Page:History of merchant shipping and ancient commerce (Volume 2).djvu/96

 his journals, to have taken great interest in the formation and progress of this company of English traders, and, in spite of the vast influence of the Steel-yard, to have afforded to his merchants every facility in his power for the despatch of the expedition which Cabot had recommended.

"Strong; and well-seasoned planks for the building of the requisite ships were provided," and to guard against the worms, "which many times pearceth and eateth through the strongest oak," it was resolved for the first time in England, though sheathing had been used for some years previously in Spain, "to cover a piece of the keel of the shippes with thinne sheets of lead." Sir Hugh Willoughby, "a most valiant gentleman and well borne," and highly recommended for his "skill in the services of war," was placed in command of the expedition. Nor were these the only requisite qualities, for it seems to have been thought no slight recommendation that he should be of "tall and commanding stature." Richard Chancellor, the second in command, with the title of Pilot-Major, is described as a man of highly-cultivated intellect and refined manners, combined with great shrewdness and powers of observation, and withal a skilful and intrepid seaman.

Following the example of Portugal when she sent forth Vasco de Gama, and of Spain when Columbus was first despatched on his famous voyage, Edward had letters of safe conduct prepared for his expedition of discovery to the North, which were written in the Latin, Hebrew, and Chaldee tongues, and addressed