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PART I.

* Pres

cott's Fer

NORTH AMERICA,

to pole at the distance of one hundred leagues to the west of the Azores and Cape de Verd Islands; as well dinand and as over all countries discovered by them whether in the Isabella. 1. East, or within the boundaries of India; all previous State Pa- grants and concessions to the contrary notwithstand

Hazard's

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Its effect It is evident that if priority of discovery had, at this discoveries time, been regarded as conferring an absolute title in made by the new country, Henry VII. might in like manner have England. taken advantage of the result of these expeditions to

Henry
VII. con-

annex the Continent of North America to his own dominions. But the return of Cabot found the nation embroiled in a war with a neighboring Island, while she had scarcely recovered from the civil feuds which

had then recently convulsed her western provinces. cedes the Henry VII. was also too solicitous of retaining the priority of friendship of Ferdinand, being engaged in negotiating rived from an alliance between his eldest son and Catharine, the the Pope. daughter of that monarch. He therefore, courteously

title de

rather than justly, conceded that the Islands and terri-. tories which Cabot had discovered, might be compre* Bigland. hended within the very liberal grant made to Ferdinand Robertson. and Isabella, by the Pope. Nor had even kings, in that day, the hardihood or impiety to question the validity of a donative from the See of Rome.*

Prescott.

Expeditions to America

ed.

These circumstances and considerations induced the Crown of England to abandon the idea of another expeabandon- dition to the New World; and no more material improvement was made of the discovery than that the private enterprise of a few individuals carried on at straggling intervals a fishing and fur trade with the natives. A period of more than sixty years was permitted to pass away before the Crown became again actively interested in its discoveries in America. A variety of causes, which I need not detail, had combined to withdraw attention from a subject which was destined to become one of deep and thrilling interest to the whole world.

TITLE AND INTEREST OF ENGLAND IN.

PART I.

revives the

merce and

It was reserved for the spirited and efficient reign of Elizabeth Elizabeth in a measure to accomplish what her prede-enterprises cessors had, through effeminate indolence, papal fear, of Comnegligence, or want of ability, left so shamefully undone. NavigaThe peaceful reign to which she succeeded, and the tion, 1578. tranquility which attended the first thirty years of her own auspicious administration, had combined to promote the growth of commercial enterprise, to give a wider range to the investigations of science, to encourage the mechanic arts, and to protect and foster all the departments of learning, trade, and industry in her kingdom. The rapid progress made in the art of navi-Maritime gation, in a few years, nearly outran the attainments of progress more experienced nations, a navy was built up, seamen abeth. were fostered, and adventurers were encouraged and multiplied. The wide field of exploration into which she sent forth her subjects quickened their energy, while their achievements were the most admirable and astonishing. But we must pass by the various projects for discovery which gave lustre to her reign, and confine ourselves more particularly to those which may be regarded as the origin and commencement of our own Governmental History.

Eliz

turns her

It was her jealousy of rival powers, coupled with an Elizabeth ambition to enlarge her own dominions, which prompted attention Elizabeth to turn her attention to the New World. The to the New World, proud spirit of the Tudors could not brook rivalry or 1578. superiority. The vast revenues which Spain was reaping from her discoveries in these new regions of the West excited her emulation; and she resolved to explore and to settle the country which had simply been discovered, and but carelessly visited. A few of her subjects, men of rank and opulence, had caught her spirit and projected a plan for a permanent settlement. It was submitted to the Queen and met with her hearty co-operation.

On the eleventh day of June, 1578, she issued to Sir Humphrey Gilbert, its chief projector,

Patent to
Sir Hum-

a patent phrey Gilauthor-bert, 1578.

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Patent of izing and empowering him "to discover and take pos

Elizabeth

to Sir

session of, all unknown and heathen lands wherein no Humphrey Christian People were dwelling or abiding"-giving, to Gilbert, 1578. him and his heirs, full right and title to all the countries of which he might take possession; to be holden of the Crown of England, rendering homage, and paying one-fifth of whatever gold or silver ore might be found therein, with power, to him and his heirs, to dispose of any portion of the same to settlers in fee simple; provided always, that such sales should be made agreeably with the laws of England-the settlers to have and enjoy all the privileges of free denizens and natives of the mother country, any law, custom, or usage to the contrary notwithstanding. Sir Humphrey Gilbert and his heirs were invested with full jurisdiction over

Liberal

of the

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all the settlements planted by him, with all powers and provisions royalties, marine, civil and military; with power to conGrant. vict, pardon, punish, govern and rule, as well in cases capital or criminal as civil, both maritime and other, all persons who from time to time should settle therein, according to such laws, statutes, and ordinances as by him, his heirs or assigns should be devised or established for their better government." Free license was given to any of her subjects to transport themselves and to settle in the countries he might discover, while all persons were "prohibited attempting to plant an independent colony within two hundred leagues of any place, which Sir Humphrey Gilbert and his associates may have occupied for the space of six years."

Such were the liberal powers and immunities with which Sir Humphrey Gilbert was endowed, and which were to encourage the expedition now proposed for planting an English Colony in America. His personal worth and consideration, united with the distinguished exertions of his half-brother Sir Walter Raleigh, soon procured a number of associates in the adventure. But the success of the enterprise was not equal to the zeal of its patrons, or the efforts of its projector. He made

EARLY ATTEMPTS TO SETTLE THE COUNTRY.

PART I.

Patent of

two attempts to plant a settlement by which nothing Under the further was accomplished than to take formal possession Elizabeth of the continent in the name of the Crown. The absence to Sir Humphrey of all acquaintance with the country, the insufficiency Gilbert, of the preparations made for establishing a settlement, 1578. the mutinies and insubordination of his crew, and the loss of his most valuable vessels by shipwreck, were the material causes which hindered the accomplishment of Terminahis aims. They were at length fully frustrated by a advenviolent storm encountered off the shores of Cape Bre-tures. ton, during which his vessel was wrecked and himself * Robertson. Story. perished in the sea.*

tion of his

Sir Walter

1584.

The equally bold and zealous spirit of Sir Walter Patent to Raleigh, who did not accompany these expeditions, was Raleigh, not disheartened by the unfortunate fate of his kinsman. April 27, He made an application to the Queen and received a patent containing as liberal a bestowment of powers and privileges. Under its protection he fitted out a small expedition which made a few discoveries farther to the ExpediSouth, but did not effect any settlement. Sailing into this PatAlbemarle and Pamlico sounds, they engaged in a little ent. traffic with the natives, derived from them some information of the country, and, taking two of them on board of their vessel, returned again to England in September of the same year.

tion under

val in

try.

The season of the year at which they approached the Their arricoast of America, combined with the general aspect of America. the country and the purity of the climate, to produce Aspect of the most pleasing impressions upon these adventurers. the counThe eye was never tired with gazing upon, and the imagination was completely charmed by, the wild scenes of beauty and luxuriance which opened before their astonished vision. The majestic Bay, the verdant islands, the placid river, the rich forest, the exuberant soil, and the salubrious clime, were a most enchanting sequel to the fatigues and the hardships, the exposure and the perils, of their uncertain and tedious voyage. They were remembered and described, on their return, with the

PART I.

How

Elizabeth.

VIRGINIA,

most glowing enthusiasm. Elizabeth was so fascinated meet with their descriptions that she bestowed upon the country the name of VIRGINIA, in memorial that a discovery so felicitous had been made under the auspices of a Virgin Queen.

Sir Walter Raleigh was also encouraged by these descriptions of the country, to make further preparations for its settlement, and accordingly fitted out another expedition, which sailed on the nineteenth day of April, 1585. It consisted of seven small vessels, under

the direction of Sir Richard Grenville, who planted a Planting settlement at Roanoke, and entrusting the supervision oke, of it to Ralph Lane, set sail on his return to England

of Roan

1585.

in August of the same year. This settlement consisted of about one hundred and eight persons, who were chiefly occupied in making scientific observations and exploring the resources of the country. The approach and progress of winter, the failure of their stores, the hostility of the natives, and the ravages of disease, conspired to diminish their numbers and to threaten their entire extinction. A few of them survived till the month of June following, when they were cheered by the arrival of Sir Thomas Drake, who was then return

ing with a small fleet from a naval expedition against The Settle- the Spaniards in the West Indies, and availing themdoned selves of this opportunity they all embarked for EngJune, 1586. land.

ment aban

Harriott's Among this handful of adventurers whose necessities

Narrative.

thus compelled them to return to their native land, was one Richard Harriott, a man of much learning and science, and great practical energy and intelligence. He had employed himself industriously during his adverse residence on the New Continent, in philosophical researches; in making observations on its soil, climate

and productions; and upon the manners, customs, and Its publica- extent of its native population. The result of his labors England, was given to the public, was sought after and read with great avidity, and increased the already glowing desire

tion in

1587.

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