Plymonth Colony

the first settlement in Ma achusetts, founded by a party of Puritans from the north of England, November 11, 1620 (O.S.). These first settlers, called the Pilgrim Fathers, after having spent a number of years at Amsterdam and Leyden in search of religious liberty, secured a grant from the Virginia Company and embarked from Plymouth, England, September 6, 1620, on the ‘‘ Mayflower.’’ They were 108 in number. (See art. ‘‘ Pilgrim Fathers.’’) During the first winter they endured great suffering and many died. John Carver was chosen as the first Governor of the colony. No royal charter was ever granted, though the coiony was in existence nearly seventy years. The colonists hound themselves to obey certain laws, which they should frame themselves on principles of justice and moderation. In 1622-23 the number of the colonists was increased by new: arrivals in the ‘‘ Fortune,’”’ ‘‘Ann’’ and ‘Little James.” Plymouth golony became a member of the New England Confederation (see United Colonies of New England) in 1643. By the Ma achusetts charter of 1691, it was united with the colony of Ma achusetts Bay. 104