Compare And Contrast William Bradford And John Smith

History takes place so rapidly that it’s often hard to recall the exact occurrence without technology. Most of our primary sources come from the writing of an individual as they experience history unfolding. It’s rare that two individuals provide stories so similar that they can be compared. John Smith and William Bradford provide this rare opportunity with their renderings. Comparing and contrasting the writing of the two allows the purpose, intended audience and more to be identified.

Smith’s purpose was to convince more people to move to the new land without fear. John smith described modern paradises in hopes that people would be convinced to join the settlers of the new land. Smith explicitly states “My purpose is not to persuade children from their parents;

William Bradford made sure to include religion as a major part of his journals. This proves the purpose was more than a simple description. Instead, Bradford intended to provide the writings as a manual for others to use for survival. After reading the work, readers are given a sense of how to survive in the new land.

With John Smith’s renderings came a couple of promises. Smith offered leadership primarily. Anyone willing to follow him to the new land would have his guiding hand. John Smith also promised shelter to the new settlers. His final promise was to fulfill their needs. Each promise is summarized in the statement that promises “sufficient power to command them, houses to receive them, means to defend them and meet provisions for them.” (Baym) At some point William Bradford and John Smith crossed paths. William Bradford describes John Smith as a “man of able gifts” and “good preacher.” (Baym) He even goes on to state that Smith became a pastor at one point. This follows the promise John Smith made to stay with those that accompanied him. The captain not only stayed, but also became a man of the