Historical Fiction

The Journey To The New World

By Harlow (Third Grader)

Chapter 1: Long journey

“Hurry Eliza!” Shouted Mother. Eliza and her family were about to embark on their journey to America. They were separatists, who wanted to worship freely in America. Eliza was the oldest of 7 children. But still Eliza was nervous, she had never been outside of Pilmounth, England before. Soon Eliza and her family were in the tween decks of the Mayflower. 15 year old Eliza had never been in a space like this, it was small. Mother and Father said that since there were an odd number of children, Eliza would sleep in a bed alone. That night Eliza wondered about the future. The next morning Mother stayed in bed rocking the baby, but Father was a sailor, he was working. Eliza clutched the necklaces that grandmother gave her. Loretta and Myles, Eliza’s younger siblings, played with rocks and a small basket. John, her brother who was 2 years younger than Eliza , was barfing in his Chamber pot. “Disgusting.” mumbled Eliza, but John heard her, “Hey!” he yelled. “Children, children, don’t squabble.” whispered Mother, “Yes Mother dear.” John and Eliza grumbled. A few days later Eliza woke up with a terrible stomach ache. Soon Eliza was dreadfully ill. She lay in a dull state , with a wet cloth pressed against her forehead. Sarha, her 7 year old sister was listening to Father telling a story. Eliza listened in. Hearing the story made Eliza feel better.

Chapter 2: Stormy Night

The voyage had lasted 1 month now. Lucya, Eliza’s 5 year old sister, was ill. All the people on the Mayflower started getting there and praying. They prayed for their sick loved ones, they prayed for the ship, they prayed for their health. Eliza hoped the ship would land soon. Eliza was kept busy caring for the baby, while mother cared for Lucya. But more than anything, Eliza hated Lawrence Mugget. He kicked at the dogs and the children when they got in his way. Soon mother said to Eliza “ It is your job to marry and raise a family, Eliza. When we get to the new world I would like you to find a good husband.” Poor Eliza had to agree, for it was her responsibility. One night a terrible storm hit, it rocked the boat, Eliza could not sleep. In the morning Mugget was gone. “What happened ?” said James, who was 10. “There was a terrible storm.” Eliza sighted. It was the only time in the voyage that they left the tween decks. It was smelly in the tween decks. Phillip, Eliza’s 4 year old brother, was sea sick. Everyone wanted to hit land.

Chapter 3: Land Ho!

Eliza woke to the sound “Land ho! Land ho!”. Eliza and her family rushed out of the tween decks. Father swung Mother around, Eliza did a jig and John clapped. The younger children ran around. They had been on the Mayflower for 66 days. Soon the Mayflower had sent explorers to look at the land, but there was no place to live. So they sailed south, and found more land. In two days lots of houses were built. And Eliza’s family settled in. But they were about to face great hardship.

Chapter 4: Dark Days

That winter there was no food, or medicine. Lots of people got sick, including Eliza’s mother. She spent days in bed, Eliza took care of her. “Here Mother.” whispered Eliza, handing her tea. When more people in the family got sick Eliza also nursed them. It was a dark time for the family, Eliza was the only one who didn't get sick. It was freezing, but the family was lucky. Eliza and her family had one of the larger homes. 16 ft tall 19 ft wide. They all had bed steds, at night Eliza shivered in the cold. Eliza loved to read, every night she would crawl under her covers and read the lord's prayer. Eliza hoped winter would end soon.

Chapter 5: Squanto

One dreary spring morning Eliza was walking when a Native American arrived. Eliza got ready to run. She had been taught to stay away from them, she was surprised when he greeted them in English! “Welcome Englishmen.” he said, this Native American was Samoset. The next day he brought another man, Squanto. He started teaching them how to farm, hunt, and fish.

Chapter 6: The Feast

They grew food all summer long. So the harvest was plentiful. So they prepared a feast. They had deer, turkey, fish, and eels. Eliza ate and ate and ate until she couldn't eat any more. She even befriended a Nnative Aamerican girl, Saqualena. They played and laughed and talked. Eliza was now looking on to the future, and it seemed very, very bright.

Epilogue

Eliza went on and married John Paterson.

They had 6 children together. Deohembora, Angelina, James, Abigail, Tomas, Elizabeth, and Priscilla. She died at age 95.