Sebastian, the first discoverer of the continent of America, was the son of John Cabot, a Venetian. He was born at Bristol in 1477; and was taught by his father, arithmetic, geometry, and cosmography. Before he was 20 years of age he made several voyages. The first of any consequence seems to have been made with his father, who had a commission from Henry VII. for the discovery of a north-west passage to India. They sailed in the spring of 1497; and proceeding to the north-west they discovered land, which for that reason they called Primavista, or Newfoundland. Another smaller island they called St John, from its being discovered on the feast of St John Baptist; after which, they sailed along the coast of America as far as Cape Florida, and then returned to England. land with a good cargo, and three Indians aboard. Stowe and Speed ascribe these discoveries wholly to Sebastian, without mentioning his father. It is probable that Sebastian, after his father's death, made several voyages to these parts, as a map of his discoveries, drawn by himself, was hung up in the privy garden at Whitehall. However, history gives but little account of his life for near 20 years: when he went to Spain, where he was made pilot-major, and intrusted with reviewing all projects for discoveries, which were then very numerous. His great capacity and approved integrity induced many eminent merchants to treat with him about a voyage by the new found straits of Magellan to the Moluccas. He therefore sailed in 1525, first to the Canaries; then to the Cape de Verd islands; thence to St Augustine and the island of Patos; when some of his people beginning to be mutinous, and refusing to pass through the straits, he laid aside the design of sailing to the Moluccas; left some of the principal mutineers upon a desert island; and, sailing up the rivers of Plate and Paraguay, discovered, and built forts in, a large tract of fine country, that produced gold, silver, and other rich commodities. He hence despatched messengers to Spain for a supply of provisions, ammunition, goods for trade, and a recruit of men: but his request not being readily complied with, after staying five years in America, he returned home; where he met with a cold reception, the merchants being displeased at his not having pursued his voyage to the Moluccas, while his treatment of the mutineers had given umbrage at court. Hence he returned to England; and being introduced to the duke of Somerset, then lord protector, a new office was erected for him: he was made governor of the mystery and company of the merchant-adventurers for the discovery of regions, dominions, islands, and places unknown; a pension was granted him, by letters-patent, of 166l. 13s. 4d. per annum; and he was consulted in all affairs relative to trade. In 1522, by his interest, the court fitted out some ships for the discovery of the northern parts of the world. This produced the first voyage the English made to Russia, and the beginning of that commerce which has ever since been carried on between the two nations. The Russia company was now founded by a charter granted by Philip and Mary; and of this company Sebastian was appointed governor for life. He is said to be the first who took notice of the variation of the needle, and who published a map of the world. The exact time of his death is not known, but he lived to be above 70 years of age.