Arms : Myles Standish

Myles Standish

Myles Standish was the Pilgrims' military leader. Standish was born on the Isle of Man in 1584.

Standish joined the army around 1601. Many English and Scottish soldiers fought in the Dutch Wars between The Netherlands and Spain. Beginning in 1585, Queen Elizabeth (as well as her successor King James) sent troops to help the Protestant Netherlands become independent of Catholic Spain. Many English military leaders gained experience in the Dutch Wars. Some scholars believe that a Myls Stansen, listed in Leiden hospital records as having been wounded in 1601, was Standish. Standish served in and around Leiden until 1616, under the command of Captain Adolf Meetkerken and Horatio De Vere. It is assumed that Standish was a noncommissioned officer; at least, no records of any commission have yet been found. He stayed in Leiden even after a truce between The Netherlands and Spain was signed in 1609. There Standish met the Pilgrims.

		When the Pilgrims decided to emigrate to America, they needed a military leader to train the colonists in self defense. Captain John Smith (of Virginia and Pocahontas fame) was considered. The Pilgrims chose Standish over Smith although they did use some of Smith's maps and writings. Standish is referred to as "Captain" from the beginning. This rapier is said to have belonged to Myles Standish. A rapier is a sword with a stiff, sharply pointed blade used for thrusting, rather than cutting. The blade of this rapier was made between 1630 and 1650 in Solingen, a German city known for its production of edged weapons. Standish probably acquired the sword after arriving in Plymouth. It was probably worn with his finest military dress at musters and official events.

Standish and his wife Rose embarked with the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower in 1620. Rose died the first winter. Bradford noted Standish's dedication in tending the sick that harsh first winter, when half the passengers died. Standish remarried soon after (notwithstanding his legendary affection for Priscilla Mullins, later Priscilla Alden). Standish continued to serve Plymouth for many years, not only as military captain but also as treasurer and assistant governor.