Drake’s positive attributes must see light of day

In a recent letter published by the Marin IJ, author Martin Russell writes, “there’s much about (Sir Francis) Drake that still needs to be shown the light of day.” That is something I fully agree with.

Let’s begin with Russell’s reference to ship’s officer Thomas Doughty: “Beheading a fellow sailor like Thomas Doughty, simply for disagreeing with him on a demotion.” I don’t consider this to be accurate. According to historical reports I read, Doughty, the secretary of Sir Christopher Hatton (Lord Chancellor of Queen Elizabeth II), organized a mutiny against Drake’s plan to enter the Pacific Ocean to raid Spanish ports and ships along the west coast of South America. The execution was voted on by the ship’s officers to keep order and was favorably reviewed upon Drake’s return to England.

Russell’s comment that Drake had been “participating in the slaughter of more than 400 men, women and children on Rathlin, Ireland” is also misleading. My readings tell me that Drake was sent only as part of a naval troop transport and argued for clemency to let those remaining leave the fortress in safety.

As a young, junior officer in his cousin John Hawkins’ merchant fleet, Drake had no say during the planning that resulted in his brief involvement in Hawkins’ short-lived slave trade. It is my belief that, soon after, Drake became a champion for the freedom and respect of Black and Indigenous people worldwide.

Saying that “his attitude seems to have improved” when he met the Miwok people here in Marin shows a misunderstanding of Drake’s true character.

When chosen to be a soldier by the queen, Drake did his duty. With those he came in direct contact with, he was consistently fair and even-tempered. It’s important to understand both the details and the context of Drake’s actions to begin to understand the man himself.

— Duane Van Dieman,

Mill Valley