The Mayflower and Her Log; July 15, 1620-May 6, 1621

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Thursday, Feb. 1/Feb. 11
                              At anchor in harbor. Weather better, and
                              some of those on board the ship went on
                              shore to work, but many ill.

Friday, Feb. 2/Feb. 12
At anchorage. The same.

Saturday, Feb. 3/13
At anchorage. Weather threatening. Fetched
wood and water.

Sunday, Feb. 4/14
                              At anchor, Plymouth harbor. The eighth
                              Sunday in this harbor, and now inexpedient
                              to think of getting away, till both Planters
                              and crew in better condition as to health.

[Bradford, Historie, p. 92; Young, Chronicler, p. 198. Bradford says (op. cit. Mass. ed, pp. 120, 121): “The reason on their parts why she stayed so long was ye necessitie and danger that lay upon them, for it was well toward ye ende of December before she could land anything here, or they able to receive anything ashore. After wards, ye 14 of January the house which they had made for a general randevoze by casulty fell afire, and some were faine to retire aboard for shelter. Then the sickness begane to fall sore amongst them, and ye weather so bad as they could not make much sooner dispatch. Againe, the Governor & chiefe of them seeing so many dye, and fall down sick dayly, thought it no wisdom to send away the ship, their condition considered, and the danger they stood in from ye Indians, till they could procure some shelter; and therefore thought it better to draw some more charge upon themselves & friends ["demurrage?”] than hazard all. The Mr. and sea-men likewise; though before they hasted ye passengers a shore to be goone [gone], now many of their men being dead, and of ye ablest of them [as is before noted, and of ye rest many lay sick & weake, ye Mr, durst not put to sea till he saw his men begine to recover, and ye hart of winter over."]]