carried 102 men, women and children, risking it all to start again in the new world.

Every week on American history tellers, host Lindsay Graham takes you through the moments that shaped America.

In the latest season, explore the untold story of the Pilgrims, one that goes far beyond the familiar tale of the first Thanksgiving.

After landing at Cape Cod, the

pilgrims forged an unlikely alliance with the Wampanog people, and they helped them survive the

most brutal winter they had ever known laying the foundation for a powerful national myth.

But behind that story lies another, one of conflict, betrayal, and brutal violence against the very people who helped them survive.

You're about to hear a clip from American History Tellers and follow American History Tellers on the Wondry app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Imagine it's October 1620.

It's late at night, and you're on board the Mayflower,

somewhere in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. You're the captain of the ship, and you and your crew are trying to navigate your way through a violent storm. Rain lashes your face as you

cling to a rope ladder, bracing yourself as another gigantic wave batters the hole.

Bring the light closer!

One of your sailors, a green horn named Thomas, holds a swinging lantern above you.

You lean down to inspect the main timber beam that runs from one side of the hole to the other.

You catch your breath as you discover a large crack running down the center.

Oh, God help us. We can't go on like this.

You and Thomas climb back down the rope ladder as half a dozen members of your crew gather around you.

Thomas plants his boots wide on the lurching deck, rain drops running off the brim of his hat.

What do you mean, Captain, we can't go on.

She won't hold. I won't risk our lives any longer. These autumn westerlies are making this voyage impossible. It's time to turn back. Crew members stir uneasily. Thomas steps closer, his eyes burning with anger and confusion. We can't turn back. We've gone too far for that, Captain. No, we must keep pushing west. Look around you. It's been one disaster after another, ever since we set sail. Delays, sickness, and now these endless gales. Never should have agreed to sail so late in the year. But we can't turn around. The passengers will have our hides if we don't get them to America. That's if any of them are left.

No, but don't you understand, if we don't do the job we were hired for

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