Peregrine White(20 records)
1620 - Peregrine White is born November 20
FIRST PILGRIM BABY BORN ABOARD MAYFLOWER: PEREGRINE WHITE'S UNIQUE STORY
November 20 1620 Peregrine White was born onboard the Mayflower to William and Susanna White

Google NotebookLM audio version of this category
  • Peregrine White was a notable historical figure, renowned for being the first English child born in New England on board the Mayflower, while the ship was anchored in Provincetown Harbor, Cape Cod, in 1620. His birth marked a significant moment for the Pilgrims who sought religious freedom and set out to establish a new life, symbolizing the beginning of new generations in the New World.
    Key Points from Peregrine White's Life:
    His father, William, passed away during the colony's first winter, and his mother remarried Edward Winslow, a leading figure in the colony.
    Life in MarshfieldGrowing up in Marshfield, near Plymouth, Peregrine inherited land from William Bassett, his father-in-law. He was a farmer, militia officer, church member, and public servant.
    Family: Peregrine married Sarah Bassett, with whom he had seven children.
    Involvement in Conflicts: Peregrine's life intersected with significant events such as the Pequot War and King Philip's War. He was also a witness to the early colony's shift from communal living to privatization of property.

    Legacy: When he died in 1704, Peregrine left behind a large family and a legacy connected to the very beginnings of European settlement in New England. His personal artifacts, like his cradle and rapier, have been preserved as part of Pilgrim history.

    Further Details:

    Privatization of Land: Peregrine experienced the transition from communal ownership to private property, a change that improved the morale and productivity of the Plymouth colony. He himself was allocated land as part of this process.

    Military Service: By his early 20s, Peregrine had become an ensign in the local militia, later achieving the rank of lieutenant.

    Land Grants: The Plymouth colony recognized Peregrine's unique status as the first English child born in the region by granting him 200 acres of land.

    Cultural Recognition: Peregrine White's life and legacy have been recognized in various forms, including Google search results, educational videos, and paintings depicting the early days of Plymouth Colony.

    Final Years: Documents from his later life, including his last will and testament, reveal a man who, despite early extravagances
    (Note: and this author does not know what those are)
    , reformed in his later years and held various civic responsibilities, including as a surveyor of highways.

    Peregrine White's story, from his dramatic birth on the Mayflower to his final days in New England, offers a window into the life of an individual who grew up alongside the American colonies themselves. His contributions to the early settlements and his family's continuation in places like Elkader and Volga add a personal dimension to the broader narrative of American history.
     

    • Peregrine White's Timeline

    1620
    November 20: Born aboard the Mayflower while anchored in Provincetown Harbor, Cape Cod. First English child born in New England.
    1621
    Experiences first Thanksgiving celebration at age one, marking the Pilgrims' successful harvest and survival.
    1622
    Lives in Plymouth Colony with his family. His stepfather Edward Winslow's house is located at the top of the line of homes.
    1623
    Witnesses significant changes as Pilgrims transition from communal system to private property ownership, leading to increased productivity.
    1627
    Part of the Plymouth Colony's cattle division, where he and his brother Resolved receive livestock as part of the colony's privatization efforts.
    1637
    At age 17, volunteers with thirty others from Plymouth Colony to fight in the Pequot War.
    1642
    At age 22, becomes an Ensign ("ancient bearer") in the militia. Receives land grant at Eel River from stepfather Edward Winslow.
    1644
    Admitted as a freeman of Plymouth Colony. Settles on estate between North and South rivers in Marshfield, gifted by father-in-law Mr. Bassett.
    1648
    At age 26, fined with future wife Sarah Bassett for fornication before marriage or contract.
    1651
    Serves as property tax appraiser and town constable. Works as rater (assessor) from 1651 to 1655.
    1652
    Establishes homestead in Marshfield, becomes known for planting European fruit trees throughout the colony.
    1665
    October 3: Granted 200 acres by King's Court for being "first of the English that was borne in these parts."
    1667
    Serves on committee to lay out highways in the area.
    1673
    Serves on council of war, gains title of Captain.
    1675
    Receives Spanish rapier and buffe belt with silver clasps from half-brother Josiah Winslow before King Philip's War.
    1688
    June 30: Loses son Sylvanus at age 21, administers his estate.
    1704
    July 20: Dies at age 83 in Marshfield. The Boston Newsletter reports him as "vigorous and of a comly aspect to the last," noting his reform in later years after an extravagant youth.

    Peregrine White: First Pilgrim Baby

    Peregrine White, born November 20, 1620, aboard the Mayflower in Provincetown Harbor, Cape Cod, was the first English child born in New England. His life symbolizes the beginnings of a new generation in the New World.

    Key Highlights

    • Early Life:Born to William and Susanna White; his father died during the first winter, and his mother remarried Edward Winslow.
    • Military and Civic Roles:Peregrine became a militia officer and a public servant in Marshfield, where he inherited land and contributed to the community.
    • Family:Married Sarah Bassett and had seven children.
    • Land Ownership:Granted 200 acres of land, reflecting his unique status as the first child born to Pilgrims in New England.
    • Legacy:Lived to 83, leaving behind a large family and personal artifacts, such as his cradle and rapier, preserved in Pilgrim history collections.

    Cultural Recognition

    Peregrine's name, meaning "traveler" or "pilgrim," embodies the journey of the early settlers. His life has been honored in historical accounts, educational materials, and reenactments, showcasing his role in the Plymouth Colony's history.

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  • Examples of Peregrine's fame -- search results on google.com for Peregrine White
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  • AI interpretation of Peregrines birth on the Mayflower. Might be overdoing it just a bit, you think?
    • 50130_PeregrineWhite.mp3 Podcast
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  • 9 generations between Peregrine the Pilgrim and Cecil (White) O'Brien
  • Grandma Cecil was a direct descendent of Peregrine White
    • What does Peregrine have in common with Oceanus, Resolve, Wrestling and Remember?
    Published: 10/23/2018  
    Pilgrim Hall, built in 1824, is a gallery museum in the center of historic Plymouth, Massachusetts. The nation’s oldest continuously–operating public museum, Pilgrim Hall houses an unmatched collection of Pilgrim possessions.
    PLYMOUTH: EXPLORING THE 1627 COLONIAL VILLAGE AND A TALK WITH SUSANNA (WHITE) WINSLOW
    At Plimoth Patuxet in Plymouth, Massachusetts, we explored the recreated 17th-century colonial village and spoke with interpreters about what daily life was like for the Pilgrims. The year the town depicts is 1627, seven years after the Mayflower landed, when about 160 Pilgrims lived there.
  • This c-span video features an actor recreating the character of Susanna (White) Winslow -- go to 20 minutes into the video.
    • Published: 8/22/2004  
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    1621 - first Thanksgiving
    Nov 29 1621 (approx)
    The first Thanksgiving -- Peregrine is one years old. Note: the crib in the painting does not match Peregrine's crib from the museum.
  • 'First Thanksgiving - Plymouth', painting by Roberto Prusso
     

    • The First Thanksgiving (1621): Peregrine White's Role

    In November 1621, the Pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving, marking their successful harvest and survival in the New World. Peregrine White was just one year old at the time.

    Notable Detail

    • Peregrine's Crib:The White family brought Peregrine's crib from England, a historical artifact displayed at Pilgrim Hall in Plymouth.
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  • The house on the far left could have been the Winslow household.
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  • Peregrine's crib, which the Whites brought over from the old world. It is one of the major items shown among the original artifacts at "Pilgrim Hall" in Plymouth.
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  • Screengrab from pilgramhill.org website, note the crib...
    • Published: 1/15/2007  
    A new book details the life of Peregrine White, the first Englishman born in New England and former Marshfield resident
    Published: 2/18/2021  
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    1622. Peregrine is 2 years old.
    PEREGRINE WHITE'S EARLY YEARS: PLYMOUTH COLONY TO GREEN HARBOR
    A drawing of the early Plymouth colony.
    Edward Winslow's house is at the top of the line of homes. Governor Bradford's house is on the other side of the street, with the fence around it. A fort is just visible on the top of the hill.
    Peregrine was raised here for his first 12 years. In 1632 Edward Winslow moved the household (which included his wife Susanna and her sons 'Resolved' and 'Peregrine') to Green Harbor. Green Harbor is approximately 13 miles northeast of Plymouth Colony.
  • Note: The painting has homes that are perpendicular to the street, but in the recreation of the colony as shown below the homes are parallel with the street.
     

    • Peregrine White's Early Years (1622)

    At two years old, Peregrine White was living in the early Plymouth Colony, surrounded by the developing settlement and its historical figures. These formative years played a crucial role in his life, as he was raised in the household of Edward Winslow, a prominent leader of the colony.

    Plymouth Colony Details

    • Settlement Layout:Edward Winslow's home was situated at the top of a line of houses, with Governor Bradford's home on the opposite side of the street, marked by a fence. A fort crowned the hill overlooking the colony.
    • Daily Life:Peregrine spent his first 12 years in this environment, witnessing the growth and struggles of the Plymouth settlement.

    Move to Green Harbor

    • Relocation in 1632:At age 12, Peregrine moved with the Winslow household to Green Harbor, about 13 miles northeast of Plymouth Colony.
    • Historical Significance:This move marked a new chapter in Peregrine's life, transitioning from the foundational Plymouth Colony to a developing settlement in Marshfield.

    Historical Observations

    Drawings and reconstructions show variations in the layout of homes, with some depictions showing homes perpendicular to the street, while others align them parallel. The recreated Plymouth Colony at Plimoth Patuxet Museums provides valuable insights into this era.

    Learn More

    Visit 137 Warren Ave, Plymouth, MA, for a detailed exploration of the Plymouth Colony and its history.

    ★★★★★ · History museum
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  • Map of Plymouth Colony Village
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  • Representation of a typical home in the Plymouth Colony
  • Map of Plymouth Colony and Marshfield
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    1623 - The Pilgrims make changes
    The Pilgrims began discarding the system where everything was held-in-common-by-all and instituted a process of privatization. William Bradford, the leader of the Pilgrims, credited the improved outlook of everyone to this change.

    Notes:
    In 1621, only 26 acres were planted with crops.
    • Starting in 1623 the Pilgrims imported British Dutch Devon cattle from the supply ship
    • In 1623 184 acres were planted with various crops.
    • From May to July of 1623, no rain fell and heat persisted. Famine threatened.
    • Rain did finally come, and they had an excellent harvest
  •  
    • Plymouth Plantation 1620-1647

    On the Division of Land

    From William Bradford's Account
    In this passage, Bradford describes the colony's transition from communal farming to private land ownership, a change that dramatically improved productivity and morale among the settlers.
    "
    And so assigned to every family a parcel of land, according to the proportion of their number, or that end, only for present use (but made no division for inheritance) and ranged all boys and youth under some family. This had very good success, for it made all hands very industrious, so as much more corn was planted than otherwise would have been by any means the Governor or any other could use, and saved him a great deal of trouble, and gave far better content. The women now went willingly into the field, and took their little ones with them to set corn; which before would allege weakness and inability; whom to have compelled would have been thought great tyranny and oppression.
    William Bradford, Of Plymouth Plantation 1620-1647, ed. Samuel Eliot Morison (New York: Knopf, 1991), p. 120.
    Plymouth Colony Economic Reform 1623

    The Pilgrims' Embrace of Privatization

    The Pilgrims in Plymouth Colony, led by William Bradford, made significant changes in 1623 by moving away from a communal system to privatization. Bradford credited this shift with improving the morale and productivity of the colonists.

    Challenges of the Communal System

    • Discontent:Bradford noted widespread dissatisfaction with the communal system, including resentment among younger, stronger individuals.
    • Equality Concerns:Older men and stronger workers felt it unjust to be treated equally with those contributing less.
    • Gender Dynamics:Women and their husbands objected to wives being commanded to serve other men, likening it to slavery.

    Transition to Privatization

    • Private Corn Plots:Each man was granted private land for planting corn, though other communal practices remained.
    • Impact:This change led to a remarkable increase in productivity and morale.
      1621 - 26 acres planted
      1623 - 184 acres planted ( 607%)

    Key Events of 1623

    • Severe Drought:From May to July, a drought threatened famine, but timely rains led to an excellent harvest.
    • Introduction of Cattle:British Dutch Devon cattle were brought over, improving agricultural capabilities.
    "For the young men, that were most able and fit for labour and service, did repine that they should spend their time and strength to work for other men's wives and children without any recompense."
    — William Bradford

    Voices of Discontent

    Bradford states: "For the young men, that were most able and fit for labour and service, did repine that they should spend their time and strength to work for other men's wives and children without any recompense. The strong, or man of parts, had no more in division of victuals and clothes than he that was weak and not able to do a quarter the other could; this was thought injustice. The aged and graver men to be ranked and equalized in labours and victuals, clothes, etc., with the meaner and younger sort, thought it some indignity and disrespect unto them. And for men's wives to be commanded to do service for other men, as dressing their meat, washing their clothes, etc., they deemed it a kind of slavery, neither could many husbands well brook it."
    Young, able men resented working for others' families without compensation.
    Stronger individuals felt it was unjust to receive the same share as weaker ones.
    Older men felt disrespected by being treated equally with younger men.
    Women and their husbands objected to wives being ordered to serve other men.
    - William Bradford
    Plymouth Colony Records, Deeds, &c, Vol. I 1627-1651
    1623 Division of Land

    The land is described as "The Falles of their grounds which came first over in the May Floure, according as their lots were cast:"

    Grantee:William White
    Allocation:5 acres
    Location:"this .5 akers lyeth behind the forte to the litle ponde"

    Recorded in the handwriting of Governor William Bradford

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    1627 - privatization of property
    PLYMOUTH COURT DECREE: CATTLE AND GOATS DIVIDED, 10-YEAR COMMUNAL AGREEMENT SET
    They took all the cows and goats that were communal property (and communal responsibility) and divided the care to individuals, instead of communal. Peregrine got 12, his brother Resolved 11. Some historians say this was part of a series of steps taken by the compact members to divide the work, create the initiative, and reap the rewards. That's the common narrative. There are of course plenty of other factors that led to their ultimate success, such as timely deliveries from the old World, good weather and decimated indigenous locals still recovering from a disease that killed thousands. A disease brought over earlier from the Old World.

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  • The Plymouth Colony Archive Project

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    Plymouth Colony Division of Cattle, 1627
    Caleb Johnson, a member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, provides the following notes on this record of cattle divisions:

    On 22 May 1627, the Division of Cattle was recorded in the Plymouth Colony Records. This is a very important document because it names all the members of each household, including the names of women and children -- making it in essense a complete census of 1627 Plymouth.
    1627.

    At a publique court held the 22th of May it was concluded by the whole Companie, that the cattell wch were the Companies, to wit, the Cowes & the Goates should be equall devided to all the psonts of the same company & soe kept untill the expiration of ten yeares after the date above written & that every one should well and sufficiently pvid for there owne pt under penalty of forfeiting the same.

    That the old stock with halfe th increase should remaine for comon use to be devided at thend of the said terme or otherwise as ocation falleth out, & the other halfe to be their owne for ever.

    Uppon wch agreement they were equally devided by lotts soe as the burthen of keeping the males then beeing should be borne for common use by those to whose lot the best Cowes should fall & so the lotts fell as followeth. thirteene psonts being pportioned to one lot.


    1 The first lot fell to ffrancis Cooke & his Companie Joyned to him his wife Hester Cooke

    To this lot fell the least of the 4 black Heyfers Came in the Jacob, and two shee goats.

    3 John Cooke
    4 Jacob Cooke
    5 Jane Cooke
    6 Hester Cooke
    7 Mary Cooke
    8 Moses Simonson
    9 Phillip Delanoy
    10 Experience Michaell
    11 John ffance
    12 Joshua Pratt
    13 Phinihas Pratt

    2 The second lot fel to Mr Isaac Allerton & his Companie ioyned to him his wife ffeare Allerton.

    To this lot fell the Greate Black cow came in the Ann to which they must keepe the lesser of the two steers, and two shee goats.

    3 Bartholomew Allerton
    4 Remember Allerton
    5 Mary Allerton
    6 Sarah Allerton
    7 Godber Godberson
    8 Sarah Godberson
    9 Samuel Godberson
    10 Marra Priest
    11 Sarah Priest
    12 Edward Bumpasse
    13 John Crackstone

    3 The third lot fell to Capt Standish & his companie Joyned to him his wife

    To this lot fell the Red Cow wch belongeth to the poore of the Colonye to wch they must keepe her Calfe of this yeare being a Bull for the Companie. Also to this lott Came too she goats.

    2 Barbara Standish
    3 Charles Standish
    4 Allexander Standish
    5 John Standish
    6 Edward Winslow
    7 Susanna Winslow
    8 Edward Winslow
    9 John Winslow
    10 Resolved White
    11 Perigrine White
    12 Abraham Peirce
    13 Thomas Clarke

    4 The fourth lot fell to John Howland & his company Joyned to him his wife

    To this lot fell one of the 4 heyfers Came in the Jacob Called Raghorne.

    2 Elizabeth Howland
    3 John Howland Junor
    4 Desire Howland
    5 William Wright
    6 Thomas Morton Juror
    7 John Alden
    8 Priscilla Alden
    9 Elizabeth Alden
    10 Clemont Briggs
    11 Edward Dolton [Doty]
    12 Edward Holdman
    13 Joh. Alden

    5 The fift lot fell to Mr Willm Brewster & his companie Joyned to him

    To this lot ffell one of the fower Heyfers Came in the Jacob Caled the Blind Heyfer & two shee goats.

    2 Love Brewster
    3 Wrestling Brewster
    4 Richard More
    5 Henri Samson
    6 Johnathan Brewster
    7 Lucrecia Brewster
    8 Willm Brewster
    9 Mary Brewster
    10 Thomas Prince
    11 Pacience Prince
    12 Rebecka Prince
    13 Humillyty Cooper

    6 The sixt lott fell to John Shaw & his companie Joyned

    To this lot fell the lesser of the black Cowes Came at first in the Ann wth which they must keepe the bigest of the 2 steers. Also to this lot was two shee goats.

    1 to him
    2 John Adams
    3 Eliner Adams
    4 James Adams
    5 John Winslow
    6 Mary Winslow
    7 Willm Basset
    8 Elizabeth Bassett
    9 Willyam Basset Junor
    10 Elyzabeth Basset Junor
    11 ffrancis Sprage
    12 Anna Sprage
    13 Mercye Sprage

    7 The seaventh lott fell to Steven Hopkins & his companie Joyned to him his wife

    To this lott fell A Black weining Calfe to wch was aded the Calfe of this yeare to come of the black Cow, wch fell to John Shaw & his Companie, wch pveing a bull they were to keepe it ungelt 5 years for common use & after to make there best of it. Nothing belongeth of thes too, for ye copanye of ye first stock: but only halfe ye Increase. To this lott ther fell two shee goats: which goats they possess on the like terms which others doe their cattell.

    2 Elizabeth Hopkins
    3 Gyles Hopkins
    4 Caleb Hopkins
    5 Deborah Hopkins
    6 Nickolas Snow
    7 Constance Snow
    8 William Pallmer
    9 ffrances Pallmer
    10 Willm Pallmer Jnor
    11 John Billington Senor
    12 Hellen Billington
    13 ffrancis Billington

    8 The eaight lott fell to Samuell ffuller & his company Joyned to him his wife

    To this lott fell A Red Heyfer Came of the Cow wch belongeth to the poore of the Colony & so is of that Consideration. (vizt) thes psonts nominated, to have halfe the Increase, the other halfe, with the ould stock, to remain for the use of the poore. To this lott also two shee goats.

    2 Bridget ffuller
    3 Samuell ffuller Junior
    4 Peeter Browne
    5 Martha Browne
    6 Mary Browne
    7 John fford
    8 Martha fford
    9 Anthony Anable
    10 Jane Anable
    11 Sarah Anable
    12 Hanah Anable
    13 Damaris Hopkins

    9 The ninth lot fell to Richard Warren & his companie Joyned wth him his wife

    To this lot fell one of the 4 black Heyfers that came in the Jacob caled the smooth horned Heyfer and two shee goats.

    2 Elizabeth Warren
    3 Nathaniell Warren
    4 Joseph Warren
    5 Mary Warren
    6 Anna Warren
    7 Sara Warren
    8 Elizabeth Warren
    9 Abigail Warren
    10 John Billington
    11 George Sowle
    12 Mary Sowle
    13 Zakariah Sowle

    10 The tenth lot fell to ffrancis Eaton & those Joyned wth him his wife

    To this lott ffell an heyfer of the last yeare called the white belyd heyfer & two shee goats.

    2 Christian Eaton
    3 Samuell Eaton
    4 Rahell Eaton
    5 Stephen Tracie
    6 Triphosa Tracie
    7 Sarah Tracie
    8 Rebecka Tracie
    9 Ralph Wallen
    10 Joyce Wallen
    11 Sarah Morton
    12 Robert Bartlet
    13 Tho: Prence.

    11 The eleventh lott ffell to the Governor Mr William Bradford and those with him, to wit, his wife

    To this lott fell An heyfer of the last yeare wch was of the Greate white back cow that was brought over in the Ann, & two shee goats.

    2 Alles Bradford and
    3 William Bradford, Junior
    4 Mercy Bradford
    5 Joseph Rogers
    6 Thomas Cushman
    7 William Latham
    8 Manases Kempton
    9 Julian Kempton
    10 Nathaniel Morton
    11 John Morton
    12 Ephraim Morton
    13 Patience Morton

    12 The twelveth lott fell to John Jene & his companie joyned to him his wife

    To this lott fell the greate white backt cow wch was brought over with the first in the Ann, to wch cow the keepeing of the bull was joyned for thes psonts to pvide for. heere also two shee goats.

    2 Sarah Jene
    3 Samuell Jene
    4 Abigaill Jene
    5 Sara Jene
    6 Robert Hickes
    7 Margret Hickes
    8 Samuell Hickes
    9 Ephraim Hickes
    10 Lidya Hickes
    11 Phebe Hickes
    12 Stephen Deane
    13 Edward Banges

    1627, May the 22. It was farther agreed at the same Court: That if anie of the cattell should by acsident miscarie or be lost or Hurt: that the same should be taken knowledg of by Indifferent men: and Judged whether the losse came by the neglegence or default of those betrusted and if they were found faulty, that then such should be forced to make satisfaction for the companies, as also their partners dammage.



    Go to Caleb Johnson's Mayflower History page. Our thanks to Mr. Johnson for presenting this cattle division from the Plymouth Colony court records.

    dividing bar


    Seventeenth Century Texts

    Plymouth Colony Archive


    ? 2000-2019 Copyright and All Rights Reserved by
    Patricia Scott Deetz and Christopher Fennell


     
  •  
    • Plymouth Colony1627

    Division of Cattle

    May 22, 1627

    This historical document provides insight into the Plymouth Colony's system of governance and communal resource distribution, detailing the allocation of livestock—cows and goats—among colony members.

    Key Points

    1. Context: The Division of Cattle was conducted on May 22, 1627, involving equitable distribution of livestock among Plymouth Colony members.
    2. Structure of the Document:
      • Lists "lots" assigned to groups led by colony members
      • Each lot includes names sharing livestock ownership
      • Division ensures fair access to colony resources
    3. The Third Lot:
      • Assigned to Captain Standish and company
      • Includes family members and associates
      • Received the Red Cow and additional goats

    Notable Names

    • Peregrine White: First child born to Pilgrims in New England
    • Myles Standish: Prominent military leader
    • Edward Winslow: Significant Plymouth leadership figure

    Community Focus

    The notation regarding the Red Cow being "for the poore of the Colonie" demonstrates the settlement's commitment to collective responsibility and care for vulnerable members.

    Historical Document of Plymouth Colony Preserved for Public Record

    1627: Privatization of Property in Plymouth Colony

    On May 22, 1627, the Plymouth Colony made a landmark decision to privatize communal cattle and goats. This shift allowed individual families to take responsibility for their own livestock, marking a significant move towards a private ownership system. This decision, coupled with other factors, contributed to the colony's ultimate success.

    Key Changes in 1627

    • Division of Livestock: Communal cows and goats were divided among families, with care and responsibility shifted to individuals.
    • Privatization of Resources: This step was part of a broader movement to create initiative and reward effort within the colony.
    • Long-Term Plan: The agreement stipulated that the old stock and half the increase of livestock would remain for communal use, while the other half would belong to individuals permanently.

    Historical Insights

    • Peregrine White: Peregrine received 12 cattle as part of this division, and his brother Resolved received 11.
    • Socioeconomic Impact: The division of labor and property improved productivity and morale, addressing earlier challenges of communal living.
    • Broader Context: Other factors such as timely deliveries from Europe, favorable weather, and the impact of diseases on indigenous populations also played a role in the colony's survival and growth.

    Example Division

    • First Lot: Francis Cooke's family received a black heifer and two goats.
    • Third Lot: Captain Standish's group, including Peregrine White, received a red cow and two goats.
    • Tenth Lot: Francis Eaton's group received a white-bellied heifer and two goats.

    Governance and Accountability

    The court mandated that losses or harm to cattle due to negligence would require restitution. This ensured proper care and accountability among the colonists.

    Legacy

    This 1627 decree exemplified the colony's shift from communal systems to privatization, fostering a foundation for economic success and stability in Plymouth Colony.

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    1637 - peregrine is 17, Pequot War erupts
    17-YEAR-OLD PEREGRINE WHITE JOINS PLYMOUTH VOLUNTEERS IN BRUTAL PEQUOT WAR
    Peregrine was 17 years old. In 1637 he was one of the thirty volunteers from Plymouth Colony to help the Massachusetts Bay colonists in the Pequot war.

    The Pilgrims had allied with two native tribes against the Pequots, but to the horror of those two tribes, the Pilgrims brutally massacred 700 hundred Pequot unarmed men, women and children, leaving only a few women and children.
    Plymouth Colony Military Service 1637

    Military Service Record

    Pequot War Campaign, 1636-1637

    Service Details

    Name:
    Peregrine White
    Age at Service:
    17 years
    Unit:
    Plymouth Colony Volunteer Company
    Campaign:
    Pequot War
    Service Type:
    Volunteer Infantry

    Historical Context

    The Pequot War (1636-1637) marked the first major conflict between Native Americans and English settlers in northeastern North America. This campaign involved coordinated efforts between multiple colonial forces and their Native American allies.

    Service Record

    Peregrine White was among thirty volunteers from Plymouth Colony who joined forces with Massachusetts Bay colonists during the conflict. As one of Plymouth's youngest volunteers, his participation represented the colony's commitment to mutual defense.

    Allied Forces

    • Plymouth Colony Volunteers
    • Massachusetts Bay Colony Forces
    • Narragansett Tribal Warriors
    • Mohegan Tribal Warriors
    Note: While specific details of Peregrine White's individual actions during the campaign are not recorded in surviving documents, Plymouth volunteers were known to have participated in significant operations, including the engagement at Mystic Fort.
    Historical Record The Pequot War 1636-1637

    The Pequot War

    1636-1637

    Background

    The conflict emerged from complex economic, political, and territorial disputes in the Connecticut River Valley, intensified by the arrival of Dutch and English settlers. These tensions ultimately led to open warfare between the Pequot people and colonial forces.

    Course of the Conflict

    Colonial Forces

    English settlers from Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay colonies formed alliances with Narragansett and Mohegan tribes, fundamentally altering the region's power dynamics.

    The Mystic Fort Incident (1637)

    A devastating turning point in the conflict resulted in approximately 700 Pequot casualties, including non-combatants. The scale of loss was unprecedented and proved shocking even to allied Native American forces.

    Historical Impact

    • The conflict fundamentally altered the demographic and political landscape of southern New England
    • Surviving Pequot people were displaced, with many being absorbed into other tribal communities
    • The outcome removed significant barriers to English colonial expansion
    • The conflict established precedents for future colonial-Native American relations

    Long-Term Consequences

    The war's outcome dramatically shifted the balance of power in southern New England, leading to accelerated English colonization and establishing patterns that would influence colonial-Native American relations for generations to come.

    This historical record acknowledges the profound impact of these events on all involved communities and their descendants, recognizing the complex legacy that continues to shape our understanding of early colonial America.
    PEQUOT WAR: BRUTAL 1636-37 CONFLICT RESHAPES SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND
    Pequot War, war fought in 1636–37 by the Pequot people against a coalition of English settlers from the Massachusetts Bay, Connecticut, and Saybrook colonies and their Native American allies (including the Narragansett and Mohegan) that eliminated the Pequot as an impediment to English colonization of southern New England. It was an especially brutal war and the first sustained conflict between Native Americans and Europeans in northeastern North America. To best understand the Pequot War, one needs to consider the economic, political, and cultural changes brought about by the arrival of the Dutch on Long Island and in the Connecticut River
    Published: 11/12/2015  
    Author: Kevin McBride
    PEREGRINE WHITE VOLUNTEERS FOR SERVICE IN THE 1637 PLYMOUTH COLONY CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE PEQUOT INDIANS
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    Plymouth Colony Court Order 1637

    Military Order

    7th Day of June Year of Our Lord 1637
    "It is concluded and enacted by the court, that the colony of New Plymouth shall send forth ayd to assist them of Massachusetts Bay and Conectacutt in their warrs against the Pequin Indians, in reveng of the innocent blood of the English wch the sd Pequins have barbarously shed, and refuse to give satisfaction for."
    "It is also enacted by the Court, that there shalbe thirty psons sent for land service, and as many others as shalbe sufficient to mannage the barque."
    "Leiftennant William Holmes is elected to goe leader of the said company."
    "Mr Thomas Prence is also elected by lott to be for the counsell of warr, and to goe forth with them..."
    "The Names of the Souldiers that willingly offer themselves to goe vpon the sd Service, wth Mr Prince & the Leiftent. Voluntaries... Peregrine White, [et al]."
    Records of Plymouth Colony, Vol. 1, p. 61.
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