Mourt's Relation

Frontispiece Mourt's Relation 1622

Mourt's Relation: A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth is a notable document chronicling the experiences of the Pilgrims during their first year at Plymouth Colony in what is now Massachusetts, USA. Written primarily by Edward Winslow and William Bradford, two of the colony's leaders, it provides a detailed account of the Pilgrims' journey on the Mayflower, their initial encounters with the Native Americans, and the early challenges they faced in establishing a new settlement.

Background

The Pilgrims, a group of English Puritans seeking religious freedom, set sail from Plymouth, England, in September 1620 aboard the Mayflower. After a perilous journey across the Atlantic, they arrived at the shores of what would become Plymouth Colony in November of the same year. Mourt's Relation was written between November 1620 and November 1621 and was published in London in 1622, presumably edited by George Morton (hence the title "Mourt", a likely contraction of Morton), who intended to encourage further migration to the colony.

Content

Mourt's Relation is divided into several sections, each detailing different aspects of the Pilgrims' experiences. The document begins with an account of the Mayflower's voyage, including the challenges faced during the crossing and the decision to settle at Plymouth, away from their intended destination near the Hudson River. It then describes the first harsh winter, during which nearly half of the colonists perished due to disease and starvation.

Significantly, the journal provides the first detailed description of the Pilgrims' interactions with the Native Americans, including the peace treaty with the Wampanoag tribe and the assistance provided by Squanto, a Native American who taught the settlers crucial survival skills. These interactions were pivotal in the survival and eventual success of Plymouth Colony.

Importance

Mourt's Relation is considered a foundational document of American history. It offers invaluable insights into the early challenges of colonial settlement, the relationships between the colonists and Native Americans, and the day-to-day life of the early settlers. Furthermore, it is one of the primary sources for the story of the First Thanksgiving, a key event in American cultural history.

Legacy

The document's detailed account of the Pilgrims' experiences has made it a critical source for historians studying the early colonial period of the United States. It has also contributed to the mythos surrounding the Pilgrims and the Thanksgiving holiday. Despite its significance, Mourt's Relation was largely forgotten until the 19th century when it was rediscovered and republished, allowing it to contribute to the American historical narrative.

See Also

• Plymouth Colony
• Mayflower Compact
• William Bradford (Plymouth Colony governor)
• Edward Winslow
• Squanto
• Wampanoag