in; its banks were inhabited by a nation skilled in the art of refining the rich ore in which the country abounded.
The walls of the city were described as glittering from the abundance of pearls.
Lane was so credulous, that he at-
Chap. III.} 1586. tempted to ascend the rapid current of the Roanoke; and his followers, infatuated with greedy avarice, would not return till their stores of provisions were exhausted, and they had killed and eaten the very dogs which bore them company.
On this rom the West Indies to England, to visit the domain of his friend.
With the celerity of genius, he discovered the measures which the exigency of the case required, and supplied the wants of Lane to the uttermost; giving him a bark of
Chap III.} 1586. seventy tons, with pinnaces and small boats, and all needed provisions for the colony.
Above all, he induced two experienced sea-captains to remain and employ themselves in the action of discovery.
Every thing was furnished to complete the surv
force, these "militia of the seas."
In 1570 the Prince of Orange issued letters of mark and reprisal to cruise against the vessels of Spain.
A large fleet was sent to sea under these commissions, which committed great depredations, not only to the commerce of Spain and the Netherlands, but likewise on the vessels of neutral nations, not unfrequently including those of their own flag.
Philip II.
of Spain, De Thon informs us, prior to the declaration of war between England and Spain in 1586, seized and confiscated the goods of English merchants, which induced the English Government, by way of reprisals, to issue letters of marque against Spain and her allies, under which her cruisers spread themselves over the ocean, seizing, without distinction, the vessels of nearly every flag that came within their reach.
These depredations became so flagrant that the sovereign, owing to the importunities of the merchants of various neutral countries who had been despoiled of their property,
