The Mayflower and Her Log; July 15, 1620-May 6, 1621 — Volume 3Ames, Azel
History
The Mayflower and Her Log; July 15, 1620-May 6, 1621 — Volume 3
Ames, Azel
Massachusetts -- History -- New Plymouth, 1620-1691; Mayflower (Ship); Pilgrims (New Plymouth Colony)
This is certainly most absurd, and by one not familiar with the
exceptional fidelity and the conscientious work of Miss Thomas would
rightly be denounced as reckless and reprehensible fabrication. Of
course Williamson, Standish, and Winslow made no such journey, and made
no treaty with Massasoit, but aided simply in conducting, with due
ceremonial, the first meeting between Governor John Carver and the Indian
sachem at Plymouth, at which a treaty was concluded. There is no
historical warrant whatever for the name of "George," as appertaining to
"Master William son." The fact, however,--made known by the fortunate
discovery mentioned,--that "Master Williamson" was named in his will by
Master Mullens as one of its "Overseers," and undoubtedly probated the
will in England, puts the existence of such a person beyond reasonable
doubt. That he was a person of some dignity, and of very respectable
position, is shown by the facts that he was chosen as Standish's
associate, as lieutenant of the guard, on an occasion of so much
importance, and was thought fit by Master Mullens, a careful and clear-
headed man as his will proves,--to be named an "Overseer" of that will,
charged with responsible duties to Mullens's children and property.
It is practically certain that on either of the above-mentioned dates
(February 21, or March 22) there were no human beings in the Colony of
New Plymouth beside the passengers of the MAY-FLOWER, her officers and
crew, and the native savages. Visitors, by way of the fishing vessels on
the Maine coast, had not yet begun to come, as they did a little later.
It is certain that no one of the name of "Williamson" was among the
colonist passengers, or indeed for several years in the colony, and we
may at once dismiss both the passengers and the savages from our
consideration. This elimination renders it inevitable that "Master
Williamson" must have been of the ship's company. It remains to
determine, if possible, what position upon the MAY-FLOWER'S roster he
presumably held. His selection by "Master" Mullens as one of the "Over
seers" of his will suggests the probability that, having named Governor
Carver as the one upon whom he would rely for the care of his family and
affairs in New England, Mr. Mullens sought as the other a proper person,
soon to return to England, and hence able to exercise like personal
interest in his two children and his considerable property left there?
Such a suggestion points to a returning and competent officer of the
ship. That "Master Williamson" was above the grade of "petty officer,"
and ranked at least with the mates or "pilots," is clear from the fact
that he is invariably styled "Master" (equivalent to Mister), and we know
with certainty that he was neither captain nor mate. That he was a man of
address and courage follows the fact that he was chosen by Standish as
his lieutenant, while the choice in and of itself is a strong bit of
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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