Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 8.djvu/132

 114

��Early History of the Bermuda Islands.

��� ��Contrary winds and storms carried him to the north- ward, to the vicin- ity of Cape Cod. Somers persevered and reached the islands, but age, anxiety and exer- tion contributed to produce his end. Perceiving the ap- proach of death he exhorted his companions to continue their exertions for the benefit of the plantations, and to return to Virginia. Alarmed at the untimely fate of their leader, the colonists e m- balmed his body, and disregarding his dying injunc- tion, sailed for England. Three only of the men volunteered to re- main, and for some time after their companions left they continued to cultivate the soil, but unfortu- nately they found some ambergris, and they fell into innumerable quar- rels respecting its

��which supplies might be obtained for possession. They at length resolved the Jamestown colony. He accordingly to build a boat and sail for New- sailed June 19, in his cedar vessel, and foundland with their prize, but, hap- his name was then given to the islands, pily for them, they were prevented by though Bermuda has since prevailed. the arrival of a ship from Europe. An

�� �