John Smith, in the autumn of 1609, returned to England from Virginia, to answer charges against his administration, and thereafter he had no official connection with that colony. Two years later he was sent to New England by some London merchants who had engaged in a trading and fishing venture. While his companions were occupied with the business of securing a return cargo, Smith made an exploring trip along the coast. His observations, supplemented by charts and information secured from other navigators, enabled him to prepare the first published map which gives an accurate contour of the coast. In 1615 Smith made two unsuccessful attempts to revisit New England, and in 1617 he again planned to take part in an expedition which never left port. His “Description of New-England,” printed in 1616, was followed in 1620 by his “New-Englands Trials,” which contains a brief summary of the voyages and attempts at colonization northward of Virginia.
Earliest Book in which the Name “New England” occurs
A
DESCRIPTION
of New England:
OR
THE OBSERVATIONS, AND
discoueries, of Captain Iohn Smith (Admirall
of that Country) in the North of America, in the year
of our Lord 1614: with the successe of sixe Ships,
that went the next yeare 1615; and the
accidents befell him among the
French men of warre:
With the proofe of the present benefit this
Countrey affoords: whither this present yeare,
1616, eight voluntary Ships are gone
to make further tryall.
At LONDON
Printed by Humfrey Lownes, for Robert Clerke; and
are to be sould at his house called the Lodge,
in Chancery lane, ouer against Lincolnes
Inne, 1616.
