Meeting in main cabin of all adult male passengers except their two hired seamen, Trevore and Ely, and those too ill—­to make and sign a mutual ’Compact”

[The Compact is too well known to require reprinting here (see Appendix); but a single clause of it calls for comment in this connection.  In it the framers recite that, “Having undertaken to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia,” etc.  From this phraseology it would appear that they here used the words “northern parts of Virginia” understandingly, and with a new relation and significance, from their connection with the words “the first colony in,” for such declaration could have no force or truth except as to the region north of 41 deg. north latitude.  They knew, of course, of the colonies in Virginia under Gates, Wingfield, Smith, Raleigh, and others (Hopkins having been with Gates), and that, though there had been brief attempts at settlements in the “northern plantations,” there were none there then, and that hence theirs would be in a sense “the first,” especially if considered with reference to the new Council for New England.  The region of the Hudson had heretofore been included in the term “northern parts of Virginia,” although in the southern Company’s limit; but a new meaning was now designedly given to the words as used in the Compact, and New England was contemplated. ]

to regulate their civil government.  This done, they confirmed Master Carver their “governour” in the ship on the voyage, their “governour” for the year.  Bore up for the Cape, and by short tacks made the Cape [Paomet, now Provincetown] Harbor, coming to an anchorage a furlong within the point.  The bay so circular that before coming to anchor the ship boxed the compass [i.e. went clear around all points of it].

Let go anchors three quarters of an English mile off shore, because of shallow water, sixty-seven days from Plymouth (Eng.), eighty-one days from Dartmouth, ninety-nine days from Southampton, and one hundred and twenty from London.  Got out the long-boat and set ashore an armed party of fifteen or sixteen in armor, and some to fetch wood, having none left, landing them on the long point or neck, toward the sea.

     [The strip of land now known as Long Point, Provincetown (Mass.)
     harbor.]
                              Those going ashore were forced to wade a
                              bow-shot or two in going aland.  The party
                              sent ashore returned at night having seen
                              no person or habitation, having laded the
                              boat with juniper wood.

Sunday, Nov. 12/22
                              At anchor in Cape Cod harbor.  All hands
                              piped to service.  Weather mild.