Thirteen of the Adventurers in England to the Settlers at New Plymouth:
Loving Friends,
We most heartily salute you in all love and hearty affection, hoping that the same God Who has hitherto preserved you in such a marvellous manner, continues your lives and health, to His own praise and all our comforts. We are very sorry that you have not been sent to all this time.... We have in this ship sent such women as were willing and ready to go to their husbands and friends, with their children.... We would not have you discontented because we have not sent you more of your old friends, and especially him on whom you most depend, John Robinson. Far be it from us to neglect you or slight him. But as the original intent was, so the results shall show that we will deal fairly, and squarely answer your expectations to the full. There also come to you some honest men to settle near you, on their own account, which, if we had not allowed, would have been to wrong both them and you,—them, by inconveniencing them, and you, because, being honest they will be a support to the place and good neighbours to you. In regard to these private planters we have made two stipulations:
First, the trade in skins is to be confined to the colonists till the dividends; secondly, while they may settle near you, it shall be at such distance as is neither inconvenient to the apportionment of your lands, nor to your easily assembling together in case of need.
We have sent you several fishermen, with salt.... We have sent you various other provisions, as will appear in your bill of lading, and though we have not sent all we would, because our cash is small, it is what we could.
Although as it seems, you have discovered many more rivers and fertile grounds than where you are, since by God’s providence, the place fell to your lot, let it be accepted as your portion; and rather fix your eyes upon what may be done there, than languish in hope after things elsewhere. If your site is not the best, it is the better because you will be envied or encroached upon less, and such as are earthly minded will not settle too near your border. If the land afford you bread, and the sea yield you fish, rest you awhile contented. God will one day grant you better fare; and all men shall know that you are neither fugitives nor discontents, but can, if God so order it, take the worst to yourselves with content, and leave the best to your neighbours with cheerfulness.
Let it not grieve you that you have been instruments to break the ice for others, who come after with less difficulty; the honour shall be yours to the world’s end....
We bear you always in our breasts, and our hearty affection is towards you all, as are the hearts of hundreds more who have never seen your faces, but who doubtless pray for your safety as their own, as we do and ever shall—that the same God which has so marvellously preserved you from seas, foes, and famine, will still preserve you from all future dangers, and make you honourable among men, and glorious in bliss at the last day. And so the Lord be with you all, and send us joyful news of you, and enable us with one shoulder so to accomplish and perfect this work, that much glory may come to Him that confoundeth the mighty by the weak, and maketh small things great. To Whose greatness be all glory, for ever and ever.
This letter was subscribed with thirteen of their names.