But that which was most sad and lamentable was, that in two or three
months’ time half of their company died, especially in January and
February, being the depth of winter, and wanting houses and other
comforts; being infected with the scurvy and other diseases which this
long voyage and their inaccommodate [_unfit_] condition had brought
upon them. So as there died sometimes two or three of a day in the
foresaid time, that of 100 and odd persons, scarce fifty remained. And
of these, in the time of most distress, there was but six or seven
sound persons who to their great commendations, be it spoken, spared
no pains night nor day, but with abundance of toil and hazard of their
own health fetched them wood, made them fires, dressed them meat, made
their beds, washed their loathsome clothes, clothed and unclothed
them; in a word, did all the homely and necessary offices for them
which dainty and queasy stomachs cannot endure to hear named; and all
this willingly and cheerfully, without any grudging in the least,
showing herein their true love unto their friends and brethren; a rare
example and worthy to be remembered.
Two of these seven were Mr. William Brewster, their reverend Elder
[_Brewster conducted religious services during the early days of the
Plymouth colony, though he was not an ordained minister_], and Myles
Standish, their Captain and military commander, unto whom myself and
many others were much beholden [_indebted_] in our low and sick
condition. And yet the Lord so upheld these persons as in this general
calamity they were not at all infected either with sickness or
lameness. And what I have said of these I may say of many others who
died in this general visitation, and others yet living, that whilst
they had health, yea, or any strength continuing, they were not
wanting to any that had need of them. And I doubt not but their
recompense is with the Lord.