From SIGNERS OF THE MAYFLOWER COMPACT by Annie Arnoux Haxton Pt.1 The Mayflower Company if not wiser and better from having the Billingtons on board, at least had the monotony of the voyage varied by the exploits of the Billington boys. Their youthful pranks were the terror of the whole community. Nothing held them back when roused to action. The little piece of pleasantry on the part of John, when he threw the light into the gunpowder, which fortunately was discovered in time to prevent serious consequences, which only was in touch with the spirit of his inheritance, a lawless disregard to surroundings and the rights of others.. No Congin punishment awaited him at his father's hands and he was left to live this life of unconcern. Young John wandered in the woods and got lost and after 5 days found his way into an Indian camp, these Indians sending him farther away to another camp. Governor Bradford was upset at the waste of time but he sent a sallop with 16 men to rescue him. This act of protection was sorely against Governor Bradford's desires, time so valuable and the services of those he detailed so needed that the matter of Billington's appearance seemed of little moment. John died before his father who died in 1630 For more information look under Francis Billington, his brother, John Billington, his father and Eleanor Billington, his mother. ----------------------------------------------------------------- FROM CHRONICLES OF THE PILGRIM FATHERS by Alexander Young. The 5 th day 5 Dec. 1620- We, through the mercy of God, escaoed great danger by the foolishness of a boy, one of John Billington's sons. who, in his father's absence had got gunpowder, and had shot off a piece or two, and made squids, and there being a firing piece charged in his father's cabin shot her off in the cabin.There being a little bag of powder half full scattered in and about the cabin, the fire being within four feet of the bed between the decks and many flint and iron things about the cabin and many people about the fire., yet by God's mercy no harm done. ( Much other materials in this book but is similar to above adventures ) ----------------------------------------------------------------- Verification of some of above by PLYMOUTH COLONY ITS HISTORY AND PEOPLE 1620 - 1691 by Eugne Aubrey Stratton