body, enclosed in a leaden coffin, found a fitting resting-place in the sea; and the expedition, deprived of both its admirals, set sail for England.
Thus, within a space of less than three months, did a single and only very moderately successful expedition cost England the lives of two of her most notable sea captains.
Hawkyns was a nan of unusual and cultivated ability, and of exceptional skill as a seaman. Although his early life had been stormy, and his whole career had been adventurous in the highest degree, he remained to a large extent unspoilt to the end, in that he was merciful in action, ready to forgive, and ever a strict observer of his word. Unlike some of his distinguished naval contemporaries, he was cautious, reserved, and slow in making up his mind. The navy, of which he was treasurer for seventeen years, owed, and still owes, much to him; and although he had faults, chief among which may be ranked extreme bluntness of manner, jealousy, and an excessive love of money, he was withal a man of great and remarkable character.[1]
Drake possessed at least equal ability, but had little acquired knowledge of many arts save those connected with navigation and war, in which he stood unrivalled. Less cautious and provident than Hawkyns, he was also less greedy of gain, and, indeed, appears to have generally set the welfare of his queen and country far above his own private advantage. He had many fine qualities, most of which were expressed in his person, which was that of a healthy, strong, and genial adventurer; and among his defects there seem to have been none much more serious than love of display, occasional quickness of temper, lack of reserve when among his equals, and a habit of boasting.[2]
This fatal expedition was brought home by Sir Thomas Baskerville and Captain Troughton. A Spanish fleet had been sent from Europe to intercept the squadron, and lay waiting for it near the Isla de Pinos, off Cuba. There were twenty sail of Spaniards in company when the English were sighted; and, the forces on each side being nearly equal, a hot action resulted. After about two
- ↑ Monson's 'Tracts,' 183, 371; letter by "R. M." in Purchas's 'Pilgrims,' iv. 1185; Camden, 700; Stowe, 807. For a discussion of Hawkyns's public character, see Oppenheim, 'Admin. of Royal Navy,' App. C. (p. 392).
- ↑ 'Relation of a Voyage to the W. Indies,' 58; Fuller's 'Holy State,' 130; Stowe, 808; Camden, 700; 'English Hero,' 207; Monson's 'Tracts,' 399; Purchas's 'Pilgrims,' vi. 1185; Holinshed, ii. 1567; Hakluyt, iii. 583.
