Mourt's Relation: The Early Chronicles of Plymouth Colony
In the early 17th century, the settlers of Plymouth Colony sought to document their struggles and triumphs in the New World. The result was Mourt's Relation, a pivotal historical tract that provides a firsthand account of the colony's initial years, its interactions with Native Americans, and the events leading up to the first Thanksgiving and the arrival of the ship Fortune in November 1621.
First published and sold in London in 1622 by John Bellamy, the text serves as a primary source for understanding the fragile beginnings of the English settlement in North America.
The Authorship and Origins
While the title suggests a single author, Mourt's Relation was a collaborative effort. The work was written primarily by Edward Winslow, though evidence suggests that William Bradford authored the majority of the first section.
The title itself stems from a historical misunderstanding. The tract was sometimes erroneously attributed to George Morton, who was occasionally referred to as "George Mourt." This misidentification led to the enduring title Mourt's Relation.
The Role of George Morton
George Morton was a Puritan Separatist—a member of a religious group that believed the Church of England was too corrupt to be reformed and sought to separate from it entirely. After moving to Leiden, Holland, Morton remained in Europe while the first settlers departed for Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Despite his absence from the colony's first voyage, Morton played a critical role by orchestrating business affairs in London and Europe to support the cause. It is presumed that he helped arrange the publication of Mourt's Relation and may have contributed to its writing.
Morton eventually emigrated to the Plymouth Colony in 1623 with his wife, Juliana, who was the sister of Alice Bradford (the wife of Governor William Bradford). Tragically, Morton's time in the New World was short, as he passed away in 1624.
The Legacy of Nathaniel Morton
The influence of the Morton family continued through George's son, Nathaniel Morton. Raised by his uncle, Governor William Bradford, after his father's death, Nathaniel became the clerk of the Plymouth Colony and a trusted adviser to Bradford. He later authored New England's Memorial, another influential early history of the colony.
Key Facts
- Primary Authors: Edward Winslow and William Bradford.
- Publication Date: 1622, published by John Bellamy in London.
- Key Events Covered: Relations with Native Americans, the first Thanksgiving, and the arrival of the ship Fortune (November 1621).
- Naming Origin: The title resulted from the erroneous belief that George Morton (sometimes called "George Mourt") was the author.
- George Morton's Role: Managed European business affairs for the colony before emigrating in 1623.
Summary of Key Figures
| Name | Role/Contribution | Connection to Colony |
|---|---|---|
| Edward Winslow | Primary Author | Early Settler |
| William Bradford | Author of first section | Governor of Plymouth Colony |
| George Morton | Business coordinator/Presumed editor | Puritan Separatist; emigrated 1623 |
| Nathaniel Morton | Author of "New England's Memorial" | Clerk of Plymouth Colony |
| John Bellamy | Publisher | London Bookseller |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who actually wrote Mourt's Relation?
The text was primarily written by Edward Winslow, with William Bradford contributing most of the first section.
Why is it called Mourt's Relation if George Morton didn't write it?
The title arose because the tract was mistakenly attributed to George Morton, who was sometimes referred to as "George Mourt."
What historical events does the book describe?
It describes the settlers' relations with Native Americans, the first Thanksgiving, and the arrival of the ship Fortune in November 1621.
What was George Morton's contribution to the colony?
Morton managed the colony's business affairs in London and Europe and likely helped arrange the publication of Mourt's Relation before emigrating to Plymouth in 1623.
Who was Nathaniel Morton?
Nathaniel Morton was the son of George Morton and the nephew of Governor William Bradford. He served as the clerk of the Plymouth Colony and wrote the historical work New England's Memorial.