There are only two surviving descriptions of the first Thanksgiving. One is contained a letter by colonist Edward Winslow. The second description was in a book written by William Bradford 20 years afterward.

In the fall of 1621, 90 Wampanoag Indians, led by Chief Massasoit, and 52 English colonists gathered for a three-day harvest feast. This event also included recreation and entertainment. The Pilgrims and Wampanoag communicated through Squanto, who was a member of the Patuxet tribe. Other than this very little is actually known about what actually took place at that feast from which our Thanksgiving holiday comes. Our annual holiday was named Thanksgiving by Abraham Lincoln in the year 1863. I found a quote from 1621, written by Edward Winslow, as he remembered that first gathering, and the sentiment he expressed
called for sharing and giving thanks.

"And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."

Labels: journal, Quotes