The Bradford Manuscript

Abstract

The record of Governor William Bradford, in his own hand, presenting the story of the founders of Plymouth from 1606–1646, originally bore only the title, “Of Plimoth Plantation.” Now it is referred to as the “History of Plymouth Plantation,” or “The Bradford History,” or “The Bradford Manuscript.” This important document has had an eventful career. For many years it was lost, and then under strange circumstances it was found not in some hidden place in this country but in England. It is the purpose of this paper to unfold the steps in that discovery, and to follow the events which led finally to the return of the valuable holograph to the United States.