Sir Humphrey Gilbert

"Sir Humphrey Gilbert" by James Baldwin is a historical biography that explores the life and accomplishments of the English explorer and colonizer, Sir Humphrey Gilbert. Serving in the late 16th century, Gilbert is notable for his adventurous spirit and ambitions in establishing English territories in the New World. Baldwin delves into his expeditions, challenges, and the significance of his contributions to the early British colonization efforts, all while highlighting the broader context of exploration during the Age of Discovery. The book offers readers a glimpse into the courageous pursuits of a pioneering figure who played a crucial role in shaping the future of English overseas expansion.

• Short story

								
More than three hundred years ago there lived in England a brave man
whose name was Sir Humphrey Gil-bert. 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 In-di-ans and wild beasts.

Sir Hum-phrey Gilbert was one of the first men who tried to make a
set-tle-ment in A-mer-i-ca. 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 ice-bergs 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 swal-lowed up by the waves.
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