[Footnote a:  De Originibus Americanis, Lib.  I. Cap. 2.  Dr. Robertson’s History of America, Vol.  II.  Page 28, Edit. 1788.]

That America was originally peopled by some of the above Nations seems most probable from the resemblance between the Inhabitants and Animals of the northern Regions of America, and the Inhabitants and Animals of the northern Regions of Europe and Asia.  If any are desirous of knowing the sentiments of different Writers on this Subject, let them consult the above Authors.  In the discusion of this point I am not concerned; my only design being to examine which of the European nations, since the eleventh Century discovered the Western Continent.

When we reflect upon the populousness of America when discovered, as supposed, in the 12th Century, we must be convinced that it was known in very early times, many Centuries before any European landed on the Coasts.

The Spaniards claim the Honor of this Discovery.

Christopher Columbus, a native of Genoa in Italy, by the encouragement and assistance of Ferdinand and Isabella, King and Queen of Spain, discovered the West Indian Islands, and some parts of the Continent of South America, about the year 1492, or 1493 of Christ; and other parts of it were discovered by Americus Vespucci (Vespucius) about the year 1497, from whom the whole took its name; but neither of them seems to have been the first European that visited America.  Dr. Gregory Sharp says that Behaim or Martin of Bohemia was there about the year 1460.[b]

[Footnote b:  Translation of Baron Holbergh’s Introduction to Universal History, p. 211. note.  Edit. 1758.  De Murr says that Behem or Behaim, was a native of Nuremberg in Germany, acquainted with Columbus, but had no right to dispute with him the discovery of America.

Analytical Review Vol.  II. p. 602.]

The Spaniards pretend not to any discovery prior to those of Columbus,
Americus, and Behaim.

That the Spaniards have no right to that Continent, as first Discoverers, appears to me, very evident; for when they landed there, they found among the Inhabitants some traces of European languages and manners.

From the Testimonies of Travellers and Historians, there are strong reasons to believe that the Ancient Britons landed on that Continent nearly 300 years before Behaim or Columbus, so that if a first discovery gives a right of possession, the whole Continent belongs to the Ancient Britons.  But, in truth, conquest is only oppression and Inhumanity.  If different nations could be brought to live together in peace, and honestly and amicably carry on Trade, it would be highly advantageous to the World; but conquest, such as that of Mexico by Cortez, and of Perun and Chili by Pizarro and Almagro, in nature and in reason, can give no just right to territory.  In such cases, conquest is only another name for Injustice, Barbarity, and Murder.