English nation.] The first discouery of these coasts (neuer heard of
before) was well begun by Iohn Cabot the father, and Sebastian his sonne,
an Englishman borne, who were the first finders out of all that great tract
of land stretching from the cape of Florida vnto those Islands which we now
call the Newfoundland: all which they brought and annexed vnto the crowne
of England. Since when, if with like diligence the search of inland
countreys had bene followed, as the discouery vpon the coast, and out-parts
therof was performed by those two men: no doubt her Maiesties territories
and reuenue had bene mightily inlarged and aduanced by this day. And which
is more: the seed of Christian religion had bene sowed amongst those
pagans, which by this time might haue brought foorth a most plentifull
haruest and copious congregation of Christians; which must be the chiefe
intent of such as shall make any attempt that way: or els whatsoeuer is
builded vpon other foundation shall neuer obtaine happy successe nor
continuance.
And although we can not precisely iudge (which onely belongeth to God) what
haue bene the humours of men stirred vp to great attempts of discouering
and planting in those remote countreys, yet the euents do shew that either
Gods cause hath not bene chiefly preferred by them, or els God hath not
permitted so abundant grace as the light of his word and knowledge of him
to be yet reuealed vnto those infidels before the appointed time.
But most assuredly, the only cause of religion hitherto hath kept backe,
and will also bring forward at the time assigned by God, an effectuall and
compleat discouery and possession by Christians, both of those ample
countreys and the riches within them hitherto concealed: whereof
notwithstanding God in his wisdome hath permitted to be reuealed from time
to time a certaine obscure and misty knowledge, by little and little to
allure the mindes of men that way (which els will be dull enough in the
zeale of his cause) and thereby to prepare vs vnto a readinesse for the
execution of his will against the due time ordeined, of calling those
pagans vnto Christianity.
[Sidenote: A fit consideration.] In the meane while, it behooueth euery man
of great calling, in whom is any instinct of inclination vnto this attempt,
to examine his owne motions: which if the same proceed of ambition or
auarice, he may assure himselfe it commeth not of God, and therefore can
not haue confidence of Gods protection and assistance against the violence
(els irresistable) both of sea, and infinite perils vpon the land; whom God
yet may vse an instrument to further his cause and glory some way, but not
to build vpon so bad a foundation.
Otherwise, if his motiues be deriued from a vertuous and heroycall minde,
preferring chiefly the honour of God, compassion of poore infidels captiued
by the deuill, tyrannizing in most woonderfull and dreadfull maner ouer
their bodies and soules; aduancement of his honest and well disposed
countreymen, willing to accompany him in such honourable actions: reliefe
of sundry people within this realme distressed: all these be honourable
purposes, imitating the nature of the munificent God, wherewith he is well
pleased, who will assist such an actour beyond expectation of man.
[Sidenote: Probable coniectures that these lands North of Florida, are
reserued for the English nation to possesse.] And the same, who feeleth
this inclination in himselfe, by all likelihood may hope, or rather
confidently repose in the preordinance of God, that in this last age of the
world (or likely neuer) the time is compleat of receiuing also these
Gentiles into his mercy, and that God will raise him an instrument to
effect the same: it seeming probable by euent or precedent attempts made by
the Spanyards and French sundry times, that the countreys lying North of
Florida, God hath reserued the same to be reduced vnto Christian ciuility
by the English nation. For not long after that Christopher Columbus had
discouered the Islands and continent of the West Indies for Spayne, Iohn
and Sebastian Cabot made discouery also of the rest from Florida Northwards
to the behoofe of England.
[Sidenote: The Spanyards prosperous in the Southerne discoueries, yet
vnhappy in the Northerne.] And whensoeuer afterwards the Spanyards (very
prosperous in all their Southerne discoueries) did attempt any thing into
Florida and those regions inclining towards the North they proued most
vnhappy, and were at length discouraged vtterly by the hard and lamentable
successe of many both religous and valiant in armes, endeauouring to bring
those Northerly regions also vnder the Spanish iurisdiction; as if God had
prescribed limits vnto the Spanish nation which they might not exceed; as
by their owne gests recorded may be aptly gathered.
[Sidenote: The French are but vsurpers vpon our right.] The French, as they
can pretend lesse title vnto these Northerne parts then the Spanyard, by
how much the Spanyard made the first discouery of the same continent so far
Northward as vnto Florida, and the French did but reuiew that before
discouered by the English nation, vsurping vpon our right, and imposing
names vpon countreys, riuers, bayes, capes, or head lands, as if they had
bene the first finders of those coasts: [Sidenote: The French also
infortunate in those North parts of America.] which iniury we offered not
vnto the Spaniards, but left off to discouer when we approached the Spanish
limits: euen so God hath not hitherto permitted them to establish a
possession permanent vpon anothers right, notwithstanding their manifolde
attempts, in which the issue hath bene no lesse tragicall then that of the
Spanyards, as by their owne reports is extant.
[Sidenote: A good incouragement for the English nation, to proceed in the
conquests of the North America.] Then seeing the English nation onely hath
right vnto these countreys of America from the cape of Florida Northward by
the priuilege of first discouery, vnto which Cabot was authorised by regall
authority, and set forth by the expense of our late famous king Henry the
seuenth: which right also seemeth strongly defended on our behalfe by the
powerfull hand of almighty God, withstanding the enterprises of other
nations: it may greatly incourage vs vpon so iust ground, as is our right,
and vpon so sacred an intent, as to plant religion (our right and intent
being meet foundations for the same) to prosecute effectually the full
possession of those so ample and pleasant countreys apperteining vnto the
crowne of England: [Sidenote: The due time approcheth by all likelihood of
calling these heathens vnto Christianity.] the same (as is to be
coniectured by infallible arguments of the worlds end approching) being now
arriued vnto the time by God prescribed of their vocation, if euer their
calling vnto the knowledge of God may be expected. [Sidenote: The word of
God moueth circularly.] Which also is very probable by the reuolution and
course of Gods word and religion, which from the beginning hath moued from
the East, towards, and at last vnto the West, where it is like to end,
vnlesse the same begin againe where it did in the East, which we were to
expect a like world againe. But we are assured of the contrary by the
prophesie of Christ, whereby we gather, that after his word preached
thorowout the world shalbe the end. And as the Gospel when it descended
Westward began in the South, and afterward spread into the North of Europe:
euen so, as the same hath begunne in the South countreys of America, no
lesse hope may be gathered that it will also spread into the North.
These considerations may helpe to suppresse all dreads rising of hard
eueuts in attempts made this way by other nations, as also of the heauy
successe and issue in the late enterprise made by a worthy gentleman our
countryman sir Humfrey Gilbert knight, who was the first of our nation that
caried people to erect an habitation and gouernment in those Northerly
countreys of America. About which, albeit he had consumed much substance,
and lost his life at last, his people also perishing for the most part: yet
the mystery thereof we must leaue vnto God, and iudge charitably both of
the cause (which was iust in all pretence) and of the person, who was very
zealous in prosecuting the same, deseruing honourable remembrance for his
good minde, and expense of life in so vertuous an enterprise. Whereby
neuerthelesse, least any man should be dismayd by example of other folks
calamity, and misdeeme that God doth resist all attempts intended that way:
I thought good, so farre as my selfe was an eye witnesse, to deliuer the
circumstance and maner of our proceedings in that action: in which the
gentleman was so incumbred with wants, and woorse matched with many ill
disposed people, that his rare iudgement and regiment premeditated for
these affaires, was subiected to tolerate abuses, and in sundry extremities
to holde on a course, more to vpholde credite, then likely in his owne
conceit happily to succeed.
[Sidenote: The planting of Gods word must be handled with reuerence.] The
issue of such actions, being alwayes miserable, not guided by God, who
abhorreth confusion and disorder, hath left this for admonition (being the
first attempt by our nation to plant) vnto such as shall take the same
cause in hand hereafter not to be discouraged from it: but to make men well
aduised how they handle his so high and excellent matters, as the carriage
of his word into those very mighty and vast countreys. [Sidenote: Ill
actions coloured by pretence of planting vpon remote lands.] An action
doubtlesse not to be intermedled with base purposes; as many haue made the
same but a colour to shadow actions otherwise scarse iustifiable: which
doth excite Gods heauy iudgements in the end, to the terrifying of weake
mindes from the cause, without pondering his iust proceedings: and doth
also incense forren princes against our attempts how iust soeuer, who can
not but deeme the sequele very dangerous vnto their state (if in those
parts we should grow to strength) seeing the very beginnings are entred
with spoile.
And with this admonition denounced vpon zeale towards Gods cause, also
towards those in whom appeareth disposition honourable vnto this action of
planting Christian people and religion in those remote and barbarous
nations of America (vnto whom I wish all happinesse) I will now proceed to
make relation briefly, yet particularly, of our voyage vndertaken with sir
Humfrey Gilbert, begun, continued, and ended aduersly.
[Sidenote: The first and great preparation of sir Humfrey Gilbert.] When
first sir Humfrey Gilbert vndertooke the Westerne discouery of America, and
had procured from her Maiesty a very large commission to inhabit and
possesse at his choice all remote and heathen lands not in the actuall
possession of any Christian prince, the same commission exemplified with
many priuileges, such as in his discretion he might demand, very many
gentlemen of good estimation drew vnto him, to associate him in so
commendable an enterprise, so that the preparation was expected to grow
vnto a puissant fleet, able to encounter a kings power by sea:
neuerthelesse, amongst a multitude of voluntary men, their dispositions
were diuers, which bred a iarre, and made a diuision in the end, to the
confusion of that attempt euen before the same was begun. And when the
shipping was in a maner prepared, and men ready vpon the coast to go
aboord: at that time some brake consort, and followed courses degenerating
from the voyage before pretended: Others failed of their promises
contracted, and the greater number were dispersed, leauing the Generall
with few of his assured friends, with whom he aduentured to sea: where
hauing tasted of no lesse misfortune, he was shortly driuen to retire home
with the losse of a tall ship, and (more to his griefe) of a valiant
gentleman Miles Morgan.[98]
[Sidenote: A constant resolution of sir Humfrey Gilbert.] Hauing buried
onely in a preparation a great masse of substance, wherby his estate was
impaired, his minde yet not dismaid he continued his former designment and
purpose to reuiue this enterprise, good occasion seruing. Vpon which
determination standing long, without meanes to satisfy his desire; at last
he granted certaine assignments out of his commission to sundry persons of
meane ability, desiring the priuilege of his rank, to plant and fortifie in
the North parts of America about the riuer of Canada, to whom if God gaue
good successe in the North parts (where then no matter of moment was
expected) the same (he thought) would greatly aduance the hope of the
South, and be a furtherance vnto his determination that way. And the worst
that might happen in that course might be excused without prejudice vnto
him by the former supposition, that those North regions were of no regard:
but chiefly a possession taken in any parcell of those heathen countreys,
by vertue of his grant, did inuest him of territories extending euery way
two hundred leagues: which induced sir Humfry Gilbert to make those
assignments, desiring greatly their expedition, because his commission did
expire after six yeres, if in that space he had not gotten actuall
possession.
[Sidenote: A second preparation of sir Humfrey Gilbert.] Time went away
without any thing done by his assignes: insomuch that at last he must
resolue himselfe to take a voyage in person, for more assurance to keepe
his patent in force, which then almost was expired, or within two yeres.
In furtherance of his determination, amongst others, sir George Peckam
knight shewed himselfe very zealous to the action, greatly aiding him both
by his aduice and in the charge. Other gentlemen to their ability ioyned
vnto him, resoluing to aduenture their substance and liues in the same
cause. Who beginning their preparation from that time, both of shipping,
munition, victual, men, and things requisit, some of them continued the
charge two yeeres compleat without intermission. Such were the difficulties
and crosse accidents opposing these proceedings, which tooke not end in
lesse then two yeres: many of which circumstances I will omit.
The last place of our assembly, before we left the coast of England, was in
Causet bay neere vnto Plimmouth: then resolued to put vnto the sea with
shipping and prouision, such as we had, before our store yet remaining, but
chiefly the time and season of the yeere, were too farre spent.
Neuerthelesse it seemed first very doubtfull by what way to shape our
course, and to begin our intended discouery, either from the South
Northward, or from the North Southward.
[Sidenote: Consultation about our course.] The first, that is, beginning
South, without all controuersie was the likeliest, wherein we were assured
to haue commodity of the current, which from the cape of Florida setteth
Northward, and would haue furthered greatly our nauigation, discouering
from the foresayd cape along towards cape Briton, and all those lands lying
to the North.
[Sidenote: Commodities in discouering from South Northward.] Also the yere
being farre spent, and arriued to the moneth of Iune, we were not to spend
time in Northerly courses, where we should be surprised with timely Winter,
but to couet the South, which we had space enough then to haue attained:
and there might with lesse detriment haue wintred that season, being more
milde and short in the South then in the North where winter is both long
and rigorous.
These and other like reasons alleged in fauour of the Southerne course
first to be taken, to the contrary was inferred: that foras much as both
our victuals, and many other needfull prouisions were diminished and left
insufficient for so long a voyage, and for the wintering of so many men, we
ought to shape a course most likely to minister supply; and that was to
take the Newfoundland in our way, which was but seuen hundred leagues from
our English coast. Where being vsually at that time of the yere, and vntill
the fiue of August, a multitude of ships repairing thither for fish, we
should be relieued abundantly with many necessaries, which after the
fishing ended, they might well spare, and freely impart vnto vs.
Not staying long vpon that Newland coast, we might proceed Southward, and
follow still the Sunne, vntill we arriued at places more temperate to our
content.
By which reasons we were the rather induced to follow this [Sidenote: Cause
why we began our discouery from the North.] Northerly course, obeying vnto
necessity, which must be supplied. [Sidenote: Incommodities in beginning
North.] Otherwise, we doubted that sudden approch of Winter, bringing with
it continuall fogge, and thicke mists, tempest and rage of weather; also
contrariety of currents descending from the cape of Florida vnto cape
Briton and cape Rase, would fall out to be great and irresistable
impediments vnto our further proceeding for that yeere, and compell vs to
Winter in those North and colde regions.
Wherefore suppressing all obiections to the contrary, we resolued to begin
our course Northward, and to follow directly as we might, the trade way
vnto Newfoundland: from whence after our refreshing and reparation of
wants, we intended without delay (by Gods permission) to proceed into the
South, not omitting any riuer or bay which in all that large tract of land
appeared to our view worthy of search. Immediatly we agreed vpon the maner
of our course and orders to be obserued in our voyage; which were deliuered
in writing vnto the captaines and masters of euery ship a copy in maner
following.
Euery shippe had deliuered two bullets or scrowles, the one sealed vp in
waxe, the other left open: in both which were included seuerall
watch-words. That open, seruing vpon our owne coast or the coast of
Ireland: the other sealed was promised on all hands not to be broken vp
vntill we should be cleere of the Irish coast; which from thencefoorth did
serue vntill we arriued and met altogether in such harbors of the
Newfoundland as were agreed for our Rendez vouz. The sayd watch-words being
requisite to know our consorts whensoeuer by night, either by fortune of
weather, our fleet dispersed should come together againe: or one should
hale another; or if by ill watch and steerage one ship should chance to
fall aboord of another in the darke.
The reason of the bullet sealed was to keepe secret that watch-word while
we were vpon our owne coast, lest any of the company stealing from the
fleet might bewray the same: which knowen to an enemy, he might boord vs by
night without mistrust, hauing our owne watch-word.
Orders agreed vpon by the Captaines and Masters to be obserued by the fleet
of Sir Humfrey Gilbert.
First the Admirall to cary his flag by day, and his light by night.
2 Item, if the Admirall shall shorten his saile by night, then to shew two
lights vntill he be answered againe by euery ship shewing one light for a
short time.
3 Item, if the Admirall after his shortening of saile, as aforesayd, shall
make more saile againe: then he to shew three lights one aboue another.
4 Item, if the Admirall shall happen to hull in the night, then to make a
wauering light ouer his other light, wauering the light vpon a pole.
5 Item, if the fleet should happen to be scattered by weather, or other
mishap, then so soone as one shall descry another to hoise sailes twise, if
the weather will serue, and to strike them twise againe; but if the weather
serue not, then to hoise the maine top saile twise, and forthwith to strike
it twise againe.
6 Item, if it shall happen a great fogge to fall, then presently euery
shippe to beare vp with the admirall, if there be winde: but if it be a
calme, then euery ship to hull, and so to lie at hull till it be cleere.
And if the fogge do continue long, then the Admirall to shoot off two
pieces euery euening, and euery ship to answere it with one shot: and euery
man bearing to the ship, that is to leeward so neere as he may.
7 Item, euery master to giue charge vnto the watch to looke out well, for
laying aboord one of another in the night, and in fogges.
8 Item, euery euening euery ship to haile the admirall, and so to fall
asterne him sailing thorow the Ocean: and being on the coast, euery ship to
haile him both morning and euening.
9 Item, if any ship be in danger any way, by leake or otherwise, then she
to shoot off a piece, and presently to hang out one light, whereupon euery
man to beare towards her, answering her with one light for a short time,
and so to put it out againe; thereby to giue knowledge that they haue seene
her token.
10 Item, whensoeuer the Admirall shall hang out her ensigne in the maine
shrowds, then euery man to come aboord her, as a token of counsell.
11 Item, if there happen any storme or contrary winde to the fleet after
the discouery, whereby they are separated: then euery ship to repaire vnto
their last good port, there to meete againe.
Our course agreed vpon.
The course first to be taken for the discouery is to beare directly to Cape
Rase, the most Southerly cape of Newfound land; and there to harbour
ourselues either in Rogneux or Fermous, being the first places appointed
for our Rendez vous, and the next harbours vnto the Northward of cape Rase:
and therefore euery ship separated from the fleete to repaire to that place
so fast as God shall permit, whether you shall fall to the Southward or to
the Northward of it, and there to stay for the meeting of the whole fleet
the space of ten dayes: and when you shall depart, to leaue marks.
A direction of our course vnto the Newfound land.
Beginning our course from Silley, the neerest is by Westsouthwest (if the
winde serue) vntill such time as we haue brought our selues in the latitude
of 43 or 44 degrees, because the Ocean is subiect much to Southerly windes
in Iune and Iuly. Then to take trauerse from 45 to 47 degrees of latitude,
if we be inforced by contrary windes: and not to go to the Northward of the
height of 47 degrees of Septentrionall latitude by no meanes; if God shall
not inforce the contrary; but to do your indeuour to keepe in the height of
46 degrees, so nere as you can possibly, because cape Rase lieth about that
height.
Notes.
If by contrary windes we be driuen backe vpon the coast of England, then to
repaire vnto Silley for a place of our assembly or meeting.
If we be driuen backe by contrary winds that we can not passe the coast of
Ireland, then the place of our assembly to be at Beare hauen or Baltimore
hauen.
If we shall not happen to meete at cape Rase, then the place of Rendez vous
to be at cape Briton, or the neerest harbour vnto the Westward of cape
Briton.
If by meanes of other shipping we may not safely stay there, then to rest
at the very next safe port to the Westward; euery ship leauing their marks
behinde them for the more certainty of the after commers to know where to
finde them.
The marks that euery man ought to leaue in such a case, were of the
Generals priuate deuice written by himselfe, sealed also in close waxe, and
deliuered vnto euery shippe one scroule, which was not to be opened vntill
occasion required, whereby euery man was certified what to leaue for
instruction of after commers: that euery of vs comming into any harbour or
riuer might know who had bene there, or whether any were still there vp
higher into the riuer, or departed, and which way.
[Sidenote: Beginning of the voyage.] Orders thus determined, and promises
mutually giuen to be obserued, euery man withdrew himselfe vnto his charge,
the ankers being already weyed, and our shippes vnder saile, hauing a soft
gale of winde, we began our voyage vpon Tuesday the eleuenth day of Iune,
in the yere of our Lord 1585, hauing in our fleet (at our departure from
Causet[99] Bay) these shippes, whose names and burthens, with the names of
the captaines and masters of them, I haue also inserted, as followeth:
1 The Delight aliàs The George, of burthen 120 tunnes, was Admirall: in
which went the Generall, and William Winter captaine in her and part owner,
and Richard Clearke master.
2 The Barke Raleigh set forth by M. Walter Raleigh, of the burthen of 200
tunnes, was then Vice-admirall: in which went M. Butler captaine, and
Robert Dauis of Bristoll master.
3 The Golden hinde, of burthen 40 tunnes, was then Reare-admirall: in which
went Edward Hayes captaine and owner, and William Cox of Limehouse master.
4 The Swallow, of burthen 40 tunnes: in her was captaine Maurice Browne.
5 The Squirrill, of burthen 10 tunnes: in which went captaine William
Andrewes, and one Cade master.