CAPTAIN LUKE FOX

Summary

The navigator, whose voyage is about to be narrated, was a native of Yorkshire: a shrewd man, somewhat conceited and given to pedantry, but of a generous disposition. He had been bred to the sea, and was well versed in the use of the globes and “other mathematicke instruments”. In the course of the voyage he proved himself to be both a good mariner and an able seaman. On one point Fox is to be particularly commended. He spared no pains to make himself acquainted with the subject before he embarked in the undertaking. He not only diligently studied the writings and opinions of his precursors, but he assiduously consulted all persons, professional or scientific, from whom he had any expectation of obtaining information.

In his account of the “preparations to the voyage”, he informs the reader, that he “had been itching after it ever since 1606, and would have gone mate with John Knight”; but he was not considered, at that time, to possess sufficient experience to entitle him to fill so responsible a berth. The “itching”, however, was not allayed by this rebuff. On the contrary, he proceeded to strengthen himself, to take advantage of any fit occasion that might present itself. In process of time, he became associated with M. Henry Briggs, whose name has already been mentioned in connexion with Sir Thomas Button's voyage; and by persuasion of that learned and zealous gentleman, the “honourable knight, Sir John Brooke”, was induced, “with diners friends”, to join in the adventure.