Soon after Thomas' baptism in 1607, the Cushman family disappears from the Canterbury records. At this time, it is surmised that Robert and his family joined The Reverend John Robinson's Puritan colony in Leiden, Holland.1168

Beginning in 1617, and continuing right up until the time of his death, Robert Cushman spent much time in London and vicinity negotiating on behalf of the Leiden congregation and later on behalf also of the settlers in Plymouth. He, John Carver and William Brewster labored constantly in their dealings with a number of London merchants, arranging for the shipping and provisions for the Mayflower and the Speedwell in 1620. The details of these negotiations constitute a large portion of the story told by Bradford in his history of these years.

Cushman had planned to make the voyage across the Atlantic in 1620, but when the Speedwell had to be abandoned he was one of those who remained behind. This original intention of Cushman's and his many other services in behalf of the Pilgrims are undoubtedly the justification for the assignment to Cushman in 1623 of land in Plymouth as if he had been a passenger on the Mayflower.1165

Arrived on the Fortune in 1621.1169

Robert Cushman returned to England in the winter of 1621/2. He worked as Plymouth Colony’s agent, sending supplies, etc. until his death in 1625.1167