The first four voyages of Américo Vespucio.

Abstract

T h e líame of the Florentinc is imperishably recorded in that of the New World. We all know that it was not he who invented the word America, and that no portion of the wrong inflicted on Cotahbus attaches to Vespucci. Formerly, however, it was not unusuai, to find him abused as a base supplanter who had maliciously stolen the glory of his fellow-countryman. That feeling lias not wholly passed away even from the minds of those who bught to be exempt from prejudice. While acquitting Vespucci on the charge of theft, they raise a fresh indictment against him for forgery. It is to be hoped that the second accusation will be dropped in time like the first, and that the world will learn to speak of the Florentine in the words of Columbus “ Amerigo Vespucci . . is1^ very worthy man ; fortune has been adverse to him as to many others. His labours llave not benefited him so much as justice would require.”