The month between between November 11th and December had been a busy one. Several small scouting groups had went ashore to collect firewood and scout the general area.
It was around December 10th the decision had been made to establish a settlement on the west side of the Bay. The weather was initially harsh, and as a result it was more than a week before the Mayflower could dock near the settlement.
The area chosen had already been cleared, for it had been previously occupied by a Native American tribe...the Wampanoag tribe. Due to former contact with other Europeans, the diseases (respiratory infections, flus, and other maladies) that came with the Europeans was foreign to the Wampanoag's immune system, and as a result they could not combat the diseases, and many of the tribe had died. As a result, they were simply forced to leave the area.
Although the winter was brutal at first, it became a relatively mild winter. The problem was...the wetness. Much of the winter was in the form of sleet, cold rains, and near freezing temperatures...with high humidity. It resulted in approximately 50% of the original 102 passengers of the Mayflower...had died by the spring of 1621.
In March of 1621, the English settlers had made contact with Native Americans and they were able to establish a peace treaty with the Wampanoag tribe, led by their tribal Chief...Massusoit. One of their warriors, Tisquantum, knew the English language and was extremely helpful in being a liaison with the pilgrims. The pilgrims referred to him as "Squanto", which was an easier way for the pilgrims to pronounce his name. Squanto had suffered much himself in the pursuit of freedom, including being captured by former explorer raids, causing him to be imprisoned in Spain. His experiences seemed to have an effect on him, and was quite compassionate to the new English settlers.
On April 5th, 1621...the Mayflower and its remaining crew...returned to England.
The Mayflower arrived back in England on May 9th, 1621. Later in October, Captain Jones took the Mayflower on a trading voyage to Rochelle, France...and returned to England with a cargo of bay salt.
Soon after, the Captain died, who happened to be 1/4 owner of the Mayflower. He passed away on March 5th, 1622.
Nothing further was ever documented concerning the Mayflower until May of 1624 where it was in probate and deemed in ruins. The ship was said to be disassembled and sold as scrap.
Some reports of the Mayflower state the wood was used to build a barn in Jordins, England, yet many historians discredit this report as a product of an "overzealous imagination". Nevertheless, the barn in Jordins England has become a popular tourist attraction.
On Christmas day in 1620, the pilgrims began the construction of their new homes...the common house being erected first. There were a total of 19 families in need of shelter... new homes.
Women of the Mayflower played a key role to the survival of the pilgrims. They managed to put together meals with the food available, care for the sick, and mother the children. Many women went without food when food became scarce...so the children might have food to eat.
Of the original 18 women on the Mayflower...only 4 or 5 survived the winter of 1620.
In early December of 1620, the snow was 6 inches high, and the air was cold. The constant wet spray from the ocean caused their outer clothing to be almost glazed...in ice.
Around December 18th, there was a severe storm that was marked by snow, sleet, and rain. It took the pilgrims over two days just to dry out. However, the entire winter is recorded to be quite mild in nature...which was a tremendous aid to the pilgrims trying to establish residence.
The local native American tribe , the Wampanoags were extremely helpful. The pilgrims who came on the Mayflower were of the "city", being weavers and carpenters. The Wampanoags taught the pilgrims how to fish and hunt, and perhaps saved the entire group from being wiped out.
Although the winter was not as harsh as other winters in the New England area, it was blustery with much rain.....Spring could only be a much needed and long awaited welcome!
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