In 1577, commanded by Queen Elizabeth to “annoy the King of Spain in his Indies,”red-bearded little Francis Drake put out from Plymouth in the Golden Hind, entered Magellan Strait, went plundering up the west coast of the New World. Laden with Spanish treasure, he pushed north in search of an Arctic passage back to England. One day in the spring of 1579, he sailed into a “convenient and fit harborough”somewhere near the future site of San Francisco. There he received the homage of native Indians and, according to his chaplain’s account, nailed to a “faire great poste”a brass plaque claiming “Nova Albion”in the name of Her Majesty. Then Francis Drake sailed on west round the world, and his plaque vanished into history.
Motoring near San Rafael, about 14 mi. north of San Francisco one day last summer, one Beryle Shinn had a puncture, decided to stop for picnic lunch on a nearby grassy bluff. Mr. Shinn squatted, found himself on a rock, lifted it, saw a dingy piece of metal. He rubbed off the dirt, managed to decipher the word “Drake,” took his find to University of California’s History Professor Herbert E. Bolton. Last week the historian announced himself satisfied that it was indeed the claim plate posted by Drake 357 years ago. Sold to the California Historical Society for a reputed $2,000, the plaque will be presented to University of California, hung where all who pass may read:
Bee it knowne vnto all men by these presents, June 17, 1579, by the grace of God and in the name of Heir Majesty Queen Elizabeth of England and Herr successors forever I take possession of this kingdome whose king and people freely resigne their right and title in the whole land unto Herr Majesties keepeing now named by me an to bee knowne unto all men as Nova Albion. Francis Drake.
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