by Susan E. Carr

Created on: November 01, 2009   Last Updated: January 13, 2010

Groups of Pilgrims left England in 1607-08 in their quest for religious freedom.  These "Separatists" had spent 12 years in Leiden, Holland prior to their decision to join with others in England and voyage to America.  This decision was reached due to a number of reasons, such as fear of Spanish occupation and therefore further relgious persecution, economic insecurity, and what they noted as "Dutch" influence on their children.

Preparations for the voyage to the New World were the result of the decision made by the Pilgrim Fathers to find a place to live as a "distinct body" as they had been unable to secure civil autonomy. Originally, it was decided to acquire a patent under the Government of Virginia, from the London Company to settle in the northern part of the company's jurisdiction. However, the Leiden Separatists ultimately negotiated with a private group of backers and agreed to terms of passage that would indenture them for a period of seven years in America. However, there was also a disagreement with the London merchant investor, Thomas Weston, over the terms of the contract, a dispute that went on for several weeks. Weston had organized the "merchant investors" and invested money in the voyage to America. The refusal of Weston to alter the agreement disputed by the Separatists did result in a shortage of funds when he refused to supply them with more money. Due to this shortage, they found it necessary to sell some of the butter in their voyage provisions in order to pay for dock fees.

In order to familiarize themselves with the territory, the Pilgrims consulted Captain John Smith before leaving England as an adviser. Captain Smith was somewhat of an "expert" since he had been to the New World and had made surveys of the New England area. Captain Smith provided a book and a map of the New England region, which contained valuable information.

The Mayflower was engaged in London to take the Leiden group to America. A smaller ship called the Speedwell was purchased in Holland. It was intended that the Speedwell would accompany the Mayflower to America, and then become a working fishing boat as a means to help the Pilgrims pay off their indentured debt in the New World. The Speedwell proved not to be seaworthy and was forced back to England. Therefore, the Mayflower set out alone ultimately accommodating 102 passengers. Of this group, it is estimated that only 41 were Pilgrims while others were servants, hired men and strangers.

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