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Abandoning America: Life Stories from Early New England

Chandler Ward

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In the annals of American history, the stories of those who left their homeland behind to seek a new life in the uncharted wilderness of the New World are often overshadowed by the tales of those who stayed. But the experiences of the thousands who abandoned America during the early colonial period offer a unique and often overlooked perspective on the challenges and hardships faced by the first settlers.

The Push Factors

There were many reasons why people decided to leave their homes in England and other European countries to settle in the New World. Some were seeking economic opportunity, while others were fleeing religious persecution or political turmoil. For many, the promise of land ownership was too tempting to resist. In England, land was scarce and expensive, but in America, it was plentiful and relatively cheap.

Abandoning America: Life-stories from early New England

by Susan Hardman Moore

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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However, the reality of life in the New World was often very different from the dreams of those who came seeking a better life. The climate was harsh, the soil was poor, and the winters were long and unforgiving. Disease was rampant, and food was often scarce. In addition, the colonists were constantly under threat of attack from Native Americans.

For some, the hardships of life in America proved too much to bear. They decided to abandon their new homes and return to Europe. The reasons for their decision were varied, but they often included a combination of economic, social, and personal factors.

The Pull Factors

While the push factors that led people to leave America were significant, there were also a number of pull factors that drew them back to Europe. These factors included the promise of a more stable and prosperous life, the chance to reunite with family and friends, and the desire to escape the harsh conditions of the New World.

For some, the decision to return to Europe was a difficult one. They had invested a great deal of time, effort, and money in their new lives in America. They had made friends, built homes, and established businesses. But the hardships they had endured were simply too much to overcome.

In the end, the decision to abandon America was a personal one. For some, the challenges of life in the New World outweighed the rewards. For others, the pull of home was simply too strong.

Life Stories

The following are just a few of the many stories of those who abandoned America during the early colonial period.

John Pory

John Pory was an English adventurer and colonist who played a prominent role in the early history of Virginia. He served as the secretary of the colony and was a close advisor to Governor John Smith. Pory was a vocal critic of the harsh conditions in Virginia and he eventually decided to return to England in 1619.

In a letter to a friend, Pory described the challenges of life in Virginia as follows: "The Country is a good Country, but the people are a bad people. They are so lazy and idle that they can hardly be brought to work. They are also very treacherous and dishonest. I have been robbed and cheated by them many times."

Despite his negative experiences in Virginia, Pory remained interested in the New World. He later served as the secretary of the colony of Maryland and he helped to found the city of Annapolis.

Thomas Morton

Thomas Morton was an English lawyer and colonist who founded the settlement of Merrymount in Massachusetts. Morton was a controversial figure who was known for his unorthodox lifestyle and his opposition to the Puritan authorities. In 1630, Morton was arrested and deported from Massachusetts. He returned to England, where he published a book about his experiences in the New World.

Morton's book, "New English Canaan," provides a vivid account of the challenges and hardships faced by the early settlers in Massachusetts. He describes the harsh climate, the lack of food, and the constant threat of attack from Native Americans. Morton also criticizes the Puritan authorities for their religious intolerance and their persecution of dissenters.

Despite his negative experiences in Massachusetts, Morton remained hopeful about the future of the New World. He believed that the colony had the potential to become a great and prosperous nation.

Anne Bradstreet

Anne Bradstreet was an English poet who emigrated to Massachusetts with her family in 1630. Bradstreet is considered one of the first American poets and her work provides a valuable glimpse into the lives of the early settlers.

Bradstreet's poetry often reflects the challenges and hardships faced by the colonists. In her poem, "The Prologue," she writes about the difficulties of leaving her home and family behind to start a new life in the New World. She also describes the harsh climate and the constant threat of attack from Native Americans.

Despite the hardships she endured, Bradstreet remained optimistic about the future of the colony. She believed that God had a plan for the New World and that it would eventually become a great and prosperous nation.

The stories of those who abandoned America during the early colonial period offer a unique and often overlooked perspective on the challenges and hardships faced by the first settlers. These stories remind us that the American Dream has not always been easy to achieve. However, they also remind us that the human spirit is resilient and that even in the face of great adversity, people can find hope and opportunity.

Abandoning America: Life-stories from early New England

by Susan Hardman Moore

5 out of 5