Our Pilgrims were few and poor. The whole outfit of this
historic voyage, including £1,700 of trading stock, was only
£2,400, and how little was required for their succor appears
in the experience of the soldier, Captain Miles Standish,
who, being sent to England for assistance--not military, but
financial--(God save the mark!)--succeeded in borrowing--how
much do you suppose?--£150 sterling. Something in the way of
help; and the historian adds, “tho at fifty per cent interest.”
So much for a valiant soldier on a financial expedition. A later
agent, Allerton, was able to borrow for the colony £200 at a
reduced interest of thirty per cent. Plainly, the money-sharks
of our day may trace an undoubted pedigree to these London
merchants.--CHARLES SUMNER.
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