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The Pilgrims set sail for Cape Cod
Begining their voyage on September 16, 1620, The Pilgrims decided to leave their home in England and travel accross the sea to America. Along their route they had hardships to deal with, sea sickness, death, but all of their ailments were the will of God.
"They put to sea again with a prosperous wind, which continued divers days together, which was some encouragment unto them; yet according to the usual manner, many were afflicted with seasickness." -
Arriving in Cape Cod
After 5 months of traveling over rough seas (Sept - Nov), the Pilgrims finally made it to Cape Cod. They had imagined green feilds in an amazing new place, but uppon arriving all they found were empty sand dunes. "Being thus arrived in a good harbor, and brought safe to land, they fell upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven who had Brought them over the vast and furious ocean." -
Sickness plagues the pilgrims
Having no shelter or food in the dead of winter, William Bradford and the pilgrims that traveled with him were almost obliterated. At that time Scurvy was a common killer in any over seas jounrey. The common cold or flu was also a frequent killer, along with frostbite, and hypothermia. "Being infected with the scurvy and ther diseases which this long voyage and their inaccomodate condition had brought upon them. So as there died sometimes two or three of a day." -
encountering Indians
Being the first Pilgrims in Cape Cod, William Bradford and his remaning followers were the only people living here besides the Native Americans. Having never seen white men before, they tried to keep themselves hidden at first. They were afraid of these new people, but slowly started to communicate with them. "All this while the Indians came skulking about them, and would sometimes show themselves aloof off." -
First Thanksgiving
After being able to communicate with the Indians, they were able to introduce the pilgrims to their cheif. After making peace with them the Indians showed them the best places to fish, hunt, along with many other helpful and lifesaving tips. "They began now to gather in the small harvest they had, and to fit up their houses and dwellings against winter, being all well recovered in health and strength and had all things in good plenty."
