While on my trip, In preparation for the upcoming holiday, I took in this book. It chronicles the pilgrims, from their leaving England for Leyden, the arduous journey across the sea, the loss of half their number during the first winter, to the activities of the colony fifty years after it was established.
It, of course, mentions the first "Thanksgiving". Thanksgiving was a term they used to describe a time of giving thanks to God on a special occasion. the first in the new world was a combination of that and a harvest festival, with their new native allies bringing 100 or so people to and some deer to throw into the mix.
It also has a detailed account, drawing heavily from Governor Bradford's later writing, of their dealings with the natives. From the first encounter, which was an unexpected assault of the landing party to the political machinations of the tribes and the dealings the colony had with them, it is an interesting account. It details how they made friends with the a local tribe, only to discover that this made them enemies of another, more powerful local tribe and the different characters, including Squanto, that influenced their dealings.
Indeed, the book does an excellent job of fleshing out some of the characters, from the belligerent warrior Miles Standish, the Chief Massasoit, the Governor Bradford to the military leader of the colony during King Phillip's War, Benjamin Church.
It also talks a bit about my ancestor Isaac Allerton, Governor Bradford's Assistant Governor at first, one of the original five Assistant Governor's after the government was more formalized. The author also mentions how he later caused a stir by mixing some of the colonies business dealings with personal business dealings, helping to lead the colony to increased debt. Oops.
Here's to hoping your Thanksgiving is the perfect mix of giving thanks to God for all the blessings he has brought you and a lively celebration of family and friend!
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