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"Of Plymouth Plantation" stands as a significant historical manuscript authored by William Bradford, offering a compelling narrative that commences in the year 1620. The first portion of this invaluable historical account was meticulously transcribed into church records and preserved. Regrettably, the second part has been lost to the annals of time. Fortunately, these manuscripts were rediscovered in the residence of the Bishop of London, and their combined contents were first published in 1856. Within these pages, we find an immeasurable wealth of historical insight, shedding light on the early days of the Plymouth Colony.
William Bradford, the gifted chronicler of "Of Plymouth Plantation," paints a vivid picture of the Pilgrims' arduous journey to the shores of Cape Cod.
In the opening of Chapter 9, Bradford recounts an incident involving a young sailor who had shown disdain and contempt for the Pilgrims due to their physical weakness and constant illnesses. Interestingly, fate took its course, and this very sailor succumbed to an unspecified illness, relieving the Pilgrims from his persecution.
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Additionally, Bradford narrates the harrowing experience of young John Howland, who had fallen overboard. Clinging to a topsail halyard as the ship plowed through the waves, Howland was submerged for an extended period. Miraculously, he was rescued, though he endured a prolonged illness following this ordeal.
Upon finally reaching the shores of Cape Cod, Bradford provides insights into the challenges encountered during the voyage, which had hindered their intended destination of Jamestown. The Pilgrims, while relieved to glimpse land, were also burdened by the harsh realities of arriving during the unforgiving winter season.
Not only were the land conditions unfavorable for farming, but the frozen ground presented an additional obstacle. The meager provisions they had brought were primarily intended for the journey and not suited for winter survival. Nevertheless, given the state of the ship and their circumstances, the consensus among the Pilgrims was to establish their settlement at Cape Cod.
On November 11th, 1620, the Mayflower anchored at Cape Cod, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the Pilgrims' journey. Sixteen men, led by the indomitable Miles Standish, embarked on an exploration mission in the hopes of discovering a nearby river. During their expedition, they chanced upon a small group of indigenous people. Unfortunately, these natives fled at the sight of the Pilgrims, leaving them to explore further. Eventually, they stumbled upon an abandoned native village, where they found vital provisions, including seeds, which were a boon to their survival.
December 6th saw the Pilgrims setting out in a shallop to continue their exploration. As they approached the coastline, they encountered a group of ten to twelve native inhabitants. With daylight fading, the Pilgrims took precautions, erecting a barricade to guard against potential attacks. The following morning, they resumed their pursuit of the indigenous people, discovering them engaged in fish cleaning activities. As nightfall approached, the Pilgrims once again established a protective barricade. During the night, the eerie howling of wolves compelled them to fire their muskets to deter potential threats.
At daybreak, the Pilgrims found themselves under attack by the natives, prompting a tactical retreat. However, adverse winter weather conditions forced them to take refuge on an island before ultimately returning to their ship. On a subsequent Monday, they successfully anchored in Plymouth, where they embarked on the construction of their fledgling colony's first dwelling.
Examining these chapters from William Bradford's "Of Plymouth Plantation" underscores the profound significance of historical narratives. Bradford's meticulous chronicling of the Pilgrims' journey and struggles offers readers a unique glimpse into the challenges they faced. It is essential to recognize the historical value inherent in these accounts, despite the perception that they may be somewhat challenging to read.
As David Read aptly stated in the _American Historical Review_, "William Bradford's Of Plymouth Plantation could easily be categorized as yet another largely unread, dry-as-toast document from the days before things got really interesting in this country" (p. 512). While acknowledging the dense and sometimes challenging prose, one must not dismiss the historical treasure trove contained within. Bradford's narrative is a firsthand account of a pivotal moment in American history, offering invaluable insights into the trials and tribulations faced by the early settlers.
One of the most renowned sections of Bradford's manuscript is undoubtedly Chapter 9, detailing the Pilgrims' arrival at Cape Cod. In these passages, Bradford poignantly conveys the Pilgrims' sense of desolation as they encountered what they perceived as a wilderness devoid of comfort and filled with hostility. The emphasis on their tribulations at sea and on land serves to underscore the challenges that continued to beset them. Chapter 10 further highlights the growing tensions with the indigenous people, portraying them as a formidable and potentially hostile force to be reckoned with, a stark contrast to the Pilgrims' hopes for a peaceful coexistence.
In conclusion, the primary purpose of these chapters within "Of Plymouth Plantation" is to underscore the remarkable perseverance, unwavering faith, and divine Providence that guided the Pilgrims through their arduous journey. As David Partenheimer aptly noted in _Explicator_, "In any case, it is a remarkable moment in American literature when the New World is typologically conceptualized as the Promised Land for a chosen people despite a landscape of hell" (p. 121). Bradford's manuscript is a testament to the enduring spirit of those early settlers and their unyielding belief in their mission, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Exploring "Of Plymouth Plantation" by William Bradford. (2016, Aug 12). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/of-plymouth-plantation-essay
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