So you think you're a homesteader?- Lessons from the MAYFLOWER.... When last we saw them the passengers of the MAYFLOWER were welcoming the arrival of Oceanus Hopkins and an improvement of the weather. In the 1600's navigation was somewhat uncertain, mariners had a reasonably good idea how far North or South they were but were very unsure of how Far East or West, so land fall was a guess. They've been sailing for 2 months now and although they were certainly glad of a new baby & improved conditions the harshness of the voyage is wearing them down. On November 6th the second death on board occurs, the first of a colonist. A young man named William Button dies and is buried at sea on the 7th. What Master Button dies of is unclear, but we do know that many of the passengers have suffered sea sickness through out the voyage. If you've ever been sea sick you'll know how miserable it is and the nausea, poor conditions and food may have been too much for young William Button. How did this first death of one of their friends affect the colonist's ? Not knowing how far from land they were, did they wonder who else would die before reaching the New World ? Did they watch the dwindling food & drink and ask if any would survive ? These were very religious people for the most part, perhaps they simply trusted in God to carry them through. William Button was consigned to the sea November 7th. The next day the first signs of land were seen. I wonder about William Button, was he called Bill, Billy or Will ? What were his hopes for a new life in a new land? We'll never know, he didn't make it but in a strange way I think his end wasn't so bad. He died pursuing a new and better life. So what lesson do I take from this ? None of us know when our last hour will be, so why not chase that dream ? If you've always wanted to live free from society, go for it ! You'll die one day, why not while chasing that dream?
-Unicoi Ludd
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