Page:Columbus and other heroes of American discovery; (IA columbusotherher00bell).pdf/44

 AMERIGO VESPUCCI.

In 1496, Henry VII. of England, intent on finding that short cut to India which it was so eagerly hoped would open to Europe the commerce of the East, appointed John Cabot to the command of five vessels, with orders thoroughly to explore the western portion of the Atlantic Ocean, and "find