He had been
cruising in search of the Spaniards in the West Indies and had been
directed by the Queen to visit the Virginia colony. His quick perception
instantly discerned the wants of the settlers, and he provided for them
a ship well stored with provisions and furnished with boats to serve in
emergency. But a violent storm drove his fleet to sea and reduced to
wreck the vessel intended to sustain the settlers. Their resolution gave
way; it seemed as though divine and human power were united against
them, and, in utter despondency, they entreated Drake to receive them in
his fleet and carry them to England. He yielded to their wishes. They
embarked June 18th, and July 27th they landed once more on the shores of
their mother-land.
Thus, after a residence of nearly twelve months in Virginia, the first
colonists deserted the country which had been offered as containing all
that the heart of man could desire. Little was gained by their abortive
attempt beyond an increased knowledge of the New World, and another
lesson in the great book of depraved human nature.
It would be pleasing to the lover of Virginia to be able to record the
final good-fortune of Walter Raleigh, but nothing resulted from his
patent except successive disaster and an appalling consummation. The
determined knight had sent a ship to seek the colony; and this arrived
after the disheartened settlers had sailed with Sir Francis Drake, and,
thus finding the island deserted, it returned to England.
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