Note 118 — Chapter I · (continued 2)

Mr. J. F. Nichols, in his Life of Sebastian Cabot, pp. 20, 21, appears to misapprehend the terms of this privilege of naturalization, supposing it was a grant of citizenship for fifteen years to come, and not on account of fifteen years’ residence already passed. The memorandum reads: “Quod fiat privilegium civilitatis de intus et extra Joani Caboto per habitationem annorum xv. juxta consuetum,”—“That a privilege of citizenship, within and without, be made for John Cabot, as usual, on account of a residence of fifteen years.” That such is the proper interpretation of the grant is shown by the full document itself, issued four years previously to another person, and referred to in the Register, where the privilege to John Cabot is recorded. The document recites that “Whereas, whoever shall have dwelt continuously in Venice for a space of fifteen years or more, spending that time in performing the duties of our kingdom, shall be our citizen and Venetian, and shall enjoy the privilege of citizenship and other benefits,” etc. Then follows the statement that the person applying had offered satisfactory proofs that he had dwelt continuously in Venice for fifteen years, and had faithfully performed the other duties required, and he was thereupon declared to be a Venetian and citizen, within and without, etc. (See Intorno a Giovanni Caboto, etc., by Cornelio Desimoni, Genova, 1881, pp. 43-45.)