Cabot's Map, published 1544, now in Paris: reasons which

ftrengthen this view. State of England, and of Bristol, at

the period of the Charter.

CHAPTER IV.

27

Claims of John, and of Sebastian, severally stated, as to

the honour of being the first discoverers. Sebaftian's por-

trait; arguments therefrom; his map; reafons bafed thereon.

Historic evidence and opinions. Additional reasons given

in favour of a previous voyage.
The land first discovered,

Nova Scotia, and not Newfoundland. The Ifle of St.

John, Prince Edward's Ifland. The voyage of 1497, ex-

plored the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the river beyond

Quebec; Continent discovered fourteen months before

Columbus. Return of the expedition.

CHAPTER V.

44

Was John Cabot knighted? his death. Sebaftian in sole

command of the expedition under the Charter of 1498.

This Charter altogether misunderstood; is a rider on the

previous one, allowing colonization, and encouraging trade;

annuls no previous privilege; proofs; route now taken by

Iceland; lands the emigrants; fails north, enters and par-

tially explores Hudfon's Bay, gets among the ice, crew

terrified; returns to Baccalaos, describes natives, huge fish,

large bears, &c. &c. Corroborative teftimony; coafts

fouthwards, to Florida and home.

66

CHAPTER VI.

Services declined by Henry; traditionary statements of

intermediate employment. Cabot invited into Spain; In-

terlude of the four elements; Cabot returns in disgust to

England; Expedition of Henry VIII. in 1517 A.D.,

reaches 67° N.L., further progrefs arrested by cowardice

of Admiral Pert. R. Thorn, of Bristol, his testimony;

error of Dr. Robertson.

85

CHAPTER VII.

The Emperor Charles V. appoints Cabot his Pilot-

major in 1518 A.D. Takes him with him from England

to fill the office in 1520 A.D. Cabot's interview with

Contarini; his duplicity; controverfy between Spain and

Portugal respecting the Moluccas; board of geographers;

Cabot their prefident; decifion given in favour of Spain.

Expedition to explore the South-weft; Cabot in command;

mutiny; he feizes the ringleaders, puts them on fhore,

enters, and explores the Rio de la Plata; Garcia's falfe

accufation adopted by Southey; explanation; Cabot's juf-

tification by the Emperor
106

CHAPTER VIII.

Continues his researches on the La Plata; builds forts;

afcends the Paraguay; conquers the attacking Guarani In-

dians; Garcia's arrival; its confequences; Cabot wins the

love of the natives; cultivates the foil; ftudies the natural

hiftory of the country; makes laws; administers juftice;

confolidates his power. Treachery of Garcia's men; na-

tives carry Fort San Spiritus and destroy them and that

portion of Cabot's men who were there. Endeavour of

the Indians to surprise Cabot; he beats them off. Embarks

for Spain; resumes his high post and its emoluments for

eighteen years.
Returns to his native place, Bristol, and

fettles there; probable reafons why. Spanish Ambaffador

demands his return of King Edward and his council;

Cabot's interview and reply. Spain ftrikes off his penfion;

King Edward grants him one

126

CHAPTER IX.

Cabot's office; he explains the variation of the Compass

to the King; State of Trade in England; depreffion

thereof, caused by the monopoly of the Stilliard merchants.

The London merchants confult Cabot; his advice followed;

is made Governor of the Merchant Adventurers' Company

for life; frequent interviews with the King; breaks the

foreign monopoly; is liberally rewarded by the grateful

monarch; builds the fhips for the new expedition at

Bristol; fheaths them with lead plates; first introduction

of this fyftem into England; Sir Hugh Willoughby chosen

for the command; Cabot's wife failing and business in-

ftructions.

146

*

CHAPTER X.

The Expedition fails for the north-east; Chancellor's fuccefs; Willoughby's difaftrous fate; other expeditions planned; high perfonages under Cabot in the company; Chancellor's wreck and death; Mufcovite Ambaffador faved; his entry into London; Cabot's opinion of liars; his business orders to the agents; fuccefsful management of the Company; large increase of trade. Other expeditions. The old man jubilant, gives large alms to the poor that they may pray for the failors; his pious commendations of them to God. Dark days under Mary; Philip of Spain lands; Cabot lofes half his penfion; gets a questionable partner in his office; antecedents of Worthington; Cabot's maps and charts; Hakluyt not able to get a fight of them; miffing ever fince; are they in Spain now? Death-bed; fays he has infallible method of difcovering the longitude. Is it the Celestial? Summary of his life and character

164