William Bradford

Charles So
English 48A
Journal for Bradford

Author Quote:
"He was seen [to] shoot three arrows, which were all avoided. He stood three shots of a musket, till one taking full aim at him, made the bark or splinters of the tree fly about his ears, after which he gave an extraordinary shriek and away they went all of them"(119)

Internet Quote:
"A biographical sketch of Governor Bradford must necessarily include a referece to the Seperatist movement, with which he became early associated"(Bradford's history of Plymouth plantation, 1606-1646, volume 6 by William Bradford / Google.scholar.com)

Summary:
In William Bradfords's journals he gives detailed accounts of his voyage across the sea, to arriving in Cape Cod. He talks about the settlers great hardships in the new land, from the weather, to severe illness that took many lives and the heroes that helped people survive. He also writes about dealings with native americans. Bradford talks about his councilship with native americans with the help of Samoset, an Indian with a tremendous background that spoke English who helped the Settlers. There is a small paragraph about maybe the First Thankgiving.

Personal Opinion:
Its amazing to read about one of the very first settlers and how they managed to make it across the sea. They survived through many hardships, from harassing crewsmen of the ship and the relentless new land that brought the unknown. Through it all they seem to have great faith. The most interesting writing was about the "first encounter" with the Native Americans, the way Bradford wrote the details it is very compelling and dramatic. However i feel some of Bradfords accounts are viewed and written through his perspective and can be bias.