My ancestor and the First Thanksgiving
Its not often that we are lucky enough to connect so directly with history or historical events but that is exactly what happened to me a few years ago. I discovered that one of my own ancestors, Edward Winslow (1595-1655) was at the very first Thanksgiving and wrote one of the very first accounts of the event.
Not only was he a three time serving Governor of the Plymouth Colony, he was also the author of several important tracts including Good Newes from New England and he co-wrote Mourts Relation which ends with the very first account of the First Thanksgiving.
“ Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruits of our labor. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which we brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty. “
Wishing everyone safe travels this coming holiday and a very happy Thanksgiving indeed.
x Frances
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