The Principal Navigations, Voyages, Traffiques and Discoveries of the English Nation — Volume 13 America, Part II

About this book

"The Principal Navigations, Voyages, Traffiques and Discoveries of the English…" is a historical account compiled by Richard Hakluyt, detailing the exploration and colonization efforts by the English during the 16th century. The work focuses primarily on maritime exploration, with an emphasis on the efforts to discover and establish trade routes to the Americas. This compilation serves as both a record of historical voyages and a persuasive argument for further exploration and settlement. The beginning of this extensive work introduces the contents and context of the voyages undertaken by English explorers, such as Sir George Peckham's reports and letters from influential figures like Sir Francis Walsingham. It emphasizes the lawfulness and necessity of trading and settling among Indigenous peoples, proposing that such actions can lead not only to economic benefits but also to the spread of Christianity. Hakluyt’s text is filled with practical discussions and justifications for colonization efforts, as well as detailed accounts of the various initiatives aimed at securing territorial titles and advancing English interests in foreign lands.