Background Information John

Cabot was an Italian who lived in England. He completed a successful journey

to the New World, although he thought he had been to Asia. He did not see any
natives on this journey, but found proof that people lived in the area he explored. He claimed the land he saw
for England and was treated well by the English king for his accomplishment. The king was willing to give Cabot
permission to take criminals from jails and prisons to build a new trading post in Asia (the land Cabot thought
he had visited).

John Cabot, who went with a small ship from England to find new islands, has come back, and says he has
discovered the mainland of Gran Cam (Asia), and that he coasted along it for 1,000 miles, and landed, but did
not see any person. But he observed traps, and a needle for making nets, and he found some notched trees,
which he believes were made by people who live there

The English king is very pleased. The king has promised ten armed ships, and has given Cabot prisoners to go
with him because he has requested help to setup a colony. He is called the Great Admiral, a great honor. The
English are ready to go with him, and so are many Italians. He has planted a large cross in the ground with a
banner of England.

Source: This letter from Italian merchant and businessman Lorenzo Pasqualigo to his brothers was written on
August 23, 1497 in London, England.