Should They Defer To Dutch
Seamen Or Put Other Than An English "Expert" In Charge Of Her
Alterations, Especially When England Rightfully Boasted The Best?
But
not only were these Leyden leaders not guilty of any laches as indicted
by Arber and too readily
Convicted by Griffis, but the "overmasting" was
of small account as compared with the deliberate rascality of captain and
crew, in the disabling of the consort, as expressly certified by
Bradford, who certainly, as an eye-witness, knew whereof he affirmed.
Having bought a vessel, it was necessary to fit her for the severe
service in which she was to be employed; to provision her for the voyage,
etc.; and this could be done properly only by experienced hands. The
Pilgrim leaders at Leyden seem, therefore, as noted, to have sent to
their agents at London for a competent man to take charge of this work,
and were sent a "pilott" (or "mate"), doubtless presumed to be equal to
the task. Goodwin mistakenly says: "As Spring waned, Thomas Nash went
from Leyden to confer with the agents at London. He soon returned with a
pilot (doubtless [sic] Robert Coppin), who was to conduct the Continental
party to England." This is both wild and remarkable "guessing" for the
usually careful compiler of the "Pilgrim Republic." There is no warrant
whatever for this assumption, and everything contra-indicates it,
although two such excellent authorities as Dr. Dexter and Goodwin
coincide - the latter undoubtedly copying the former - concerning Coppin;
both being doubtless in error, as hereafter shown.
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