The Dutch in America;: A historical argument

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1890 edition. Excerpt: ... On the 4th day of July, 1584, the first English speaking colony landed in the territory of the United States. Thus the foundation of the nation, and the establishment of the nation's liberties, have the same anniversary. This landing was made at the haven of New Inlet, where they "took possession in the name of the Queen's most excellent Majesty, as rightful Queen and Princess of the same." The settlement was subsequently made on Roanoke Island, but it was of short duration, for in June, 1586, the colonists returned to England. In 1580 Ralegh granted a patent to "the Governor and assistants of the City of Raleigh in Virginia," as he had named the country in honor of the virgin queen, who had in turn conferred upon him the rank of Knight. Before the end of the century Ralegh had sent out eight colonies and had expended £40,000, an immense sum in those days. He had an abiding faith in the future of America. "I shall live to see an empire on its shores," was his prophetic utterance, the fulfilment of which was prevented by his untimely death. In 1602, a Capt. Gosnold sailed from England with some colonists, whom he landed on the Island of Cuttyhunk, and returned with a cargo of sassafras and cedar wood. Upon his arrival in England, Sir Walter Raleigh had his cargo confiscated in the Court of Queen's Bench, under the clauses of his charter from Elizabeth above cited, because he tres passed upon his domain without license from him. Thus, so far as the English Courts could determine, Ralegh had a valid title to the territory from New Inlet to Massachusetts, and it follows that that title included the whole of New York at the seaboard. The following year England's greatest queen was succeeded by the son of her hated rival, and Ralegh's fortunes...