Words of Freedom

The Mayflower Compact (1620)

The Mayflower Compact did not establish a system of governance, but it may be considered the lineal ancestor of the preamble to the U.S. Constitution. It was drawn up aboard ship as the Pilgrims on the ship Mayflower lay at anchor in the harbor off what is now Provincetown, Massachusetts, November 11, 1620 (November 21 by the modern calendar). It bore the signatures of 41 men, led by William Bradford, their leader and would-be governor of the new colony. The need for a compact was felt because there had been "some appearance of faction" among the settlers, who had been at sea for 66 days. The group's landing at what is now Plymouth was still 30 days away.

In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, e&.

Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.

In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620.

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