Sir Humphrey Gilberts Voyage to Newfoundland | Page 7

parts (where then no matter of moment was
expected), the same, he thought, would greatly advance the hope of the
south, and be a furtherance unto his determination that way. And the
worst that might happen in that course might be excused, without
prejudice unto him, by the former supposition that those north regions
were of no regard. But chiefly, a possession taken in any parcel of those
heathen countries, by virtue of his grant, did invest him of territories
extending every way 200 leagues; which induced Sir Humfrey Gilbert
to make those assignments, desiring greatly their expedition, because
his commission did expire after six years, if in that space he had not
gotten actual possession.
Time went away without anything done by his assigns; insomuch that
at last he must resolve himself to take a voyage in person, for more
assurance to keep his patent in force, which then almost was expired or
within two years. In furtherance of his determination, amongst others,
Sir George Peckham, Knight, shewed himself very zealous to the action,
greatly aiding him both by his advice and in the charge. Other
gentlemen to their ability joined unto him, resolving to adventure their
substance and lives in the same cause. Who beginning their preparation
from that time, both of shipping, munition, victual, men, and things
requisite, some of them continued the charge two years complete
without intermission. Such were the difficulties and cross accidents
opposing these proceedings, which took not end in less than two years;
many of which circumstances I will omit.
The last place of our assembly, before we left the coast of England, was
in Cawset Bay, near unto Plymouth, then resolved to put unto the sea
with shipping and provision such as we had, before our store yet
remaining, but chiefly the time and season of the year, were too far
spent. Nevertheless, it seemed first very doubtful by what way to shape
our course, and to begin our intended discovery, either from the south

northward or from the north southward. The first, that is, beginning
south, without all controversy was the likeliest, wherein we were
assured to have commodity of the current which from the Cape of
Florida setteth northward, and would have furthered greatly our
navigation, discovering from the foresaid cape along towards Cape
Breton, and all those lands lying to the north. Also, the year being far
spent, and arrived to the month of June, we were not to spend time in
northerly courses, where we should be surprised with timely winter, but
to covet the south, which we had space enough then to have attained,
and there might with less detriment have wintered that season, being
more mild and short in the south than in the north, where winter is both
long and rigorous. These and other like reasons alleged in favour of the
southern course first to be taken, to the contrary was inferred that
forasmuch as both our victuals and many other needful provisions 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 700 leagues from our English coast. Where being
usually at that time of the year, and until the fine of August, a multitude
of ships repairing thither for fish, we should be relieved abundantly
with many necessaries, which, after the fishing ended, they might well
spare and freely impart unto us. Not staying long upon that Newland
coast, we might proceed southward, and follow still the sun, until we
arrived at places more temperate to our content.
By which reasons we were the rather induced to follow this northerly
course, obeying unto necessity, which must be supplied. Otherwise, we
doubted that sudden approach of winter, bringing with it continual fog
and thick mists, tempest and rage of weather, also contrariety of
currents descending from the Cape of Florida unto Cape Breton and
Cape Race, would fall out to be great and irresistible impediments unto
our further proceeding for that year, and compel us to winter in those
north and cold regions. Wherefore, suppressing all objections to the
contrary, we resolved to begin our course northward, and to follow,
directly as we might, the trade way unto Newfoundland; from whence,
after our refreshing and reparation of wants, we intended without delay,
by God's permission, to proceed into the south, not omitting any river
or bay which in all that large tract of land appeared to our view worthy

of search. Immediately we agreed upon the manner of our course and
orders to be observed in our voyage; which were delivered in writing,
unto the captains and masters of every ship a copy,