New-York tribune., 1903-01-19
THE JOHN ALDEN DISCUSSION.
His Descendants Are Proud of His Career II
Not an Original Pilgrim.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: The recent article in The Tribune concern
ing John Alden affords much amusement to those
who have made gerealogy a study. 1t is no secret
that John Alden. the hero of LongfelloWs "Coure-
ship of Miles Standish,' was, as Mr.. Mcknstry
stated at the Forefathers' Dinner. not Pilgrim IN
the true There is ample proof that Jonh
Alden never accompanied the little band OF I'll
grims to Holland He was born in England in 1888
The little band of Separatists as they were frst
called. went to Amsterdam, and later to Leyoen'
and remained there several years, but the wiser
among them soon saw that their children would
learn the Dutch language and marry In the country
of their adoption thus losing their Engiish char-
acteristics- It therefore decided TO return 10
England and embark for America. Inc t"eI'e
years truce between Spain and Holland was draw
ing to close and there was danger that war
might again break out a few of the Separat1sts
set out nrst from Delft Haven. Holland for South
ampton. England. in the SpeedweH. They were
joined later by the Mayhower 1t was found that
the Speedwell was unseaworthy, and 'he occupants
of that little craft crowded themselves and their
goods into the Maydower. At Southampton the
regular ships carpenter was taken sick and d
youth named John Alden was strolling along the
wharf. interested in watching the voyagers he
offered his services carpenter as the records ol
the time conclusively prove and they were ac-
cepted We do not know what chance 1t was tha'
caused him to offer his services as carpenter for
the journey. but do know that young Alden
who had then for the first time Joined the Sepa-
called then became Of the ships company.
II is asserted bv that he was the hrst TO SET
foot on Plymouth Rock, but that honor was ac-
corded to- young girl, Mary Chiffon We snouId
honor young Alden less than we do had he usurped
that privilege. for 1t certainly understood at
the time that he was not a Pilgrim in the true
sense of the term He scribe to Captain Miles
StandiSh distinguished soldier who had fought in
the war between Spain, art Holland This fa@t At
alone might show to thCsN who understood the
spirit Of the times that he not considered the
social equal of the Rradfords and Winslows. The
words. FWhy don't yoI speak for yourself. JohnF
arr, considered by to be not only an encour-
agement to difffdent lever bat also an indication
TO the young man that his suit would find favor 1T
the eyes Of the beautiful Priscilla Mullins. even
though he occupied lowly position in the colony
s know, he successful In winning her
hand and rnanv to-day honored in being arnong
his numerous descendants. / say honored, TO-
there sufficient be proud of in proving descent
from this modest and able young man. even though
it is conc'usively proved that he only Joined as
ship carpenter.
Descendants of John Alden. take pride in your
heritage while you may for generations hencC
there win arise IN this land race that knows not
the traditions of those carly times!
John Alden was an honored citizen OF the Plyrn-
outh Colony. and ruled. as magistrate for fifty
years. He outlived ell the other siEners nf the
Ma y1cwer compact ROBE1.T S. A4RES.
New-York Jan. Il. 1903