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Nov. 23, 2004 In the late 1620's a great voyage from England began. Two ships destined for New England (now known as North America) were making ready for departure. One of these mighty ships was known as the Speedwell and the other, the Mayflower. You can just imagine all the excitement hanging around the docks. Men, women, children, and ship hands all hustling about gathering parcels, bundles, and trunks to take aboard. Mothers worrying after their little ones and cautioning them to stay close. Crates and more crates, which held the passenger's belongings, lined the dock. The captain and first mate on the top deck giving orders and directions, families saying their final good-byes, and tears being shed and hearts being torn away from all they had ever known. All families were welcomed aboard the two ships and the journey began. The excitement didn't die away very quickly. Many of the passengers hurried about finding their trunks and other miscellaneous belongings. Rooms were adjusted per family needs and makeshift beds were created below deck where there were no rooms. Above all the din you could hear and even breathe the word "freedom". This is what was on most of the voyager's minds. A new land full of opportunity and freedom. Freedom from what? you may ask. Many of the passengers were what are known as Separatists. Separatists were basically Christians that separated themselves from the Corrupt Church of England. They figured that as Puritans they couldn’t purify the church from the 'inside' so they separated themselves from the church and were therefore persecuted and oppressed. Throughout History these passengers have been called pilgrims and rightly so. According to Webster's Dictionary a pilgrim is one who journeys in a foreign land. This is exactly what they did. Although many of the passengers on the Speedwell and the Mayflower were separatists, they were not the only pilgrims on this journey. Some of these pilgrims were adventurers, runaways, and the likes. There were rich and poor, old and young, strong and weak. Different religions (but mainly those of the reformed faith.)backgrounds and nationalities all crammed into two great big ships for a two to three month long voyage. The ships made it out to sea, but the Speedwell sprung a leak and the two ships had to turn around and head back to England. After the ship was patched up the two ships once again set sail. A little way out to sea the Speedwell again sprung a leak. The two ships turned around and sailed back to England. Just think of the frustration burning throughout the passengers. "better safe then sorry" you would hear the most optimistic person say yet you could hear the edginess in their voice. When the two ships got back to port Captain Christopher Jones decided to go to New England without the Speedwell. In September of 1620 the Mayflower started their trek across the Atlantic Ocean. Europe's land mass was enveloped by the ocean as the ship sailed further and further out to sea. By the fourth day all you could see from horizon to horizon is deep blue water. As you watch over the side of the ship schools of fish would swim by or maybe even a shark. Dolphins would jump beside the heavy mass of wood and whales would spout large amounts of water through the air. Seagulls would caw and fly about. Many of the voyagers were unaccustomed to the gentle rock of the ship and quickly fell to their beds sick. They were unable to eat a tiny morsel and wasted away. Some even died for lack of food and contaminated areas. If you could get away from the sick beds below deck you were fortunate. The only place to escape would be the top deck where the crisp ocean breeze whipped away the stench from below. The decks were crowded with those who sought fresh air and the hands on board who had jobs to do. Below deck there were even more bodies. Sick men, women, and children all wallowing in filth. Others bathing foreheads and trying to clean up the area. the air was stale, foul in stench, and very humid and hot. If the rocking of the ship didn't make you sick being on the 'sick deck' sure did. Towards the end life aboard ship was miserable. Relief came when the call of "Land Ho" echoed throughout the ship. Hopes began to soar and excitement began to rise as departure from the ship became a reality. This is just the beginning of the story about the founders of Thanksgiving. They went through more trials and sorrows as winter set in and sickness spread. Be thankful this Thanksgiving. Understand that freedom comes at a price and that our Forefathers went through many hard and perilous times to give us what we have today. ------------ About the author: Lindsay Davis is 19 years old and loves to write. She enjoys reading most anything from childrens books to history books and biographies. Her goal is to become an Elementary teacher and a published writer. Email: lilypads85@hotmail.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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