Roger North (governor)

Roger North (1585? – 1652?) was an English colonial projector.

Born about 1585, he was grandson of Roger North, 2nd Baron North, and third child of Sir John North.

North was one of the captains who sailed with Sir Walter Raleigh in his final voyage to Guiana in 1617; he was connected through his sister-in-law Frances, lady North with the originator of the expedition, Captain Lawrence Kemys.

North's ensign, John Howard, died on 6 October after leaving the island of Bravo, as fever ravaged the fleet. On 17 November 1617 the adventurers came in sight of the coast of Guiana, and cast anchor off Cayenne. Raleigh, who was disabled by fever, ordered five small ships to sail into the River Orinoco, led by Kemys and carrying five companies of fifty. Of one company North was in command. After a difficult passage up the river the explorers disembarked, and bivouacked on the left bank, not knowing they were near San Thomé, founded by the Spanish, who made a sudden attack. The English force pursued the enemy into the town, and burnt it.

Kemys returned to the fleet, now at anchor off Punto de Gallo; the expedition, with supplies for one month, had been away for two. North's soldiers and sailors were now in a state of mutiny. Raleigh's ships weighed slipped away, with three only remaining to escort Raleigh's ship, the Destiny, on her voyage home. North was on board one of the two vessels sent on to Plymouth with despatches, with the task of reporting to the king on 23 May 1618.

North in 1619 petitioned for letters patent authorising him to establish the king's right to the coast and country adjoining the River Amazon; to found a plantation or settlement there, and to open a direct trade with the natives. The project was opposed by the Spanish diplomat Gondomar, who seems to have secured the support of Lord Digby; Roger's brother Dudley North, 3rd Baron North attacked Digby when he argued against the expedition. King James, however, provisionally granted the required letters patent under the great seal, and nominated North governor of the proposed settlement. The Earl of Arundel and Earl of Warwick, Lord North, and other noblemen were among the adventurers.

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