Of Plymouth Plantation, 1620-1647

While in England, Allerton secures passage for the remaining members of the Leyden congregation who wish to come to America. Other religiously-minded settlers accompany these Pilgrims: "So their friends here [are] doubly rewarded for their long delay with double blessing" (133). Around the same time, Sherley sends letters to America congratulating the Pilgrims on their management of their financial affairs and expressing hope that they will continue to thrive despite the debts owed by these latest settlers. This proves to be the case since the Pilgrims support the newcomers until they are able to plant and grow their own crops.

Bradford then inserts another letter from Sherley, which describes how Allerton successfully sought audiences with high-ranking individuals in order to expand the Kennebec patent and to "make [Plymouth] a corporation […] to enable [the settlers] to make and execute laws as freely as the government of Massachusetts" (135). Sherley also recommends that the Pilgrims send Allerton over one final time to finish settling the patent, which Allerton himself is eager to do.

Allerton, however, has once more ignored the Pilgrims' instructions by returning with few trading supplies, yet he brings many goods to sell privately. Worse still, he has brought Morton back with him as his secretary.