Politics & government > Life of Sir Walter Raleigh

40
from raleigh’s birth
Sir Robert Nauuton, who had no predilection for
Rrileigh, describes him as possessing at this time a mind
of uncommon vigour, with a person and manners which
attracted all who saw him. His countenance was some¬
what spoiled by the unusual height of his forehead ; but
his expression was animated, his conversation varied and
brilliant, and in speaking on matters of state he possessed
a ready and convincing eloquence. Of this, not long
afterwards, he was called upon to give an example before
the queen and council, which all the authors of his life
agree had a surprising effect. The occasion arose out of
a dispute with Lord Grey of Wilton. What was the
matter hi debate does not exactly appear; though it is
probable the severity of the late deputy in the massacre
of the garrison at Fort del Ore, and the part borne by
Raleigh and Mackworth in its execution, may have
called for inquiry. It is certain that on this occasion he
defended himself with such spirit, and brought forward
the history of the transaction in which his credit was
involved with so much force and clearness, that it made
an extraordinary impression in his favour both on the
queen and the council; whilst the old lord, who was
more of a blunt soldier than an orator, found himself
overpowered by the weighty reasons urged against him.
But amidst all this versatility of talent and pursuit,
there was one predominant subject to which he was
attached from his early years, and which now engrossed
his attention : This was the scheme for prosecuting dis¬
coveries in the New World, to which the near expiry of
Sir Humphrey Gilbert’s patent nowrecalled hisattention.
The letters had only been granted for six years. Of
these, four had elapsed; and Gilbert determined, with
the assistance of Raleigh, to fit out a second squadron to
promote that plan of discovery which he had explained
in his discourse upon a north-west passage to India.
The fleet consisted of five ships and barks,—the Delight,
Raleigh, Golden Hind, Swallow, and Squirrel,—having
on board a force of 260 men ; and all was ready for their
departure on the 1st June 1583. Raleigh had studied