A certain “Master Williamson,” whose name and presence, though but once mentioned by Governor Bradford, have greatly puzzled Pilgrim historians, seems to have filled this berth on board the may-Flower.  Bradford tells us that on Thursday, March 22, 1620/21, “Master Williamson” was designated to accompany Captain Standish—­practically as an officer of the guard—­to receive and escort the Pokanoket chief, Massasoit, to Governor Carver, on the occasion of the former’s first visit of state.  Prior to the recent discovery in London, by an American genealogist, of a copy of the nuncupative will of Master William Mullens, one of the may-Flower Pilgrims, clearly dictated to Governor John Carver on board the ship, in the harbor of New Plymouth (probably) Wednesday, February 21, 1620 (though not written out by Carver till April 2, 1620), on which day (as we learn from Bradford), Master Mullens died, no other mention of “Master Williamson” than that above quoted was known, and his very existence was seriously questioned.  In this will, as elsewhere noted, “Master Williamson” is named as one of the “Overseers.”  By most early writers it was held that Bradford had unwittingly substituted the name “Williamson” for that of Allerton, and this view—­apparently for no better reasons than that both names had two terminal letters in common, and that Allerton was associated next day with Standish on some military duty—­came to be generally accepted, and Allerton’s name to be even frequently substituted without question.—–­Miss Marcia A. Thomas, in her “Memorials of Marshfield” (p. 75), says:  “In 1621, Master Williamson, Captain Standish, and Edward Winslow made a journey to make a treaty with Massasoit.  He is called ‘Master George,’ meaning probably Master George Williamson,” etc.

This is certainly most absurd, and by one not familiar with the exceptional fidelity and the conscientious work of Miss Thomas would rightly be denounced as reckless and reprehensible fabrication.  Of course Williamson, Standish, and Winslow made no such journey, and made no treaty with Massasoit, but aided simply in conducting, with due ceremonial, the first meeting between Governor John Carver and the Indian sachem at Plymouth, at which a treaty was concluded.  There is no historical warrant whatever for the name of “George,” as appertaining to “Master William son.”  The fact, however,—­made known by the fortunate discovery mentioned,—­that “Master Williamson” was named in his will by Master Mullens as one of its “Overseers,” and undoubtedly probated the will in England, puts the existence of such a person beyond reasonable doubt.  That he was a person of some dignity, and of very respectable position, is shown by the facts that he was chosen as Standish’s associate, as lieutenant of the guard, on an occasion of so much importance, and was thought fit by Master Mullens, a careful and clear-headed man as his will proves,—­to be named an “Overseer”