Voyages

In 1606, England's claim to the vast new territories just north of Spanish Florida rested upon the many voyages taken between 1497 and 1596 under the flag of St. George.   Trying to discover a way to Marco Polo's "Cathy", they headed northeast and northwest above the 35th parallel.  Trying to finally collect the financial and political will, a fellow named Richard Hakluyt in 1600 published his third volume of these explorations which laid the foundation for the Virginia Company.  The following reference contains a selection of the three volumes published between 1598 - 1600.

Selected and edited by Irwin R. Blacker, this reference was published 1965 by the Viking Press, Inc., NY.  A good reference for those who like to dig a little deeper into this history.  The selections  begins with "The Letters Patents" to John Cabot 1497 down to "A briefe and true report of the Honorable voyage unto Cadiz, 1596...". [ A total of 49 documents are given.] 

For those who like history the first edition cover of Hakluyt's volume is shown:

What a deal!  I love it. [Above taken from William and Mary Quarterly , 3rd series, Vol. 12, 1955, p.453.]

Being First

To be first is the goal of many.  As to revolutions, we in America date our first back to July 4, 1776.  However, it is the thesis of the following book by Michael Barone, that in reality our first revolution was years before.

Now a revolution can be defined as the overthrow or renunciation of one government or ruler and the substitution of another by the governed.  This activity is designed to effect fundamental changes in the socioeconomic situation.  Hearts, minds, and in this case souls, were all involved.  In 1688-1689, the "Glorious Revolution" became its name.

My interest in this subject came to light during my family tree climbing experience.  As governor of Bahama Islands [1689-1692], my many generations back in time grandfather, was caught up in this revolution.  Trying to understand these events lead me to the book shown.  To the victor goes the spoils is the saying but, to the victor also goes the history books.  Coming down on the losing side is often left out of the pages of history.  Say what...my family on the losing side!  Guess that is why we are on this side of the great pond now a days.  For insight into these events, the book by Michael Barone gives the context.

The story of Cadwallader Jones [ca.1650 - ca. 1703] can be found:  

http://cadwalladerjones.blogspot.com

The book by Michael Barone was first published 2007 by Crown Publishers, NY.