BY JAMES BALDWIN
Sir Humphrey Gilbert
Famous Stories Retold: Story 15 of 50
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Explorer: Sir Humphrey Gilbert was an English explorer who made two attempts to establish a colony in America.
Shipwreck: On his second voyage, his ship, the "Squirrel," was caught in a storm and wrecked among icebergs.
A good book we like, we explorers. That is our best amusement, and our best time killer
- Roald Amundsen, Explorer
The Bold Ventures of Sir Humphrey Gilbert in Early America
Venture back in time, over three centuries ago, to an era of untamed wilderness where the audacious spirit of one man dared to dream of a new world. Enter the life of Sir Humphrey Gilbert, an intrepid English explorer, whose quest to establish settlements in uncharted territories changed the course of history. This story of courage, failure, and undying ambition is not only a testament to human resilience but also a pivotal chapter in the saga of American colonization. Prepare to embark on a thrilling journey into the past, where the line between heaven and earth is thin as the sea's surface.
The Early Life and Times of Sir Humphrey Gilbert
Sir Humphrey Gilbert, a name that reverberates through the corridors of time, was an English nobleman born over three centuries ago. His life was an epitome of audacity and intrepid spirit, traits that defined the era in which he lived. Born into an England on the brink of unprecedented exploration, Gilbert's life was deeply intertwined with the burgeoning spirit of discovery. Living in a time when the New World was yet to be discovered by the Europeans, he was among the first to dare to dream of settlements beyond the known world.
Sir Humphrey Gilbert's First Attempt at American Settlement
The story of Sir Humphrey Gilbert's first attempt at an American settlement is one fraught with struggle and determination. The sheer audacity of his vision set him apart from his contemporaries. He dared to venture into the unknown, driven by the dream of carving out a settlement in the uncharted territories of America. However, despite his unwavering determination and courage, his first attempt was not met with success. He returned to England empty-handed, but undeterred. His spirit, as restless as the sea he had ventured upon, was far from defeated.
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The Sailing of the "Squirrel" and the "Golden Hind"
The tale of Sir Humphrey's second expedition to the New World is one of great courage and tragedy. Armed with two ships, the "Squirrel" and the "Golden Hind", Gilbert set sail for America once more. After three days of sailing, the fleet was hit by an unexpected calm, leaving them drifting aimlessly on the waves. But the calm was short-lived. The night brought with it a biting cold, and soon, massive icebergs were seen floating ominously around them. The morning found them surrounded by these floating mountains of ice, a chilling testament to the harsh realities of seafaring in those times.
Encounter with Icebergs: A Test of Courage and Resilience
Sir Humphrey Gilbert's second venture across the Atlantic placed him in an unforeseen adversity - a confrontation with the intimidating icebergs. The "Squirrel" and the "Golden Hind," already three days away from the land, found themselves amidst nature's colossal sculptures of ice, as the wind abandoned them. The once calm seascape was transformed into a chilling panorama of floating ice mountains, an overwhelming sight for the crew aboard.
Yet, the indomitable spirit of Sir Humphrey shone through the grim situation. The crew of the "Golden Hind" bore witness to his courage as he sat with an open book on the deck of the "Squirrel." His words, "Be brave, my friends! We are as near heaven on the sea as on the land," served as a beacon of hope, inspiring them to stay resilient in the face of the daunting challenge.
The Last Seen Moments of Sir Humphrey Gilbert
In the ominous stormy night, as the mist and rain conspired with the sea, the lights of the "Squirrel" suddenly ceased to twinkle. An eerie silence pervaded the atmosphere, hinting at the catastrophe that had transpired. The little vessel, with the brave Sir Humphrey and his gallant crew, was claimed by the unforgiving waves. The ship was lost to the sea, marking the last seen moments of Sir Humphrey Gilbert.
Despite the tragic end, the image of Sir Humphrey, calmly reading a book amidst the looming danger, was etched in the memories of the "Hind's" crew. His courage and unwavering spirit were a testament to his character, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
The Legacy of Sir Humphrey Gilbert: Impact on Early American Settlements
Although Sir Humphrey Gilbert's attempts at establishing a settlement in America ended tragically, his contributions to early American settlements were significant. His relentless pursuit of the idea of colonizing the New World laid the groundwork for subsequent successful attempts.
His voyages proved crucial in mapping the uncharted territories of North America, paving the way for future explorers. The spirit of Sir Humphrey Gilbert - his bravery, his resilience, and his unwavering determination, is reflected in the history of American settlements. His legacy continues to inspire, reminding us that even in failure, there is a seed of opportunity that can sprout into something extraordinary, given the courage and perseverance to nurture it.
Conclusion
In history, the name of Sir Humphrey Gilbert shines brightly as a beacon of bravery and unyielding ambition. His enduring spirit, undeterred by repeated failures, gave life to the dream of a new world. His story, marked by daring adventures and tragic loss, culminated in an icy encounter with the unforgiving sea. Yet, his last words, "We are as near heaven on the sea as on the land," encapsulates his unwavering courage. His legacy continues to resonate, shaping the narrative of early American settlements. Sir Humphrey Gilbert, indeed, a heroic pioneer of a bygone era.
More than three hundred years ago there lived in England a brave man whose name was Sir Humphrey Gilbert. At that time there were no white people in this country of ours. The land was covered with forests; and where there are now great cities and fine farms there were only trees and swamps among which roamed wild Indians and wild beasts.
Sir Humphrey Gilbert was one of the first men who tried to make a settlement in America. Twice did he bring men and ships over the sea, and twice did he fail, and sail back for England. The second time, he was on a little ship called the "Squirrel." Another ship, called the "Golden Hind," was not far away. When they were three days from land, the wind failed, and the ships lay floating on the waves. Then at night the air grew very cold. A breeze sprang up from the east. Great white icebergs came drifting around them. In the morning the little ships were almost lost among the floating mountains of ice. The men on the "Hind" saw Sir Humphrey sitting on the deck of the "Squirrel" with an open book in his hand. He called to them and said,—
"Be brave, my friends! We are as near heaven on the sea as on the land."
Night came again. It was a stormy night, with mist and rain. All at once the men on the "Hind" saw the lights on board of the "Squirrel" go out. The little vessel, with brave Sir Humphrey and all his brave men, was swallowed up by the waves.
