: …and worry about William out exploring. Perhaps, he should have stayed on ship this exploration.

Mary Brewster: It doesn’t help that every time the men come back to the ship they tell such tales.

Priscilla Mullens: Yes! Imagine! It seems there is evidence that just a few years ago a plague killed many Indians. Have

we come to a place of the dead?

Mary Brewster: …and they had a skirmish with some Indians this last time out.

Katherine Carver: Did you hear they found the body of a man with blond hair buried with his little son? Think of it!

Priscilla Mullens: (thoughtfully) …and that is what put Dority on edge even more. She fears that the wild men will kill

us.

Mary Brewster: (Cheerfully) It is a good sign that they have found food. I tasted some corn and beans.

Katherine Carver: The food is really quite good.

Priscilla Mullens: …and the food from the sea was delicious. It is just what we need.

Mary Brewster: When William returns, I am going to tease him about the deer trap he stepped in. Imagine. It pulled

him upside down just hanging there in the air from a tree. I would have liked to have been there. (Laughing)

Priscilla Mullens: (Laughing) Good idea, I can’t wait to see his face. (The three women leave)

Dority Bradford: (Sneaking on top deck, she sits with very far away staring look of sadness) (She rises and looks furtively

around) (She disappears behind and you hear a big splash) (Silence for a minute)

Master Christopher Jones: (Calls from off stage) Over board! Man, Overboard! (Splashes and scuffling) (He carries

her limp wet body on top deck)

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Mary Brewster: (Mary Brewster, Katherine Carver, and Priscilla rush back on deck) What happened?

Priscilla Mullens: Oh, no! Its Dority! Is she all right? Dority, oh, Dority!

Master Christopher Jones: I am afraid not. (They cover Dority)

(Looks up) (Wind blows) We must get below. A storm is coming.

Katherine Carver: Poor William. He will be heartbroken. He loved Dority so much.

All: (Leave stage)

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Scene VIII Exploration

Narrator: The men were having their own difficulties exploring.

Clarks Island (Lights on the Land)

(With dim light) (fire light)

Miles Standish: I am glad we were able to land this skiff. What a storm!

William Bradford: I thought we were going to be blown out and lost at sea! God’s hand has plucked us from the sea.

Miles Standish: I thought for sure we were going to capsize and drown.

William Bradford: But when the mast snapped off. .. (Shakes his head) I can hardly believe we were able to save the sail

and line. Tomorrow we will make a new mast and we can be on our way again. What a day.

John Howland: I hope we don’t hear any more Indians tonight. Hopefully they won’t be out on a night like this.

William Bradford: Their wolf howls last night were very unsettling.

Miles Standish: We’ll set a guard again tonight.

William Bradford: I am glad no one was hurt in that skirmish today. There must have been thirty Indians. I didn’t think

we would make it to the skiff to get our weapons so many arrows were flying at us. That one was so bold and fired

arrow after arrow at us. He must have had four arrows in the air at the same time.

Miles Standish: They are fast all right. I sent a charge very near that one and it finally scared them all off.

William Bradford: We need to make friends with them not enemies, but how? (Shakes his head)

Miles Standish: They need to see that we are strong and not afraid of them. That will make better friends. Let’s build a

fire to warm and dry us. Then we need to get some sleep. That will put some heart into us.

John Howland: I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

William Bradford: Tonight let us just thank God for the mercies of our twice deliverance, once on land and once at sea.

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Act III New Plimoth

Scene I Founded

Narrator: In the morning the explorers found that they were on an island and named it Clark’s Island after the first man

ashore. They cleaned their muskets and dried their supplies and prepared for the Sabbath. On Monday, December 11,

1620, they went ashore on the mainland to find: a good harbor that could accommodate ships one mile from shore, a

brook with fish, and land that had been cleared for crops four years earlier and then deserted. After six difficult weeks,

they had found a place of habitation. They returned to the ship and William learned of his wife’s drowning and skeptic

conclusions. He called her his dearest consort. He wrote: “Faint not, poor soul, in God still trust. Fear not the things

thou suffer must; for whom he loves he doth chastise, and then all tears wipe from their eyes.” He dried his tears and

went about working for the good of the colony and never mentioned Dority again. After the ship mourned Dority for

three days, they returned to the place that John Smith had named “New Plimoth” in the year 1614. It is now December

1620.

New Plimoth (Lights on Land)

(Group walks onto the land, men and women: John Winslow, William and Mary Brewser, William Bradford, Dr. Samuel

Fuller, Miles Standish, Priscilla Mullens, Susanna White holding baby)

All kneel and bow their heads (William Brewster lifts his folded hands and looks heavenward as he prays)

William Brewster: Blessed be the name of the Lord. Father to you we give thanks this day, December 14, 1620, for your

tender mercies toward us. Thank you for bringing us safely over the vast and furious sea. Thank you for providing a land

in which we can worship you according to the Scriptures. Thank you for providing a land that has been prepared and

ready for us to plant. I pray that you will bless this land and may it be fruitful to us, your people. Amen. (All rise)

All Sing: We gather to Gather (Seventh-day Adventist Hymn Book, Page 8) (Netherland Folk Hymn)

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing; He chastens and hastens His will to make known; The wicked oppressing

now cease from distressing, Sing praises to His name; He forgets not His own.

We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant, And pray that Thou still our Defender wilt be. Let Thy congregation

escape tribulation; Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

William Brewster: We have much to be thankful for. Only one died on the voyage and (looking at William Bradford) one

here. And then we had the birth of Susanna White’s baby. Now we must look to the future and plot out the village with

road and 19 lots, a common house, and storage house. We will build the common house first and then prepared homes

for the people, but we must also secure the colony from attack.

John Carver: Men, we will remain here and begin again in earnest to build the common house. Alden and Winslow will

take the women back to the ship in the Shallop. Bradford will fell timber and Brewster, you, and I can saw; Samuel you

can hew; the rest can carry and set in place.

(Women leave)

(Men remain) (Lights on Land Stage off)

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Scene II Death

Narrator: Not much was accomplished that day. A cold wind and rain set in so the men were unable to get back to the

ship. They suffered from wet and cold for three day before they could get back to the ship to recuperate. On Christmas

day the real work began, but the long voyage, poor ventilation, lack of proper food, cold, and wet brought disease to the

Pilgrims, scurvy, pneumonia, and tuberculosis began to take its toll on the pilgrims. The men became sick from cold and

wet on the sea and land and the women from living in the hold of the ship where disease spread. Few were exempt in

January & February of 1621.

Mayflower (Lights on the Ship)

John Carver: Master Jones, we came to get some medicine Samuel had on board the Mayflower. We are losing two or

three people to sickness each day. We have so many people sick in the Common House that there is hardly room to

walk.

Dr. Samuel Fuller: I don’t know what we would do without William Brewster and Miles Standish. They are nursing the

sick and cooking food for them, and even washing the clothes and bedding. (Amazed) They do it cheerfully and willingly.

John Carver: It seems the Lord has kept sickness and lameness away from those two men. We are burying the dead in

the night as we do not want the Indians to know how many of us have died. We dare not show signs of weakness.

Master Christopher Jones: I know my men have been making fun of you again and refused to give you any help with the

sick, but now they are sick and dying.

John Carver: What can we do to help you, Master Jones? You have kept the ship here for our benefit until we can get

shelter made.

Master Christopher Jones: It can’t be helped. I wanted to be on our way months ago, but I needed to make sure you

were settled on land since I failed to get you to Virginia.

John Carver: Well, we really appreciate it. You have certainly been fair to us, more so than Thomas Weston and Mr.

Martin were on leaving England. They insulted us, flew away with our money and food, and then said we were

unthankful and mutinous. (Shaking his head) Robert Cushman and I did our best with those capitalist thieves.

Master Christopher Jones: An honest lot they are not. They will be very unhappy with me. I should be bringing back a

shipload of lumber and fish! I can’t leave until the crew is well enough to get the ship back to England!

John Carver: Store up patience for such men that do not honor man nor God. We must rest in God’s providence.

Master Christopher Jones: My men let each other die like dogs. You folks help each other and the sailors like true

Christians, though the sailors have continued to abuse you.

John Carver: It is what our Master taught us to do. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.iv”

Master Christopher Jones: Well, whatever I have on the ship to help you is at your disposal. My own cook died this

morning. I have now lost my cook, boatswain, gunner, three quartermasters and a dozen sailors… and my cooper, John

Alden, says he is staying in Plimoth. I think he is sweet on Priscilla Mullens. I am afraid I will be returning with only half

the sailors. We will be limping back to England. By the way, how is William Bradford?

26

John Carver: He came in out of the fields very sick and lame. You know he went on all three explorations and has been

building in wet and cold for weeks, but I believe he is going to pull through. We have lost 19 out of the 29 single men, 13

out of the 18 wives, nine of the husbands, but thank God only 3 out of the 20 children. Three of the four orphans we

brought died. Can you imagine, a man sending four children away on a ship because of an unfaithful wife? They

probably died of a broken heart. (Looking heavenward) God have mercy on us all. Spring can’t come soon enough for

me.

Master Christopher Jones: (Takes off his cap and bows his head)

(Lights off the ship)

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Scene III Visitor

Narrator: All this while Indians had skulked about showing themselves from afar. Once they stole tools from where the

men had been working. March 1621 came and with it a surprising visitor.

Common House (Lights on Home and Land)

Samoset: (Boldly strides through the colony, speaks to John Winslow and others) Welcome Englishmen! (They are

astonished) (Samoset knocks on the Governor’s Door)

Gov. John Carver: (Opens the door and is astonished. He doesn’t know whether to welcome him or grab his gun.)

(Stammers) Welcome! Come in. (Gestures)

Samoset: (Nods) My name Samoset. (Pointing) I from north and east. I am Algonkian.

Gov. John Carver: Carver, John Carver. (Shake hands) How did you learn to speak English? (points to tongue)

Samoset: English ships come, fish. I got language from Harlow, Brown, and Demers.

Gov. John Carver: Come, sit down. (Both sit) What can you tell us about the Indians in our area?

Samoset: Many Indians here in past. All die. No Indians will live here now! Four year ago they die, Pawtuxet. It mean

“At the Little Falls.” All die here.

William Bradford: How did they die?

Samoset: They die of big sores.

Gov. John Carver: Really! Small Pox? The whole tribe?

Samoset: (Nodding) Many thousand die.

Gov. John Carver: (Incredulously) All?

Samoset: There is one. Tisquantum, they call him Squanto. He stolen by bad man, Thomas Hunt. Sell him to Spain.

Live in monastery. They teach him about your God. They free him and he go England, sneak on Demer’s ship, come to

own people. He gone only two years, but all his people dead. Sad. He have no people.

Gov. John Carver: We want to meet him.

Samoset: I send him you.

William Bradford: Tell us about the tribes living near us. Who are we seeing skalking in the woods?

Samoset: No live near. You see Wanpanoags. They live south and west. Chief Massasoit was great chief. Twelve

thousand Wanpanoags die. Few hundred braves now.

William Bradford: How terrible. The same thing? Smallpox?

Samoset: (nods) Now weak tribe. They afraid of Massachusett and Nauset. They allies with the Narragansett and

Pokanoket. I stay here.

28

Gov. John Carver: I am glad we can be friends. You are welcome in our village.

29

Scene IV Treaty

Narrator: They talked into the night and sent Samoset away the next morning with gifts. He returned about five days

later with five local Indians that returned all the stolen tools. Samoset wanted to trade, but being the Sabbath the

Pilgrims asked him to return another day. Samoset brought word that Chief Massasoit was planning a visit.

Common House (Lights on House)

John Billington: (Running into the house) The Indians are here! The Indians are here! You gotta come see.

Susanna White: John Billington, quiet down this minute. Mind the baby is sleeping. Samoset?

John Billington: Yes. Chief Massasoit is here with Squanto, Hobomok and 60 others. They are across the brook. They

are all painted up. You gotta see them. Mr. Winslow went over to talk to them. He got all dressed up in Captain

Standish’s armor and took gifts to them and everything: a copper pot, a chair, jewels, and biscuits.

Susanna White: In Captain Standishes armor?

John Billington: Yes. Captain Standish is away.

Susanna White: You can be sure Mr. Winslow will keep peace with them. He is a wonderful diplomat.

John Billington: Wow! What an exciting day!

Susanna White: (Nervously) Oh, for a peaceful day!

(William Bradford, Edward Winslow, Miles Standish come in with Massasoit, Squanto, and Samoset)

(Drum roll, trumpet) (Enters Governor John Carver with a fanfare)

Gov. John Carver: (Takes Massasoit’s hand and kisses it. Massasoit takes hold of John Carvers shoulders and kisses each

side of John Carver’s head.) (Give each other a gift)

Edward Winslow: Susanna, please get a drink for John Carver and Chief Massasoit. (Susana brings two cups)

Gov. John Carver: We must talk about how to live in peace. We will make an agreement. (Squanto interprets)

William, please take this down. (Writes in journal)

1. We will not injure each other.

2. If any injure one another, they will be sent for punishment.

3. If any take, it will be restored.

4. If any do unjust war against either, aid will be given.

5. When we come we will leave our bows and arrows.

Squanto: Massasoit says this is good. He agrees. (All nod)

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ACT IV Leader

Scene I Governor

Narrator: The treaty with Massasoit was kept until his death. On April 5, Master Jones set sail for Old England with his

hold full of stones for ballast. They arrived on May 6, only one month later. Less than half the time it took to come to

the new world. A few days after the ship left, Governor John Carver came in from the field and collapsed. He tried to

speak, but couldn’t and lapsed into a coma. He never spoke again and died three days later. His wife, in mourning, died

a few days after his death.

At just 36 years of age William Bradford, a Separatist, was chosen as Governor though the strangers outnumbered the

separatists. And so, William Bradford, the devoted disciple, became the Pilgrim’s leader. Isaac Allerton was chosen as

his assistant because William was still lame from Scurvy. William Brewster would still be the colony’s leading church

official. It is May 1621.

Land (Lights on Land stage)

Squanto: Here is a sack of eels to cook. I will show you how to catch them.

Edward Winslow: These are huge.

William Bradford: Thank you. You must show us how to plant corn.

Squanto: First you must dig a hole and plant 4 or 5 herring and cover with dirt. Place corn and then cover with a mound

of dirt. Once the seed comes up you may plant squash and beans in the hill. The pole beans will grow up the corn and

the squash will shade the roots of the corn and keep the roots cool in the summer heat.

William Bradford: You are a good friend, Squanto. You have taught us much. We are indebted to you.

Squanto: I will show you how to trap birds and fish. I will show you how to hunt and trap animals. I will show you how

to make traps. You will not go hungry.

William Bradford: We also need help in keeping a good relationship with the tribes and need your assistance as

interpreter.

Squanto: I will do this thing.

William Bradford: I must attend to a wedding. (Leaves and enters the house) It is a civil ceremony.

(Lights off the land and on the house)

William Bradford: Good afternoon, Edward and Susanna. Are you ready?

Edward Winslow and Susana White: (Smiling) Good afternoon. Yes.

William Bradford: We are gathered here for the marriage of Edward Winslow, whose wife passed away a few weeks

ago, and Susanna White, whose husband passed away this winter. They are starting anew to care for their children.

Edward Winslow, do you take Susanna to be your lawful wife?

31

Edward Winslow: I do.

William Bradford: Susanna White do you take Edward Winslow to be your lawful husband.

Susanna White: I do.

William Bradford: You are showing our colony that we can begin a new and happy life here at Plimoth. You are

showing that we can live and worship together, Separatists and Strangers.

Pricilla Mullens: (rushes in) John Billington is missing.

William Bradford: Are you sure?

Susanna White: That scoundrel!

Priscilla Mullens: I am sure. His mother has not seen him all day, and she fears he is lost. She said he threatened to go

explore the lake his brother discovered in January. John never returned for the noon meal. (Breathless)

Susanna White: Maybe it is better to leave him lost.

John Alden: (Shaking his head) Those Billington boys are always trouble. (Disgustedly) Like father, like son. Susanna

may be right. If the Indians have him, they will return him to us speedily. Mark my word, the Indians will be glad to be

rid of his shenanigans. He isn’t worth risking our lives for.

Priscilla Mullens: (Remonstratively) John Alden, if it were one of your children, you would want someone to look for

him. (Disgustedly) Of all things!

William Bradford: Now John, he is a lusty young man and wild enough to do a foolish thing like this, but we must help

find him. We will put word out with Squanto and Hobomok. We will see if the Indians know his whereabouts. They

keep track of us well enough. I’m sure they know where he is. He should be is alright!

John Alden: You are right.

32

Scene II Unrest

Narrator: The Indians tracked down his whereabouts. A party of ten men led by William Bradford rowed to Cape Cod to

ransom the 14 year old, John Billington. The Narragansett had traded him to the Nauset. The Nauset were angry

because the Pilgrims had stolen their corn when they first arrived on Cape Cod. They said, “You took something of ours,

now we have something of yours.” William took them gifts and promised to pay for the corn and peace was restored.

William Bradford met an elderly woman there. She cried and still mourned for her two sons that had been taken by

Thomas Hunt several years ago by the same Englishman that had taken Squanto captive. William expressed his sorrow

and told them not all English are bad.

It was a summer of Indian unrest. Under Miles Standish’s direction, the men took a month and built a mile stockade

around the village. William Bradford with the help of Miles Standish and John Winslow tried to keep peace between the

Narragansett, Pokanoket, Massachusett, and the Wampanoag. One day Hobonok came running into Plimoth and stated

that Corbitant had murdered Squanto and Massasoit. Miles Standish took ten men to Corbitant’s house. It is August

1621.

Bradford’s Home (Lights on Home & Land)

Miles Standish: When we got to Corbitant’s house in Nemasket we shouted for them to stay in the house or we would

shoot them, but three of them tried to leave so we shot them.

William Bradford: Just as I feared.

Miles Standish: Now, here me out, Governor. We have them with us and we will treat them and they will get well.

William Bradford: Good. Now go on.

Miles Standish: Well, here is the thing. I went in the house and it was all confusion. Corbitant was not there. Hobomok

was wrong. Corbitant did not kill Squanto. Corbitant just threatened to. I sent a message to Corbitant that he could not

escape. We will find him if he keeps threatening us. So he sent a message through Massasoit that he wants to make

peace with us.

I told you we needed to show our strength. Massasoit, Sachem of the Wampanoag and Corbitant, Sachem of the

Pokanoket are really allies. They just got into a squabble that’s all there is to it. It just got a little out of control.

I think that Squanto is causing trouble with the different tribes. He is trying to turn Massasoit’s allies against him

because Massasoit held him captive after he returned from England.

William Bradford: (Skeptically) I know you believe Hobomok over Squanto, but I’m not so sure.

Miles Standish: (Confidently) You will see. So anyway, we also went up to the Massachusett and traded with them. We

got some beautiful beaver pelts. Wait until you see them. They are fine pelts.

William Bradford: Good work. It is important that we keep the peace. You have done us a good service in helping the

men complete the barricade of the village. Now that peace has been restored, for now, we need to focus on being

prepared for the coming of winter. We must not go hungry this winter. I do not like to ration food.

33

Miles Standish: (Strongly) I am telling you, Bradford, Squanto is trying to do us harm and promote himself. You know

Massasoit does not trust him.

William Bradford: I know, but we would not have food if it wasn’t for Squanto… and God sent him to us.

34

Scene III Thanksgiving

Narrator: Fall came and with it, preparation for winter. Cod, bass, waterfowl, turkey, venison, corn, berries, beans, nuts

were all prepared and stored. The Pilgrims were beginning to believe the Colony would see success. They celebrated

the harvest. It is October 1621.

Plimoth (Lights on Land & Home)

(Seated on Land: William Bradford, Massasoit, John Winslow)

(Standing in back on Land: William Brewster, John Alden and Priscilla Mullens)

(Cooking in Home: Mary Brewster, Susanna White)

(Playing Stool Ball and pitching the bar: John Billington, Squanto, Hobomok, John Howland)

Mary Brewster: Susanna do you realize that Massasoit brought seventy Indians with him? How will we have enough?

Susanna Winslow : I don’t know. I am sure glad they brought in seven deer! Is that turkey almost done so we can put

in the corn bread?

Mary Brewster: It is almost. Jesus fed the multitude with a few loaves and fishes. He will feed us.

****

(Playing at pitching the bar)

John Billington: (Loudly) Great throw, Hobomok!

Hobomok: (Smiling proudly and sticking out his chest) Hmm.

Squanto: I can do better than that!

John Billington: Let me try! Let me try! (Tosses)

John Howland: Great going, John.

****

William Bradford: Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

William Brewster: I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercies, for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my

soul in adversity.

Let us pray. Father in heaven, we have had a hard year; many have died. We trust in your Providence. Thank you for

this abundant harvest that we can share with our new friends. Amen.

William Bradford: Eat and fellowship. It is a day of plenty. A day of God’s blessing.

35

Scene IV Fortune

Narrator: In mid-November 1621, the Indians notified William Bradford that a ship lay off Cape Cod. The Pilgrims

feared it was French as the French had already exhibited jealous hostility. The Pilgrims fired off a canon to call men in,

but to their delight it was an English Ship, the Fortune. Thomas Weston had shipped them only a few Separatists. He

sent mostly strangers, men to make money for him.

Fortune and Land (Lights on the ship and land)

Robert Cushman: (Getting off the ship) William, how good to see you. (Shakes hands with William Bradford)

William Bradford: Welcome.

Robert Cushman: Bradford, we are glad our colony is thriving here at Plimoth.

William Bradford: Thriving! It has been a difficult year. Half of the colony is no longer with us. How many souls are

with you?

Robert Cushman: Thirty-seven: mostly men and mostly strangers.

William Bradford: Did Thomas send provision for thirty-seven souls?

Robert Cushman: Thomas Weston did not send one morsel, pot, pan, bedding, or clothing. It is good that you are well

provided for here.

William Bradford: Why would he send people without provision? This will be disastrous for the colony. We have only

enough for the colony. We only have seven houses. I will need to divide them into seven houses. We didn’t expect

passengers without provision!

Robert Cushman: I’m sure you will make do. I brought a patent from the Counsel for New England and a letter from

Thomas Weston. (Hands a letter to William)

William Bradford: (Looking at the letter and reading parts out loud and pausing in between)

Dear Governor Carver; (pause)

(Loudly) You did not load the Mayflower with goods for us.

I know your weakness was the cause of it:

More weakness of judgment than weakness of hands! (Pause) (shaking his head)

You should have spent less time arguing and more time repaying your debt. (still shaking his head)

I am one of your few financial backers. I promise you I will never quit the business though many others do.

Lovingly, your friend: Thomas Weston

William Bradford: (Angrily) Friend! I realize the Merchant Adventurers have not profited yet, but many here have paid

with their lives, including Governor Carver! Weakness of hand! I never! (Shaking his head)

36

Robert Cushman: The Fortune will be leaving in two weeks. I am going back, but I brought my fourteen year old son,

Thomas, to live with you. Pastor John Robinson is not able to come yet.

William Bradford: (Calming down) I have a manuscript, a journal of our first year, written by Edward Winslow and

myself. We will be able to send a payment on the Fortune of animal pelts, hardwood timber, wainscoating, and

clapboard enough to pay off half our debt, about 500 pounds.

Robert Cushman: Wonderful!

****

John Billington: (Running in) Governor Bradford! Governor Bradford!

William Bradford: Calm down John, what is it?

John Billington: A Narragansett walked into the colony and threw this bunch of arrows down and just walked out. It

was tied together with a snake skin. He looked fierce! (Makes a face)

William Bradford: Let’s see it. (Takes the arrows and studies it) Quickly, Go and get Squanto and Hobomok.

John Billington: (Calling) Squanto! Hobomok! (Runs out and comes back with Squanto and Hobomok)

William Bradford: What is the meaning of this?!

Hobomok: (Eyes get big) It is a threat! It is Narragansett alright.

Squanto: Yes, it is a challenge, an insult.

William Bradford: John, run and get Miles Standish.

(John returns with Miles Standish)

William Bradford: We have been challenged by the Narragansett tribe. (Shows him the arrows)

William Bradford: What if we stuff the snake skin with bullets and send it with a message.

Miles Standish: If you would rather have war than peace, begin when you will!

William Bradford: We have done you no wrong.

Miles Standish: We do not fear you. We will be ready.

William Bradford: It sends a clear message.

Miles Standish: I will divide the men into squads of four. I will have signals for alarms. I will make a schedule for

guards, and I will train the colony how to put our fires should they try to burn down our homes.

37

Scene V Christmas

Narrator: The Pilgrims did not know that the Fortune would be pillaged by a French Ship and their whole

payment to the Merchant Adventurer’s confiscated.

Christmas meant different things to the Separatists than to the Strangers, and the Fortune had brought over

mostly Strangers. The Strangers asked to be given the day off from work to celebrate. Christmas 1621.

Plimoth (Lights on Land)

William Bradford: John, I gave permission for you to celebrate Christmas and I find you are playing and

reveling.

John Howland: (Defensively) We are celebrating Christmas. We are pitching the bar and playing stool ball.

William Bradford: You said working on Christmas Day was against your conscience?

John Howland: That it is.

William Bradford: (Taking the bar and the ball) Well! It is against my conscience for some men to be working

and some men to be playing! If it is a matter of worship and devotion to you, stay in your houses. There will

be no gaming and reveling today! (William turns walks off)

38

Scene VI Summer

Narrator: In the spring the Pilgrims traded the Massachusetts for furs. A family member of Squanto came running into

the colony fearfully looking behind him. He said the Narragansett and Wampanoag were coming to make war. The

Governor sent Hobomok’s wife to see if Massasoit wanted war with the Pilgrims. Summer 1622.

Plimoth (Lights on Land)

Hobomok: Governor, Sachem Massasoit sent assurances that he would warn him of any possible threats to the colony.

William Bradford: I didn’t believe it was true.

Miles Standish: Squanto has been playing a game with us. He is stirring up war with the tribes and trying to get them

upset with Massasoit. He has terrified the Indians by telling them the Pilgrims have the plague buried in the ground and

could send it to them. He has been taking gifts from them. It is time you believed it, Governor.

Hobomok: Massasoit is seeking Squanto’s life and we have a treaty with him.

John Alden: Yes, Massasoit will want us to turn over Squanto to him for punishment.

John Billington: (Running in) A shallop is here with seven men! They have letters for you; one is from Mr. Weston.

(Hands him letters)

William Bradford: Thank you John. (Hobomok, John B. leave) (Reading parts) This letter is dated January 12, 1622.

He is once again sending us flattering speeches, no provisions, and more mouths to feed. He is telling us that if we do

not admit them we are barbarians. We have so many mouths to feed now we are at half ration. It seems the Sparrow

has turned out seven men on us. (Sarcastically) Lovingly, Thomas Weston

Psalm 118:8 says, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to have confidence in man.”

This one is dated: April 10, 1622 from Thomas Weston

The Fortune brought us good news of how well you are doing…. Oh, by the way the Fortune was robbed so the Merchant

Adventurers did not receive your payment. He also says that he has sold out his share to the Adventurers.

(Sarcastically) Oh, and some more good news. He says he is going to send us sixty more men to start a fishing colony.

He said they would not be taking from us. He needs them to stay with us for a while and that he knows we would not

turn them out.

John Winslow: So we begin again to pay for our debt.

William Bradford: We have another letter from the Merchant Adventurers: Edward Pickering and William Greene

(Looking at the letter) They are warning us not to trust Thomas Weston. They are glad to be rid of him. He would not

permit them to send us any provisions by his ship. He wants to make a profit for himself and some of the men he is

sending are violent.

He writes, “The Lord, who is the watchman of Israel and sleepeth not, preserve you and deliver you from unreasonable

men.”

39

Miles Standish: So it seems Weston is striking out on his own and sending us sixty men to start their own colony and

fishing business at our expense.

John Winslow: We will all starve.

William Bradford: We must buy some corn from the Indians.

Miles Standish: We can go to the Nauset on the cape. They should have corn to sell.

William Bradford: We will take Squanto with us to interpret for us. That way we can keep an eye on him. We can stall

turning him over to Massasoit.

William Bradford: Here is a letter from the Captain of the ship doing Cod fishing in Maine: (Looks disturbed)

He is telling us that there has been a Massacre at Jamestown Colony; 347 English colonists were killed. He writes,

“Happy is he whom other men’s harms doth make to beware.” We will be aware. That is four times the population of

our Colony. It is imperative that we keep peace with the Indians. We must make our colony more secure.

John Winslow: Should we keep this information from the women and children?

William Bradford: They must be told so they can be cautious. We must remember God has brought us to this place to

be a witness of Him to the Indians. (William Bradford and John Winslow leave) (Miles Standish talks to John Alden)

Miles Standish: John Alden! Ah-- I want you to do something for me.

John Alden: What is it?

Miles Standish: You know my wife died. Hm. (clears his throat) I want you to speak to Priscilla Mullens and ask her to

marry me.

John Alden: (All flustered) What? (Incredulous) Ask her to marry you? Why don’t you ask her yourself?

Miles Standish: Well. Just do it.

John Alden: (Scowl) Oh, alright.

(All leave the stage except John Alden) (John Alden finds Priscilla Mullins at home) (Lights on the home)

Priscilla Mullins: Welcome, John. Come in.

John Alden: Priscilla…

Priscilla: Yes, John.

John Alden: We are friends, aren’t we?

Priscilla: Of course. Out with it, John. What did you come to ask me?

John Alden: Well, actually, Miles Standish wanted me to ask you to, to marry him.

Priscilla: (Gasping) What? (Upset) Speak for yourself, John!

40

John Alden: (Embarassed) O.K. Priscilla, I will. Priscilla will you marry me?

Priscilla: Yes, John. (Blushing) I thought you would never ask.

41

Scene VII Winter

Narrator: They went in the Shallop to Cape Cod, but while they were there Squanto got Indian Fever and bled at the

nose--a sign of death--and died a few days later. They suspected that he was poisoned. Squanto asked the Governor to

pray for him that he might go to the Englishmen’s God in heaven. Massasoit had his way after all, but the Governor was

able to buy corn and beans to help sustain them through the summer.

Sixty men came on the Charity and the Swan. As suspected they came without provisions of any kind. They spent the

whole summer in Plimoth and would not work for their keep. In the fall they went north to the south of Boston Bay,

Wessagussett right next to Sachem Canacum and the Massachusett. It was like an early Jamestown. They were

unattached men with little in common. They built a fortress, but they were unprepared for a hard New England winter.

They were a plantation in despair and misery. The Massachusett took advantage of them, selling them food for the

clothing on their back. Soon they were naked and wretched.

That winter Massasoit became sick unto death. William Bradford sent John Winslow and Hobomok to help him because

he was crucial to peace in the region. They walked the forty miles to his house and found him in great pain and distress

from gorging himself. They treated him with a physic, preserves and chicken broth and he recovered in a few days.

Massasoit said, “I will never forget this kindness shown.”

At the same time Miles Standish without Hobomok was visiting Sachem Canacum of the Massachusetts. He did not have

his interpreter with him. When one of the tribe, Wituwamat, returned, he came in and Canacum gave him more honor

and attention than to Miles Standish. Miles felt socially rebuffed by Canacum and left. He became suspicious.

Massasoit sent word to Plimoth that the Massachusetts had enough of Weston’s men and were holding them hostage in

their fort shouting “Naughty Guns.” Inside the fort men at their post were dying from starvation and cold. Phineas Pratt

said, “Unless Plimoth hears of this we are all dead men.” He escaped and traveled to Plimoth through great trial on foot.

The Pilgrims hated to enter into the fight because of foolish men that had bragged about how they would succeed

because they didn’t have weak women and children along. Massasoit supported the Pilgrims going to restore peace.

Miles Standish dispatched a boat and took men to defend Weston’s men. Eight Indians were killed including

Wituwamat. This was a sorrowful event for William Bradford. It was one regretted. Winter of 1622 and 1623.

Plimoth (Lights on Land)

Miles Standish: Who are you?

Thomas Weston: (Man barely recognizable he is so mutilated and ragged) It is I, Thomas Weston. Don’t you recognize

me?

Miles Standish: What happened to you? (Calling) John, (John Billington) get this man a cup of water. Quick!

William Bradford: (Kindly places a blanket around him) Thomas.

Thomas Weston: I could not believe what was being reported about my colony. I left my ship off Cape Cod and I took

my shallop and a couple men to see for myself , but a storm hit us and capsized our shallop. The shallop is at the bottom

of the bay. I fell into the hands of the Indians. They stripped me of all I saved from the sea and even took my clothes. I

only escaped and was able to borrow some clothes in Piscataqua to make it here.

42

Miles Standish: You were lucky to escape.

Thomas Weston: (Always the schemer with a gleam in his eye) Let me borrow some beaver pelts from you! I am in

hopes of a ship coming with good supply and he would repay you. Without it I am afraid my crew will mutiny.

William Bradford: (Looking at Standish) I guess we could spare one hundred pelt. They would be worth about 170

pounds.

Thomas Weston: I will be sure to repay you.

William Bradford: A man’s way is not in his own power. God can make the weak to stand. Let him also that standeth

take heed lest he fall.

43

Scene VIII Anne

Narrator: Thomas Weston proved a bitter enemy, bragging with evil words of how he tricked the Pilgrims and he never

repaid them. His life came to a bitter end in Jamestown. He died of a sickness. The Pilgrims said it was the providence

of God. That summer William Bradford gave a plot of land to each family to till and grow their own food, hoping thus to

promote each family taking responsibility to be industrious. Two ships the Anne and the Little James arrived June 15,

1623.

Plimoth (Lights on Home, Land and Ship)

William Bradford: I hope it is the Anne and Little James. Word had it that they were lost at sea. I hope Pastor Robinson

and John are on it and safe. I have a confession to make. I have written messages to Alice Southworth. You know her

husband died before they were able to come over. I am hoping she will be on the ship.

Mary Brewster: You must be lonely, William. You have thought only of everyone else.

William Bradford: Well, yesterday the Nauset sent us a message. They saw ships off Cape Cod.

Mary Brewster: Our two daughters: Fear and Patience are supposed to be on the Anne as well. We have not ceased

praying for their safety. It has been three years.

William Bradford: I have been praying that it is the Anne. That ship holds treasure for many of us.

John Billington: (Barges in) The ship is here! It is the Anne.

Mary Brewster: Yes John, we can hear you. We will be right there.

William Brewster: Thanks, John. We can always count on you.

Mary Brewster: (Mumbling) Count on you for trouble. (Smiles) (Hands John a biscuit) (His eyes light up and he takes it

and stuffs it in his mouth)

William Bradford: (Bolts out the door) Wait for me, John! (The others follow)

All: (Rush to the ship)

Fear and Patience: (Come off the ship and are embraced by the Brewsters)

Alice Southworth: (Coming off the Ship) William.

William Bradford: Alice. (Quickly embraces Alice then holds her at arm’s length) Welcome to Plimoth.

(Lights go off)

(All actors quietly come on stage and wait for Narrator to finish.)

Narrator: William Bradford and Alice Southworth were married on August 14, 1623. They had three children, William,

Mercy, and Joseph. John Bradford came over when he was eleven. They raised Alice’s two sons: Constant and Thomas

and her nephew Nathanial Morton. They raised four orphans: Thomas Cushman’s son Thomas; and Joseph Rogers,

William Latham, and Sam Cathbertson.

44

The Spanish pirated the Anne and Little James on the way back to England; they took the Pilgrim’s cargo payment to the

Merchant Adventurers and made slaves of the crew. The Pilgrims under William’s guidance were able to finally pay their

debt in 1627.

William was governor of Plimoth for 35 years. He worked side by side with all the men and modeled a new example of

leadership. He did his best to uphold the beliefs and values the Separatists gave up their homeland for. He brought a

new way of religion and government to the New World. He dedicated his life to negotiating peace and promoting

equality and fairness.

(Lights on all stages) (Actors arranged to take bows)

45

Props

Ship Land Home

Ocean Back Drop Ocean Back Drop Fireplace and Wall Back Drop

Mast and Sail Stump Bed- Straw Tick

Barrel Evergreen-Scrub pine Table-rough

Cardboard ship Rock Stool

Spy Glass Grass Yarn Basket

Trunk Dresser- relief work

Rug

Bowl and Wooden spoon

Iron Kettle and tea kettle

Arrows: Two, one with arrowhead one bare

Arrows: A Bunch wrapped in snakeskin

Bag of Eels

Letters

Rod

Brown paper package-clothes

Glossary

Burgomeister- (Dutch) Burgomaster; chief magistrate of a town, mayor

Cooper- One that makes wooden casks, tubs, or barrels with staves and hoops

Eel- voracious elongate snakelike fishes with a smooth slimy skin

Forbearance- Patience; leniency; a refraining from enforcement of something

Guild- Association of merchants or craftsmen

Heretic- Dissenter from established church

Providence- Divine guidance, care, protection, and control in the universe

Sachem- Native American Indian chief

Scooby- Village in England where William Brewster lived

Shallop- A small one- or two-masted ship with lugsails propelled by sail or oars used chiefly in shallow water

46

Skalking- Snooping and spying at a distance

Tyrannical- Despotic; characterized by oppressive, unjust, arbitrary behavior or control

Vicar- Clergy in the Church of England in charge of a chapel receiving stipend pay

i http://uspilgrims.wordpress.com/2008/11/02/plymouth-vs-plimouth/ ii Psalm 91:9-11 iii Taken from the Mayflower Compact, Cape Cod, November 11 iv Acts 20:35