Page:The Life of George Washington, Volume 1.djvu/40

 10 INTRODUCTION. c" AP - *• with respect to the nature of such settlements. 1578. Elizabeth authorizes sir Humphrey, his heirs, and assigns, to discover, and take pos- session of such remote, heathen, and barbarous lands, as were not actually possessed by any christian prince, or people. She vests in him, his heirs, and assigns forever, the lands so to be discovered and possessed, with the rights, royalties, and jurisdiction, as well marine as other, within the said lands and countries, and the seas thereunto adjoining; with full power to dispose thereof to her majesty's subjects, in fee simple, or otherwise, according to the laws of England, as nearly as conveniently might be ; paying to the queen, her heirs, and successors, for all services, duties, and demands whatever, the fifth part of all the ore of gold and silver, which should at any time there be obtained; holding all the said lands of her majesty, her heirs, and successors, by homage, and by payment of the fifth part before reserved. She grants him license to expel all persons who, without his special permission, should attempt to inhabit the said countries, or within two hundred leagues of the place where he, his heirs or assigns, should within six years next ensuing, make their settlement; and she em- powers him to capture by all means whatever, all persons with their vessels and goods, Avho should be found trading within the limits afore- said, without his license. She declares that the countries so to be discovered and possessed,