The small ship, Speedwell, left the port of Delfshaven, to begin a journey to the New World. The Pilgrims, unwanted in their English homeland had moved to Holland. Now amid tears and hugs for those who could not accompany them and the many whom they would never see again, the little band departed.

They met with the Mayflower at Plymouth, England and here "Strangers" joined them. Strangers were Londoners who were making the journey with the hope of striking it rich. This went contrary to the Pilgrims who were looking for the peace of God.

As they headed out into the Atlantic Ocean, it was discovered that the Speedwell wouldn't be able to make the journey. The Speedwell's passengers were transferred to the Mayflower (some passengers decided to return to England).

The Mayflower was headed towards Virginia, but the roughness of the sea and the many treacherous shoals, the passengers decided that they would go north instead. The Londoners (Strangers) bragged that they would now be able to do what they pleased when they went ashore. The Pilgrims knew that without some rules, chaos would rule in the New World. The leaders decided then that some type of government had to formed before leaving the ship.

Think of the scene that must have taken place as they gathered in a cabin on the Mayflower. The room would be smoky and noxious from the fish oil lamp wick flickering. The group gathered would be the Pilgrim leaders: William Brewster, the spiritual leader of the Pilgrims; John Carver (who would become the first governor of the colony); William Bradford, the intellectual of the group; Miles Standish, a soldier who was on the journey to look out for interests of the adventurers. He was short and plump with a short temper and John Alden, a cooper who was tall and handsome. They knew that they must make the voyage and the landing safe. These men decided to use the covenants by which their congregations were regulated. These were the models for the new document. By the dim flickering light, they drew up the Mayflower Compact.

(The rendition copied here is in modern English)

The Mayflower Compact

November 11, 1620

In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc., having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the presence of God, and of one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France, and Ireland the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620. Signed by 41 men.

Thus began the idea of democracy and a government that was by and for the people. It was the beginning of self-governing.

Learn more about this author, Nan C Avery.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about What was the Mayflower Compact??
We want to hear your view. Write now!