The Mayflower and Her Log; July 15, 1620-May 6, 1621 — Volume 5 by Azel Ames
page 38 of 39 (97%)
page 38 of 39 (97%)
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spade or mattock." "Daggers" are mentioned as used in their celebrated
duel by Dotey and Leister, servants of Stephen Hopkins. Bradford narrates that on one of their exploring tours on the Cape the length of guard duty performed at night by each "relief" was determined by the inches of slow-match burned ("every one standing when his turn came while five or six inches of match was burning"), clearly indicating that they had no watches with them. The "drum" and "trumpet" are both mentioned in "Mourt's Relation" in the account given of Massasoit's reception, the latter as eliciting the especial attention of his men, and their efforts at blowing it. The Ordnance (cannon) brought in the ship consisted (probably) of ten guns, certainly of six. Of these, two (2) were "sakers,"--guns ten feet long of 3 to 4 inches bore, weighing from fifteen to eighteen hundred pounds each; two (2) were "minions" (or "falcons"),--guns of 3 1/2 inch bore, weighing twelve hundred pounds (1200 lbs.) each; and two (2) were "bases,"--small guns of 1 1/4 inch bore, weighing some three hundred pounds (300 1bs.) each. These were mounted on "the Hill" fort or platform. It is probable that besides these were the four smallest cannon, called "patereros" (or "murderers"), which, at the time of De Rasiere's visit to Plymouth in 1627, were mounted on a platform (in front of the Governor's house), at the intersection of the two streets of the town, and commanded its several approaches. It is not likely that they were sent for after 1621, because the Adventurers were never in mood to send if asked, while Bradford, in speaking of the first alarm by the Indians, says, "This caused us to plant our great ordnance in places most convenient," leaving a possible inference that they had smaller ordnance in reserve. With this ordnance was of course a proper supply of ammunition adapted to its use. The "sakers" are said to have carried a four-pound ball, the "minions" a three-pound ball, and the "bases" a ball |
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