The Speedwell

Happy Thanksgiving!

Did you know that the Pilgrims originally had two vessels? When they left the Netherlands, the Puritans were aboard the Mayflower and the Speedwell. When they arrived in England, it was found that the Speedwell was starting to take on water. She was able to sail 350 miles out into the Atlantic but had to return to England. This postcard is of a painting in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol showing the Speedwell.

Image: “Embarkation of the Pilgrims, from Delft Haven, July 22, 1620” published by the B. S. Reynold’s Company (date unknown). From the Andrew J. Bramlett Collection.