AMERIGO VESPUCCI 

Amerigo Vespucci, also known as Americo or Vespucio, was an Italian navigator born in Florence, Italy in 1451.  Vespucci lived until 1512 when he died in Seville but not until he had made himself known.  Born into a very wealthy family of merchants, he was educated from his uncle, Giorgi Antonio Vespucci who was a Dominican friar, as well as colleague and friend of Savonarola.  At first, Vespucci got involved with business during which time he met Christopher Columbus.  Although the exact date of their meeting is not 100%, historians estimate it could have been as early as 1493. 

Then in 1497, Vespucci set up his vessels with supplies and navigated his third voyage, already experienced since one year earlier, he had equipped a fleet that would be used by the Spanish government.  Then in 1499, he set sail from Spaifi, visiting Cape Paria along with several hundreds of miles along the coastline.  In the summer of 1500, he returned home.  Then in the spring of 1501, Vespucci came into service under Emmanuel of Portugal, participating in an expedition that would go to Brazil in 1503. 

Vespucci also commanded a caravel that sailed to discovery Malacca.  However, parting the company of others, he made his way to the coast of Brazil, during which time he discovered All Saint’s bay.  Vespucci stayed in Brazil for two months, running 260 leagues more to the south.  Once there, a fort was built near Cape Frio.  In 1504, he left the colony and returned to Lisbon.  By the early part of 1505, Vespucci had obtained letters of naturalization from the King of Spain. 

Then in March of 1508, was appointed as the pilot major over the kingdom.  In fact, Vespucci held this office until his death.  His position meant he controlled the preparation of coast descriptions, as well as new discoveries and overseeing pilot examination and chart construction.  However, a controversy began as to whether Vespucci was ahead of Columbus and Jabots of the discovery of America’s mainland.   

This dispute remains today.  Unfortunately, none of Vespucci’s letters on the subject exists with the exception of some translations.  The problem is that even these translations also differ and contain some inaccuracies pertaining to date and fact.  Making it even more difficult to stop the controversy is that the letters are written in an unknown language.