In 1609, Holland had signed a truce with its former war adversary, Spain. The truce was negotiated to last twelve years. English troops which had been stationed in Holland during that time to protect them from the Spanish were withdrawn. Among these troops was most likely a 25 year old soldier by the name of Myles Standish, who would make acquaintance with the Separatists, and eleven years later would become their military captain, leader, and one of the most prominent citizens of the Plymout...

When the Pilgrims reached Delftshaven, Holland, they found everything was ready for them to go the next morning. The Speedwell was to take them into Southampton, England, where the Mayflower was waiting to receive them. After twelve years of living with their friends and fellow Separatists in Leyden, there was just one night left before they would have to say their final goodbyes. In many cases husbands were leaving behind wives and children. Bradford writes about this very emotional night and t...