casual if any reference to the women, the story of the women must
hinge on reference to the whole Pilgrim story. Looking at them from
our position, down the long vista, seeing the background of which they
were hardly conscious, the foreground invisible to them, their reality
and aliveness should be vividly lighted by all the colors of romance
which only distance may give and we should be able to get the feeling
that things had for them, at least. A few plain, loyal, trustful women
living their daily lives with no dream of a place in history, yet on
whom else may we look entitled to a softer, more caressing glow from
the flame of fame?
Julianna Carpenter, the eldest sister, married George Morton, before
the lindens bloomed again, followed soon by the marriages of Agnes
to the wise and popular young doctor, the doctor’s sister to William
White, as she had said, and the lively young widow, Sarah, sister
of Isaac Allerton, to Degory Priest. Their mutual satisfaction and
happiness was punctured by the shock of the sudden death of one of
their number, Agnes Fuller; the whole community was stirred by the
fact that so unexpectedly, the doctor was again a widower. Thus their
recurring measure of joy and sorrow, pleasure and trouble, success and
endeavor.
We may well hope that, in the fullness of time, our days may be looked
upon with the same search-light of sympathy and understanding which we
turn upon theirs.
Another year more wedded couples were added to the list--it was a
sign of their hopefulness that marriage among them was encouraged and
the remarriage of the widowed favored. Alice Carpenter married Edward
Southworth and William Bradford brought his bride from Amsterdam,
Dorothy May. It was in the late autumn that she came to Leyden to
renew some childhood’s friendships. The marriage of another friend
of Alice Southworth occurred at a slightly later date when Robert
Cushman married Mary Singleton. So these younger and important men of
the settlement took on new responsibilities, and after a while Dr.
Fuller tried a third time and found with Bridget Lee a more permanent
happiness in matrimony.
The very little girls, as the years passed, were replaced by others,
while they grew into the places of maidenhood left vacant by the
younger matrons. Thus Mary Chilton, Bridget Robinson, Priscilla
Mullins, Patience and Fear Brewster, Desire Minter, Humility Cooper,
formed a lively group in which Elizabeth Tilly and Mercy Robinson
claimed membership though somewhat younger.
The famous storks of Holland were good enough to bring many rosy babies
to the little homes of this English colony, so the joy and amusement of
babyhood was never lacking.
Into this little world a passing traveller entered, a young man of some
wealth and position in England, who having heard of the community,
thought to look upon it as of transient interest, and desiring to meet
William Brewster, John Robinson and others whose writings printed by
their own established press were attracting attention. In truth he was
more interested in the printing press than the writings, being reputed
himself a printer, and as a worker in one art or trade or profession
desires to see the results or products of another in that same class,
Edward Winslow entered the life of the Brewsters, the Robinsons,
the Allertons, the Bradfords, but most particularly into the life
of Elizabeth Barker, and since it was her world it became his, too,
henceforth. Almost the last romance of these peaceful years witnessed
by the lindens and the old grey wall.
Soon thereafter a rift became apparent in the harmony of existence in
the garden colony and it was Mary Brewster who heard it first. Again
she experienced the haunting anxiety on her husband’s account, which
she well knew of old, and from the same source--persecution by the
royal authorities in England and their representatives in Holland.
The cause was the printing press and the sentiments it set forth.
The hunt for the unknown though suspected printer at that time is an
entertaining story told by various chroniclers of the history of these
people and reminds one of the somewhat similar search for the hidden
printer of our modern times who issued the prescribed little Belgian
newspaper during the occupation of that country by the Germans.
Suddenly in addition to this personal touch of unrest came a focus
in the national affairs of their adopted country, which centered in
Leyden, and while of great interest to them, as such matters have
been, and are, to us, are always bound to increase uncertainty and
instability of daily concerns.
The scope of the present work is not to dwell on the general events
of history, but only as their effects touched the lives of the women
of our story. Gradually it had come to be recognized, also, that
the younger generation among them was fast becoming more Dutch than
English, as was natural from environment. And since their object
had never been other than to remain English people and to send the
enlightening word of their religious freedom and church’s independence
back to their own people, now that the advantage of their printing
press was about to be denied them this advancement was at an end.
These subjects for reflection and others equally compelling brought
them to a point in their destiny for which Providence in the preceding
years had been preparing them by the variation of their experience, the
widening of their horizons, the increasing knowledge of humanity and
capacity for labor and economy which came as assets of their exile from
home in a land of comparative freedom.
The women had as much opportunity for facing these questions and facts
and discussing them among themselves as the men, and the possibility of
giving up all that they had won for the sake of their faith and ideals
loomed as evident before them as to those upon whom they not only
depended but supported by their love and loyalty.
Thus prior to the all-important conference called at Pastor Robinson’s
house, many of them had set to withdraw their thoughts from the
comparative ease and prosperity of the past ten years, and drill their
minds to becoming again way-farers and makers of new homes elsewhere.
Where else, indeed? Many suggestions were made before the answer was
determined. When it became definitely known to the city authorities
that these peaceful, industrious and altogether desirable inhabitants
were thinking of severing their connection with them, they announced
their regret publicly in complimentary terms. Also an offer was made
that these would-be pioneers continue under the flag of the Netherlands
as colonists. But it was their own flag, their own nationality for
which they were about to sacrifice much and for which they stood ready
to endure more in the future.
At the assembly at John Robinson’s house where the congregation met for
final decision, it was resolved that if the vote showed a majority in
favor of remaining a while longer, the Pastor should remain with them,
and for those who wished to emigrate immediately, William Brewster,
their Elder, should be their spiritual leader, while awaiting the
coming of the rest.
In regard to this vote, one writer has said, “It cannot be known
whether or not the women of the church had a vote in the matter.
Presumably they did not, for the primitive church gave good heed to
the words of Paul, ‘Let your women keep silence in the churches.’
Neither can it be known--if they had a voice--whether the wives and
daughters of some of the embarking Pilgrims, who did not go themselves
at this time, voted with their husbands and fathers for removal.” If
this exactness is lacking, we may feel a certain knowledge that each
woman was aware of how the vote which affected her and hers would be
cast. One is somehow reminded of the old story, though of modern times,
of a certain pastor receiving a call to a larger field of usefulness
who retired to seek Divine guidance. During this time a member of the
congregation called for information on the subject. The pastor’s
little daughter received the visitor, and in reply to the important
question said, “I can’t say exactly--Father is praying but Mother is
packing.”
During the time between the actual decision and final satisfactory
arrangements for departure--we can fancy the women’s days being
particularly trying. Breaking up homes--deciding what would be needed
most in the unknown land and in the restricted space alloted to each
one’s belongings on a small ship. Cooking and table utensils were
commonly of pewter and wood--so anxiety of modern movings regarding
breakage was lessened--books, clothing and furniture required the
same attention as we experience in packing. And looking-glasses! Mrs.
Robinson’s sister, Jane White, had married soon after their arrival
in Leyden, Randolph Tickens, a manufacturer of looking-glasses,
so although the Tickens family were not to go among the first, a
looking-glass or two were certainly to be found space for. If they were
such as the mirror of Mary, Queen of Scots, though of earlier make, and
shown to visitors in Holyrood Castle, they were not very desirable or
useful, giving but a hazy reflection of any one’s good looks--but they
may have been satisfactory when new.
The day before the breaking up of the community came at last, as all
days do, though seemingly far off when first recognized as approaching.
That evening was spent by all, at the Pastor’s house, at supper and
with music. If verging on tragedy to us, as on-lookers, what must it
have been for them?
The barges are moored at the quay--near the Nuns Bridge--were any of
their thoughts flung back, as ours are, to the day of their arrival
at Leyden eleven years before? This party is large, as many who would
return, for a time, are going with the others to see them depart. Some
have already gone and are in England making final arrangements--so Mary
Brewster, Katherine Carver, and Mary Cushman are without their husbands
at present--though the sons of the Brewster and Cushman families are at
their mother’s side--while Katherine Carver has the unfailing attention
of the tall, strong, young man, devoted to her husband’s interests,
John Howland.
Anna Fuller White (since her marriage called more often by her full
name, Susanna), has her husband and little son, Resolved, a fitting
name for the first born of this woman. Her brother, the doctor, is of
the emigrating party, (with a young assistant), but his wife and baby
will stay behind. The children of some are to go with them, while those
of others will remain with relatives--thus the little son of Dorothy
and William Bradford has gone to his grand-parents at his mother’s old
home in Amsterdam. The sadness in the eyes of some of the women as they
look back at the fair and beautiful city, which has sheltered them so
kindly, is formed of regret that all may not remain together in this
departure, as well as a sigh for the happy years now gone.
THE FIRE OF FAITH.
[Illustration: The cradle that was brought across the sea for the first
New England baby. May be seen in Pilgrim Hall, Plymouth.]
THE FIRE OF FAITH.
As one goes along the road of remembrance, some readers as well as the
writer may see before them the outlines of a ship at the wharf of,
perhaps, an unfamiliar city, towards which they have travelled after
careful planning and arrangements for a voyage which is, after all, to
carry them towards the unknown--. Just so, and with the same feelings
the eyes of the women passengers on the canal boats from Leyden, looked
upon the form of the “Speedwell”, the little ship on which their
thoughts and plans had for some time focused, now appearing before
them with all the suddenness of reality and accomplished effort. Those
whose former knowledge of ships had been far from pleasant, saw it with
bravely stiffened reluctance or repugnance, while the younger were in
contrast as eager to experience this new thing.
Some of the girls, whose memories, real or imagined, could stretch
back to their coming from England, almost as babies, were in great
favor and admiration with those whose life and experience had been
only in Holland. So Bartholomew Allerton and his little sisters,
Resolved White, John Cooke, Samuel Fuller (nephew and namesake of
the doctor), relied on the good nature that would reply to their
numerous questionings of Humility Cooper, Desire Minter, Mary Chilton,
Elizabeth Tilly and Priscilla Mullins, for the older boys were too
interested and too busy in the matters of moving the baggage and the
preparations on the ship to give attention to those who had no higher
travelling lineage than a canal boat.
It was evening when they arrived at Delfshaven and their ship could
not sail until morning. That July night was too full of excitement and
emotion for ordinary rest, even for many of the inhabitants of the
town, who were drawn to the wharves by curiosity and interest to see
this decidedly unusual party who were to sail from their port.
Though their old tower had seen the sailing of many a ship and the
farewells of countless friends in its centuries of guardianship of the
little city, no scene had ever been quite like this, and curiosity
turned quickly to sympathy.
Friends came also from Amsterdam to see them sail, so that an animated
picture filled the evening and morning hours. The fatigue of the women
was forgotten or disguised in the sad enjoyment of these last hours
with the members of their families who were not to go with them.
Fear and Patience Brewster see naught else but their mother’s face,
filled with its well-known love, sympathy and energy, as she made one
more effort at self-sacrifice and endurance for her husband’s sake,
choosing to go with him and two of her boys who would need her more in
the new life than the two daughters, left to the protection of their
oldest brother and the care of the Robinsons and other loyal friends
in the safety and comfort of their Leyden home, cheering them and
others with the prospects of a speedy reunion. Hope and courage gilded
these prospects at the time. Sarah Priest, who is to have the care of
little Sarah Allerton, her namesake niece, has her husband to part
from, as well as her brother and his gentle wife. The doctor’s wife has
a similar farewell to make to her husband, though her sister-in-law
goes with her family--husband and son--and the wife of Edward Fuller
goes with him and their son. Susanna White having all with her whom
she holds most dear (her brothers, her husband and little boy) may be
looked upon as one of the most fortunate of the company; it is the
friends of Anna Fuller (as she still seems to them) who remain behind,
who shall have heavier thoughts at parting than Susanna White, though
her cheerfulness and kindness are not wanting.
Other women who are happy in having their families with them are Mrs.
Chilton and her sweet daughter, Mary, who has ever a special attendant
in the person of one of Edward Winslow’s brothers (two of whom had
joined him in his life at Leyden and preparations for this adventure),
so her valuable bundles of baggage are well looked after in their
transportation into the ship.
All is well too, in the heart of Elizabeth Tilly, whose father is
more than half her world, and next in it, the object of her girlish
admiration, Desire Minter--the ward of lovely Mrs. Carver. Her
step-mother and uncle’s family are all part of the outgoing company
also, so her spirits may be light enough to amuse the children--herself
but little past the boundaries of their land--Elizabeth Tilly with
sparkling eyes and wind-blown hair, as we see her then, child of
mystery and of argument after centuries have gone. Doubtless any or all
of the older members of that company could have answered a question
that still burns for some of us--who was her mother? Why the airy
tradition floating down the years that she was grand-daughter of John
Carver? As much, that, at one time, seemed unfathomable, has come to
light regarding these people, this question may one day be definitely
answered.
Katherine Carver and Elizabeth Winslow, feeling that since their
husbands believed in this venture, and since they could make new and
comfortable homes for them anywhere, all was well, are anxious to be
off, especially as the former had for some time been separated from her
husband, and looked forward to seeing him soon, at Southampton, where
he was to meet their ship. Also the wife of Captain Standish, who had
joined this expedition, thought that any undertaking with which her
martial husband connected himself was right, and so long as she could
be with him in any part of the world, happiness would be hers. These
three women, having only their husbands to think of, are naturally
drawn together, and each can appreciate the beauty and charm of the
others, being equally lovely herself.
Like Mary Chilton and her mother, Priscilla Mullins and her’s are
happy in the thought that they are not to be separated from one another
nor from the men of their family.
Among the friends of all these women accompanying them from Leyden, for
the sweet sorrow of parting, is Juliana Morton, sole representative of
the Carpenter family, whose daughters had been gay companions with them
all, in past days. Juliana and her husband and family alone remained in
Leyden, to this date, and for a time thereafter. The parents and the
two younger sisters, Mary and Priscilla, returned to their old home in
England; Agnes Fuller slept under the shadow of St. Peter’s church and
Alice Southworth with her husband and two boys were at this time living
in London--business affairs of Edward Southworth having shortened their
stay in Leyden. They, however, were thoroughly in touch with the plans
of their old friends, and knew of the difficulties with which they had
contended. They also knew of the preparations being made for another
ship with passengers, some of them strangers, some friends, to sail
from London to meet the ship, from Delfshaven, at Southampton, and
together cross the ocean. Like others of the original company their
affairs did not admit of themselves being voyagers at this time.
Sarah Fletcher and Hester Cooke are two others whose hearts we feel are
heavy, as their husbands are to precede them to a new country, and they
must remain with all the others who will await the first opportunity to
follow.
The tide has come in, the wind is fair. Now gaily clad sailors are
getting up anchor on the little ship, filled with those whose trust
is in her. All ashore for those not going--the last, the very last
farewells must be said. Their beloved pastor once more leads them all
in prayer, his entire flock about him for the last time. And so they
“took their leave one of another; which proved to be the last leave to
many of them.”
The ship moves out from the wharf, the wind shakes the flag--their
English flag--above them, token of their regained nationality. A
volly of shot from shore and three guns fired from the ship echo
over the watchers waving to each other as long as individuals may be
distinguished, and longer. How eagerly the imagination pictures the
scene. The _Speedwell_ on that fair summer morning, sails into the
unseen fog of disappointment and failure that shall prove her name
a sad mistake. But for all on board of her “the fire of their faith
lights the sea and the shore.”
So they leave forever, Holland, that refuge which for twelve years had
sheltered them, that school wherein they have been shaped and prepared
for the great enterprise before them. Their own country’s flag above
them, their own little vessel to carry them once more to England, if
only for a farewell. Thus the spirits of sadness and expectation attend
them and of gratitude and hope.
* * * * *
The summer breezes blowing from England’s shores came out to meet the
little ship and caressed the hair and cheeks of that group of England’s
daughters who stood, drawing their long cloaks about them, on the deck
of the _Speedwell_ as it entered Southampton water. Once more, as so
often in their dreams these past years, they behold their native land.
An interlude of vision. Only two of them will ever return; for the rest
it will remain a dream, a memory--for “Memory draws from delight ere it
dies an essence that breathes of it many a year.”
An animated day this proves to be, with greetings from old friends and
new acquaintances who have come in the ship from London to join them.
The ship! They view it riding at anchor. Of its name or history few of
them care. Yet what other ship has held more truly the form of fate
for its passengers and of epoch for the world! But they could not know
and it seemed then only their guide to cross the sea, their means of
accomplishing the only way out of their difficulties.
A company of shrewd business men, as profiteering a syndicate as ever
crushed the individual, had happened on this ship at the time they
needed one of its size and accommodations for the enterprise they were
planning to undertake in sending a homeless, well-nigh friendless, but
dauntless company of men and women to colonize in America, chiefly on
the money of these same people but supplemented by some of their own,
and many directions, conditions and restrictions for their endeavors
to which they had reluctantly to agree. King nor country cared, the
merchants, their nominal backers, cared less than nothing for the
personal success or good fortune of these voyagers, except only where
advancement of their own selfish interests or claims for territorial
advantage accrued and might be returned.
These two boat loads of pioneers regarded thus with indifference,
may be viewed for a moment in contrast to that subsequent fleet of
English ships carrying English passengers on whom all England from
Crown to Commons looked with interest and in whom hope and pride were
centered--the ships bearing colonists under the leadership of John
Winthrop, to the same shores, ten years later, saluted by royal guns
as they sailed away as voyagers whose adventure would reflect honor
and renown to the kingdom, whose loss would be a disaster to the
nation, while if either or both of these two unimportant ships with
all on board had sunk at sea, as so nearly happened, the incident
would not have seemed worth recording for a paragraph of history by
the country, who treated these loving children with contempt and
disdain. Nevertheless these brave pilgrims prepared the way for all
others who later sought homes on the far shores of their intent and
gave them aid and comfort by personal contact as well as by their
example of unfaltering purpose. For their recompense to the merchants
commercially interested in their adventure, the account shows them more
than over-paid, at length. For their advantage to the country they
left forever, since it did not understand them and did not want them,
in long, long years from that day, perhaps the arrival of the first
contingent of American destroyers in British waters, in the spring of
1917, to give a certain aid and comfort to England, may be accounted a
return.
But thoughts like these were not in their minds as they are in ours.
The ship from London, by name, _Mayflower_, was before them--an
actuality, while for us it is a vision.
This vessel was twice the size of the little _Speedwell_ and bore a
popular and one of the oldest names for British ships. A predecessor of
the name had in 1415 borne the flower of knighthood to France, to fight
at Agincourt. Another had been flagship of the Duke of Gloucester.
This _Mayflower_ had already a noteworthy career, the equal, of any,
as a warship. She had been a member of Queen Elizabeth’s fleet,
contributed to it by a city guild, and took a brilliant and prominent
part in the fights of the Spanish Armada to the final, desperate and
victorious one. Nevertheless in spite of this, her name would not have
gilded a page in history, but on the day she sailed from London for
Southampton, equipped for a long voyage across the sea, destiny began
to weave for her the wreath of fame. Not a large ship--120 or more
tons--and about 82 feet long, but what other is greater? Which more
inspiring to poets and artists? The true and accepted model of the
_Mayflower_ is on exhibition at the National Museum in Washington,
this was made by Capt. J. W. Collins, an expert in naval architecture,
by order of the United States Government.