SIR HUMPHREY GILBERT . 153 quented the coast at this time." He afterwards repeated the voyage, formed an acquaintance with the natives, and, during his residence, Sir Humphrey Gilbert arrived in Newfoundland with three ships (some say five) and 250 men, with a commission from Queen Elizabeth to take possession of the island for the crown. On the 5th August, 1583, he took formal possession in the name of his sovereign, and received the acknowledged obedience of the crews of thirty-six vessels of different nations, then in the harbour of John's. He then promulgated some laws for the govern¬ ment of the colony, and levied contributions of pro¬ visions on the ships there. He left Newfoundland on the 20th August with three ships, one of which was lost on the Isle of Sables ; and on returning home¬ ward, the ship which he commanded foundered during a storm, and all on board perished. He is described as a gentleman of the most amiable character, enga¬ ging manners, courage, wisdom, and learning, and also much esteemed by Queen Elizabeth. He may justly be considered the parent of English colonies. After this we find no mention of Newfoundland until 1585, when a voyage was made there by Sir Bernard Drake , who claimed its sovereignty and fishery in the name of Queen Elizabeth, and seized upon several Portuguese ships laden with fish, oil, and furs. The most active spirit of discovery and commercial enterprise was at this period beginning to rouse the people of England ; but the war with Spain, and the