Fortune (Plymouth Colony ship)

The Fortune was the second ship to arrive at Plymouth Colony, following the Mayflower. It arrived on November 9, 1621, carrying 35 new colonists. Unlike the Mayflower, the Fortune returned promptly to England in December 1621 laden with valuable cargo, including furs and timber, needed by the struggling Plymouth settlers to pay off their debts to the Merchant Adventurers. The ship's return voyage was fraught with danger as it was captured by the French, although the cargo was eventually recovered. The arrival of the Fortune significantly increased the colony's population, although it also strained resources and led to the imposition of food rationing. The passengers of the Fortune did not sign the Mayflower Compact, having arrived after its creation. The master of the Fortune was Thomas Blossom.