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How did William Bradford portray the Pilgrims in History of Plymouth Plantation?

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John Smith: Map of Virginia — American literature Map of Virginia from John Smith's *The Generall Historie of Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles*, 1624.

In his History of Plymouth Plantation, 1620–47, William Bradford provides an intimate, firsthand account of the Pilgrim experience, documenting both the arduous sea voyage and the significant hardships faced by the settlers in the New World.12

Bradford portrays the Pilgrims as a dedicated group of Separatists who broke completely with Anglicanism to pursue their religious convictions. He characterizes these early settlers—whom he referred to as "saints" and "pilgrimes"—as individuals driven by faith and a commitment to forming independent congregations.32

His narrative serves as a vital historical record of the colony's struggles, including the high mortality rate during the first winter and the challenges of establishing a new community. Stylistically, Bradford’s writing is noted for echoing the cadences of the King James Bible, reflecting the deep religious devotion that defined the settlers' identity and their mission in New England.123