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Primary sourceBook1622

Mourt's Relation

Edward Winslow · 1622

An eyewitness journal from the Plymouth colonists that records Squanto's arrival, his interpreting at the Massasoit treaty, and his guiding of English expeditions.

This eyewitness account records Squanto's arrival, his interpreting role, and his guidance of the Pilgrims.

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Title page of 'A Relation or Journall of the beginning and proceedings of the English Plantation settled at Plimoth in New England' printed in London, 1622, with the publisher's imprint for John Bellamie in Cornhill near the Royal Exchange.
Edward Winslow (and William Bradford), Mourt's Relation, London, 1622.

About this source

What it is

Mourt's Relation is a booklet written mainly by Edward Winslow (with William Bradford writing much of the opening section), describing the Mayflower Pilgrims' landing and first year in Plymouth. It was printed in London in 1622.

Why it matters

This is one of the earliest written accounts of the Plymouth colony and of Squanto's role within it. It describes his first contact with the settlers alongside Samoset, his work interpreting during the treaty with the Wampanoag leader Massasoit, and his help guiding English expeditions through unfamiliar territory. It shows how much the colonists depended on Squanto's knowledge and language skills.

Look closer

  • Who wrote this account, and whose point of view does it represent?
  • Why might the colonists have needed someone like Squanto so urgently?
  • What might be left out of an English settler's version of these events?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Tisquantum (Squanto) on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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