Page:Voyages and adventures of the renowned Admiral Drake.pdf/10

10 of his noble patron, he returned to England; where Sir Christopher Hatton, who was then Vice-Chamberlain to Queen Elizabeth, a Privy Councellor, and a great favourite, became his patron, and introduced him to her Majesty.—By this means he acquired a capacity of undertaking that grand expedition which will immortalize his name in the naval history of Britain.

His first proposal was a voyage to the South-Seas, through the straits of Magellan, which was what no Englishman had ever hitherto attempted. This project was well received at Court, and in a short time Drake saw himself at the height of his wishes; for in his former voyage having had a distant prospect of the South-Seas, he put up an ardent prayer to GOD, that he might sail an English ship in them, which he now found an opportunity of attempting, the Queen’s permission furnishing him with the means, and his own fame quickly drawing to him a sufficient force.

The fleet with which he sailed on this extraordinary undertaking, consisted of the following ships, the Pelican commanded by himself, of 100 tons; the Elizabeth Vice-Admiral, 80 tons, under Capt. John Winter; the Marygold, a bark of 30 tons, commanded by Capt. John Thomas; the Swan, a fly-boat, of 50 tons, under Capt. John Chester; and the Christopher, a pinnace of 15 tons, under Capt Thomas Moon. In this fleet were embarked 164 able men; and the ships were plentifully furnished with all kinds of provisions and necessaries for so long and dangerous a voyage. Drake took with him some very expert musicians; & his furniture of all kinds, was rich & sumptuous. All the vessels for his table, and many in the cookroom, were of pure silver, curiously wrought;