In 1577, Francis Drake was secretly commissioned by Queen Elizabeth I to set out on an expedition, intended against the Spanish colonies on the American Pacific coast.
He sailed with five ships. On the way, the ships were hit by a terrible storm. By the time he reached the Pacific Ocean in October 1578, only the flag-ship ‘Pelican’ survived. Drake became the first Englishman navigated the Straits of Magellan to reach the Pacific. He travelled up the west coast of South America. On the way he attacked Spanish ships and settlements for food and treasures. He continued north, and sailed further up the west coast of America than any European.
During the voyage, he covered the Moluccas, Celebes, Java, and then round the Cape of Good Hope. He arrived back in England in September 1580.
He brought back spices and Spanish treasures. Francis Drake gifted Queen Elizabeth I, a composite jewel token made with rare materials gathered from around the globe. This pleased the Queen very much.