For the most part, they wanted an opportunity to own their own land. European land was largely owned by rich Lords and Monarchs. The US was largely open for the taking, and the poor would agree to be an indentured servant for many years in exchange for a chance to make it to the US, and hopefully one day own their own land.
The 5th Amendment of the Constitution reads:
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation
I'm working on the exact same project...
I know this isn't too helpful, but I think each 'seven' mentioned is possibly a time...
seven 'sevens' = 7 weeks
sixty-two 'sevens' = 62 weeks, over a year
Agin I'm sorry this isn't too helpful...
The influenza was a strain that people had no immunity.