1497 Letter from Bristol merchant John Day to the Lord Grand Admiral of Castile

Date: 1497

The document "1497 Letter from Bristol merchant John Day to the Lord Grand Admiral of Castile" is a primary source that sheds light on early English attempts at exploration and trade with the New World.

The letter was written by John Day, a Bristol-based merchant, to the Lord Grand Admiral of Castile in Spain. In the letter, Day writes about a recent voyage undertaken by a Bristol-based expedition to the "New Isle," which is believed to refer to the coast of present-day Canada.

Day's account provides a detailed description of the voyage, including the names of the ships and crew members, as well as information about the natural resources of the region. He notes that the expedition encountered "furs of martens and foxes," as well as a type of wood that was highly valued in England.

One of the most significant aspects of Day's letter is his reference to the voyage being led by an Italian navigator named John Cabot, who was likely the first European to explore the North American mainland since the Norse expeditions of the 11th century. Day notes that Cabot and his crew were well-received by the native peoples they encountered, and that they had established a friendly relationship with the local inhabitants.

Overall, the "1497 Letter from Bristol merchant John Day to the Lord Grand Admiral of Castile" provides valuable insights into early English attempts at exploration and trade with the New World. The document is an important primary source for understanding the challenges faced by early European explorers and traders, as well as the complex relationships between Europeans and native peoples.