The First Thanksgiving.

In commemoration of today's holiday, I thought I would share an account of the first celebration of Thanksgiving in 1621, as recorded by Pilgrim settler Edward Winslow in the book Mourt's Relation. You can find this text, together with a 'translation' into modern spelling, on the website of Plymouth's Pilgrim Hall Museum.

Our harvest being gotten in, our governour sent foure men on fowling, that so we might after a speciall manner rejoyce together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labours ; they foure in one day killed as much fowle, as with a little helpe beside, served the Company almost a weeke, at which time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Armes, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoyt, with some ninetie men, whom for three dayes we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five Deere, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governour, and upon the Captaine and others. And although it be not always so plentifull, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so farre from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plentie.

Happy Thanksgiving! AMDG.