ABSTRACT
The inspiration of John Cabot was in effect that of Columbus, to reach the wealthy parts of Eastern Asia by a westward voyage from Europe. Columbus mingled Christian missionary fervour with zest for the expansion of empire and the profits of trade. More than four years after the first return of Columbus, the writer gives an impression that the concept was new to him, and that he had been converted to it by Cabot's evident ability. Cabot may cross the ocean with a limitation of latitude, not to the southward. But having done so and found new land, he may follow it to any part of the world, to any latitude or longitude, provided that it is land hitherto unknown to Christians. It is a clearly implied contention that Columbus has not reached Asia and that his Indies are only partway there: if Cabot carries out this voyage he will not fall foul of the Christians in Hispaniola.
