Sir Humphrey Gilbert's Voyage to Newfoundland - Classic Text | Alexandria
Sir Humphrey Gilbert’s Voyage to Newfoundland by Edward Haies, a seemingly straightforward account, encapsulates the hopes, ambitions, and ultimate tragedy of an English expedition to claim land in the New World in 1583. The report, penned by Captain Edward Haies of Gilbert’s flagship Golden Hind, serves not only as a record of the event but also as a window into the nascent age of exploration and colonization, a period riddled with uncertainties and driven by dreams of glory and wealth.
Initial references to Gilbert’s voyages appear in various letters and chronicles of the late 16th century, marking him as a key figure in the burgeoning English interest in transatlantic exploration. However, Haies’ narrative, published shortly after the ill-fated voyage, provides the most detailed contemporary perspective. The era itself was one of intense religious and political rivalry between England and Spain, fueling a race to secure resources and establish dominance across the Atlantic. Doubtless, the political implications informed what and how Haies wrote his account.
Over time, interpretations of Haies' account have shifted. Originally embraced as a testament to English ambition, it has also been scrutinized in light of its incomplete portrayal of challenges faced by indigenous peoples. The romanticized vision of colonization gradually gave way to an increased awareness of the impact on native populations. Consider, for instance, the silences within Haies’ narrative regarding interactions with the Beothuk. The story continues to be examined by historians and literary scholars alike, as its influence is felt in a myriad of ways.
The mystique surrounding Gilbert hinges on his dramatic demise, lost at sea while uttering the now-famous words, "We are as near to Heaven by sea as by land." Haies' account immortalized Gilbert's bravery, but also subtly underscores the precariousness of England's colonial project. Today, Gilbert's voyage and Haies’ written record serve as both a historical artifact and a reminder of the complex legacy of exploration. In understanding the narrative that history creates around the voyage, one has to question; how close to Heaven can empire ever truly be?