The Northwest Passage 191 



Asia. Those who made the discovery did not 

 land but saw the land, and could see nothing 

 but precipitous mountains. Therefore it is 

 assumed, according to the opinions of the 

 cosmographers, to be a point of Asia.&quot; 

 The Venetian Minister, Pasqualigo, reported 

 the return of one of the two caravels, of the first 

 expedition, and said: &quot;they have brought seven 

 men, women, and children from the country 

 discovered, which is north-west and west, 1,800 

 miglia from here. These men resemble gypsies 

 in appearance, build and stature. They have 

 their faces marked in different places, some with 

 more, others with fewer figures. They are clad 

 in the skins of various animals, but chiefly of 

 otter. Their speech is entirely different from 

 any other that has ever been heard in this king 

 dom, and no one understands it. Their limbs are 

 very shapely and they have very gentle faces, 

 but their manners and gestures are bestial, and 

 like those of savage men.&quot; 



The aim of the English voyages is set forth English Voy 

 in the opening words of &quot;The Letters patents of age8 

 the Queenes Majestic granted to Master Adrian Feb . 6t h, IBS 

 Gilbert and others&quot;: 



&quot;Elizabeth by the Grace of God of England, 

 France and Ireland, Queen, defender of the 

 faith, etc. To all, to whom these presents 

 shall come, greeting; Forasmuch as our trusty 

 and well-beloved Adrian Gylbert of Sandridge 

 in the County of Devon, Gentleman, to his great 

 costs and charges, hath greatly and earnestly 



