Bartholomew Gosnold and Bartholomew Gilbert, the latter a son of Sir Humphrey, visited the south-eastern New England coast in the summer of 1602, for the purpose of finding out what chances there were for profitable trading in that region. They probably chose this locality because it had not before been explored by English sailors, and because they sailed without a license from Sir Walter Ralegh, to whom had been granted the exclusive right of English trade with that part of the world. Had they succeeded in returning undetected to England, nobody to-day would know anything about the details of their voyage. A sudden drop in the price of sassafras showed Ralegh that something was wrong, and investigation soon brought their cargo to light. As some men prominent in the court circle had taken shares in the Gosnold-Gilbert venture, a compromise was arranged to avoid public scandal, and Ralegh allowed the report to go out that he had authorized the voyage. An account of the voyage, written by John Brereton, was published for circulation among those who it was hoped might subscribe toward the cost of equipping another expedition to the same locality.
Earliest English Book relating to New England
A
Briefe and true Relation of
the Discouerie of the North
part of Virginia; being a
most pleasant, fruitfull
and commodious
soile:
Made this present yeere 1602, by
Captaine Bartholomew Gosnold, Captaine
Bartholowmew Gilbert, and diuers
other gentlemen their associates, by the
permission of the honourable knight,
Sir Walter Ralegh, &c.
Written by M. John Brereton
one of the voyage.
Whereunto is annexed a Treatise,
of M. Edward Hayes, conteining important
inducements for the planting in those
parts, and finding a passage that
way to the South sea,
and China.
With diuers instructions of speciall moment
newly added in this second impression.
LONDINI,
Impensis Geor. Bishop.
1602.
