Page:History of India Vol 6.djvu/233

 THE EXPEDITION OF SEBASTIAN CABOT 179 seatic colony of Germans in that city. When further consulted by the London merchants as to the depres- sion of trade, due to the disturbed state of Europe, he advised them boldly to strike out a path for them- selves northeast to Asia, and under his impulse, on December 18, 1551, what is in reality the first English East India Company was formed. Its capital consisted of 6000 in 25 shares, with Sebas- tian Cabot as governor for life, and eventually twelve councillors for the voyage. The daring project met with impediments,* and it was not until May, 1553, that the little squadron could start. It consisted of three ships of 160, 120, and 90 tons, each with a pinnace and boat. Its object was " the discovery of Cathay, and divers other regions, dominions, islands, and places unknown." It carried a complete set of instructions " by the Eight Worshipful Master Sebastian Cabota Esquier, Governor of the Mystery and Company of the Merchants Adven- turers of the City of London," and letters from " the Right Noble Prince Edward the Sixth, sent to the kings, princes, and other potentates inhabiting the northeast parts of the world." We shall see that this double SEBASTIAN CABOT.