The First Voyage To Roanoke Analysis

Arthur Barlowe wrote the journal entitled, “The First Voyage to Roanoke,” and was originally written in 1584 using Old English. This is a description of the reconnaissance voyage to North America’s coast. Arthur Barlowe describes his and his men’s encounter with the natives of America and the native’s knowledge of other surrounding Native Americans. It can be inferred that Barlowe wrote this descriptive account to Sir Walter Raleigh. The intended reader is evident throughout the account. Barlowe mentions that he was instructed and given specific procedures to take note on the new land. It is seen that Barlowe is acquainted with Raleigh as Raleigh himself sent Barlowe off on his expedition at Thames River (Barlowe, 1584, p. 1). It is also noted

that Barlowe knew Raleigh knew about the West Indies’ Islands, so he did not write the details about these islands (Barlowe, 1584, p. 1). Another aspect to note Barlowe’s relationship with Raleigh is noted when Barlowe addressed Raleigh as “Sir” (Barlowe, 1584, p. 7). It is believed that Barlowe was part of Raleigh’s household, and have been by Raleigh’s side for many years. There is a form of trust seen throughout these letter.
Barlowe scouted the land, so he highlights the exploration of the coasts of North America, which became North Carolina. Barlowe describes in great detail their journey to the coast. He noted that after fourteen days, he reached the Canaries and about one month later, his ship arrived at the West Indies Islands. During their journey, they took a break on one of the islands by replenishing their supplies, food and rejuvenating themselves for the journey ahead. On July 4, they arrived at the coast and begun their expedition. Barlowe observed that the land they were on was by waters and sandy, which indicates that they were by the coast (1584, p. 1). He also recognizes that the land was abundant with grapes. There was a variety of landforms on this land; it had hills, plains, and shrubs with Cedar Trees and various animals. All of these plants and animals was of good quality, and was different from what they knew. Barlowe praised that the land had several good quality natural resources; this is seen when he noted that the soil was “plentiful, sweet, and fruitful” (Barlowe, 1584, p. 5).
At the new land, Barlowe described the interaction with the Native Americans they encountered with great detail.

They developed an approachable and friendly relationship with the natives. They traded goods and exchanged gifts like clothes and food. The natives were hospitable as they taught or showed Barlowe when and how they raised their crops and when they can be reaped. They also displayed their customs, their social hierarchy, and even their battle customs. The Native Americans also showed him the Roanoke Island and where the other natives lived. Barlowe learned a lot from the natives, and described the differences of the natives. This is seen when Barlowe describes their cultural clothing. The wife of the king’s brother, their children, and some noblemen wore copper or gold bracelets or pendants around their ears. He also notes that the royal family of the Native Americans wore copper or gold, leather, and fur. Not only did Barlowe record their cultural costumes, he also recorded their making of boats and weapons. He noticed that they made their boats with one tree that is uncommon in England. They also had no weapons like the Europeans. The only weapon they had were from a European boat that got shipwrecked and their bow and arrows. He observed that they desperately wanted to trade for the European weapons and armor because they offered Barlowe a box of pearls for these priceless

weapons.
At the same time of Barlowe’s expedition, the French were in the middle of their religious war that will affect the spread of Protestantism, and also affect England. Many of the Huguenots had fled to England and Ireland for refuge. The French Huguenots and Catholics were in constant battle, but they maintained an edict which maintained religious privileges to the Huguenots, and it was negotiated by Francis, Duke of Anjou. In 1584, Francis the Duke of Anjou died, and the French Catholics were afraid that Protestantism would become France’s main religion under the Calvinist Prince Henri of Navarre. Henry I, Duke of Guise, who was a fervent Catholic signed the Treaty of Joinville with the Catholic League of France to prevent the rise of Protestantism. At the same time, Philip II of Spain signed this treaty also. Queen Elizabeth I, on the other hand, signed a treaty with the Dutch rebels; thus, providing them armaments. At that time, Philip was ruling the Netherlands, so he assumed this treaty as a declaration of war against him by Queen Elizabeth. This incident sparked the attempt to invade and conquer England through the Spanish Armada. The Spanish Armada thrust England into one of the strongest world political and military power. Thereby creating the thirteen colonies in America. (Elizabeth I of England).
During the time of Barlowe’s writing, religion played an important role. It is observed in his writing and also in the events that were occurring during his voyage. When Barlowe arrived at the coast, he thanked God for their journey. He also viewed the natives as lost souls needed to be saved. These examples exhibit the reliability of the writing with the occurring events. Barlowe’s overstatements of the new land, however, affected Raleigh’s expedition greatly. Despite Barlowe’s scouting, Raleigh underestimated the resources of the land. This led to the unsuccessful colonization of Roanoke Island.
The journal of Barlowe, in my opinion, does show some relevance in this presence time.

With the detail account of Barlowe, his accounts with the natives and the land’s resources are supported by the facts of other history books on the resources and natives in that land. According to the history textbook, North Carolina’s and Virginia’s resources and major trade include dye, fur, rice, grains, wheat, corn, fruits, and vegetables (13 Colonies Facts). These were also mentioned in Barlowe’s writing. According Barlowe, he traded with the natives, and in history books, we learn that the colonists traded with the natives. This showed that the natives were friendly with the colonists. This is supported in Barlowe’s account with the Native Americans. They established a relationship, which even led Barlowe to bring two Savages, a Native American tribe, to England. Barlowe’s journal enable present-day people to understand the culture and land of the New World. It portrays a picturesque picture of the coast of North America. Barlowe’s description also allows us to make sense of Raleigh’s failed expedition to Roanoke. He informs us of the crop season, which affected the colonization of Raonoke. Since Raleigh and his members arrived at Roanoke without proper planning and resources, his excursion failed (Foner, 2014, p. 41). Without Barlowe’s writings, we will not be able to fully understand the failure of Raleigh’s expedition, and also the culture of the natives living around those

areas.