America and West Indies: November 1626

Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 1, 1574-1660. Originally published by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1860.

'America and West Indies: November 1626', in Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 1, 1574-1660, (London, 1860) pp. 82-83. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol1/pp82-83 [accessed 16 April 2024]

November 1626



Nov. 10. London.	16. Sir Rich. Whitbourne to the Duke of Buckingham. A traveller and adventurer into foreign countries at 15 years of age, he was captain of a good ship of his own in 1588, and rendered good service. Has been often greatly wronged by pirates in Newfoundland, where he was subsequently employed, by commission, for the reformation of abuses yearly committed there, and other special affairs on that coast. Wrote a large discourse thereon, which was presented to King James, and ordered to be printed and distributed in every parish throughout England, to show the benefit of settling a plantation there. Has been twice to that country, with commissions, to help advance a plantation, undertaken by Lord Falkland. Incloses certificate of his good services and losses. His great charges in bringing over one Thos. Robinson, of Norfolk, from a monastery in Lisbon, who was afterwards employed by the King's orders to find out treacherous people, who had come from Spain to do the State mischief. Sets forth, at great length, the various employments he is fitted for, particularly as relating to the security of the hopeful plantation of Newfoundland, which he declares may prosper much better than any other in those western parts of the world. Is ready to discover such naval stratagems to be employed against the enemy "as he took good notice of in the year 1588."Relies upon the Duke's right noble favours. Annexed,
	16. I. Certificate signed by Sir Edw. Seymour, John Drake, and eight others. That Capt. Rich. Whitbourne had often made voyages to Newfoundland, wherein he gained great experience, as appears by his "large discourse," and was employed by several commissions to his great charges, intending to settle himself, and many other families upon that island. That he is a good subject and has sustained great losses at sea. [Copy.]