CABOT'S CONTEMPORANEOUS UTTERANCE.
Sebastian Cabot, a navigator of great eminence. Born at Bristol, England, about 1477. Discovered the mainland of North America. Died about 1557.
When newes were brought that Don Christopher Colonus, the Genoese, had discovered the coasts of India, whereof was great talke in all the Court of King Henry the VII. who then raigned, * * * all men with great admiration affirmed it to be a thing more divine than humane to saile by the West into the Easte, where the spices growe, by a chart that was never before knowen.
THE CAPITULATIONS OF SANTA FÉ—AGREEMENT OF COLUMBUS WITH FERDINAND AND ISABELLA.
Sir Arthur Helps. From "The Life of Columbus." [See other extracts, post, sub nomine Helps.]
1. Christopher Columbus wishes to be made Admiral of the seas and countries which he is about to discover. He desires to hold this dignity during his life, and that it should descend to his heirs.
This request is granted by the King and Queen.
2. Christopher Columbus wishes to be made Viceroy of all the continents and islands.
Granted by the King and Queen.
3. He wishes to have a share amounting to a tenth part of the profits of all merchandise—be it pearls, jewels, or any other thing—that may be found, gained, bought, or exported from the countries which he is to discover.
Granted by the King and Queen.
4. He wishes, in his quality of Admiral, to be made sole judge of all mercantile matters that may be the occasion of dispute in the countries which he is to discover.
Granted by the King and Queen, on condition that this jurisdiction should belong to the office of Admiral, as held by Don Enriques and other Admirals.
5. Christopher Columbus wishes to have the right to contribute the eighth part of the expenses of all ships which traffic with the new countries, and in return to earn the eighth part of the profits.
Granted by the King and Queen.