Elizabeth's Voyage

This diary is a work of fiction. Names and places have been kept as close to actual historical events as possible.

Sept 19, 1620

It's only been three days at sea, but already, I'm bored. I have already explored the Mayflower, and found that I much preferred this ship.

The ship is really big, compared to the Speedwell, which we were supposed to have boarded earlier.

I was quite excited when we first went to see the Speedwell, as this was my first sea voyage. That ship leaked, however. Then, it took them some time to buy the Mayflower, and commission an English captain. We finally weighed anchor three days ago, and already, I am bored!

Uncle Edward did not have much time to spend with me, either. Aunt Ann was not feeling well. He spent a lot of time with her.

I have asked Father to give me something to do. He didn't have any ideas. Uncle Edward did, though. He suggested that I start this diary. I agreed as I had no better ideas. I do not really like writing, though, so do not be surprised if I do not write in here everyday.

Father, Mother and I had boarded this ship three days ago, together with Uncle Edward and Aunt Ann. I do not know why we are making this voyage. I was only told to pack all my dresses, and to follow them to sea. I wonder where we are going?

I dare not ask Father the purpose and destination of the ship. The adults appear worried, and I do not want to pester them with questions. I hope I find out soon, though.

It's late, and I'm tired. I will go to bed now.

Elizabeth Tilley

October 3, 1620

One of the seamen died today. We have just been to his sea burial. There was a huge wind. The weather seems to be changing for the worse.

We have already gone through lifeboat drill. I was assigned to the same lifeboat as Father. Mother, Uncle Edward and Aunt Ann are in different lifeboats, though. The sailor showed us what to do in case of an emergency.

I talked to Captain Jones. He was polite enough, but appeared far too busy to answer my numerous questions. I did not manage to find out where we were going. I wonder who else I can ask?

This voyage would be a lot easier to bear if I only had a friend to talk to. The other passengers all seem to be quite unfriendly. Even the children abroad appear sulky and unresponsive.

None of the adults would tell me where we are going. They all seem quite tight-lipped about leaving England. I wonder why? Maybe they do not know, either.

Elizabeth Tilley

October 29, 1620

It's been a great day. I woke up late. After all, there's not much to do on board the ship, is there?

I went into the ship's library. There wasn't much books in there. I came out and helped Mother with her knitting for a while.

Then, I went to sit on the top deck. I may not be able to do so much longer. Today's weather is an exception, but the days are getting noticeably colder.

I made a new friend. John is ever so much older, but he's so kind to me. I wonder if he's bored like me?

I asked him why I had not seen him around before this. He told me that he had been seasick. As I was quite desperate for somebody to talk to, I was suitably sympathetic, although I do not normally have much time for people who get sick in trains and boats.

We didn't actually do much, just sat on the deck and talked. He told me a lot of things. He said that he was born in Huntingdonshire, in England. He also said that he was happy to be on his way to America. He asked me how I felt about the voyage. I didn't tell him that this was the first time I had heard where we were going. I told him that I was happy to be going, too. I wonder what it would be like.

He told me that he was on board with the deacon's family. I have seen Deacon Carver around, of course. He appeared to have brought his whole household on board.

I told him how I felt about Father's remarriage, and having to call his new wife 'Mother'.

I hope tomorrow would be nice, too.

Elizabeth Tilley

November 16, 1620

It's getting colder. Autumn must be setting in. We seem to have been at sea forever.

Father, Mother and Uncle Edward are spending a lot of time in my uncle's cabin, to keep Aunt Ann company. She was still not feeling well. They appear to be discussing something serious. They stop whenever I walk into the cabin, however.

William, Dr Fuller's servant, seems to be ill. I hope he feels better soon.

I have a headache, as the Eatons' baby kept me awake last night. I don't think I'll be doing anything very energetic today. I think I'll ask John if he has a good book that I haven't read yet.

Elizabeth Tilley

November 19, 1620

There are cries from the sailors. I will go and ask John what has happened.

It appears that we are near a place called Cape Cod. I eagerly asked Captain Jones if we have landed. He laughed and told me that we would be moving along again soon. He did not have time to tell me why, though. I was disappointed, to say the least.

The captain had a long discussion with most of the adults. I hope they will decide on heading for Cape Cod, wherever that is.

I hope we reach America soon.

Elizabeth Tilley

December 20, 1620

We have been at anchor at Cape Cod for so many days. It's only five days till Christmas. Are we going to spend Christmas on this horrible ship? When are we going to land?

The captain has led an exploration party out. They were back some days ago, but went out again. They are still absent.

It is very cold, but the weather is still clear. I hope we land before the winter storms arrive.

There have been so many deaths that I have lost count. Why are we in this forsaken country in the first place?

I have now read every book and paper that John had brought along. I am so bored that I will soon burst into tears!

Elizabeth Tilley

December 23, 1620

I woke up this morning feeling miserable. I was hoping to spend Christmas in America, but we are still on this ship. We still have two days before Christmas. Right now, I can only hope that we will be spending Christmas on land.

The exploration party has finally returned. They told us of an Indian settlement that they have found. It would be faster to reach it by sea, though. Looks like we're in for another chapter on this unending voyage.

Elizabeth Tilley

December 26, 1620

We finally landed! I am writing this on the beach. Father and Mother are talking to the captain. Uncle Edward is looking around with Aunt Ann. I do not see John around. I expect that he is helping the Carvers.

The servants are helping to unload our luggage. A lot of it has been lost during the storms. There's not much left. I hope we have enough food to see us through the winter.

I did some calculations, and determined that we have spent more than a hundred and fifty days at sea. I do not want to go through that again. I guess I will never see London again.

The land here seems strange to me. The sun and the sky appears just the same as they did in England, though. I hope I'll be happy here.

Father is waving me over. I think I will stop writing now, and go see what he wants.

Elizabeth Tilley