Dating from Parke-Bernet description.
Docketed twice "1622 / New England."
Part of a collection of nine letters from Emmanuel Altham to his brother Sir Edward Altham and two related documents; items in the collection have been described separately in eleven catalog records (MA 3200.1-11); see related records for more information.
Watermark: On page 1, Pot with one handle and letters "SOO" inside.
Watermark: On page 2, Pot with one handle and letters "OO" inside, crescent at top.
Relating his voyage from England and describing "the plantation at pautext" [i.e., Plymouth], referring to the settlers as a "Company of Adventurers." Giving information on the fishing, fur-bearing animals and plants (mentioning sassaparilla , sassafras and alcerme buries [cranberries]) to be found in New England. Also mentioning timber and salt and "many other things in this country to raise profit." Discussing the Native Americans, noting that "in former time hath lived about 2000 Indians" in the bay area, but that "here is not one living now, nor not one living which belonged to this plantation before we came, so that the ground on which we are planted belongs to nobody." Mentioning the attedance of Massoite (also known as Ousamequin, the sachem or leader of the Pokanoket, and "Massasoit" of the Wampanoag Confederacy) at Governor William Bradford's marriage.