Part 1: Chapter 7, Thanksgiving Summary and Analysis

In July, Bradford decided to send a delegation to Massasoit, since they had not really explored the land around them. They also needed Massasoit to solve a problem they were having. Since his visit, they had had a steady stream of Indian visitors, which was diminishing their already dismal supply of food. Edward Winslow and Stephen Hopkins went with Squanto. Massasoit greeted the men when they arrived. His settlement took on a carnival atmosphere, with the two Pilgrims having a shooting contest and the Indians showing them their games of chance. After two days, Winslow and Hopkins decided to leave, as they had not been able to get much sleep in the settlement.

At the end of July, a young Pilgrim, sixteen year old John Billington, lost his way outside the settlement. He was found by a...