ntest between England and France, as to
the validity of their respective claims to portions of the newly
discovered country, it may not be amiss to take a general view of the
discoveries and settlements effected by each of those powers.

After the expedition of Cabot, no attempt on the part of England, to
acquire territory in America, seems to have been made until the year
1558. In this year letters patent were issued by Queen Elizabeth,
empowering Sir Humphrey Gilbert to "discover and take possession of
such remote, heathen, and barbarous lands, as were not actually
possessed by any _christian prince or people_." Two expeditions,
conducted by this gentleman terminated unfavorably. Nothing was done
by him towards the accomplishment of the objects in view, more than
the taking possession of the island of New Foundland in the name of
the English Queen.

In 1584 a similar patent was granted to Sir Walter Raleigh, under
whose auspices was discovered the country south of Virginia. In April
of that year he dispatched two vessels under the command of Amidas and
Barlow, for the purpose of visiting, and obtaining such a knowledge of
the country which he proposed to colonize, as would facilitate the
attainment of his object. In their voyage they approached the North
American continent towards the Gulph of Florida, and sailing
northwardly touched at an island situate on the inlet into Pamlico
sound, in the state of North Carolina. To this island they gave the
name of Wocoken, and proceeding from thence reached Roanoke near the
mouth of Albemarle sound. After having remained here some weeks, and
obtained from the natives the best information which they could impart
concerning the country, Amidas and Barlow returned to England.

In the succeeding year Sir Walter had fitted out a squadron of seven
ships, the command of which he gave to Sir Richard [5] Grenville. On
board of this squadron were passengers, arms, ammunition and
provisions for a settlement. He touched at the islands of Wocoken and
Roanoke, which had been visited by Amidas and Barlow, and leaving a
colony of one hundred and eight persons in the island of Roanoke, he
returned to England. These colonists, after having remained about
twelve months and explored the adjacent country, became so discouraged
and exhausted by fatigue and famine, that they abandoned the country.
Sir Richard Grenville returning shortly afterwards to America, and not
being able to find them, and a