Born in 1539, Sir Humphrey Gilbert founded the first English colony in North America. He did so in the midst of his quest to find a northwest passage to reach China. Which along with Columbus’ ‘discovery’ of the Americas goes to show what I’ve learned many times in my old life.  Sometimes the best things are found when lost or quite by accident.

In 1578, Sir Gilbert’s first attempt at establishing a colony failed.  It cost him his fortune.  After regaining a financial footing through serving in Ireland, he sailed again in 1583. This time he was able to plant a colony at St. John’s harbor.  Proving that the secret to life is to keep on trying.  Sailing back to England, he went down with his ship just south of the Azores.   Which just goes to prove… hmm… I am not sure what that proves.   Maybe that life is filled with unexpected turns and maybe that God has a sense of humor? or that even in death, brave people are remembered for what they did not what they didn’t do?

In any event, Edward Hayes (aka Haies) composed the narrative that is the subject of today’s study of the classic literature of Western Civilization.  Today, Mr. Hayes is better remembered for writing this piece commemorating Sir Gilbert.  Which is just another irony, I think.  His ship, The Golden Hind, is remembered but not that Hayes was its captain.

While there were these little failures which I find a little humorous after an afternoon nap, there is at least one last thing to be said for all of this.  While planting a colony at St. John’s does not seem like a likely place to begin a dream of British America, that was the purpose.  Supplanting the Spanish and creating a successful British North America has largely succeeded.

You may read Hayes’ account of Sir Gilbert’s voyage to Newfoundland here:

http://www.bartleby.com/33/61.html

Or, alternatively, listen to this account in an audiobook format here: