The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1884-02-13
History Of North Carolina.
BY J. r. HETTMAN.

Sir Walter Raleigh having obtained a
bill in Parliament, confirming his patent
of discovery, planned a new expedition
for the purpose of colonlzlug Virginia.
1t was composed of seven vessels which
carried one hundred and eight colouists.
Sir Ralph Lane, a soldier of considerable
distinction, was appointed governor of
the new colony, and Sir Richard Gren-
vile took command of the fleet. which
sailed from Plymouth 9th April, 1885.
Cavendish, who soon after c~ircumnaviga-
ted the globe. Hariot, the inventor of
the system of notation In modern algebra
and who became the historian of the
expedition, and Withe, an ingenious
painter, accompanied the colonists.
They sailed by way Of the Canaries and
West Indies, and Goth June, they beheld
the mainland OF Florida. Sailing north
ward. they came near being wrecked on
the Cape which was then first called
Cape Fear. Two days after, Goth June,
they cast anchor at Wocoken, and then,
entering through Ocracoke Inlet, made
their way to Roanoke Island, where
they landed in July 1855.
Manteo. who had returned with the
fleet from England, wa. sent to the main
land to announce their arrival. Gren-
vile, accompanied by Lahe, Hariot,
Cavendish and others. in an excursion of
eight days. explored the coast as far as
Secotan, an Indian village situated in
what is now the County of Dare. and, as
they relate, were well entertained of the
savages." During this excursion a silver
cup was stolen at one of the Indian towns
by the natives, and not being immedi-
ately restored, Grenville ordered the vii
lage to be burnt, and the standing corn
to be destroyed. This was a severe and
unfortunate revenge. Having landed the
colonists safely on Roanoke Island, Gren-
vile sailed with all the ships for England
25th August, where they arrived in safety
having made a rich Spanish prize on the
way.
After the departure of Grenville with
the fleet, Lane and his colonists were
chiefly employed in exploring the coun-
try. which they pronounced 1.-THE good
hest soil under the cope Of heaven, and
the most pleasing territory of the world
Harriet examined carefully the produc-
tions of the country. He observed the
culture of tobacco, maize Indian corn
and the potato, all of which were not
known in Europe. He also observed the
native inhabitants and described infinitely
their character, manners and forms of
government. But the colonists were
impatient to acquire sudden wealth, aud
considered nothing worthy of their at
%tention but mines of gold and silver.
These they sought for, wherever they
came, with unwearied eagerness. The
Indians soon discovered the f~avorite OBJ
49, -l.L n,-1 tlo., ,a ..tT,l ~
amused them with many tales concern
ing pearl fisheries and rich mines ofvari-
Gus metals. Among other, a willy savage
invented an extraordinary tale concern
ing the Roanoke River and its banks.
The river, it was said. gushed forth from
a rock, so near the Western (Pacific)
Ocean that the surges of the sea some
times dashed into its fountain and its
banks were inhabited by a nation skilled
in the art of refining the rich ore in which
the country abounded, and the walls of
their city were described as glittering
from the abundance of pearls Lane,
being so credulous as to believe the story,
attempted, with a detachment of the
colonists, to ascend the rapid current of
the Roanoke. When they reached a
point, which was perhaps near the pres
ent town of WILLIAMSON, some one called
out to Manteo, who accompanied the En-
glish as guide, to take care Of himself,
and Immediately a shower of arrows came
flying from the thickets. The English
drove off their assailants but their sup
ply of provisions was by this time SO
completely exhausted that they killed
and ate the dogs which bore them COM
pany, and Lane and his followers re-
turned to Roanoke Island as speedily as
possible.