Mayflower Voyage Preparations and Problems With Martin
At one point, they refused to cooperate with the vicar and Christopher Martin was cited for refusing to turn over his accounts to the church warden. During the Confirmation ritual for his sons Solomon and Nathaniel, his children did not have godparents which was a severe departure from the religious tradition and after this, Martin sold off all his belongings and made plans to emigrate, possibly to the colony of Virginia. Between June 1617 and June 1620, Martin sold off his land holdings. In May 1620 Martin purchased shares of the Virginia Company with the intention of going to Virginia. The amount was enough to take himself and three others in his family with him on the Mayflower.
In 1620, apparently as a result of the problems with the church, Martin became a member of the London merchants (known as Merchant-Adventurers under Thomas Weston) who were sponsoring the Leiden Pilgrim company’s voyage. Sometime on or after May 1620 Christopher Martin became involved with the Leideners in their attempt to procure passage to Virginia and was chosen ‘treasurer agent’ for those preparing to board the Mayflower by the London Merchant-Adventurers. He was assisted by Leiden church members John Carver and Chief Agent Robert Cushman in obtaining provisions (goods and supplies) both in England and in Leiden and enough food for the colony’s sustenance for its first year. There mere many disagreements, with Martin buying his provisions in Kent, against the others wishes. The supplies were purchased without considering fair prices and he refusing to take advice from anyone in the matter.”
When the Mayflower sailing time drew near, money had run short and Martin was questioned about his accounts. At that he flew into a rage and refused to show his records to anyone. As purchasing agent in Southampton, he could or would not account for monies in his trust.
Martin was initially chosen as “governor” of the Speedwell, being in charge of passengers and provisions. Being a wealthy Londoner may have contributed to Martin’s governing abilities which were quite heavy-handed and were criticized by the ship’s passengers. According to Robert Cushman, Martin refused to discuss the accounts, insulted the passengers and the “sailors also are so offended at his ignorant boldness in meddling and controlling in things he knows not what belongs to, as that some threaten to mischief him; others say they will leave the ship and go their way.”
After the Speedwell was found unseaworthy and left behind in England, and Martin became “governor” of the Mayflower which position was later turned over to John Carver and the Mayflower passengers were much relieved.William Bradford wrote of Christopher Martin: “He so insul(t)eth over our poore people, with shuch scorne and contempt, as if they were not good enough to wipe his shoes. It would break your heart to see his dealing.”
Bradford states Martin came from Billerica, County Essex and brought with him his wife and two servants, Solomon Prower and John Langmore. He died on 8 January 1621, and Bradford wrote that “he and all his, dyed in the first infection.”.”
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