IN THE YEAR 1613. 
25 
liis credentials, and succeeded in producing a favorable 
impression. The monarch himself knew little, if any 
thing, about England ; but an ambassador from the Sofi 
of Persia had heard of the country, and, perhaps pleased 
with an opportunity to exhibit his knowledge, spoke in 
terms of commendation of its people. It is somewhat 
singular to find an Asiatic from beyond the Tigris vouch¬ 
ing for the respectability of the British nation ; but 
either through his good offices or the address of Chan- 
celor, or both, the Russian emperor manifested much 
readiness to enter into relations of amity and commerce 
with that kingdom. Chancelor carried home with him 
missives from the Czar, Ivan Vasilowich, containing 
professions of regard, and tendering facilities of trade, 
that quite overcame the sense of discouragement which 
the loss of Willoughby would otherwise have occa¬ 
sioned. 
Great enthusiasm was produced by the mercantile 
prospects so unexpectedly opened. The association 
organized by Cabot received a charter from Philip and 
Mary, bearing date Feb. 6, 1554-5, and assumed the 
name of the “ Muscovy,” or “ Russia Company; ” which 
they continued to retain even after the act of Parlia¬ 
ment of 1566, where they are styled “ the Fellowship 
of English Merchants for the Discovery of New 
Trades,” — a corporate title under which they still 
exist. 
Such was the origin of the Muscovy Company, whose 
ample jurisdiction embraced all undiscovered or unap¬ 
propriated regions “north-wards, north-eastwards, and 
north-westwards; ” which none but those licensed by 
4 
