The History of the United States of North America, from the Plantation of the British Colonies Till Their Revolt and Declaration of Independence (Volume 1) (Paperback)

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. 1836. Excerpt: ... THE HISTORY OF NORTH AMERICA, BOOK I. VIRGINIA. CHAPTER I. Cabot despatched by Henry the Seventh--visits the Coast of North America.--Neglect of Cabot's Discovery by Henry, --and by his immediate Successors.--Reign of Elizabeth--favourable to Maritime Adventure.--Rise of the Slave-Trade Sir Walter Raleigh--projects a Colony in North America--first Expedition fails.--Elizabeth names the Country Virginia.--Grenville despatched by Raleigh--establishes a Colony at Roanoak.--Misfortunes of the Colonists--their Return.--Use of Tobacco introduced in England.--Farther Efforts of Raleigh--terminate unsuccessfully.--Accession of James to the English Crown.--Gosnold's Voyage--its Effects.--James divides North America between two Companies.--Tenor of their Charters.--Royal Code of Laws.--The first Body of Colonists embarked by the London Company--arrive in the Bay of Chesapeak--found James Town.--Dissensions of the Colonists.--Hostility of the Indians.--Distress and Confusion of the Colony.--Services of Captain Smith--he is taken prisoner by the Indians--his Liberation--he preserves the Colony.--The Colonists deceived by Appearances of Gold.--Smith surveys the Bay of Chesapeak--elected President of the Colony.--New Charter.--Lord Delaware appointed Governor.--Newport, Gates, and Somers sent out to preside till Lord Delaware's Arrival--are wrecked on the Coast of Bermudas.--Captain Smith returns to England. It was on the third of August, 1492, a little before sun-rise, c H A P. that Christopher Columbus, undertaking the grandest enter-1 prise that human genius has ever conceived, or human 1492. talent and fortitude have ever accomplished, set sail from Spain for the discovery of the western world. On the 13th of October, about two hours before midnight, a light in the ...