A Sea-Dog of Devon: A Life of Sir John Hawkins (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from A Sea-Dog of Devon: A Life of Sir John Hawkins

The author of this book has rightly placed John Hawkins among the first of those to whose undaunted spirit our sea supremacy is due. With Drake and Raleigh, the Gilberts and John Davis, Hawkins was among the greatest and most resolute of those famous men of Devon who made the earliest expeditions to the unknown shores of the New World. Less bold and generous in temperament, perhaps, than Drake, less gifted as a statesman than Raleigh, without the inspiration of Humphrey Gilbert, Raleigh's half-brother, but with the attractive qualities of John Davis - Hawkins deserved well of his country. He was a man of courage and resource. He possessed in a high degree administrative ability. He was a leader in an age of splendid achievements. He deserves to be better known to his countrymen in these days.

In introducing the present vigorous narrative to the reader, we shall endeavour briefly to describe the circumstances and the prevailing views of the age in which Hawkins lived. It is necessary to take account of environments in estimating character and conduct.

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