 Standish himself was one of the very few who did not fall ill and William Bradford ( soon to be governor of Plymouth Colony ) credited Standish with comforting many and being a source of strength to those who suffered . Standish tended to Bradford during his illness , and this was the beginning of a decades @-@ long friendship . Bradford held the position of governor for most of his life and , by necessity , worked closely with Standish . In terms of character , the two men were opposites — Bradford was patient and slow to judgment , while Standish was well known for his fiery temper . Despite their differences , the two worked well together in managing the colony and responding to dangers as they arose . 
