Mourt's Relation discussion

Mourt’s Relation is the earliest known eyewitness account of the Pilgrims’ first seven months in New England plus a few additional events up through November 1621. It was published in 1622 in London. Its writing precedes William Bradford’s account, Of Plimoth Plantation, by a decade and the subsequent publication of Bradford’s by 234 years. Mourt’s Relation, as it is commonly known, in fact has a seventy word title: A Relation Or Journal of the beginning and proceedings of the English Plantation settled at Plymouth in New England, by certain English Adventurers both Merchants and others. With their difficult passage, their safe arrival, their joyful building of, and comfortable planting themselves in the now well defended town of New Plymouth. As Also a Relation of Four several discoveries since made by some of the same English Planters there resident. (The titles of the four discourses then follow.) Thus it is obviously known by its short title, Mourt’s Relation, a G. Mourt having written the introduction. As no authors’ names appear, scholars believe that, based on known writing style, it was written by William Bradford and Edward Winslow. Also missing is a much needed index.

The following index is compiled from the Dwight B. Heath modernized, and indexless, edition published as Mourt’s Relation, A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth (Bedford, MA: Applewood Books, 1963).

- from the introduction by Stacy B. C. Wood, Jr. at his Index of Events and Individuals Named in Mourt's Relation, which is the source of the title page picture

The text can be found at The Plymouth Colony Archive Project. I read the Heath version which I recommend for the clean, modernized style (although some of Heath’s claims in his introduction seem unsupported by the text). Here are some brief notes on the different sections of the book:

• To the Reader (written by George Morton)

Morton arranged business affairs for the Pilgrims, so he had a vested interest in seeing the enterprise in the New World succeed. While making sure the “relations” got published, his introduction downplays the hardships faced (“first attempts prove difficult”) while stressing potential earnings from such an investment. His three hopes for the undertaking are “the furtherance of the kingdom Christ, the enlarging of the bounds of our sovereign lord King James, and the good and profit of those who, either by purse or person or both, are agents in the same…”. William Bradford and Edward Winslow might stress different things in their sections, but Morton and Robert Cushman (see the last section) consistently hit these points.

• Certain Useful Advertisements sent in a letter written by a discreet friend unto the Planters in New England, at their first setting sail from Southampton, who earnestly desireth the prosperity of that their new Plantation (written by John Robinson)

Robinson, the pastor for the religious Pilgrims, sent this letter with the Pilgrims. Robinson stressed that the Pilgrims should continue their religious ways. In addition to finding peace with God, the pastor emphasized maintaining peace among all people. At this point, Robinson reminded the Pilgrims that “strangers” would be among them and that they were traveling for different reasons than escaping religious persecution. While desiring peace, Robinson recognizes that some settlers will be tempted to advance themselves instead of working toward the common good. Lastly Robinson enjoins them to elect good leaders for self-government. His language foreshadows what is in the Mayflower Compact, as well as sets the stage for one of the greatest ironies surrounding the Pilgrims. In expanding the rule of King James, the seeds of self-rule have been planted.

What I found interesting about Robinson’s list is what it excludes—Indians. They may have been implied in the “be excellent to one another” section, but there was no mention of conversion or concern for safety.

• A Relation or Journal of the proceedings of the Plantation settled at Plymouth in New England (written by William Bradford)

Bradford’s section covers about half the book, providing more detail of the first few months than was in Of Plymouth Plantation. Some passages are almost identical in both books, but the additional information and anecdotes, such as Bradford getting caught in an Indian deer trap, further flesh out their initial time in New England. I have emphasized the business aspect of the Pilgrims without clarifying trading and business was to pay off their debt for their investors and not to enrich themselves. The Pilgrims did steal things (corn and a few items from an unoccupied hut). They did keep an eye on the legitimacy of their claims. Heath snidely comments that the Pilgrims used a prior plague wiping out the previous inhabitants as divine intervention and a “convenient rationalization” for settling where they did. I saw it as looking at the legality of their settlement. Since they did not have a patent for their location, Bradford frames their search as part of their contract-based outlook. The immediate treaty with Massasoit fits into that outlook.

Bradford does not hide the facts that there were deaths, but he does not provide statistics either. You have to read his Of Plymouth Plantation for an idea of how many deaths, including his wife’s, there were that first year. While disease would prove to be a problem in future years, more mundane problems like fire (especially when close to gunpowder) proved to be dangers as well. And while the Indians were the first to attack the Pilgrims, given previous encounters with Europeans (with natives stolen or placed into slavery) their wariness and aggressiveness seem understandable.

• A Journey to Pokanoket, the habitation of the great King Massasoit; as also our message, the answer and entertainment we had of him (written by Edward Winslow)

Heath highlights how inconsiderate the Pilgrims were to the Indians but fails to mention the Indians continually disrupting the Pilgrims, limiting their work. This section covers a group of Pilgrims visiting Massasoit, deepening the bonds with the Indians (or at least this tribe) as well as limiting their visits. In addition, if Winslow is to be believed, the Pilgrims initiated repayment for the items they took soon after landing.

• A Voyage Made by ten of our men to the kingdom of Nauset, to seek a boy that had lost himself in the woods; with such accidents as befell us in that voyage (written by Edward Winslow)

This section shows high levels of interaction between the Indians and the Pilgrims. While the group of ten Pilgrims was searching for the lost boy they encounter an old Indian woman mourning her three sons taken by an Englishman several years ago. The Pilgrims make sure that the Indians know that they are not there for profit or power like previous visitors (who seem like savages).

• A Journey to the kingdom of Nemasket in defense of the great King Massasoit, against the Narragansets, and to revenge the supposed death of our interpreter Squanto (written by Edward Winslow)

This section of Mourt’s Relations is more problematic as the Pilgrims attack an Indian tribe. In many ways, however, their behavior is consistent with what we have seen so far. They uphold their end of the treaty, believing Squanto to have been killed. The Pilgrims take the Narragansets by surprise but to their shock they find Squanto alive. Doing more than apologize, the Pilgrims take injured Indians to their settlement for treatment. For better or worse, the impact of the Pilgrims breaking into an Indian settlement at midnight, seemingly unprovoked, must have been great for this tribe and for the surrounding tribes as well.

• A relation of our voyage to the Massachusets, and what happened there (written by Edward Winslow)

Even though the Massachusets had threatened the Pilgrims, the settlers attempt to peacefully trade with the Indians. While finding only a couple of very scared natives, the Pilgrims make a favorable impression in treating the Indians as equals. Squanto comes across as savage, wanting the Pilgrims to ‘rifle’ the women and steal their valuables.

• A letter sent from New England to a friend in these parts, wetting forth a brief and true declaration of the worth of that plantation; as also certain useful directions for such as intend a voyage into those parts (written by Edward Winslow)

This section contains the most famous description of the first Thanksgiving, stressing the relationship with the Indians as much as the successful harvest. Winslow goes into detail about relations with the Indians, highlighting the harmony not just with the Pilgrims but between differing groups of Indians. Having initially partnered with one of the weakest tribes in the area, the Pilgrims altered the balance of power among the tribes and inadvertently brought a measure of peace to the area. As rosy as everything sounds, it is important to keep in mind that Winslow intends to attract more English to the area in addition to not appearing idle.

• Reasons and considerations touching the lawfulness of removing out of England into the parts of America (written by Robert Cushman)

Cushman approaches his argument like a sermon, interlacing his writing with quotes and allusions from the Gospel. His concern on “lawfulness” is a recurrent theme throughout the work as the Pilgrims look not for just what is right but what is legal. Cushman reiterates many of the same three hopes mentioned in George Morton’s introduction. Here is Cushman’s final paragraph, which lays it on thick regarding the “plentifulness” of New England—visit sunny Plymouth!

To conclude, without all partiality, the present consumption which growth upon us here, whilst the land groaneth under so many close-fisted and unmerciful men, being compared with the easiness, plainness and plentifulness in living in those remote places, may quickly persuade any man to a liking of this course, and to practice a removal, which being done by honest, godly and industrious men, they shall there be right heartily welcome, but for other of dissolute and profane life, their rooms are better than their companies. For if here, where the Gospel hath been so long and plentifully taught, they are yet frequent in such vices as the heathen would shame to speak of, what will they be when there is less restraint in word and deed? My only suit to all men is, that whether they live there or here, they would learn to use this world as they used it not, keeping faith and a good conscience, both with God and men, that when the day of account shall come, they may come forth as good and fruitful servants, and freely be received, and enter into the joy of their Master.

Of Plymouth Plantation discussion

William Bradford
Picture source

May not and ought not the children of these fathers rightly say: Our faithers were Englishmen which come over this great ocean, and were ready to perish in this willdernes; but they cried unto the Lord, and he heard their voyce, and looked on their adversitie, etc. Let them ther fore praise the Lord, because he is good, and his mercies endure for ever. Yea, let them which have been redeemed of the Lord, shew how he hath delivered them from the hand of the oppressour. When they wandered in the deserte willdernes out of the way, and found no citie to dwell in, both hungrie, and thirstie, their sowle vas overwhelmed in them. Let them confess before the Lord his loving kindnes, and his wonderfull works before the sons of men.
(from Chapter 9)

And thus was this poore church left, like an anciente mother, growne olde, and forsaken of her children, (though not in their affections,) yett in regarde of their bodily presence and personall helpfulness. Her anciente members being most of them worne away by death; and these of later time being like children translated into other families, and she like a widow left only to trust in God. Thus she that had made many rich became her selfe poore.
(from 1644’s entry)

All quotes from the 1962 edition edited by Harvey Wish, supplemented by the Early American Digital Archive link listed below.

William Bradford’s Of Plymouth Plantation covers the Pilgrims during their move to Holland (starting in 1607 and 1608), briefly mentions the 1620 voyage to America, then covers annual events through 1646. Bradford’s work includes not just his history of the founding of Plymouth but documents (such as letters and treaties) involving the development of the colony.

A few resources for Bradford’s book:

Wikipedia’s entries on Of Plymouth Plantation (including the interesting journey of the manuscript) and William Bradford.

The complete book is available at the Early American Digital Archive.

Samuel Eliot Morison’s essay "Those Misunderstood Puritans” covers all of New England’s Puritans, but is helpful in understanding (as well as piercing both long-held and politically correct myths surrounding) the mindset of the average Puritan.

The Plymouth Colony Archive Project, “a collection of fully searchable texts, including: court records, colony laws, seventeenth century journals and memoirs, probate inventories, wills, town plans, maps, and fort plans; research and seminar analyses of numerous topics; biographical profiles of selected colonists; and architectural, archaeological and material culture studies.”

A few of the interesting characters and events in the book:

Myles Standish makes several important contributions as the Pilgrims’ military leader.

John Lyford, who said and did one thing to the colonists while communicating other things to England. During banishment deliberations it was revealed that he had raped a woman in Ireland, fathered a child out of wedlock, and constantly slept with housemaids.

Thomas Granger, who was tried, convicted and hanged for bestiality.

Thomas Morton (or as Bradford called him, the “lord of misrule”) and his ‘alternate’ community in Merrymount. Bradford is usually very even-keeled when describing events, but he unloads on Morton. Bradford apologizes for going “too long aboute so unworthy a person, and bad a cause.”

Isaac Allerton, acting as the colony’s agent, cheated Plymouth out of money in addition to saddling them with debt.

Bradford’s take on Roger Williams: “But he is to be pitied, and prayed for, and so I shall leave the matter, and desire the Lord to shew him his errors”, “a man godly & zealous, having many precious parts, but very unsettled in judgmente”.

William Brewster, a minister who came over on the Mayflower, receives a glowing memorial from Bradford.

The earthquake of June 1 or June 2, 1638 (pre-Gregorian calendar dating, I'm sure).

Some general thoughts on the book:

While religion was a central aspect of the Pilgrims’ experience, the business aspect appears as a major focus. As I mentioned in Nathaniel Philbrick’s Mayflower, the Pilgrims were constantly being taken advantage of in many of their dealings. While they do show increasing business savvy (hiring an additional person to oversee a new agent, for example), some things were out of their control. The death of the lone ship carpenter, for example, would limit their trading ability until an adequate boat can be built.

Since Bradford was the governor of the colony for many of the years covered, his role in insuring safety and providing supplies merits special attention. Even though the book is written in the third person and often downplays his own role in events, Bradford proved to be an exemplary leader. The decision to make everyone responsible for growing and providing their own food insured adequate harvests after their initial communal system failed.

While Bradford appears to be a trustworthy fellow, I think it is important to keep in mind that there was a propaganda war centered on the colonies, a battle for how history was to be recorded and business interests awarded. Several times Bradford addresses charges against the colonists, such as Thomas Weston calling the Pilgrims “good beggars” or Isaac Allerton’s “infamouse & scurillous booke against many godly & cheefe men of the cuntrie; full of lyes & slanders, and fraight with profane callumnies against their names and persons, and the ways of God.” Conflicts arise between parties because of differing interests. These disagreements occur among and between different groups, including the various colonies, plantations and businessmen in England, religious and non-religious settlers, and settlers from different countries.

Into these conflicts add the potential for disagreement or physical confrontation with the Indians. Bradford provides an interesting outlook toward the natives, usually focusing on contractual obligations. The power struggle between Indian tribes drags the settlers into the mix at times, such as the Pequot War and the war between the Mohegans and Narragansetts (see the article on Uncas for a good summary). Bradford’s work makes it clear that disease had a major impact on the colonists as well as the Indians. He mentions the unsanitary conditions of the Indians aided the spread of disease and gave examples of settlers helping Indians when and where they could. The relationship between the colonists and Indians proves to be complex, with Bradford providing anecdotal examples of the two groups helping each other.

The direction the colonies are headed concerns Bradford. He worries that increased settlements, sprawling around the bay and westward, will change the sense of community that he feels is necessary for the colonists to flourish (spiritually as well as physically). “And others still, as they conceived them selves straitened, or to want accommodation, break away under one pretence or other, thinking their owne conceived necessitie, and the example of others, a warrente sufficente for them. And this, I fear, will be the ruine of New-England, at least of the churches of God ther, & will provock the Lords displeasure against them.” His entry for 1642 starts with a long musing on the reasons for the increase in evil deeds. “But it may be demanded how came it to pass that so many wicked persons and profane people should so quickly come over into this land, & mixe them selves amongst them? Seeing it was religious men that begane the work, and they came for religions sake.” The opening passages of this post demonstrate the ideals Bradford thought the colony should pursue and how he saw events unfolding.

To some extent it was inevitable that Bradford would be disappointed since there was a large percentage of non-religious settlers. Even for religious colonists conflicting goals, interests, backgrounds and work ethics were bound to create friction. But that did not stop him or other leaders from attempting to keep the initial intent alive. The opening of the New England Confederation in 1643 mirrors Bradford’s (and other Pilgrim’s) hopes from the first: “Wheras we all came into these parts of America with one and the same end and aime, namely, to advance the kingdome of our Lord Jesus Christ, & to injoye the liberties of the Gospell in puritie with peace…”. After finishing this book, I found it helpful to go back to read the opening chapters and the Mayflower Compact again to compare Bradford’s wistful mood at the end with what was intended for the Pilgrims’ colony:

Lastly, (and which was not least), a great hope and inward zeall they had of laying some good foundation, or at least to make some way therunto, for the propagating and advancing the gospell of the kingdom of Christ in those remote parts of the world; yea, though they should be but even as stepping-stones unto others for the performing of so great a work.

An aside: The last paragraph of Bradford’s work makes a nod to changes in the political landscape in England. Edward Winslow has been “detained longer than was expected” due to “the great alterations in the State,” a nod to Oliver Cromwell and the execution of Charles I. Writing in 1650, Bradford could not have known that the Commonwealth would be short-lived. Is part of his wistfulness the result of this change, providing an atmosphere the congregation at Scrooby had longed for? I don’t believe that to be the case since the stated aims of the Pilgrims are much more expansive than 'toleration'. In addition, there is almost a touch of bitterness aimed at Winslow for being gone so long without consent. Bradford feels he would be better used in the colony. While Bradford surely intended to write more (1647 and 1648 are noted but have no entries), this last paragraph sounds an odd final note to the book.

Thanks for the comments

Apparently my e-mail notification for comments is not working properly, so I wanted to say 'thanks' for the comments that have been made on posts that are no longer on the front page. I've added notes or links to reflect the additional resources or reviews provided.

Thanks so much!

Lyle the Crocodile

I have mentioned that my parents saved most of the books I had while growing up. A couple of this week's favorites with the boys revolve around Lyle the Crocodile. My favorite part is in Lyle and the Birthday Party, where I read Lyle's doctor with a German accent (think of "Hogan's Heroes" with a southern accent and you're pretty close).

Here's the end of The House on East 88th Street:

So now if you should happen to be
walking past the house on
East 88th Street
and if you should happen to hear
sounds that go:
SWISH, SWASH, SPLASH, SWOOSH!
don't be surprised.
It's only Lyle.
Lyle the crocodile.

The Sovereignty and Goodness of God discussion

Picture source

Before I knew what affliction meant, I was ready sometimes to wish for it. When I lived in prosperity, having the comforts of the World about me, my relations by me, my Heart chearfull: and taking little care for any thing; and yet seeing many, whom I preferred before my self, under many tryals and afflictions, in sickness, weakness, poverty, losses, crosses, and cares of the World, I should be sometimes jealous least I should have my portion in this life… . … If trouble from smaller matter begin to arise in me, I have something at hand to check my self with, and say, why am I troubled? It was but the other day that if I had had the world, I would have given it for my freedom, or to have been a Servant to a Christian. I have learned to look beyond present and smaller troubles, and to be quieted under them, as Moses said, Exod. 14:13, “Stand still and see the Salvation of the Lord.” (page 112 of The Bedford Series version I recommend)

Mary Rowlandson's book, going by different titles, can be found free of charge at Project Gutenberg (HTML or plain text) and at LibriVox (audio).

I highly recommend the version published by The Bedford Series in History and Culture in which Neal Salisbury provides an introduction to the work as well as including several "related documents", some of which I'll mention.

Mary Rowlandson’s account of her captivity by the Indians during King Philips’ War was one of America’s first bestsellers. Some background: Mary Rowlandson, wife of Lancaster, Massachusetts minister Joseph Rowlandson, was taken captive by Indians on February 10, 1675 and held for almost three months. Mary faced hardships and heartbreak during this period, being separated from her two oldest children and having her youngest child die in her arms. She traveled with her Indian captors across Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire in twenty journeys, or “removes”. By proving herself useful to her captors, Mary increased the chances of her survival. Her narrative conveys her fortitude and faith in dealing with her ordeal. The narrative of her experience may not resonate with today’s audience but it provides a wonderful insight into the world of both the settlers and the natives. During her captivity she met Indian leaders such as King Philip, Weetamoo, and Quinnapin.

I had often before this said, that if the Indians should come, I should chuse rather to be killed by them than be taken alive, but when it came to the tryal my mind changed; their glittering weapons so daunted my spirit, that I chose rather to go along with those (as I may say) ravenous Beasts, than that moment to end my days; and that I may the better declare what happened to me during that grievous Captivity, I shall particularly speak of the several Removes we had up and down the Wilderness. (page 70)

A few thoughts on the book:
Mary’s faith was an obvious comfort to her throughout her captivity. To the modern reader it almost becomes a joke when any little thing can cause her to remember some scripture that applies to a particular situation, yet it is important to remember the overall circumstances in which she found herself. The reader also knows that it is a foregone conclusion that Mary will live, and her writing style can help foster that feeling. During the journeys, seeing death delivered for any reason (a woman and her baby tomahawked for complaining too much, for example) could not have made her ransom and rescue seem inevitable. Despite the cruelties meted out by the Indians, they were also capable of great kindness to her. Whether supplying her with a Bible or providing her with food and shelter, there were plenty of Indians that assisted her. The harshest treatment seems to have come at the hands of Quinnapin’s wives, Weetamoo (more powerful than her husband in her own right) in particular.

Mary’s attitude toward the Indians could not have helped matters. She had obviously never met an Indian she liked. Even the “Praying Indians” come in for abuse. It seems clear she lets the sins of a few (a Praying Indian who was later seen participating in an attack as one example) cloud her outlook toward all natives. A theme moving underneath the surface of her book, which has to be unintended, concerns the lack of barriers between the natives and settlers. The Indians had adopted many facets from the Old World (languages, tools, weapons, etc.) while the settlers were adept at implementing native methods for surviving in the new and different setting. Another major theme running throughout the work revolves around the difficulties and hardships encountered by the Indians. Their constant movement, a way of life before the settlers appeared, becomes a military tactic as well. Unfortunately the nonstop “removes” highlight the necessity of movement in order to procure food and find allies, oftentimes failing at both. In addition to hunger and weariness, a disheartening atmosphere descends on the Indians. Late in Mary’s captivity, the Indians are victorious in battle but fail to celebrate as they had in previous circumstances. The Indians realize their cause is lost at some point which facilitates Mary’s ransom.

The Bedford Series I recommend includes the following “related documents” (among others):

1) An excerpt from John Easton’s “A Relacion of the Indian Warre” (1675), which lays out the Indian case against the English. Easton met with Philip (Metacom) with the hope of resolving some of the differences between the groups. Easton goes into detail on the Wampanoag Indians’ grievances.

2) “The Examination and Relation of James Quannapaqua” (January 24, 1675). James Quanapohit (spelled differently in the document) and Job Kattananit were released from internment in order to spy for the English. James' report, gathered at great risk to his life, makes clear the English should have known that Lancaster would be attacked (and knew it three weeks in advance). Quanapohit’s report was discounted because the source was an Indian, underscoring the settlers' mistrust of the natives. Only when the settlers allowed Indians to assist significantly in the war and adopted some of their tactics did they prevail.

3) Joseph Rowlandson’s final sermon was included in the first publications of Mary’s narrative. His sermon underscores her story: the New Englanders had alienated God and brought down his wrath in the form of King Philip’s War. Redemption was a possibility if settlers hewed closer to God. His sermon, “The Possibility of God’s Forsaking a People” provides a textbook example of a jeremiad. This outlook also runs throughout Mary’s narrative.

Mayflower discussion

Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War by Nathaniel Philbrick
Penguin, paperback, 480 pages, $16.00
ISBN: 0143111973

In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc.

Having undertaken, for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith and Honour of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the First Colony in the Northern Parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually in the presence of God and one of another, Covenant and Combine ourselves together into a Civil Body Politic, for our better ordering and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute and frame such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the Colony, unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunder subscribed our names at Cape Cod, the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France and Ireland the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth.

Anno Domini 1620.

-- Text of The Mayflower Compact

My posting lately has been severely restricted due to work, but hopefully I’ll get caught up on a few of the books I’ve read. I’ll start with Nathaniel Philbrick’s engaging Mayflower. In addition to covering the Pilgrims’ history in England and Holland as well as the establishment of Plymouth Colony, Philbrick spends the latter portion of the book covering King Philip’s War (or Metacom’s War) in 1675-1676. Philbrick’s greatest appeal lies in presenting facts from all sides of an event before drawing any conclusions. Thus while puncturing much of the mythology surrounding the Pilgrims, a complex image emerges that may diminish the legend but still provides insights on actions that were taken.

The comparative peace that existed between the Pilgrims and the Indians during the first years stands in sharp contrast to the tension that arose as more settlers arrived. One of the Pilgrims’ traits I found interesting was how easily they were taken advantage of or duped, assuming other people would behave as forthright as they did. Merchant seamen swindled them when contracted to provide transportation. Investors failed to send supplies in a manner that would provide assistance. Indians used the Pilgrims to eliminate their enemies (Massasoit even lied when he thought he was on his deathbed in order to have another tribe attacked). Bad luck and stubbornness did not help their cause, such as choosing one of the least fertile locations in the area to plant their colony.

Philbrick’s telling of King Philip’s War, one of the deadliest wars (proportionately) in American history, provides a sad historical chapter. The war may have been possibly inevitable given the nature of the participants. Succeeding generations of the Pilgrims and additional settlers were much less considerate of the Indians’ rights and claims. But Massasoit’s belligerent son Philip was a master at inciting violence while at the same time acting surprised that his actions provoked others to battle. Momentum eventually swung against the Indians as support from other tribes was denied (most notably from the Mohawks) as wellas settlers accepting Indian help and adopting Indian tactics. The war provided several poignant lapses in the Pilgrim legend, conspicuously the massacre at the Great Swamp Fort (a blunder in both tactics and strategy), the internment of “Praying Indians” on Deer Island, and the shipment of conquered Indians as slaves.

After reading Mayflower I found it easy to come to the same conclusion as historian Samuel Eliot Morison: “The ways of the puritans are not my ways, and their faith is not my faith; nevertheless they appear to me a courageous, humane, brave, and significant people.” Neither vilifying the participants using present-day standards nor whitewashing their actions, Philbrick has provided an account of the Pilgrims that was a pleasure to read. At the least (or would it be at most?), it inspired me to read several of the source documents by early Americans.

A lesson in strategic planning

Albert Coady Wedemeyer
Picture source

"The first thing for a commander in chief to determine is what he is going to do, to see if he has the means to overcome the obstacles which the enemy can oppose to him, and, when he has decided, to do all he can to surmount them."

Napoleon I, Maxim LXXIX

Sometimes following links upon links turns up things I find interesting (realizing this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea). Having been involved in many planning projects, I stand in awe and appreciation of what General Wedemeyer accomplished.

An Unknown Future and A Doubtful Present: Writing the Victory Plan of 1941 is a monograph by Charles E. Kirkpatrick on then-Major (later General) Albert Wedemeyer task of calculating the structure and requirements of the U.S. Army to prepare for the likely war. Wedemeyer, the only U.S. officer to graduate from the German Army General Staff College, and his staff druing the summer of 1941 developed a large portion of what came to be known as the Victory Plan for World War II. From Kilpatrick’s monograph:

In order to deduce the nation’s ultimate production requirements, Wedemeyer concluded that the essential first task was to compute the size of the Army and Air Corps that the War Department would have to arm and equip. Size and composition of forces were functions of mission, however, and no one could estimate the size of military forces required without knowing the missions they would be ordered to execute. Missions depended upon military strategy, and in order to know the military strategy, Wedemeyer had first to know the national objective in the event of war…Wedemeyer therefore established for himself a series of questions to answer in order to accomplish his task:
1. What is the national objective of the United States?
2. What military strategy will be devised to accomplish the national objective?
3. What military forces must be raised in order to execute that military strategy?
4. How will those military forces be constituted, equipped, and trained?

…

To his surprise, Wedemeyer ascertained that the government seemed to have no mechanism whatever for considering such paramount national policy problems or for answering them systemically. To Wedemeyer, it appeared that few men in Washington were even conscious of the fact that “supreme issues of war and peace required thorough analysis in the top echelons of the national government.” Government planning was short-term planning, aimed at accomplishing immediate goals, of which the ad hoc executive decision on the destroyers-for-bases deal was typical. Long-range planning to determine war goals for a peace favorable to the national interests of the United States seemed to be no one’s task.

While it’s easy to get bogged down in the details of the report, the preparation and strategic planning portion of Wedemeyer’s report provides a thorough approach to systematically addressing a daunting (and up to that point an undefined) task.

(I think I originally found this through a post at The Chicago Boyz linking to an article at Visions of Empire. Regardless of how I got there, thanks to all that posted on Wedemeyer’s report.)

A Hidden Life

A Hidden Life: A Memoir of August 1969 by Johanna Reiss
Melville House, 250 pages, $24.95
ISBN: 1933633557

For years, Johanna Reiss’ American husband, Jim, encouraged her to return to Holland to chronicle the two years, seven months, and one day she had spent hiding from the Nazis in rural Usselo, Holland. In 1969, she finally made the trip.

Accompanied by Jim and their two young children, Reiss intended to spend seven weeks researching the book that would eventually become The Upstairs Room, her Newbery Honor–winning account of her time hiding in the attic of a farmhouse in which for a time a contingent of Nazi soldiers was billeted.

But unknown to the millions of people who went on to read her beloved classic, behind the dark and painful story of the book was a still darker tale: Reiss’ husband returned to America early and committed suicide at age thirty-seven, leaving no note.

For Reiss, an ongoing reckoning with universal tragedy becomes particular: she is forced to reckon, too, with Jim’s death—and explain it to her children. Subtle and disturbing, the book is a powerful consideration of memory, violence, and loss, told in a stunning and sparse narrative style.

-- from the Melville House website

I was unfamiliar with Johanna Reiss’ previous works when picking this up from the library. After reading the book I was left with mixed feelings on whether to recommend it or not, for reasons I’m still working through on both sides. Is that the mark of a good work that you’re uncertain how you feel after reading something so troubling? Or does it mean the stated aim of the work might not have been fulfilled or sidetracked?

Knowing that Jim will commit suicide after his visit to Holland makes the passages during their trip more poignant. Flashbacks to their courtship add another level of loss as well. In looking for clues while trying to find meaning in Jim's suicide, Johanna confronts actions and moments that she had overlooked or downplayed.

Certain aspects of the book rankled me, mostly revolving around the couple (the husband Johan in particular) that housed Johanna and her sister during the Nazi occupation. “Who knew what Johan did to Jim, what damage he caused during our visit? Saved two people, ha-ha; caused one to die. It had something to do with it, if not everything.” I realize part of that statement comes in the immediacy after Jim’s suicide, trying to make sense of what just happened. That statement also reflects Johanna’s allegations of Johan molesting her older sister during the war—while I don’t doubt her, I wonder at these inclusions. Between relaying Johan’s boasting about his role in saving the girls as well as this statement and her allegations, there was a strong undercurrent (or maybe not even ‘under’) running through the book that left a decidedly sour aftertaste.

Maybe part of the story hit a little close to home for me (forgive me for not going into more detail here) which would explain some discomfort. That Johanna was able to continue with her project, publishing her book as well as take care of her two daughters in the wake of her husband’s suicide, speaks volumes about her strength and determination. While no answers emerge, I do admire her laying bare everything (for better or worse) for everyone to see and experience. Unfortunately it is the ‘worse’ part which has lingered with me.

Two Gentlemen of Lebowski

The Two Gentlemen of Lebowski site has been up and down due to traffic, so I'll also link here so you can get a taste of a Shakespearean version of The Big Lebowski.

WALTER
That rug, in faith, tied the room together, did it not?

THE KNAVE
By my heart, a goodly rug.

DONALD
And in most miserable tide did this rogue besmirch it.

WALTER
Prithee, Donald! Thou too eagerly hold’st the mirror up to nature.

THE KNAVE
My mind races; I might endeavour to seek this gentleman Lebowski.

DONALD
His name is Lebowski? Verily, ope thine ear; that is thy name, Knave!

THE KNAVE
On good authority; and his nobleness must oblige. His wife taketh up quarrel and borrows, and they bespoil my rug.

WALTER
Marry, sir, my heartstrings do you tug;
They urinate upon thy damnèd rug.

Walker Percy documentary coming

For any other Walker Percy fans out there, Winston Riley has a documentary on the author that should be aired sometime this year.

There isn't much information yet at walkerpercymovie.com yet, but hopefully there will be more information soon. I'm excited to see some of the names included in this documentary (the preview includes Richard Ford, Jay Tolson, Walter Isaacson, and Robert Coles).