Note 7 — TO HIS MUCH respected friend, Mr. I. P.[7]

Presumably, the initials of John Peirce. Peirce was a London businessman one of the “merchant adventurers” who had contributed to the Mayflower’s first voyage. It is possible that he underwrote the printing of the book; it is certain that the patent to lands occupied by the Pilgrims—as virtual squatters for almost a year—was finally issued in his name, in trust for the settlers. They were delighted to receive this confirmation of their legal rights, and may have dedicated the book to him in gratitude. Only later did they learn of the many devious ways in which he tried to cheat them.