Cavendish’s Last Voyage Part II: Purposes Revealed and Concealed

Abstract

The objectives of Thomas Cavendish’s disastrous second voyage (1591-93) were ostensibly to capture Spanish merchant ships and trade with China, repeating the success of his earlier round-the-world expedition.  Analysis of the personnel carried aboard his vessels and surviving accounts, however, suggest that he may have also intended to found a colony at São Vincente, Brazil, as a staging-place for future expeditions to the Pacific.  Cavendish had had prior experience with colonization on his voyage to Virginia in 1584.

Join Today To Read The Full Article

Filed under: Atlantic | Tudors | Mutiny & Discipline | Health at Sea | Pacific
Subjects include: Pirates, Corsairs & Privateers | Science & Exploration