William Bradford primarily wrote "Of Plymouth Plantation" for his fellow Pilgrims, the Puritan settlers who had accompanied him on the Mayflower and established the Plymouth Colony. He intended it to be a historical record of their journey, struggles, and successes in establishing the colony and to provide a moral and spiritual account of their experiences. In addition to the Pilgrims themselves, Bradford also wrote the manuscript with the intention of providing future generations with a record of their religious community and values, as well as to inspire and guide them in their faith and commitment to the Puritan ideals.