Rome. These circumstances and considerations induced Henry to abandon the idea of another expedition to the new continent, and no further improvement was made of the discovery, except that the private enterprize of a few individuals carried on a fishing and fur trade with the natives. A period of more than sixty years. was permitted to pass away before the crown of England became again actively interested in its discoveries in America. A variety of causes had combined to withdraw its attention from a subject which was destined to become one of deep and thrilling interest to the whole world. It was reserved for the spirited and efficient reign of Elizabeth in a measure to accomplish what her predecessors had, through effeminate indolence, papal fear, negligence, or want of ability, left so shamefully undone. The peaceful reign to which she succeeded, and the tranquillity which attended the first thirty years of her own auspicious administration, had combined to promote the growth of commercial enterprize, 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 and industry. The rapid progress she had made in the art of navigation, had, in a few years, nearly outrun the attainments of more experienced nations, a navy was built up, seamen were fostered, and adventurers multiplied. The wide field of naval enterprize into which Elizabeth sent forth her subjects quickened their energy, while their achievements were the most admirable and astonishing which history had yet recorded. 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 of our own governmental history.

CHAPTER VI.

Ir was her jealousy of rival powers, coupled with a desire to extend her own dominions, which prompted Elizabeth to turn her attention to the New World. The vast revenues which SPAIN was reaping from her colonies in America, excited her emulation, and she resolved to settle the country which had simply been discovered, and but carelessly visited. A plan for establishing a permanent settlement had been already projected by men of rank and opulence. It was submitted to Elizabeth, and on the eleventh day of June, 1578, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, its principal projector, obtained from the Queen a patent, authorising him "to discover and take possession of all unknown and heathen lands wherein no Christian people were dwelling or abiding❞—giving to 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 to enjoy all the privileges of free denizens and natives of the mother country, any law, custom, or usage to the contrary notwithstanding. Sir Humphrey and his heirs were to have complete administration over all the settlements planted by him, with all powers and royalties, marine, civil, and military; with power to convict, pardon,

punish, govern and rule, as well in cases capital or criminal as civil, both maratime and other, all persons who from time to time shall 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 and full permission was given to any of her subjects who might be disposed, to go and settle in those countries, while all persons were "prohibited attempting to plant an independent colony within two hundred leagues of any place which Sir Humphrey Gilbert, or his associates should 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 proposed for planting a settlement on the shores of 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 two attempts to plant a colony, during which nothing further was accomplished than to take possession of the country in the name of the crown of England. The absence of all knowledge of the country, the insufficiency of the preparations made for establishing a settlement, the mutinies and insubordination of the crew, and the loss of his most valuable vessels, were the principal causes which operated to prevent the accomplishment of the designs of this enterprise. They were at length fully frustrated, by a violent storm encountered off the cold and barren shores of Cape Breton, during which Sir Humphrey perished by shipwreck.

The bold and zealous spirit of Sir Walter Raleigh,

who did not accompany these expeditions, was not dismayed by the unfortunate fate of his kinsman. He made an application to the Queen; and on the 27th April 1584, received a patent containing as liberal a bestowment of powers and privileges. Under its provisions he fitted out a small squadron, which made a few discoveries farther to the South, but did not effect any settlement. Sailing up Albemarle and Pamlico sounds, they engaged in a little traffic with the natives, derived from them some information of the country, and taking two of them on board returned again to England in the following September. The season of the year at which they approached the coast of America, combined with the general aspect of the country and the purity of the climate, to produce the most pleasing impressions upon these adventurers. The eye was never tired with gazing upon, and the imagination was bewildered by, the wild scene of beauty and luxuriance which opened before their astonished vision. The majestic bay, the verdant island, the placid river, the rich forest, the exuberant soil, and the salubrious clime, were a most grateful sequel to the fatigues, the hardships, the perils and the exposure of their uncertain and tedious voyage. They were remembered and described on their return with the most glowing enthusiasm. Elizabeth became so fascinated 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 also derived encouragement from these descriptions to make further preparations for a settlement of the country, and accordingly fitted out another expedition which sailed on the 9th April 1585. It consisted of seven small vessels under the direction

of Sir Richard Greville, who planted a colony at Roanoke, and, entrusting the government of it to Ralph Lane, returned again to England in August of the same year. This plantation consisted of about 108 persons, who were chiefly occupied in making scientific observations and acquiring information as to the resources of the country. The approach and progress of winter, the failure of their stores, and the ravages of disease, conspired to enfeeble and diminish their numbers, and to threaten their entire extinction. In the month of June 1586, they were cheered by the arrival of Sir Thomas Drake, who was then returning from a naval expedition against the Spaniards in the West Indies, and availing themselves of this opportunity, they all embarked for England. Among this handful of adventurers, whose necessities thus compelled them to return to their native land, was one Hariot, a man of much learning and science, and great practical intelligence. He had employed himself industriously during his adverse residence on the new continent, in philosophical researches, and in making observations on its soil, climate and productions; and the manners, customs and extent of its native population. The result of his investigations was given to the public, was sought after and read with great avidity, and increased the already glowing desire of the nation for the occupation and settlement of the country. The principal product of the soil cultivated by the natives was Tobacco, which was at this date first introduced to the acquaintance of civilized society, for says the historian of those times "the use of it was fondly adopted by Raleigh and some young men of fashion."

Early in the succeeding year, 1587, Sir Walter Raleigh fitted out a third expedition under the direction of Capt. John White, which was composed of a large num