The Speedwell was a 60 ton ship, one of the two (along with Mayflower) intended to carry the Pilgrims to America.
Speedwell sailed from Southampton on 5 August 1620, but was leaky and returned to Dartmouth to be refitted at great expense and time. On the second attempt, Mayflower and Speedwell sailed about 100 leagues beyond Land's End in England, the Speedwell was again found to be leaky. Both vessels returned to Plymouth and the Speedwell was dismissed. 101 people from the Speedwell boarded the Mayflower, leaving 20 people to return to London. The Mayflower left Plymouth on 6 September, 1620.
Reference
- Indian Battles: with Incidents in the Early History of New England. 1859. By Rev. Henry White. New York: D.W. Evans & Co. 677 Broadway.