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 1578. 12 INTRODUCTION. chap. i. for a colony, which could be furnished by the funds of a few private individuals ; the misfor- tune of having approached the continent too far towards the north, where the cold barren coast of Cape Breton, was rather calculated to repel than invite a settlement; have been as- signed as the probable causes of his failure. 1 Two expeditions, conducted by this gentle- man, ended disastrously. In the last he him- self perished, having done nothing further in the execution of his patent, than taking posses- sion of the island of Newfoundland, in the name of Elizabeth, and in the presence of several fishermen, and merchants, from different nations in Europe, who were convened to attend the solemnity. Sir Walter Raleigh, so greatly distinguished by his genius, his courage, and his unmerited fate, had been deeply interested in the adven- tures by which his half brother sir Humphrey Gilbert wasted his fortune ; and was not de- terred by their ill success, or by the difficulties Raid r^ 1 ^tending such an enterprise, from prosecuting with vigour, a plan so well calculated to capti- vate his bold and romantic temper. On the 26th of March, he obtained from queen Elizabeth a patent, similar to that which had been granted to Gilbert; and, on the 27th of April, he dispatched two small vessels under the command of captains Amidas and Barlow, for the purpose of visiting the countries he intended Letters pa- tent granted 1584. Robert son. ,..Chalmcr.