Frobisher’s story is successful. A much bigger…
August 1577 CE
Frobisher’s story is successful.
A much bigger expedition than the former is fitted out in 1577, a year in which the respected English mathematician, natural philosopher, and student of the occult John Dee sets out the view that the Strait of Anian, separating America from Asia, leads southwest “along the backeside of Newfoundland.”
The Queen lends the ship Aid from the royal navy and provides one thousand pounds towards the expenses of the expedition.
A Company of Cathay is established, with a charter from the crown, giving the company the sole right of sailing in every direction but the east.
Frobisher is appointed high admiral of all lands and waters that might be discovered by him.
The expedition, consisting, besides the Aid, of the ships Gabriel and Michael, with boats, pinnaces and an aggregate complement of one hundred and twenty men, including miners, refiners, etc., leaves Blackwall on May 26, 1577.
Sailing by the north of Scotland, Frobisher reaches Christopher Hall Island at the mouth of Frobisher Bay on July 17.
A few days later, he solemnly takes possession in the queen's name of the country and the south side of the bay.
Several weeks are now spent in collecting ore, but very little is done in the way of discovery, Frobisher being specially directed by his commission to “defer the further discovery of the passage until another time.”
There is much parleying and some skirmishing with the natives, and earnest but futile attempts made to recover the men captured the previous year.
The return is begun on August 23.