It should be noted that Rector John White (Isaac’s guardian), Richard Bushrode (subsequently Isaac’s business partner) and Will Whiteway (Isaac’s closest friend) were hugely engaged in the establishment of the Dorchester Company.

This summary is derived from the book “John White The Founder of Massachusetts” by Frances Rose-Troup and the diaries of William Whiteway.

Rector John White (the Patriarch or P) wanted a colonial site for settlement for non-conformists apart from the Separatists, with whom he did not agree.

The establishment of The Council for New England in 1620 was known to P. He was also aware of the payments required to obtain a license (or patent) from the Council to allow settlements in New England. Providing they were sufficiently separated from other settlements. However, indentures were restricted to members of the Council which precluded P from attempting to acquire land for his desired settlement. However, by 1622, the lack of interest among the membership resulted in the Council allowing certain categories of non-member to apply for a licence. One such a category was for a small number of “western merchants.”

A good friend of P’s was Richard Bushrode. He was a merchant who had traded for fish and fur from New England for years. He was a man of substance, including twice been elected to represent Dorchester as a member of Parliament. He was also an entrepreneur who P persuaded to support the creation of a settlement in New England that could be self-supporting and provide its investors with substantial return. It would also form the basis for a much larger settlement for P’s non-conformists.

Bushrode became the point person dealing with The Council. He and his associates were given a licence to make a voyage of discovery. Subject to the findings of that voyage they intended to acquire a full settlement patent. However, Sir Walter Erle, a wealthy Dorset landowner, emerged as the de facto leader and it was he that applied for the patent. In fact, the voyage of discovery in 1623 was to take a small group of settlers to Cape Ann.

In order to build additional support, the Council for New England organised a letter, ostensibly from King James, to be sent to the Lords Lieutenants of the western counties promoting the proposed New England settlement. However, only the Dorset merchants expressed interest.

A meeting was called in December 1623, by Sir Walter, who was now identified as the Governor of the New England plantation. Attendees were local businessmen interested in investment rather than settlement. The reasons for establishing the settlement were expounded:

Opportunities for the destitute to find a new home, become self-sufficient and no longer a drain on England’s (Dorset’s) resources.

The healthy, fruitful and fertile land.

Timber, fish, pelts, flax, hemp, dye-stuffs and medicinal plants to be imported back to England.

The opportunity to bring the Christian faith to the natives.

Richard Bushrode was also present to describe the results of the “voyage of discovery” in 1623 and the establishment of a small fishing settlement on Cape Ann.

By March 1624 sufficient support had been obtained for a committee to be established, comprising:

Sir Walter Erle – Governor
Mr. Humphreys Esq. – Treasurer
Sir Richard Strode
Sir Arthur Smitheys
Mr. John Browne
Dr. Bradish
Mr. John Keate
Mr. Giles Green
Mr. Edward Clarke
Mr. John Hill
Mr. William Darby
Mr. James Gould
William Whiteway Jr.
Mr. Henry Maniford

(Rev. John White and Mr. Richard Bushrode were added later.)

Within a short period of time the Dorchester Company was formed and membership grew to 121 members.

It raised money to buy vessels to deliver people to and supply the settlement on Cape Ann.