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(1. !• ' M \\i\^

i'» NTFi R» S ' »- AN'ON VORO

A.^

'M:

h-'

V,'

I-

POPULAR HISTORY

OF THE

Life of Columbus

A COMPLETE, COMPENDIOUS NARRATIVE OF HIS VOYAGES, DISCOVERIES,

AND GENERAL CAREER, COLLECTED FROM ALL AUTHENTIC SOURCES,

MAKING A DIGEST OF ALL THE FACTS OBTAINABLE FROM

EXTANT HISTORICAL, CRITICAL, BIOGRAPHICAL, AND

OTHER PUBLICATIONS ON THE SUBJECT.

[%■

/f>

J. H. LANGILLE,

PROPISSOR or NATURAL SCIRHCRS AND AUTHOR OF " OUK BIRDS IN THBIR HAUNTS," *C., AC.

AND

MARY F. FOSTER,

OFFICIAL TRANSLATOR TO THB PAN-AMRRICAN CONFRRENCC.

■OLD BY SUBSCRIPTION.

Publication Bureau :

Woman's National Press Association.

Washington, D. C.

'893-

/tyS^(iO^

■

Oopyrlgbt, lH9.t,
BT

. J. U. Lanoille and Mart E. Fo«tm. i

aiB80N BROS.
Printim and Bookhndcm

WAIHINOTOM, Cp

' mm- r^-

JOINT PREFACE,

The task of writing a life of Columbus has been discharged
with most signal ability, and by the most competent authors that
could possibly be found. Each narrative in succession, from the
first, seems to be enough — all that could be said or done to cover
the ground at the time. Yet it has proved to be a fact that from
Columbus's son, who may be said to have written the first biog-
raphy of his father, each succeeding contribution from Las Casas,
Bernaldez, Peter Martyr, Oviedo, Ilerrera, and Irving's most
enchanting work, down to that replica of Irving, Tarducci, offered
acceptable and indispensable material and information for this
interesting work. Could it be presumed for a moment that Hum-
boldt was not needed? Or that De Lorgues and his school of
canonizers have not made fresh and suggestive investigation?
And whilst this fullness of raising St. Christopher to the skies
seems to leave no room unoccupied in the exaltation of Colum-
bus, who will confront the Brazilian Varnhagen and say that he
has not been needed? In point of fact, his incisive, exact, and
exhaustive work, searching from Pern to Seville, from Berlin
and Vienna to New York and the West Indies, has turned out
very valuable solutions of the mysteries of Columbian literature

Without cataloguing so many other welcome popular abridg-
ments, compendiums, and essayists like Prescott, Sir Arthur Helps,
Adams, Hubert Bancroft, R. H. 'Major, could we close the list
without naming as amongst the foremost Henry Ilarrisse? His
notes on Columbus seem to cover every inch of land and sea, sift-
ing the notarial and other public records ; in fact, marking out a
geodetic biographical survey, so to say, of Venice and Genoa,

*l X » W ^1f^.^-' *"■ *7^*

i^ JOINT PREFACE.

Spain and the Indies, En^lani! and America. FTe thus bcginR
the parenthesis of liis work, which is not conchuled until he fol-
lows down with other voUmies, as to the Discovery, the Cabotu,
and the other " Chief PiU)ts," giving the remotest bibliographical
items of the catalogues and of the public and private libraries.
He shows the scope of an exhaustive research, upon which is
founded an entirely new school of historical criticism on the sub-
ject. When we name Justin Winsor and pair him with John
Fiske in the opening of this new school of Columbian literature,
how earnestly could we wish that they had been at the beginning
instead of at the close of the list of biographers of the heroic Dis-

coverer.

Columbus's little fleet of caravels represent the "maritime
list" of his time. In our day, the three models of them sent
from Spain, rolling through the surf between the great ocean
war-ships, tell a most striking story by their contrast. The
new departure in navigation was really the chief thing dis-
covered. Passing at once from the ancient world of the gal-
leys to the broad waters of ocean navigation was a turning
point in human history.. It marked forever the boundary of
the ancient and beginning of the modern sea-going systems.
Never losing sight of the land, anchoring for the night,
rowing the bireme and trireme— the galleys with two or with
three benches of oars, contracted the boundary— the narrow
limits of ancient navigation and commerce preceding Columbus.
It shows in the visible fable and contrast of the picture the
Old World navigation compared with the new era of the ocean-
going ships— the stride from the caravel to the clipper and
the ocean war-ship, steam-fitted and steel-clad. The daring
that pierced the "Sea of Darkness" and established the new
system of ocean navigation was the great " Discovery "—the
original achievement of Columbus. How bold the deed! How
vast the result !— A new destiny for mankind.

-ST^^-'

:a. He thus begins
mchuled until he fol-
iscovcry, the CubotH,
notest bibliographical
ind private libraries,
irch, upon which is
criticism on the sub-
pair him with Jt>hn
Columbian literature,
been at the beginning
ers of the heroic Dis-

;sent the " maritime
models of them sent
een the great ocean
their contrast. The
the chief thing dis-
it world of the gal-
ition was a turning
'er the boundary of
n sea-going systems,
ring for the night,
^s with two or with
oundary — the narrow
preceding Columbus,
it of the picture the
new era of the ocean-
l to the clipper and
jel-clad. The daring
1 established the new
tat "Discovery" — the
bold the deed! How
kind.

JOINT PREFACE. ^

In this history we are constrained to divide the unexampled
narrative of events in his time from the still more extraordinary
consequences which have followed. The Italian sea captain rank-
ing, and in fact living the career of the class — the "Colonii ''
of Roman history — steps from the presence of the Spanish
throne int«) the first truly scientific ocean voyage, from which
he returns with a concjue.st which the agrarian laws of Rome
would measure correctly as one-half the world, to be distributed
among the landless cohorts of the Holy Roman Enjpire of
Charles the Fifth.

In our present biographical compendium of facts we have
avoided sectarian or partisan aims, keeping in view the wide
popular audiences we have t<» reach and the useftd mission of this
work which we hope for it in places of public education, and by
the general diffusion of its contents and their transfer from the
inaccessible and costly sources from which we have gleaned our
story. From the narrative of Don Fernando, the son of the Dis-
coverer, down to the recent oratorical and beautiful work of the
great Spanish statesman, Castelar, we have left no omissions in our
gleaning search. In view of this necessity, the extent of our
obligation to other authors is too extensive to be even enumerated,
and it is not a want of sense of this which precludes our acknowl-
edgments. As there has been really no previous popular volume
at an accessible price, with this aim practicable for the general
school and college library, for the family circle and the Christmas
fireside story, we hope the good end we have sought to subserve
will pardon what may appear to be the liberties we have taken
in our extracts from so many of the best works — historical, criti-
cal, and biographical — bearing on our subject, and with this
statement and its peculiar aims made plain, we hope that an
additional life of Columbus will prove acceptable.

J. H. LANGILLE.

MARY F. FOSTER.

THE PORTRAIT.

The intc-rcstinK subject of a portrait of Coluinbus has undergone
a varied (Usciission since it was alliuled to in our text.

Tiie outcome ^i-'iii-'rally accepted concedes a positive preference
for tlie unicpie picture whicl) is tlie property of Mr. Gunthcr, of
Chicago. Our conchision, we confess, is inHuenced in favor of
this portrait J)y the fact that it was also the frontispiece in Irving's
fifth edition, publishetl in London. It was painted for the Qiieen,
in court ihess, and presents the Achniral at the height of his glory.
Its authenticity is now tacitly conceded.

i^fc

Aiiii1 i lH i iiij i<< n i ifc i »ii"'iui r i jiarAiBij»i ii n i ff" « «wn i *iii« i iiil ii i«iHrtj « ]ij ii ii i:iii ii i»iiii i iii » ii < : » ii n i i miw i hu » iii mh i h i

TABLE OF CONTKNTS.

lumlnis has undergone
our text.

I n positive preference
ty of Mr. Gunthcr, «)f
iuHiienced in favor of
frontispiece in Irving's
painted for the Qiieen,
:he height of his glory.

Paul
I

«3

lNTR()l)lrcTI«)N, - . . .

ClIAI'TKH I,

Hirthplace— Karly Life „f Cohnnhns.

CllAPTKH [I,

CoUnnl)ii8 in Portugal.

Chai'tkh in,

CohiMilnis and King John of I'ortngal.

ClIAI'TKH IV^, '

Coluinhus in Spain.
Chaptkr V, .... _

First Voyage Across the Sea of Darkness.
ClIAI'TKH VI, . . . _

The P'irst Landing in the New World.

ClIAPTEH VII,

The Shipwreck and the Fort.

Chapter VIII, . .

" " - • »

Return Home of the Discoverer of the Inchas. -
Chaptkr IX, . . .

The Triumphal Pageant and Procession on His Arrival.
Chaptkr X, .

The Pope's Boundary Line Dividing the Two Worlds ' ^ '
— The Second Voyage.
Chaptkr XI, ... .

The New Enterprises of the Colony. * ■ ' ' '^^

Chapter XII, . . . _

The South Side of Cuha Explored. ' ^^^

■ 24

- 46

• 53

- 97

- '25
« 140

|! '

viii TABLE OF CONTENTS. "

Paoe.

Chapter XIII, ^7'

Events on Reaching the Town of Isabelhi.

CiiAPTKR XIV, 305

The Affairs of the New World in Spain.

ClIAPTKlt XV, 3

The Third Voyage— The Orinoco— Coasting the South

American Continent.

Chapttju XVI, 35'

Bartholomew Cohunbus as Adelantado— Roldan the

Rebel. ''

Chapter XVII, S^S

Columbus's Return to the Indias— Roldan's Mutmy.

Chapter XVIII, 4"

Ojeda's Mischief at Zaragua. ,

Chapter XIX, - - - - 4^3

Bobadilla Sends Columbus Home in Chains.

Chapter XX, 459

Columbus's Fourth Voyage— Death of Columbus.

ENTS.

Pare.

- 271

[sabclla.

. . - -

305

Spain.

. - -

- 328

-Coasting the South

- '- -

351

iitado — RoUlan the

. - -

-385

-Roldan's Mutiny.

411

•

- 423

in Chains.

459

th of Columbus. .

INTRODUCTION.

|N the present age Christopher Columbus has
been depicted both as a pirate of the high
seas and as an immaculate saint, the opinions
of authors generally being graduated at all points
between these two extremes. In view of this diversity
of estimate, we propose to do as little as possible in
the way of interpreting so distinguished a character.
We prefer to give the facts of his life as recorded by
those who knew him personally, supplemented by his
own writings, along with a fair presentation of the
sentiments and practices of the age in which he lived.
Thus we shall leave the reader to judge for himself
when the Admiral was good and when he was bad.

A biography like this can be made intelligible only
by first giving an outlook into the bibliographical field
presenting such a variety of opinions. We will there-
fore give a brief summary of the principal writers on
this distinguished adventurer, and on the enterprising
period which he rendered so illustrious. As Harrisse
has well said, "Columbus was very far from being in
his lifetime the important personage he now is ; and
his writings, which then commanded neither respect nor
attention, were probably thrown into the waste-basket
as soon as received." After the first sensation caused
by the announcement of his discovery, both he and the
country which he had made known fell into disrepute ;
and when he died in the care of the good Franciscan

^iSSHSSr

INTR OD UC rJON.

monks at Valladolid, the records simply noted " the
said Admiral is dead ; " and the world made so little
account of the event that, in the two years following,
editors who were revising and publishing narratives of
his voyages did not know that he was no longer living.

It was not till ten years after his death that his first
biographical sketch appeared, and that in the most in-
cidental manner. Giustiniani, an Italian bishop, pub-
lishing a polyglot psalter at Genoa, garnished the mar-
gin of the nineteentJi psalm with a brief ou«-line of Co-
lumbus's career, which has served to immortalize the
said bishop's production. Whether he was guilty or
not of the " thirteen lies " which Fernando Columbus
so indignantly laid to his charge, he must have had a
high regard for the subject of his narrative; for he
looked upon the Admiral's achievements as a striking
fulfilment of the prophecies of that psalm, and closed
his account by saying, " Such was the end of that most
celebrated man, who, had he lived in the times of the
Greek heroes, would certainly have been placed among
the gods."

Columbus left a school of able and well-trained na\ '-
gators to follow up the immense work he had so nobly
begun. If the grandeur of his first discovery, which
drew tears from the eyes of learned men, had soon
passed away, like the wake of his little caravels in the
storm, other keels were plowing the unknown seas, and
before the men who knew him well had passed away,
the vast extent and incalculable lesources of the New
World began to appear. Then, as Humboldt has fitly
noticed, all departments of literature received a new and
immense impulse. Historians were ready to record the

iitilWilllilllMflllM

INTR OD ucnoy.

simply noted " the
rid made so little
o years following,
ihing narratives of
s no longer living,
eatli that his first
at in the most in-
alian bishop, pub-
garnished the mar-
rief ou^^line of Co-
immortalize the
he was guilty or
rnando Columbus
must have had a
narrative; for he
ents as a striking
psalm, and closed
e end of that most
the times of the
een placed among

well-trained na\'-
c he had so nobly
discovery, which
id men, had soon
le caravels in the
mknown seas, and
had passed away,
)urces of the New
[umboldt has fitly
eceived a new and
"eady to record the

wonders of the Indies, the glory of the Spanish sover-
eigns who had patronized their discovery, and the voy-
ages of the Admiral who had given his life to the de-
velopment and realization of the new idea.

Peter Martyr, an Italian, who had been attracted to
the Spanish court in the service of education and litera-
ture, not only referred to Columbus in his numerous
letters to distinguished men — eight hundred of which
are preserved — but set his facile pen to work to write a
regular history of the Indies, in which Columbus was
allowed an ample space. His work, now known as
" Decades of the Ocean,'' was translated into English
by Richard Eden, in 1555, and may be found in. some
of our largest libraries.

Andres Bernoldez, curate of Palacios, who had en-
tertained Columbus for months, as his guest, on his re-
turn from his second voyage, has given us the result of
their fireside chats in his history of Ferdinand and Isa-
bella. This work is one of the best authorities on that
second voyage. The part pertaining to Columbus was
trajislated into English by George Ticknor, Esq., and
published in the Massachusetts Historical Society, vol.
8, pp. 5-68.

Oviedo, who had been associated with Columbus's
sons, as page to Prince Juan, wrote a General History
of the Indies, in which he gave the most respectful at-
tention to the Admiral. He does not seem to have made
the most thorough use of the documentary resources
then available, but his conclusions are well made. Nor
does he seem to have been biased by an undue admira-
tion for his hero.

The venerable Las Casas, missionary to the Indies,

■-t^-'.^asWSSWF'

4 INTRODUCTION.

and finally made bishop, also wrote a history of that
New World, including a biography of Columbus, which
is considered indispensable to the critical student of his-
tory. His father and uncle both sailed with the Admi-
ral on his second voyage, and he himself accompanied
him on his last and most trying voyage to Central
America. Having received from hi' father an Indian
slave as a servant, while he was a student at the Univer-
sity of Salamanca, and having been obliged to give him
up when Isabella returned certain of the enslaved In-
dians to their native homes, his humane heart was
opened to their unparalleled sufferings, and he became
the champion of their cause to the end of his long and
useful life.

His great work on the Indies was too honestly writ-
ten, and gave too full an account of the rascalities of
the Spaniards in the New World, to admit of its pub-
lication in Spain till 1875 ; but in manuscript it had
long been a most important work of reference, and as
such was made a main reliance by Washington Irving.
We are indebted to this production for all we know of
Columbus's Journal of his first voyage, Las Casas
having made a full abstract of it. The Journal itself
is now no longer known. An almost equally impor-
tant authority is the work of this bishop, on the second
and third voyages. He had access to many docu-
ments and letters which cannot nov»r be found.

Not the least in importance is the biography of
Columbus written by his son, Fernando, who professes
to have recorded only what he knew personally of his
father's career, and what he derived from his father's
writings then before him. The authenticity of this

' - ■ B iMi WWK'-fcT aW MMi * '" Hl M in l in'JFn ii HIMwawWitM i

INTRODUCTION.

a history of that
' Columbus, which
ical student of his-
;d with the Admi-
iself accompanied
rryage to Central

father an Indian
lent at the Univer-
bliged to give him

the enslaved In-
umane heart was
a^s, and he became
d of his long and

too honestly writ-
the rascalities of
admit of its pub-
nan uscript it had
reference, and as
ashington Irving,
or all we know of
)yage. Las Casas
^'he Journal itself
St equally impor-
lop, on the second
;s to many docu-
be found,
the biography of
ido, who professes
personally of his
from his father's
thenticity of this

work has recently been challenged by the indefati-
gable Harrisse ; but he has not succeeded in shaking
the faith of scholars in that vivid and interesting nar-
rative, which has much internal evidence in its favor.
As this son was but four years of age when the Admiral
went on his first voyage, his personal knowledge covered
only the latter part of his father's career. The critical
student, therefore, will find him rather vague and un-
certain as to that period. In admission of this he says :
"The Admiral having gained some insight in sciences
began to apply himself to the sea, and made some
voyages to the east and west, of which and many other
things of those his first days I have no perfect knowl-
edge, because he died at such time as I, being confined
by filial duty, had not the boldness to ask him to give
an account of those things ; or, to speak the truth,
being but young, I was at that time far from being
troubled with such thoughts." Fernando's biography
may be read, in English in many of our large libraries.

An indispensable work to the thorough study of Co-
lumbus is that complete collection of official documefits
of the transactions of the sovereigns of Spain in con-
nection with his voyages, called the Codex Diplomat-
icus. It also can be read in English, under the title,
*' Memoirs of Columbus, by the Decurions of Genoa."

Many other works might be mentioned, but these are
the most important.

Recent works, such as the extensive and, on the
whole, excellent work of Irving, have derived incal-
culable aid from the gr«at documentary collections of
Mufioz and Navarrete, which, we regret to say, are
not available to English readers ; though Major in his

6 INTRODUCTION.

Select Letters, and Harrisse in his Notes on Columbus,
have given us not a few of the documents and letters
in our own language.

In the earlier half of this century a querulous
work, entitled "The So-Called Christopher Colum-
bus," by Aaron Godrich, appeared as a notable curi-
osity in literature. Living men may hate each other
very intensely ; but how a man in his grave nearly four
hundred years can be so spitefully hated and horribly
caricatured by a recent inhabitant of this New
World is inexplicable, to say the least.

As another extreme, this century has produced a
school of writers, led by Count Roselly de Lorgues, of
France, who can discern not so much as a fault or
foible in this man, chosen of God and upheld by
miracles, whom the Pope should recognize by saintly
canonization. But the candid inquirer must admit
that with all his greatness, and piety according to the
religion of that period, the Admiral had his fair share
of faults.

We have recently had some very scholarly works on
Columbus and his age in this country. That by Justin
Winsor is one of the most critical and exhaustive in its
ransacking of resources which any country is likely to
produce on any character; but it is not probable that
unprejudiced readers will recognize such a very great
flood of new light in the unfavorable view given by that
author as to the moral character of the Admiral. And
many parts of the narrative, in respect to the treatment
received by the great discoverer from his adopted nation,
and the unparalleled difficulties he encountered in his
government of a new world, the humane reader will in-

otes on Columbus,
iments and letters

;ury a querulous
iristopher Colum-
as a notable curi-
Ly hate each other
1 grave nearly four
ated and horribly
:nt of this New

St.

^ has produced a
Uy de Lorgues, of
iich as a fault or
and upheld by
ognize by saintly
uirer must admit
' according to the
had his fair share

cholarly works on
'. That by Justin
1 exhaustive in its
•untry is likely to
not probable that
such a very great
view given by that
le Admiral. And
:t to the treatment
lis adopted nation,
ncountered in his
ine reader will in-

INTRODUCTION. -

terline with sentiments of compassion and charitable
judgment.

Mr. John Fisk's " Discovery of America " contains an
account of Columbus which every critical student should
read. It is the result at once of the most thorough re-
search and the most candid and generous judgment.

What was the personal appearance of Columbus ?
How is it that there is so little resemblance in his various
portraits ? Mr. William Elory Curtis, an acknowledged
authority on this matter, says : " The most reliable au-
thorities— and the subject has been under discussion for
two centuries— agree that there is no tangible evidence
to prove that the face of Columbus was ever painted or
sketched or graven during his life. His portrait has
been painted, like that of the Madonna and those of the
saints, by many famous artists, each dependent upon
verbal descriptions of his appearance by contemporane-
ous writers, and each conveying to the canvas his own
conception of what the great seaman's face must have
been ; but it may not be said that any of the portraits
are genuine, and it is believed that all of them are more
or less fanciful."

We have, however, verbal descriptions of his physi-
ognomy and personal appearance by five distinguished
personages, who knew him intimately. His son, Fer-
nando, says : " The Admiral was a well-made man, of
a height above the medium, with a long face, and cheek-
bones somewhat prominent ; neither too fat nor too lean.
He had an aquiline nose, light-colored eyes, and a ruddy
complexion. In youth he had been fair, and his hair
was of a light color, but after he was thirty years old it
turned white. In eating and drinking he was an ex-

^^-^^.'^ f^sm^-^^siss^^^s^.

INTRO D trc TTON.

ample of sobriety, as well as simple and modest about
his person."

Oviedo, a distinguished Spanish historian, who had
seen Columbus at different times during his youth and
early manhood, says : " Columbus was a man of honest
parentage and sober life. He had a noble bearing, good
looks, and a height above the medium, which was well
carried. He had sharp eyes, and the other parts of his
visage were well proportioned. His hair was a bright
red, his complexion flushed and marked with freckles.
His language was easy, prudent, showing a great genius,
and he was gracious in manner."

Bernaldez, a devout ecclesiastic, curate of Palacios,
and biographer of the king and queen, knew Colum-
bus well, having entertained him as a guest for quite a
time, just after his second voyage. He describes him
as " a man of fine stature, strong of limb, with an elon-
gated visage, fresh and ruddy of complexion, marked
with freckles. He had a noble bearing, was dignified
of speech, and bore a kindly manner."

Peter Martyr, a distinguished man in learning and
literature at the court of Spain during the solicitations
and voyages of Columbus, and Las Casas, the great
missionary to the Indians and the humane advocate of
their cause, both describe the Admiral in language very
similar to the statements quoted. The latter tells us
that his keen eyes were gray, that his countenance was
sad, and that, while he spoke fervently and fluently, he
was inclined to be reticent. Naturally of an impulsive
temper, his anger rose quickly ; but all his moods and
operations of mind were tempered with a high sense of
justice.

^iid modest about

istorian, who had
ing his youth and
iS a man of honest
oble bearing, good
n, which was well
I other parts of his
hair was a bright
Iced with freckles,
ing a great genius,

:urate of Palacios,
een, knew Colum-
i guest for quite a
He describes him
imb, with an elon-
mplexion, marked
ing, was dignified

1 in learning and
ig the solicitations
; Casas, the great
iiniane advocate of
1 in language very
'he latter tells us
is countenance was
ly and fluently, he
\y of an impulsive
all his moods and
ith a high sense of

iNTnontrcrrox.

Of all the portraits claiming to represent Columbus,
he Giovian group ,s best sustained by criticism. It is
known that Paolo Giovio, archbishop of Nocera, whose
wealth was sufficient to indulge his literary and artistic
tastes, and who was a cotemporary of the Admiral, had
a portrait of him in the magnificent art collection of his
palace on the banks of Lake Como. Five paintings and
one engraving,' all resembling each other quite per-
ceptibly, lay claim to be the original Giovian portrait,
and they all conform sufficiently to the descriptions above
quoted. It would seem that either some one of them
IS the original from which all the rest have been derived
or the prototype from which they have been taken is
lost.

Many other portraits lay claim to authority, repre-
senting the physiognomies of nearly all the nationali-
ties of Western Europe. It is pretty certain that any
por rait with a mustache, or beard, or a ruff about the
neck IS of doubtful likeness, and certainly those which
conform most closely to the descriptions given by writers
who knew him are most entitled to our confidence.

Ihe Lotto portrait, just commanding a good deal of
attention, is not altogether unlike the Giovian type and
has many points worthy of consideration ; but it does
not jjromise to take the place of that very interesting

Should Columbus be consider.ed the rightful discov-
erer of America ? Is the quadricentennial exhibition
f.rl .^ held by the Republics of America, and, in

INTRODUCTION.

majrmficcnt sham ? A good deal has been written and
said on this point during the last few years ; but the
fact that everything is moving harmoniously toward
that Great Western City in which the World's Fair is
to take place shows plainly enough that men in general
are still holding to the old opinion. Columbus is
looked upon to-day as the revealer of this half of the

globe.

Not to speak of the claims put forth for the Egyp-
tians, the Cauaanites, and the Chinese as the original
discoverers and colonizers of America, we will begin
with those of the Norsemen. That these brave sea-
men made various voyages to the North Atlantic coast
in the last part of the tenth and the first part of the
eleventh century is now too clear to admit of a doubt ;
but can those voyages, which left no trace of coloni/.a-
tion in the land itself, revealed nothing to the world,
and added nothing to the convenience and commerce
of the world,— can such voyages be properly called
a discovery f The vague accounts found in the Sagas,
of the lands discovered by chance by the Norsemen,
supposed to refer to Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and
the New England coast, will not soon take the place
of the well-authenticated voyages of Columbus, con-
ducted by a strictly scientific method, and obviously
not originated by intelligence gained from Iceland.

Between this period and the date of the first voyage
of Columbus, says R. H. Major, " the coast of America
is reported to have been visited by the Arabians of the
Spanish peninsula, the Welsh, the Venetians, the Por-
tuguese, and also by a Pole in the service of Denmark."
The vagaries of these claims we have not time to dis-

been written and
iv years ; but the
noniously toward
; World's Fair is
at men in general
n. Columbus is
r this half of the

rth for the Egyp-
ie as the original
ca, we will begin
these brave sea-
rth Atlantic coast
e first part of the
admit of a doubt ;
trace of coloni/.a-
ing to the world,
ce and commerce
e properly called
und in the Sagas,
by the Norsemen,
Nova Scotia, and
Don take the place
of Columbus, con-
od, and obviously
d from Iceland,
of the first voyage
e coast of America
he Arabians of the
/enetians,the Por-
rvice of Denmark."
ve not time to dis-

JNTliODUCTlON.

cuss in a work which is supposed to appeal to the com-
mon sense of the people rather than to hair-splitting
speculations. ^ *

In view of all the different parties claiming to have
seen, by the chance of overwhelming storms or other-
wise, the shores of America before the landing of Colum-
bus, perhaps we would better end the debate as to pri-
onty of discovery by concluding that the aborigines first
found the Western Continent, and rest our claim in

trJridf '" ''' '"' '''^' '''''"' ^'^'--^ ^-

J"st here we are reminded forcibly of the words of '
Peter Martyr, who says: "The reverend and thankful
antiquity was accustomed to esteem those men as gods
by whose industry and magnanimity such lands and
regions were discovered as were unknown to their pre-
decessors. But unto us, having only one God, whom
we honor in triplicity of person, this resteth,that albeit
we do not worship that kind of men with diline honor,
yet we do reverence them, and worthily marvel at thei^
uoble acts and enterprises."

iiuMJ i n'inMii u i iMiWriiiMni

WMMiiWtilffiiitili' ffmtfcajBBijiirft'

CHAPTKR 1.

THR BrRTHPr.ACR AND KARI.V UKK oF COLUMBUS,

KNOA, more ancient than Rome, and one of
the most channinKly located cities in the
'7'^''' '•'^ ^''^' iMrthplace of Christopher Co-
Intnbns. Th.,nKh much disp.Ued formerly, this is now
made sure beyond a doubt. Henry Harrisse, who n.ay
be called the ultnnate authority on such points, in the
he of he Admiral, says :' "Columbus's father, Domenico
who let It be said, lived long enough to hear of the
great discovery accomplished by his son, since he died
m 1494, called himself a Genoese in four deeds executed
at Savona, February and June, 1473, August, 1484, and
November, 1491. So did Columbus's youngest brolher
Giacomo, in an instrument in writing, dated September
14S4. 1 hese documents, all quoted by Tiraboschi, are
m the notarial archives of Genoa. Among his con-
teinporanes, Giustiniani, Bernalde., Gallo, Senarega,
Cabot, Geraldinus, and the compilers of the plsi
novamenti and Itinerarcum, all call him a Genoese "

Again, page 70, after discussing at length the claims
for other places, he says : " To close this exciting debate
we propose to quote Columbils himself, thinking that
his opinion on the subject is entitled to some considera-
lon. In the will or deed dated February, 1498, con-
ernng sundry titles, a majorat, &c., upon his descend-
a^ts^saysm^soma^ : ' i ^as born in Genoa ; '

' Notes on Columbus, p. 63. ~ ■ '

,;■ 1

I . DATE OF COL UMB US'S BIR TH.

and speaking of that city lie adds : ' I came from there,
and there was I born,'"

But to ascertain the date of Columbus's birth has been
still more difficult. Bernaldez, the cura de los Palacios,
who knew Columbus well, says in his quaint way :

" And this bamt Admiral Christopher Columbus, of
a marvellously honored memory, a native of the province
of Milan, the discoverer of the Indies, being in Valla-
dolid, in the month of May, died in a good old age, being
seventy years old or thereabouts. Our Lord pardon
him. Amen." .

Therefore, Irving, Humboldt, and others put his birth
at 1435. Others, by an arrangement of inferences from
some of Columbus's letters, making a supposed connec
tion which is not very conclusive, have placed the date
at i455-'56. These two dates, about twenty years apart,
are both at variance with certain well-authenticated
statements in Columbus's letters.

An examination of the notarial records by the Mar-
quis Stagliano, apart from all historical statements
would place the date of the birth of the great discoverer
somewhere from October 29th, 1446, to October 29th,
145 1. Henry Harrisse thinks it can be fixed between
March 15th, 1446, and March 20th, i447- And this
date accords precisely with those quite definite state-
ments in Columbus's letters which were so notably at
variance with the dates above given. In his book of the
first voyage (1492) he says : " I was upon the sea twenty-
three years without being off it any time worth the
speaking of." Again he says " that he took to the sea
at fourteen years of age and ever after followed it."
We know that he left Lisbon in 1484, and until 1492 was

'* ^«»w»i «a i «w i « w»iii>awiiie»-«aaB»M » i ia i i»r i lii l ^

wm M i^^ K immm

•'S BIRTH.

; ' I came from there,

mbus's birth has been
i cura de los Palacios,

his quaint way :
stopher Columbus, of
native of the province
idies, being in Valla-

a good old age, being
;. Our Lord pardon

d others put his birth
iut of inferences from
ig a supposed connec-
;, have placed the date
tut twenty years apart,
in well-authenticated

i records by the Mar-
bistorical statements,
of the great discoverer
446, to October 29th,
can be fixed between
joth, 1447. And this
e quite definite state-
ch were so notably at
:n. In his book of the
IS upon the sea twenty-
it any time worth the
hat he took to the sea
^er after followed it."
^84, and until 1492 was

I^ATE OF COLUMBUS'S BIRTIL jr

soliciting aid for his voyage, and so was not on the sea
during that time. Subtracting the sum of 23 and 14
from 1484, and allowing some months more or less at
each end of the periods covered by these figures, we
easily get the date of Harrisse, which includes that of
Stagliauo— namely, i446-'47, or thereabout.

But we can make out still another line of confirma-
tion of the above date. In 1501 he wrote to the
Spanish sovereigns, " I went to sea very young and have
continued it to this day." Now this term, very young,
IS, as we know, 14 years. He then says : " ft is now
forty years that I have been sailing to all those parts
at present frequented." Here the word "sailing" is
used more generally, and evidently includes the years
he spent in Spain in the interests of his first voyage.
Add then 40 and 14, and subtract the sum from 1501,
and we are back again to 1447 by exact figures; and
by allowing a few months at both ends of the periods
given we might easily make it 1446.'

Here, then, by three independent lines of calcula-
tion, we have the birth of Columbus at i446-'47. And
let it be noted that these lines, one by means of the
notarial acts, and two from the internal evidence of
the Admiral's own letters, are the most trustworthy
possible. Also, as the language of Bernaldez, on
which the eariiest date has been founded, is not very
definite, and as Columbus turned gray young, at
thirty years of age, and must have been much
broken by his life of extreme hardships and great
anxiety, his age at sixty might easilv have been mis-

Genta ^h!- nT^^rK'^TV" °^ Columbus published by the Decurions o»
Oenou, the d.ite of his birth is given as either 1446 or 1447.

:* :i

*t'-**.^ ■■,.i^.-

tJ" •

f ;:

jg PARENTAGE AND HOME.

taken for seventy ; but the same sort of mistake could
scarcely have covered the twenty years from fifty to

seventy.* ^ . , , ^ •

This date, as given above, accords with that given
by Munoz, whose careful research and noble candor
entitle him to special credit.'*

Genoa has many statues of distinguished personages
and heroes, along the line of her great antiquity;
but that which the traveller from every part of the
world stops to gaze upon is the imposing figure of Co-
lumbus, elevated on its high and elaborate pedestal,
iu the public promenade. Piazza de Acqua, with the
statue of America kneeling at his feet. Scarcely could
this distinguished man of modern times have opened his
eyes upon a more delightsome landscape or a prouder
city But he does not seem to have cared particularly for
the forest-clad slopes and rocky peaks of the Apen-
nines, curving like an amphitheatre around Genoa,
nor for the snowy peaks of the Alps beyond. He
looked out upon the sea, whence came the ships from
all parts of the known world ; and the varied costumes
and the jargon of many languages in the harbor
were, to his boyhood curiosity, a revelation of the
wide world beyond the walls and moles of his native
city. He probably never saw the i nside of one of the

'^T^^^^^oT^c^T^^''^^^^^^^^^^^^- "• Major's Select Letters of
r^iiimhus DD X\ and ■14 of Introduction.

tftTr^lt it m-t be admitted that these lines ^^ -idence concerning the
dat of Co umbus's birth, though highly probable, are not absolutely condu-

ve in for instance, the 40 years spent on the sea should not -elude th
,8 years of sojourn in Spain, the date implied by Bernaldez, and adopted
bv Irving and Humboldt, would be sufficiently accurate.

'. Th^figure .8, as representing the age of Columbus when he «.me to
Spain, and which is found in one of his letters, is evidently a mistake.

ME.

PARENTAGE AND HOME.

of mistake could
sars from fifty to

s with that given
md noble candor

lished personages
great antiquity;
every part of the
)sing figure of Co
laborate pedestal
; Acqua, with the
;t. Scarcelj' could
;s have opened his
cape or a prouder
ed particularly for
;aks of the Apen
re around Genoa,
.Ips beyond. He
ime the ships from
he varied costumes
res in the harbor
revelation of the
iioles of his native
aside of one of the

I. Major's Select Letters of

)f evidence concerning the

, are not absolutely conclu-

sea should not include the

by Bernaldez, and adopted

curate.

olumbus when he came to

5 evidently a mistake.

many marble palaces which looked out so proudly on
the harbor, nor could he have been very familiar with
the great centres of commerce, representing in Genoa
the arts and products of the civilized world. He was
the son of a wool-carder^ — in fact, belonged to an an-
cestry of wool-carders; and he grew up amidst the
incessant industries and careful economies of frugal
life. We are not to associate his childhood, how-
ever, with a pinching poverty or the siqualor of low
life. His father, Domenico Columbo — Columbus is the
latinized form of the name — probably began married
life in his own house, in the wool-weavers' quarter in
Genoa, having also a shop and an independent busi-
ness on a moderate scale. Possibly he had a small
cloth factory with a journeyman and an apprentice.

A careful examination of the notarial acts shows that
he moved to Savona in 1470. Here he and his son
Christopher were known as weavers ; but the ktter dis-
appears from the notarial records after 1473. Domen-
ico kept a house of entertainment and speculated in
small landed properties. But fortune does not seem to
have smiled on this combination of enterprises, for in
after years he needed Christopher's aid, and at least
one of his lots remained unpaid for at his death. Dur-
ing the fifteen years spent here he lost his wife, whose
maiden name was Susannah Fontanarossa, and whom
he married in the country lying east of Genoa, called
Bisagno.

Such, as nearly as we can judge, was the youthful

' In the present state of manufacturing, inoaX-carding and yiooVeombiug
are very different processes. Whether the Columbuses were wool-carders
or wool-combers, is very difficult to determine.

1 8 FRENCH PIRA TE S NO T H/S REL A T/ONS,

home and such were the circumstances of young Chris-
topher, the oldest of four sons, of whom two, Bartholo-
mew and James (Diego in Spanish) , were intimately as-
sociated with his fortunes in the New World ; the other,
John Pelligrino, was of delicate health and died in early
manhood. He had also one sister, named Bianchinetta,
whose husband, Bavarillo, was a cheesemonger, or some
say a butcher. They had one child.

Probably a little more light on the humble home of
Domenico Columbo would disclose a family of no ordi-
nary moral and intellectual status , for such a trio as
the Columbus brothers known in the New World could
not have sprung from an indifferent household. It has
been customary to take a somewhat broad view of the
ancesttal line, showing a view of intellect and a bold
heroism as a more or less common inheritance for sev-
eral generations. A supposed relative of the same name,
presumably a great-uncle, had distinguished himself,
sometimes as master of his own squadron, sometimes as
an admiral in the service of the republic of Genoa.
Also a nephew of his, Colombo el Mezo, who commanded
a squadron under the French king against Naples, is
described as *' a famous corsair, so terrible for his deeds
against the infidels that the Moorish mothers used to
frighten their children in the cradle with his name."

These mariners, noted among the nations as pirates,
were well known under the French flag and were called
Casauove or Coulon.^ " To determine the exact rela-
tionship between the various French and Italian Colom-
bos or Coulons of the fifteenth century would be hazard-
ous. It is enough to say that no evidence that stands a

1 Sometimes given Catsaneuve-

-taimimmm.i mmmm.^

ELATIONS,

; of young Chris-
111 two, Bartholo-
;re intimately as-
V^orld; the other,
and died in early
led Bianchinetta,
;iiionger, or some

humble home of
iamily of no ordi-
)r such a trio as
^ew World could
)Usehold. It has
jroad view of the
illect and a bold
aeritance for sev-
)f the same name,
guished himself,
ron, sometimes as
public of Genoa.
, who commanded
gainst Naples, is
ible for his deeds
mothers used to
ith his name."
lations as pirates,
g and were called
2 the exact rela-
nd Italian Colom-
would be hazard-
mce that stands a

FERNANDO NOTWITHSTANDING. iq

critical test remains to connect these famous mariners
with the line of Christopher Columbus." So concludes
Justin Winsor, after the most critical examination of
the latest authorities, including the searching works of
Harrisse. And surely neither of these authors can be
charged with partiality in favor of Columbus. It is the
confiisKlg of the great discoverer with these noted cor-
sairs above referred to, and making him responsible for
at least sharing in their piratical excursions, which has
marked him down as a ''pirate.'''

It is Columbus's own son, Fernando, who is particu-
larly responsible for initiating this noted biographical
blunder. Confessing ignorance as to the early part of
his father's life, he adopted this tale of his piratical re-
luLlouships on the authority of one Sabillicus, who is
likewise the sole voucher for the startling story concern-
ing the escape of Columbus from the burning galleys in
the Venetian conflict, on an oar. This piratical encoun-
ter, well authenticated in the state papers of Spain and
Venice, took place in 1485, when Columbus had already
left Lisbon, and must have been too much enwrapped in
his great scheme to be engaged in any such trifling and
predatory affair.

^Fernando, having grown up amidst courtiers, was evi-
dently sensitive as to any insinuation concerning the
humble origin of. his father, and would rather associate
him with first-class pirates than with an ancestry of
wool-carders. ''No great acumen, however, is neces-
sary," says Harrisse, " to discover that Fernando, as re-
gards his ancestors, either in the direct line or other-
wise, had very vague and unreliable notions. For in-
stance, he includes in his pedigree the procurator Junius

COLUMBUS A SELF-MADE MAN.

Coloiiiis, who lived under the Emperor Claudius. Now,
Colonus was not his name, but Cilo. He then states
that his father belonged to the family of a celebrated
admiral in the service of the king of France, often called
Colon or Colombo ; but the fact is that this Colombo
was simply a Frenchman by the name of Caseneuve."
Equally useless would it be to try to connect our
hero with the more honorable families of the Colombos
of Genoa and vicinity, since Harrisse finds trace of at
least two hundred persons of that name in Liguria
alone, in the time of Columbus, who were in nowise con-
nected with him. One is forcibly reminded of a cer-
tain saying in the "History" attributed to his son
Ferdinand. -" I think it better," says he, " that all the
honor be derived to us from his person than to go
about to inquire whether his father was a merchant
or a man of quality, who kept his hawks and hounds."
Christopher Columbus must be ranked with self-
made men, who find their schools and schoolmasters
mainly in the course of events, and acquire rich stores
of systematic knowledge solely by dint of personal
efifort. But his school advantages in boyhood must
have been fair, — must at least have laid the founda-
tions for the wonderful superstructures of both gen-
eral and special knowledge and information reared in
after years. ** It has of late been ascertained," says
Winsor, " that the wool-combers of Genoa established
local schools for the education of their children, and
the young Christopher may have had his share of
their instruction in addition to whatever he picked up
at his trade, which continued, as long as he remained
in Italy, th.-t of his father." C.ie who read so ex-

■"iimmmm'^mmutm ■

^mmmmm^

E MAN.

Claudius. Now,
He then states
y of a celebrated
rauce, often called
lat this Colombo
le of Caseneuve."
y to connect our
5 of the Colombos
: finds trace of at
aame in Liguria
;re in nowise con-
minded of a cer-
buted to his son
I he, " that all the
irson than to go
was a merchant
ivks and hounds."
anked with self-
nd schoolmasters
cquire rich stores
dint of personal
in boyhood must
i laid the founda-
ures of both gen-
rmation reared in
iscertained," says
jcnoa established
leir children, and
had his share of
;ver he picked up
y as he remained
who read so ex-

THE BOrnEFORE THE MAST. gj

tensively as did Columbus must have read easily and
with pleasure ; and the samples of his handwriting
which have come down to us would indicate a facile
and most graceful penmanship. If the various pen-
drawings attributed to him are authentic, and they
certainly date far back and are unique, he must have
had, as Winsor says, '< a deft hand, too, in making a
spirited sketch with a few strokes." The various ac-
counts of his making maps and charts, even as a
means of livelihood, necessarily imply skill in draw-
ing and probably in coloring. That he had a fair use
of Latin, that he was a practical mathematician, es-
pecially a nautical astronomer, and not only abreast
but beyond the geographical attainments of his time
IS obvious. That he deligkted in geography and all
branches of knowledge related to navigation is a
necessary inference from the facts and course of his
hfe. How much of all this varied accumulation of
knowledge is to be attributed to the taste of university
hfe at Pavia, ascribed by the ''History'' to his tender
years of, say, from ten to twelve, must, at present re-
mam a mystery. Certain it is, according to his own
statement, that he began a seafaring life at the mere
boyhood period of fourteen. Imagine him then— "red-
haired," " with a ruddy complexion " marked with the
distinct freckles which a strong sea-air would depict
ou such a face, with a trace, perhaps, of that inflamma-
tion of the eyes which troubled him so seriously in
after years, slender, active and enthusiastic, and we
shall no doubt have a fairly correct picture of this boy
before the mast, bound for any part of the Mediter-
ranean, or even the wide and uuknowu sea outside the

sffeS!*

IS.
T

EARL r LIFE A T SEA.

Straits. Pictures of wild adventures on the sea fed his
ardent imagination, and that spirit of discovery which
was the characteristic of the age must have made the
blood tingle in his veins. Not only the severity of the
elements, — the storm and the tempest — did he antici-
pate, for had he not listened to many a bloody tale of
piracy, then so common as to be almost legalized ? If
he were on board the ship of some line of traffic, he
would know that whole fleets of marauders might
await her, and that there might be sea-fights as terri-
ble as naval conflicts in regular warfare. Indeed the
ship would be heavily armed and equipped, and every
sailor would need the spirit and skill of the soldier.
As there was no very nice distinction in those days
between proper naval enterprise and privateering, and
piracy, his judgment would not discriminate as to
voyages and skirmishes which would be far from rep-
utable in the clearer light of these days.

But it must be left to the imagination to fill out the
biographical details from now on till Columbus appears
again as a wool-weaver in company with his father at
Savona, from 1470 -'73, for the few striking incidents
which have been wont to come into line to fill up the
gap here, formerly supposed to be much larger than it
now appears in the light of recent findings, are likely to
prove doubtful, to say the least, as far as their relation
to Columbus is concerned.

In a letter of Columbus, quoted by his son, he says :
" It happened to me that King Rene, whom God has
taken to himself, sent me to Tunis to take the galeasse
called Fernandina, and being near to the island of St.
Peter, by Sardinia, I was told there were two ships and

on the sea fed his
discovery which
St have made the
he severity of the
t — did he antici-
a bloody tale of
St legalized ? If
ine of traffic, he
aarauders might
ea-fights as terri-
ire. Indeed the
ipped, and every
ill of the soldier,
•n in those days
privateering, and
iscriminate as to
1 be far from rep-
ays.

ion to fill out the
Columbus appears
vith his father at
striking incidents
ine to fill up the
ich larger than it
iings, are likely to
r as their relation

his son, he says :
e, whom God has
take the galeasse
the island of St.
ere two ships and

r//^ EXPEDITION FOR RENE.

a barack with the said galeasse, which discomposed my
men, and they resolved to go no further, but to return
to Marseilles for another ship and more men ; and I,
perceiving there was no going against their wills with-
out some contrivance, yielded to their desires, and, chang-
ing the point of the needle, set sail when it was late, and
next morning at break of day we found ourselves near
Cape Carthagena, all aboard thinking we had certainly
been sailing for Marseilles."

It is difficult for critics to place this event anywhere
ni the life of Rene without making Columbus too young
to command a ship, unless we place the date of his birth
earlier than the notarial records or the clearest state-
ments in his letters would imply.

It must be said, however, that though Rene retired
from active life too soon to allow the above incident a
convenient date in the early history of Columbus, he
lived till 1480. Possibly some incident connected with
the fortunes of his. regal family, and in which he may
have felt an interest, would account for the above state-
ment.

In the Admiral's biography, given as an introduction
to the famous Codex Diploraaticus, as published by the
Decurions of Genoa, this expedition for Rene is supposed
to be in 1473.

Is it in this period of the life of Columbus we are to
place that trip to the Grecian archipelago, when, in the
island of Chios, he saw the mastic gathered ?

CHAPTER 11.

COLUMBUS IN PORTUGAL.

[he years spent by Columbus in Portugal must
have been most important as a preparation
, for his momentous undertaking in after years.

Here, surely, did he find his school and his school-
masters. In order, therefore, to understand this period
of his life we must recall what had been going on in
Portugal for some time, and what was still in progress,
as well as what was yet to be accomplished. Neither
can we account for Columbus and his grand concep-
tion of a western route to India, unless we shall have
first made the acquaintance of the noble Prince Henry
of Portugal and his persevering enterprises on the
west coast of Africa. This son of the Portuguese
king, John L, and the English pvincess, Philippa,
daughter of John of Gaunt, duke of Lancaster, was
born March 4th, 1394- While yet a mere youth he dis-
tinguished himself on the Barbary coast, in the wars
waged by his father against the Moors, and resulting in
the conquest of Ceuta in 1415- While on this expedi-
tion, by means of his conversations with the Moors, he
conceived of great discoveries to be made on the west
coast of Africa; and this thought lodged in his youthful
mind became the germ of one of the greatest enterpnses
of all time. Cape Nam, well up on the northwest coast
of Africa, was the farthest known point. The name,
which meant " not,'' was forcibly played upon in the old

in Portugal must
as a preparation
ing in after years.

and his school-
rstand this period
Deen going ou in

still in progress,
plished. Neither
lis grand concep-
;ss we shall have
ble Prince Henry
aterprises on the
f the Portuguese
tincess, Philippa,
jf Lancaster, was
mere youth he dis-
coast, in the wars
s, and resulting in
ile on this expedi-
vith the Moors, he

made on the west
red in his youthful
;reatest enterprises
he northwest coast
point. The name,
^red upon in the old

rii/Ncii: iiENnr.

proverb of that day : '• He who goes to Cape Not will
either return or not." That is, if he did not become ter-
rified and come back he would surely be lost.

Immediately after the African conquest Prince Henry
established a sort of nautical school at Sagres, near Cape
Vincent, on the southwest coast of Spain ; and from
thence sending out ships commanded by the ablest sea-
men he could find, he undertook to solve the problem of
Cape Not. His college and observatory were a sort of
factory or workshop, in which maps, charts, and nauti-
cal instruments of all kinds were made and constantly
improved. An improved use of the compass was now
introduced into Europe, and the astrolabe, the original
of the more modern quadrant, became common.

In time, notwithstanding the old proverb. Cape Not
was passed, and the ships pushed on to Cape Bojador
which means the out-stretcher. This now became the
point of danger which no one dared to pass. Its desert
coast, lashed by a tremendous surf and studded with
perilous rocks, stood like a mysterious barrier forbidding
further progress. Then, did not philosophers teach that
just beyond this cape and underneath the equator the
waters boiled under the blazing sun, and that no living
thing could pass this line which divided the two hemi-
spheres ? After the failure of many a persevering effort,
Gil Eannes finally returned in triumph, to the unuttera-
ble joy of seamen and cosmographers. With an unpar-
alleled heroism he had doubled the stormy cape and
satisfied the world that the sea was navigable and that
men might live under the equator. Very soon, then,
the equatorial line itself would be reached.
Now the noble prince was much encouraged and be-

■I

PRINCR tiRNnr.

lieved more than ever that the geographical ideas of
Ptolemy and of Hipparchus before him, making the At-
lantic a vast inland sea, snrrounded by a southern junc-
tion of Africa and Asia, were incorrect ; and that Africa
was a continent, around which Kudoxus might have
sailed from the Red Sea, and Hanno, the Carthaginian,
from the Straits of Gibraltar, as had been affirmed b\
the ancients.' Thus, in 1434, when Henry was about
at life's meridian, he had fairly established the success
of his great enterprise, and put to silence the mutterings
of the Portuguese nation, who had about concluded that
it was but the part of folly to spend so much precious
time and money in an undertaking which progressed so
slowly and brought such poor returns.

Now that such visions of success rose before him on
the unknown continent, he applied to the Pope to grant
to Portugal all the territory she might discover from
Cape Bojador to the Indies. Meanwhile, in passing
down the coast, Porto Santo, Madeira, and the Azores
had been brought to light. In 1445 one of the Prince's
vessels made the immense voyage to Cape Verde. Five
years later the Cape Verde Islands were discovered, and
when Henry died, in 1460, his fleets had reached Sierra
Leone. He was every way a noble man, concentrating
a life-work in one great purpose, and establishing a new
and most important era in the world's history.

Now Portugal was not only renowned for her enter-
prise in navigation, but was developing a most lucra-
tive business in gold-dust, ivory, and slaves. Men had
long ince learned to strive for golden gains, but

' Wht ner these old-time heroes did perform this feat in navigation or not
is 8till a question.

raphical ideas of
1, making the At-
a southern junc-
and that Africa
xus might have
he Carthaginian,
lecn affirmed b\
ienry was about
shed the success
ce the mutterings
It concluded that
;o much precious
ich progressed so

;e before him on
he Pope to grant
lit discover from
vhile, in passing
and the Azores
le of the Prince's
ape Verde. Five
re discovered, and
ad reached Sierra
an, concentrating
stablishing a new
history.

ed for her enter-
ig a most lucra-
ilaves. Men had
Iden gains, but

at in navigation or not

Jtmm ,/o//jv //,

«7

the glorious light of human fr.:cdom had not yet
dawned. ''

Prince Henry had th. roughly arou.sed the nation;
the new enterprises which he had inaugurated had be-
come well establislici, and so King Alphonso, his
nephew, and afterward John II., continued t.. push
their fleets down the coast of the Dark Continent
until Vasco dc Gama turned the Cape of Good Hope
in 1497- Thus in about eighty years the Portuguese
had explored this coast of sonir five thousand miles

Meanwhile Lisbon had become the centre and resort
of cosmographers and navigators. Among others to be
found here was Bartholomew Columbus, said to have
been engaged in making globes, maps, charts, and nan-
tical instruments. But how, and when, did Christo-
pher Columbus first make his appearance in this his
most convenient place in all the wide world? We
might easily conceive of his coming here by a mental
and moral gravitation, but what says the record ?

His son Fernando, in his well-known biography of
his father, brings him to these parts by means of a
striking incident, as follows: "Whilst the Admiral
sailed with the aforesaid Columbus the younger, which
vvas a long time,' it fell out that, understanding the
before-mentioned four great Venetian galleys were
coming from Flanders, they went out to seek and found
them beyond Lisbon, about Cape St. Vincent, which is in
Portugal, where, falling to blows, they fought furiously
and grappled, beating one another from vessel to vessel
w ith utmost rage, making use not only of their weap-

h.ir*' "f" ^''?' '''"' '*"" """""■ "^^ '■""y o<^coJ,^cUo"nlh^rfeih7r
mlarsca.''^ ''''"' under "Columbus the pirate" in hi, early adve"

A CONFLAGRATION AT SEA.

oils, but artificial fire-works ; so that after they had
fought from morning till evening, and abundance were
killed on both sides, the Admiral's ship took fire, as
did a great Venetian galley, which being fast grappled
together with iron hooks and chains, used to this pur-
pose by beafaring men, could neither of them be re-
lieved because of the confusion there was among them,
and the fright of the fire, which in a short time was so
increased that there was no other remedy but for all
that could to leap into the water, so to die sooner rather
than bear the torture of the fire. But the Admiral
being an excellent swimmer, and seeing himself two
leagues or a little farther from land, laying hold of an
oar which good fortune offered him, and sometimes
resting upon it, sometimes swimming, it pleased God,
who had preserved him for greater ends, to give him
strength to get to the shore, but so tired and spent
with the water that he had much ado to recover him-
self. And because it was not far from Lisbon, where
he knew there were many Genoese, his countrymen,
he went away thither as fast as he could, where, being
known by them, he was so courteously received and
entertained that he set up house and married a wife in
that city." *

A noted incident, corresponding in every way to the
above account, is known to have occurred in 1485.

• Concerning this same adventure Fernando Columbus says: "Jerome
Donato was sent embassador from Venice into Portugal to return thanks in
the name of the republic to King John II., because he had clothed and re-
lieved all the crew belonging to the aforesaid great galleys, which were coming
from Flanders, relieving them in such a manner as they were enabled to re-
turn to Venice, they having been overcome by the famous corsair, Columbus
the younger, near Lisbon, who had stripped and turned them ashore."

'SEA.

t after they had
[ abundance were
ship took fire, as
Ing fast grappled
used to this pur-
• of them be re-
vas among them,
hort time was so
tnedy but for all
die sooner rather
But the Admiral
:ing himself two
lying hold of an
, and sometimes

it pleased God,
ids, to give him
tired and spent

to recover hini-
n Lisbon, where
his countrymen,
lid, where, being
sly received and
narried a wife in

svery way to the
icurred in 1485.

umbus says: •'Jerome
;al to return thanks in
le had clothed and re-
;ys, which were coming
ley were enabled to re-
lous corsair, Columbus
ed them ashore."

COLUMBUS TUB PIRATE.

Rawdon Brown, in his "Calendar of State Papers in
the Archives of Venice," gives the diplomatic corre-
spondence between France and Venice, the latter
demanding restitution from the former, under whose
auspices the piratical expedition had been made But
as this incident occurred after Columbus had left Por-
tugal, there must be some mistake in Feniando's quota-
tion, or there must have been another previous incident
so similar as to be almost identical in character As
Justin Win^or says : - It may yet be discovered that
it was irom some earlier adventure that the buoyancy
of an oar took him to the land."

Bemaldez says Columbus came to Lisbon in order
to avail himself of the new facts concerning the African
coast, that he might thereby improve his maps It is
evidently incorrect to associate Christopher Columbus
with the noted piratical encounter between the French
corsair and the Venetian galleys off Cape St. Vincent
m 1485. The following letter from Ferdinand and
Isabella to the King of England, November 5th, 148s
reads : - Columbus, Vice-Admiral and Commander of
the fleet of the King of France, has captured, off the
coast of Portugal, four Venetian vessels, laden with a
great quantity of merchandise, belonging to Spanish
subjects. As the capture is contrary to the treaties
^^ith France, Columbus has preferred to go to an
English port, in order to divide the booty there The
King is requested to arrest the said Columbus and to
restore the goods to their owners."

This was about the time when Christopher Columbus
appeared before the Spanish monarchs to ask aid in
his great undertaking. What would have been his

i i

COL UMB US AT L I SB ON.

chance for a hearing had they been able to associate
him with this annoying encounter just take'n place off

St. Vincent ?

By whatever accident, circumstance, or influence
Columbus came to Lisbon, certain it is that he could
not have found in all the world so fit a place for the
conception of his momentous undertaking. Would
not the entire Portuguese nation be in sympathy with
the achievements of Prince Henry ? Would not Lisbon
be the very heart-throbbing centre of the vast thoughts
of discovery which now moved the thinking world?
Here the future Admiral would come into contact and
communion with the greatest minds then engaged in
nautical and cosmographical studies. Here he would
converse with the heroes of the ocean, who had seen
and explored the coasts of the wonderful continent,
and had gazed on the new stars of the southern skies.
Would not his brother Barthblomew, who had an aflfec-
tion for him, amounting almost to veneration, do what
he could to retain him as a companion and partner in
his business ? Here were also bankers from Genoa,
who were ready to aid their countryman financially in
time of need. A good brother, kind friends, a busi-
ness ready to hand, money if needed, and a social
atmosphere congenial to one's peculiar tastes— what
more could the tempest-tossed stranger ask as a reason
for anchorage ? And here Christopher Columbus did
cast anchor ; joining hands, perhaps, with Bartholomew,
not only in cartography and manufacture of nautical
instruments, but possibly in copying rare manuscripts
not yet in print, and in buying and selling books.
And for all such commodities this must have been
one of the best markets in the world.

Tru
Strang
chapel
good f
in son:
Filipa
naviga
great i
zation
enterp
ren, a:
cultur<
introdi
as to
good ]
fruitle;
ing be(
bond I
Genoe;
lived i
and su

Resi
with h
conget]
voyage

' Darw

on the vo
the rapid
cumstanc
loured ei
Prince W
alamity
'lands w(
^ This 1

ble to associate
taken place off

e, or influence
s that he could

a place for the
taking. Would

sympathy with
'ould not Lisbon
he vast thoughts
hinking world?
into contact and
hen engaged in

Here he would
1, who had seen
lerful continent,
s southern skies,
vho had an aflFec-
leration, do what
n and partner in
ers from Genoa,
an financially in
L friends, a busi-
ed, and a social
liar tastes — what
:r ask as a reason
er Columbus did
'ith Bartholomew,
Lcture of nautical
rare manuscripts
id selling books.

must have been

DOK'A FILIPA PERESTRELLO.

True to his religious convictions while thus in a
strange land, he went every day to worship in the
chapel of the Convent of All Saints. Here his usual
good fortune awaited him. Among the ladies of rank
in some way connected with this institution was Dofia
Filipa Perestrello, daughter of a late distinguished
navigator under Prince Henry. She possessed no
great fortune, for her father had not found the coloni-
zation and governing of Porto Santo a very profitable
enterprise. This island, of volcanic origin, black, bar-
ren, and treeless, probably was not very amenable to
culture; and the governor in stocking it, having
introduced tame rabbits, they multiplied so rapidly
as to eat down every green thing, and obliged the
good man to spend most of his remaining life in a
fruitless eifort to subdue them.^ This gentleman hav-
ing been an Italian, there must have been a natural
bond of sympathy between his daughter and the
Genoese stranger. The story is short, — they married,
lived happily, and had a son, Diego, who became heir
and successor to his father's fortunes.
Residing during the early days of his married life

ith his mother-in-law,^ he must have found her quite
congenial, for she entertained him with accounts of the

oyages of her husband, deceased, and gave him full

' Darwin, in his Origin of Species, notes how Perestrello's rabbit, littering
on the voyage and bfeing landed at Porto Santo with her young, soon proved
the rapid multiplication of species in the tbsence of* enemies or adverse cir-
cumstances ; and that the rabbits, fairly swarming all over the island, de-
foured every green and succulent thing, almost converting it into a desert.
Prince Henry's biographers tell us that his enemies seized upon this
alamity as an evidence against the expenses of colonization, since these
'lands were evidently not created for men, but only for beasts.

^ This lady is now supposed to have been the second wife of Perestrello.

COLUMBUS AT PORTO SANTO.

access to the charts and records he had left. Pedro
Correo, who had married his wife's sister, was one of
the noted navigators of his time, and had once been
governor of Porto Santo. Intercourse with him must
have been stimulating and instructive.

It is most interesting to note how all this is pre-
cisely in the line of what proved to be the ruling
thought and purpose in the after life of Columbus.

In course of time the young couple took up their
abode on the bride's estate in Porto Santo. Here
Diego was born. This point being on the line of
Portuguese navigation to Africa, Columbus, somewhere
about this time, made an excursion thither— probably
more than once.*

Some time during this period of his life the grand
conception of a western route to India dawned upon
him. We need not resort to the slanderous rumor,
circulated after his death and still advocated by some,
that he obtained his information of a western country
from a certain sea-captain or pilot who, having been
blown out of his course and all the way to America by
an adverse wind, had returned to die at the house of
Columbus at Porto Santo. This rumor, brought for-
ward by the defence during the lawsuit between Diego
Columbus and the Spanish Crown, gained no credence
at the time,' and certainly should gain none now,
after being rejected by all the best authorities on the
life of Columbus.

1 Some eflfort has been made to throw discredit on this residence in Porto
Santo and the events connected with it; but it is narrated by Las Casas, who
got his information from the Admiral's son, Diego, himself.

» Oviedo says: "This story is a yarn which found credence only among
common people."

[NTO.

id left. Pedro
ter, was one of
had once been
with him must

all this is pre-
be the ruling
f Columbus.

2 took up their
Santo. Here

on the line of
ibus, somewhere
ither — probably

3 life the grand
a dawned upon
Luderous rumor,
'^ocated by some,
western country
'ho, having been
ly to America by

at the house of
lor, brought for-
it between Diego
ined no credence
gain none now,
uthorities on the

this residence in Porto

ated by Las Casas, who

timself.

i credence only among

COLUMBUS AND THE NORSEMEN.

Scarcely less worthy of confidence is the later
notion, that knowledge of the discovery of America by
the Norsemen, first obtained from Rome and afterward
confirmed by a voyage to Iceland, led Columbus to
simply rediscover for the south what had long been
known in the north. That the sea-kings from Iceland
sailed to the North Atlantic coast of North America
about the end of the tenth century, and that Colum-
bus, according to a letter of his quoted by his son,
went probably to Iceland, but possibly not farther than
the Faroe Isles, in 1477, "ot even the tyro in history
doubts. But where is the evidence of any connection
between the two events ? In all the voluminous
records of facts concerning Columbus and his times,
by both friends and foes, there is never a whisper of
any Norse influence over his mind or conduct, — not
even in the records of a lawsuit of several years, in
which the defendants of the Crown, as against the
claims of Diego, Columbus's eldest son, said every-
thing possible against the late Admiral and Viceroy as
the rightful discoverer of the New World. How could
any such fact, had it existed, have failed to be brought
to light during that long and thorough search ? Nor
has the most scrutinizing research up to the present
hour brought any evidence whatever to support the
above hypothesis. (See Justin Winsor's late work on
Christopher Columbus, pp. 135-148).

Then how unaccountable it is that the Pope, if he
knew that Columbus had a budget of facts from the
north, so important to the interests of the extension of
the church, did not so much as help the argument with
the touch of his little finger, when our hero was plead-

DEDUCTIVE REASONING.

ing with the crowned heads for those few small ships ?
The sovereigns to whom the overtures were made were
all the most faithful children of the church, as were also
their counsellors at Salamanca and elsewhere. The
slightest suggestion from the Holy See would have
turned the scale at once in favor of the Genoese adven-
turer.

But, waiving all external evidence, let us look at that
which is internal . Let us pursue Columbus from court
to court and across the sea as he goes in search of land
to the westward, somewhat after the manner of a detec-
tive, and see what knowledge and what motives his own
movements betray. His grand discovery was no mere
happy hit, like that of Cabral, when he ran onto the
coast of Brazil on his way to Africa some years later.
Columbus worked to a theory, founded upon a wide
range of facts and deductions more or less correct ; and
that theory would seem to be none other than the one
claimed by himself, his son, and his early biographers
generally. Given on the one hand that the earth is
round, and on the other that India could be reached by
sailing around Africa, as the Portuguese believed and
finally proved, and did it not follow, as a necessary in-
ference, that India might be reached by sailing to the
west ? Of course he had no conception of a continent
between Europe on the east of the Atlantic and Asia
on the west. He had made an estimate of the time
required for the sun to pass from east to west over the
two thousand miles of he Mediterranean sea, and hence
formed some conception of the distance around the earth
over which the sun passed in twenty-four hours. In-
fluenced by the views of Ptolemy, Marinus of Tyre, and

Alf

snic

his

fin£

win

► I"

bri:
Cal

AMERICA AND BEHAIAPS MAP.

7 small ships ?
ere made were
:h, as were also
>ewhere. The
e would have
Genoese adven-

us look at that
ibus from court

search of land
iner of a detec-
lotives his own
•y was no mere
e ran onto the
me years later.
;d upon a wide
5S correct ; and
;r than the one
fly biographers
lat the earth is
i be reached by
36 believed and

a necessary in-
y sailing to the
1 of a continent
lantic and Asia
ite of the time
to west over the
1 sea, and hence
iround the earth
bur hours. In-
lus of Tyre, and

Alfraganus the Arabian, he believed the earth to be
much smaller than it is. " T/ic ivorld is small^ much
smaller than people suppose^'' he wrote to Isabella ^1uring
his fourth voyage. Then he thought the eastern coast
of Asia to be about where the Isthmus of Darien was
finally discovered, and Cipango or Japan to be about
where he found the larger West India Islands. His

HAJA

... O:;.,

70 ■■■■■-

'Zf^i-^

} .i'

THE ACTUAL AMERICA IN RELATION TO BEH>:M'S GEOGRAPHY.

brilliant conceptions of India, then called Mangi and
Cathay, and of Cipango, were derived either directly or

HUMBOLDT'S OPINION.

indirectly from the glowing acconnts of Marco Polo,
whom Humboldt calls " the greatest traveller of any
age," and probably also from Sir John Mandeville.
These writers had travelled through Eastern Asia, re-
spectively, in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.
A careful study of their writings and also of the re-
ports of other oriental travellers, and not the manu-
script accounts of the tours of the Vikings or Norsemen,
were the guiding star of Columbus all through his voy-
ages of discovery. Hence he became the ready victim
of many a false and absurd notion ; and the reader is
frequently amused by the egregious blunders which he
was constantly making. " When the natives of Cuba
pointed to the interior of their island and said ' Cubani-
can,' Columbus interpreted it to mean ' Kublai Khan ;'
and the Cuban name of ' Mangon ' became to his ear
the Mangi of Sir John Mandeville.^ Indeed, nothing
surprised him more than to find only naked savages
where he had expected to find the wealthy and luxu-
rious nations of the civilized Orient. Humboldt has
well said, " If Columbus had desired to seek a conti-
nent of which he had obtained information in Iceland,
he would assuredly not have directed his course south-
ward from the Canary Islands."

Had not Aristotle, Seneca, Pliny and Strabo all
spoken of land to be found, in all probability, within
moderate sailing distance to the west? What land
could this be but that of Polo and Mandeville ? There
was, besides Columbus, at least one man living who
believed in the practicability of finding India in the
western ocean. Dr. Paulo Toscanelli, of Florence, a

» Justin Winsor, vol. II, p. 42, Narrative and Critical Hist. Am.

man

subli

thouj

mono

ment

know

about

land

estinj

Polo J

he al

tance

toldh

princ<

To
in rep
ocean
world
a lear
of Kii

"T
wishei

"I]
those

in anj

letter,

mine,

wars

his H

send y

will sa

this :

Marco Polo,
iveller of any
1 Mandeville.
item Asia, re-
ith centuries.
Iso of the re-
ot the nianu-
or Norsemen,
ongh his voy-
; ready victim

the reader is
iders which he
Ltives of Cuba
said ' Cubani-
[ublai Khan ;'
me to his ear
ideed, nothing
laked savages
thy and luxu-
rlumboldt has

> seek a conti-
on in Iceland,
; course south-

nd Strabo all
ability, within

> What land
;ville ? There
m living who
r India in the
of Florence, a

cal Hist. Am.

PAULO TOSCANELLI.

man of great scientific attainments, especially in the
sublime field of astronomy, was so moved by this one
thought that he might have been regarded as a sort of
monomaniac on the subject. And the peculiar senti-
ments of this savant must have been more or less
known, for Alphouso IV. ir, said to have consulted him
about this time (1474) as to a western passage to " the
land where the spices grow." The views of this inter-
esting man betray a familiarity with the works of
Polo and Mandeville and other travellers, perhaps ; and
he also claims to have derived facts of great impor-
tance from " an embassador to Pope Eugenius IV., who
told him the great friendship there was betwe-n these
princes, their people and Christians."

To him Columbus wrote in about 1474, and received,
in reply, a map of the supposed lands in the western
ocean, in their relations to the known parts of the
world ; and also a copy of a letter recently written to
a learned ecclesiastic of Lisbon, for the special benefit
of King Alphonso. The letter was as follows:

"To Christopher Columbus, Paul the Physician
wisheth health. •

" I perceive your noble and earnest desire to sail to
those parts where the spice is produced ; and therefore
in answer to a letter of yours, I send you another
letter, which some days since I wrote to a friend of
mine, and servant to the King of Portugal, before the
wars of Castile, in answer to another he writ to me by
his Highnesses order, upon this same account, and I
send you another sea chart like that I sent him, which
will satisfy your demands. The copy of that letter is
this :

BaMMWIBIHWItrrillW— WMBttM

3«

TOSCANELLrs MAP.

I/)

1/1

ft. ■=

< 2

h) a

S5 "

TOSCANELLrs LETTER.

« -s

I/)

(A V

< S

< 2
h) a

5 E

"To Ferdinand Martinez, canon of Lisbon, Paul the
Physician wishes health.

" I am very glad to hear of the familiarity you have
with your most serene and magnificent King, and
though I have very often discoursed conceniing the
short way there is from hence to the Indies, where the
spice is produced, by sea, which I look upon to be
shorter than you take by the coast of Guinea, yet you
now tell me that his Highness would have me make
out and demonstrate it so as it may be understood and
put in practice. Therefore, tho' I could better show it
him with a globe in my liand, and make him sensible
of the figure of the world, yet I have resolved to render
it more easy and intelligible to show this way upon a
chart, such as are used in navigation, and therefore I
send one to his Majesty, made and drawn with my own
hand, wherein is set down the utmost bounds of the
west from Iceland, in the north, to the furthest part of
Guinea, with all the islands that lie in the way ; oppo-
site to which western coast is descried the beginning of
the Indies, with the islands and places whither you
may go, and how far you may bend from the north
pole towards the equinoctial and for how long a time ;
that is, how many leagues you may sail before you
come to those places most fruitful in all sorts of spice,
jewels, and precious stones. Do not wonder if I term'
that country where the spice grows west, that product
being generally ascribed to the east, because those who
shall sail westward will always find those places in the
west, and they that travel by land eastwards will ever
find those places in the east. The straight lines that lie
lengthways in the chart show the distance there is from

rosCANEl.Lrs LETTER.

west to east, the other cross them show the distance
fntin north to sonth. I have also marked down in the
said chart several places in India where ships mi^^ht
pnt in npon any storm or contrary winds or any other
accident nnforeseen. And, moreover, to give yon fnll
information of all those places which yon are very de-
sirons to know, yon ninst nnderstand that none hnt
traders live or reside in all those islands, and that there
is there as great a nnniber of ships and seafaring peo-
ple with merchandise as in any other part of the world,
particnlarly in a most noble part called Zacton, where
there are every year an hundred large ships of pepper
loaded and unloaded, besides many other ships that
take in other spice. This country is mighty populous,
and there are many provinces and kingdoms and innu-
merable cities under the dominion of a prince called the
Great Cham, which name signifies king of kings, who
for the most part resides in the province of Cathay.
His predecessors were very desirous to have commerce
and be in amity with Christians, and 200 years since
sent embassadors to the Popedesiringhim to send them
many learned men and doctors to teach them our faith ;
but by reason of some obstacles the embassadors met
with they returned back without coming to Rome. Be-
sides, there came an embassador to Pope Eugenius IV.,
who told him the great friendship there was between
those princes, their people, and Christians. I discoursed
with him a long while upon the several matters of the
grandeur of their royal structures and of the greatness,
length, and breadth of their rivers, and he told me many
wonderful things of the multitude of towns and cities
founded along the banks of the rivers, and that there

TOSCANELLI'S LETTER.

he distance
down in the
ihips niij^ht
►r any other
ive yon fnll
are very de-
it none bnl
d that there
a fa ring peo-
)f the world,
cton, where
)S of pepper
ships that
ty popnlons,
lis and innn-
ce called the
■ kings, who
; of Cathay,
^e commerce
years since
:o send them
m our faith ;
ssadors met
Rome. Be-
igenius IV.,
vas between
I discoursed
itters of the
e greatness,
>ld me many
is and cities
d that there

were 2CX5 cities upon one only river with marble bridges
over it of a great length and breadth, and adorned with
abnndance of pillars. This country deserves, as well
as any other, to be discovered ; and there may not only
be great profit made there, and many things of value
fonnd, bnt also gold, silver, all .sorts of precions stones,
and spices in abnndance, which are not bronght into
our ports. And it is certain that many wi.se men, phil-
osophers, astrologers, and other persons skilled in all
arts and very ingenious, govern that mighty province
and command their armies. From Lisbon, directly
westward, there are in the chart 26 spaces, each of
which contains 250 miles, to the most noble and vast
city of Quisay, which is 100 miles in compass— that is,
35 leagues ; in it there are 10 marble bridges. The
name signifies a heavenly city, of which wonderful
things are reported, as to the ingenuity of the people,
the buildings, and revenues. This space above men-
tioned is almost a third part of the globe. This
city is in the province of Mango, bordering on that of
Cathay, where the King for the most part resides
From the Island Antilia, which you call the seven
cities, and whereof you have some knowledge, to the
most noble island of Cipango, are 10 spaces, which
make 2,500 miles, or 225 leagues, which island abounds
in gold, pearis, and precious stones ; and you must
understand they cover their templet and palaces with
plates of pure gold. So that, for want of knowing the
way, all these things are hidden and concealed, and yet
may be gone to with safety. Much more might be said
but having told you what is most material, and you
being wise and judicious, I am satisfied there is nothing

^<iiii<W«!»'Cd!jii^«s»H)tt!.riit%»ttia<l«t»---^

VISION OF THE ORIENT.

of it but what you understand, and therefore I will not
be more prolix. Thus much may serve to satisfy your
curiosity, it being as much as the shortness of time and
my business would permit me to say. So I remain
most ready to satisfy and serve his Highness to the
utmost in all the commands he shall lay upon me.

" FLORKNCE,y««^ ^5, 1474-^''

The above letter was soon followed by another, very
similar in character. It is a literary curi,osity, without
which this biography would scarcely be complete,
since it is a most important link in the chain of events
and discloses the magnificent vision which allured our
hero. And while there is no evidence that Columbus
borrowed his first thought of a westeni route from the
Florentine doctor,^ that savant was, without doubt,
much in advance of him, in the detailed" items and
elaborateness of his conception. His imagination had
worked much more minutely on this splendid picture
of the Orient ; using, in all probability, Marco Polo's
hi jh coloring, as well as the exaggerated statements of
travellers, who claimed to give their facts and figures
from recent observation. At this time, when the new
thought dawning on the mind of Columbus would be
almost enough to place him among the insane, in the
estimation of his fellows, the chart sent by Toscanelli,
planning his route in anticipation, and this letter, so
positive and explicit in all its particulars, must have
afforded an immense impulse. Imagine him poring

> Humboldt believed that the idea of reaching the east by sailing wtst
awoke simultaneously in the minds of Columbus and Toscanelli.

Harrisse, in his Notes on Columbus, p. 85, s-iys, " Navariete exhibits
documents which prove that Columbus first thought of his idea in Portugal,
in 1470, three years before he ever wrote to Toscanelli."

m i M iM - i .w'iii|i n> f1 m -■*--

SENECA'S MEDEA.

ore I will not
o satisfy your
ss of time and
So I remain
rhness to the
upon me.

another, very
osity, without

be complete,
liain of events
:h allured our
lat Columbus
oute from the
ithout doubt,
ed* items and
agination had
lendid picture

Marco Polo's

statements of
ts and figures
when the new
ibus would be
insane, in the
by Toscanelli,

this letter, so
irs, must have
le him poring

east by sailing wtst

)8canelli.

' Navarrete exliibits

his idea in Portugal,

over them in the still hours of the night. Every line
in the chart and every sentence of the letter would
cause the fibres and tissues of nerve and brain to
vibrate in response.

Then he may have turned to his famous Imago
Miindi by Cardinal D'Ailly, and reviewing those
references to the learned ancients, from Aristotle to
Roger Bacon, which implied the sphericity of the earth
and the eastern shores of Asia not far to the westward
of Spain, perhaps wrote one of his Latin notes on the
margin. Or he may have revelled in the wonderful
words of the Medea by the poet Seneca, —

" Veniunt annis foecula feris,
Qiiibus Oceanus vincula reruin
Laxit, et ingens pateat tellus,
Thetysque novos legal orbes,
Nee sic terris Ultima Thule,"—

which has been rendered, "Times will come, in
distant ages, when the ocean will reveal its mysteries;
an immense land will appear, Thetys will uncover
new continents, and the Shetlands will no longer be
the extremity of the world."

" Which poetical effusion so greatly pleased Colum-
bus," says Harrisse, "that he quoted it twice in full,
not to speak of Fernando, who wrote on the margin of
his own copy of Seneca : ' This prophecy was accom-
plished by my father, Christopher Columbus, in the
year 1492.' "

" Coming events cast their shadows before." While
Columbus was evolving his great scheme of a western
voyage, not a few heads were teeming more or less
vaguely with notions of land in that direction . Anton 10

=**i'«!^iStf»(«i*A.n*««*»WM

■aeiaanNiiwMWMiBwtwiwsM

'is i^mmiaA'itm mtimme^^isttamiikitatmi-

"Hr

LAND IN THE WEST.

Leone, of Madeira, told him that, sailing thither one
hundred leagues, he had descried three islands in the
distance. Some of the inhabitants of the Canaries
were sure that they had seen, at different times, a large
island in the western ocean, its magnificent landscape
of lofty mountains and deep valleys looming up dis-
tinctly above the wild waste of waters. Indeed they
had even applied to the King of Portugal for permis-
sion to go out and take possession of it ; but having
made several expeditions, failed to find land, which
still, however, rose occasionally on their vision.

How certain sailors to the far west had picked up
from the waves pieces of wood carved with some other
implements than those common to civilization ; how
reeds of immense size, so that "every joint would
hold above four quarts of wine," corresponding to
those which Ptolemy said grew in Ifidia, had floated to
the shores of some of the western islands ; how the
people of the Azores had seen among the debris
thrown up by the waves huge trunks of pine trees,
such as did not grow in their part of the world ; and
how there had floated onto the shores of the island,
Flores, two drowned men, " very broad faced " and un-
like those of any known country — all these rumors
have become familiar to the readers of biographies of
Columbus. And their chief significance is the gen-
eral state of mind which they discover. If the scholars
of the closet and the cloister were too far removed from
the facts of nature to sympathize with the great con-
ception of Columbus, at least a few of the common
people were nearer to the truth. Their eyes were out
upon the ocean, and there was more or less of a pre-
sentiment of land about to be found.

THE SOLITAIRE.

hither one
nds in the
; Canaries
les, a large
t landscape
ng lip dis-
tideed they
for permis-
DUt having
md, which
iion,

picked up
some other
Ltion ; how
oint would
ponding to
,d floated to
J ; how the
the debris
pine trees,
world ; and
the island,
d " and un-
ese rumors
igraphies of
is the gen-
;he scholars
moved from
great con-
lie common
es were out
5S of a pre-

But Columbus was the representative of this im-
portant idea. Imagine him as a solitaire on the lonely
island of Porto Santo, seated, perhaps, on some " rock
beside the sea." Probably no man living was more
familiar with the scanty geography of the world, then
known only to the few. Its incomplete chart of the
wide and unknown sea could be called up to memory
and the imagination at any moment. He seemed to
stand on the shores of the infinite ; and before his vis-
ion there arose, in the distance, realms of wealth and
beauty, peopled with countless numbers.

Whether the initial thought was all his own, or
whether it was more or less derived from some one
else, he was at least able to receive and assimilate great
thoughts, to make from them the grandest generaliza-
tions, and, wh ■ was greater still, had the singular
courage to acl ;. x their resultant of truth. The
clever recluse . .■ .^ in his easy-chair might specu-
late upon populous countries more or less distant in
the western seas, and the cosmographer might project
them upon parchment, and the poet put them into verse.
This would require a mere modicum of the geographi-
cal learning of the time, and a glint of imagination.
But, for one in the humble ranks of poverty and toil,
to amass the learning of the age, co-ordinating and
utilizing it to the greatest practical end, to enlist kings,
to procure ships and crews and venture into the terrors
of the dark and unknown seas, and sail into the teeth
of mutiny and danger inconceivable, till the land on
the other side of the globe appeared, will ever remain a
most astounding achievement. *

CHAPTER III.

COLUMBUS AND KING JOHN II.

O conceive of a great enterprise as possible is
one thing, bnt to project the best plan for
bringing it to pass is quite another. Some
years seem to have rolled by before Columbus deter-
mined how to undertake his scheme. He was too poor
to make an expedition on his own account, as the sea-
kings from the north seem to have done ; and, as social
orders and governments then existed, the enterprise
was too great for any but crowned heads or established
nations. He comprehended the situation. Tradition
says he first applied to the Republic of Genoa by letter
for the patronage needed, thus giving his native place
the first preference. However this may have been, we
know he applied to King John H., who came to the
throne of Portugal in 1481, in his twenty-fifth year.
This monarch was the worthy successor to the discov-
eries of Prince Henry, his great-uncle ; and with his
accession the grand conception of reaching India by
circumnavigating Africa received a new impulse. With
a true spirit of enterprise, he built a fort on the coast
of Guinea to protect commerce with the natives. Thus
far the African enterprise had cost more than it had
brought in return ; but the Portuguese, as also Western
Europe in general, had the most fabulous notions of the
wealth and resources of India. Gold, pearls, precious
stones, spices, and the finest of silken fabrics were
among its wondrous products. When the channel of
this trade, now struggling slowly across the Asiatic con-

tinei

tofl(

allt;

ingi

of R

the !

thee

Grar

hom<

inter

king

East,

out e

the s

he h£

omer

the 1

ticula

The

astro!

appli(

by mi

had ii

thus :

of na^

'Had
the grea
truly, "
igators,
prehens
into unl
the com
bus, vol

3 possible is
est plan for
ther. Some
imbiis deter-
was too poor
t, as the sea-
md, as social
le enterprise
r established
. Tradition
noa by letter
native place
ave been, we
came to the
;y-fifth year,
o the discov-
md with his
ng India by
julse. With
on the coast
tives. Thus
than it had
also Western
lotions of the
iris, precious
fabrics were
e channel of
e Asiatic con-

PRESTER JOHN. .-

tinent and enriching the marls of Italy, should be made
to flow around Africa into Portugal, a rich reward for
all the expenses of exploration would be realized.

King John was, no doubt, familiar with the astound-
ing reports of Polo and Mandeville, as also with those
of Rabbi Benjamin, the Spanish Jew, who had visited
the scattered tribes of Israel in Tartary, and those of
the ecclesiastics whom Pope Innocent had sent out to the
Grand Khan, according to his own request, brought
home by the elder Polo. He had also been particularly
interested in the rumors about Prester John, a Christian
king, believed to be ruling somewhere in the remote
East, if not in the interior of Africa. He had even sent
out embassadors in search of the latter. Impatient of
the slow progress along the coast of thje dark continent,
he had called a select council of the most learned astron-
omers and cosmographers in his kingdom, including
the learned Martin Behaim, to ascertain in what par-
ticulars the methods of navigation might be improved.
The result of this conference was a better use of the
astrolabe, an instrument similar to our quadrant, and
applied to find the distance of the sailor from the equator
by means of the altitude of the sun. If Prince Henry
had improved the use of the compass, King John had
thus rendered a similar service to the great enterprises
of navigation.*

Had It not been for the compass and the astrolabe thus brought into use
the great age of discovery could not have been inaugurated. Irving says'
truly, "The mariner now, instead of coasting the shores like the ancient nav-
igators, and. If driven from the land, groping hip ^^y back in doubt and ap-
prehension hy the uncertain guidance of the stars, might adventure boldly
into unknown seas, confident of being able to trace his course by means of
the compass and the a.trolabe."-i.> and Voyage, of Ckrislopker Colum-
ou$, vol. /, p. bo.

"^''-" Tui Mm wn i iff i wn wii i. . inmi>ii»Mi i ii M»)B iii x im ii ''"

JOHN II. AND HIS COUNCIL.

This ro3'al personage, above all others, would seem
to be the one whom Columbus might approach in be-
half of his magnificent proposal. Being of a liberal
mind and in sympathy with the latest scientific views of
his time, he saw, at a glance, the immense advantages
promised by the new proposition. But it was so novel,
so adventuresome, that it would not be well to encour-
age it without the advice and approval of his wisest
counsellors. A very select group, perhaps not more
than three — Rodrigo and Joseph, Jews, and Diego
Ortez de Calzadilla, bishop of Ceuta and confessor to
the King — were chosen to deliberate and advise upon
the matter. These men, all noted for their learning in
the sciences pertaining to nautical affairs, gave their
judgment against Columbus's proposition, as being
altogether too extravagant and impractical. " To such
men," says Irving, " the project of a voyage directly
westward into the midst of that boundless waste to
seek some visionary land appeared as extravagant as
it would be at the present day to launch forth in a
balloon into the regions of space in quest of some
distant star."

It would seem, however, that the principal cause of
hesitancy on the part of the King was the fact stated
by Ferdinand Columbus, — that the explorations on
the west coast of Africa, which occupied nearly half
of the working force of Portugal, and in which great
numbers had died, and which had not as yet brought
in very flattering returns, would not admit of the ad-
ditional expense and risk implied in the plan of Co-
lumbus.

But the King was not satisfied. He therefore called

i,„^- -.■^;a- jVtfa ^i g^ ai a, ., T.r >t j,-.'»TTO^i i MW i" aft"»; v"

would seem
)roach in be-

of a liberal
itific views of
i advantages
was so novel,
11 to encour-
of his wisest
ps not more
, and Diego

confessor to

advise upon
r learning in
s, gave their
on, as being
L "To such
'^age directly
ess waste to
travagant as
h forth in a
test of some

pal cause of
le fact stated
Dlorations on
1 nearly half
which great
yet brought
nit of the ad-
plan of Co-

erefore called

\i^^

THE SECOND COUNCIL.

s.a,-ggi^»fa.-3Bi>rir^Bi-Jiw-ji^-nittj-i

a second council, much larger than the first, to con-
sider the feasibility of the undertaking. But its
decision was similar to that of the former. The dis-
cussion must have been decidedly enthusiastic,—
almost a polite and good-natured sparring. The
bishop of Ceuta, whom the King regarded as one of
his chief advisers, not only discouraged the plan of
Columbus, but even spoke against the continuation of
the African enterprises, as tending " to distract the at-
tention, drain the resources, and divide the power of
the nation, already too much weakened by recent war
and pestilence. While their forces were thus scattered
abroad on remote and unprofitable expeditions, they
exposed themselves to attack from their active enemy,
the King of Castile." " The greatness of monarchs
did not arise so much from the extent of their domin-
ions as from the wisdom and ability with which they
governed. In the Portuguese nation, it would be mad-
ness to launch into enterprises without first consider-
ing them in connection with its means. The King
had already enough on his hands in Africa, without
taking up this new and wild scheme. If he wished
employment for the active valor of the nation, the war
in which he was engaged against the Moors of Bar-
bary was sufficient."

To this conservative advice the Count of Villa Real
made a most spirited reply : " Portugal was not in its
infancy, nor were its princes so poor as to lack means
to engage in discoveries. Even granting that these
proposed by Columbus were conjectural, why should
they abandon those begun by their late Prince Henry?
Portugal was at peace with all Europe. It would be

«K»»JlXr^tmtSmliii m m tm^3i»/^<mi>- ■

71IE SECOND COUNCIL,

I-'

her greatest glory to search out the secrets of the dark
sea of which other nations were afraid. Thus em-
ployed, she would escape the idleness incident to a
continued peace — idleness, that source of vice, that
silent file, which, little by little, wore away the strength
and valor of a nation. Great souls were formed for
great enterprises. Why should one so religious as
the bishop of Ceuta oppose this undertaking? Was
not its final object to spread the Catholic faith from
pole to pole ?"

The African explorations were thus sustained, but
the cause of Columbus was too uncertain to be included
in this appeal by the Count, smacking so perceptibly
of generous enterprise.

Evidently these advisers saw that the King was not
even yet satisfied, for the bishop of Ceuta suggested
as a quietus that i re should be a clandestine expedi-
tion sent to the west under the instructions furnished
by Columbus, to see if there were any such lands as
he supposed.

When Columbus was now called upon to exhibit his
charts again, and to give the most complete and explicit
account of his anticipated voyage, he no doubt regarded
it as much in his favor. Surely the King and his
counsellors were now being converted to his poposi-
tion ! But, alas ! contrary to his usual high sense of
justice, the King was yielding to the false allurement
of Calzadilla. A ship was being fitted up, ostensibly
to carry provisions to the Cape Verde Islands, but
really to make a trial voyage to the far west.' But

•Fernando Columbus says: "The King, by the advice of one Doctor
Calzadilla, of whom he made great account, resolved to send a caravel pri>

•"i*.- ' ■■ .. '.*.w=ajiwg6i-«i*»i-> ■!

of the dark
Thus em-
cident to a
f vice, that
the strength
: formed for
religious as

ing

Was

: faith from

istaiiied, but

> be included

perceptibly

ing was not
a suggested
tine expedi-
ns furnished
ch lands as

3 exhibit his

and explicit

ubt regarded

ing and his

his poposi-
[gh sense of
; allurement
p, ostensibly
Islands, but

west.^ But

:e of one Doctor
lend a caravel pri>

THE SECOND COUNCIL. .j

this enterprise, so ill-founded, lacked the conviction,
the conrage, and the determination necessary to so
great an undertaking; and the ship soon returned,
with no results except that the sailors were thoroughly
frightened by the huge waves and wild waste of waters,
which stretched out like an infinite expanse in all direc-
tions. One might as well expect to find land in the
sky, they said. Most heartily did they laugh at such
a foolhardy enterprise. This, of course, would cover
their failure.

When Columbus discovered the mean advantage
which had been taken of him he shook off the dust
from his feet against Portugal. On the strength of
Fernando's History it has generally been supposed that
his wife was now dead, and that his only child, his
little son Diego, was his solitary companion, as empty-
handed he looked out into the world for some other aid'
to bring to pass his grand scheme.

But an autograph letter of his now in the possession
of the Duke of Veraguas, his descendant by the female
line, and quoted by Navarrete, tome ii, doc. cxxxvii,
says that when leaving Portugal he left wife and chil-
dren and saw them no more. Thus his entire family,
except Diego, must have died soon after he left. There
would seem to be much probability in the conjecture of
Mr. Fisk, who says : " As Las Casas, who knew Diego
so well, also supposed his mother <o have died before
his father left Portugal, it is most likely that she died
soon afterwards. Ferdinand Columbus says that Diego

Tately to attempt that which the Admiral had proposed to him ; because, in
case those countries were so discovered, he thought himself not obliged to
bestow any great reward which might be demanded on account of the dis-
covery."

'■^****»^ w ^ > 'rtta| ti iintrfTrt

i^i Mtfi>iW^i»irr nmr i.ii , .^ ^ -^ ^ *l.l V i | -m nr i f , m iw t ^ ( 4

THE SiiCOM) COUNCIL.

was left in charge of some friars at the convent of La
Rabida, near Palos ; Las Casas is not quite so sure ;
he thinks that Diego was left with some friend of his
father at Palos, or perhaps at La Rabida. These mis-
takes were eas}' to make, for both La Rabida and
Huelva were close by Palos, and we know that Diego's
aunt, Mnliar, was living at Huelva. It is pretty clear
that Columbus never visited La Rabida before the au-
tumn of 1491. My own notion is that Columbus may
have left his wife with an infant, and perhaps an older
child, relieving her of the care of Diego by taking him
to his aunt, and intending, as soon as practicable, to re-
unite the family. He clearly did not know at the out-
set whether he should stay in Spain or not."

It would seem that he left Portugal secretly, and a
letter from King John, years afterwards, asking him to
return, and promising to protect him from any civil or
criminal process pending against him, may justify the
statement made by some that he was trammelled by
debt. Having been so deeply immersed in his studies
and speculations about land in the west, he may have
suffered his financial aflfairs to go to ruin.

His son Fernando says that " about the end of the
year 1484 the Admiral stole away privately out of Por-
tugal, with his son James, for fear of being stopped by
the King ; for he, being sensible how faulty they were
whom he had sent with the caravel, had a mind to re-
store the Admiral to his favor, and desired he should
renew the discourse of his enterprise ; but, not being so
diligent to put this in execution as the Admiral was in
getting away, he lost that good opportunity."

■«~aM»««o«SSWSB,-

II vent of La
ite so sure ;
"riend of his
These mis-
Rabida and
that Diego's
pretty clear
sfore the au-
lunibus may
aps an older
' taking him
icable, to re-
V at the out-

. »»

retly, and a
iking him to
any civil or
y justify the
mmelled by
1 his studies
le may have

e end of the
; out of Por-
j stopped by
;y they were
mind to re-
i he should
not being so
tniral was in
y."

CHAPTER IV.

COLUMBUS IN SPAIN.

|T is the opinion of critics generally that it was
not later than 1484 when Columbus left Por-
tugal, and that .some time during 148=; or
i486 he first appeared before the court of Spain.
Where was he during the intervening time ? Surely
he could not have been idle, for the one and all-absorb-
ing thought of his life pressed heavily upon him, and
he must now have been at least from thirty-eight to
forty years old. He would realize the importance of
economizing his time.

It is generally believed that he went to Genoa on
leaving Portugal, and that he now applied in person to
the republic for aid to carry out his plan. The nation
was in a state of depression at the time, and there seems
to have been a disposition on the part of the senate to
make light of their obscure countryman. "Who is
this Christopher Columbus ? " some one asks. " A
sailor of this city," another replies; "the son of
Domenico Columbo, a wool-comber. His brothers and
sister are here in humble circumstances." With the
depression of the little republic, the obscurity of the
applicant, and the wildness of the proposal, what after-
ward proved to be the discovery of a new worid re-
ceived but little attention.

Some say he now went to Venice and presented his

■.■(.s'ii-e--aa;**if

we*»«a«wwwi«i9* ■*.«»**.; r,^.>«<w*?p''«*»«»««,i>_'^

///.s rinsr Aprr.AHAxcR.

plan, hut to no purpose.' Of this, however, there is no
ofikial record.

At this same time he is said to liave made provision
out of his slender purse for his ajj^ed father and for the
education of his younger brother, the family now hav-
\\\f^ returned to (ienoa, after having spent some years
at Savona. Some ill-fortune would seem to have befal-
len them, to have made them thus dependent. Possi-
bly Christopher again set up for a time his little estab-
lishment for making maps and globes and for copying
and selling books.

It has ever been the custom to follow the order of
Fernando Columbus's biography of his father, and thus
introduce the future Admiral into Spain by means of
the touching incident at the door of the monastery. La
Rabida ; but ever since the publication of Navarrete's
famous collection of documents there has been a doubt
as to the priority of that event, in relation to his seven
years of solicitati(m. Finally, Mr. Fisk, in his '* Dis-
covery of America," has, as it seems to ns, arrived at a
proper co-ordination. He says : "The error of Ferdi-
nand Columbus, a very easy one to commit, and not in
the least damaging to his general character as biog-
rapher, lay in confusing his father's two real visits (in
1484 and 1 491) to Huelva with two visits (one imagi-
nary in 1484 and one real in 1491) to La Rabida, which
was close bj', between Huelva and Palos. The visits
were all the more likely to get mixed up in recollection,
because in each case their object was little Diego, and

' It is but just to sa_v tliat these traditions of an application to Genoa and
Venice are now regarded as of very doubtful authority, and yet it is difTicult
to account for the whereabouts of Columbus at this time, except on this sup-
position.

,^BK«-;«W»i»9«|i»^Si«;to^ai*:®^i|S?£S'.-. ■

:j«srt(i«ffe:*^***»iM*aii**«-i*^.^.;

///.S /'7/,'.v/' .M'1'HAItAXCE.

r, there is no

Lcle provision
• and for the
ily now hav-
t some years

have befal-
lent. Possi-
■i little estab-

1 for copying

the order of
licr, and thns
by means of
onastery, La

Navarrete's
been a donbt

to his seven
in his " Dis-
, arrived at a
ror of Ferdi-
it, and not in
Lcter as biog-
eal visits (in

(one imagi-

.abida, which

The visits

recollection,
e Diego, and

ion to Genoa and
d yet it is difTicult
xccpt on this sup-

in each case he was left in charge of somebody in that
neighborhood. The confnsion has been Iiclped by an-
other for wliich Ferdinand is not responsible, viz : the
friar Jnan Perez has been confounded with another friar,
Antonio de Marchena, who, Columbus says, was the only
person who from the time of his first arrival in vSpain
had always befriended him and never mocked at him.
These worthy friars twain have been nuule into one {(\
jr., ' the prior of the convent, Juan Perez de Marchena,'
Irving's Columbus, vol. I, p. 128), and it has often been
supposed that Marchena's acquaintance began with
Columbus at La Rabida in 14S4, and that Diego was
left at the convent at that time. But some modern
.sources of information have served at first tobemuddle,
and then, when more carefully sifted, to clear up the
story. In 150S Diego Columbus brought suit against
the Spanish crown to vindicate his claim to certain ter-
ritories discovered by his father, and there was a long
investigation, in which many witnesses were summoned
and past events were busily raked over the coals.
Among the witnesses were Rodriguez Cabejudo and the
physician Garcia Fernandez, who gave from personal
recollection a very lucid account of the aflfairs at La
Rabida. These proceedings are printed in Navarrete,
Coleccion de viages^ torn, iii, pp. 238-591 . More recently
the publication of the great book of Las Casas has fur-
nished some very significant clues', and the elaborate
researches of M. Harrisse have furnished others. (See
Las Casas, lib. i, cap. xxix, xxxi ; Harrisse, torn, i, pp.
341-372 ; tom. ii, pp. 227-231 ; cf. Peragallo, I'Autenti-
cita, &c., pp. 1 1 7-134.) It now seems clear that Mar-
chena, whom Columbus knew from his first arrival in

.■A»wft/ »i a>4 n g atiMy*/

1^,

A'r GRA.VADA.

Spain, was not associated with La Rabida. At that
time Columbus left Diego, a mere infant, with his wife's
sister at Huelva. Seven years later, intending to leave
Spain forever, he went to Huelva and took Diego, then
a small boy. On his way from Huelva to the Seville
roid, and thence to Cordova (where he would have been
joined by Beatrix and Ferdinand), he happened to pass
hy La Rabida, where up to that time he was evidently
unknown, and to attract the attention of the prior Juan
Perez, and the wheel of fortune suddenly and unexpec-
tedly turned. As Columbus's next start was not for
France, but for Granada, his boy was left in charge of
two trustworthy persons."

Falling back upon authenticated facts, he appears
at Cordova in i486, where the court of the sovereigns
was then held.

To get into the royal presence on so strange an errand
would not have been easy at any time, but the present
was singularl}^ unfavorable. The nionarchs were just
in the midst of the greatest home enterprise under-
taken during their entire reigfii — the conquest of the
Moors. For many hundred years these interlopers had
been a thorn in the sides of the rulers of Spain. A brave,
intelligent, active and enterprising people, they had
built up an immense civilization throughout the south-
em part of the peninsula. Granada, entrenched in the
mountains of Sierra Nevada, was their capital ; and
Malaga was their seaport. To drive the infidels out
of Spain was the desideratum alike of church and
state. The united kingdoms of Ferdinand and Isa-
bella, therefore, were vying with each other in the stem
battle, as the Moors contested every inch of ground

2''

"■'»<i«<ii«ai8«S!?^wi«»!i»»»«'s»«««»»a»««wa^^

»<iSto3»i«<*i><M»;;t«sJaBiK*\i .

)ida. At that
with his wife's
niding to leave
3k Diego, then

to the Seville
3uld have been
ppeued to pass

was evidently
the prior Juan
J and iinexpec-
irt was not for
ft in charge of

ts, he appears
the sovereigns

ange an errand
nt the present
rchs were just
erprise under-
Duquest of the
nterlopers had
pain. A brave,
Dple, they had
tout the south -
renched in the
capital ; and
le infidels out
f church and
land and Isa-
ler in the stem
ich of ground

ALONZO DE ^UINTANILLA. --

in the most heroic manner. The grand dukes and no-
bles were m full force, like so many lesser armies com-
bined ; and the magnificence of martial and armorial
display was not to be surpassed by anything of the
age. Scarcely less imposing was the crowd of ecclesi-
astics, who were also in the field to give counsel and
aid m this holy war. The King and Queen, with all
the court, moved along with the encampment.

Such was the absorption of the royal and the public
mind when Columbus somehow made his appearance
before Fernando de Talavera, a high dignitary of the
church, who was now confessor to the Queen This
introduction was unfortunate, for Talavera was not the
kind of man to sympathize with the views of Colum-
bus. If there were anything in this new adventure in
cosmography and navigation, it seemed strange to him
that the wise heads of the past had not discovered it
Men had not yet found out that " the world ?noves "
He deemed the proposition wholly unworthy the
attention of the monarchs in the present crisis of
national affairs. But Alonzo de Quintanilla, controller
of the treasury of Castile, to whom Columbus had
been assigned as a guest, was a person of progressive
thought, and " delighted in great undertakings." Be-
coming a thorough convert to the new scheme he
gradually introduced this man of strange dreams to
persons of influence about the c6urt ; first to the
brothers Geraldini, one a nuncio from the Pope, the
other a learued instructor in the royal household • then
to the Grand Cardinal de Mendoza, the most influen-
tial subject in the two kingdoms, and sometimes called
'• the third King of Spain." Thus, after a detention of

^8 COLUMBUS BEFORE THE MONARCHS.

about a year, this powerful personage in the royal
councils succeeded in gaining attention. Like an im-
mense revelation must the grand conception of Co-
lumbus have burst upon the imagination of the King and
Queen. How far beyond anything which Portugal had
achieved would be its vast results. Tlie fabulous wealth
of the Indies — the desideratum of the nations — would
thus come directly across the ocean sea into Spain, in-
stead of struggling overland into Italy, or sailing around
Africa into Portugal. But was this vast enterprise
feasible ? Might they safely undertake it ? * It seemed
too great — this vision of the Orient — to be practicable.
They would at least move cautiously. Talavera was
therefore instructed to call a council of the most
learned and scientific men in the two kingdoms, at
Salamanca, the chief seat of learning in Spain.'"
Whether great in number or not, it must have been an
august assembly, consisting, for the most part, of
ecclesiastics versed in astronomy, geography, mathe-
matics, and sciences connected with navigation.

How will this man of the sea appear before such an
array of learning and wisdom ? Will he be equal to
the occasion in presenting his vast and unheard-of
idea ? Aye, this tall figure, in plain — possibly thread-
bare—apparel, is majestic and impressive. His argu-
ments, thoroughly thought out and well arranged, are
from the most authentic resources in science and litera-

' "Indeed, when it is considered that the most pressing internal affairs of
kingdoms are neglected by the wisest rulers in times of war, it is wonderful
that he succeeded in obtaining iiny audience at all."— //c//5. Col., f. 6j.

'This junta met in the convent of St. Stephen. There is no evidence
that the University of Salamanca bore any official or responsible part in
these deliberations.

Gb.VM^^^-^^^^i^-*^1

\Rcns.

in the royal
Like an im-
jtion of Co-
the King and
Portugal had
ulous wealth
:ions — would
to Spain, in-
liling around
;t enterprise
? * It seemed
: practicable,
'alavera was
of the most
kingdoms, at
r in Spain. '^
have been an
lost part, of
aphy, mathe-
a;-ation.

fore such an
i be equal to
i unheard-of
jsibly thread-
:. His argu-
arranged, are
ce and litera-

internal affairg of
ar, it is wonderful
i. Col., p. dj.
re is no evidence
^sponsible part in

T//B COUNCIL AT SALAMANCA.

ture, well sandwiched with incidents and facts. If not
so ready to give away all the plans of his route as he
had been in Portugal, he is self-possessed and elocue it.
Maps, charts, and books are all at his command. Tnis
is no mere visionary conception, but a mo^t direct and
conclusive line of deductive reasoning, which, in more
modern times, would be pronounced scientific.

The more liberal members of the council, the win-
dows of whose souls have been open to the light, are
deeply moved, and receive impressions which will soon
mature into conviction ; but the majority, Talavera
among the rest, feel no force of argument, but only a
severe shock of deep-seated prejudices. Time-honored
notions, writings of the church fathers, and the scrip-
tures are all made to do duty in opposition.

Let us be auditors for a few minutes in this assem-
bly—possibly mere committee-room— of four hundred
years ago, and catch at least the echo of a few of their
leading objections to Columbus's idea. Here, for in-
stance, comes a famous quotation from Lactantius, one
of the early fathers in the Latin church. It is con-
cerning this absurd doctrine of the sphericity of the
earth. " Is there any one so foolish," he asks, *' as to
believe that there are antipodes, with their feet oppo-
site to ours;— people who walk with their heels up-
wards and their heads hanging down— where everything
is topsy-turvey, where the trees grow' with their branches
downwards, and where it rains, hails, and snows up-
wards ? "

Then the shade of St. Augustine, another of the
church fathers, is made to appear on the stand and tes-
tify against this preposterous notion that the earth is

THE COUNCIL AT SALAMANCA.

round and that there are antipodes. '* It is contrary to
the scriptures,'' he says, " for they teach that all men
are descended from Adam, which would be impossible
if men lived on the other side of the earth, for they
could never have crossed the wide sea."

And do not the scriptures imply that the earth is
flat ? Do they not speak of the foundation thereof, and
of the heavens stretched out like a curtain or tent on
the earth ? This man of strange notions, in the presence
of ecclesiastics, let him beware lest he smell of here.sy
and be made to feel the fangs and fires of the newly-
established inquisition ! ^

Then turning the views of Columbus against himself
they said he never could pass the torrid zone, for its
heat is insupportable ; that the distance around the
earth is so great that it would require three years to
make the tour, and no ship could be stocked with pro-
visions and water for so long a time ; that if one should
go directly across the ocean to India the rotundity of
the earth would present an impassable mountain to the
return voyage, over which no wind could propel the
ship.

To every one of these objections, as well as to the
many others we cannot mention here, Columbus made
a rational and adequate reply, such as would be re-

' " Perhaps we should have had the spectacle of Christopher Columbus
before the terrible Torquemada if Mgr. Alessandro Geraldini, of Aumlia in
Perugia, a man of learning and piety, but reasonable and prudent, who was
present at these sittings, had not overheard their menacing expressions
against Columbus, and, seeing the danger he was in from their blind fanati-
cism, run to report to the great cardinal the condition of things, arid by in-
terposing that great man's authority persuaded those over-zealous persons
that though St. Augustine was a wonderful saint and doctor, still he had never
been made authority in geography and cosmography." — Tarducci, in his Co-
lumbus, ffives Ike above as related by Geraldini himself.

CA.

s contrary to
that all men
e impossible
rtli, for they

the earth is
L thereof, and
in or tent on
I the presence
ell of heresy
)f the newly-

ainst himself
zone, for its
: around the
tiree years to
ced with pro-
if one should
rotundity of
untain to the
d propel the

ell as to the
umbus made
/ould be re-

itopher Columbus
dini, of Aumlia in
prudent, who was
ncing expressions
their blind fanati-
things, arid by in-
;r-zealou8 persons
, stilt he had never
arducci, in kis Co-

I HE DE CIS 10^ A GA INST COL UMB US. 61

garded incontestable at the present time ; but these
great dignitaries could not easily unlearn their old no-
tions; so the majority voiced the report, tliat this new
project was " vain and impossible, and that it did not be-
long to the majesty of such great princes to determine
anything upon such zveak grounds of information:' This
council is supposed to have been held in the winter of
i486-'87.»

The opposers of Columbus no doubt regarded this
decision as a death-blow to his proposition ; but, in fact,
the mere discussion of such a theme was a great move
forward. The leaven of the new idea, with its argu-
ments so well presented, had been thoroughly worked
into positive and leading minds. Time alone would
be needed to assimilate the determining forces of the
nation. Nor should we conceive of the years of pa-
tient waiting which followed as wholly without en-
couragement. The parties above mentioned as help-
ing Columbus to come before the King and Queen, and
also other persons of influence, came more and more
fully into sy mpathy with his views.' Columbus still

1 "Ferdinand and Isabella seem not to have taken the extremely unfavor
able view of the matter entertained by the junta of cosmographers, or at
least to have been willing to dismiss Columbus gently, for thev n.erely said
that, with the wars at present on their hands, and especially tha't of Granada
they could not undertake any new enterprises, but when that war was ended
they would examine his plan more carefully."— //«//.,, Col., p. 67.

» " One of these was father Diego Deza", young in years', but already the
highest professor in theology, and preceptor to the Infanta, heiress to the
throne, and who afterwards, step by step, rose to be archbishop of Toledo
primate of all Spain. He entered at once, in the first session, into the reason-
ing of Columbus, and not only listened with attention, but took up his cause
and with the help of the other friars labored earnestly to calm the noisiesi
of his colleagues, and to persuade them that propriety and justice demanded
that they should listen to the reasoning with serious attention. "-rarrf«cci'i
Columbus, p. 9j,

THE IIOL r SEPUL CHIiE.

bad the honor of being the guest of Alonzo de Quin-
tanilla, and the royal treasury made occasional appro-
priations for him. Moreover, the sovereigns promised
to give him another hearing as soon as the pressing
claims of the war were over. Meanwhile, in one way
or another, he rendered such aid as he could in the
various campaigns.

Nor were his thoughts concerning his great project
inactive, for we now find him adding an immense and
wholly new conception to his scheme for the future ;
one which he was destined never to realize, but which
was to have such great influence in determining his
purposes and movements ever afterwards that the
student of his biography cannot aflford to lose sight of
it for a single moment.

Who are those two strange looking travellers just
now entering the camp? They are friars from the
convent of the Holy Sepulchre at Jerusalem. Why
are they so pressing to see the King and Queen ?
They bring serious tidings from the Sultan of Egypt,
who has already begun to retaliate the Spanish war
against the Moors. He threatens, further, to kill all
the Christians in his dominions, to demolish all their
churches and convents, and even the Holy Sepulchre
itself, if the war is not relinquished.

The sovereigns were not intimidated by these threats,
but, in all probability, pushed siege and battle more
vigorously. But the leaders in the army are stirred
with the spirit of the crusades as the threats of the
Sultan become the talk about the camp-fires ; and Co-
lumbus resolves to turn to account the fabulous wealth
of the Orient, which he expects soon to appropriate

... • -•ism - if i^

THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE,

zo de Quin-
sional appro-
jiis promised
the pressing
;, in one way
:onld in the

great project
mmense and
r the future ;
e, but which
erniining his
■ds that the
lose sight of

avellers just
irs from the
alem. Why
and Queen ?
m of Egypt,
Spanish war
r, to kill all
•lish all their
ly Sepulchre

these threats,
[ battle more
y are stirred
treats of the
res ; and Co-
)ulous wealth
D appropriate

He will raise an immense army, and recover the tomb
of Christ from the infidel. From now till death this
determination is held with a firmness of grasp that
does not yield or hesitate for a moment. In his last
will and testament it is a main feature.

The last week in December, 1487, Diaz returned to
Lisbon from that memorable voyage in which the Cape of
Good Hope was discovered. How intensely must that
event have interested Christopher Columbus. Africa
was surely a continent ! and Prince Henry's concep-
tion of reaching the wealth of India by that route
would soon be realized. This was indeed fuel to that
flame which had been so long burning in Columbus's
heart. Oh, for the shorter route by way of the west !
When would it be possible for him to demonstrate it ?
But another item of intense interest connected with
this voyage is the fact that the Admiral's brother
Bartholomew was a companion of Diaz in the impor-
tant discovery. This is proven by a note in the
Adelantado's own hand, on the margin of the Admi-
ral's famous copy of the Imago Mundi, as identified
by Las Casas, who was intimately acquainted with him
and with his chirography. We are not surprised,
therefore, to find that the Admiral at once arranged
for a trip to Lisbon. On the 20th of March, 1488,
King John II. granted him a safe conduct, promising
him immunity from any arrest; but -it was not until
the fall of that year that he availed himself of it.
About the middle of August, 1488, occurred the birth
of his second son, Fernando. It is but natural that
this anticipated event should have detained him.* It

'During the Admiral's long detention about the courTTTcordova he had

6.1

THE DUKES OF MEDINA.

!ii

was probably during this interview with Bartholomew
that he arranged to send him to England to appeal to
Henr}' VII. in behalf of his plan.

In Ma}^ 1489, Columbus appears again in Cordova.
During the siege of Beza, which now occurred near
the close of the Moorish war, Zfifliga says he " took
a glorious part, giving proof of the great valor which
accompanied his wisdom and profound conceptions."
Being discouraged by the slow progress of his cause at
court, about Christmas of this same year he applied to
the Duke of Medina Sidonia, one of the most wealthy
and influential subjects in the realm, for aid, but to no
effect. The appeal to the Duke of Medina Celi, which
then followed, was more telling, for this noble person-
age entertained him at his castle for two years, and

formed an attachment to Beatrix Enriquez, a lady of noble family, but, as in
the case of Filipa Perestrello, without fortune. That this connection was
not sanctioned by marriage is implied by the entire absence of any record to
that effect, and is explicitly stated by Las Casas, and may be inferred from Co-
lumbus's will, which reads : '• I say and direct to Don Diego, my son, or to
whosoever shall inherit, that he shall pay all the debts which I leave here in a
memorial, in the form therein specified, and all the others which justly seem
to be owed by me. And I direct him that he shall have special care for Beatrix
Enriquez, the mother of Don Fernando, my son, that he shall provide for
lier so that she may live comfortably, like a person should for whom 1 have
so much regard. And this shall be done for the ease of my conscience,
because this has weighed heavily on my soul. The reason therefor it is not
proper to mention here."

In the exaltation of Columbus as Viceroy this lady never appears as
Vicequeen, nor does her son, Fernando, make any mention of her, though
he particularly notices his father's marriage to the mother of Diego.

" This fact," says Tarducci, "is certa nly a most unpleasant disturbance
of the harmony of the blameless life of Christopher Columbus. But who-
ever remembers the unbridled license of the times in matters of morals, and
the shamelessness of the example set by every class and condition of persons,
especially by those most conspicuous by rank and dignity, will not raise too
much scandal if even a virtuous and religious man was for a time defiled with
that pitch."

IS.

Bartholomew
to appeal to

in Cordova.
:curred near
is he " took

valor which
onceptions."
' his cause at
lie applied to
Host wealthy
.id, but to no
1 Celi, which
loble person-

years, and

family, but, as in
18 connection was
5 of any record to
inferred from Co-
go, my son, or to
h I leave here in a
which justly seem
al care for Beatrix

shall provide for

1 for whom I have
of my conscience,

therefor it is not

never appears as
)n of her, though
of Diego,
asant disturbance
imbus. But who-
;rs of morals, and
idition of persons,
will not raise too
a time defiled with

ZA RABIDA.

even contemplated fitting out the caravels and the men
necessary for his voyage. But how would so bold and
important an adventure, on the part of one of those
feudal lords whom the sovereigns had aimed so strenu-
ously to check, be received by them ? He would con-
sult the Queen about the matter, and thus give her
another occasion to consider the enterprise herself. If
she would undertake it he would join her. Her reply
was uncertain. But if she should assume the enter-
prise, she would be glad of his co-operation. This
virtual promise was forgotten in after years.

In the gloomy days of autumn, in 1491, sickened at
heart from hope long deferred, Columbus set out for
Huelva. He would get his son Diego, take him to his
other son and his mother, and find a home for them, per-
haps in France or in England. Moreover, he would
try to find out something as to the outcome of his
brother's trip to the latter realm.

It was during this journey from Huelva to Palos
that Columbus first called at the convent of La Rabida.
This, as we have seen, is made clear by the testimony
of Diego's lawsuit with the Crown, which Navarrete
has so carefully collated.

The poetic imagination will never cease to paint
the scene. This wanderer from court to court, so deep
in the contemplation of undiscovered lands that he
has never had time to make for himself a common
competency, knocks at the door of a convent like some
highway beggar, and asks for bread and water for
himself and his child. The door is opened and the
favor is granted, for it is but a small one, and common
enough, no doubt, with this time-honored institution
of good and charitable deeds.

JUAN PEREZ.

■*

As the humble guests partake of their simple repast,
the waiter is impressed with their appearance. The
worthy prior comes that way, and he also is interested.
Surely these are no common wayfarers — no mere
" tramps," as we would say. That man in threadbare
garments, but with noble bearing and an impressive
intelligence, must be one of nature's noblemen, with
some important mission to mankind. The hair pre-
maturely gra}', the lines of thought and care on every
feature, the pensive look of anxious sorrow — all speak
to the kindly heart of the good prior. A conver-
sation begins, upon which the destiny of how great a
part of the world is pending !

Again Columbus has come to the right place. In
the language of Mr. Knight, *' surely some good angel "
must have led him to Juan Perez de Marchena, who,
probably more than any one else living, could at once
sympathize with his deepest thoughts and purposes,
and give him a truly helping hand in this crisis. This
personage was something more than a mere ecclesi-
astic. He seems to have been learned and thoughtful
beyond the attainments of his age. Having an ob-
servatory on the roof of his convent, be was ac-
customed to resort thither for the contemplation alike
of the heavenly bodies above and of the boundless
ocean in full view beyond. Probably believing in the
sphericity of the earth, he had anticipated Columbus's
conception of populous realms in the western seas.
Many an hour had he spent in solemn reverie as to the
multitudes who might be living in far-off and mysteri-
ous lands, without the true knowledge of God. More-
over, he was possessed of those liberal sentiments and

those

readil}

guest.

But

Juan I

former

acquaii

ages a

and sai

him St

depend

La Ral

seaport

Spain.

rccenth

them Ik

the wes

of the 1

good pr;

most di

the cor

among t

town, wj

the Spa

He seen

unconim

sciences

guished

Alonzo 1

of wealt

singular

theories ^

wrfijasMi'-'-'

Imple repast,
ranee. The
is interested.
s — no mere
1 threadbare
I impressive
)lemen, with
lie hair pre-
are on every
w — all speak
A conver-
how great a

It place. In
good angel"
rchena, who,
ould at once
nd purposes,
crisis. This
nere ecclesi-
id thoughtful
iving an ob-
he was ac-
plation alike
le boundless
ieving in the
d Columbus's
vestern seas,
erie as to the
and mysteri-
God. More-
ntiments and

COirNSELLOHa FROM J'A/.OS.

those broad and intense sympathies which would
readily identify him with the aspirations of his
guest.

But no less important v.ere the relations nhich
Juan Perez bore to the Spanisli nionarchs. l\v had
formerly been confessor to Queen Isabella, and was
acquainted with some of the most influential person-
ages about the court. His position, personal worth,
and sanctity of character were all such as could give
hini strong influence. Hut he was too discreet to
depend simply on his own judgment. The convent of
La Rabida was about a mile and a half from Palos a
seaport, where dwelt .some of the ablest mariners 'in
vSpain. They were fully awake to all discoveries
recently made on the African coast, and some of
them had themselves been there and to the islands to
the westward. They had perhaps been the medium
of the nautical interest and information in which the
good prior himself shared so largely. Several of the
most distinguished citizens of Palos were invited to
the convent to intenaew the stranger. Foremost
among these was Garcia Fernandez, a physician of the
town who, during the lawsuit of Diego Columbus with
the Spanish crown, related the incident here given
He seems to have been a person of liberal mind and
uncommon attainments, especially in respect to those
sciences pertaining to navigation. Another distin-
guished person added to the social group was Martin
Alonzo Pmzon, the chief member of a seafaring family
of wealth and prestige. He soon came to have a
singularly clear insight into the facts, arguments, and
theones of Columbus, and sympathized with them so

77//J ^{//i/t.V /S IXTEliViEWED.

deeply as to risk projxTty, influence, and, ultimately,
life itself in the ^j^reat enterprise.

Here, for the first time, the views of a prophet of the
New World were receiving the unprejudiced and en-
lightened attention which they so well deserved. Here,
in a quiet and retired monastery, were those opinions
and purposes forming which were soon to lead the most
powerful courts and inaugurate an enterprise which
must affect the destiny of nations beyond any mere sec-
ular affair in all ages, unless it be the art of printing.

Juan Perez, through an able messenger, most earnestly
interceded for Columbus. Isabella replied favorably
and wished to see the prior, who did not wait till the
following day after receiving the intelligence, but
mounted his mule and travelled after midnight, through
the bleak winds of midwinter, to the royal encampment
at the new town of Santa Fe.* Here he sought the
Queen.

Many a sacred reminiscence of other days must now
have arisen in her mind, and was not the good prior
able to plead every point in the case ? lu this inter-
view, which turned the tide of fortune in favor of Colum-
bus, Juan Perez is said to have been seconded by
Louis de Santangel, a fiscal officer of Arragon, and also
by the Marchioness of Moya, an intimate friend of the
Queen.

Her generous impulses were aroused, and she re-
quested Columbus to be present again at the court.
With a true instinct of benevolence she sent him a
handsome sum of money that he might make his ap-

> This city, the name of which in English is St. Faith, was built as a seat
of roj-alty and a general encampment during the siege of Granada.

pea

of a

the

jou:

ofC

deli

dee]

beh(

will

adv(

but

cone

Tha

und(

even

the]

and

Boat

Alh?

roya

musl

somt

of w

what

poun

must

of tt

train

of tl

id, ultimately,

prophet of the
diced and eu-
>erved. Here,
:hose opinions
I lead the most
terprise which
any mere sec-
of printing,
most earnestly
lied favorably
•t wait till the
:elligence, but
tiight, through
1 encampment
le sought the

ays must now
he good prior
In this iuter-
ivor of Coluni-
seconded by
igon, and also
; friend of the

I, and she te-
at the court,
e sent him a
make his ap-

k^-as built as a seat
jranada.

T//E CONiQ_rEST or GRANADA.

pearance in a becoming manner. VVitli this $r, 180.00
he bought a mule for his journey, and provided a suit
of apparel. Was not success now probable ? Imagine
the exultation of spirits iu which he set out on his
journey I

Very .soon after the arrival of Columbus in the vicinity
of Granada a council of learned men is again called to
deliberate upon this western voyage into the " vasty
deep," which .somehow will not stay "//// ^/w,/." And
behold, time has wrought in its favor. Even Talavera
will throw some weiglit into the scale for the persistent
adventurer. The Queen, too, is es.sentially convinced ;
but not for a moment can attention be diverted from the
conquest of Granada, now supposed to be just at hand.
That consummated she will give this strange thing
under the sun a favorable hearing.

On January 2d, 1492, Granada surrendered, and the
event may well be regarded as one of the grandest in
the history of Spain. The united forces of the King
and Queen have finally conquered the Moors, and
Boabdil, their King, is delivering up the keys of the
Alhambra, that time-honored and beautiful palace of his
royal ancestors. A day of humiliation and sorrow it
must have been on the part of this brave people, who for
some eight hundred years had dwelt securely in the land
of which their forefathers had taken possession. In
what contrast with their crestfallen appearance, as they
poured forth from the palace and the vanquished city
niust have been the jubilant and triumphant entrance
of the King and Queen of Spain, with their grand
train of dukes, nobles, and cavaliers. These were days
of the proudest military display. Glittering armor

< «w^4ai«M.^wbti

»*B«««i«B»i»«^^Mai»8»«»jtf«ai»bS^^

COLUMBUS ASKS TOO MUCH.

gay banners, gorgeous plumes, grand music — all min-
istered to the magnificence of the hour.

It was also a signal religious victory. The crescent,
that hated symbol of infidelity, must nov/ give place
to the glory of the cross. Catholicism, the religion of
the Christian world at that time, was to place its arch-
bishop in Granada; and the whole world would
admire the achievement as a most signal one for the
Christian faith.

In this supreme moment of a nation's joy, how shall
Columbus be heard? He must stand aside till the
flood-tide of excitement has passed over. Meanwhile
he is the guest of his firm and influential friend,
Alonzo de Quintanilla, who will speak encouraging
words to him. But have not the monarchs promised
him an impartial hearing as soon as the war shall be
over? And has not the Queen just requested his
presence again at court ?

By and by he is ushered in, when lo, a new per-
plexity arises. This obscure adventurer asks alto-
gether too much for himself. He will be admiral of
the unknown seas into which he is about to sail, will
be viceroy of the realms to be discovered, and one-
tenth of all the profits from trade or conquest must be
his. These astounding requirements take the court
by surprise. Fernando de Talavera, confessor to the
Queen, now elevated to the new archbishopric of
Granada, is especially chagrined, and argues his oppo-
sition to the terms most shrewdly. The honor of the
crown will be compromised, he says, by yielding to
such exorbitant demands on the part of an obscure
and foreign adventurer. If he should succeed, he will

\IUCH.

music — all min-
r.

yr. The crescent,
It nov/ give place
11, the religion of
to place its arch-
ie world would
glial one for the

ti's joy, how

shall

md aside till the
ver. Meanwhile
afluential friend,
»eak encouraging
marchs promised
; the war shall be
.St requested his

en lo, a new per-
iturer asks alto-
will be admiral of
about to sail, will
covered, and one-
conquest must be
ts take the court
a, confessor to the

archbishopric of
i argues his oppo-

The honor of the
s, by yielding to
art of an obscure
id succeed, he will

UE HAS GREAT ANTICIPATIONS.

Stand next to the throne itself, casting his immense
shadow over the whole court If he fail, as he prob-
ably will, Spain, acceding to such high demands on
such slender prospects of success, will become a
laughing-stock to the world. This threadbare foreigner
has everything to gain and nothing to lose. The
crown takes the entire risk, and almost gives away
the stupendous result, should it be accomplished.

This is a shrewd putting of the case against Co-
lumbus, and. coming as it does from the Queen's
ghostly adviser, will settle it against him. But will
he not accept terms a little less extravagant ? Various
propositions are made, which are thought quite reason-
able and even flattering. The monarchs are willing
to pledge a great deal, but this obscure suitor, so
strangely stubborn in his demands, will not yield one
jot or tittle. This is a stupendous affair which he ex-
pects to accomplish ; besides, he and his descendants
after him must be suitably rewarded. He will in no-
wise belittle the grand enterprise by accepting small
pay. Then, this is but a stepping-stone to what he
conceives to be an infinitely greater undertaking — the
raising of a vast army to rescue the tomb of Christ
from the infidel. Here is an immense reach of per-
spective into the future — an unbounded hope. How
can he accept less than the original demand ? Indeed,
he seems to have become rich, Cor he offers to furnish
one-eighth of the expense of the expedition, provided
he may have the same proportion of the profits, which
profits must have been additional to the one-tenth first
asked for. This eighth part of the expense, it is sup-
posed, was to be obtained through the generosity

COLUMBUS LEAVES THE COURT.

of the Pinzons, who had so cordially espoused this
cause.

Neither side would yield, so, after all said and done,
the negotiation was broken off. Talavera seemed to
have given the finishing stroke to his scheme, as far as
Spain was concerned ; Columbus therefore mounted his
mule and turned toward France.

We have no record of his thoughts, as he wended
his way among the Audalusian mountains, toward
Cordova ; but we may imagine some of his sad mus-
ings. What a crushing disappointment, this! Memory
passed over the events of some eighteen or twenty
years since those realms beyond the ** sea of dark-
ness " first rose like a vision before him. During that
time, how faithfully he had striven at different courts
to secure the moderate aid he needed. He had tried
to give away the new world, but no nation thought it
worth while to accept it. The many years in Portugal,
and the two councils called by the King, had sent a
provision ship to the Cape de Verde Islands ! Genoa
had made light of her wool-comber's son ! Seven
tedious years of waiting in Spain had come to nothing !
Would France treat him any better ? Why was it he
heard nothing from Henry VH. in England, to whom
he had sent his brother Bartholomew so long ago ?

But the cause is not yet lost in Spain. Great im-
pressions have been made on great minds, and they
cannot be reconciled to the loss of so grand an oppor-
tunity. He who gave voice to this stirring conviction
was Louis de Santangel, treasurer of the church funds
in Aragon. He, along with Alonzo de Quintanilla,
went at once into the presence of the Queen, and, with

URT.
ispoused this

lid and done,
ra seemed to
erne, as far as
I mounted his

3 he wended
tains, toward
his sad mus-
bis! Memory
:n or twenty

sea of dark-

During that
fferent courts
He had tried
)n thought it
■s in Portugal,
^, had sent a
mds ! Genoa

son ! Seven
le to nothing !
^hy was it he
land, to whom
ong ago ?
a. Great im-
ids, and they
and an oppor-
ing conviction

church funds
: Quintanilla,
een, and, with

SANTANGEVS EL O^ UENT INTER CESSION. 73

that spirit and eloquence which is bom of intense emo-
tion, he almost reproached her for lack of discernment
and enterprise. As given by Fernando Columbus, his
words were as follows : " He wondered to see that her
Highness, who had always a great soul for all matters
of moment and consequence, should now want the heart
to enter upon an undertaking where so little was ven-
tured, and which might redound so much to the glory
of God and propagation of the faith, not without great
benefit and honor to her kingdom and dominions, and
such, in short, that if any other prince should undertake
it, as the Admiral offered, the damage that would accrue
to her crown was very visible, and that then she would
with just cause be much blamed by her friends and
servants, and reproached by her enemies, and all people
would say she had well deserved that misfortune, and
though she herself should never have cause to repent
it, yet her successors would certainly feel the smart of
it. Therefore, sinte the matter seemed to be grounded
upon reason, and the Admiral who proposed it was a
man of sense and wisdom, and demanded no other re-
ward but what he should find, being willing to bear part
of the charge, besides venturing his own person, her
Highness ought not to look upon it as such an impossi-
bility as those scholars made it, and that what they said,
that it would be a reflection on ler if the enterprise did
not succeed as the Admiral proposed, was a folly, and
he was of quite contrary opinion, rather believing they
would be looked upon as generous and magnanimous
princes for attempting to discover the secrets and won-
ders of the world as other monarchs had done, and it
had redounded, to their honor. But though the e/ent

ISABELLA IS CONVINCED.

were never so uncertain, yet a considerable sum of money
would be well employed in clearing sucli a doubt. Be-
sides that, tbe Admiral only demanded 2,500 crowns to
fit t1;e fleet, and therefore she ought not to despise that
undertaking, that it might not be said it was the fear of
spending so small a sum that kept her back."

Such are the mere fragments, probably, of what must
have been a most moving appeal. Others, too, jonied
in the persuasive effort, particularly that most worthy
friend of the Queen, the Marchioness of Moya, and,
without doubt, de Quintanilla.

Now, as never before, the grandeur of the proposed
enterprise burst like a glorious vision on the imagina-
tion of the Queen. But the King did not share her
conviction, so she would stand virtually alone in the
undertaking. Moreover, the national finances had been
exhausted by the war j ust closed. Her enthusiasm was
sufficient, however, to overcome all obstacles. " I un-
dertake the enterprise for my own crown of Castile, and
will pledge my jewels to raise the necessary funds,'' she
exclaimed ; and this was, without doubt, the grandest
resolution of her life— itself alone enough to distinguish
her as the heroine of her age.

But it was not necessary for her to pledge the jewels
of her crown. Santangel stood ready to advance fiom
the ecclesiastical funds of Aragon the seventeen thou-
sand florins necessary to the undertaking, and the loan
was duly paid back out of the first gold from the New
World, Ferdinand having used it to gild the royal sa-
loon at Saragossa.

Alonzo de Quintanilla and Santangel kissed the hand
of the Queen in token of their gratification over her de-

■■ \

sum of money
a doubt. Be-
,500 crowns to

despise that
vas the fear of
ck."

, of what must
2rs, too, joined
,t most worthy
of Moya, and,

the proposed
n the imagina-
not share her
V alone in the
ances had been
nthusiasm was
acles. "I un-

of Castile, and
ary funds,'' she
t, the grandest

1 to distinguish

idge the jewels
) advance fiom
eventeen thou-
g, and the loan
from the New
Id the royal sa-

kissed the hand
ion over her de-

COL UMB C/S'S PRI VILE GES.

cision, and at once she despatched a messenger, who
overtook Columbus on the bridge Pinos, some six miles
on his way toward Cordova. He did not turn .about at
once, for he had learned to be cautious as to royal prom-
ises; but when all the circumstances of the Queen's new
attitude were made known to him he came back to Santa
F6. •

Now the sovtieigns were willing to concede to him
his own terms, ':he originals of which aie still preserved,

Introductouv Sentence to the Privileges of Columbus.

" In the name of the Holy Trinity and eternal Unity, Father, Son,
and Holy Ghost, three persons really distinct in one divine es-
sence, which lives and reigns forever without end."

The things prayed for and which your Highnesses give and grant
to Don Christopher Columbus to reward him in some manner for
what he has discovered in the ocean, and for the voyage which now,
with the assistance of God, he is about to undertake to those parts
for the service of your Highnesses, are the following :

First, that your Highnesses, as lords of the said ocean, may ap-
point from this moment the said Don Christopher Columbus to be
your Admiral in all the islands and continents which through his
labor and industry shall be discovered or acquired in the said ocean,
during his natural life ; and after his death his heirs and successors,
one after the other perpetually, with all the pre-eminences and pre-
rogatives which belong to the said office, in the same manner as
Don Alphonso Enriques, your High Admiral of Castile, and the
other predecessors in the said offices enjoyed them in their own
districts. ' ^,

It so pleases their Highnesses.

JOHN DE COLOMA.

In like manner that your Highnesses may appoint the said Don
Christopher Columbus to be your viceroy and governor-general over
all the said islands and continents which, as has been said, he shall

COL UMB US'S PR J VILEGES.

discover or shall acquire in the aforesaid seas, and that for the

government of each one, and any of them, he may make choice of

three persons for every office, of whom your Highnesses shall take

and elect one who sliall be most agreeable to you, and thus the

lands which our Lord will permit us to discover and acquire for

the service of your Highnesses will be better governed.

It so pleases th«ir Highnesses.

, JOHN DE COLOMA.

Item : That all and whatsoever merchandise, whether pearls, pre-
cious stones, gold, silver, drugs, and other things and merchandise
whatsoever, of whatever kind, name, and manner, that shall be
bought, exchanged, found, and gained, or shall be within the limits
of the said admiralty, your Highnesses from this moment grant to
the said Don Christopher Columbus, and will that he have and
take for himself the tenth part of them, all expenses deducted that
may have been incurred by it, so that of what shall remain free and
net he may have and take for himself the tenth part, and dispose of
it according to his pleasure, giving the other nine parts to your
Highnesses.

It so pleases their Highnesses.

JOHN DE COLOMA.

In like manner that if on account of the merchandise which shall
be transported into the aforesaid islands and lands which shall be
acquired or discovered as has been said, or which by other mer-
chants during this time may be transported from those parts to
ours, there should arise any dispute in the place where the said
traffic is held and made, he requests your Highnesses that if by the
pre-eminence of his office of Admiral the cognizance of such cause
should belong to him, he or his substitute, and no other judge, may
take cognizance of such causes, and thus may decide from hence-
forward.

It so pleases their Highnesses, if it belongs to the said office of
Admiral, according as Admiral Don Alphonso Enriques and his
other predecessors enjoyed it in their districts, it being just.

j6hN dk COLOMA.

Item : That in all the vessels that shall be equipped for the said
traffic and trade, always, where, and whatever time they are equipped,

nd that for the
make choice of
lesses shal! take
u, and thus the
and acquire for
led.

c COLOMA.

ther pearls, pre-
fid merchandise
r, that shall be
vithin the limits
loment grant to
at he have and
:s deducted that
remain free and
, and dispose of
e parts to your

5 COLOMA.

lise which shall
i which shall be
1 by other mer-
I those parts to
where the said
es that if by the
:e of such cause
)ther judge, may
ide from hence-

the said office of
Inriques and his
ng just.
K COLOMA.

ped for the said
ley are equipped,

COLUMBUS GOES TO PAL OS.

the said Don Christopher Columbus may, if he chooses, contribute
and pay the eighth part of all that is spent in equipping them, and
that he may take likewise the eighth part of the profits that may re-
sult from such equipment.

It so pleases their Highnesses.

JOHN DE COLOMA.

They are granted and expedited with the answers of their High-
nesses at the end of each article. In the town of Santa F6, in the
plain of Granada, the 17th day of April, in the year of the nativity
of our Saviour Jesus Christ one thousand four hundred and ninety-
two.

I THE KING. I THE QUEEN.

By command of the King and of the Qiieen :

JOHN DE COLOMA.
Registered Talcena.

As Juan Pere^ and the Pinzons, the principal helpers
of Columbus, were at Palos, it was but natural that this
seaport should become the headquarters of the expe-
dition. And this came about the more readily, since,
by some offence to the monarchs, the town had been
ordered to furnish two armed vessels for royal service
for a year.^ These might be turned over to Columbus.
The royal order to this effect was duly read to the au-
thorities and people of the town, from the porch of the
church of St. George, on the 23d of May. The ves-
sels referred to were to be ready in ten days ; and Co-
lumbus was t!o furnish another, according to his own
proposition.

»"In consequence of the offeree which we received at your hands, you
were condemned by our council to render us the service o( two caravels,
armed, at your own expense, for the space of twelve month*, whenever and
wherever it should be our pleasure to acrnand the saiae." So ran the requigi-
tion of the sovereigns.

THE PINZONS VOLUNTEER.

But neither the royal mandate nor the promise of
the pay of seamen in armed vessels four months in ad-
vance could move these sturdy sailors. Their heads
were too full of terrors of the unknown seas, so com-
monly believed in by the unenlightened and super-
stitious in those days, to be led out on a voyage so uncer-
tain and perilous. Neither could the vessels be pro-
cured. Weeks passed and nothing could be done.
Even when the sovereigns send an officer to force
obedience to their orders, there is but little result ex-
cept a general tumult and confusion.

In this critical state of affairs the Pinzon brothers,
Martin Alonzo and Vicente Yanez, both very able nav-
igators, volunteered to enter the expedition, and
offered to furnish one vessel. They had many rela-
tions, friends, and employees in the place, and were
persons of strong influence ; so the other two vessels
were finally secured, possibly both were pressed into
the service, and quite a number were persuaded to
help make up the crews. But it became necessary to
proclaim freedom to those civilly and criminally ob-
noxious to the law,^ in case they would embark in the
enterprise, in order that a sufficient number might be
prevailed on to go. Indeed, some of the number, it
would seem, were even compelled.^ Under such cir-
cumstances everything moved on reluctantly and
with difficulty. Those employed to fit out the vessels

1 "The ship of Columbus was, therefore a refuge for criminals and run-
away debtors, a cave of AduUam for the discontented and the desperate. To
have to deal with such a community was not one of the least of Columbus's
difficulties."- /f?//s. Col., pp. 80, 8t.

» There is reason to believe that this most desperate part of the crews was
quartered on the Santa Maria, and that the Pinzons had the better element
—persons who volunteered under friendly influences.

did
ran
disa
selv
L
The

long
vess
by(
thos
cabi;
castl
saile
conn
latee
emb
abou
twen
A(
have
six
scuri
says,
are s
preci
previ
wher
a sea
prog,
cerni
mar\

; promise of
Qonths in ad-
Their lieads
seas, so coui-
i and super-
age so uiicer-
ssels be pro-
.ild be done,
icer to force
ttle result ex-

zon brothers,
ery able uav-
)editiou, and
d many rela-
ce, and were
: two vessels

pressed into
persuaded to

necessary to
;riminally ob-
:mbark in the
ber might be
le number, it
der such cir-
iuctantly and
at the vessels

criminals and run-
the desperate. To
iast of Columbus's

rt of the crews was
the better element

COLUMBUS'S SHIPS.

did their work badly ; and when ordered to do it over
ran away. Some who had volunteered repented, and
disaifected others. Some deserted and hid them-
selves. Nothing went smoothly and with good will.

Look now at the outfit for this unparalleled voyage.
The Santa Maria, said to be an old vessel fitted and
rigged over, is of moderate size— possibly some 60 feet
long and 25 feet wide— and is the only one of the three
vessels which has a complete deck. She is commanded
by Columbus and contains the most motley portion of
those making up the crews. The Pinta, with a high
cabin in the rear for the officers, and also a high fore-
castle for the common sailors, is called a caravel, and is
sailed by Martin Alonzo Pinzon. The Nina—'''' Baby "—
commanded by Vicente Yaflez Pinzon, is similar, but has
lateen or three-cornered sails. The entire number who
embarked in these vessels, each capable of carrying
about one hundred tons, was, perhaps, one hundred and
twenty.

According to the date of Columbus's birth which we
have accepted as probable, he would now be about forty-
six years of age. If "an impenetrable cloud of ob-
scurity " rests on his earlier years, and if, as Prescott
says, " the discrepancies among the earlies.t authorities
are such as to render hopeless any attempt to settle with
precision the chronology of Columbus's movements
previous to his first voyage, one thing is certain — some-
where, somehow, he had received a masterly discipline as
a seaman. His skill in keeping reckoning at sea, in
prognosticating the weather, and particularly in dis-
cerning the indications of nearness to land, was simply
marvellous — almost superhuman. And any one who

THE GREA T SEAMAN.

could outride storm and tempest, amongst rocks and
shoals and in mid-ocean, with such inferior and crazy
ships as were some of those in which he made his voy-
ages, must indeed have been master of his craft. The im-
proved compass and the astrolabe, those important and
wonderful instruments of his time, must have done
their best service in his hands. As a nautical astrono-
mer he was so familiar with the stars and constellations
as to feel " sure and safe " anywhere in the ocean seas ;
for by them he could at any time determine his exact
position, as if by a " prophetic vision." Whether he
passed his early life in the more honorable pursuits of
seamanship for his day, or whether he was trained
under the French colors of piratical notoriety, the fact
that he could emerf^e from a life of such unfavorable
influences as were those of the sailor of his day even at
the best, with such stores of valuable and important
knowledge, such sympathy with and insight into the
grandest philosophical deductions of his age, such sin-
gleness of purpose, indomitable perseverance, good tact,
heroic courage, and ardent piety, would seem to be a
most remarkable outcome — one of the most remarkable
in all history. If he were a pirate, as some say, he was
surely the njost noble and useful person ever found in
that class.

tern

barl

ovei

mar

port

But

Thr

seas

for J

of t]

mig;

mad

exp(

tion

vant

the

quel

the !

ougl

wort

ness

by 1

;st rocks and
or and crazy
nade his voy-
aft. The ini-
inportant and
t have done
ttical astrono-
Mnstellations
e ocean seas ;
line his exact
Whether he
le pursuits of
was trained
riety, the fact
, unfavorable
s day even at
ad important
ight into the
ige, such sin-
ace, good tact,
seem to be a
st remarkable
le say, he was
:ver found in

CHAPTER V.

THK [-IRST VOYAGK ACROSS THE ATLANTIC.

|N Friday morniii};, the 3d of August, before
the suu cast his rays across the orean, the
sails were unfurled for the distant and mys-
terious voyage. Never was there a more solemn em-
barkation. There is always a peculiar uncertuinty
overshadowing him who goes out upon the sea. How
many a ship well rigged and manned, with a certain
port in view, never returns nor is heard from again.
But this voyage was unlike any other of all time.
Three small vessels were putting out into unkuown
seas, without any definite landing place. Once and
for all, a line was about to be projected from one side
of the globe to the other. Ever afterwards others
might follow in the wake, but this voyage could be
made but once, and admitted of no parallel. All the
expeditions along West Africa and all previous naviga-
tion had been mere coasting. Taking the fullest ad-
vantage of the late improvements of the compass and
the astrolabe, and following out the natural conse-
quence of that astounding doctrine in philosophy,
the sphericity of the earth, this was to be the first thor-
oughly independent and scientific voyage. And how
worthy and momentous were its results !

Columbus and his men, conscious of the perilous-
ness of the undertaking, felt themselves overshadowed
by the presence of the Infinite. The former had

i.^M^MtSI^:i.iSJ^..fl

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THE DARK SKA.

confessed liinisclf to the good prior of La Rabida
and taken tlic communion, and the several officers
and crews had followed his example. The whole
community, witnessing the solemn scene, was deeply
awed and in a state of mourning. HiiN^ands, sons,
friends, and neighbors were going out with scarcely
a possible hope of returning. Science and natural
hist' vy have done so much to nuike us familiar and
at liomi \\\ every pait of tue world that we can
form no conception of the superstitious terrors which
then prevailed in reference to the boundless unknown.
Sea-serpents, mermaids, and monsters having no affinity
or analogy with the systems of nature w«;' c the imagined
inhabitants of the unexplored seas. The equatorial re-
gion was a belt of imta sable heat, where the very
ocean boiled beneath the \';rlical rays of the sun. The
sphericity of the earth would admit of sailing away
down hill to any extent, but to return up grade against
wind and wave would be impossible. Scarcely less per-
ilous were the clouds above. Not the ** albatross " of
the " ancient mariner," but the great " rock," a bird so
gigantic as to seize a ship in his talons and bear it away
to the clouds to gobble up its men, and breaking it in
pieces drop the fragments on the waves below, was one
of the terrors of the untried waste of waters.

Maps and charts of those times filled up the unknown
parts of the ocean with hideous monstrosities of the
imagination ; and the Mohammedans, whose religion
would not admit of such idolatrous art, imaged a huge
black hand in the horizon.

Toscanelli placed the Canary Islands in the same
latitudinal line with Antilla and Cipango, on the way to

f La Rabida
veral officers
The whole
, was deeply
-.Hands, sons,
with scarcely
and natural
familiar and
that we can
terrors which
;ss unknown,
ing no affinity
the imagined
equatorial re-
lere the very
lie sun. The
sailing away
grade against
rcely less per-
albatross " of
ck," a bird so
d bear it away
freaking it in
elow, was one
rs.

the unknown
osities of the
irhose religion
maged a huge

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on the way to

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IS
Ol

coLuymus at tjie caxar/es.

India ; and as CoUmibns sailed essentially by his map
sent to him in 1474, he went first to those islands to get
his starting point westward.

Peter Martyr adds that he went to the Canary Islands
" to the intent there to refresh his ships with fresh water
and fnel before he committed himself to this so laborious

a vo3'age.''

Nothing of importance occurred on this part of the
route except that the Pinla's rudder gave way. This

is supposed to have been no mere accident, but a trick
on the part of the owners, the vessel having probably
been pressed into service. The captain, Martin Alonzo

THE FIRES OF TENERIFFE.

Pitizon, being an ingenious and experienced seaman,
twice secured the rudder by cords, and the craft reached
the Canaries in safety the 9th of August. But this in-
cident made Columbus uneasy, and he made a thorough
effort to get another vessel at these islands ; but after
spending three weeks to no purpose the Pinta was ca-
reened in order to have her leaks stopped, and furnished
with a new rudder ; and the lateen sails of the Nina
having been replaced by square ones the squadron sailed
on its way on the 6th of September.

More than a month had passed since the little fleet
left Palos. Quite a detention this must have been to
the anxious Admiral ; but the time was not altogether
lost, for the stories of land to the westward, with which
the atmosphere of these islands abounded, must have
done something to brace up the courage of his unwilling
crews.

They were, however, in an intense state of excite-
ment. Almost anything out of the ordinary way filled
them with alarm. The streaming fires from the ma-
jestic peak of TeneriiFe, one of the Canaries, had af-
frighted some of the more ignorant ; but after Columbus's
explanation of the volcanic forces they were pacified.
All went well now till the last point of land faded from
the horizon, and there was nothing in sight but "the
fruition of the heaven and the water." Then the mag-
nitude and fearful uncertainty of the undertaking
startled their wild and untutored fancies. They im-
agined they should never see land again, and the near
prospect of death in the " sea of darkness " overwhelmed
them. These emotional spirits of a southern clime
burst into tears, and some even broke out into loud
lamentations.

tong

picti

pror

the

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in n

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m(
pe
ch
of

<FE.

euced seaman,
le craft reached
t. But this in-
ade a thorough
inds ; but after
e Pinta was ca-
i, and furnished
lis of the Nina
squadron sailed

I the little fleet
St have been to
3 not altogether
ard, with which
ided, must have
of his unwilling

state of excite-

linary way filled

s from the nia-

^anaries, had af-

after Columbus's

y were pacified.

land faded from

sight but "the

Then the mag-

;he undertaking

icies. They im-

lin, and the near

!s " overwhelmed

southern clime

ce out into loud

TUB SAILORS STEER BADLT.

Now Columbus's brilliant imagination and eloquent
tongue stood him in good stead. He drew a most vivid
picture of Marco Polo's kingdoms of the Orient, and
promised them great rewards if they would persevere to
the end. Had he landed in the empires of Tartary in-
stead of in the New World of savages and undeveloped
resources he would no doubt have been but too happy
in making all these promises good.

These poor ignorant sailors were soothed for a time,
but the undercurrent of intense fear continued, and their
paroxysms could at any moment be brought on by the
slightest untoward incident. And they steered badly,
causing the vessel to fall to leeward, toward the north-
east, for which the Admiral reprimanded them repeat-
edly. 1 rj J-

Columbus, expecting to find some of his isles of India
just about where the Great Antilles are, had such a
definite notion as to where he should reach land that
he gave orders to the vessels to lay by, in case of sepa-
ration, from midnight till daylight, after they had sailed
seven hundred leagues, for they might then confidently
expect to find land.

Here, also, occurred that precaution on his part which
has been so severely censured by some of his critics.
He must have been keenly sensible of the fact that, ex-
cepting a few of the officers, he had not the hearts of the
men who sailed with him. They h^d either been overper-
suaded or literally pressed into the service. They were,
moreover, for the most part, a very crude and excitable
people, with heads much too thick to accommodate the
clear and luminous notions of the Admiral. The danger
of mutiny was imminent every hour, and Columbus

THE DOCBLE RECKONING.

would have been obtuse, indeed, had he not realized his
peril. Hence it was that he kept a double log or record
of the distauce passed over ; the one, exact, for his own
private use, the other diminished carefully each day for
general inspection, in order that the crews might not
know how far they were from home. In view of the
fact that, in cases of emergency amounting to necessity,
casuists and moral philosophers of all time have justified
instances of deception, and considering the moral crude-
ness of the age in which Columbus lived, it would not
only be uncharitable, but even unjust, to stigmatize him
as deceitful because of the few instances of this kind
which occurred during his life.

Others, again, have ridiculed the possibility of such an
advantage being taken, believing the pilots and navi-
gators of his crews to have been capable of detecting any
such ruse. But let it be remembered how incomplete
the method of reckoning was in those days. The eye
noted the speed of the ship, and the distance per hour
being estimated, the hour-glass afiforded the multiple.
And in how many instances of difference of opinion be-
tween Columbus and his men he proved in the end to
be correct. Hence the confidence reposed in his supe-
rior nautical skill was altogether remarkable. Then,
too, his open figures of the distance passed over were
greater than those of the pilots of the vessels.

Tuesday, September nth, they saw a large fragment
of the mast of a vessel, apparently of 120 tons, but could
not pick it up.

On the 13th, for the first time in the history of that
newly-improved instrument, certain peculiar variations
in the needle of the compass were observed. After

not realized his
le log or record
act, for his own
ly each day for
ews might not
In view of the
iig to necessity,
e have justified
le moral crude-
d, it would not
stigmatize him
ss of this kind

>ility of such an
)ilots and navi-
>f detecting any
tiow incomplete
ays. The eye
tance per hour
I the multiple.
e of opinion be-
in the end to
ed in his supe-
rkable. Then,
Lssed over were
ssels.

large fragment
tons, but could

history of that
uliar variations
Dserved. After

VARIATION OF THE COMPASS.

pointing several degrees to»the northeast of the polar
star it gradually moved westward to the line of no
variation, and then beyond to the westward. This was
a sufficient cause of alarm to the sailors. Must they
not now be in some part of the world where the ordinary
laws of nature did not operate, and where the forces to
be met could not be calculated?*

Columbus cast about for an explanation. He told his
pilots that the magnetic needle did not point directly to
the polar star, but to some point in its vicinity, around
which that body itself described a circle. This hypoth-
esis quieted their fears, and in course of time satisfied
Columbus himself

On the 14th the men on the N/na saw a tropical bird
which they did not think ever went more than twenty
leagues from land.

Imagine the intense interest with which the changes
in sea and sky must have been noted by every observ-
ing person in the crews ! On the night of the 14th of
September a flaming meteor went streaming through
the star-lit heavens, and dropped into the sea only a
few miles distant. In thato- clear atmosphere of the
tropics, and on the immense unbroken expanse of
waters, such a phenomenon would have been striking
enough to any one, but to the aflfrighted imaginations
of t^ese men this trailing flame, burning for twelve or
fifteen seconds, was simply terrific. Again it was
necessary for the philosophic resources of Columbus
to be taxed for an explanation.

The vessels were now sailing directly in the current

* In after years Columbus thought that a studjr of this variation of the
magnetic needle might afford a ready way for ascertaining longitude, the line
of no variation being a meridian line.

THE TRADE-WINDS.

of the trade-winds, which, including a belt of several
degrees, follows the sun from east to west. This in-
teresting and important fact in nature was not yet
known, and it seemed strange and alarming that they
should have no variation whatever in the wind. Would
it forever drive them away from home, and never
change, so as to make their return possible ? Colum-
bus, however, was all confidence. Having no sym-
pathy whatever with these fears, he was simply enjoy-
ing the amenity of nature, as the wind abaft was
wafting them over a quiet sea, without the necessity
of changing a sail for many days. On the i6th,
occasional showers rendered the air yet more salu-
brious ; and to the keen senses of our seaman there
wanted only the song of the nightingale to make the
balmy days and nights like those in Andalusia.

The next thing which attracted their attention was
the immense tracts of sea-weeds, or Saragossa Sea, into
which they suddenly came. Here, too, they saw some
tunny fishes' ; and Columbus picked up a live crab.
As their vessels ploughed through the weeds, some of
the timid sailors almost looked for the tree-tops of
sunken islands ; but Columbus, ever ready with some
analogy found in the ancient classics, now recalled
Aristotle's account of the ships from Cadiz, which,
sailing along by the straits of Gibraltar, were driven
a long way west by a violent east wind, and encoun-
tered immense fields of weeds, among which they saw
many tunny fishes. It could not be pos sible that they

iThetunnv fi«h is a huge species of mackerel. This was no doubt the
tunny of Europe, attaining a length of 15 to 20 feet, and sometimes weighing
,,000 pounds, a food-fish which these sailors must have met previously in the
Mediterranean.

BIRD TOKENS.

belt of several
vest. This iii-
e was not yet
tiiiiig that they

wind. Would
lie, and never
iible ? Coluni-
aving no syni-
3 simply enjoy-
and abaft was
t the necessity

On the 1 6th,
yet more salu-
r seaman there
ale to make the
tidalusia.
r attention was
agossa Sea, into
, they saw some

up a live crab.

weeds, some of
the tree-tops of
-eady with some
:s, now recalled
a Cadiz, which,
tar, were driven
id, and encoun-
which they saw
ossible that they

'his was no doubt the
id sometimes weighing
,re met previously' in the

had yet reached India ; but these weeds must have
been torn by the storms from rocks and river-banks,
and they were no doubt approaching some of the vari-
ous islands which Toscanelli had laid down on his map
as lying en route to Mangi and Cathay. How complete
was the delusion of our hero as to the nearness of the
shores of Eastern Asia !

About this time several species of birds were seen ;
but the accounts are so imperfect as to make it im-
possible to identify them. The alcatraz, now flying
about the vessels, must have been a species of gull ;
and the mho de Jtoico^ with long feathers in the centre
of the tail, called rush-tail by the Spaniards and straw-
tail by the French, was probably the elegant tropic-
bird — possibly a species of skua. As to the land-birds
which they thought spent part of the night on board
ship about the 20th, they must have been mistaken,
for they were now about midway from the Canaries to
the West Indies. .

Again they had reached clear water, and the ships
were crowding all sail. The steady wind was carrying
them along swiftly over a sea as smooth as glass, and
every eye was on the alert, hoping to gain the annual
pension of ten thousand maravedis which the sover-
eigns had promised to him who should first see land.
The Pinta, being the swiftest sailor, kept ahead.
Clouds of birds were flying toward the north, and Mar-
tin Alonzo Piuzon thought he saw land in that direc-
tion, but Columbus kept steadily to the west, believing,
as heretofore, that land was surely to be found in that
course.

On the 2 2d the wind was from the west, and the

THE MUTINI

ships were oblijred to tack to the northwest. 1 us
cheered Columbus, aud he wrote iu his journal : '' This
wind was verv necessary to me, for my crew had grown
much alarmed, dreading that they never should meet
in these seas with a fair wind to return to Spam."

By and by the wind nearly died away, and the un-
easy crew began to gather in knots, and to discuss the
necessity of turning back. They had come far enough
to test the wild notion of land in the west ; the cook
was reporting the provisions as fully half consumed ;
the vessels were beginning to show the effects of the
long voyage ; the chances of being able to reach home
were slender enough now ; what hope of return would
they have if they still continued the mad voyage ? As
to Columbus, he was a mere visionary, his head so
turned with his wild notion that he set no value on
his life anyway. But they need not be over particular
about him. He had but few friends and not a few en-
emies. They might push him overboard, and say he fell
into the sea while indulging his constant habit of gaz-
ing at the stars. No one would lay the matter to heart
or ask close questions about him ; and they would be
looked upon as heroes, who, having explored the wide
ocean, had settled the fact that land was not to be
found to the westward.

The Admiral overheard their mutterings and noticed
their " black looks ;" but he resolved to be firm and
risk his life if necessary. " The sea was calm because
they were approaching land," he said. " Did they not
notice the many flights of birds and other signs of
landfall ? " Again he would remind them of the dis-
pleasure of the sovereigns and the punishment due
them if they hindered the voyage.

LAXD! f.AXm

rtlnvest. This
Mirnal: "This
:rew had grown
er should meet
to Spain."
ay, and the un-
\ to discuss the
ome far enough
west ; the cook
lalf consumed ;
e effects of the
e to reach home
3f return would
ad voyage ? As
ry, his head so
,et no value on
: overparticular
id not a few en-
d, and say he fell
mt habit of gaz-
e matter to heart
i they would be
xplored the wide
was not to be

rings and noticed
1 to be firm and
vras calm because
" Did they not
i other signs of
them of the dis-
punishment due

But on the 25th of September the wind favored
them again, and, us there is '' nothing like a freshening
bree/e," a better spirit prevailed. The vessels sailed
close together, so closely that Columbus and Martin
Alonzo Pinzon chatted familiarly, and the latter tossed
to the former a chart loaned him some days before,
and now secured by a cord as it passed from one
vessel to the other. " According to this map," said
Martin Alonzo, " we should now be near Cipango and
the other islands near it." " That is quite possible,"
said Columbus, " but, on the other hand, the ships may
have been turned somewhat from their proper course
by the strong currents so apparent, or the pilots may
be mistaken in their reckoning, and we may not have
sailed so far as they report."

Now Columbus and his officers on the Santa Maria
gather about the map, and try to make out their exact
present position in the ocean ; and soon they are
startled by a shout from the Pinta, " Land ! Land !
Sefior, I claim my reward ! " cried Martin Alonzo Pin-
zon, from the high stern of his vessel, and pointing to
the southwest, where there was indeed the appearance
of land in the distance. Columbus fell upon his
knees and devoutly thanked God. Martin Alonzo
as devoutly repeated the Gloria in cxcelsis^ the several
crews within the range of his voice joining in solemn
concert.

Now every heart beat with joyful expectation. The
sailors scrambled to the mast-head and clung about
the rigging, straining their eyes for a glimpse of the
supposed land. Throughout the night Columbus
stood the ships in that direction, but the morning

9«

aoon { iiEER.

revealed notliiiiK^ save the wild stretch of the ocean.
They had been allured hy a deceptive eveiiiiiK ^loud.
Aj^ain they sailed westward.

But this delusiuu seems to have done the sailors
j-ood. They are decidedly cheerrul, and as the
weather is mild and the sea delightfully tranquil for
several days, they amuse themselves by jumping over-
hoard and swimming abreast the ships. Schools of
dolphins raise their backs out of the waters, and there is
:in al)nndance of flying-fishes, " which arc about a span
long, and have two little wings like a bat ; they fly
about a pike high from the water, and a musket-shot
in length, more or less, and sometimes they drop upon
the ships." Here, too, they see schools of fishes with
" gilt backs," some of which they catch. Are not the
flights of various birds also increasing ? The elegant
tropic-birds, the jfcgers chasing the pelicans and
gulls and forcing them to disgorge their food, are all
species which do not go more than twenty leagues from
land. wSigns of land increase and every one feels
happy. Every now and then the cry of *'land" is
heard, until the false report becomes demoralizing,
and it is necessary for the Admiral to afiirm that, if
any one's announcement does not prove true after
three days' sailing, he shall forfeit the reward, even
though he may afterwards sight land first. But the
Nina, sailing ahead, becomes assured. On Sunday
morning, October 7th, at sunrise, she hoi.sts a flag and
fires a gun in signal of land ; but again all signs fail.
A general depression now steals over the crews, and
even Martin Alonzo Pinzon begins to doubt whether
they are sailing in the right direction.

■>--">- '- m » iii fw w!Hi m iai M | g[(i'nw>f"" • ' " •- -

77//': A'/tCA'OX/\(;.

of the ocean,
eveninj^' cloud.

:)iie the sailors
, and as the
lly tranquil for
' jumping ovcr-
)S. Schools of
?rs, and there is
re about a span
a bat ; they fly
a niusket-shot
they drop upon
Is of fishes with
;i. Are not the
? The elegant
pelicans and
eir food, are all
ty leagues from
very one feels
■/ of "land" is
5 demoralizing,

affirm that, if
rove true after
le reward, even

1 first. But the
[. On Sunday
ioi.sts a flag and
n all signs fail,
r the crews, and
I doubt whether

They had now sailed, according to Columl)Us's private
reckoning some 707 leagues. His open figures were
58.1 ; his pilot's, 57S ; the reckoning of the jV///<i, two
days later, was 540 leagues ; that of the l^i'uta, 6;^4.
All knew that they had sailed a great distance, but
just as the crews were l)ecoming desperate the small
land-birds began to fly in clouds to the southwest.
This was a sure sign of land. Had not the Portuguese
been constantly guided by the flight of land-birds in
discovering the islands off the west coast of Africa?
These birds are going southwest to spend the night,
or are migrating for the winter. Colum])us, on the
evening of this same Sunday, bent his course to the
southwest, thus conforming to the bird-omen, and at
the same time gratifying his men.

And the small land-birds continue to fly, many of
them bright and beautiful in color. Some alight
familiarly about the rigging of the ships, and one can
hear their notes as they pass over at night. Even the
heron, the pelican, and the duck which they see, all
fly in the same southvvestward course, and the
Admiral's keen sense of smell seems to detect the
fragrance of breezes from off the land.

Notwithstanding all these signs of landfall, on the
evening of the third day of sailing in this direction, as
the sun sank into a " shoreless ocean," there began to be
3 universal clamor to put about the ships and return
home. ' •'

Columbus attempted to reason with the discontents,
but finding it useless he became peremptory, and
declared that as the sovereigns had sent them out to
find land, and as the signs of land were constantly

SIGNS OF LAND.

multiplying, they would not return until they had
fulfilled their mission. The notion that he compro-
mised with them, and promised to return if they did
not find land in three days, is not in accordance with
the evidences in the case, and has been discarded by
every competent critic.

Thick and fast now come the facts in support of Co-
lumbus. Fre?l>water alga; appeared, and a kind of
green fish keeping about rocks in rivers. Who could
discredit that fresh branch of thorn ornamented with
bright red berries ? — or that green rush floating by ? —
or that bit of board ?— or that staff so skilfully carved ?
As these v/elcome objects were picked up from the
waters, and parsed around among the admiring crews,
no one any longer doubted ; and every one was on a
sharp lookout for the much-desired land.

Impressive indeed must have been that memorable
evening of October nth, before the landfall. A fresh
breeze was wafting the vessels swiftly over a tranquil
sea, and the evening sky was bright above them. As
usual, the sailors had sung their evening hymn to the
Virgin. Then Columbus addressed his crew. His
whole being was deeply moved, and he spoke like one
intensely conscious of some great event just at hand.
He was assured that the momentous achievement for
which his whole life had been a struggle was within
a few hours of its consummation. Kvery fibre of his
being must have vibrated to his words, as he reminded
those about him of the smooth sea over which, in the
providence of God, they had sailed with a favoring
breeze for so many days ; of the many signs of land
which had cheered their hopes in time of depression ;

THE LIGHT.

until they had
hat he compro-
:turn if they did
accordance with
jen discarded by

n support of Co-
, and a kind of
rs. Who could
ornamented with
h floating by ? —
skilfully carved ?
ed up from the

admiring crews,
iry one was on a
id.

that memorable
mdfall. A fresh
y over a tranquil
ibove them. As
ing hymn to the

his crew. His
le spoke like one
ent just at hand.
; achievement for
iggle was within
^very fibre of his
J, as he reminded
irer which, in the

with a favoring
ny signs of land
ae of depression ;

of his expectation, on leaving the Canaries, of finding
land when they should have sailed westward seven
hundred leagues. He believed they would sight land
that night, and promised a velvet doublet as an ad-
ditional reward to that promised by the monarchs to
him who should first announce the landfall.

Throughout the day there was a heavier sea than
they had seen in all the voyage, and they had sailed
more rapidly than usual ; and now, as the night set-
tled down upon them, the vessels were still speeding
their course through the swelling waves at an un-
wonted rate, the Pinta leading the way. A delightful
animation prevailed. Every eye was on the alert. Co-
lumbus had seated himself on the lofty cabin at the
stem of his vessel. No one slept that night. Every
bosom swelled with an unbounded expectation. A new
world was just at hand ! What sort of a world would
it be?

About ten o'clock Columbus thought he saw a light.
He called one of his principal men, Pedro Gutierrez,
and he also thought he saw it. He then called a sec-
ond person, Rodrigo Sanchez, who, after a time, was
equally fortunate. The light rose and fell, like a
torch in a boat tossed upon the water. Evidently the
gleam of this distant luminary was faint, and made
certain, or perhaps barely probable, by the observations
of the three.

At two o'clock in the morning the Pinta fired a gun
in signal of land. Rodrigo de Treana was the fortunate
observer whose eye first detected the almost even out-
line of an island along the horizon, about two leagues
distant. There is no friend of Columbus but will re-

LAND INDEED.

eret that he should afterwards have accepted the re-
ward as adjudged to himself, simply because he saw a
light Who would not sympathize with this poor
sailor, not only for the loss of his ten thousand mara-
vedis and velvet doublet, but for the loss of that honor-
able distinction which his watchfulness and good-luck
so richly deserved? It is said he was so chagrined
that he forsook his country and his religion and, go-
ino- into Africa, turned Mussulman.

This time there could be no mistake. There lay the
long, level, forest-clad island, its silvery lights and
dark shadows made clear by the large moon standing

hieh overhead. r i j

They cast their anchors. " All sails were furled,
leaving only the stormsail, which is the square sail
without bonnets, and they lay hove-to, awaiting the

day." {Columbus.)

" When I regard this achievement," says Castelar,
" the most living, evident, and effulgent lesson it bears
is the triumph of faith. To cross the seas of life,
naught suffices save the bark of faith. In that bark
the undoubting Columbus set sail, and at his journey's
end found a new world. Had that world nut then ex-
isted, God would have created it in the solitude of the
Atlantic, if to no other end than to reward the faith
and the constancy of that great man."

mid

ccepted the re-
cause he saw a
viih this poor
tiousand mara-
5 of that honor-
atid good-luck
IS so chagrined
;ligion and, go-
There lay the
'ery lights and
moon standing

Is were furled,
the square sail

0, awaiting the

' says Castelar,
It lesson it bears
he seas of life,

1. In that bark
at his journey's

rid not then ex-
; solitude of the
reward the faith

CHAPTER VI.

THE FIRST LANDING.

O one loitered on this bright morning of the
1 2th of October. In the gray dawn, the na-
tives, watching from the shore, could see the
ships — gigantic phantoms in their eyes. Then they
beheld the boat manned and nearing the shore. At
the command of Columbus, the crews had all been reg-
ularly attired for the occasion. The leading person-
ages, at least, were probably clad in armor of glistening
steel ; while he, standing in the bow of the long boat,
and giving to the morning breeze the flag of Castile,
wore, in addition, some scarf or drapery of bright
scarlet. The Pinzons bore " the two flags of the green
cross, which the Admiral carried on all the ships as
signals, having an F and a Y, and above each letter a
crown, one on one side of the cross and the other on
the other." Bright Castilian plumes waved, and much
of the details of dress was in the brilliant colors of the
age. Quite unlike the still paddle of the Indian's
canoe was the united plash of the double row of long
oars.

They reached the shore in that most delightful part
of a bright day — at sunrise. Gorgeous must have been
the tints of that early hour in the tropics. The tall,
majestic trees were clad in an exuberant foliage, the
most novel and strikingly varied in form. The hu-
mid atmosphere was laden with grateful odors. The

THE LANDING.

happy birds were giving their iiiatiti song. Colum-
bus, whose senses are said to have been remarkably
acute, and who possessed the brilliant imagination
and high sensibility of the poet, would not only com-
prehend the grand scene, but would invest it with the
varied charms of his own bright fa'icy. It was per-
haps the supreme moment of his life. A happier
hour he could scarcely have known than when he
stepped on the shores of that new world which his
imagination had so long beheld in the distance.

When he landed he fell on his knees, then forward
upon his face, kissed the earth, returned thanks to
God, and, with tears of joy, offered the following
prayer : " Lord God, eternal and omnipotent, by thy
sacred word the heavens, the earth, and the sea were
created ; blessed and glorified be thy name, praised be
thy majesty, which is exalted through thy humble
servant, in that by him thy sacred name may be made
known and declared in this remote part of the earth." ^
In this solemn act of devotion he was cordially
joined by the whole company. Rising to his feet, he
drew his sword and planted the standard of Castile,
thus taking possession of the new country in the name
of the sovereigns of Spain. In accordance with the
pious emotions of the hour, San Salvador, or Holy
Saviour," was announced as the name of this island,
which the natives called Guanahani.

» By order of the sovereigns of Spain, this same prayer was afterwards used
by Balboa, Cortez, and Pizarro in their discoveries.

• Following the oldest maps and the description by Columbus, it becomes
clear that Walling's Island and not the present San Salvador is Guanahani,
on which the great discoverer first landed. See R. H. Major's Select Letters
on Columbus, pp. 60, 61, Introduction. See also Becker's Landfall of Colum-
bus and Cronau's Amerika.

ab(

stc
ho
sid
rei
su:
ful
coi
th(
vie

thi
sh(
no
on
ha
th<
wil
ku
fa^
coi

titi
Ad
pe(
tia
clc

agi

latt

song. Coliim-
en remarkably
it imagination
not only com-
v^est it with the
'. It was per-
e. A happier
than when he
orld which his
iistance.
s, then forward
ned thanks to
the following
lipotent, by thy
d the sea were
anie, praised be
rh thy humble
le may be made
: of the earth." ^
i was cordially
g to his feet, he
dard of Castile,
itry in the name
rdance with the
vador, or Holy
i of this island,

fer was afterwards used

Columbus, it becomes

lalvador is Guanahani,

Major's Select Letters

er's Landfall of Colum-

APOLOGIES AND ENTIiEATJES.

The several crews, with their officers, now gathered
about him somewhat in the order of rank. Near him
stood the Pinzon brothers, his associate captains, each
holding a banner of the green cross,* having on one
side the letter F, and on the other side the letter Y, to
represent Fernando and Ysabel. Bright golden crowns
surmounted or in some way ornamented these beauti-
ful standards. Other officers found their places ac-
cording to their importance and rank. All now gave
the oath of allegiance to Columbus as admiral and
viceroy of the new country.

The scene which now followed must have been at
once amusing and gratifying to those who sympa-
thized with the Admiral. The craven souls who had
shown disrespect and even malice toward him were
now all suddenly turned about. Pressing upon him
on every side, some embracing him, some kissing his
hands, some kneeling at his feet, they acknowledged
their faults, and begged his pardon. Some, impressed
with his dignit}' and authority, which all had just ac-
knowleged, asked to be remembered in respect to such
favors as he in his high position might be able to
confer.

During the ceremonies, Herrera says, a great mul-
titude of the natives were looking on, and that the
Admiral, believing them to be " a gentle and simple
people, and seeing them stand gazing on the Chris-
tians, astonished at their beards, white faces, and
clothes, gave them some red caps, glass beads, and

> It is difficult to tell from the original account whether this is a banner with
a green cross, or a green banner in the shape of a cross. I think it was the
latter.

lOO

CHARACTER OF THE NATIVES.

such like things, which they highly valued ; the
Spaniards no less admiring those people, their mien
and shape."

Probably no man was ever more disappointed than
was Columbus in the character of the people whom he
found in this new country. His imagination had
teemed with the brilliant conceptions of oriental life —
costly apparel, ornaments of gold and precious stones,
palatial residences and splendid appointments in gen-
eral, but here were only naked savages, tattooed and
painted in the most hideous styles, and living in wig-
wams, or at most in mere huts and hovels. Nothing
could be further removed from the supposed luxuries
of India than the simple and destitute manner of life
among these aborigines.

And yet there was something fascinating in their
native strength and beauty and in their simple ways.
Their stalwart and well-rounded forms, their bold
features, bright eyes, and exuberant black hair, and
their clear brown complexion when not spoiled with
paint, were all exceedingly impressive. Not a few of
these people were really beautiful. And, having a fair
conception of that grand triad of human knowledge —
the personality of God, the immortality of the soul,
and moral accountability — they were by no means a
low order of savage. Then, this innocent nakedness,
dwelling in booths, feeding upon the simple and spon-
taneous products of nature, and almost having every-
thing in common, was it not precisely that life of
happy ease and freedon from care which poets, philos-
ophers, and artists love to depict ? Columbus, suppos-
ing that he was in some of the ruder outskirts of

In
lil
hi
m

we
foi
sa
its
foi
ca
wl
In
we
an
sti
th
he
se<
vi(
ha

ge
coi

enti
sub
inqi
the

rvES.

valued ; the
Die, their mien

appointed than
eople whom he
lagination had
" oriental life —
)recions stones,
tments in gen-
js, tattooed and
i living in wig-
vels. Nothing
(posed luxuries
manner of life

nating in their
ir simple ways,
ms, their bold
Dlack hair, and
oi spoiled with
;. Not a few of
id, having a fair
n knowledge —
ity of the soul,
by no means a
:ent nakedness,
imple and spon-
i having every-
t\y that life of
ch poets, philos-
lumbus, suppos-
ier outskirts of

SUliPJUSE or THE NATIVES.

lOI

India, called these people Indians, and, as nothing sticks
like a name, they are called so to this day, though for
hundreds of years the world has known Columbus's
mistake.

When the Spaniards and the Indians met, the latter
were, of course, even more astounded than the former,
for they were taken entirely by surprise. That huge
sailing craft, gliding so majestically over the water as
its canvas was swelled by the breeze, was something
for which they had no name, and which they supposed
came from some other world. The white men's beards
which they stroked and examined so curiously — the
Indians had no beards — and their white skins, surely
were not of this world. Then the superior intelligence
and grace of culture, which some at least of these
strangers manifested, could but confirm their notion
that these wonderful people had come down from
heaven. " They cried with loud voices : ' Come and
see the men who have come from heaven. Bring them
victuals and drink.' "* Would that they might never
have had occasion to change their opinion !

At first the natives fled away in fear, as the boats
approached the shore ; but, after gazing on the stran-
gers cautiously at a distance, they somehow gained
confidence, and graduallj-^ approached them. They
were harmless, gentle creatures. The few that carried
bows and arrows, or wooden lances with the points
hardened in the fire or tipped with a bit of flint or the

' "The idea that the white men came down from heaven was universally
entertained by the inhabitants of the New World. When, in the course of
subsequent voyages, the Spaniards conversed with the Cacique Nicaragua, he
inquired how they came down from the skies, whether flying, or whether
they descended on the clouds." — Irving iroxa Herrera.

'. mmmmisi i mmmmmtmmmmmthmmmm t immm^iimmmmm i tm^

T02

PRESENTS rO THE NATIVES.

tooth or bones of a fish, were not disposed to nse these
weapons. They had no iron implements of any kind,
and evidently were not practised in warfare. Columbus
was impressed with their simplicity when, on handing
them a sword, they grasped it by the edge and cut
themselves. How excited they were when Columbus
opened up his treasures— gay caps, bright colored
glass beads, little tinkling bells, such as those devoted
to falconry put on their hawks. He had learned the
importance of such trifles from the experiences of the
Portuguese on the coasts of Africa. Nothing takes
the eye of a savage like bright colors, and those tiny
bells were perhaps the nearest approach to a musical
instrument they had ever heard. How their eyes
sparkled with delight as they put the beads around
their necks, and how gleefully they skipped about when
they jingled the bells !

The news soon spread. At the early dawn of the
next morning the natives came in crowds, and were so
eager to get to the ships that some of them, plunging
into the water, swam out to the Spaniards ; but most
of them came in their canoes, hollowed out from a
single tree in the form of a tray, some of which held
fifty persons. "They rowed with an oar like a baker's
peel, and wonderfully swift." In the great rush of the
crowd some of these canoes were upset; but the
owners swam like fishes, and in a few minntes had
righted them, bailed them out with their calabashes,
and were paddling along again, without the incon-
venience of wet clothes.

True to the nature of the savage, they all wanted
gew^-gaws and ornaments. They had not come to beg,

h(
w
w
ro
at
ct

th
N
ia
tr
or

sii

m
to

Pl
m

del

VES.

BARTERING WITH THE NATIVES.

103

>ed to use these
ts of any kind,
ire. Columbus
en, on handing
edge and cut
rhen Columbus
bright colored
s those devoted
lad learned the
eriences of the
Nothing takes
and those tiny
:h to a musical
^ow their eyes
t beads around
)ped about when

•ly dawn of the
rds, and were so
them, plunging
ards; but most
ved out from a
I of which held
ar like a baker's
yreat rush of the
upset; but the
iw minutes had
tieir calabashes,
bout the incon-

they all wanted
not come to beg,

however, but to buy. If their articles of exchange
were few in number, they were all the more liberal
with them as to quantity. They brought tamed par-
rots in great numbers, immense balls of cotton yarn,
and bread called cassava,* made from a root which they
cultivated. As they had no conception of comparative
values, they gave great quantities of their commodities
for a few trifles.

What kind of ornaments are those which some of
these savages wear in their noses? Ah, that is gold 1
Nothing could more inflame the breasts of these Span-
iards than gold ! So the hawk's bells and other
trinkets were freely exchanged for this precious metal,
on which the natives seemed to set but little value.

All this bartering was carried on at a great incon-
venience, for the parties could communicate only by
signs. As gold was the one thing above all others
wanted in Spain, Columbus pressed the natives to
make known where they obtained it. They pointed
to the southwest. They also gave him the impression
that there was land in the northwest, whence the peo-
ple came to the southwest for gold. These vague com-
munications could readily be misconstrued by the Ad-
miral's vivid imagination. He felt assured that he
must be in the rich country which Marco Polo had de-
scribed ; and a certain king which the Indians repre-
sented as living in a house, the roof of which was
covered with plates of gold, lie believed to be the
Grand Khan of Tartary.

Having explored the island and become satisfied

* A bread very ingeniously made from the yucca root, from which is also
derived our tapioca.

m^.

104

C II Mi MING SCENERY.

that it was not in all respects suitable for a colony, he
left on the evening of the 14th, taking seven natives
as guides. As they thread their way through this
labyrinth of tropical islands, everything is strikingly
novel and strongly characterized. The immense trees
are enshrouded in the densest foliage ; exuberant
vines drape and festoon them in various directions ;
flowers of every form and hue decorate the landscape ;
the abundance of fruit is of almost endless diversity
and flavor; there is an astonishing variety of birds of
the most brilliant plumage, and some of them are
charming in song; the crystal waters teem with fishes,
the sparkling scales of which vie with the birds in
almost every tint of the rainbow ; and the air is laden
with such an aromatic fragrance as cannot fail to con-
vince Columbus that he is in that oriental country
" where the spices grow."

As the ships glide along over the smooth waters,
the natives name the islands till they mount up into
the hundreds, and " Columbus now had no longer a
doubt that he was among the islands described by
Marco Polo as studding the vast sea of Chin, or China,
and lying at a great distance from the mainland.
These, according to the Venetian, amounted to be-
tween seven and eight thousand, and abounded with
drugs and spices and odoriferous trees, together with
gold and silver and many other precious objects of
commerce.* <

On Monday, October 15th, the ships are under sail
towards an island some six or seven leagues distant,
" that part of it toward San Salvador extending from

N
E

P^
bi

fii

ju
qt
fo

ui
th
pa

' Irving's Columbus, vol. i, p. 173.

Joi)

CIIASIXG TIIF. NATIVES.

105

)r a colony, he
\ seven natives
y through this
g is strikingly
immense trees
fe ; exuberant
ous directions ;
the landscape ;
dless diversity
iety of birds of
: of them are
era with fishes,
li the birds in
;he air is laden
not fail to con-
iental country

smooth waters,
mount up into
ad no longer a
5 described by
:hin, or China,
the mainland,
lounted to be-
abounded with
, together with
ious objects of

i are under sail
eagues distant,
ixtending from

N. to S. five leagues." The other side ran from
E. to W. more than ten leagues. Now they sail for a
still larger island to the W., which the Admiral names
Santa Maria dr la Comrpcion. " About sunset we an-
chored near the cape which terminates the island to-
wards the W. to inquire for gold, for the natives we
had taken from San Salvador told me that the people
here wore golden bracelets upon their arms and legs.
I believe pretty confidently that they had invented
this story in order to find means to escape from us." '
Here the ships remained till the next day, the Ad-
miral examining the island and taking possession of
it. " A large canoe being near the caravel Nina., one
of the San Salvador natives leaped overboard and
swam to her (another had made his escape the night
before) ; the canoe being reached by the fugitive, the
natives rowed for the land too swiftly to be overtaken ;
having landed, some of my men went ashore in pursuit
of them, when they abandoned the canoe and fled with
precipitation ; the canoe which they had left was
brought on board the Nina, where from another
quarter had arrived a small canoe with a single man,
who came to barter some cotton ; some of the sailors,
finding him unwilling to go on board the vessel,
jumped into the sea and took him. I was upon the
quarter-deck of my ship, and, seeing the whole, sent
for him and gave him a red cap,^ put some glass beads
upon his arms, and two hawk's bells upon his ears. I
then ordered his canoe to be returned to him, and dis-
patched him back to land."

> The quotations occurring along this part of the narrative are from the
Journal of Columbus. i

'%S

io6

C/i'OXAf'.s MAP.

TiicscUiy, October i6tli, about noon, the squadron
set s:iil for an island which loomed up very larj^^e in

^ II.

1° H

the west. But their sails were so poorly filled that
they had not yet reached harbor when night overtook

tl
ot
iti

fi!
U!

ni
ill
cc
Si
ca
h.
A

til
It
T
ci
at
dc
T
th
lo
ca
ot

St
SI

as
re

, the squadron
very larjj^e in

f^M

orly filled that
night overtook

////»" Nli WS CARii/F.R. 107

thcni. Midway they had met a itian in a cmioc. His
outfit for a voyaj^'e anion j^ li.'se islands was exceed-
ingly small — a hit of cassava brtad " as hij^ .(M one's
fist, a calabash of water, a quantity of reddish earth,"
used as hody-paint, and a few dried leaves which these
natives seemed to value. He had also a little basket
in which were some glass beads and two vSi)anish
copper coins, thus betraying the fact that he was from
vSan Salvador, probably going from island to island to
carry the news of the arrival of the strangers from
heaven, and to show the presents they gave. The
Admiral ordered the bold seaman, with his canoe and
goods, to be taken on board, where he served him with
" bread, honey, and drink." As the ships approached
the large island for which they were making, the
Indian, with his effects, was launched in his canoe.
This kind treatment, Columbus thought, would con-
ciliate the natives. They approached the island just
at night, and, as the coast was dangerous, beat up and
down till morning, when they anchored at a village.
The Indian messenger, having landed here, had given
the inhabitants so good an impression that all night
long they were coming out in great numbers in their
canoes to the approaching ships, bringing water and
other things. Each one received some present, " as
strings of ten or a dozen glass beads, plates of brass,
such as cost in Castile a maravedi apiece, and thongs
of leather. Those who came on board were fed with
molasses."

In the gray dawn of the morning a delegation went
ashore for water. The kindly natives not only di-
rected them to the springs, but " carried the little tubs

io8

BRILLIANT FISHES.

to fill the pipes." ' These natives attracted the atten-
tion of the Spaniards as being shrewder in traffic than
those they had met before. How the Spaniards ache
to get the gold ornament, half as big as a castcllano
and with letters on it, from the nose of that native.
Surely that must be a coin ! But the fellow will not
part with it. These natives are also more modest in
covering their nakedness than has been the custom in
these parts. The ships spend some time coasting this
island and Columbus lands, and is delighted with its
great fertility and the novel and striking beauty of
every object about him. He is especially delighted
with the fishes, " of the finest hues in the world, blue,
yellow, red, and every other color, some variegated
with a thousand d'fferent tints, so beautiful that no
one on beholding them could fail to express the
highest wonder and admiration." This island was
named Fernandina, in honor of the King.

On the morning of the 19th the Admiral sailed to
the southeast for the island Saomote, which he named
Isabella. Columbus says, " It lies westerly from the
island of Fernandina, and the coast extends from the
islet twelve leagues west to a cape which I called
Cabo Hermoso — Cape Beautiful — it being a beautiful
round headland, with a bold shore free from shoals.
Part of the shore is rocky, but the rest of it, like
most of the coast here, a sandy beach. Here we an-
chored till morning. This island is the most beau-
tiful that I have yet seen ; the trees in great number,
flourishing and lofty ; the land is higher than the
other islands, and exhibits an eminence which, though

' Herrera's History of America, vol. i, chap. 13.

r *M. *>"• 1 « iW ^ "*°

racted the atten-
er in traffic than

Spaniards ache
r as a castcllano
e of that native.

fellow will not
more modest in
en the custom in
me coasting this
flighted with its
riking beauty of
scially delighted

the world, blue,
some variegated
eautiful that no

to express the
rhis island was
ing.

\dmiral sailed to
which he named
westerly from the
xtends from the
; which I called
.eing a beautiful
'ree from shoals.
e rest of it, like
h. Here we an-

the most beau-
n great number,
ligher than the
ce which, though

ip. 13.

ENCHANTING LANDSCAPES.

109

it cannot be called a mountain, yet adds beauty to its
appearance, and gives an indication of streams of
water in the interior." He adds further, "This is so
beautiful a place, as well as the neighboring regions,
that I know not in which course to proceed first ; my
eyes are never tired with viewing such delightful
verdure, and of a species so new and dissimilar to that
of our country, and I have no doubt there are trees and
herbs here which would be of great value in Spain, as
dyeing materials, medicines, spices, etc., but I am mor-
tified that I have no acquaintance with them. Upon
our arrival here we experienced the most sweet and
delightful odor from the flowers or trees of the island."
And again, concerning the same island, he says,
'* Groves of lofty and flourishing trees are abundant,
as also large lakes, surrounded and overhung by the
foliage in a most enchanting manner. Everything
looked as green as in April in Andalusia. The
melody of the birds was so exquisite that one was
never willing to part from the spot, and the flocks of
parrots obscured the heavens. The diversity in the
appearance of the feathered tribe from those of our
country is extremely curious."

In giving these citations from the Admiral's journal
as preserved by Las Casas we are tempted to quote
him a little further. '' While we were in search of some
good water," he says of his sojourn in Isabella, " we
came upon a village of the natives about half a league
from the place where the ships lay ; the inhabitants, on
discovering us, abandoned their houses and took to
flight, carrying oflf their goods to the mountain. I
ordered that nothing which they had left should be

SEARCHING FOR THE KING.

taken, not even the valne of a pin. Presently we saw
several of the natives advancing toward our party, and
one of them came up to us, to whom we gave some
hawk's bells and glass beads, with which he was de-
lighted. We asked him, in return, for water, and
after I had gone on board the ship the natives came
down to the shore with their calabashes full, and
showed great pleasure in presenting us with it. I
ordered more glass beads to be given them, and they
promised to return the ne::t day. It is my wish to fill
all the water-casks of the ships at this place, which
being ex2cuted I shall depart immediately, if the
weather serve, and sail round the island, till I succeed
in meeting with the king, in order to see if I can ac-
quire any of the gold which I hear he possesses.
Afterwards I shall set sail to another very large island
which I believe to be Cipango, according to the indica-
tion I receive from the Indians on board."

There is a strange lack of quadrupeds in these
islands. What can be the origin of that dog which
guards the pavilion of the native, but cannot bark ?
If he is a hunter, that little animal which the natives
call utia^ and which the Spaniards are at a loss to name,
not knowing whether to call it a large rat, a rabbit, or
a coney, must be its only game. But lizards abound,
and a kind of reptile which the natives eat with great
relish, but which the Spaniards look upon with disgust,
as being allied to serpents.

The natives still pointed southwest, as the direction
in which to find the rich king and the mines of gold.
So on the ships went in that direction, through sun-
shine and frequent showers, till they came in sight of
Cuba, on the 28th.

ING.

resently we saw
1 our party, and

we gave some
lich lie was de-

for water, and
le natives came
ashes full, and

us with it. I
them, and they
; my wish to fill
lis place, which
ediately, if the
d, till I succeed
see if I can ac-
ir he possesses,
'ery large island
ig to the indica-
rd."

upeds in these
that dog which
It cannot bark?
hich the natives
It a loss to name,

rat, a rabbit, or
: lizards abound,
;s eat with great
)on with disgust,

as the direction
t mines of gold.
m, through sun-
came in sight of

APPROACHING CUBA.

Ill

All travellers testify to the magnificence of this island
as seen in the distance, especially when approached
from the north. Everything beautiful and grand in
nature seems to combine here. Lofty mountains lift
their blue peaks into the clouds ; their spurs, like great
buttresses, are clad in the most luxuriant forests, and
run out in grand promontories to the sea ; the wide
plains which border the beautiful rivers are elysian in
their mild scenery and great fertility ; the large shells,
Strewn along the coast, the birds, the flowers, the
insects sparkling like jewels, and even the fishes — all
vie with each other to give brilliancy and the most
entrancing effect to this immense stretch of land,
which almost claims to be a continent.

As the ships bore down upon the land, the grand
scene filled the heart of Columbus with unutterable
delight\ Surely this must be the far-famed island,
Cipango ! In those mountains yonder would be the

'" Fancy, without whose aid no truly great work can succeed in the hands
of man, lent a peculiar charm to the delineations of nature sketched by Co-
lumbus and Vespucci." — Humboldt's Cosmos.

The same author, speaking of the expansion of knowledge and the growth
of poetic feeling which became so obvious in literature after the discovery of
the New World, notes how Columbus " described the earth and the new
heaven opened to his eyes with a beauty and simplicity of expression which
can only be adequately appreciated by those who are conversant with the
ancient vigor of the language in the period in which he wrote. The physi-
ognomy and forms of vegetation ; the impenetrable thickets of the forests,
in which one can scarcely distinguish the stems to which the several blos-
soms and leaves belong; the wild luxurian(;e of the flowering soil along
the humid shores, and the rose-colored flamingoes which, fishing at early
dawn at the mouth of the rivers, impart animation to the scenery — all in
turn arrested the attention of the old mariner as he sailed along the shores
of Cuba, between the small Lucayan islands and the Jardinillos, which I too
have visited. Each newly-discovered land seems to him more beautiful than
the one last described, and he deplores his inability to find words in which
to express the sweet impressions awakened in his mind."

112

ON THE LOOKOUT FOR TARTAR T.

It
I.

mines of gold ; that tropical vegetation would aflford
spices, and along the shores would be the pearls of
the Orient. As they landed and examined an Indian
village, the pavilion -like houses, made of palm
branches and located here and there on pretty emi-
nences, under large trees, seemed more architectural
than an}' they had seen. And how clean they were !

Those wooden statues and masks, so ingeniously
wrought, did they not indicate some fair degree of
civilization ? Those fishing implements made of bone
must show some enterprise in fishing, to supply the
cities in the interior. And was there not the skull of
a cow ? — now supposed to have been that of a sea-calf
or manatee.

" The natives on board my vessel point to the interior,
to Cubanican, and say there is an abundance of gold
there," said Martin Alonzo Pinzon. " Moreover, they
say that this is not an island, but the mainland.
Cubanican must be Cublai Khan, the great sovereign
of Tartary, described by Marco Polo."

" Aye, truly," replies Columbus. " Then we are
not in Cipango, but on the mainland of India, in the
vicinity of Mangi and Cathay."

As heretofore, the natives pressed upon the Span-
iards with their huge balls of coarse cotton yarn,
parrots, and cassava bread ; but Columbus forbade all
traffic except for gold, hoping thus to develop the facts
concerning that metal in the country. Nowhere, how-
ever, in the crowds who called on him could he detect
any of the precious metals, except one silver ring in
the nose of a native. He was questioned, and gave
the impression that the king lived about four days'
journey inland.

gjlBl— i*itiii» w i M»n ii w i iwi i

IRTART.

9n would afford
)e the pearls of
mined an Indian
made of palm
; on pretty emi-
ire architectural
lean they were !
so ingeniously
I fair degree of
Its made of bone
g, to supply the
not the skull of
;hat of a sea-calf

It to the interior,
undance of gold
' Moreover, they
the mainland,
great sovereign

" Then we are
of India, in the

upon the Span-
se cotton yarn,
nbus forbade all
ievelop the facts
Nowhere, how-
could he detect
e silver ring in
ioned, and gave
.bout four days'

DELEGATION TO KUBLAI KHAN.

There was no time to lose. At once two Spaniards
were chosen as delegates to the court of the mon-
arch — probably Kublai Kahn. One of them was a
convert from among the lately banished Jews, who
could use the Hebrew and Chaldaic languages, and
even the Arabic. Might not this oriental potentate be
able to communicate through one or the other of these ?
Two Indians acted as guides. This embassy was in-
structed to present the letter of salutation^ which the
Spanish sovereigns had sent, and to inform the mon-
aroh that they had sent the Admiral to establish
friendly relations between their distant kingdoms.

In order to be as thorough as possible in this dis-
patch, Columbus made out a list of names of Asiatic
provinces, harbors, and rivers, as given by Marco Polo
and others, concerning which they were to make in-
quiries as to distance, situation, etc. They were also
supplied with samples of certain oriental spices and
drugs, in order to ascertain whether they grew in that
country.

To all these important inquiries the Admiral ex-
pected answers in full in six days. O Marco Polo !
what an impression thou hast made !

Meanwhile all the crews were active ; part were

* This letter read as follows :
"Ferdinand and Isabella to King :

" The sovereigns have heard that he and his subjects entertain great love
for them and for Spain. They are, moreovef, informed that he and his sub-
jects very much wish to hear news from Spain ; and send, therefore, their
Admiral, Ch. Columbus, who will tell them that they are in good health and
perfect prosperity.

" Granada, April 30th, 1492."— ^e//5, Co/.,/. 79.

The same author says: "This crediting the unknown ruler with an
anxiety for the welfare of the Spanish sovereigns is really a delicious piece
of diplomatic affectation."

114

THE ODOR OF MASTIC.

careening and repairing the vessels, and part went in
search of cinnamon, nutmegs, and rhubarb. As Co-
lumbus continued to examine the natives, a great vari-
ety of information was elicited. When he showed them
gold ornaments and pearls, they knew of a country
where these were worn on the necks, arms, and ankles.
They also told of nations who had but one eye, of oth-
ers who had heads like dogs, and of others who cut
the throats of their prisoners and drank their blood ;
all of which was no doubt equally authentic.

What strong, sweet odor is that arising in the smoke,
as the calkers on the vessels heat their tar over the
fire ? Surely that is the precious mastic, such as is
found in the Grecian Archipelago ; and, as the trees
which are being burnt grow abundantly everywhere
around, Columbus conjectures that "a thousand quin-
tals of this precious gum might be gathered every
year."

Well, mastic or no mastic, here is something impor-
tant. That group of natives yonder also have a fire
and, irrespective of any odor, are turning it to practical
account. What are those longish tubers which they
are baking in the embers, and which they eat with such
relish while they are yet steaming hot ? Ah ! that
will prove to be something of more value to the world
than all the wealth of the Indies ; it is the potato ! — no
mere ornament or luxury, but food — bread which the
poor man can produce from his little patch of ground
in less than a hundred days, and make ready for his
table without the aid of a mill.

Here come the embassadors ! In less than six days
they have accomplished their mission. All crowd

ft.

.•mmmimmimmm

THE NATIVE TOWN.

i part went in
ibarb. As Co-
:s, a great vari-
le showed them
f of a country
tns, and ankles,
one eye, of oth-
thers who cut
k their blood ;
entic.

ig in the smoke,
ir tar over the
tic, such as is
d, as the trees
itly everywhere
thousand quin-
gathered every

mething impor-
ilso have a fire
g it to practical
Ders which they
;y eat with such
lot? Ah! that
ue to the world
the potato ! — no
read which the
)atch of ground
:e ready for his

s than six days
n. All crowd

around to hear what they have to tell about Kublai
Khan. Alas ! after travelling some twelve leagues, they
have found, as usual, only a community of naked
savages. It was unusually large, indeed, containing
some fifty houses, more capacious than those near the
sea, and having a population of about a thousand ;
but there was neither gold nor pearls ; and when they
showed their cinnamon and pepper, the inhabitants
said these did not grow with them, but pointed, as
usual, to the southwest.

Fernando Columbus says that when the embassy
reached this Indian community " the principal men of
the place came out to meet them, and led them by the
arms to their town, giving them one of those great
houses to lodge in, where they made them sit down
upon seats made of one piece, in strange shapes, and
almost like some creature that had short legs, and the
tail lifted up to lean against, which is as broad as the
seat for the convenience of leaning, with a head before,
and the eyes and ears of gold. These seats they call
duchi^ where, the Christians being seated, all the Indians
sat in a circle around them on the ground, and then came
one by one to examine and kiss their hands and feet,
believing they came from heaven ; and they gave them
some boiled roots to eat, not unlike chestnuts in taste,
earnestly entreating them to stay there among them,
or at least to rest themselves five or six days, because the
two Indians they took with them gave those people an
excellent character of the Christians. Soon after,
many women coming in to see them, the men went out,
and these, with no less respect, kissed their feet and
hands, offering them what they brought." He also

ii6

COTTON AND CORN.

says, conceniiug the same tour, "they saw vast quan-
tities of cotton well spun, in balls, in so much that
in one house only they saw above 12,500 pounds of it.
The plants it comes from are not set, but grow naturally
about the fields, like roses, and open of themselves
when they are ripe, but not all at the same time, for
upon one and the same plant they had seen a little
young bud, another open, and a third coming ripe."

The Spaniards " might have been attended back by
more than five hundred men and women, who were
eager to bear them company, thinking they were
returning to heaven. They took none along with them
but one of the principal inhabitants, with his son."
{Columbus's journal.)

The embassy had seen a number of cozy little
villages with gardens in which was cultivated a kind of
sweet pepper, a sort of bean, yucca for cassava bread,
potatoes, and that wonderful product which has so ex-
tensively fed both man and beast ever since — maize, or
Indian corn. With whatever curiosity and interest they
may have examined this beautiful product — this gigan-
tic species 0/ grass — they could have formed no concep-
tion of the immense want it was to supply throughout
the world.

They also found another product, which was to tell
heavily on the habits of the world. They had seen the
natives roll up the large, dried leaves of a certain weed,
and putting one end of the compacted cylindrical-
shaped mass in the mouth and holding a firebrand to
the other, draw the smoke into their mouths and puff
it out again ! This use of the " tobacco,'' as the Indian
called his huge cigar, was looked upon by the Spaniards

DESERTION BV PJXZON.

117

saw vast qiian-
so much that
3 pounds of it.
grow naturally
of themselves
same time, for
d seen a little
ming ripe."
tended back by
lien, who were
ing they were
ilong with them
with his son."

of cozy little
vated a kind of

cassava bread,
hich has so ex-
ince — maize, or
ad interest they
ict — this gigan-
med no concep-
ply throughout

lich was to tell
ey had seen the
a certain weed,
ted cylindrical-
j a firebrand to
louths and puflf
" as the Indian
)y the Spaniards

as the most nauseous habit they had yet seen among the
savages.

Disappointed in not finding the oriental monarch, nor
yet gold mines, nor pearls, nor palaces roofed with gold,
in these parts, Columbus resolved to go in search of the
island Babeque, to which the natives had now transferred
all their royal and golden mysteries.' The vessels
sailed soutliea.^t along the coast. After several days,
in which he saw no populous towns, nor anything else
corresponding to his oriental notions, he sailed eastward
toward an island in sight, which he thought might be
the one referred to ; but sLrong head-winds obliged him
to put back to the shores of Cuba. Again he put out,
and, after several days of useless effort, was under ne-
cessity of returning. But as he gave signal for the
other vessels to follow him, the Pinta^ some distance in
advance, gave no attention. As night came on, he put
the lights at the mast-head ; but, though the wind was
so favorable to the Admiral's course, no regard was paid
to these. The morning dawned and no sail was in
sight.

For a while at least, Martin Alonzo Pinzon had de-
termined to part company with Columbus. At this
the latter was greatly disturbed. Pinzon had been one
of his best friends, and had done more than any one
else in securing the vessels and the crews. Others
had given him sympathy and, counsel, but he had
given him his purse. His company, as an experienced
and bold navigator, was of incalculable importance.
But it was not an easy matter for one so prominent in

'Las Casa« thinks two days farther sail to the northwest would have
brought him in sight of Florida.

ii8

DESERTION BY PINZON.

the enterprise and so accnstomed to command to sub-
mit to another who was a comparative stranger to him-
self and to his nation. Perhaps, in the few variances
which had occurred between him and the Admiral, he
had blamed him too severely. Very possibly the latter
was not always as amiable and considerate towards his
colleague as he might have been. We do not know
and cannot judge. Whatever the extenuations might
be, Pinzon should have been subordinate and faithful
to the Admiral, according to his voluntary agreement
under his sovereigns.* Nor does it seem probable that
Columbus could have been guilty of any great misde-
meanor towards his associate, for in the lawsu .i with
the Crown, introduced by Diego Columbus after his
father's death, and in which the Pinzons took ample
occasion to show their unfriendliness toward the Co-
lumbus family, there is no mention of anything of the
kind.

Barring his desertion by Pinzon and his failure to find
Kublai Khan, the Admiral's voyagt along this north
side of Cuba had been one continued delectation.
Broad, deep rivers studded with magnificent islands,
fertile plains shaded by the strangest and most delight-
some trees of astonishing size, lofty mountains bearing
gigantic pines and suggestive of the most picturesque
and artistic landscapes, fragrant flowers and luscious
fruits, and an endless variety of birds in plumage and
song the most charming — all entranced him both day
and night ; so that, in describing these new scenes to

' In connection with this painful incident, Las Casas quotes from Colum-
bus's journul concerning Pinzon : " He has, by language and actions,
occ.isioned me many other troubles."

^ JWlBMIgiiMW ff Tim -i W

(V.

tiimand to sub-
tranger to him-
; few variances
le Admiral, he
jsibly the latter
ate towards his
do not know
nuations might
te and faithful
ary agreement
n probable that
y great misde-
e lawsuu. with
ubus after his
3ns took ample
toward the Co-
mything of the

lis failure to find
long this north
led delectation,
lificent islands,
id most delight-
untains bearing
ost picturesque
rs and luscious
in plumage and
d him both day
e new scenes to

; quotes from Colutn-
inguage and actions,

GRAND SCENE n V OE NA Vri.

119

the sovereigns, the symbolism of language utterly fails
to mirror his perceptions. Only the experience of see-
ing could sufficiently magnify one's conceptions of such
marvellous parts of our earth.

Babeque, that mysterious land of golden dreams, is
now the one point of interest in the wide ocean. The
Admiral therefore sails eastward, according to the
direction of the natives. Presently, in the south, there
arises out of the sea a most enchanting landscape.
Quite a distance along the horizon the rocky crest of
majestic mountains is strongly outlined against the
sky. Anon long slopes and wide plateaus of the most
exuberant tropical forest emerge. As they approach
still closer, there are broad savannahs, and fertile valleys
bordering rivers clear as crystal. The vegetable and
animal life is the same brilliant display of birds and
flowers and elysian fruits as they have found else-
where in these delightsome regions of perpetual sum-
mer. This islapd, some four hundred miles in length
and about one hundred and fifty miles in greatest
breadth, is Hayti, than which there is not a more
beautiful nor more unfortunate spot on earth. Evi-
dently it was once the home of an immense com-
munity of happy human beings, who, in the midst of
nature's greatest plenty, without care and almost with-
out effort, lived a life of simplicity and fair morality ;
who were conscious of the plainest joys and truest
affections, without the burdens and ambitions of civili-
zation. But the story of those lives is prehistoric.
When civilized man planted his foot on fair Hayti's
shores, misery and bloodshed began ; and from that
day to this it has scarcely known permanent peace or
prosperity.

120

F/StlF.S IX ^nl'XDAXCE.

Jtt
I-

On December 6tli tlie vessels entered a harbor on the
western end of the ishmd, whicli Columbus called »St.
Nicholas. The shores of the smooth waters of this
broad harbor were overshadowed by the most magnifi-
cent and fniilfiil trees. Here the royal palm spread its
immense fronds, and the banana displayed at once its
elegant tubular blossoms and its great clusters of frtiit.
A wide plain stretched away into the mountains, and on
the river running through it a number of the canoes of
the natives were seen. Columns of smoke arose here
and there, aiul at night fires gleamed thickly in the
forests. iCvidently the island was well peopled.

The Spaniards continued their course along the north
side of the island. Here and there among the lulls or
mountain spurs were charming valleys, some of which
appeared to be highly cultivated. In the clear waters
there was a great variety and abundance of fishes,
some of which leaped into the boats. When they drew
their nets, which were burdened with vast numbers of
them, they found some which resembled certain species
in Spain. Throughout the day and even at night the
birds were singing, some of them almost repeating the
bird-songs of their own country. One of them re-
minded them strikingly of the nightingale. In fact,
in many respects there was something in this island
strongly suggestive of the more beautiful parts of
Southern Spain, hence Columbus named it Hispaniola.

But where were the natives ? On landing and making
excursions inland they could find their houses, their
gar ens, traces of their roads, and the ashes and embers
of . :ir recent fires ; but the people had evidently fled
at tLe sight of the ships. While Columbus, after his

.smMKtmoMieimmiiat

a harbor on the
ubus called Si.
waters of this
: most inagtiifi-
palm spread its
yed at once its
listers of fruit,
iintains, and on
f the canoes of
Dke arose here

thickly in the
peopled,
along the north
)ng the lulls or
some of which
he clear waters
nee of fishes,
Hien they drew
ast numbers of
certain species
:n at night the
t repeating the
; of them re-
igale. In fact,
[ in this island
itiful parts of

it Hispaniola.
ng and making
r houses, their
hes and embers
i evidently fled
nbus, after his

CAPTUliF OF A IV /XD/Ay FRMArii.

121

usual custom, was erecting a huge cross and taking
possession of the t-uuntry for Spain with proper formal-
ities, some of his . len, rambling about the neighbor-
hood, caught sight of a vast throng of natives, who im-
mediately fled in terror. ' The sailors gave chase, but
found their sea-legs too clumsy to overtake the fleet-
footed Indians. One young woman or girl, however,
who either could not keep up with the rest, or loitered
behind out of womanly curiosity, was captured and
borne away to the ships.

As they arrived with this naked beauty on their
shoulders, Columbus was not very well assured as to
the civilized wealth of the island, but that ring of gold
in her nose was suggestive. The precious metal must
be somewhere in those mountains or in the sands of
the rivers, as the natives had said. If the girl was at
all terrified by these new scenes, she was soon soothed
by the kindness of the Admiral. He had her dressed,'
and decked out with beads, brass rings, and little
bells, and when he was about to send her to her native
forest, accompanied by some of his men and several
native guides, she was not at all anxious to go, but
would have preferred to share the fortunes of the few
Indian women whom Columbus already had on board
his ships. The men who escorted this female into the
forest would gladly have shown the utmost gallantry
by taking her all the way to her home, but it was
night, and they could not conjecture how they might
be received by the savages ; so she was obliged to go
part way alone, while the escort returned.

' Herrera sa^-s : " The Admiral gave her hawk's bells, strings of glass beads,
and caused a shirt to be put upon her."

w:!^

1^
5

122 AN INDIAN COMMUNITY.

What a curiosity this young female, so grandly
apparelled, must have been to her people. One may
almost imagine that no one slept in the town that
night, but that all stayed up to hear her wonderful
accounts of the strange sights she had seen. A visi-
tation of angels from heaven could scarcely surprise
us more than these white men did the Indians. Co-
lumbus knew how to take proper advantage of this
incident. The next morning he sent a delegation of
nine of his best men, well armed, to find the community
to which this young woman belonged. About thirteen
miles inland, in a fertile valley and on the banks of a
beautiful river, they found a large town of the natives,
comprising about one thousand houses; but every
one had fled at their approach. A Cuban interpreter
hurried after and overtook them. How highly he
extolled these white men ! They were good men, he
said, who came from heaven and went about the world
making fine presents. By this means the vast crowd
of some two thousand was conciliated, and approached
the strangers. See them come with slow, hesitating
steps, every now and then standing still and putting
their hands on their heads as an act of profound rev-
erence !

Presently there comes another large company, the
young female, shirted, ringed, and beaded, borne on the
shoulders of two men in front. She is the object of
admiration to all, and her husband gesticulates en-
thusiastically, and in every possible way expresses his
gratitude for the presents she has received.

The Spaniards are impressed with the appearance
of these natives as being more finely formed, of fairer

TV.

ale, so grandly
ople. One may

the town that
r her wonderful
.d seen. A visi-
carcely surprise
e Indians. Co-
Ivantage of this
t a delegation of
i the community
About thirteen

the banks of a
n of the natives,
ses ; but every
uban interpreter
How highly he
:e good men, he
; about the world
is the vast crowd

and approached

slow, hesitating
still and putting
af profound rev-

ge company,

the

ded, borne on the
is the object of
gesticulates en-

^ay expresses his

eived.
the appearance
formed, of fairer

HOSPITALITY OF THE NATIVES.

123

complexion, and more pleasing in countenance than
any they have yet seen. The kind-hearted beings
seem now completely won, and invite their heavenly
visitants to their houses, where they set before them
the usual cassava-bread, also fish, roots, and the finest
varieties of their luscious fruits. It was a gala-day.
The air was mild and balmy as on a spring day in
Southern Spain ; the birds seemed in full song — surely
there could be no winter in this part of the world !

The unbounded hospitality which the white men
enjoyed everywhere among the Indians was character-
istic of this people. Whatever any one had seemed
free to all without the asking. Any one might enter
the simple dwelling of another and take what he
wished as freely as if it had been his own. This uni-
versal liberality was, no doubt, in part the result of the
spontaneous abundance of that tropical country in
which they lived, and in part the advantage of a
simple mode of living. They realized to the fullest
extent Goldsmith's famous adage :

" Man wants but little here below,
Nor wants that little long."

We can scarcely afford to pass by the illustrious par-
agraph so often quoted from Peter Martyr, an Italian
scholar and author at the court of Spain in those days.
"It is certain," he says, " that the land among these
people is as common as the sun and water ; and that
* mine and thine,' the seeds of all mischief, have no
place with them. They are content with so little,
that, in so large a country, they have rather superfluity '
than scarceness ; so that they seem to live in the

124

BEAUTIFUL SIMPIJCITT OF LIFE.

golden world without toil, living in open gardens, not
intrenched with dykes, divided with hedges, or
defended with walls. They deal truly one with another,
without laws, without books, and without judges.
They take him for an evil and mischievous man who
taketh pleasure in doing hurt to another ; and albeit
they delight not in superfluities, yet they make pro-
vision for the increase of such roots whereof they
nake their bread, contented with such simple diet,
whereby health is preserved and disease avoided."

This surely is a pretty picture of human life. The
material for it was, no doubt, derived by Martyr from
Columbus himself, with whom he seems to have been
intimate ; and we hope it is true to the once free and
happy existence of a most unfortunate people. " All
concur," says Irving, " in representing the life of these
islanders as approaching to the golden state of poetical
felicity ; living under the absolute but patriarchal and
easy rule of their caciques, free from pride, with few
wants, an abundant cc'^try, a happily tempered cli-
mate, and a natural disposition to careless and indolent
enjoyment."

■■ i- imii^Asmmummsmm>imi »mm» m mmmm i m t '

LIFE.

I gardens, not
1 hedges, or
with another,
thout judges,
ous man who
;r ; and albeit
ley make pro-
whereof they
1 simple diet,
: avoided."
lan life. The
^' Martyr from
to have been
ouce free and
people. " All
le life of these
ate of poetical
atriarchal and
ride, with few
tempered cli-
s and indolent

CHAPTER VII.

THE SHIPWRFXK AND THE FORT.

HE Admiral was loth to give up his fancied
island, Babeque ; so he made another detour
in the vicinity of Hayti, and to a certain
island abounding in turtles he gave the name Tortu-
gas. Here he saw a valley so beautiful that he called
it the Vale of Paradise, and named a broad and tran-
quil stream the Guadalquiver. Putting back to Hayti,
he found a solitary Indian in a canoe on a rough sea
near midnight. The hero, along with his frail bark,
was taken on board ship ; and, having been feasted and
set out in European finery, was put ashore in a good
harbor when they reached the island.

The constant repetition of such conciliatory acts on
the part of Columbus called forth a most cordial
response from the hearts of these savages, so that he
wrote to Santangel as follows : ** True it is, that after
they felt confidence, and los*: their fear of us, they
were so liberal with what they possessed that it would
not be believed by those who had not seen it. If any-
thing was asked of them, they never said no, but
rather gave it cheerfully, and showed as much amity
as if they gave their very hearts ; and, whether the
thing were of value or of little price, they were con-
tent with whatever was given in return. * * * j^
all these islands it appears to me that the men, are all
content with one wife, but they give twenty to their
chieftain or king. The women seem to work more

126

THE rOUNG CACIQUE.

than the men, and I have not been able to understand
whether they possess individual property ; but rather
think that whatever one has all the rest share, especi-
ally in all articles of provision."

The presents made to the hero-Indian put ashore
had the desired effect Very soon the coast was lined
with natives ; and their king, a young man of twenty-
one perhaps, was with them. One of the Admiral's
captive interpreters undertook to explain to him who
these strangers were. They had come from heaven,
he said, and were going to Babeque to find gold! At
the same time, he handed the cacique a present. Not
at all struck with the incongruity of these heavenly
beings so intent on a gold hunt, but more under
the gratifying influence of his present, the chieftain
pointed his finger in a certain direction, saying
that two days' sail that w^ay would take him where
there was plenty. He then produced a thin plate of
the precious metal, about as big as his hand, and, cut-
ting it in pieces, bartered it for trinkets. Some of his
subjects, who had rude ornaments of gold in their noses
and ears, readily traded these in like manner. Of
what value were these bits of plain yellow to them,
compared with bits of sparkling glass and fragments
of painted dishes !

The young potentate now took leave, promising to
come the next day with more gold ; he assured them,
however, that there was more of this metal in Tortugas
than in his island. The next day, the i8th, there was
no wind, so the Spaniards occupied themselves in deck-
ing out their ships and firing their guns in memory of
the annunciation of the blessed Virgin; and also

to understand

:y ; but rather

share, especi-

an put ashore
oast was lined
lan of twenty-
the Admiral's
in to him who

from heaven,
ind gold ! At
present. Not
lese heavenly
; more under
, the chieftain
action, saying
ce him where
I thin plate of
band, and, cut-
Some of his
1 in their noses

manner. Of
sllow to them,
and fragments

e, promising to
assured them,
tal in Tortugas
[8th, there was
selves in deck-
5 in memory of
2^in ; and also

UNCIVILIZED ROYALTY.

127

awaited the return of the young cacique with the
promised gold.

In due time the latter arrived, borne on a litter or
sort of palanquin on the shoulders of his men, in true
oriental style, two hundred of his subjects accompany-
ing him. With an air of perfect ease, he took his seat
by the side of the Admiral, who was just in the midst
of his dinner. His two venerable counsellors, who
almost worshipped him, sat at his feet ; the rest of his
followers stood without. The food offered to him he
merely tasted, then passed it on to his subjects. Mean-
while he uttered but few words, and was very dig-
nified.

After dinner the Admiral and the young chief ex-
changed presents. The latter gave a belt finely orna-
mented and two pieces of gold ; and, as he looked very
admiringly on a piece of rich cloth constituting the
bed-hangings of the former, that was taken down and
presented to him, along with some amber beads, a pair
of red shoes, and a bottle of perfume. Columbus, dis-
playing a piece of Spanish money with the heads of
the monarchs stamped on it, some royal banners, and
the standard of the cross, endeavored to convey some
idea of his country and his religion, but the young
chieftain referred all these things to some cLher world.
He could not conceive of them as belonging to earth.

At night he left in great state, his presents borne
before him, a son of his being carried after him, on
the shoulders of one of the most honorable men ; a
brother went a-foot, " led by the arms by two honorable
men, the large concourse following, and the Spanish
guns firing a salute in honor of this display of uncivil-
ized royalty.

'I*

ill

128

THRONGS OF NATIVES.

" This day," writes the Admiral, ** little gold was ob-
tained, but an old man indicated that at a distance of a
hundred leagues or more were some islands where ranch
gold could be found, and in some it was so plentiful that
it was collected and bolted with sieves, then melted and
beaten into divers forms. One of the islands was said
to be all gold."

No biography of Columbus gives any adequate repre-
sentation of the vast numbers of natives which thronged
him all along this northwest cost of Hayti on his first voy-
age. The shores and harbors teemed with canoes ; many
hundreds who had no canoes swam out for miles to the
ships. Men, women, and little children vied with each
other in bringing all the kinds of food and other objects
of value which they could command ; and, making every
kind of sign and demonstration of cordiality to these
beings whom they hailed as from heaven, begged them
to abide with them. The men, the ships, the European
wares and trinkets, even to the merest sliver of a painted
dish or a bit of leather strap, was worth, in their eyes,
all the cotton or gold they could command.^ Fearing
that this great generosity might be imposed upon by
his greedy crews when they went ashore to communi-
cate with the natives, Columbus sometimes sent a party
along to oversee the bartering, and prevent any robbery
of the natives.

Whence comes that large, stately canoe, highly
ornamented, and loaded down with such fine-appear-
ing natives? That is an embassy from Guacanagari,
the grand cacique c ( these parts. An ofiicer from his
court presents another belt — a broad one, profusely

* See the Journal of Columbus as preserved by Las Casas.

e gold was ob-
1 distance of a
ds where much

plentiful that
len melted and
ilands was said

■I
adequate repre-
vhich thronged
on his first voy-
i canoes ; many
ar miles to the
vied with each
id other objects
., making every
diality to these
1, begged them
!, the European
ver of a painted
, in their eyes,
and/ Fearing
posed upon by
re to communi-
les sent a party
:nt any robbery

canoe, highly
ch fine-appear-

1 Guacanagari,
officer from his
one, profusely

f Las Casas.

A N EMBA SS Y TO GUA CA NA GAR I.

129

ornamented with colored beads and bones ; also a sort
of figure-head, with eyes, nose, and tongue of gold.
The embassadors are not very readily understood by the
interpreters, this being the first new dialect they have
met, but the message from the grand cacique evidently
is exceedingly cordial. He wishes the ships to keep on
to the eastward till they come in front of his residence ;
then Columbus must call on him. But the wind is
unfavorable, so the Admiral sends a delegation to
convey his compliments to the chief, and to say that
he will call as soon as possible. His residence is in a
large town, well built for that country, and located on
a river. The embassy is received with great honor on
the public square, swept and made ready for the oc-
casion. After each has been presented with a sort of
dress made of cotton, the refreshments are brought on
after the usual manner. If the natives see that the
Spaniards covet anything, they readily give it to them,
not being willing to receive anything in return.
When they can be prevailed on to accept an article, it
is looked upon as a most sacred memento.

As the chief cannot prevail on the strangers to stay
over night, he gives them parrots and some bits of
gold for the Admiral, and sends men to escort them to
their boats and carry their presents. Thus ended the
2 2d of December.

Meanwhile Columbus continued to be called on by
great numbers, all of whom extolled the wealth of the
island. Cibao, in the interior, they said, abounded in
gold, so that the chief of that mountainous region had
banners worked out of the precious metal. Now, as
usual, the Admiral's oriental fancies were at work.

1 30 WRECK OF THE SANTA MARIA.

Cibao must be Cipango ; and the cacique with gold
banners must be its great prince, described by Marco
Polo. These rumors, however, were at least founded
on fact ; for here was the best region of gold-mines
found in those parts.

Before sunrise on the 24th the vessels weighed
anchor and steered to the eastward, according to the
invitation of Guacanagari. The wind from off the
land was but slight, so that the vessels made slow prog-
ress, the sails often flapping in the uncertain puffs of
air, now from one point and then from another.

" Eternal vigilance " and the most self-sacrificing
personal attention was one of the marked char-
acteristics of Columbus as a successful mariner. But
as he had been on the keenest alert for two days and
had not slept the night before, and the sea was now
"calm as water in a dish," to use his own words,
and his delegation, just returned, had reported an
entire absence of rocks or shoals along the coast, he
lay down to sleep, leaving the helm to an experienced
and, as he no doubt thought, trustworthy seaman. He,
too, soon retired, leaving his charge to a boy. This
was " contrary to the express orders of the Admiral,
who had, throughout the voyage, forbidden, in calm or
storm, the helm to be intrusted to a boy." Indeed, all
hands seem to have gone soundly to sleep ; and the
ship, being left to the currents, which run like imper-
ceptible rivers past these islands, was carried onto a
sandbar, or shoal. The keel grates on the bottom, and
the inexperienced boy at the helm is aroused from
his dreams, and cries out with alarm. Columbus is the
first on deck ; then comes the master of the ship,

»i^«««A<KiM«

/A.

e with gold

;d by Marco

ast founded

gold-mines

els weighed
)rding to the
from off the
de slow prog-
tain puffs of
Dther.

ilf-sacrificing
arked char-
lariner. But
:wo days and
sea was now

own words,

reported an
the coast, he

experienced
seaman. He,
a boy. This

the Admiral,
;n, in calm or
' Indeed, all
leep ; and the
in like imper-
:arried onto a
le bottom, and
aroused from
jlumbus is the
of the ship.

RELIEF OF THE SANTA MARIA.

131

then others, till all hands, many of them scarcely half
awake, are alarmed at the situation, the breakers
roaring loudly enough to be heard several miles away.

The Admiral orders the master of the ship to lower
the boat and warp the vessel off; but he in his cow-
ardly fright rows away to the caravel, a distance of a
mile or more. The commander of the caravel reproves
him for his reprehensible conduct, mans his own boat,
and hastens to the relief of the Santa Maria. But the
ship is lost. In vain her masts had been cut away and
part of the lading thrown overboard to lighten her.
The currents had forced her keel firmly into the sand,
and as she was old and almost rotten she soon sprang
a leak, and was forced over on her side by the break-
ers. The crew was taken on board of the Nina^ and
a delegation sent to the chief to report the disaster.
As there might be other shoals in the vicinity, the
caravel lay to until the morning.

Now there occurred a demonstration of humane
sentiment on the part of this savage chieftain and his
people which would do credit to any civilized com-
munity of modern times. When Guacanagari heard
of the calamity which had befallen the strangers, he
wept, and immediately ordered all his people out, with
their canoes, to render every possible aid. He himself
came also, and, organizing a sort of police force, of
which he was the head, all the goods were removed
from the shipwreck and guarded in safety till he could
vacate several of his largest houses to shelter them.
Though there was so much that was valuable and
curious which these savages might have coveted, noth-
ing was stolen ; and such was the care in handling

X3a

SYMPATHY OF THE SA VAGES.

that scarcely anything to the *' value of a pin " was
injured. Sir Arthur Helps quaintly says, "The
wreckers' trade might flourish in Cornwall, but, like
other crimes of civilization, it was unknown in St.
Domingo."

In the midst of the hurry and bustle to and fro, the
chief would every now and then send some member of
his family to comfort the Admiral, assuring him that
everything he had was at his command. " The people,
as well as the king," says Columbus, " shed tears in
abundance."

All that day the removal of the ship's goods went
on, and all the next night the friendly savages stood
guard. No wonder Columbus wrote in his journal,
" So loving, so tractable, so peaceable are these people,
that I swear to your majesties there is not in the
world a better nation, nor a better land. They love
their neighbors as themselves, and their discourse is
ever sweet and gentle, and accompanied with a smile ;
and though it is true that they are naked, yet their
manners are decorous and praiseworthy."

After the shipwreck, Columbus and his men were
crowded on board the Nina. Guacanagari called on
him and, seeing how depressed he was, shed tears of
sympathy, and assured him, as he had often done be-
fore, that he would do all in his power to aid him.
" While the Admiral was conversing with him, a canoe
arrived from another place, with Indians bringing
pieces of gold which they wanted to exchange for
hawk's bells, these being held in special value among
ihem ; before the canoe reached the vessel, the Indians
called out, showing the gold, and crying chug, chug^

'Take, Take.

)f a pin" was

says, "The

wall, but, like

known in St.

to and fro, the

me member of

iring him that

" The people,

shed tears in

p's goods went
savages stood
ti his journal,
e these people,

is not in the
[. They love
ir discourse is

with a smile ;
aked, yet their

his men were
agari called on
, shed tears of
often done be-
;r to aid him.
h him, a canoe
lians bringing
exchange for
I value among
5el, the Indians

A ROYAL INDIAN DINNER.

\%%

for the hawk's bells, and seemed ready to go mad after
them ; the other canoes setting off, they requested the
Admiral to preserve a hawk's bell for them, and they
would bring him in return four pieces of gold as big
as his head.* When the chieftain saw the countenance
of the Admiral light up at these tidings, he assured
him that there was a place in the mountains where
this metal was abundant, and he could get him all he
wanted. Thus we see that the gold-bearing rocks of
Cibao, and those mountain streams in which gold
was to be found mingled with the sand, sometimes in
great nuggets, was well known.

After the cacique had dined with the Admiral, he
urged him to come and eat with him. The meal pre-
pared was as sumptuous as could be procured. The
coney-like animal called the utia was served, various
kinds of savory fishes, roots, and the most luscious
fruits. This primitive banquet in the wilderness,
among savages, was a study to the Spaniards. How
sympathizing and cheerful Guacanagari was, doing
everything possible to please his guest and divert his
mind from his misfortune. How delicately and ab-
stemiously he ate, washing his hands when done, and
rubbing them with odoriferous herbs. How gentle
and dignified was his bearing. How kindly he treated
his subjects, who almost worshipped him.

When the feast was over, the. cacique, dressed up in
his shirt and gloves which the Admiral had just given
him, conducted the Spaniards out into his beautiful
groves, where they met about a thousand of his naked
subjects, all ready to divert the strangers with their

' Columbus's journal by Las Casas.

1^4 liiyrfi/rrA/yw/z-xr wirii FiiiE-AHMs.

MwwfAW^ jj^.'inics. These wood-nymphs performed their
wild dances, aecompiinied by their wicrd son^s aiul
the beatiuj,^ of a kiiul of rude drum made from the
trunk of a hoHow tree. vSome of them had the little
hawk's bells, brouj^^ht by the vSpaniards, struni;- about
them, and as these tinkled and jint^led to their en-
thusiastic movements they were almost frantic with
delight. It mu.st have been a truly novel and an-
imated scene !

When the Indians had done their best to drive
melancholy from the mind of Columbus, he thought it
was his turn to do something to divert them. Now
was the time to impress them with the military power
of the white men ; so he first brought out his Moorish
bows and quivers of arrows, which some of his men had
learned to use in the wars of Granada. When the
chief saw how exactly these huge arrows would hit the
mark as they went whizzing through the air, he was
astonished at their force. His enemies, the Caribs,
who made raids on his island and stole his people,
also had bows and arrows, he said. Aye, but Columbus
told him he had other kinds of weapons much more
terrible than these, with which he would drive the
Caribs away. So he ordered out an aiquebus, a large
gun supported by a rest, and also a heavy cannon.
At the stunning report of these, the natives fell to the
ground as if they themselves had been shot. When
they recovered from the shock and rose up, they were
terrified at the sight of the trees, all shivered and
splintered. This was the thunder and the lightning
which these strangers from heaven could command I
Surely they could protect them from their dreaded
enemies, the Caribs I

IK'rfonued their
icrcl soji^s and
made from the
1 had the little
Is, struni>- about
ed to their en-
3St frantic with
novel and an-

r best to drive
IS, he thonpht it
ert them. Now
; military power
out his Moorish
e of his men had
ida. When the
ws would hit the
1 the air, he was
lies, the Caribs,
stole his people,
■e, but Columbus
ons much more
would drive the
Liquebus, a large
1 heavy cannon,
atives fell to the
:en shot. When
ise up, they were
ill shivered and
id the lightning
could command !
n their dreaded

EXCHANGE OF PUESENTS.

135

Again the order of things was changed. The feast
and the entertainment being over, the time was come
to make presents. The cacique gave the Adnural a
wooden mask ingeniously carved, the eyes, ears, and
other parts being heavily ornamented with gold. He
also hung plates of gold about his neck, and put a
rude crown of gold upon his head. He then made
presents to others of the Spaniards in the most munifi-
cent manner.

Various presents were made by Columbus and his
men in return. We hope they were in some way
equal to the valuable items they received. However
trifling some of their gifts may have been, the Indians
were perfectly fascinated with the merest trinkets,
smelling of them — they seemed to have tested every-
thing, even to gold, by the sense of smell — and calling
them tnycy — that is, from heaven. A bit of rusty iron
or a fragment of leather was invested with a charm.
Las Casas, the friend and apostle of the Indians, re-
lates an amusing incident of one of them who brought
a half handful of gold-dust for a hawk's bell, that
most favorite toy, and was so impressed with the idea
that he had the best of the bargain, that he ran like a
deer into the woods, every now and then looking be-
hind him, lest the white men, repenting of their side
of the trade, should pursue him.

All in all, there had been so. much gold brought in,
and so much had been said by the natives about the
gold to be found in the mountains of Cibao, in the in-
terior, that Columbus concluded this to be the place to
found a colony. Then his men were so elated with the
easy life in so voluptuous a climate that they dreaded

1^6 BUILDING THE FORT.

the discipline on board ship and the crowded condition
in which they would have to be, returning to Spain in
one small vessel. Columbus, therefore, conceived the
plan of building a fort out of the timbers of the wrecked
ship, and arming it with her guns. All were enthusi-
astic over this scheme, even the Indians, who thought
it would be an admirable defence against their enemies,
the Caribs. Between the Spaniards and the natives,
the work went on so energetically that the fort, called
La Navidad, or the Nativity, from the time of year in
which the wreck occurred, was completed in ten days.
During this time of anxiety on the part of Colum-
bus concerning the desertion of the Pinta and the dan-
ger of taking so many back to Spain in one small,
crazy vessel, he must have been greatly diverted and
comforted by Guacanagari, who appropriated to his use
the largest house in the place, carpeted with palm-
leaves and furnished with stools made of some dark
wood like ebony. Scarcely ever did the Admiral come
on shore without receiving some valuable present. The
cacique told him he wished he could cover him all over
with gold before he went away, or rather that he would
not go at all. Once his benefactor called on him with
five subordinate caciques, each bringing a crown of gold.
They escorted him to the house abpve referred to, and
seated him on one of the stools. Then Guacanagari
took the crown of gold from his own head and put it
on the head of Columbus. How natural that the latter,
moved by such affectionate liberality, should take an
elegant collar made of beads from his own neck and
put it around the neck of the chief, clothe him in his
own mantle of beautiful scarlet cloth, put colored boots

RT.

crowded condition
ruing to Spain in
ore, conceived the
lers of the wrecked

All were enthusi-
iians, who thought
iust their enemies,
3 and the natives,
hat the fort, called
le time of year in
pleted in ten days,
he part of Colum-
Pinta aud the dan-
Dain in one small,
reatly diverted and
ropriated to his use
rpeted with palm-
ade of some dark
. the Admiral come
lable present. The

cover him all over
ther that he would
called on him with
ing a crown of gold.
»ve referred to, and
Then Guacanagari
vn head and put it
ural that the latter,
ty, should take an

his own neck and
f, clothe him in his
1, put colored boots

WEALTH OF THE ISLAND.

"^11

on his feet and a large silver ring on his hand. This
last present was of more value than gold to the Indians,
for they had no silver in Hayti. While this feast was
in progress an Indian called to say that he had seen
the Pinta in a harbor to the eastward two days pre-
vious. A canoe was dispatched, but it did not succeed
in finding the absconding vessel.

Columbus now had fabulous conceptions of the wealth
of this island, and began to look upon all the circum-
stances which brought about his shipwreck as a
special providence ; otherwise he would not have been
detained long enough to discover its immense resources,
which he believed would be sufficient to enable the sov-
ereigns of Spain to undertake the recovery of the Holy
Sepulchre in three years. By the time he returned
from Spain those whom he would leave in the fort
would be able to collect a ton of gold, besides the spices
aud other precious articles they might accumulate.
How sanguine and visionary was our hero !

The fort, a huge wooden tower, built over a vault
surrounded by a ditch, mounted with the guns from the
wrecked ship and well supplied with ammunition, would
overawe the natives and keep his men under discipline.
These latter were so well pleased with the life thus
anticipated that he came near having to return alone to
Spain. Precisely how many he left in the fortress was
for some time uncertain, as the early accounts diflfer ;
but Navarrete found a pay-list due the relatives, in which
the forty names constituting the garrison were given.
One of these was an Irishman and another an English-
man. Diago de Arana, a cousin of Beatrix and a per-
son of distinction in the armament, was made com-

138

PARTING ADVICE.

mander. The long boat of the Santa Maria was left
for their convenience ; also articles for traffic, bread and
wine for more than a year, and seeds for a plantation.
Snch artisans as might be needed were also carefully
appointed to remain.

If these men had taken heed to the excellent address
the Admiral gave them before his departure, no doubt
all would have been well with them ; but his charge-
that they should obey the officers, keep closely together,
remember the kindness of Guacanagari and his people;
be wise, just, and peaceable in their intercourse with the
natives, and, above all, to be chaste in their conduct
with the native females — was wholly ignored as soon as
Columbus had departed. Hence the terrible disasters
which followed. "

The 2d of January, the d.iy before the appointment for
departure, arrived, and Columbus went on shore to take
formal leave of the Indians. Some order or ceremony, so
to speak, was desirable. In the house set apart for him
he spread a feast in true European magnificence, during
which he cordially commended the men he was about
to leave behind to the kindly offices of the cacique. He
would soon be back again from Spain, he said ; then he
would bring an abundance of such articles and jewels
as they had not yet seen.

What could be more appropriate at such a time than
a mock-fight by his men ? So he ordered out the lances,
cross-bows, swords, arquebuses, and cannon, the men
appearing in quite a military array. The skilful
mancEUvres with gleaming swords and bucklers, as the
men rushed forward in attack and then fell back in reg-
ular order, with the clang of swords and lances on

I Maria was left
traffic, bread and
for a plantation.
;re also carefully

excellent address
parture, no doubt
but his charge —
» closely together,
ri and his people;
tercourse with the
in their conduct
jnored as soon as
terrible disasters

e appointment for
t on shore to take
er or ceremony, so
; set apart for him
gnificence, during
nen he was about
the cacique. He
, he said ; then he
rticles and jewels

such a time than
red out the lances,
cannon, the men
ay. The skilful
i bucklers, as the
;n fell back in reg-
ds and lances on

ASTONISHMENT OF THE NATIVES.

139

helmet and buckler, gave great animation to the scene.
The natives were astonished at the execution of these
implements of war ; and when the cannon sent a shot
through the hull of the wreck lying in the harbor, and
also shattered the forests, they looked with trembling fear
on the clouds of smoke which rolled up over the waters
and beyond the tree-tops. But if this suggested any cloud
to the mind it was one with a silver edge. If the power
of these wliite men was as grand as the mightiest forces
of nature, all the better ; they could the more readily
defend them against the cruel Caribs.

When Guacanagari saw the Admiral making ready
to depart, he was much distressed. One of the Indians
told the latter that the former had ordered his statue to
oe made of gold, " as large as life."

CHAPTER VIII.

THE RETURN TO SPAIN.

fOLUMBUS had taken most affectionate leave
of Guacanagari, who shed tears at the part-
ing. Those who were to return home and those
who were to remain in this strange land had tenderly
embraced each other. The ship had been detained one
day in waiting for the Indians who were to go to Spain ;.
but on the morning of January 4th the signal-gun was
fired, and the Nina having been towed out, her sails
swelled to a light breeze and she stood away to the hori-
zon. The cheers from those departing, heartily responded
to by those on the shore, died away, and the latter were
gazing wistfully on the white specks against the sky,
which soon disappeared.

The island scenery along which the caravels passed
was very varied. Here was a mountain-point shaped
like a cone, treeless and covered with bright green
grass, the land being so low toward the main as to
make the point look like a little island. There were
lofty mountain ranges in the distance, the blue, rocky
crests surmounting the long slopes of rich and varied
verdure, sharply outlined against the sky ; and the fruit-
ful level along the coast, reaching inward here and there,
formed valleys through which flowed copious streams.
Every hour, as the caravel moved along, the point of
view was changing. To Columbus, so singularly alive
to the charms of nature, this must have been like the
disclosure of a beautiful vision.

PINZON'S EXCUSE.

141

.ffectiouate leave
ears at the part-

1 home and those
id had tenderly
;en detained one
•e to go to Spain;.

2 signal-gun was
ed out, her sails
iway to the hori-
;artily responded
d the latter were
against the sky,

; caravels passed
ain-point shaped
th bright green
the main as to
nd. There were
, the blue, rocky
F rich and varied
:y ; and the fruit-
d here and there,
copious streams,
ong, the point of
I singularly alive
ive been like the

Much of the time, however, they were baffled by head-
winds. On the 6th, as they were beating against a stiff
breeze from the east, the man watching at the mast-
head cried out—" The Pinta ! " That swift-sailing craft
was sweeping on toward them, with all her canvaj
spread before the wind. The sight brought both joy
and pain to the Admiral.

Putting about to find a harbor for anchorage, he sig-
nalled the Pinta to follow. Pinzon obeyed orders, and
made the best excuse he could for leaving the fleet. An
unfavorable wind had carried him away from the Ad-
miral, he said, and he had ever since been trying to find
him. This was a weak apology, but it would not be
wise for Columbus to break with his ablest colleague,
who had so many relatives and friends among the crews,
so he made the most of it. He had, however, one
friend on the Pinta^ who secretly gave him the explana-
tion. An Indian on that vessel had been pointing to
the east to designate a place abounding in the '* yellow
metal ''''—gold ! Pinzon, knowing the speed of his craft,
spread all his sail to the wind, in order to monopolize
the treasure. After being much perplexed in a laby-
rinth of islands, none of which showed any signs of
gold, he was piloted by the Indians to Hayti. Entering
a river and opening up trade with the natives, he had
obtained quite a quantity of the precious metal,' half of
which he kept for himself, and^ distributed the rest
among his crew as hush-money.

While this trading was going on, the natives had

> Las Casas says: "The Admiral states that in this time he obtained
much gold by trading, buying for a thong of leather pieces as big as the two
fingers, and at times as big as the hand." r.

. S*l'.i(l»»«l,'*H«5^'5*-

142

THE lilVER OF GOLD.

told Columbus, during his erection of the fort, that
another " big canoe " like his was in a harbor to the
eastward ; and he had sent out some Spaniards in a
canoe, with natives to manage it, hoping to find his
absconding captain ; but they had not been able to
verify the report, which now, however, was made prob-
able.

This disclosure of bad faith on the part of Pinzon
determined Columbus to go back to Spain as speedily
as possible, without taking further chances for mu-
tiny. Otherwise he would have tried to explore the
coast somewhat, in hope of finding enough of some
kind of treasure to at least ballast his caravels for the
homeward voyage.

On the 8th the Admiral entered the mouth of a river
in a boat with his men to get fresh water. The river
was wide and deep at the mouth, and the sand at the
bottom gleamed with gold-dust. Many grains were as
large as lentils, and the finer grains were very abun-
dant. On returning to their ships, they found " bits
of gold between the hoops " of their casks. So the
Admiral named this the River of Gold.

As night came on, the 9th, the vessels were again in
company on the way to Spain. The next day, when
they came into the harbor where Pinzon had been
trading for gold, the natives complained to Columbus
that the former had kidnapped four of their men and
two young girls. On making search, they were found
on the Pinta. As Pinzon intended carrying them
away as slaves, Columbus released them, fairly bur-
dening them with presents, partly in compensation for
the wrong they had suffered, and partly for the concili-

BATTLE ARRAr.

r the fort, that
a harbor to the
Spaniards in a
>ing to find his
it been able to
was made prob-

part of Pinzon
lain as speedily
hances for mn-

to explore the
nough of some
caravels for the

nouth of a river
iter. The river
the sand at the
T grains were as
ire re very abun-
ley found " bits
casks. So the

is were again in
aext day, when
izon had been
ed to Columbus
their men and
they were found
carrying them
lem, fairly bur-
ampensation for
J for the concili-

ating effect which might thus be produced on the
natives of the locality. But this only made the breach
wider between the Admiral and his lieutenant, who
became very angry and reproached him with bitter
words.

Again the caravels are under way with a favorable
wind, and turning a point now called Cape Cabron
they come upon a race of savages quite different from
those they have hitherto met. Are they Caril s ? Is
this apparent inlet a channel isolating this peculiar
people from the mainland? They are hideously
painted, their long hair is tied behind and ornamented
with the feathers of brilliant birds ; they are armed
with war-clubs and bows of immense size and strength,
from which they shoot great arrows made of hollow
reeds and pointed with the hardest wood, bone, or the
tooth of a fish. Evidently they are fierce warriors,
made so, no doubt, by the near vicinity of the Caribs.
They can shoot their arrows almost with the force of a
rifle-ball, and their swords, made of a wood almost as
tough and heavy as iron, are "no. sharp," says Las
Casas, *' but broad, of nearly the thickness of two
fingers, and capable, with one blow, of cleaving
through a helmet to the very brains."

Savage and horrid as they appeared, they made no
attack, but one of them came on board ship with bows
and arrows to sell. Making signs and gestures in the
most enthusiastic manner, he succeeded in impressing
some very strange notions on Columbus, who somehow
understood that there was an island not far off in-
habited entirely by women, and that these were
occasionally visited by the Caribs. Of the children

144

MERMAIDS AND AMAZONS.

born of these Amazons, the males were carried away
by the fathers, bnt the females were left to keep up
the feminine stock. To what extent the savage was
responsible for imparting such a notion is not for us
to say, but the Admiral at once recalled Marco Polo's
account of two islands near the coast of Asia, the one
inhabited by men and the other by women, between
which precisely the same kind of intercourse existed.

From the same source Columbus learned that there
were mermaids — that is, sea-maids — in these parts. In
fact he saw them himself, he claims, swimming with
their human faces high above the waves, and he had
previously seen the same on the coast of Africa. But
as they rose out of the sea they did not possess the
Venus beauty with which poetic fancy had invested
them. They are supposed to have been manatees, or
sea-cows, in the distance.

But we must not laugh too heartily at these absurd-
ities. There is no telling what we might have believed
had we lived before the era in which natural history
has reduced all things to the consistency of 1^ and
order as implied in the great systems of nature. Had
Cuvier not been a naturalist, he, too, might have be-
lieved in winged horses and fire-breathing bulls.

All in all, Columbus was perplexed as to the charac-
ter and intent of his savage guest. Did he come on
board ship out of mere natural curiosity, or was he
a spy ? His fierce, warrior-like aspect might imply the
latter. On the other hand, his frank, communicative
manner might simply indicate an attempt to cultivate
acquaintance and perhaps a little trade with these
remarkable strangers. Anyhow, the Admiral would

sA^^ii^msia^^f---

e carried away
left to keep up
the savage was
on is not for us
d Marco Polo's
jf Asia, the one
ivomen, between
:ourse existed,
irned that there
Lhese parts. In
swimming with
Lves, and he had
of Africa. But
tiot possess the
:y had invested
en manatees, or

at these absurd-
ht have believed

natural history
:ency of Is^v and
jf nature. Had
might have be-
ing bulls,
as to the charac-
Did he come on
)sity, or was he
might imply the
, communicative
mpt to cultivate
rade with these

Admiral would

7//E BATTLE WITlf THE NATIVES.

145

first try to conciliate him by kindness. Having feasted
him and made him quite liberal presents of " beads
and pieces of red and green cloth," he sent him on
shore, hoping at least to get some of the weapons used
by these people, in order to take them to Spain as
curiosities. Or perhaps they might open a trade for
gold.

As the boat neared the shore, some fifty or more, all
armed with their rude weapons, appeared, peering out
here and there among tlie trees. At first they laid
down their arms and came to the boat ; but, after sell-
ing two of their large bows, they seemed to take alarm,
ran back and got their weapons, and also a supply of
cords, as if they would capture and bind the vSpaniards.
The latter, attacking them in true warlike spirit,
wounded several in the " breast with their cross-bows,
and one in the posterior with a .sword." All the rest
fled, " leaving their weapons scattered here and there."

Columbus was pained at the necessity for this first
shedding of blood in the New World. How would it
affect the little garrison at La Navidad ? It might
at least mar that peace and good-will which he had
hoped to maintain with these people.

The next morning his fears were removed. The
natives appeared on the beach in large numbers, in the
most peaceful and friendly manner. The Admiral
sent on shore a large boat-load of men well armed,
and they were most cordially received. Indeed, here
was the cacique himself, holding in his hand the string
of shells, the '* wampum belt," at once the symbol and
pledge of peace. He wished this to be carried to the Ad-
miral. Presently he came to the boat himself, with only

1 ^6 ^'^^'^ •^' TING TJin NA TI VES.

three attendants, and embarked for the caravels as free
and friendly as if nothing had happened.

The Admiral appreciated this noble frankness, and
made the interview as pleasant as possible. Indeed, he
was strongly impressed with the generons magnanimity
of this chieftain. He took him all through the caravel,
showed him everything which he thought might gratify
his curiosity, and feasted him with that peculiar delicacy
to the Indians— biscuits and honey. Presenting him
with " a red cap, some beads, and red cloth,'' he sent
him ashore in a manner becoming his dignity and
character.

As the chief returned to his home, some distance in
the interior, he sent to Columbus his own crown of
gold. What became of all these coronets of gold
presented to Columbus by the caciques ? Did they gild
the royal saloons of Spain, or go to the mint ? How
invaluable they would now be in our museums !

During the few more days spent by the Spaniards in
the Gulf the most friendly relations continued, the
nativesbringing cotton, fruits, and vegetables, but always
carrying their weapons, a& if not quite assured of their
safetv. As four of the young men were very commu-
nicative concerning certain islands to the eastward, and
were very friendly, Columbus prevailed on them to go
with them as gtiides.* Associating incident with place,
Columbus called this the " Gulf of Arrows." It is now
called the Gulf of Samana.

Who were these fierce, warrior-like people? They
were indeed quite different from the rest of the inhabi-
tants of Hayti. They were the Ciguayans, mountain-

' Columbus acknowledged in his journal that " it was impossible for them
to learn much of the country while they were ignorant of the language, and
were several days in making the people understand a single thing."

wi
m

Ai
th
in

th
fit

tic
foi
br
tic
rei
we
in
th

th
he
of
so
In
sh
wl
Tl
m:
So
sh

fiS.

caravels as free
d.

frankness, and
►le. Indeed, he
IS magnanimity
ugh the caravel.
It might gratify
)eculiar delicacy
Presenting him
cloth," he sent
lis dignity and

onie distance in
; own crown of
ronets of gold
> Did they gild
le mint? How
iseums !

he Spaniards in
; continued, the
ibles, but always
assured of their
re very commu-
le eastward, and
d on them to go
dent with place,
Dws." It is now

people ? They
St of the inhabi-
j'ans, mountain-
is impossible for them
t of the language, and
single thing."

STRAIGHT FOR SPAIN.

147

eers, and their chieftain was Mayonabex, who after-
ward distinguished himself in respect to some of the
most noble traits of character.

When they got out to sea, on the i6th, the young
Indians did not seem to be so certain as to the island of
Amazons or that of the Caribs. First they pointed to
the northeast, then to the southeast, Columbus steering
in one direction and then in the other. In the latter
course he would have found Porto Rico, which, indeed,
the natives called Carih ; and here he was told he would
find lumps of gold as big as beans.

How suggestive is a fresh breeze in the right direc-
tion at sea! The wind began to blow just right
for a straight course to Spain. Columbus saw the
brows of his men lower whenever he took any indirec-
tion. He therefore pointed directly for home. This
resolution did not come any too soon. The caravels
were old and leaky, Pinzon was alienated and might
influence his brother and many others, especially since
the men were all homesick.

The vessels were still facing the trade-winds, and
therefore made slow progress. Fortunately these
head-winds were light all through the remaining half
of January. The sea was smooth, and the crews had
some very amusing diversions. The four young
Indians would jump overboard and swim around the
ships almost as adroitly as the numerous tunny fishes
which played about the sea in various directions.
These were probably the bonita, a sprightly fish of the
mackerel family, growing to several feet in length.
Some of these were captured for food, and also a large
shark. These aflforded an agreeable supplement to

■it

148

77//-: PILOTS TAKE RECKONING.

their spare diet of bread and wine and West India
peppers. Whether they j^raccd their tables with the
pelicans which they every now and then got sight of
does not appear.

Colnnibns noticed that he now sailed through sea-
weeds very similar to those he had encountered on his
way out from the Canaries, and therefore conjectured
that these West India islands extended eastward, well
towards those islands on the west coast of Africa. It
is worthy of notice that maps were made according to
this idea for more than a century afterwards.

Bearing somewhat north of east, they had passed
out of the belt of the trade-winds, and were now wafted
on direct for Spain. The foremast of the Pinia had
become seriously weakened, and the Nina was obliged,
not infrequently, to slacken sail in order to keep her
company.

On the loth of February they took reckoning. But
the coterie of captains and pilots, poring over their
chart and tables, could not agree, and they differed
more widely with Columbus than with each other.
He believed they were in the latitude of Flores, the
westernmost island of the Azores, while the rest
thought they were in line with Madeira and one hun-
dred and fifty leagues nearer Spain than his reckoning
showed. As was generally the case in differences of
the kind, Columbus was right.

On the 1 2th the wind rose and the sea ran high.
During the next day the gale still increased, and the
crazy, creaking vessels labored hard. As the gloom
of night settled down on the heaving billows, sharp
flashes of lightning in the inky sky to the north-

}N/A'G.

THE lUJXn/NG sro/x'.u.

149

nd West India

tables with the

leii ji^ot sight of

ed through sea-
ountered on his
fore conjectured
1 eastward, well
t of Africa. It
ide according to
wards.

liey had passed
kvere now wafted
f the Pi'n/a had
ifia was obliged,
rder to keep her

reckoning. But
(ring over their
id they differed
nth. each other.
le of Flores, the
while the rest
ra and one hun-
in his reckoning
n differences of

le sea ran high,
creased, and the
As the gloom
g billows, sharp
:y to the north-

northeast signalled the coining tempest, which soon
burst upon them. Iniagiuo these small sc;i-worn
vessels without decks, in the inid-,\llaiitic, while the
utmost violence of wind and waves rocks the elements
alxmt them. All night long the sails are furled, and
the frail barks scud before the wind. For three days
they bear up against the raging storm, barely carrying
sail enough to keep them from going down in the
violent cross-waves. Then the sails are taken in
again at night. Faiht and yet fainter gleam the
lights of the JVft/<i through the blinding mists till she
is blown so far to the north with her weak mast that
they disappear entirely. F*rightful, indeed, was the
outlook on the following morning. Far as the eye
could reach, the clouds were driven like immeasurable
angry forces, and the sea was lashed into fury ; and
the sailors on the Nwa looked out in vain into the
tempest to catch a glimpse of the Pinta. All feared
that she had gone down during the night.

As the gale continued in all its violence, the crews
resorted to vows. Using beans for casting lots — a bean
for each man — the Admiral, putting his hand into the
cap first, drew the bean marked with a cross, and so
was designated to make a pilgrimage to the shrine of
St. Mary of Guadalupe, carrying *' a wax taper of five
pounds weight." The next lot was for a pilgrimage
to St. Mary of Loretto, " in the piarc of Ancona, terri-
tory of the Pope," This fell to one of the sailors, but
Columbus volunteered to bear the expense. The next
lot, to watch all night at St. Clara de Mogues, fell to
the Admiral. To make the matter complete, they all
vowed to go in their shirts to the nearest church of

I50

THE DISTRESS OF THE ADMIRAL.

" Our Lady," and there humble themselves, if ever
they should reach land. Other vows were also made
simply as private oflFerings of individuals.

By this time the ship's store of provisions and water
had been so lightened as to affect seriously the sailing
for want of ballast. The remedy, supposed to have
been original with Columbus, but since become com-
mon amon^.' sailors, was to fill the empty casks with
sea-water.

Columbus and the crew on the Nina were wei ■ con-
vinced that the Pinta was lost. The whole result of this
momentous enterprise depended, therefore, on the safe
return of the former vessel. But for this, with the frail
and sea-worn condition of the Nina and the unremit-
ting violence of the tempest, there was scarcely the
shadow of a hope. The distress of the Admiral at this
hour is best mirrored in his own words to the sov-
ereigns : " I could have supported this evil fortune
with less grief," said he, " had my person alone been
in jeopardy, since I am debtor for my life to the
supreme Creator, and have at other times been within
a step of death. But it was a cause of infinite sorrow
and trouble to think that, after having been illumi-
nated from on high with faith and certainty to under-
take this enterprise, after having victoriously achieved
it, and when on the point of convincing my opponents
and securing to your highnesses great glory and vast
increase of dominions, it should please the divine
Majesty to defeat all by my death. It would have
been more supportable, also, had I not been accom-
panied by others who had been drawn on^by my per-
suasions, and who, in their distress, cursed not only

-.ssfcssiasaiSi44iisi;-j's*ti>iii:.

OMIRAL.

mselves, if ever
3 were also made
als.

nsions and water
Dusly the sailing
apposed to have
ice become com-
:mpty casks with

a were wei^ con-
tiole result of this
efore, on the safe
his, with the frail
md the unremit-
was scarcely the
e Admiral at this
rords to the sov-
:his evil fortune
erson alone been
- my life to the
imes been within
of infinite sorrow
ing been illumi-
;rtainty to under-
oriously achieved
ng my opponents
at glory and vast
►lease the divine
It would have
not been accom-
wn on^by my per-
, cursed not only

BETWEEN FEAR AND FAITH.

151

the hour of their coming, but the fear inspired by my
words, which prevented their turning back, as they had
at various times determined. Above all, my grief was
doubled when I thought of my two sons, whom I had
left in school at Cordova, destitute, in a strange land,
without any testimony of the services rendered by
their father, which, if known, might have inclined
your highnesses to befriend them. And although, on
the one hand, I was comforted by faith that the Deity
would not permit a work of such great exaltation to
his church, wrought through so many troubles and con-
tradictions, to remain imperfect, yet, on the other
hand, I reflected on my sins, as a punishment for
which he might intend that I should be deprived of
the glory which might redound to me in this world."
In the abstract of Columbus's journal given by Las
Casas we have a still closer insight into the reflections
of a great and devout mind in the midst of this inde-
scribable scene of danger. That the world might
know that he had accomplished his purpose was the
grand point of anxiety for which he strove and for
which he prayed. But his mind trembled in the
balance between hope and fear. When he contem-
plated his frail bark in such a tempest, it seemed as if
the most trifling casualty, "even the weight of a
mosquito," might send him and his intelligence of a
new world to the bottom of mid-ocean. But had not
the infinite Father enabled him to overcome all the
difficulties of his overtures in Spain, and to make his
discovery ? Had not the service of God been the aim
and business of his undertaking ? And, more especially,
had not God " delivered him when he had much greater

152

AN INGENIOUS CONTRIVANCE.

reason for fear, upon the outward voyage, at which
time the crew rose up against him and, with a unani-
mous and threatening voice, resolved to turn back, but
the eternal God gave him spirit and valor against them
all ? Would not divine providence carry to completion
a vast work so notably sustained thus far ?

Here is an intelligence which, with a truly just and

benevolent feeling, comprehends the fearful situation,

and 3^et hopes for the grandest possibility beyond. The

. words are more than eloquent — they breathe a genuine

simplicity, a true humility, a sublime faith.

Out of his wonted resource of contrivance Colum-
bus drew a possible chance of preserving an account
of the discovery. Writing on parchment a brief
statement of the whole enterprise since putting to sea
— no doubt one of his best samples of miniature
chirography — he enclosed the same in a waxed cloth,
and, putting it securely in a cask, committed it to the
chances of the sea. Some one might take it up, and,
finding the sealed letter to the sovereigns, covet the
reward of a thousand ducats promised, at a venture,
to him who should become courier to the King and
Queen. In order that this chance might be doubled,
another cask, similarly prepared, was placed on the
poop of his vessel, to float away if he and his crew were
lost.

No doubt his men looked on this strange performance
with curious eyes, but they were not let into the secret
lest they should take alarm at the Admiral's sense of
danger.

With what joy must the tempest-tossed crew have
beheld the streak of clear sky in the west at sunset on

NCE.

age,

at which
, with a unani-
tiirn back, but
ir against them
r to completion
ir?

truly just and
rful situation,
T beyond. The
athe a genuine
Lth.

ivance Coluni-

ing an account

iment a brief

putting to sea

of tnitiiature
a waxed cloth,
litted it to the
ake it up, and,
igns, covet the

at a venture,
the King and
ht be doubled,

placed on the
. his crew were

a^e performance

into the secret

niral's sense of

sed crew have
St at sunset on

LAND! LAND!

153

the 15th ! And, though the sea ran high all night, the
wind was favorable, and "the bonnet was set upon the
mainsail."

" Land ! land ! " was the cry of the sailor at the
mast-head at break of day the next morning. Tinagine
the transports of delight in the crew at the sight of
land once more, and that, too, near home ! But what
land is this to the north-northeast, just over the prow
of the caravel ? To your charts, ye pilots ! " The
island of Madeira," cries one. " The rock Cintra, near
Lisbon," cries another. " Some point of Spain," argue
a number. Meanwhile all wait for the decision of the
Admiral, who pronounces the land, now rounded out
into an island, "One of the Azores."

But while all hearts are beating with joy at the
thought of landing, the wind changes, the sea rolls
against them, and they cannot reach their goal. After
two days of most tantalising wind and waves, they
come near enough to land to cast anchor, when lo ! the
cable parts and they must put to sea again, where they
beat about until morning. At last they effect a land-
ing. They have reached St. Mary's, of the Azores.
This is a triumph for the Admiral in navigation !

Columbus was shy of the Portuguese, and, as the
three men he had sent on shore in the morning did
not return, he feared he might be the victim of some
jealous stratagem. After sunse.t, three men on the
shore hailed the caravel. A boat was sent for them,
and they proved to be messengers from Castafieda,
the governor of the island, bringing refreshments and
the most cordial felicitations. The three missing men
he was detaining to gratify his curiosity by a full in-

jr. THE PENITENTIAL PROCESSION.

terview in respect to the wondrous tales they could tell
of their perilous voyage and the new world. But noth-
ing surprised him and the islanders more than that
the frail caravel should have outrid the unparalleled
tempest which had raged for so many days.

The next morning Columbus reminded his men of
their vow to '* Our Lady." Learning that there was a
chapel dedicated to St. Mary in the neighborhood, he
engaged the three men from the shore, who had
remained on shipboard over night, to secure a priest
to perform mass, and dividing the crew equally he
sent one-half to redeem their vow first, he and the
remaining half intending to go when these returned.
It must have been a novel scene even in those days,
this half-naked procession on their way to the church!
But why did they not return ? Columbus waited until
near midday in suspense. As he could not see the
ch^-pel from his position, he weighed anchor and stood
out till he could command a view, when lo ! there was
descried a crowd of horse and foot around the little
hermitage. Presently some of them, being armed,
entered a boat and came towards him. He ordered
his men to be ready for either defence or attack, but to
keep out of sight. Those in the boat came peaceably,
however, but they did not seem to tjiink it safe to come
too near. The governor, being in the boat, stood up
and asked for a guarantee of personal safety if he
came on board the caravel. This the Admiral granted,
but wished to know why none of the Spaniards were
in the boat. Still his honor did not venture to come
very near. The Admiral now urged the Portuguese
governor to come on board, intending to make him a

^«t

SS/ON.

THE ADMIRAL INDIGNANT.

155

> they could tell
»rld. But noth-
nore thau that
le unparalleled
lays.

ded his men of
hat there was a
eighborhood, he
hore, who had

secure a priest
rew equally he
rst, he and the

these returned,
n in those days,
y to the church !
bus waited until
uld not see the
mchor and stood
;n lo ! there was
round the little
1, being armed,
m. He ordered

or attack, but to

came peaceably,
k it safe to come
le boat, stood up
mal safety if he
A-dmiral granted,
; Spaniards were

venture to come
[ the Portuguese
g; to make him a

prisoner and so recover his crew. The governor was
too wary to come into the trap. Why were his men
detained? demanded the Admiral. In what respect
had he offended the King of Portugal ? Were not the
Portuguese as free and safe in Castile as in Lisbon ?
The Admiral held up his commission with the insignia
of the sovereigns of Spain, his whole manner
waxing decidedly indignant. " The King and
Queen had instructed him to treat all subjects
of Portugal with respect," he said, " for the two
nations were at peace. The Portuguese should beware
how they transgressed the proprieties of peace, lest
they incur the royal displeasure." If his men were
detained on the island, he still had sailors enough left
to take his caravel to Seville, where he would report
this outrage against the kingdom of Castile. The
grvernor then ordered the Admiral to proceed to the
harbor with his caravel, saying he had done all " by the
order of the King, his master." " The Admiral ordered
all on board his vessel to bear witness to these trans-
actions, and called out to the governor and those with
him, vowing that he would not leave the caravel till he
had carried a hundred of the Portuguese to Castile
and depopulated the island. He then returned to his
anchorage in the harbor, as the wind and weather did
not admit of taking any other course."

What could be the meaning of these strange move-
ments ? Had war arisen between the two nations dur-
ing his absence ?

The next day brought another tempest, and, as the
caravel was in danger of being driven onto a lee shore,
the Admiral put to sea for the island St. Michael's,

-■^93^Sae«*S«!farili»4ij«'««Si««^*w**^^

156

THE PRISONERS LIBERATED.

but he now discovered that the half of his crew
remaining to him contained only three experienced
seamen. For some two days the bark, thus helplessly
manned, drifted about in the utmost peril. The
weather then moderating, they returned to St. Mary's.

Now there came from the shore two priests and a
notary. They were very patronizing. The governor
was ready to do the Admiral any service, they said, if
he could but be assured that he was under the patron-
age of Spain. Would he not be so kind as to show
his commission ? This being done to their satisfaction,
they returned to the shore, and the next day the pris-
oners were liberated. This last move of the governor
was, no doubt, a studied way of getting out of a close
place.

When the prisoners returned, the mystery was solved.
They had ascertained that the King of Portugal had
instructed Castanedo, as well as others in like author-
ity, to detain Columbus whenever he might appear,
fearing lest his enterprise might in some way infringe
on the rights of Portugal. The governor, failing to
surprise him in the chapel, had resorted to stratagem,
but he had failed alike in both. Now it behooved him
to let himself down as easily as possible.

Columbus, having had enough gf St. Mary's and
the Portuguese governor, sailed away on Sunday, the
24th. For several days the weather was pleasant, but
on Wednesday, the 27th, another contrary gale arose
and a tempestuous sea. Having had no opportunity
to recover from the exhaustive efforts necessary to him
during the previous storm, so continuous and so severe,
what wonder that he now became impatient at being

t]
h
h

il
s
a
h

TED.

f of his crew
ee experienced
thus helplessly
St peril. The
1 to St. Mary's,
o priests and a
The governor
ce, they said, if
der the patron-
ind as to show
leir satisfaction,
(ct day the pris-
>f the governor
J out of a close

tery was solved.
3f Portugal had
i in like author-
might appear,
ne way infringe
;rnor, failing to
;d to stratagem,
t behooved him
le.

St. Mary's and
on Sunday, the
as pleasant, but
trary gale arose
no opportunity
lecessary to him
IS and so severe,
)atient at being

THE SAILS ARE RENT.

157

thus driven back from the very door of home ? And
how natural that he should contrast the balmy days
he had just spent in the land of perpetual summer
with these terrific gales and threatening seas ! " Must
it not be," he thought, that the earthly paradise
spoken of in Genesis is somewhere in the remote east,
as theologians have said ? It almost seemed as if he
had been near its borderland.

The storm continued to rage, and at midnight on
Sunday, ^larch 3d, a squall so terrific struck the cara-
vel that all her sails were " split " and she was
obliged to scud under bare poles. They passed the
next day in the tempest, and the following night was
even more fearful than the former. The waves ran
mountain high, the rain seemed to literally pour out
of the heavens, while the lightning's glare and the loud
peals of thunder in various parts of the firmament
were enough to remind them of the final day of doom.
Lots were again cast, and there were pledges of solemn
fasting.

In the night, while they labored with a terrible
storm and were near meeting with destruction from •
the cross-sea, the fury of the wind, which seemed to
carry them up to the skies, and the violent showers and
lightning from, many parts, there was the cry of
*' land !" but only to exchange one terror for another ; for,
not knowing precisely where tjiey were, there was the
most imminent danger of being dashed in pieces on
rocks and shoals. The ragged sails were taken in,
and they kept aloof from shore till morning. The
dawn revealed the well-known rock of Cintra, at the
mouth of the Tagus.

158

THE NINA ENTERS THE TAG US,

Should he again put himself into the hands of the
Portuguese ? Notwithstanding his distrust of this
nation and their king, the violence of the storm left
him no choice. In a letter written years afterwards to
Dofia Juana de la Torres he says : *' I was driven by a
tempest into the port of Lisbon, having lost my sails."
Sailing up the mouth of the river the 4th of March,
he cast anchor in front of Rastelo, about three o'clock
in the afternoon. Can we imagine the sense of relief
which came to these tempest-tossed mariners as they
furled their sails in the calm and dropped anchor in
the quiet river!

All along the shore the inhabitants had been watch-
ing with prayerful anxiety as the caravel made way
against the storm. Gray-haired mariners had never
seen such a tempestuous winter. Many ships were
lying in the harbors weather-bound, and many had
been wrecked along the coast.

One may imagine that the hand of the Admiral could
scarcely have been steady as he penned the tidings of
his return, to be borne by the swiftest messenger
to the sovereigns of Spain, and he would have been
more than human if he had not felt a little self-com-
placent as he delivered for the King of Portugal his
dispatch of a new world found in the west. Surely he
might take the liberty of saying to him that in a case
of necessity he had sought a Portuguese port, and that
in order to be more sa. e than he might be at Rostelo
he would like to be permitted to anchor at Lisbon.

His misgiving was not altogether unwarranted, for,
while the courier to the King was making his nine
leagfues to Valparaiso and back, a certain oflScer of the

''AG us.

LISBON IS MOVED.

159

e hands of the
distrust of this

the storm left
rs afterwards to
was driven by a
; lost my sails."

4th of March,
lit three o'clock
e sense of relief
lariners as they
pped anchor in

tiad been watch-
ravel made way
ners had never
any ships were
and many had

e Admiral could
d the tidings of
ftest messenger
ould have been
a little self-com-
of Portugal his
i^est. Surely he
m that in a case
se port, and that
t be at Rostelo
r at Lisbon,
nwarranted, for,
aaking his nine
lin oflScer of the

Portuguese navy, lying at Rastelo, demanded him to
give an account of himself and his vessel. Columbus
" stood on his dignity," affirming his claim to respect
as an admiral of Spain, and so refused to grant the
request. This, after due explanation, was satisfactory,
and now that the naval officer had learned the nature
of the voyage just made by this little caravel, he was
ready to " lionize " her. Approaching with fifes,
drums, and trumpets, he showed every possible defer-
ence, and ofifered his services to the fullest extent.

Lisbon was the one place in all the world to be most
deeply moved by this wonderful discovery. Had not
Portugal led the world for many decades in navigation,
at once the most perilous and the most successful in
opening up unknown parts ? But here was an achieve-
ment, by one little boat, which quite eclipsed anything
they could boast. For two days the Tagus teemed with
crafts of every kind, from the stately barge to the small
boat, bearing all classes of the curious and the inquir-
ing, who gazed with increasing wonder on the plants,
the birds, the animals, and, above all, the people, so
unlike any other they had ever seen. Surely God had
bestowed the favor of this great discovery on the King
and Queen of Spain, they said, on account of their
devotion to the Christian faith.

On Friday, the 8th of March, a cavalier from King
John II. arrived, inviting the Admiral to court, and
not only were his personal accommodations on the way
to be free, but the King had ordered that anything
required for his vessel or his crews should be furnished
in like manner.

On that same evening of the arrival of the invitation

i6o

COLUMPVS Bn FORE JOHN II.

Coluinbus set out, and on the followin^^ evening
reached the court. He was accompanied by the King's
steward, and as he approaclied Valparaiso a company
of cavaliers came out to escort him into the royal
presence.

Here he is ordered to be seated, after the manner of
royalty. The King congratulates him on his great
achievement, and assures him that all .things in his
kingdom are at the service of him and his sovereigns.
But mortification is mingled with the keenest interest
in the Admiral's account — no doubt eloquentlj' given
— of the eventful voyage and the wonderful discoveries.
Had all this been stupidly thrown away by the king-
dom of Portugal ? The wish being father to the
thought, he suggested that these wonderful parts just
discovered might, after all, possibly be included in the
capitulations to himself by Spain in 1479 ! These
capitulations Columbus had never seen, but he knew
well that he had sailed far enough from the coast of
Africa. Be that as it might, said the King, he and
the sovereigns of Spain could easily adjust the matter.
How little did these two personages know what part
of the world they were talking about !

The Admiral was most royally entertained for the
night by the prior of Crato, the principal personage of
the place, and was requested to meet the King again
the next day in order to complete the charming inter-
view. The latter asked all sorts of questions about
the soil of this new country, its productions, its people,
the route thence, etc., etc. All these inquiries Colum-
bus answered most minutely in order to convince his
Royal Highness that he had not been in Guinae.

a]
g

ai
w
it

g'
ni

ai
n;
h
h(

Ic
w

tl
tl

e£
tc
01

lowiiij;' evening

eel by the King's

raiso a company

into the royal

;r the manner of
m on his great
U .things in his
1 his sovereigns,
keenest interest
iloqnentl}' given
erfnl discoveries,
ly bj' the king-
g father to the
ierful parts jnst
e inclnded in the
1 1479 ! These
:en, but he knew
from the coast of
le King, he and
ijust the matter,
know what part

tertained for the
pal personage of
the King again
charming inter-
questions about
ctions, its people,
inquiries Colum-
r to convince his
in Guinae.

A JKA LOUS COUR T.

161

Unfriendly critics have found an important point
against Columbus in the account of this interview, as
given bj' certain Portuguese historians and biogra-
phers, Barros, Souza, and Vasconcilos, who say that he
deported himself loftily, and spoke in a very vaunting
and provoking manner to the King, as if to pique and
worry him over his lost opportunity — so much so that
it is said some of the indignant courtiers present sug-
gested his assassination. They had seen the Indians
in Columbus's ship, they said, and they looked like
the people within the route of the discoveries of Portu-
gal. The most remote lands discovered by their own
nation were very near to those found by Columbus.
He, therefore, had not discovered any new country,
and deserved to die for having tried to embroil the two
nations. They would provoke him, and, having gotten
him into a quarrel, slay him as if by accident or in
honorable combat. But the King was too far above
such dastard plotting to accept the advice.

No doubt Portugal was bitterly chagrined at the
loss of this magnificent enterprise. How grand it
would have been to have added India in the west of
the Atlantic to Africa in the east ! How easily within
their reach it had once been ! And who could tell
what relation these new-found lands might bear to
those they were exploring ? For, be the world round
or flat, the vast relations of sea and land, both to the
east and to the west, were as yet a mystery. Indeed, up
to this hour the great ocean seas were but little known
outside the Mediterranean.

In everj' word and look of Columbus these jealous
courtiers would see and hear much more than he meant

i62 coLr.unfrs /tnpnRR THE ^rEEN.

to convey. And in view of all the circumstances of
the case, if the Admiral felt just a little self-conscious,
and a sli.s^ht inward sense of triumph over those who
had doubted him and openly set him at naught, and
could not altogether conceal these feelings, what
wonder ? — what blame ?

On Monday, March i ith, after dinner, Columbus
took leave of the King, having received every mark of
affection, and was escorted on his way for some
distance by all the knights of the court. As the
womanly curiosity of the Queen, now at Villa Franca,
had requested an interview with the newly-made Ad-
miral bearing such remarkable tidings, he stopped
there on the way, and was received in the most cordial
manner by her and her ladies in attendance. Again
the wonderful story was told to a most appreciative
group of listeners.

Columbus boarded his caravel on the 13th of March,
and reached Palos at noon on Friday, the 15th, after an
absence of a little less than seven months and a
half.

itlMilnWimwilMli ir -i- "-- -f— ^- '■■

^UEEN.

circumstances of
tie self-conscious,
h over those who
I at naught, and
e feelings, what

[inner, Columbus
ed every mark of
) way for some

court. As the
J at Villa Franca,

newly-nuule Ad-
ngs, he stopped
I the most cordial
Lendancc. Again
nost appreciative

he 13th of March,
the 15th, after an
n months and a

CHAPTERflX.

THK TRIUMPHANT ARRIVAL.

OW the little town of Palos was wild with joy
as they beheld the familiar image of the
Nina floating inside the bar of Salt has
long been known to the world and can easily be
imagined. Here were at least a part of those who had
long since been given up as lost in the " Sea of Dark-
ness," and they could tell something about the missing
ones. There are faces wet with the tears of delight,
because those most cherished in their aflfections are
returned to them — almost like those raised up from the
dead ! But there are other tearful faces revealing a joy
far less complete, because those whom they cherish
most are simply heard from in the distance, and the
uneasy imagination is left to fill up their more recent
fate, which, after all, may be too sad to be conjectured.
Yet joy everywhere prevails. The crowds throng the
docks ; and the shops along the double street which
monopolizes the little town, cradled in a depression
between high hills, are closed ; the church bell rings,
and old and young follow the Admiral up the hill
to St. George's church, just outside the village.
Here they kneel devoutly, scarcely noticing the image
of St. George and the dragon just over the altar, for
all are returning thanks for the great discovery and
for the safe return of so many.
On this same afternoon, while the air is yet vibrating

164

THE PINTA ARRI^^ES.

to these shouts and peals of universal joy, yonder
comes the Pinta, passing the bar of Salt, and standing
up the harbor. The storm having blown her away
into the Bay of Biscay, she had made the port of
Bayonne; whence Pinzon, supposing Columbus to
have been lost, had written to the Spanish sovereigns,
asking permission to report the great discovery in
person at court. He had expected to surprise Palos ;
but, seeing how he had been anticipated by the Ad-
miral, his enthusiasm was cooled at the recollection of
his desertion and at the thought of what might fol-
low in consequence. He therefore disembarked quietly.
His health was shattered, his high reputation as one
of the chief aids to this great enterprise damaged,
and, as he soon received an admonitory letter from the
court, which gave him to understand that his presence
there would not be welcome — at least not without that
of Columbus— he sank under the weight of mortifica-
tion and disappointment, and died in a very short time.
Poor Pinzon ! He had been guilty of a serious mis-
demeanor, and sad was the expiation he had to make,
but let his incalculable services in revealing one-half
the globe be most gratefully remembered. What
could Columbus have done without him? Engrave
his virtues " on the rock," but write his errors " in the

sand."

The sovereigns were now in Barcelona, an important
seaport town in Catalonia. Tidings truly welcome,
almost transporting, was this message from the courier
as to the New World ! For once, Ferdinand's cautious
reserve must have been shaken, and Isabella's san-
guine, generous nature must have been moved to its

ES.

ersal joy, yonder
3alt, and standing

blown Tier away
made the port of
ing Columbus to
panish sovereigns,
^reat discovery in
to surprise Palos ;
ipated by the Ad-

the recollection of
f what might fol-
sembarked quietly,
reputation as one
iterprise damaged,
tory letter from the
i that his presence
5t not without that
/^eight of mortifica-
ti a very short time.
y oi z. serious mis-
n he had to make,

revealing one-half
membered. What
It him? Engrave
; his errors " in the

ilona, an important
igs truly welcome,
Lge from the courier
Ferdinand's cautious
and Isabella's san-
been moved to its

COLUMBUS GOES TO BARCELONA.

165

Utmost depth. Let Mercury, messenger of the gods,
with winged feet, fly ! Tell the Admiral to come at
once, straight across the Idngdom of Spain, and in his
own moving words relate this astounding event to the
King and Queen !

Meanwhile, Columbus has gone to Seville to await
the royal orders. By the 30th of March the anwer is
at hand. How shall he proceed to this distant point ?
In his caravel along the Mediterranean ? This was his
first impulse ; but no, he has had salt water enough for
awhile. A pril is about to unfold her vernal charms in
this delightful climate, so he will go by land, obliquely,
almost across the kingdom. But he must first set in
motion preparations for an immediate second voyage.
So the sovereigns have requested in their short but en-
thusiastic letter, just arrived.

News always had swift wings, even before railroads
and telegraphs. Ere long all Spain was on the move
to learn as much as possible about this new thing
under the sun, which was to eclipse alike the Portu-
guese discoveries in Africa and the subjugation of the
Moors at home. By the time Columbus was on the way
the whole country was thronging him en route. Every
city and town through which he passed was an ovation.
The six Indians with him — one had died on the way
across the ocean and three were sick at Palos — took the
lead, so ornamented as to represent the golden wealth
of the Indies. Then followed the brilliant birds;
brilliant, indeed, they must have, been, especially the
forty parrots mentioned as in the procession. There
were the most striking specimens of plants and fruits,
wholly new to the beholders ; especially noticeable were

i66

THE PEOPLE THRONG HIM.

the spices and the royal palms, which might indicate
the outskirts of India. Do not fail to note the brightly
ornamented belts, the figure-heads or masks pieced out
and trimmed with gold, and the rudely fashioned
coronets of the precious metal — all presented by the
chieftains, and disclosing alike the wealth and the
novel style of life in the newly-discovered country.

But all this merely prepares the eye to behold Co-
lumbus himself following on horseback and sur-
rounded, ere he reached Barcelona, with a splendid
cavalcade of courtiers and hidalgoes who had come, in
their eagerness, to escort him into the city. It is but
rational, and requires no stretch of the imagination, to
accept the account of the people thronging and crowd-
ing from every direction to get a glimpse of this unpre-
cedented sight. The windows, the balconies, the sides
of the narrow streets, and even the housetops, would be
crowded with curious spectators of every age and
character. Those bending under the weight of years,
those in the full strength of manhood and womanhood,
the beauty and buoyancy of youth, and the innocent,
gaping curiosity of childhood — all would be there,
elbowing their way to the front. The poet or the artist
who should depict the scene otherwise would surely be
delinquent to human nature. The bruit of the dis-
covery had caused a great sensation in the court and
among the people ; and, great and momentous as it was
in itself, it was supposed to be even more wonderful in
some respects than it really was. Nothing, in those
days at least , could turn people's heads and set every-
body wild like the news of boundless wealth ready to
hand — gold! pearls! precious jewels ! Was not such

HIM.

COLUMBUS BEFORE THE MONARCHS.

167

I might indicate
lote the brightly
nasks pieced out
udely fashioned
resented by the
wealth and the
red country,
e to behold Co-
sback and sur-
ivith a splendid
^ho had come, in
! city. It is but
t imagination, to
iging and crowd-
ise of this unpre-
Iconies, the sides
setops, would be
every age and
weight of years,
and womanhood,
id the innocent,
ATould be there,
poet or the artist
would surely be
jruit of the dis-
in the court and
lentous as it was
ore wonderful in
[othing, in those
s and set every-
! wealth ready to
Was not such

the wealth of farthest India, of which they now
beheld the trophies? What would have been their
feelings had they known that they were 01 ly beholding
the symbols of the great American wilderness, swarm-
ing with savages ?

But the King and Queen ? Behold them, in the most
regal state of expectancy, seated on a dais under a
canopy of brocade of gold, in the Alcazar or Arabian
castle, once the seat of the Moorish kings, now occupied
by the bishop of Urgil. On their right is Prince Juan,
the heir-apparent. The tall and stately figure of the
Admiral enters, white-haired and venerable as a Roman
senator, and surrounded by a crowd of gay cavaliers.
As he approaches, the monarchs rise. He kneels to
kiss their hands, which they give with deferential hesi-
tation, and graciously lift him up and signal him to sit
in their presence, after the manner of royalty.

Let him now tell where he has been and what he has
seen, for every ear is listening with the utmost tension
of curious interest. Speak, O Admiral and Viceroy of
the Indies, for this is the grandest and proudest hour of
your life. Drain the cup of joy — it is your supreme
moment, and the tide of your glory will soon ebb, never
to rise again in your day. _

Columbus may have discovered a foreign accent, but
he was without doubt an able speaker ; and here were
the representative subjects of his discourse, to be
pointed out in passing — here ivas such an audience as
few men of his rank ever addressed. And the story ! —
it was well worthy of the audience, listening in almost
breathless astonishment. Truly this is news! — news
from the antipodes, and here are the evidences — tangi-

i68

A NEW BRA.

ble — visible ; no old musty parchineut of Marco Polo
or John Mandeville, but the direct living word and liv-
ing things from beyond the " Sea of Darkness " \

It is an hour of intense feeling; but the thought
does not seem to be of wealth or dominion — a tide of
religious emotion carries everything before it. Mines
of gold and seas of pearl there may be, but here is a
pagan world, naked and destitute, given to the care and
tutelage of the church, which has just conquered the
heathen within its borders. The things contemplated
are not only mysterious, but truly immense. They are
at least conscious, it would seem, of the fact — these
great minds — that an incalculable change is about to
come to the world. A new era is dawning. They are
overshadowed by the Infinite. The discourse ended, the
sovereigns are kneeling with clasped hands and tearful
eyes lifted heavenward, uttering thanksgiving and
praise to Almighty God for this great and strange prov-
idence. The entire audience follow the example. No
shouts of joy, no loud acclaim of triumph, but solemn
silence, tearful devotion, thought unutterable ! From
the royal chapel choir, accompanied by instruments,
swells forth the inimitable Te Deum Laudamus^ bear-
ing all hearts heavenward, " so that it seemed as if, in
that hour, they communicated with celestial delights,"
says the venerable Las Casas, who,'then some eighteen
years of age, was probably a student at Salamanca,
and who was afterwards intimately acquainted with Co-
lumbus, as also with others who witnessed the above.

What an event, what an impression was this ! — at
once the grandest reality and the greatest delusion;
the former to be proven by the nations in the centuries

aTs***«vs^wwi«**"

' —*-" **rf^Tn?<*^

of Marco Polo
g word and liv-
irkness " I
lut the thoaght
iniow — a tide of
ifore it. Mines
le, but here is a
1 to the care and
t conquered the
fs contemplated
mse. They are

the fact — these
mge is about to
ling. They are
:ourse ended, the
luds and tearful
anksgiving and
md strange prov-
e example. No
nph, but solemn
tterable ! From
by instruments,
Laudamus, bear-
; seemed as if, in
lestial delights,"
;n some eighteen
t at Salamanca,
uainted with Co-
3sed the above,
n was this! — at
reatest delusion ;

in the centuries

COLUMBUS IIV HONOR. 169

to come, but, alas ! the latter only to be experienced by
Columbus. But let us not anticipate the shadows and
the darkness — they- will come soon enough. Let the
great discoverer enjoy to the full these days of popular
applause and courtly esteem. Let the dignitaries of
church and state crowd around him, and feel honored
by a few words of conversation with him about the
new world. Let him appear amidst the crowds, " his
face wreatl 2d with smiles of content." Let him ride
out on 1/3 horse, King Ferdina.od on one side and
Prince Jur.n on the other. And is he not entitled to
dictate measures to the sovereigns, as to the manage-
ment of the great enterprises of the Indies ? The high
honors of the hour have cost him many anxious, strug-
gling years, and they will be followed by days dark and
tempestuous enough. Surely the reward allotted Co-
lumbus for his stupendous achievement was but slen-
der — a few years of bitter trial, disappointment, and
suffering both of body and of mind.

Well, we must not forget that story about the ^gg !
Cardinal Mendoza, always friendly to Columbus, even
in the dark days of the antechamber, is said to have
now made a banquet in his special honor. During the
repast, a jealous courtier asked: If he — Columbus —
had not discovered the Indies, were there not other men
in Spain who might have done so ? On the principle
that actions sometimes speak louder than words, the
Admiral took an &gg and invited any one of the com-
pany to make it stand on end. After the vain attempt,
variously and amusingly made, no doubt, had gone the
round, he touched it to the table firmly enough to
depress the end, and so made it stand.

!#•

*ti

170

APPRECIATION OF COLUMBUS.

Si:

/
1'

Like many other striking incidents in the lives of
great men, this lacks the earliest and best authority,
being first given by Benzoni in 1865. But if the illus-
tration were " a hackneyed one even in those days, and
we find it ascribed, among others, to Brunelleschi, the
architect who constructed the marvellous cupola of the
Cathedral of Florence seventy years before the first
voyage of Columbus," still it may have been original
at Mendoza's table— at least in the manner of its ap-
plication. At all events, it bids fair to live as long
as the name of Columbus; and, as Irving has said,
" the universal popularity of the anecdote is a proof of

its merit."

As a signal of honor to himself and family, the sov-
ereigns gave him a coat-of-arms. May 20th ; the fif^ld
of which contained, above, a lion to the right and a
castle to the left ; and below, five golden anchors on a
blue ground to the right, and a sort of archipelago of
golden islands on a sea of waves to the left. They also
prefixed to his name, with much preamble and formality
of statement, the title " Don," which implied a high
honor in those days. Now it scarcely means more than
Mr. does in English.

As to the inscription, —

" To Castile and to Leon
Columbus gave a new world,"

it does not appear in the earliest representations of the
escutcheon, and in the biography ascribed to Ferdinand
Columbus the motto is said to have been placed on his
father's tomb by the King some time after his death.
Ferdinand's appreciation of the greatest mar* in his
realm seems to have overtaken him somewhat late —
after that man was cold and silent in death.

MB us.

\ in the lives of

best authority,
But if the illus-

those days, and
Jrunelleschi, the
us cupola of the

before the first
/e been original
anner of its ap-

to live as long
Irving has said,
lote is a proof of

1 family, the sov-
j 20th ; the fif'ld
the right and a
[en anchors on a
Df archipelago of

2 left. They also
ible and formality
, implied a high
means more than

jsentations of the
ibed to Ferdinand
een placed on his
e after his death,
atest mars in his
somewhat late —
leath.

CHAPTER X.

THE BOUNDARY LINE AND THE SECOND VOYAGE.

PAIN and Portugal were rival nations, so
closely and compactly located as to be able
to watch each other with the most narrow-
eyed vigilance. The Pope, regarded as ruler of Chris-
tendom, and so, \v a spiritual sense at least, ruler over
all nations, was supposed to be able to give away a
heathen territory to any Christian nation who might
discover or conquer it with intent of evangelization.
For more than half a century these iucumbents'of the
papal chair had given Portugal permission to sail south,
and to Spain the same privilege to the westward. And
in 1479 the two nations had agreed to abide by this
decision as to their naval enterprises. For many years
Portugal seemed to have the field of promise ; and no
limit appeared, as yet, to the rich territories of Africa.
Spain, meanwhile, might content herself with her
colony on the Canaries, or speculate on the " Sea of
Darkness." Now the scene of action was changed.
Columbus, sailing to the west, had found the most mag-
nificent islands and what seemed to be a mainland.
Spain was sure her caravels had not trespassed on the
undiscovered territories assigned to her neighbor, but
the latter was not so sure. So, in order to prevent all
controversy, Spain applied to Alexander VI. to draw a
line of demarcation. On May 3d, 1493, the imaginary
limit was announced, one hundred leagues west of the

172

LINE OF NO VARIATION.

Azores and Cape Verde Islands. Beyond this Spain
might have the field to the west, if she would plant the
Catholic faith in the new territories. No one thought
of the trouble which such a line might cause on the
other side of the globe.

This line of demarcation corresponds with Colum-
bus's line of no variation of the compass, and was no
doubt suggested by him. That this line made a great
impression upon him is clear from his own words :

" Each time that I sail from Spain to India, as soon
as I have proceeded about a hundred nautical miles to
the west of the Azores, I perceive an extraordinary
variation in the movements of the heavenly bodies, in
the temperature of the air, and in the character of the
sea. I have observed these alterations with especial
care, and I notice that the mariner's compass, whose
declination had hitherto been northeast, was now
changed to northwest ; and when I had crossed this
line, as if in passing the brow of a hill, I found the
ocean covered by such a mass of sea- weed, similar to
small branches of pine covered with pistachi nuts,
that we were apprehensive that, for want of a suffi-
ciency of water, our ships would run upon a shoal.
Before we reached the line of which I speak there was
no trace of any such sea-weed. Oij the boundary line,
one hundred miles west of the Azores, the ocean becomes
at once still and calm, being scarcely even moved by
a breeze. On my passage from the Canary Islands to
the parallel of Sierra Leone v/e had to endure a fright-
ful degrefe of heat, but as soon as we had crossed the
above-mentioned line the climate changed, the air
became temperate, and the freshness increased the
farther we advanced."

ON.

^rond this Spain

would plant the

No one thought

It cp.iise on the

ids with Colum-
jass, and was no
ne made a great
own words :
;o India, as soon
lautical miles to
n extraordinary
Lvenly bodies, in
character of the
IS with especial
compass, whose
heast, was now
lad crossed this
hill, I found the
-weed, similar to
1 pistachi nuts,
want of a suffi-
1 upon a shoal,
speak there was
.e boundary line,
le ocean becomes
even moved by
anary Islands to
I endure a fright-
had crossed the
hanged, the air
s increased the

PORTUGUESE STRATECr.

173

How natural, if not necessary, therefore, it is
to believe, with Humboldt and others, that Columbus
sought to fix the political line by the physical. But
other lines of no variation have since been found ; so
that this was, after all, no natural limit of territory.

Portugal was exceedingly anxious to get a foothold
in the newly-discovered country, and went so far as
to fit out vessels for that purpose, thinking, no doubt,
"CasA. posse ss>ion was " nine points out of ten in the law."
She was as tricky now as she had been with Columbus
some years before. Ferdinand either knew or sus-
pected what was in progress, and sent an embassador
with two letters, one friendly and the other threaten-
ing. He might use the one or the other, as the case
might demand on his arrival. But King John had
bribed Ferdinand's counsellors, who kept him con-
stantly advised of this monarch's plans, and thus he
was made ready for the double message. Having
escaped the trap, he sent to his royal brother, saying
that during sixty days, while they might be discuss-
ing matters, no vessel should sail on any voyage of
discovery. This might prove a quietus to the excite-
ment; then, too, he must be conciliatory, for he
wanted the dividing line to run due west from the
Canaries, instead of north and south. This sort of
parleying just suited Ferdinand, He would now have
time to get Columbus ready fpr his second voyage,
while King John's hands were thus fastened by his
own tying. He sent another embassy, which was
instructed to travel slowly, to procrastinate in every
possible way, and, if they could not gain time enough
otherwise, to call an arbitration. King John saw

T74

lilSirOP FONSJCA.

through the scheme, and, helplessly chagrined, said,
" These embassadors have neither feet to travel nor
head to propose." He was beaten and gave up the
contest. Behold these kings playing their sharp
game for islands and continents !

P>erything was on the move now, in order to be
ready as soon as possible for Columbus's second voyage.
Free lodgings were granted him and his servitors
wherever he went. The titles and privileges before
granted were confirmed, and he was given the royal
seal, to be used as occasion might require. May 28th,
after having received every possible demonstration of
favor from the sovereigns and from the whole court,
he left Barcelona, and reached Seville early in
June. Here hf was joined by Juan Rodriguesde Fou-
sica, archdeacon of Seville, appointed by the Crown to
direct preparations. This church dignitary is painted
in very dark colors by most writers.* He began to
take issue at once with Columbus in his plans of prep-
aration, particularly in respect to the number of foot-
men he was to have as Admiral and Viceroy. Foiled
in this demur by the sovereigns, he seems to have
contracted an implacable enmity toward his victim,
whom he never ceased to persecute till the day of his
death, and then he seems to have transferred his
spirit of unyielding bitterness to the Admiral's
descendants. He held the control of the affairs of the

*" A shrewd man of business, a hard task-master, an implacable enemy,
he displayed, during his long administration of Indian aifairs, all the quali-
ties of an unscrupulous tyrant, and was instrumental in inflicting on the
islanders keener miseries than ever have been brought by conqueror upon a
subject race." — Helfs' Life of Christopher Columbus.

^>7MCW<(iim«ajfiia!KlilttMk^tt#WieSlliiMittM^^

FITTING OUT THE FLEET.

175

chagrined, said,
et to travel nor
[id gave up the
tig their sharp

in order to be
> second voyage,
id his servitors
rivileges before
given the royal
lire. May 28th,
iemonstration of
he whole court,
leville early in
(drigues de Fou-
by the Crown to
nitary is painted
* He began to
is plans of prep-
number of foot-
/^iceroy. Foiled

seems to have
rard his victim,
11 the day of his

transferred his

the Admiral's
the affairs of the

an implacable enemy,
in affairs, all the quali-
il in inflicting on the
it by conqueror upon a

Indies some thirty years. A thoroughly worldly and
unforgiving spirit seems to have marked his career.

" Money ! niouey !" is often the cry of kings as well
as of common people. The new fleet would require
funds. There was a royal order which put all the
ships and seamen in the ports of Andalusia at the
service of Columbus aid Fonsica at reasonable pay.
This would ensure convenience and economy. Then
two-thirds of the tithes of the church were appropriated ;
also certain sequestered property of the Jews, so cruelly
banished. Other resources were husbanded. Finally,
a loan of 5,000,000 maravedis was secured from the
Duke of Medina-Sidonia.

Artillery and weapons of warfare of :ill kinds were
gathered from the various ships of the nation. Mili-
tary stores left over from the Moorish wars and stored
in the Alhambra, now degraded into an arsenal, were
laid under requisition. Everything was hurry and
bustle, for Portugal was watching and might take advan-
tage of delay.

How remarkably Italy is destined to contribute to
these enterprises in discovery ! Did Perestrello and
Cadamosto aid Prince Henry ? Here is not only Co-
lumbus in this important service of Spain, but the man
who presides over all this din of preparation in the
harbor of Seville, Juonato Beradi, i& a Florentine mer-
chant now settled here ; and, more interesting still,
that man assisting him so energetically is Americus
Vespuccius^ hereafter to give name, unwittingly albeit,
to one-half of the globe. He is an active and well-culti-
vated man of some forty-two years.

As for Isabella, she is now a sort of missionary.

176

EMJiA.:h'A riON A r cadiz.

The Indians brought to Barcelona by Columbus are
baptized, the King, the heir-apparent, and the Queen
herself standing as sponsors; the whole affair being
conducted according to the eccle::iastical magnificence
of the times. She is instructing ;:;e Admiral to deal
kindly with the natives of the new country, and
punish all such as impose on them or put stumbling-
blocks in the way of their conversion to the faith. To
Bernardo Buil, the Be.h dictine monk selected by the
Pope as his apostolical vicar, she gives the sacred
vestments and vessels of her own chapel. He and
his twelve consecrated a.ssistants ruust do all they cau
to establish a church in the new vorld.

The scene of active preparation is now transferred
to tuc liarbor of Cadijc, from which the fleet is to sail.
Seventeen vessels in all are here — three stately
carracks, several yacht-like crafts of light draft for
coasting and exploring ; the rest are caravels, rounded
up at. prow and stern after the picturesque style of
that time. An extensive fleet, this, compared with the
three small vessels which sailed from Palos less than
a year ago ! From every direction the stores of out-
fit and provisions and the tide of living things flow in.
Here comes a stock of cows ; also horses, asses, and
other beasts ; here are farm implements and seeds of
all the grains, vines, and fruit trees of all kinds — every-
thing of the kind needed in stocking a new country.
It is a sort of entry of Noah's Ark on a large scale.

But the people ! — see them crowd and throng ! No
opening of prisons now ; no persuasion whatever
necessary. " Men were ready to leap into the sea to
swim, if it had been possible, into those new-found

'S4.WBC,

DIZ.

)y Columbus are
, and the Queen
hole affair being
cal magnificence
Admiral to deal
w country, and
r put stumbliug-
to the faith. To
: selected by the
^ives the sacred
hapel. He and
t do all they can
i.

now transferred
le fleet is to sail,
e — three stately
' light draft for
aravels, rounded
Liresque style of
mpared with the
I Palos less than
he stores of out-
g things flow in.
Drses, asses, and
nts and seeds of
ill kinds — every-
j a new country.

a large scale,
ind throng I No
lasion whatever
p into the sea to
;hose new-found

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33 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. MS80

(716) 872-4503

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THE PEOPLE WHO EMBARK.

177

parts," says one who lived near that time. At first
the number permitted to go had been limited to 1,000;
but, under the pressure, it soon rose to 1,200, and
finally is supposed to have reached in all nearly 1,500.
In addition to all the crews, artisans, laborers, and
officers, here was the adventurer, ready for good luck
or bad, as the case might be, expecting, somehow, to
get an immense amount of gold. Here was the
pleasure-seeker, dreaming of some elysium of easy
delectation and unparalleled scenes of beauty. Here
was the soldier, looking for unheard-of feats in arms.
Finally, here were those who merely wanted to go,
they could scarcely tell why, but managed to move
along with the crowd, unchallenged, and stow them-
selves away unseen. All, all expecting, somehow, to
pick up an immense fortune.

But there are some here who must not be lost in the
crowd— Alonzo de Ojeda, a dashing, daring young
soldier from the Moorish wars, and favorite of the
Duke of Medina-Celi; Diego, youngest brother of
Columbus ; Las Casas, father of the famous bishop
and apostle to the Indians, and also an uncle ; Juan
Ponce de Leon, of Florida fame afterwards ; Juan de
la Cosa, who made the first map of the new world,
and Dr. Chanca, of Seville, one of the chief chroniclers
of the voyage.

Strikingly impressive must have been that last day
in port. The twelve ecclesiastics, under their leader,
would see to it that the accustomed religious rites
were performed by all the crews. Friends embraced
each other. Not only from the masts did gay banners
float, but brilliant colored fabrics decorated many of

;=r.l;1

178 THE FLEET LEAVES THE HARBOR.

the ships. The royal standard was on the stern of
every vessel. Pipers, harpers, clarions, and trumpets
vied with each other, and " held in mute astonishment
the neriads and even che sirens with their sweet modu-
lations." Cheers rent the air, and cannon thundered

across the waters.

The morning of the 25th of September dawned
auspiciously. Before sunrise the voices of the sailors
were heard, as they weighed anchors and hoisted their
sails. The vessels fall into line, and are escorted out onto
the deep by Venetian galleys. Surely this is a sud-
den rise of glory for the Admiral, one of which his
excitable nature must be intensely conscious.
• A week of uneventful sailing passes, and on the ist
of October the fleet reaches the Gran Canaria. Here
they stop to repair a leaky ship. On the 5th they
reach Goniera, where they remain two days to com-
plete their outfit. Finding here all the thriving indus-
tries of civilized life, they take in, not merely wood
and water, but also increase their stock of domestic
animals— calves, goats, sheep, and the swine from which
descended the abundant supply of these animals for
which the new world is afterwards noted, some of
them even reverting to the original wild state. Domes-
tic fowls also are taken in, and seeds and plants for
the orange, the lemon, melons, &c.

On the 7th they are under way again, but for six
days they are becalmed among these islands. On the
13th, however, a fresh breeze swells their sails, and
they bear to the south of the course of the former
voyage, for the Admiral is desirous of seeing those
islands inhabited by " man-eaters," said to lie south-
east of Hayti.

ARBOR.

n the stern of
, and trumpets
e astonishment
;ir sweet niodu-
non thundered

:ember dawned
s of the sailors
ad hoisted their
scorted out onto
7 this is a sud-
e of which his
scions.

, and on the ist
Canaria. Here
n the 5th they
o days to com-
- thriving indus-
ot merely wood
ock of domestic
iwine from which
lese animals for
noted, some of
id state. Domes-
5 and plants for

gain, but for six
islands. On the

their sails, and
se of the former

of seeing those
laid to lie south-

STORM AT SEA.

179

As they are now out on the wide sea,- Columbus
gives sealed directions to the several captains, to be
opened only if the vessels become scattered, in order •
that none may fail to make their port at La Navidad.
Las Casas says these instructions were under seal m
order that even the captains might be dependent on
Columbus for their course to the new world, and no one
be able to divulge the secret. As they now swept on
charmingly in the track of the trade-winds their only
hindrance was the tardy, heavy sailing of the Ad-
miral's ship. Dr. Chanca thought they had lost one-
fourth of their time on the voyage on account of her.
Ten days passed and still they were sailing grandly.
But where are those great tracts of sea-weeds which
were encountered on the former voyage ? They are
away to the north, and are not needed this time to
remind the timid sailors of land. Now the ships are
outward bound for a definite port, every eye antici-
pating the most magnificent landfall at the end of the

voyage.

As the end of the month approached they were sur-
prised by drenching rains, sharp lightnings, and crash-
ing thunder. For hours the fleet was tempest-tossed,
and danger, dark and threatening, prevailed. Inih^
language of Syllacius, a contemporary writer, "Their
yards were broken, their sails torn, their ropes snapped
asunder, the timbers creaked, the decks were floating
with brine, some ships hun^ suspended on the sum-
mits of the waves, while to others the yawnmg floods
disclosed the bottom between the billows." But, lo !
the clear glow of lights at the tips of the masts and
yards of the ships, especially the Admiral's ship, as-

»iSlK-5-

'iii&'^a.^a^fi

i8o

ST. ELMO'S LIGHTS.

sures one and all that the good St. Elmo is present
with his candles and will secure the stilling of the
tempest. According to the custom of sailors, under
the spell of this time-honored superstition, the crews,
with tears of joy, salute the saint \>y chanting their
'' sacred hymns " and " offering prayers." " Forth-
with the tempest began to abate, the sea to remit its
fury, the waves their violence, and the surface of the
waves became as smooth as polished marble." So
says Coma, a writer of that time. Herrera, a Spanish
historian, referring to the same nautical superstition
occurring in the famous voyage of Magellan, says :
" During these great storms, they said that St. Elmo
appeared at the topmast with a lighted candle, and
sometimes with two, upon which the people shed tears
of joy, receiving great consolation, and saluted him
according to the custom of mariners. He remained
visible for a quarter of an hour, and then disappeared
with a great flash of lightning which blinded the peo-
ple." Both Pliny and Seneca mention a similar super-
stition as prevailing among Roman mariners, who
attributed the lights to Castor and Pollux, tutelary
divinities of sailors in ancient times. Hence the sign
which St. Paul saw on the Alexandrian ship, referred
to in Acts viii, ii. These lights of St. Elmo are
now known to be simply a natural phenomenon.
When storm-clouds, heavily charged with electricity,
float low over the earth, an electrical communication
takes place between them and such projecting points
as church-spires and masts of ships, causing them to
glow with a blue-white light, which may continue for
a number of seconds or ever minutes.

Elmo is present
e stilling of the
of sailors, under
itition, the crews,
3' chanting their
yers." " Forth-
e sea to remit its
le surface of the
id marble." So
errera, a Spanish
tical superstition

Magellan, says :
aid that St. Elmo
hted candle, and
people shed tears
and saluted him
s. He remained
then disappeared
1 blinded the peo-
)n a similar super-
n mariners, who
I Pollux, tutelary
Hence the sign
rian ship, referred

of St. Elmo are
ral ph enomenon .
[ with electricity,
al communication

projecting points
5, causing them to
may continue for
s.

LAND IN SIGHT.

[8i

Saturday evening, November 2d, finds the crews
weary with the voyage, which must have been im-
mensely greater than most of them had ever expe-
rienced. The sailors, too, are tired with bailing out the
water from leaky ships. It would seem, also, that
the supply of fresh water was becoming scant, and
that some wtfre suffering from thirst. The pilots cast
up their reckonings, some concluding that they were
780 leagues from the Canaries, and others making the
distance 800 leagues. The Admiral is looking sharply
at the sky and sea, and is watching the shifting puffs
of wind. He is sure, from the color of the water, the
motion of the waves, the changing winds, and the fit-
ful showers, that land is near. With his wonted
caution, he therefore gives orders to take in sail, and
watch carefully throughout the night.

The first light of Sunday morning gilds the top of
a high mountain directly ahead. All are cheered with
the cry of " land " from the mast-head of the Admiral's
ship. Shouts of joy ring out upon the waves from
the whole fleet. Dominica shall be the name of the
majestic island heaving in full view, says Columbus,
for is it not Sunday ? As the ships move on, other
islands, clad in elysian beauty, rise above the horizon
like beatific visions. Flights of brightly colored,
noisy parrots and other brilliant tropical birds are
winging their way from one island to another, and the
wind from off the land is laden with sweet odors.
Every ves.sel now becomes a sanctuary. The decks
bustle with the crews and passengers, and the united
fleet gives thanks for the prosperous voyage, and chants
the impressive service of the church, including the

t82

GUADALOUPE.

Saha Rtirina. Surely this is a fitting manner of
saluting the Nnu World on the Lord's day.

Every one is eager to set foot on the land, but Co-
lumbus can find no good anchorage for the fleet along
this island, so they sail to the next one of large size,
which he namea Mariagalante, after his ship. Here
they land and set up the royal banner, taking pos-
session, by means of the usual ceremony, of this, along
with the other five islands they have just passed.
But are there no inhabitants in this luxuriant forest
redolent with spices ? Is there no eye to behold these
brilliant flowers ? — no hand to pluck this luscious
fruit ? They search in vain. The island is a .solitude.

As nothing could be so interesting here as some
specimen of humanity, they make sail for the next
large island. Another night is spent on the water, and
the dawn reveals a most romantic landscape. A vol-
canic peak rises to an immense height, and cataracts,
pouring down its sides, appear like water falling out of
heaven. Columbus, recalling a promise made to the
monks of " Our Lady of Guadaloupe," in Estremadura,
names this large and wonderful island Guadaloupe.

The next day they land and pas's a week of sight-
seeing. Here is the first village in- the New World! —
desolate and forsaken, however, excepting the infants
and little ones, whom the terrified mothers have left be-
hind in their flight. But their frightened, innocent
staring is soon diverted by gentle caresses and by those
tinkling hawk's bells and other bright trinkets which
the strangers bind upon their naked arms.

Let us look around upon this strange village ! — upon
this scene in human life forever passed away ! The

A VI r J. AGE OF THE NATIVES.

1'^.^

:tiiig manner of
'.V day.

he land, bnt Co-
or the fleet along
ne of large size,
his ship. Here
inief, taking pos-
my, of this, along
ave jnst passed.

luxni-iant forest
e to behold these
ck this luscious
land is a solitude,
ig here as some
;ail for the next

on the water, and
mdscape. A vol-
ht, and cataracts,
ater falling out of
iiise made to the
" in Estremadura,
i Guadaloupc.

a week of sight-
tie New World ! —
ipting the infants
thers have left be-
yhtened, innocent
isses and by those
ht trinkets which
irms. ♦

ge village ! — upon
ssed away ! The

houses — about thirty, built of logs or poles, intenvoven
with branches and huge reeds and thatched with the
immense, tough leaves of the palm — are not constructed
after the circular., xvigxvam style, so common on most
other islands, but are square and cotlagd--iike, with
porticoes, the posts of which are sometimes carved to rep-
resent objects — serpents in one instance. And they are
built around a square, in truly social style. Let us enter
and examine the furniture. Ah ! here is the hammock,
the Indian bed, which is to add a novelty to civilized
luxury and a new word to our language. It is made
of a loose, rope-like twisting of cotton, tied in a net-like
form, and hung by cords. For dishes, here is the cala-
bash, rude earthen bowls, and, O horrors ! human
skulls for drinking vessels ! Here are fabrics of cot-
ton—" many cotton sheets,'" says Dr. Chanca, " so well
woven as to be in no way inferior to those of our
country "—and also cotton yarn and the crude wool.
Here are huge bows and arrows tipped with bone
—bones of human shins, the best judges think. Dr.
Chanca mentions arrows pointed " with tortoise-shell "
and " fish spines," " barbed like coarse saws."

The same author — and he was an eye-witness of the
very scenes we are now describing — says of these
islanders, the Caribs : "In their attacks upon the
neighboring islands, these people capture as many of
the women as they can, especially those who are young
and beautiful, and keep them as concubines ; and so
great a number do they carry off that in fifty houses
no men were to be seen, and out of the number of the
captives more than twenty were young girls. These
women also say that the Caribbees use them with such

1 84

CAR IB CRUELTr TO CAPTIVES.

cruelty as would scarcely be believed, and that they
eat the children which they bear to them, and only
bring up those whicli they have by their native wives.
Such of their male enemies as they can take alive
they bring to their houses to make a feast of them,
and those who are killed they devour at once. They
say that man's flesh is so good that there is nothing
like it in the world ; and this is pretty evident, for of
the bones which we found in their houses they had
gnawed everything that could be gnawed, so that
nothing remained of them but what was too tough to
be eaten ; in one of the houses' we found the neck of
a man undergoing the process of cooking in a pot.
When they take any boys prisoners they dismember
them and make use of them until they grow up to
manhood, and then when they wish to make a feast
they kill and eat them, for they say that the flesh of
boys and women is not good to eat. Three of these
boys came fleeing to us thus mutilated."*

Now let us see what there is around the houses of
this strange village. Here are domesticated geese,
possibly ducks, not unlike those of Europe ; and par-
rots as large as the common fowl and of the most
striking contrasts of brilliant plumage— the blue,
green, and scarlet being illuminated with the lightest
shades, even to white. Here may also be some of those
dogs more or less common to the islands throughout,
" of various colors," some of them " like large house
dogs," some of them like " beagles," but none of them

1 Syllacius says, " U is their custom to dismember the male children and
young slaves whom they capture, and fatten them like capons. They feed
with greater care those that are thin of flesh and emaciated, as we do
wethers."

PTI VES.

jd, and that they

them, and only
heir native wives,
sy can take alive

1 a feast of them,
ir at once. They
; there is nothing
itty evident, for of
• honses they had

gnawed, so that
t was too tough to
found the neck of
cooking in a pot.
s they dismember
1 they grow up to
h to make a feast
y that the flesh of
t. Three of these
:ed."*

mnd the houses of
omesticated geese,

Europe ; and par-
. and of the most
lumage — the blue,
i with the lightest
so be some of those
slands throughout,

" like large house
" but none of them

nbei- the male children and

m like capons. They feed

and emaciated, as vre do

KITCHEN MIDDENS.

185

able to bark. But here is something— probably in the
rude cottage garden— at once fragrant, curious to the
eye, and delicious to the taste— the pineapple.

Syllacius says, " Hares, serpents, and lizards of
monstrous size are produced in this 'island. There
are also dogs which do not bark, and are not subject
to canine madness. They divide these at the spine,
and, after roasting them slightly, satisfy their hunger
with them when human flesh cannot be obtained.
They have birds of various kinds, among these a pro-
digious number of parrots."

In one house they find what seems to be an iron pot,
since thought to have been made of a peculiar stone,
as iron was not found in that region. But here is a
curiosity among savages— the stern-post of a vessel !
This must have drifted across the ocean from some
civilized country. Perhaps it is a part of the wreck of
the Santa Maria. Now all stand aghast at the sight
of a pile of human bones— probably the remains of
many an unnatural repast.

The fleet now moved on some six miles, and anchored
in another harbor. The island, some seventy miles
long, consisted of magnificent mountains and fertile
plains. Small towns were found here and there along
the coast, but the inhabitants had fled in terror at the
sight of the sails. Those who landed succeeded, how-
ever, in taking a number of women and several small
boys, all captives, who were glad of an opportunity to
escape, and were not only greatly relieved but delighted
when they were given to understand that these remark-
able strangers were opposed to eating human beings.
" During the seven days that the vSpaniards remained

;ii£H6MiW^^iit>.

1 86

STORr OF THE CArTlVES.

in this island," says vSyllacius, " many fugitives and
female ca])tivcs from the Caribs son.u^lU refnji;e in the
ships. These bcinjj^ received with hnmanity and lib-
erally snpplied with food conclnded that the gods
had come for their deliverance. When the}- were
advised by the Spaniards to return to the Caribs, they
threw themselves at their feet as sup])liants, and some
clasped their arms round the masts, entreatinii:^, with
floods of tears, that they should not be driven away to
fall again into the hands of the Caribs, to be butchered
like sheep." From these captives, through th^ir inter-
preters, the Spaniards succeeded in drawing out quite
a little information about the islands. It soon
became apparent that several of the more important
of them were in league, and that they made war tipon
the remaining islands in their vicinity. They would
even venture out on the sea in their canoes, made of
hollowed-out trunks of trees, to the distance of a hun-
dred and fifty leagues. They were very expert with
the bow and arrow, the latter being not only tipped
with bone or some other hard substance, but also
charged with the juice of poisonous herbs.

Many, indeed, were the startling facts which their
much-relieved captives had succeeded in communicat-
ing. And now great was their alarm, at night, to
find that one of the captains and eight men were
missing. vStraying away without permission, the}' had
become bewildered and lost in the dense tangled woods.
Early the next morning the Admiral sent out parties
in various directions to blow their trumpets and scour
the woods, while guns and arquebuses were .fired from
the ships along the shore ; bnt those sent out returned

^71 liS.

laiiy fugitives and
u^lit refujife in the
hnnianity and lib-
?d that the gods
When they were
to the Caribs, thev
:)])liants, and some
Ls, entreatinj:^, with
be driven away to
bs, to be bntchered
hronjj^li th^ir inter-
drawing ont qnite
ishmds. ' It soon
le more important
ey made war npon
lity. They wonld
ir canoes, made of
distance of a hnn-
! very expert with
ig not only tipped
nbstance, but also
herbs.

facts which their
ed in communicat-
larm, at night, to
i eight men were
■rmission, the}' had
nise tangled woods,
al sent out parties
:rumpets and scour
ses were jired from
e sent out returned

CAR Hi WOMEN. 1S7

at night without sight or stmnd of the lost. And
what shocking spectacles they had witnessed !— limbs
of human bodies hung up in the houses, as if curing
for provision ; the head of a youth, so recently severed
from the body that the blood was yet dripping from it,
and parts of his body were roasting before the fire,
along with the savory flesh of geese and parrots.

During the day several natives had been ga/ing o?i
the boats in the distance, but they fled when they were
approached. Also some captive women appealed to
thera for protection. These they decked out with
hawk's bells and beads, and sent them back to the
shore, hoping to entice the men. But they soon
returned, stripped of their ornaments, and begged to
be taken on board. Interviewing these they learned
that the chief was now away in search of victims, hav-
ing with him ten canoes and some three hundred men.
Meanwhile, the women, who could handle the bow
nearly as well as the men, were left in defence of the
islands. Dr. Chanca wrote, " We were enabled to
distinguish which of the women were natives and
which were captives by the Caribbees wearing on
each leg two bands of woven cotton, the one fastened
round the knee and the other round the ankle; by
this means they make the calves of their legs large
and the above-mentioned parts very small, which I
imagine that they regard as ^ matter of prettiness."

But what was to be done for the missing? Alonxo
de Ojeda, always ready for some daring adventure,
offered his services. With forty men, he undertook
to search the island. They went a long distance into
the interior, blew trumpets in the valleys and on the

^^^0^^&is&s^&^m^^^k-

mmm^m.&m^ii^

1 88

A CHARMING COUNTRY.

mountains, waded many streams, tore their way
through almost impenetrable tangles of briers and
bushes, but could find no trace of the lost.

But the countr}' ! — its fertility, the aromatic trees
and shrubs ; the bright flowers, of every form and
hue ; the fruits, at once beautiful, fragrant, and luscious ;
and the birds, the brilliant plumage of which had the
lustre of gems in the sun. Even the butterflies and
beetles, so large and so resplendent, must have
charmed them. And what quantities of honey they
had found, both in hollow trees and in clefts of rocks !

As the crews had now taken' in water, washed their
clothes, and recreated themselves along the shore, the
fleet was ordered to sail. At the last moment, the
missing men arrived, in the most pitiable state of
exhaustion. In their bewildered wanderings, they
had scaled rocks, waded streams, torn their way
through briers and tangled vines, climbed trees in
fruitless effort to see the stars and so find their posi-
tion as they were accustomed to do at sea, and traversed
forests so dense that they were almost dark at midda}-.
Finally reaching the shore, they had happened to go
in the direction of the ships. Native women and boys
they had brought, but had seen no men.

The Indians kept telling Columbus that the mainland
was to the south, but he. having La Navidad immediatel}'
in view, sailed to the northwest. Through a continuous
archipelago of the most enchanting islands the fleet
passed, the Admiral giving a name to each as they
went along.

On the 14th, as the weather became threatening, he
made harbor in an island called Ayay by the natives,

OUNTRT,

Jams, tore their way
tangles of briers and
of the lost.

ity, the aromatic trees
TS, of every form and
, fragrant, and luscious ;
nage of which had the

en the butterflies and
splendent, must have
antities of honey they

and in clefts of rocks !
in water, washed their
es along the shore, the
; the last moment, the
most pitiable state of
red wanderings, the)^
earns, torn their way
ines, climbed trees in
and so find their posi-
do at sea, and traversed
almost dark at raidda}-.
ly had happened to go
Native women and boys

no men.

mbus that the mainland
^a Navidad immediatelj'

Through a continuous
mting islands the fleet
name to each as they

became threatening, he
1 Ayay by the natives.

A FIGHT WITH THE CARIBS.

189

but which he named Santa Cruz. They were still
among the ferocious Caribs. The boat which landed
found, as usual, a village without men, and most of the
women and boys which they took to the ships were
captives, taken by these warriors in their usual way.
Meanwhile, a canoe has come round a point, and, ap-
proaching the ships, the men and two women gaze in
astonishment at the fleet— a group of huge figures
which must have been novel indeed to them. A boat
steals hard upon them before they are aware of it.
They attempt to escape, plying their paddles like
witches, but the boat cuts off their retreat. The
natives seize their bows, and the arrows come whizzing
so closely that the Spaniards shield themselves with
their bucklers. The women are as fierce and take as
close aim as the men, one of them sending an arrow
clear through a buckler and wounding a Spaniard.
Seeing that several of their men are wounded, the
Spaniards run their boat into the broadside of the
canoe and upset it. But these Caribs can fight about
as well in water as in their canoe ; and one Spaniard
feels the deadly wound of a poisoned arrow, sent by one
of the women, and afterwards dies in consequence.

" At last," says Syllacius, " they were captured and
taken to the Admiral. One of them was pierced through
in seven places, and his intestines protruded from his
wounds. Since it was belieyed that he could not be
healed, he was thrown into the sea ; but emerging to
the surface, with one foot upraised and with his left
hand holding his intestines in their place, he swam
courageously toward the shore. This caused great
alarm to the Indians who were brought along as inter-

I go

A SAVAGE HERO.

preters, for tliey dreaded that the cunning Caribs,
taking to flight, would contrive some more savage
schemes of vengeance. They accordingly persisted
obstinately in maintaining the opinion that those who
were caught should be put out of the way. The Carib
was therefore recaptured near thp shore, bound hand
and foot more tightly, and again thrown headlong into
the sea. This resolute barbarian swam still more
eagerly towards the shore, till, pierced with many
arrows, he at length expired. • Scarcely had this been
done, when the Caribs came running to the shores in
great numbers— a horrible sight. They were of a dark
color, fierce aspect, stained with red interspersed with
various colors, for the purpose of increasing the ferocity
of their looks. One side of their heads was shorn, the
other side covered with straight black hair hanging
down at full length. From these also many captives
fled to the ships, as it were to the altars of safety, com-
plaining loudly of the cruelty and ferocity of the

Caribs." ir r t,

Peter Martyr can scarcely deliver himself ot the sen-
sations of horror at the sight of these Caribs when
brought to Spain. Tall of stature, frowning and defiant
in countenance ; their long, coarse hair ; circles of paint
around the eyes ; bands of cotton above and below the
muscles of the arms and legs, causing them to swell-
all rendered them most hideous and terrifying. They
were, however, a brave race, the mothers teaching their
children to use the bow and arrow while scarcely more
than infants. Their hardy, roaming life developed
their intelligence ; and while the neighboring tnbes
could measure time only by the days and nights and

ng-twntiiii-THrrW'-it-^""^ *"'*'• ■■****^"^-

CONVERTED INDIANS.

191

tie cunning Caribs,
some more savage
ccordingly persisted
nion that those who
Ke way. The Carib
i shore, bound hand
irown headlong into
n swam still more
pierced with many
ircely had this been
ling to the shores in
They were of a dark
ed interspersed with
icreasing the ferocity
heads was shorn, the
black hair hanging
also many captives
altars of safety, coni-
and ferocity of the

:r himself of the sen-
f these Caribs "when
, frowning and defiant
hair ; circles of paint
above and below the
ising them to swell —
nd terrifying. They
lothers teaching their
V while scarcely more
iming life developed
e neighboring tribes
days and nights and

the sun and moon, they could make a fair attempt at
calculating times and seasons by the stars.

But enough of the Caribs. The fleet moved on past
Santa Ursula and her eleven thousand virgins till it
reached Porto Rico, which was the home of most of the
captives taking refuge with the Spaniards. On the
west end they found a fine harbor, abounding in fish.
Here was a native village, with a public square, a main
road, a terrace — all in all, quite an artistic, home-like
place. But every soul had fled — everything was silent
as death.

Columbus is nearing Hayti and is anxious for his
garrison at the fort. As the fleet passes along the
north side of the island, they barely touch in a few
places. Once a boat is sent ashore with two caravels to
guard it, while the sailor is buried who died from the
poisoned arrow of the Caribs. On reaching the Gulf
of Saniana, where the affray with the arrows occurred
on the previous voyage, Columbus sent ashore one of
the young men taken from thence to Spain. This and
one other were the only natives left of the seven who
had left Spain with the fleet, five having died on the
way. He was finely dressed and highly ornamented.
The Admiral expected much from this attractively
attired convert to the Christian faith, and the youth
had made many fair promises, but he never returned.
The Lticayan, named Diego Colon at his baptism, after
the Admiral's brother, became a very efiicient interpreter
of the natives, and remained faithful to the Spaniards
till death.

In the harbor of Monte Christi, at the mouth of the
River of Gold — so named because gold had been found

192

LA N AVI DAD.

in its sands on the previous voyage — the fleet anchors
again, the Admiral having some thought of a settle-
ment here. As the crews stroll along the shore and
into the woods, they find Several decaying bodies, " one
with a rope round his neck, and the other with one
round his foot." "On the following day th'jy found
two other corpses farther on, and one of chese was
observed to have a great quantity of beard" (Chanca).
Here are indications which awaken fears for the gar-
rison at La Navidad.

But why do these natives come on board the ships
for traffic with so much confidence ? Surely they can-
not be guilty of murdering the white men. The night
has settled down and left a mere outline of the moun-
tains against the sky when the fleet reaches the harbor
of La Navidad, so the anchors are dropped about a
league from land. Two cannon are fired. Every
ear listens for a response from the guns on the fortress,
but hears only the echo as it rolls along the shore.
They strain their eyes for some signal-light, but all is
darkness and silence. Where are the fires of the na-
tives which gleamed through the forest in every
direction when Columbus was here before ?

The hours drag on .slowly, for every one is in sus-
pense. At midnight they hear the paddles of a canoe
approaching. Listen ! the paddles cease and a voice
is calling — calling for the Admiral. The natives are
directed to the flag-ship, but will not come on board
till they are assured by the person of the Admiral,
made clear in a strong light. One of them is a cousin
of the good cacique Guacanagari, and, coming on
board, he presents to the 'Admiral two masks, " gilt-
edged" as usual.

DESOLATION OF THE HARBOR.

193

-the fleet anchors
ought of a settle-
»iig the shore and
ying bodies, " one
e other with one
J day th jy found
one of these was
beard" (Chanca).
fears for the gar-

1 board the ships
Surely they can-
men. The night
ine of the moun-
reaches the harbor
dropped about a
ire fired. Every
ms on the fortress,
along the shore,
lal-light, but all is
le fires of the na-
; forest in every
)efore ?

^ery one is in sus-
paddles of a canoe
cease and a voice
The natives are
ot come on board
1 of the Admiral,
>f them is a cousin
, and, coming on
two masks, "gilt-

But to the story of the fort. Columbus must know
what is become of his men. They depend on the La-
cayan interpreter, and he cannot understand these
Haytians very well, the dialect being somewhat dififer-
ent. If these latter are rather reticent at first, a liberal
supply of wine at the repast given them makes them
quite communicative, and by and by a fairly connected
story is elicited. Some of the men at the fort had
sickened and died. Others had quarrelled among
themselves. Others had gone away into the island
and taken wives. Caonabo, the mountain cacique, had
attacked Guacanagari, had wounded him and burnt
his village. Hence it was that the friendly chief was
not present to welcome him.

This narration of facts was sad enough, but it re-
lieved the Admiral of suspense and left him the
hope of still finding some of his men in the island.
At any rate, Guacanagari had been faithful, and his
people were still friendly.

When the next morning dawned Columbus was
impressed with the changed aspect of the place. The
year before, every part of the island teemed with life.
Here and there the smoke of the hamlet ascended.
The natives swarmed along the shore. Canoes were
coming and going about the harbor. Now there was
simply desolation and silence. A boat was sent ashore
to examine the fort, and the explorers found that the
evidences confirmed their fears. Everything was in
ruins. Here and there were fragments of chests,
spoiled provisions, and weather-worn garments. Yon-
der lurked several Indians behind the trees, closely
eyeing every movement. The Admiral, distressed at

194

SEARCH ABOUT THE FORT.

r
%

this report, came ashore himself the following morn-
ing. He made the closest search among the ruins and
around for some distance, finding broken utensils and
shreds of garments among the grass and weeds. Ar-
quebuses and cannon, fired from the fleet, thundered
along the shore, in order to arouse any of the garrison
who might be hiding away in the neighborhood, but
there was no response. They now explored the site
of Guacanagari's village, and found only charred
ruins. As Columbus had ordered the officers of La
Navidad to bury what treasure they might have, or
throw it into the well in case 'of sudden danger, they
excavated at various points and cleaned out the ditch
and the well, but nothing could be found. While all
this was in progress the Admiral took the boats along
the shore, partly to extend the search and partly to
find a better site for his settlement. About three
leagues distant was a hamlet which evidently had been
abandoned in haste. The houses^ — almost overgrown
with grass and weeds — and the grass and weeds for a
long distance around were thoroughly searched. Here
were stockings, pieces of cloth, the anchor of the
Santa Maria, and a beautiful Moorish robe carefully
folded as when brought from Spain. Meanwhile, not
far from the fortress, some of the men dug out here
and there, from under the grass, eleven bodies,
evidently in European clothing. These they gave a
formal Christian burial.

» Dr. Chanca says, concerning this village : " These people are so
degraded that they have not even sense to select a fitting place to live ; those
who dwell on the shore build for themselves the most miserable hovels that
can be imagined, and all the houses are so covered with grass and dampness
that I wonder how they can continue to exist."—/?. H. Major' i " StUet
Lttttrs," p. sit.

FORT.

DESTRUCTION OF THE GARRISON.

195

following morn-
ong the ruins and
aken utensils and
i and weeds. Ar-
e fleet, thundered
ly of the garrison
leighborhood, but
explored the site
id only charred
the officers of La
y might have, or
iden danger, they
led out the ditch
bund. While all
3k the boats along
rch and partly to
it. About three
evidently had been
■almost overgrown
ss and weeds for a
iy searched. Here
ie anchor of the
Lsh robe carefully
. Meanwhile, not
len dug out here
s, eleven bodies,
*hese they gave a

" These people are %o
fitting place to live ; those
ost miserable hovels that
with grass and dampness
'—R. H. Major's " Stleet

By and by they succeeded in gaining the confidence
of a few natives, and the Lacayan interpreter drew
enough out of them so that a pretty clean thread of
narrative of the events sought after was traced. At
the departure of Columbus, all his good instructions
had been disregarded by the men under Arana. They
coveted the gold ornaments and other items of value
among the natives, and resorted to violence in order to
obtain them. Thej'^ quarrelled with one another, and
the under officers had rebelled against Arana. Not-
withstanding Guacanagari's indulgence of two or more
wives to a man, they had outraged the wives and
daughters of the Indians. They had roamed at will
about the island, as if in perfect safety. The two
lieutenants, Gutierrez and Escobado, not being able to
rule over Arana, had seceded with nine adherents and
gone away into Cibao after gold. Here, Caonabo, the
Carib adventurer who had become cacique of the
mountain regions, and was called " Lord of the Golden
House," soon put them to death. He had watched
the intruders with a jealous eye from his mountain
fastness, and now improved his opportunity. Form-
ing an alliance with a neighboring chief, he stole the
march upon Guacanagari and La Navidad while the
latter contained but ten men and they fast asleep.
He completely sacked the fortress and the entire neigh-
borhood, wounding the cacique with his own hand.
Not only those of the garrison who were within the
stockade, but all the Spaniards quartered among the
Indians in the vicinity, were sought out and put to
death. A few who tried to escape by taking to the
sea were drowned.

196

CHARACTER OF THE GARRISON.

Such is the first chapter in the history of civilized
life in the New World. Herrera says that the men
left at La Navidad by Columbus were mostly of the
baser sort, crude in mind and low in morals. If so —
and their conduct sustains this view — was not the new
colony at Hayti about as well off without them ?

PRISON.

itory of civilized
s that the men
-e mostly of the
iiorals. If so —
•was not the new
tout them ?

CHAPTER XI.

THE NEW ENTERPRISEvS.

AVING become clearly informed as to the sad
fate of La Navidad, the location of the new

1 colony claimed immediate attention. The
site of the fortress was abandoned not only because of
its painful associations, but on account of the un-
healthfulness of the low, damp country around it and
because there was no stone or lime for building. A
caravel was sent out in one direction, therefore, while
the Admiral, with a small party, went out in another,
in order to reconnoitre. When both parties returned, at
night, the former related a very interesting diversion.
While they were sailing along the shore a canoe with
two natives came out to meet them. One of them was
a brother of Guacanagari. So said a pilot on board,
who had been on the former voyage. The chieftain
was residing scarcely three leagues away, with fifty
families around him ; and, as he was suflFering from
his wound, he wished the Admiral to come and see him.
Dr. Chanca says, " The chief men of the party then
went on shore in the boat, and, proceeding to the place
where Guacanagari was, found him stretched on his
bed, complaining of a severe wound. They conferred
with him and inquired respecting the Spaniards ; his
reply was in accordance with the account already
given by the other, viz., that they had been killed by

iijiiMaw«tiiii»ffi''-arM<»iwrTtvp-^W'.'"'v^'''***^*'°'''*^^ ■

198

MILITA R r DISPLA Y.

ti
li

Caonabo and Mayreni, who also had wounded him in
the thijjfh. In confirmation of his assertion he showed
them the limb, bound up, on seeing which they con-
cluded that his statement was correct. At their
departure he gave to each of them a jewel of gold,
according to his estimate of their respective merits.
The Indians beat the gold into very thin plates, in
order to make masl s of it, and set it in a cement which
they make for that purpose. Other ornaments they
make of it to wear on the head and to hang in the ears
and nostrils, and for these also they require it to be
thin. It is not the costliness of the gold that they
value in their ornaments, but its showy appearance."

The next day Columbus prepared to visit the cacique,
whose brother called on him and again urged him to
come before he could get under way. It would be well
to make as great an impression as possible of the
power and magnificence of the Spaniards. The Ad-
miral and his train of a hundred of his best men were
arrayed in the most imposing style, their glittering
armor and rich attire producing a most unwonted effect
in this new world of simple ways. " With pipers and
drummers arranged in order, and line of battle formed,
they march to the residence of the cacique." The
chief was still reclining in his cotton hammock, sur-
rounded by his wives and his faithful subjects. Again
he related the tragedy of the garrison, shedding tears
most freely and assuring his listeners of the perilous
part he had taken in their defence. Here, too, were the
proofs as he pointed them out — scars on the bodies of
his people, evidently made by Indian weapons.

But this generous cacique would not be himself

EXCHANGE OF PRESENTS.

199

wounded him in
ertion he showed
which they con-
•rect. At their
a jewel of gold,
sspcctive merits,
y thin plates, in
1 a cement which
ornaments they
hang in the ears
>' require it to be
; gold that they
>wy appearance."
visit the cacique,
lin urged him to
It would be well
possible of the
liards. The Ad-
ds best men were
:, their glittering
5t unwonted effect
' With pipers and
of battle formed,
; cacique." The
n hammock, sur-
subjects. Again
ti, shedding tears
rs of the perilous
[ere, too, were the
; on the bodies of
weapons,
i not be himself

without presents ; so he gives six hundred or upwards
of precious stones and jewels of various colors, a cap

MANNEK OK NUKSINU TUB SICK

elaborately ornamented with jewels and ^., . ining one
of special fine effect and value, a hundred gold beads,
a gold coronet, and two calabashes filled with the precious
dust — the gold, in all, being equal to eight marks and
a half. What in return ? Glass beads and hawk's
bells, of course ; also knives, needles, pins, small
mirrors and various gew-gaws of copper — the latter far
more valuable than gold in the eyes of the natives.
Some say that Columbus also decorated the chief with
his own inner vest or doublet, magnificently embroid-
ered and variegated with the most brilliant colors, in
Moorish style.

But the Admiral wished to see Guacanagari's
wound, his surgeon and Dr. Chanca — both present —
being skilful in the treatment of such cases. The

.^M^^gi^^l^gj^li^l^l^^faEEUtiBEAn^^ktii^MaMSSdriHi^^

.4»y^ ^ ^ aw^] ^ J jlBrt*^'^'^IBfi^ig<^b^-aa**fei^'^*f^^

t'i.

I'-'.

200 G UH. TV OR so T G UIL TY f

chief consented. As the crowd of people darkened
the wigwam, the doctor proposed to go out into the
light, which was accorded by the chieftain, leaning on
the arm of the Admiral. When the former was seated
and the surgeon began to untie the bandage, the
cacique said the wound was made by a stone. " It is
certain," says the doctor " that there was no more wound
on that leg than on the other ;" but it seemed sore to
the touch. As nearly two months had elapsed since
the disaster, the bruise may have disappeared exter-
nally, while the deeper effect of the rough missile at
least partially remained. Some of those present
could see nothing but a hoax in the whole matter.
The cacique was feigning all this in order to conceal
the guilty part he had taken in the massacre.
Father Buil, the Benedictine monk, especially, could
afford no charity whatever. The Admiral should
make an example of the perfidious wretch at once.
But Columbus had seen too much of the kindness of
this great-hearted man to doubt him now, unless there
was clear and unmistakable evidence against him. He
would therefore suspend judgment until further dis-
closures. It would be soon enough to claim indemni-
fication when a guilty complicity in the massacre was
certain. No ; the Admiral will be cordial. Calling his
interpreter, he explains the object of his voyage. He
visits these distant parts in order to improve the
inhabitants, making them kind to each other by teach-
ing them what is good. He will lead them to give up
all bad practices, that they may be under the protec-
tion of the Spanish monarchs, the best and most pow-
erful rulers in the world. And to Guacanagari, his inti-

%
i

.»aw«3(«laafV*(fl*HM»«*«WKWB«^^

LTTf

people darkened

jjo out into the
icftain, leaning on

former was seated
the bandage, the
)y a stone. " It is
vas no more wound
t it seemed sore to
had elapsed since
disappeared exter-
: rough missile at
of those present
the whole matter.
II order to conceal
in the massacre.
Ic, especially, could
Admiral should
IS wretch at once,
of the kindness of

1 now, unless there
e against him. He

until further dis-
i to claim inderani-
1 the massacre was
ordial. Calling his
)f his voyage. He
er to improve the
jach other by teach-
ad them to give up
: under the protec-
best and most pow-
uacanagari, his inti-

GUACANAGAli/'S ASTON/SJ/AfENT. 201

mate friend and ally, he will grant sperial protection.
These words brought the chieftain '-> his ft'tt. Stamp-
ing on the ground and raising his c\ os to heaven, he
gave a loud shout, to which the six huiuired Indians
around him responded in a " tremcndcms acclamation."
At this the one hundred {Spaniards in light armor were
so startled that they involuntarily grasped the hilts of
their swords, thinking that a battle with these savages
might be just at hand.

Columbus invited Guacanagari to his ship that same
night, and, though he still seemed to be suffering from
his wound, he ventured to gratify his curiosity. If
the two small caravels of the previous year's visit had
surprised him, what must have been his astonishment
on beholding this fleet of seventeen sail riding at
anchor in the harbor. As he approached he was
startled by the roll of drums, the striking of cymbals,
and the lightning and thunder of cannon. On board-
ing the Admiral's ship he saw the Carib prisoners,
who belonged to the cannibals of Buriquen. Peter
Martyr thinks he shuddered at the sight of them even
in chains.

It must have been no small pleasure to the Admiral
to escort his savage friend, so full of curiosity, through
the different ships, and witness his amazement on see-
ing the different parts of their structure, also the plants
and fruits of the Old World, but more especially the
animals — cattle sheep, swine — and the horses ! — wliat
magnitude, grace, and strength, and yet what submissive
docility, they showed. Whether the fleet horse for the
race-course or the strong one for armor, their fine con-
dition, highly polished harnesses, and gay trappings

-^^^^m^jiSsmfii^ssK^

lTlrf1^^ ^MW °^^ | ^|T■^w~^ 1nl T^ il^ f^ ll P^^-T'^ '' — ^-r

tiS^^i:^^!»S?K^^iu:irjA^'^i^^lS^-iiii^^^Z;^Sir^i^^^-^^:

202

GODS OR DE VILS ?

gave them a grand aspect. Then did not the Indians
suspect that these strange animals lived on human
flesh?

With this wonderful varietj' of useful creatures, our
domestic animals, the cacique had nothing to compare
but the small coney-like u//a and a limited variety of
dumb dogs. Over against the domestic fowls the chief
might place the tame parrots, and possibly some kind
of geese or ducks ; but it is doubtful if he had ever seen
the hen which lays the golden egg. Imagine the ele-
vation of mind which this chieftain must now have ex-
perienced, believing, as he did, that all these wonderful
things — ships, animals, and men — had just come from
heaven ! " The Europeans had no sooner entered on
this vast continent and the islands about it," says Las
Casas, "but the natives showed them all imaginable
kindness and respect, and were ready to worship them
as gods; but these soon took care to convince them of
their error, and to deliver them from the danger of fall-
ing into this sort of idolatry, by treating them with all
manner of cruelties and tormenting them like so many
devils ; so that these barbarous people received as great
a turn in their thoughts concerning the Spaniards as
the barbarians of the island of Mileta did in respect of
St. Paul ; for as these believed him to be a god whom
they had just before taken for a murderer, so the other
really found them to be murderers whom they had a
little before esteemed as so many gods.'' But more
light on this by and by.

The cacique now descends from heavenly things to
those which are more earthly. The ten captive women
taken from the Caribs appeal to his amorous tempera-

■'^•m!an»vi»tmiiim''i»»itiim>gamemimMt*-.

■"iv^s^msme:--

yiLSf

ALIENATION.

203

en did not the Indians
nals lived on human

if useful creatures, our
.d nothing to compare
nd a limited variety of
Dmestic fowls the chief
nd possibly some kind
tful if he had ever seen
Q^g. Imagine the ele-
ain must now have ex-
hat all these wonderful
1 — had just come from
I no sooner entered on
nds about it," says Las
i them all imaginable
ready to worship them
ire to convince them of
from the danger of fall-
treating them with all
ing them like so many
people received as great
irning the Spaniards as
Vlileta did in respect of
him to be a god whom
murderer, so the other
erers whom they had a
any gods.'' But more

■om heavenly things to
The ten captive women
his amorous tempera-

ment. Though his dialect is somewhat different from
theirs, they can readily understand each other. How
tenderly he communes with that tall, stately beauty,
whom the Spaniards, in admiration, have named Cat-
alina. For, though escaped from the dreaded Caribs, is
she not still a captive ?

Now the Admiral and the chieftain dine together.
Surely in this cordial act of hospitality, if in any way,
old confidence and friendships may be revived. The
Admiral talks of coming to live with the cacique, of
building houses in the neighborhood, etc., etc. The
cacique is pleased with the plan, but is not the place
very low and damp and decidedly unhealthy ? Alas !
no demonstration of cordiality can restore the ease and
delightful charm of the former intercourse. Were these
indeed heavenly visitors ? What about that covetous,
quarrelling, licentious garrison just laid among the
dead ? Loss of confidence — alienation — how destruc-
tive, how demoniacal the influence ! Even the symbols
of the Christian faith, to which these natives seemed
readily inclined, have become objects of suspicion. The
chief is not at all pleased to have that image of the
Virgin hung about his neck by the Admiral !

Meanwhile, not a few of these gallant men and high
dignitaries among the Spaniards were regarding
Guacanagari with an evil eye. Father Buil especially
was not particularly under the influence of that charity
which " hopeth all things " and which *' thinketh no
evil." Speaking to the Admiral a little aside, he sug-
gested the propriety of detaining the cacique as a prisoner
now that he was on board ship. But such treacherous-
ness and bad faith found no response from Columbus.

: i-iJ**-l#>1«W?fc.t.W«»S.1Sf >l ^

«>.^W.«t5SjsA'«*W^)iBWi<*»««ja.i3«if J£.QaftJ/ia«r^ -.

204

SEA-NYMPHS.

The face mirrors the soul even to the eye of a savage.
Guacanagari felt ill at home amidst such obvious feel-
ings of mistrust and suspicion, and soon begged leave

to depart.

The next day there occurred that obscure and double

line of movement which generally follows the loss of

good faith even among those who are civilized. A

messenger came from the cacique to inquire when the

Admiral would leave. The next day, was the reply.

Then came a brother of the chieftain, along with others,

ostensibly to barter gold ; but he seemed quite as much

interested in conversing with the captive women as in

trade. Catalina especially attracted his attention. By

and by he left. About midnight a light appeared on

the shore. All were now sleeping soundly except a

single watch, and so stealthily did the Indian women

let themselves down the side of the ship that they

were able to get away before the alarm could be given.

Like so many sea-nymphs, they struck out for the

shore ; and, though the sea was rough, they made the

full three miles to land before they could be overtaken.

Pursuing in the direction of the beacon-light, the men

captured four of the fugitives ; the rest, including the

stately Catalina, made good their escape.

The next morning the Admiral sent to Guacanagari,
asking him to cause search to be made for the fugi-
tives, and, in case they could be found, to send them
back to the ships. But lo ! when they arrived, " not a
soul" could be found. There had been a complete
removal of the village. The chieftain and his island
beauty were probably their taking " honeymoon " in the
mountains. This was only one more item to feed the

A WOUNDED NATIVE.

205

le eye of a savage,
such obvious feel-
soon begged leave

obscure and double
follows the loss of

are civilized. A
3 inquire when the
ay, was the reply.
, along with others,
med quite as much
iptive women as in
his attention. By
light appeared on

soundly except a
the Indian women
the ship that they
rm could be given,
struck out for the
igh, they made the
could be overtaken,
icon-light, the men
rest, including the
cape.

:nt to Guacanagari,
nade for the fugi-
)und, to send them
hey arrived, *' not a
i been a complete
ftain and his island
honeymoon " in the
are item to feed the

suspicion of Father Buil and his colleagues. Scarcely
anything was now too bad to be believed of the kind-
hearted chief. But Columbus still held to his good
opinion of him.

" On the next morning," says Dr. Chanca, " the Ad-
miral resolved that, as the wind was adverse, it would
be well to go with the boats to inspect a harbor on the
coast at two leagues distance farther up,^ to see if the
formation of the land was favorable for a settlement,
and we went thither with all the ships' boats, leaving
the ships in the harbor. As we moved along the coast
the people manifested a sense of insecurity, and when
we reached the spot to which we were bound all the
natives had fled. While we were walking about this
place we found an Indian stretched on the hill-side,
close by the houses, with a gaping wound in his
shoulder, caused by a dart, so that he had been disabled
from fleeing any further. The natives of this island
fight with sharp darts, which they discharge from
cross-bows in the same manner as boys in Spain shoot
their small arrows, and which they send with con-
siderable skill to a great distance ; and certainly upon
an unarmed people these weapons are calculated to do
serious injury. The man told us that Caonabo and his
people had wounded him and burnt the houses of Gua-
canagari."

It is strange that the Spaniards should have con-
tinued in uncertainty as to the course and manner of
the death of the garrison when so many diflferent par-
ties testified essentially to the same thing.

Melchor Maldonado had been in the opposite direc-

• Port Dauphin.

2o6

LANDING THE COLONY.

tion, to the eastward, and, coming into the dominions
of another caciqne, who at first threatened him, at the
head of his warriors, bnt was soon conciliated, learned
that Guacanagari had indeed gone to the mountains.

All this exploring had simply convinced Columbus
that the low, damp country along the coast would be
too unhealthy for his colony, and that the absence of
stone would be a serious hindrance to building. But
there was pressing need of an immediate landing.
The people were weary of the ships, and the long con-
finement was telling heavily on the domestic animals.
Columbus determined, therefore, to go some distance
to the eastward, especially since he " had tidings of
gold in that direction." On the 7th of December the
fleet weighed anchor. " But the weather was so ad-
verse," says Dr. Chauca, '* that it cost more labor to
sail thirty leagues in a backward direction than the
whole voyage from Spain, so that, what with the con-
trary wind and the length of the passage, three months
had elapsed before we set foot on land. It pleased
God, however, that through the check upon our
progress caused by contrary winds we succeeded in
finding the best and most suitable spot that we could
have selected for a settlement, .where there was an
excellent harbor^ and abundance of fish, an article of
which we stood in gjeat need from scarcity of meat.

'* The land is very rich for all purposes. Near the
harbor there are two rivers ; one large, and another, of
moderate breadth, somewhat near it. The water is
of a very remarkable quality. On the bank of it is
being built a city, called Marta (Isabella), one side of

^ Port Isabella, ten n;iles east of Monte Christi.

oNi:

THE NATIVES BRING FOOD.

207

into the dominions
eatened him, at the
conciliated, learned
;o the mountains,
nvinced Columbus
the coast would be
that the absence of

to building. But
mmediate landing.
J, and the long con-
t domf,stic animals.
) go some distance
le " had tidings of
th of December the
weather was so ad-
: cost more labor to
I direction than the

what with the con-
ssage, three months
I land. It pleased
check upon our
is we succeeded in
; spot that we could
here there was an
of fish, an article of
scarcity of meat.
)urposes. Near the
rge, and another, of

it. The water is
1 the bank of it is
sabella), one side of

[onte Christ!.

which is bounded by the water, with a ravine of cleft
rock, so that at that part there is no need of fortifica-
tion ; the other half is girt with a plantation of trees,
so thick that a rabbit could scarcely pass through it,
and so green that fire will never be able to burn it. A
channel has been commenced for a branch of the river,
which the managers say they will lead through the
middle of the settlement, and will place on it mills of
all kinds requiring to be worked by water. Great
quantities of vegetables have been planted, which cer-
tainly attain a more luxuriant growth here in eight
days than they would in Spain in twenty. We were
frequently visited by numbers of Indians, among
whom were some of their caciques, or chiefs, and many
women. They all came loaded with agis^^ a sort of
turnip, very excellent for food, which we dressed in
various ways. This food was so nutritious as to prove
a great support to all of us, after the privations we en-
dured when at sea, which in truth were more severe
than ever were suffered by man, and as we could not
tell what weather it would please God to send us on
our voyage, we were obliged to limit ourselves most
rigorously with regard to food, in order that, at all
events, we might at least have the means of supplying
life.

"The Indians barter gold, provisions, and every-
thing they bring with them for tags of lace, beads and
pins, and pieces of porringers and dishes. They all,
as I have said, go naked as they were bom, except the
women of this island, who, some of them, wear a cover-
ing of cotton, which they bind around their hips, while

2o8

THE LANDING.

others use grass and leaves of trees. When they wish
to appear full dressed, both men and women paint
themselves, some black, others white and various
colors, in so many devices that the effect is very
laughable ; they shave some parts of their heads, and
in others wear long tufts of matted hair, which have
an indescribably ridiculous appearance ; in short,
whatever would be looked upon in our country as
characteristic of a madman is here regarded by the
highest of the Indians as a mark of distinction."

The site of the first Christian city in the New World
being thus determined, the 'disembarkation began.
Imagine the busy, bustling scene, as some 1,500 people,
pent upon shipboard for about three months, crowd
the gangways out onto this delightsome spot of green
earth. The common laborer, the skilled artisan, the
cavalier, the prier^tt— all classes of the active kingdom
of Spain in that day were here rejoicing in the free-
dom and the charming novelty of the hour. Not less
interesting must it have been to witness the happy
liberation of the domestic animals, which had suffered
so severely from the long and unwonted confinement.
We imagine they must have looked somewhat lean and
gaunt. The dark holes in ships for so long a time
could not have furnished the conditions fpr a very
thrifty appearance.

But what a houseless, homeless state of things!
Ah ! it is not all romance for such numbers of men and
beasts to be dumped out into a wilderness, without
proper enclosures for the latter or convenient shelter
for the former. Let not these gay cavaliers be too much
allured by tie exuberance of tropical verdure around

THE NE W TO WN.

209

When they wish
and women paint
hite and various
:he effect is very
)f their heads, and
hair, which have
irance ; in short,
n our country as
; regarded by the
distinction."
' in the New World
ibarkation began.
, some 1, 5CX) people,
ree months, crowd
some spot of green
skilled artisan, the
he active kingdom
Dicing in the free-
;he hour. Not less
witness the happy
which had suffered
onted confinement,
somewhat lean and
for so long a time
iditions for a very

s state of things!
lumbers of men and
•vildemess, without
convenient shelter
ivaliers be too much
:al verdure around

them, by the mingling of fruit and flowers and the
nesting and singing of birds in mid-winter. The
bright stars above this torrid zone will look down upon a
land reeking with miasmas and fevers.

For some time to come this glassy sheet of water
constituting the broad harbor will mirror an active
scene. Long confinement has made every one alert
for the greatest activity. Engineers project the pub-
lic square and the streets, and masons and carpenters
make the atmosphere resound to their enterprises.
Farmers and gardeners begin to break the soil for
orchards and all kinds of husbandry, and a general
enthusiasm prevails. The walls of the church, the
public storehouse, and the Admiral's residence are ris-
ing — all of stone, and a whole town of cheap, tempo-
rary residences of wood, plaster, coarse reeds, etc.,
come up almost as quickly as Jonah's gourd. Mere
extemporized tenements will do for the present ; more
solid structures can replace them by and by. But if
those more solid structures were ever reared, they
have long since disappeared, for the ruins of the
church, storehouse, and Admiral's residence are all
that remains of the long-since abandoned city of Isa-
bella.

The stem realities of pioneer life in an untried
climate soon became apparent. Long confinement,
sea-sickness, spoilt meat, aijd mouldy bread were a
poor preparation for the exposures of a life, without
houses, amidst the moisture and exhalations of dense
forests, lowlands, and slow-moving rivers, in a tropical
climate. Exhaustive labor on the part of those unac-
customed to it and used only to recreations in an old

2IO

THE DISAPPOINTMENT.

and highly cultivated country soon produced the
most depressing effects.

" The maladies of the mind mingled with those of
the body." The severest disappointment — than which
nothing is more depressing — was the inevitable conse-
quence of that delusion which possessed every mind
in respect to this newly discovered country. The
gallant soldier fresh from the Moorish wars, and antici-
pating rich conquests in the incomparably wealthy
territories of the Grand Khan, found himself in a
" forest primeval," swarming with naked savages of
the most timid character. Nowhere was there a foe
" worthy of his steel."* The speculator, who had laid
in his stock for trade in the land of gold and spices,
experienced a dull and unprofitable routine in dicker-
ing with destitute savages, giving beads, hawk's bells,
and gew-gaws generally for crude cotton yarn, par-
rots, and occasional bits of gold. The idle and indefi-
nite adventurer found himself absolutely without an
All classes of laborers and artisans were obliged

aim.

to take things in the rough and to '* rough it " in the
most literal sense. " One-third of our people have
fallen sick within the last four or five days," says Dr.
Chanca. This statement discloses something of the
kind of hospital which this new city of Isabella must
have been turned into in a short time. The Admiral
himself, overcome by the exertion, anxiety, and
immense sense of responsibility incident to his situa-

i"The weapons they used," says Las Casas, " were neither capable of
defending them, nor of offending their enemies to any purpose, and were
more like those that children use to play with than such as are fit for soldiers
to use in war."

NT.

\ produced the

led with those of
lent — than which

inevitable conse-
ssed every mind
i country. The

wars, and antici-
iparably wealthy
id himself in a
laked savages of

was there a foe
tor, who had laid
gold and spices,
outine in dicker-
ads, hawk's bells,
;otton yarn, par-
e idle and indefi-
utely without an
ians were obliged
' rough it " in the
our people have
e days," says Dr.
something of the

of Isabella must
e. The Admiral
m, anxiety, and
dent to his situa-

' were neither capable of
any purpose, and were
iuch as are fit for soldiers

THE DISAPPOINTMENT,

211

tion, became prostrate, and could only give occasional
attention to the arduous and critical enterprises of the
hour.

The problems now confronting Columbus were the
most difficult possible. The first and most pressing
necessity was the relief of his colony. From the out-
set the store of provisions laid in had been inadequate
to the number of people; and as the wines were put
into poor casks, much of it was lost ; the beef and pork
were not such as they should have been, and the
horses accepted for the use of the colony seem after-
wards to have been exchanged on the sly by the
venders for others which were inferior. The great
extent of sickness incident to the long voyage and
the change of climate had well-nigh exhausted the
medicines. Here were over a thousand people in the
wilderness without even " manna " to quell their mur-
murings. Neither could they supplement their scanty
fare by means of "snakes and lizards and spiders
and worms" picked out of rotten wood, after the
manner of the natives. «

If these people had possessed the genuine moral
principles and noble purposes which bore up the pil-
grims of the Mayflower during the snow and ice,
sickness and death of their first New England winter,
the case had, no doubt, been different ; but here was a
heterogeneous community, with but mixed and grovel-
ing motives at best, and, not even knowing in what
part of the globe they were, they had no manner of
conception of the nature of the enterprise before them.
Now place a foreigner over such a community and
uuder such circumstances, himself without experience

g-J^ la^t^iSiu^iiSUtff

212

PROSPECTS OF GOLD.

in governing and not even knowing the circumstances,
and say if it would not need an extraordinary miracle
to secure order and prosperity.

To govern and develop this first colony in the New
World would have been quite enough for any one man,
even if he had been well trained and experienced in
the work before him and was possessed of high pres-
tige in his nation, but this was only a fraction of what
was expected of Columbus. He was to bring forth-
with into Spain the fabulous wealth of the Indies,
such quantities of spices and gold* as would load ships
of immense tonnage. As to spices, they had indeed
found even on " the sea-shore " ** some spots showing
So many indications of various spices as naturally to
suggest the hope of the best results for the future,"
but it would require experts, capital, and time even to
test the matter. Gold he had expected to find ready
to hand in large quantities, amassed by his garrison
against his return ; and, over against his disappoint-
ment, he had set on foot an exploring expedHiou, of
two different parties — the dashing, daring Ojeda in one
direction and Gorbolan in another. These had brought
back very promising samples and the most glowing re-
ports — " things that appeared incredible," " and boasted
so much of the abundance of gold" that Columbus felt
" a hesitation in speaking and writing of it to their
Highnesses." On this point Dr. Chanca was about as
enthusiastic as Columbus. He says, " The party that

'About this time it was reported " that a rock adjacent to a mountain
being struck with a club, a large quantity of gold burst out, and particles of
gold of indescribable brightness glittered all around like sparks." What
must have been expected from such a countrjr I

HINDRANCES TO MIN/NG.

213

: circumstances,
rdinary miracle

ny in the New
\T any one man,

experienced in
\ of liigli pres-
"raction of what

to bring forth-

of the Indies,
vould load ships
ley had indeed
J spots showing

as naturally to
for the future,"
nd time even to
;d to find ready
by his garrison

his disappoint-
g expe\3Hion, of
Qg Ojeda in one
ese had brought
nost glowing re-
j," *' and boasted
It Columbus felt
ig of it to their
ca was about as
' The party that

Ijacent to a mountain
St out, and particles of
d like sparks." What

went to Cibao saw gold in so many places that one
scarcely dares state the fact, for in truth they found it
in more than fifty streamlets and rivers, as well as
upon their banks." One nugget found by Ojeda
weighed nine ounces. This was sent to Spain to be
admired by such men as Peter Martyr. If the rivers
rolled down their golden sands, and lumps of the
precious metal lay on the surface, what might be found
ijy thorough and systematic mining to a proper depth ?

But serious difficulties were to be overcome before
the Spanish ships could be loaded with the precious
metal. They needed passable roads, beasts of burden,
and shelter and protection — a fortress, for instance — in
the mining regions. But the greatest embarrassment
was the ill-health of the people. Those sent out in
good health would probably fall sick on the way. " It
would be also extremely inconvenient to leave the
sick men here in the open air," writes the Admiral to
the sovereigns, *' or in huts, with such food and defences
as they have on shore, although these Indians appear
every day to be more simple and harmless to those
who laud for the purpose of making investigations. In
short, although they come every day to visit us, it would
nevertheless be imprudent to risk the loss of our men
and our provisions, which might very easily happen,
if an Indian were only, with a lighted coal, to set fire
to the huts, for they ramble about both night and day ;
for this reason we keep sentinels constantly on the
watch while the dwellings are exposed and unde-
fended."

Twelve ships out of the seventeen which had come
from Spain were waiting in the harbor at a great

4»

1 1

214

r//i? ^-Af/tAfO/C/AL."

expense ; and the return hack of some of them at least
with supplies for the colony, not later than May, was
most imperative. They must therefore sail at once,
even though they contained nothing — beyond the
tale of disaster concerning La Navidad— but golden
promises.

The condition of the new enterprise at this hour is
best illustrated by the so-called " memorial," drawn
up by Columbus at Isabella, January 30, 1494. It is
designed for the sovereigns, but is addressed to Antonio
de Torres, who was about to command the returning
fleet. He was, no doubt, to malce such running com-
ments in the presence of the sovereigns as the occa-
sion might require. This very interesting document is
in the famous Navarretc collection. In the margin of
each chapter or item is the reply of the sovereigns,
the documents thus annotated being returned to
Columbus. It is given in English in R. H. Major's
famous " Select Letters," published by the Hakluyt
Society.

After the opening formalities, he assures them that,
while nothing has " occurred to diminish the impor-
tance" of what he had " formerly written or said to
their Highnesses," he would soon be able to prove it
all " by facts." He ^hen refers to the spices found
along the coast and to the wonderful reports brought
in by Ojeda and Gorbolan concerning the gold in the
interior. This being a divine sanction of the great
enterprise undertaken by their Highnesses, they ought
to give th Mks to God for the same. In the margin
the sovere. is write, " T/ie/r Highnesses reltirn thanks
to God for ull that is recorded^'' etc.^ etc.

>>^»»mmii^^ssm '

FORT! FY! XG THE TOWK.

215

e of them at least
;r than May, was
fore sail at once,
iig — beyond the
idad— but golden

se at this hour is
lemorial," drawn
ry 30. M94- It is
Iressed to Antonio
nd the returning
ich running com-
;igus as the occa-
sting document is

In the margin of
)f the sovereigns,
eing returned to

in R. H. Major's
[ by the Hakluyt

issures them that,
minish the impor-
ivritteu or said to
be able to prove it
the spices found
il reports brought
ng the gold in the
ction of the great
nesses, they ought
e. In the margin
esses return thanks
?tc.

In the next item Columbus stntts the reasons for
not detaining the ships till he niiglit collect a greater
amount of gold. The p. nlearc sick. The ships are
lying in the harbor at a 1; rge expense. The weather
is favorable to their return. He will need new sup-
plies by the month of May, and there is no time to
lose, etc. " ///• has tionc well'' is the marginal note.
Again, the gold niities could not be worked without
greater conveniences. There must be shelter, pro-
vision against sickness, defence from Caonabo and his
merciless savages who had sacked La Navidad. "/A'
has done well;' is repeated in the margin.

But the people arc improving in health and will
soon be acclimated. " The small number of those who
continue well are employed every day in barricading
our dwelling so as to put it in a state of defence, and
in taking necessary measures for the safety of our am-
munition, which will be finished now in a few days,
for all our fortifications will consist simply of stone
walls {albarrada — meaning walls without mortar).
With a little vigilance, small fortifications will do ^
against the Indians. This done, he will examine the '
gold-bearing sands of the rivers in the interior, and
build a town of defence. " This is loell and exactly as
he should do,'' is the marginal response.

The sickness of the colony is in consequence of
change of climate. Hence they must have the same
food as formerly at home', fresh supplies of which
should at once be sent and continued until the same
could be produced in the new world. The sickness of
the people and the lean and weak condition of the
domestic animals had not admitted of a very extensive

2l6

THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE.

''|1

( '

iri i.

m \

plantation as yet, but such crops as had been tested
were exceedingly promising, and the country was very
beautiful.

The monarchs reply : " Since the land is so fertile ^ it
is desirable to sozv of all kinds as much as possible^ and
Don Juan dc Fonsica is instructed to send over immedi-
ately everything requisite for that purpose.''''

The people are in need of wine on account of the
leakage from bad casks, of biscuits, corn, and par-
ticularly of raisins, sugar, almonds, honey, and rice.
There should be a larger stock of domestic animals of
nearly all kinds. For the freighting of two caravels
with those things, the gold now sent home should be
discreetly appropriated, and everything must be expe-
dited so as to get returns by May.

Their Highnesses will give instructions to Don Juan de
Fonsica to make immediate inquiry respecting the impo-
sition in the matter of the casks, etc., the dispatch of the
business in general, etc.

As the next two items in this " memorial " are
those concerning which Columbus has been most
highly censured in more recent times, we will quote
them in full.

" Item. You will tell their Highnesses that as we
have no interpreter through whom we can make these
people acquainted with our hol^y^aith, as their High-
nesses and we ourselves desire, and as we will do so soon
as we are able, we send by these two vessels some of
these cannibal men and women, as well as some
children, both male and female, whom their High-
nesses might order to be placed under the care of the
most competent persons to teach them the language.

■' 1

'! i

"^HE PEOPLE.

rops as had been tested
nd the country was very

ce the land is so fertile^ it
as much as possible^ and
ted to send over imniedi-
lat purpose.''^ :

wine on account of the
biscuits, corn, and par-
monds, honey, and rice.
k of domestic animals of
lighting of two caravels
w sent home should be
rerything must be expe-
lay.

structions to Don Juan de
uiry respecting the inipo-
b, etc.^ the dispatch of the

1 this " memorial
ambus has been most
ent times, we will quote

r Highnesses that as we
hom we can make these
il^y^aith, as their High-
and as we will do so soon
se two vessels some of
well

COLUMBUS AND SLAVERY.

217

men, as

ale

whom their High-
d under the care of the
ich them the language.

At the same time they might be employed in useful
occupations, and by degrees, through somewhat more
care being bestowed upon them than upon other slaves,
they would learn one from the other. By not seeing
or speaking to each other for a long time they will
learn much sooner in Spain than they will here, and
become much better interpreters. We will, however,
not fail to do what we can ; it is true that, as there is
but little communication between one of these islands
and another, there is some difference in their mode of
expressing themselves, which mainly depends on the
distance between them. But as, amongst all these
islands, those inhabited by the cannibals are the
largest and most populous, it must be evident that
nothing but good can come from sending to Spain
men and women who may thus one day be led to
abandon their barbarous custom of eating their fellow-
creatures. By learning the Spanish language in
Spain they will much earlier receive baptism, and
advance the welfare of their souls ; moreover, we shall
gain credit with the Indians who do not practice the
above-mentioned cruel custom, when they see that we
have seized and led captive those who injure them,
and whose very name alone fills them with horror.
You will assure their Highnesses that our arrival in
this country and the sight of so fine a fleet have pro-
duced the most imposing effect for the present, and
promise great security hereafter ; for all the inhabi-
tants of this great island, and of others, when they see
the good treatment that we shall show to those who do
well, and the punishment that we shall inflict on those
who do wrong, will hasten to submit, so that we shall

3
(
1
h

\h 1

1 '

m '

t t

2l8

COLUMBUS AND SLA VERY.

be able to lay our commands on them as vassals of their
Highnesses. And as even now they not only readily
comply with every wish that we express, but also of
their own accord endeavor to do what they think will
please us, I think that their Highnesses may feel as-
sured that, on the other side also, the arrival of this
fleet has in many respects secured for them, both for
the present and the future, a wide renown amongst
all CI istian princes, but they themselves will be
able to form a much better judgment on this subject
than it is in my power to give expression to."

^''Lct him be informed of what ha^s transpired respecting
the cannibals that came over to Spain. He has done
well and let him do as he says, but let him endeavor by
all possible means to convert them to our holy Cat hoi ic
religion, and do the same with respect to the inhabitants
of all the islands to which he may go^

" Item. You will tell their Highnesses that the wel-
fare of the souls of the said cannibals, and of the in-
habitants of this island also, has suggested the
thought that the greater the number that are sent over
to Spain the better, and this good service may result
to their Highnesses in the following manner. Con-
sidering what great need we have of cattle and of
beasts of burden, both for food and to assist the set-
tlers in this and all these islands, both for peopling
the land and cultivating the soil, their Highnesses
might authorize a suitable number of caravels to come
here every year to bring over the said cattle and pro-
visions and other articles ; these cattle, etc., might be
sold at moderate prices for account of the bearers, and
the latter might be paid with slaves taken from among

VERY.

a as vassals of their
^ not only readily
ixpress, but also of
lat they think will
jsses may feel as-
the arrival of this
I for them, both for
e renown amongst
hem selves will be
nt on this subject
ession to."
r (inspired respecting
tin. He has done
let him endeavor by
to our holy Catholic
ct to the inhabitants
»."

messes that the wel-
bals, and of the in-
las suggested the
;r that are sent over
service may result
ang manner. Con-
.ve of cattle and of
d to assist the set-
(, both for peopling
il, their Highnesses
of caravels to come
said cattle and pro-
lattle, etc., might be
; of the bearers, and
s taken from among

COLUMBUS AND SLAVERY.

ax9

the Caribbees, who are a wild people fit for any work,
well proportioned and very intelligent, and who, when
they have got rid of the cruel habits to which they
have become accustomed, will be better than any other
kind of slaves. When they are out of their country
they will forget their cruel customs, and it will be
easy to obtain plenty of these savages by means of row-
boats that we propose to build. It is taken for granted
that each of the caravels sent by their Highnesses will
have on board a confidential man, who will take care
that the vessels do not stop anywhere else than here,
where they are to unload and reload their vessels.
Their Highnesses might fix duties on the slaves that
may be taken over, upon their arrival in Spain. You
will ask for a reply upon this point, and bring it to me
in order that I may be able to take the necessary
measures should the proposition merit the approbation
of their Highnesses."

*' The consideration of this subject has been suspended for
a time., until fresh advices ar-rive from the other side ; let
the Admiral write what he thinks upon the subject. "

Clearly enough, this is an out-and-out proposition on
the part of Columbus to enslave th/ Caribbean can-
nibals, and shows that his ideas of personal freedom
were not so far in advance of the world's thought as
were his conceptions of cosmography. It is indeed a
great merit for a man's judgment to be ahead of his
time, but for a man to think and act simply abreast of
his age surely is no cause of censure. And what could
be more unjust than to judge any one by a standard
hundreds of years in advance ? In this latter part of
the fifteenth century the African slave-trade was fairly •

S:pf

4 V' I

220

COLUMBUS AND SLA VERY.

inaugurated and had the highest moral and religious
sanction, and it has taken nearly all the centuries
since to reach a universally clear conviction as to the
wrong and general mischievousness of the system.
American authors, who have still living among them
thousands of human beings who once stood on the
slave-block, as a part of the goods and chattels of the
nation, are in an awkward predicament for condemning
the world's hero of 1494 for not anticipating the
decisions of the latter half of the nineteenth century.
The argument used by Columbus, that the advantages
of civilization and Christianity would offset the loss of
personal freedom to a man-eatiug savage, finds its par-
allel at least in arguments offered in this country by
politicians and learned divines within our own recollec-
tion.

But if the opinion of Columbus may be extenuated
in the light, or rather in the darkness, of his age, the
immediate hesitation as to accepting that opinion on the
part of the monarchs, and their final decision to reject
it— due mainly to the kiudheartedness of Isabella, no
^oubt — may justly be regarded as a decision in advance
of that age.

The remainder of the memorial is occupied with
itemized statements concerning the purchase of certain
vessels, the best manner of chartering caravels for the
West Indies, the dishonest dealing of the horse-venders
at Seville, the improper conduct of the horsemen in
Hayti, the need of caution in sending out well-disposed
persons to colonize the Indies, the need of more arms,
etc., etc. But the most notable items are concerning
• certain benefits and privileges asked for Pedro Magarite

and

race

The

but
and
of (

the
wei
tho

flee
so ;
bee
spi:
anc
Th
ace
tru
in I
[ex]
lati
\va;
in
ses
ore

cyli
exci

tliei
to a
pas
boll

WERT.

noral and religious
r all the centuries
:onviction as to the
;ss of the system,
living among them
once stood on the
; and chattels of the
ent for condemning
>t anticipating the
nineteenth century,
that the advantages
uld offset the loss of
avage, finds its par-
in this country by
in our own recollec-

may be extenuated
ness, of his age, the
I that opinion on the
lal decision to reject
Iness of Isabella, no
I decision in advance

il is occupied with
; purchase of certain
ring caravels for the
of the horse-venders
of the horsemen in
ing out well-disposed
need of more arms,
cems are concerning
;d for Pedro Magarite

DISCONTENT IN THE COLONY.

221

and Juan Aguado, from both of whom he afterward
received exceedingly unkind treatment.

February 2, 1494, the fleet of twelve sail left for Spain.
The quantity of gold carried back was not excessive,
but the letters from Columbus, Friar Buil, Dr. Chanca,
and others of influence, along with the personal report
of Gorbolan,' sustained the hopes of the enterprise.

Sickness, hunger, and disappointment, on the side of
the globe opposite home — in a wilderness of savages —
were not very conducive to contentment, on the part of
those whose terms of service had not expired, when the
fleet spread its sails for the return. And two officials,
so situated as to be able to make their evil influence felt,
became leaders of such as were affected by the mutinous
spirit. One was Bernal Diaz, comptroller of the colony,
and the other was Fermin Cedo, the assayer of metals.
The former could speak disparagingly of the small
accounts which figured in the returns of this loud-
trumpeted enterprise, and the other was wide-mouthed
in crying down the gold which had raised such great
expectations. Irving, following Bernaldez, says of the
latter mutineer : " He pertinaciously insisted that there
was no gold iii the island, or at least that it was found
in such inconsiderable quantities as not to repay the
search. He declared that the large grains of virgin
ore brought by the natives had been melted ; that they

' The caciques led Gorbolan and his party " to a workshop where a gold-
smith was beating out gold into very thin plates. The gold was laid on a
cylindrical stone with highly polished surface. This artificer, possessing
excellent skill in making wreaths and turbans (for the Indian women use
these as sumptuous ornaments for their heads), was engaged in beating out
to an extreme degree of tenuity a plate so large that to carry it would sur-
pasr. the power of the strongest man." Such is Syllacius's report of Gor-
bolan's search for gold.

aaa discontent in the colonk.

had been the slow accumulation of many years, having
remained a long time in the families of the Indians
and handed down from generation to generation ; which
in many instances was probably the case Other
specimens, of a large size, he pronounced of a very
inferior quality, and debased with brass by the natives.
The words of this man outweighed the evidence of facts,
and many joined him in the belief that the island was
really destitute of gold. It was not until some time
afterwards that the real character of Fermin Cedo was
ascertained and the discovery made that his ignorance
was at least equal to his obstinacy and presumption-
qualities apt to enter largely into the compound of a
meddlesome and mischievous man."

That Columbus had grossly exaggerated the advan-
tages of the newly discovered country , and so deceived the
people in Spain in order to magnify his own importance,
was the general charge. The immense resources
of the West Indies, which have since enriched the
world and administered incalculably to its luxuries,
were entirely overlooked by these idle adventurers, who
were only seeking for great fortunes in §old ready to
hand. The flattering prospects of mining resources
broughtto light by Ojeda and Gorbolan were maliciously
ignored ; and Bernal Diaz, who had already had some
variances with the Admiral, joined with several others
as ringleaders, and resolved on seizing the ships
remaining in the harbor Pud returning to Spam. This
could be easily effected during the Admiral's illness,
and the influence of Diaz at court would extenuate the
mutinous movement, especially when it was known
what great disappointment the colony had suffered.

: COLON y.

many years, having
lilies of the Indians,
to generation ; which
y the case. Other
ironounced of a very
brass by the natives.
[ the evidence of facts,
;f that the island was

not until some time
■ of Fermin Cedo was
,de that his ignorance
cy and presumption —
Lo the compound of a

1."

:aggerated the advan-
:ry , and so deceived the
fy his own importance,
i immense resources
ire since enriched the
ilably to its luxuries,
e idle adventurers, who
tunes in gold ready to 1
; of mining resources
•bolan were maliciously
had already had some
ned with several others
on seizing the ships
uming to Spain. This]
the Admiral's illness,,
irt would extenuate the
y when it was known |
:olony had suffered.

A MUTINOUS PLOT.

223

But this plot, so fraught with mischief, was discovered,
and in the process of investigation there was found
tucked away in the buoy of one of the ships a most
slanderous document prepared by Diaz against Colum-
bus, for the prejudice of the court. The ringleaders
were arrested, Diaz was imprisoned in one of the ships
to be sent to Spain for trial, and others were punished
in various ways, according to the degree of the guilt of
each. In order to prevent any like occurrence after-
wards, all the guns and munitions of war were taken
out of four of the ships and placed in the fifth and
largest, under the care of some of the most trustworthy
persons in the colony. This first revolt is a fair sample
of the spirit and conduct with which Columbus had to
contend throughout his bitter trials in the Indies.
Though the punishments he inflicted were mild, barely
such as were necessary for the public safety, he was at
once stigmatized as severe and tyrannical ; and the fact
that he was a foreigner, with merely newly-made friends
and influence in Spain, was made to tell heavily against
j him, especially by such as had both friends and
influence at home.

Nothing in the enterprises of this new world, in the
estimation of Columbus, demanded his personal attention
I more than the development of the gold-mines in the
mountains of Cibao. Having now recovered his health,
home affairs at Irabella were organized with view to his
absence. His brother, Diego, mild and pacific in
temper rather than shrewd and firm, was placed in com-
mand of the infant city and the little fleet in the har-
Ibor. Other persons of influence constituted a board of
counsellors.

224 GOING TO THE GOLD MOUNTAINS.

The expedition to the mountains would require
energy and skill, as well as a very considerable force.
A fort must be built, the mines must be worked, and the
natives must be impressed with the power and mag-
nificence of the white man. A regular engineering and
mining outfit, therefore, was necessary, and such mil-
itary display as the Admiral could command. A start-
ling sight in those verdant forests and plains of early
spring-March i2th-must have been the 400 men
which he led out in glistening steel, their ranks brist-
ling with lances and cross-bows, their swords and
arquebuses ready for death-dealing execution ; and a
novelty to this array itself must have been the multi-
tude of Indians which hovered around and brought up
the rear. The roll of the drum and the penetrating
notes of the trumpet awaken the woodland echoes, aud the
movement is in regular rank and file. The first day s
march is across the tropical plain from the sea to the
mountains. As night came on, they encamped at the
foot of the only convenient pass of the Monte Christi
range in that vicinity. A mere Indian trail wound
upward among the rocks, often well-nigh obstructed by
bushes and tangled thickets. But by the close of the
next day the enterprising young hidalgos had engi-
neered and completed a convenient militarj- road, after
the manner of the road-making in the mountains of
Granada during the recent Moorish war. This Gen-
tleman's Pass, as it was called, has long since been
obliterated by the rank-growing vegetation. The next
day, having reached the mountain-top, a most enchant-
ing view of an immense tropical vale opened l^fore
them-the same which had delighted Ojeda and his

OUNTAINS.

tins would require
considerable force,
t be worked, and the
le power and mag-
lar engineering and
sary, and such mil-
:omniand. A start-
and plains of early
been the 400 men
;1, their ranks brist-
, their swords and
I execution ; and a
ive been the multi-
nud and brought up
md the penetrating
dland echoes, and the
lie. The first day's

from the sea to the
ley encamped at the
f the Monte Christi

Indian trail wound
1-nigh obstructed by
t by the close of the
; hidalgos had engi-
it military road, after
in the mountains of
ish war. This Gen-
has long since been
egetation. The next
i-top, a most enchant-
1 vale opened before
ighted Ojeda and his

THE ROYAL VALE.

225

company when prospecting for gold a short time before.
In every direction, as far as the eye could reach, was
this sea of verdure, bounded in the horizon by lofty
mountain ranges. The meadows, half wild, half cul-
tured, were robed in the tall rank grasses of the tropics ;
shrubs and climbing vines were forest-like in their
exuberance; the stately palms and wide-spreading ma-
hogany trees rose gigantic all over the far-reaching
landscape ; the smooth rivers, winding their way from
the mountains to the sea, gleamed here and there
through this wealth of the tropics, and at innumerable
points rose the smoke of the native hamlet. On the
impulse of the magnificent view, Columbus named this
grand part of the island Vega Real, or the Royal

Vale.

One cannot read the account of the descent of this
miniature army into the plain without breathing some-
thing of the air of romance which must have entranced
them on every side — without wishing one could have
been there to enjoy the novel scene. From every direc-
tion the immense Indian population came out to see
the sight — such a sight as had never come to them
even in their wildest dreams. The regular step of well-
drilled infantry, bearded and with rosy complexion, clad
in the most brilliant colors and in polished steel ; the
weapons of war, so unlike the rude Indian lance or
war-club, or bows and arrows chipped and scraped out
with flint ; the waving plumes, streaming banners and
martial music, but, above all, the prancing cavalry
which led the van— the simple-minded natives suppos-
ing, Las Casas tells us, that horse and rider constituted
one being— the centaur of the ancients— and being sur-

226 HOSPITALITY OF THE NATIVES.

prised beyond measure at the dismounting to see the
double creature thus parcelled out-how all this must
have made the poor naked Indian gape and stare! At
first the astonished beings fled, leaving house and
home without any protection, save the bars of slender
reeds placed across the doorway of the wigwam
thinking the white men might understand that item ot
Indian etiquette, which thus forbade the entrance of a
stranger. Columbus at once commanded a scrupulous
regard for this simple contrivance. But the inter-
preters spoke their good words for the strangers, and
The common trinket presenti were distributed. Now
the crowds came so thick and fast and brought such
abundance of their victuals and drink that the
Spaniards could scarcely make their way. They were
surprised, moreover, to see how the Indians accompany-
ing them would enter the houses they passed and
appropriate whatever they wanted in the way of food
without let or hindrance. The common hospitality of
the savage-always generous-was enhanced in this
country, it would seem, by the abundant spontaneity of
nature in providing for the simple wants of the

natives. / ..^

Having made five leagues on the way across the
plain, they reached the River Yagui, which Columbus
named the River of Reeds, not knowing that it was
the same which the year before, on the coast near
Monte Christi, he had called the River of Gold from
the shining particles seen in the sand. Here they
encamped for the night, and the imagination points a
happy scene when we are told that, enraptured with
the charms of nature all about them, the hundreds

NATIVES,

nounting to see the
—how all this must
gape and stare 1 At
leaving house and
; the bars of slender
ly of the wigwam,
derstand that item of
ide the entrance of a
nanded a scrupulous
ice. But the inter-
>r the strangers, and
re distributed. Now
ist and brought such
ud drink that the
leir way. They were
e Indians accompany-
ses they passed and
d in the way of food,
;ommon hospitality of
vas enhanced in this
nndant spontaneity of
limple wants of the

I the way across the
gui, which Columbus

knowing that it was
e, on the coast near
5 River of Gold from
;he sand. Here they
e imagination points a

that, enraptured with
It them, the hundreds

GALA DATS.

227

plunged into the river for that delightful and social
recreation — a-diving and a-swimraing in company.
To one who has revelled in this sort of thing Michael
An^elo's "Cartoon of Bathing Soldiers" will never
lose its fascination. Scarcely less could have been the
fun and frolic the next morning, when the r'lver, too
deep to ford, was crossed with canoes and rafts, while
the horses were made to swim over.

Now follow two days more of the delightful march
across what might be called, according to the descrip-
tion, the vale of paradise. Forest and stream have
an endless variety, an endless charm of novelty, and
some of the rivers which come down from Cibao have
the glittering particles of gold in their sands. To that
limpid stream in the bed of which one can admire the
smooth round pebbles is given the name Rio Verde,
on account of its emerald banks.

Everywhere the abundant native population give
them the same generous reception. Conciliated by
the interpreters, they return from their flight, find their
wigwams, barricaded with reeds, unmolested, and do
their utmost to feed and entertain the strangers.

At last they have crossed the Royal Vale, and look
up the rugged heights of the mountains of Cibao,
which means the mountain of rocks. If the aspect is
not so luxurious and inviting, and the pass appears
steep and difficult, the visions of gold teeming in those
rocky summits will inspirit the pioneers to open a
road for the army early the next day. But these four
hundred men, living here in the open air, with plenty
of vigorous exercise, have ravenous appetites which
will not be satisfied with the light and easily digested

228

LOCATING THE FORTRESS.

food of the natives. The bread and wine, therefore,
are disappearing at the most alarming rate, and some
mnst go back with a company of mules to bring in-
creased rations from Isabella.

The next morning they wind their way up, amidst
broken and tumbled rocks, through an abrupt ravine,
in a long strung-out line, leading their horses. Reach-
ing the heights, they look backwards over the same
charming landscape of such immense reach, the vale
being, Las Casas says, eighty leagues longund twenty
to thirty wide. Striking, indeed, must have been the
contrast between the enchanting scene left behind
and the rugged heights, towering toward heaven, all
around them. As they were now some eighteen
leagues from Isabella, and the mountain-passes were
toilsome for transportation, the Admiral began to pros-
pect for a location, which he did the more readily,
since there was not only gold in the bottoms of the
streams which cut their way down the ravines, but
there were specimens of amber and of lapis lazuli, and
possibly there were indications of mines of copper.
Casting about, he found a sort of plateau among the
declivities of these mountains, very fertile, and en-
livened by the purling notes of- a small river, its clear
waters washing the most curious and bnght-colorea
stones, aye, even large masses of elegant marble and
bits of jasper. As it swept nearly around a sort ot
eminence, it would serve as a ditch to the fortress, very
little further fortification being necessary. Here a
strong wooden fortress, called St. Thomas, was built,
the name being a playful reference to the incredulity
of his enemies, the more appropriate since here the

? TJiESS.

and wine, therefore,
ining rate, and some
f mules to bring in-

heir way up, amidst
jtIi an abrui)t ravine,
iicir horses. Reach-
ards over the same
lense reach, the vale
rues long iind twenty

must have been the
r scene left behind
r toward heaven, all
low some eighteen
lountain-passcs were
dmiral began to pros-
d the more readily,
n the bottoms of the
jwn the ravines, but
id of lapis lazuli, and

of mines of copper.
f plateau among the
very fertile, and en-
L small river, its clear
IS and bright-colored
■ elegant marble and
iarly around a sort of
:h to the fortress, very

necessary. Here a
t. Thomas, was built,
ice to the incredulity
priate since here the

GO/./)! GOLD!

229

gold could be seen with the eyes and touched with the
hands.

Here, as elsewhere, the natives soon learned that
j^old was the great quest of the »Spaniards, so they be-
came very enterprising in procuring it. Some hurried
away to the mountain streams, and sifted the sands
till they procured quite an encouraging amount <>f the
precious dust. All this they readily bartered for
trinkets and gcw-gaws. See that old man bring two
pieces of ore an ounce in weight, delighted beyond
measure in receiving a luuvk's bell in return ! Is the
.\dniiral surprised 0' 'le size of these specimens ? In
his country, only a half day's journey distant, pieces
could be found as big as an orange ! While others,
bringing grains of ten and twelve drachms, had seen
masses as big as the head of a child ! But the mine
of golden wonders was always a long way off— in some
hidden or out-of-the-way place.

While the Admiral was thus superintending the
construction of the fortress, Juan de Luxan, a yoiing
cavalier of Madrid, was assigned the task of exploring
this mountain province, supposed to be about as large
as the kingdom of Portugal. Before long he and his
small band of armed men returned with a decidedly
interesting account of things. Cibao was indeed a
mountainous country, but it abounded in excellent
pasturage, the frequent ^howers in that elevated
region bringing on such a luxuriant growth of grass
as frequently reached their saddles in riding through.
Then there were many plateaus susceptible of cultiva-
tion, and the aromatic plants and trees 1 There must
be an abundance of spices in this region. As to

230

THE GARRISON.

■}>:

grapes, it was the very land of promise. The vine!
climbed to the tree-tops, bearing an abundance of th*
most juicy and delicious clusters. Moreover, eacl
valley and glen had its mountain stream, bringing
down the shining gold-dust 1 And had not the In
dians let De Luxan into the secret as to where to fine
the streams richest in gold, and where the best mine:
were ? But on these points no one but the Admira
could share his secret.

The fortress being completed, Pedro Margarite waj
made commander of the garrison, numbering fifty-six
Returning to Isabella, the Admiral met the Spaniard;
on the return with supplies on the banks of Ri(
Verde. They examined the river to find a ford, anc
the Admiral was planning the best route from the nev
settlement to the gold regions. He now resided foi
some time in the Indian villages, cultivating th<
acquaintance and learning the habits of these people
He found that in many instances, especially wher
taey came in contact with the raiding attacks of thj
Caribs, they were much more warlike than he haj
supposed. He also found that he had been mistaken ij
supposing that they were without any religion. The!
believed in a supreme deity and in a regular ai
immense order of mediators, called Zemes^ which the|
represented by rudely fashioned idols. Each caciqi
had his idol or Zeme^ which he kept in a sort
wigwam temple set apart for the purpose. TheJ
were their tutelar deities, whose influence they pro]
tiated. They had their priesthood, their processioi
and their rude worship. If any one managed to
possession of the image of another's Zeme^ the inf

rsON.

>f promise. The vines
ng au abundance of the
LSters. Moreover, each
mtain stream, bringing
1 And had not the In-
;cret as to where to find
tid where the best mines
o one but the Admiral

;d, Pedro Margarite was
son, numbering fifty-six.
.miral met the Spaniards
5 on the banks of Rio
river to find a ford, and
; best route from the new
Qs. He now resided for
allages, cultivating the
le habits of these people,
itances, especially where
le raiding attacks of the
re warlike than he had
t he had been mistaken in
hout any religion. They
;y and in a regular and
called Zemes^ which they
med idols. Each cacique
ch he kept in a sort of
For the purpose. These
lose influence they propi-
jsthood, their processions,
• any one managed to get
another's Zeme, the influ-

RELIGION OF THE INDIANS.

231

ence of the deity was transferred accordingly. These
people, like the heathen in general, had very absurd
notions about the creation, believing, for instance, that
the sun and moon issued out of a cave in their island.
They seem to have had in general some conception
of an immortality or future state. Sometimes the
caciques practised gross impositions on their people,
hiding a confidant in some corner of the temple, who
thea spoke through the image by means of a hollow
tube. As is frequently the case among savages, the
priesthood dabbled in the healing art, using herbs as
simples, rather than according to intelligent combina-
tion of the healing virtues of plants.^

During his sojourn with the inhabitants of the
Vega Real, the busy Admiral must have been im-
pressed with their idle and easy mode of life. A slight
tillage of the soil would produce all the maize, potatoes,
and yucca roots which, in addition to the fishes, reptiles,
and abundant spontaneity of native fruits, would fully
supply their frugal wants. Except in the colder alti-
tudes of the mountains, the temperature was never
severe enough to suggest the need of a covering -^ and
as the naked human form was as proper to their eyes
as the common objects in nature, and perhaps more
beautiful than tree or flowers, why should they toil or
spin ? That costly and elaborate thing which we call
a house their genial climate and simple tastes did
not call for, except in its simplest and most rud imentary

> A full account of absurdities of the religious belief of the natives may be
found between chapters 62 and 63 of the biography of Fernando Columbus.

«In the colder, mountain regions it would. seem that the natives kept them-
selves warm in winter by an excess of flesh diet well seasoned with red
peppers. .

V «

2 3 2 SEA UTIFUL SIMPL ICI7 Y OF L IFF.

forms. They lounged, chatted, laughed, danced and
sung, every day being, no doubt, a happy pastoral to
the more thoughtful and aesthetic of these children of
nature. Occasionally the war-club, the rude lance, and
the bow and arrow had to be taken up against the
incursion of the fierce Caribs, but the nearer neigh-
bors were so peaceful among themselves as to be a
model to many civilized nations ; and that common
terror of savage countries, the ferocious wild beast, was
not known. How often we turn with delectation to
that charming picture of this region given from the
pen of Peter Martyr. " The 'island enjoyed perpetual
springtime, and was blessed with continual summer
and harvest. The trees preserved their leaves through-
out the year, and the meadows continued always
green." * '■' ''' "There is no province nor any
region which is not remarkable for the majesty of its
mountains, the fniitfulness of its vales, the pleasant-
ness of its hills and delightful plains, with abundance
of fair rivers running through them. There never
was any noisome animal found in it, nor yet any raven-
ing four-footed beast ; no lion nor bear, no fierce tigers,
nor crafty foxes, nor devouring wolves, but all things
blessed and fortunate." * »

Columbus reached Isabella on the 29th of March.
" The plants and fruits of the * Old World,' which he
was endeavoring to introduce into the island," says
Irving, " gave promise of rapid increase. The orchards,
fields, and gardens were in a great state of forward-
ness. The seeds of various fruits had produced young
plants ; the sugar-cane had prospered exceedingly ; a
native vine, trimmed and dressed with care, had yielded

%.JM^

" OF LIFE.

ughed, danced and
happy pastoral to
)f these children of
the rude lance, and
:en up against the
the nearer neigh-
iiselves as to be a
and that common
ions wild beast, was
with delectation to
^ion given from the
i enjoyed perpetual
continual summer
heir leaves through-
continued always
province nor any
r the majesty of its
vales, the pleasant-
ins, with abundance
bera. There never
t, nor yet any raven-
jear, no fierce tigers,
)lves, but all things

the 29th of March.
Id World,' which he
to the island," says
ease. The orchards,
:at state of forward-
had produced young
ered exceedingly ; a
vith care, had yielded

RAPID GROWTH OF VEGETATION. 233

grapes of tolerable flavor, and cuttings from European
vines already began to form their clusters. On the
30th of March a husbandman brought to Columbus
ears of wheat which had been sown in the latter part
of January. The smaller kind of garden herbs came
to maturity in sixteen days, and the larger kind, such
as melons, gourds, pumpkins, and cucumbers, were fit
for the table within a month after the seed had been
put into the ground. The soil, moistened by brooks
and rivers and frequent showers and stimulated by an
ardent sun, possessed those principles of quick and
prodigal fecundity which surprise the strangers, accus-
tomed to less vigorous climates."

Columbus had scarcely reached Isabella, when a
niessenf,er was at his heels from Fort St. Thomas, bear-
ing evil tidings. Would the scenes of La Navidad be
re-enacted ? Oner '^ore his good instructions had been
disregarded. Lus-^ -old and for the Indian women
had again betray e ; Spaniards into such courses as
to sadly shake the confidence of the natives in them as
celestial beings. Instead of their usual cordiality,
therefore, the Indians were shunning the white man
and were abandoning their villages in the neighbor-
hood, while evidences were not wanting that the fierce
and wily Caonabo was assembling his war forces among
the mountains.

But what had Columbus .to fear from these naked,
timid savages ? Were they not in mortal terror of fire-
arms and of his steel-clad soldiers mounted on th-ir
war-horses? He would reinforce Margarite with
twenty men, would send him more bread and gun-
powder ; this, with thirty men detailed to open a road

2j^ SICKNESS OF THE COLONY.

between Isabella and St. Thomas, would suffice for the
safety of this gold-mining interest.

Far more serious was the outlook at Isabella. The
humid climate, reeking with the malarias of the decay
of the rankest vegetation under a tropical sun, was
telling on the delicately reared constitutions from the
old soil of Europe. This infant city of the New World,
founded in such bright hopes, was become a hospital
without conveniences. What was the scanty supply of
medicines and the few physicians for such a multitude
shaking with chills and burning with fevers ? The terrible
emergencies of inexperienced pioneer life were putting
all hands, even to hidalgos and priests, under the
severest requisitions of hard labor. Who, then, could
minister to the wants of the sick, formerly accustomed
to the most delicate attentions? Of the rather scanty
supply of provisions, much had spoiled through care-
lessness. The whole community, therefore, must be
put on rations. The mind, too, was quite as sick as the
body. A more bitterly disappointed people never existed.
They had left home for the high civilization and the lux-
uries of the Orient, and had landed in a wilderness of
savages. By conquest and trade, they had expected to
appropriate every kind of wealth and luxury ready to
hand. But gold, the quantity doubtful and the qual-
ity spoken against, was obtainable only by the labori-
ous processes of the miner. The sparkling gems, the
silken fabrics, and the costly spices were wholly want-
ing—unless it were the fiery agi-peppers of the natives.
Even bread did not exist in this country, and the
hungry, half-starving, whether sick or well, must sup-
plement their mouldy bread from Spain with cassava.

¥
f

'^.

.OLONT.

vould suffice for the

ik at Isabella. The
alarias of the decay
a tropical sun, was
)nstitutions from the
Ly of the New World,
ls become a hospital
the scanty supply of
for such a multitude
h fevers? The terrible
leer life were putting
d priests, under the
•. Who, then, could
formerly accustomed
Of the rather scanty
ipoiled through care-
y, therefore, must be
as quite as sick as the
i people never existed,
vilization and the lux-
led in a wilderness of
they had expected to
and luxury ready to
oubtful and the qual-
Dle only by the labori-
e sparkling gems, the
ces were wholly want-
peppers of the natives.
;his country, and the
ick or well, must sup-
in Spain with cassava,

HUMILIA TION OF HIDAL G OS AND FRIA RS. 235

fish, and lizards till grain could be grown and mills
built and the baker's art flourish in the wilderness.
Ah ! everything the heart wished was on the other side
of the vast ocean sea — on the other side of the glob»J
The death of the disappointed and heart-broken must
have been a daily occurrence. The living, perhaps,
even envied the dying. The Spaniard of high-blood,
with blistered hands and sun-burnt brow, in the toil and
moil of digging and building, cursed the day when he
left the sure advantages of old Spain for the phantom
hopes of this new country.

And who was the cause of ail of this incurable
misery ? This upstart foreigner — this " gay deceiver "
— now Admiral, and would-be king of a new realm at
the cost of the treasure and the best blood of Spain !
Some of the gay young hidalgos refuse to fall into the
ranks of laboring men, and Friar Buil is indignant that
he and his household must needs submit to limited
rations of mouldy bread, along with the common people.
But this Genoese is a severe disciplinarian, and, without
partiality or pity, demands that " If any man will not
work, neither shall he eat," and in the privations of the
colony there shall be no " respect of persons."

No degree of resolution could close the eyes of the
Admiral to the perils of his situation. While he was a
comparative stranger in Spain, many of these malcon-
tents had influence, and might readily turn the tide of
royal and public favor against him and his enterprise.
Some diversion of the community, therefore, must at
once be brought about in order to avert imminent dan-
ger. To this end he planned a sort of military and
exploring expedition to the interior. Ojeda was to

2,6 INSTRUCTIONS OF MARGARITE.

relieve Margarite at Fort St. Thomas, and the latter was
to lead out all who could possibly be spared from busi-
ness and the care of the sick, which proved to be two
hundred and fifty with the cross-bow, one hundred and
ten with arquebuses, and sixteen horsemen with
lances, all of which were led by twenty officers. This
commander, at once knight and nobleman, might surely
be trusted to explore Cibao and other parts of the

island. ' '

Columbus's letter of instructions to him discovers
his usual sagacity. While the Indians should be com-
pelled to respect the rights of property vested in the
white men, and should be duly punished for every
kind of theft, they themselves must be treated with
the utmost justice and discretion, and must be pro-
tected from insult, their confidence and friendship
being thus secured. When the army needed supplies
these must be purchased regularly by one appointed
by the Admiral. If the natives refused to sell, mak-
ing it necessary to take the provisions by force, it
must be done gently, even with kindness and caresses.
Individual traffic with them must be forbidden lest the
privilege be abused. It must always be borne in
mind that the sovereigns are mOre desirous of the con-
version of the Indians than of any riches to be derived
from them. The army must be kept together and
under thorough discipline, thus guarding against tne
savages, who, though cowardly indeed, might become
very treacherous and cruel.

As to Caonabo and his brothers, they were artful
and dangerous, and if the utmost deceit and strategy
of war were necessary to their capture, these might be

mi^^?m:^^msii^^^f^>^*^'

^GARITE.

s, and the latter was
le spared from busi-
h proved to be two
w, one hundred and
:u horsemen with
enty officers. This
ileman, might surely
other parts of the

IS to him discovers
lians should be com-
operty vested in the
punished for every
ust be treated with
Q, and must be pro-
nce and friendship
my needed supplies,
jr by one appointed
efused to sell, mak-
•visions by force, it
ndness and caresses,
be forbidden lest the
always be borne in
1 desirous of the con-
j riches to be derived
t kept together and
guarding against the
iideed, might become

lers, they were artful
t deceit and strategy
pture, these might be

STEALING THE CLOTHES.

237

considered justifiable in the case of foes so sanguinary

and dangerous. ,. , ,

The march of Ojeda's miniature army— a little less
than four hundred— to Fort St. Thomas was not with-
out incident. On reaching the Vega Real he found
that three Spaniards, on their return from the fort in
the mountains, had been .robbed by five Indians sent
as guides by a cacique in the neighborhood. These
Indians, attempting to carry the white men's clothes
over the river at the ford, turned back when about ha f
way across, taking the clothes with them. The
cacique, instead of punishing them, appropriated the
clothes and refused to restore them. Ojeda captured
one of the offenders and brought him to the public
square— so common to the Indian village— and had his
ears cut off in true Spanish style. Then arresting the
cacique, with his son and nephew, sent them in chains
to Isabella, according to the summary military method

of that day. , r •

The terrified prisoners were followed by a friendly
cacique, who pleaded for their forgiveness on the ground
of some kindness which he had formerly shown the
Spaniards. The Admiral appeared deaf to entreaty,
and ordered the prisoners to the public square, their
hands bound behind them, their crime to be publicly
proclaimed and their heads struck off Pwhaps the
execution was not intended to take place, but merely
a sufficient scare of the poor savages to deter them
from further theft. At the place appointed for the
execution the assurances for good conduct in the
future and the tearful entreaties of the mediating
cacique were so moving as to make it easy for :he

238

COWARDICE OF THE INDIANS.

The lives

Admiral to exercise clemency,
ofifenders were spared.

Before the parties had time to disperse, a horseman
arrived from St. Thomas, who affirmed that in passing
the house of the cacique whose fault had just been
condoned he had rescued five Spaniards who had been
taken by the natives, over four hundred of them flee
ing at the sight of his horse. Surely there was not
much to fear from this sort of people, as long, at least,
as horses could be had.

-■■^ i i gi a rfEga^j aa g-Sfia vsasa^ a s ^r -

fNDIANS.

The lives of the

sperse,

a horseman

ned that in passing
mlt had just been
iards who had been
ndred of them flee
rely there was not
lie, as long, at least,

CHAPTER XII.

THE SOUTH SIDE OF CUBA EXPLORED.

I E are unfavorably impressed with the over-
mastering passion of Columbus for gold.
'* The excellence and power of the gold of
Ophir," he says, "cannot be described; he who
possesses it does what he will in this world ; nay, it
even enables him to draw souls from purgatory to para-
dise." But we must not conceive of him as standing
alone in his ardent search for the precious metal. The
sovereigns of Spain, and, indeed, the whole Spanish
nation, were clamoring at his back for gold, and in
the astonishing sentence above quoted he simply
mirrored the sentiment of his age. After locating his
colony, his next enterprise had been to build the
fortress St. Thomas, in the regions of the gold-mines
of Cibao, in order to develop that mining interest.
Next to the accumulation of gold the great desidera-
tum with Columbus and his sovereigns was the
further exploration of the new country. Portugal had
reached the Cape of Good Hope, and would be crowd-
ing all sail for India. Columbus, having taken the
more direct route to the westward, supposed that he
was already in India. Which nation, then, would be
able to appropriate the greater part of this much-
desired country — this golden dream of the age ? By
all means, the Admiral must push directly for the heart
of India — for the seat of the Grand Khan.

240 rtlE RICHES OF CA THA T.

First, however, the good order of things at Isabella
must be secured. Hence Diego, the brother of
Columbus, is placed at the head of affairs, as president
of a council, of which Father Buil and three others
arc members.

Three of the smaller vessels, caravels, are fitted up
for the exploration of the south side of Cuba, as this
immense territory is supposed to be an extension of
the mainland of India. Cathay, the supposed name
of a city and also of a province, was the part of the
dominion of the Grand Khan in quest, which, " as
described by John de Mandeville and others who have
seen it," says Bernaldez, " is the richest province in
the world and the most abundant in gold and silver
and the other metals and silks."

The two larger vessels were left in the harbor, as
they might be inconvenient for entering bays and
rivers. April 24th, i494, the little fleet put out to the
westward. The Admiral called at the site of La
Navidad, hoping for an interview with Guacanagari,
but the chieftain seemed to be shunning him. On
the 29th he made for the shores of Cuba. Having
reached the eastern end of that island, he coasted
westward along the south side.- Some twenty leagues
forward he entered a grand harbor. A narrow, wind-
ing, deep channel led to a beautiful sheet of water,
resembling a lake surrounded by mountains. The
great tropical forest which clothed the long reaches of
ascent were laden alike with blossoms and with fruit.
" In this country," says Bernaldez, *' the trees and plants
bear fruit twice in the year, and from the fruits a most
delicious odor arose, which could be perceived at some

>>,.,

I T/JA r.

)f things at Isabella

fo, the brother of

affairs, as president

il and three others

ravels, are fitted up

iide of Cuba, as this

be an extension of

the supposed name

was the part of the

n quest, which, " as

and others who have

richest province in

in gold and silver

eft in the harbor, as

entering bays and

e fleet put out to the

at the site of La

\} with Guacanagari,

shunning him. On

s of Cuba. Having

t island, he coasted

Some twenty leagues

or. A narrow, wind-

itiful sheet of water,

by mountains. The

d the long reaches of

>ssoms and with fruit.

, " the trees and plants

rom the fruits a most

i be perceived at some

THE INDIAN BANQUET.

24t

distance on the water. There were no habitations in
this harbor, but as they went in they saw several fires
burning close to the water, and a dog and two beds, but
no men. They landed, and found more than four
quintals of fish upon spits before the fires, and rabbits
and two serpents, and very near they saw at the foot of
the trees in many places a great many serpents, the
most nasty, hideous, ugly creatures that any human
being ever saw, all with their mouths sewed up. They
were all of the color of dry wood, the skin of the whole
body very much wrinkled, especially on the head, where
it came down over the eyes, which were terribly ven-
omous, and all were covered with very hard shells like
■scales of a fish, and from the head to the end of the
tail, along the middle of the body, were long ugly pro-
jections, sharp as points of diamonds." As may be
seen from the writer's own statements, these were not
serpents, but the famous iguana, still a noted article of
food in those parts.

This banquet, preparing in so romantic a spot, had
been suddenly abandoned at the strange sight of the
ships. What could this frightful ocean phantom be ?

The hungry Spaniards fell upon the savory feast.
The fish and the rabbit-like uttas they devoured with the
utmost relish, but those huge lizard-shaped iguanas!
Who but an Indian could taste those ? And yet Peter
Martyr tells us they were to the natives what pheasants
and peacocks were to the grandees of Spain. A com-
mon Indian did not aspire to them.

The repast over, the Spaniards rove about the woods
in the vicinity. Behold, from the top of yonder high
rock the curious eyes of some seventy natives look

ill

242 CONCIHATINC. THE INnlA^S.

down upon them. As the rosy-faced strangers attempt
to approach them the multitude vanishes in the thick
woods and in the gorges of the mountains. No ; there
is one whose curiosity is too much for him. He lingers
alwut, gazing at the strangers and won by their friendly
pantomimes. The Lucayan interpreter advances with
his usual good word for the white men. He is under-
stood, and the native runs to tell the good news to his
people. Now they all come pouring down from the
rocks and defiles of the forests in the most confident
and respectful manner. Through the Lucayan they
explain their enterprise to Columbus. Their cacique is
about to entertain a neighboring cacique, and has sent
them to procure the banquet, which they are now
making ready for transportation. The fishes and meats
will not spoil so readily after being roasted. But what
will they do now after the ravages which the Spaniards
have made? Oh ! that is a mere trifle. One night's fish-
ing will replace all. The Admiral insists, however, on
making compensation, and shaking hands in European
style, they part in the happiest mood. " He inquired
of the Indians," says Bernaldez, " whether it (Cuba) was
an island or a continent, but they are a stupid race, who
think that all the world is an island, and do not know
what a continent is ; who have no written language nor
records of antiquity, and delight in nothing else but in
eating and in women ; and so they said that it was an
island, though some said it was an island which he
could not sail around in forty moons.

" The next day, before sunrise, the Admiral set sail
from this place, towards the west, following the coast of
the country, which they saw to be very beautiful and

fND/ANS.

d strangers attempt
uiishcs in the thick
mtains. No; there
or him. He lingers
won by their friendly
preter advances with

men. He is nnder-
the good news to his
ring down from the
I the most confident
1 the Lncayan they
us. Their cacique is
:acique, and has sent
vhicii they are now

The fishes and meats
g roasted. But what
, which the Spaniards
ifle. One night's fish-
1 insists, however, on
ig hands in Enropean
nood. "He inquired
whether it (Cnba) was
are a stupid race, who
md, and do not know
1 written language nor
in nothing else but in
;y said that it was an
, an island which he
3ns.

, the Admiral set sail
, following the coast of
be very beautiful and

BEAUTY OF THE COirNTRY.

243

thickly settled. As they perceived the vessels, greal
numbers of men and boys, small and great, came run-
ning to the shore to see them, bringing bread and other
things to eat, showing the bread and gourds full of
water, and crying, 'Eat, take, people from heaven!'
They asked them to land and go to their houses, and
some came in their canoes for the same purpose. In
this way they sailed along until they came to a gull
where there was a vast number of villages, and the
lands and fields all looked like the most beautiful gar-
dens in the world, the land being elevated and moun-
tainous." Here the Spaniards spend a night, and the
natives, with their usual kindness, overwhelm them
with hospitality.

But how about gold ? Where was it to be found?
In a great island to the south, say the Indians. This
may be Babeque, for which the Admiral searched so
diligently in his former voyage along the north side ot
Cuba. And still the natives pointed to the great island
in the south as the place where the Spaniards might
find gold. This was too much for the Admiral. He
turned his prows out into the wide ocean. May 23d, in
hope of finding the gold region.

It was not long before the unmistakable signs of
land appeared in the horizon. But the ships made
slow progress, and it was two days and nights before the
cloud-like mountain-tops were converted into terra firma,
with the usual enchanting 'scenery of mountains, vales,
rivers, harbors, and multitudes of natives— all await-
ing possession.

But what a scene is here ! A fleet of some seventy
canoes, bristling with savages painted in all colors,

9^;

244

ON THE WAR-PA TH.

feather-decorated, brandishing their lances and yell
ing as if to tear their throats, is flying out towards th<
ships. One of the canoes ventures nearer than th<
rest, so near that the Lucayan can address the inmates
Kind words and a few presents conciliate the whoh
company, so that the Admiral's ships move on unmo
lested.

The vessels cast anchor in a harbor about midwaj
along the north shore of Jamaica. " The gardens o
Valencia are not to be compared to any part of thi;
whole island," says Bernaldez, *' so the Admira
named the harbor ' Santa Gloria.' " At daybreak th^
next morning they were under way again, in searcl
of a harbor sufficiently sheltered to enable the Admira
to careen and caulk his ship, which was leaking badly
A good harbor was soon found, but when a boat wa;
sent towards it two large canoes met them in a mos
hostile manner. They did not come near enough
howeVer, to reach the Spaniards with their shar]
wooden lances which they hurled so furiously. Th
boat returned, and, as the water was so deep, the shi
entered and cast anchor. At once the entire beac
became a lively scene. A multitude of painte
savages, mostly black, but exhibiting also a variety
colors, some partly dressed in palm leaves, all more
less decked out with feathers, rent the air with thei
war-whoops, and hurled their javelins at the ships.

This cannot be tolerated. These savages must
made to respect the power of the white men. A boa
load of well-armed men makes towards the shore, au
discharging a shower of arrows from their cross-bow
thus wounding several of the natives, the painted ho;

i-PA TH.

their lances and yell-
is flying out towards the
ntures nearer than the
can address the inmates,
its conciliate the whole
I's ships move on unnio-

1 a harbor about midway
laica. " The gardens of
red to any part of this
dez, "so the Admiral
ria.'" At daybreak th?
er way again, in search
-ed to enable the Admiral
which was leaking badly,
md, but when a boat was
.noes met them in a most

not come near enough,
liards with their sharp
urled so furiously. The
iter was so deep, the ship
\X. once the entire beach
K multitude of painted
:hibiting also a variety of
I palm leaves, all more or
,, rent the air with their
• javelins at the ships.
These savages must be

the white men. A boat-
:es towards the shore, and
ws from their cross-bows,
; natives, the painted host

THE INDIANS SCATTERED.

245

retreats pell-mell into the forests. The Spaniards
pursue with their deadly flights of arrows, "and a
dog which had leaped from one of the vessels followed
them," says Bernaldez, " and bit them ; for one dog
against the Indians is worth ten men." This treat-
ment brought the poor savages to terms. Columbus
was allowed to land and take peaceful possession of the
island, which he named Santiago. Happily, the pretty
Indian name, Jamaica, has been retained. The beauti-
ful harbor, shaped like a horseshoe, is called Puerto
Bueno.

The remainder of the day everything was perfectly
quiet. The next morning, before sunrise, six Indians
were seen making friendly gestures on the shore.
They had been sent by the caciques to make overtures
of peace with the strangers. The Admiral responded
most cordially, and the usual trinkets were sent to the
chieftains. This proved conciliating. Very soon the
shore swarmed with the painted multitudes. This
time they brought provisions — articles similar to those
brought by the natives of the other islands, but of
better quality.

There were now three days of friendly intercourse
and trade. As the Spaniards studied these savages,
they came to regard them as decidedly in advance of
the inhabitants of the neighboring islands. They
were quite at home on the sea. "They have more
canoes here," says Bernaldez, "and larger than in
any other region hitherto discovered, each made in
one piece from the trunk of a tree, and each cacique in
all that neighborhood has a large canoe, which he
takes as much p'.de in using as a nobleman here

246

CANOES AND TRAFFIC.

would take in keeping a large and beautiful ship.
They have them wrought from stem to stern with va-
rious figures and paintings, so that their beauty is
admirable. The Admiral measured one of the large
ones, which was 96 feet long and 8 feet wide."

These people were also quite warlike in their dis-
position and habits, thus resembling the Caribs, All
their utensils were after the same pattern as those
found in the other islands, but they were of better
workmanship.

As the ships proceeded along the coast to the west-
ward, the natives were constantly coming out in their
canoes to greet them and to keep up their kind of
traffic. Beads, bells, and red caps were all celestial
articles in their estimation, and far exceeded in value
the cassava-bread, fish, fruits, and water— all of which
was alike common with them. When the squadron
reached the west end of the island, the wind being
favorable to a direct course to Cuba, and there being
no very flattering prospects of gold in Jamaica, it was
decided to make for the former shore, it being regarded,
of course, as a part of the mainland of Asia.

How we wish we knew more about that enterprising
Indian youth who begged the privilege of sailing with
the Admiral. As " every human heart is human," his
relatives were distressed at his adventure ; but, resolv-
ing to evade the tearful entreates of his sisters, he
hid himself away in one of the ships. We hope he
was treated with special kindness, as the Admiral

directed.

May 1 8th Columbus reached Cuba. The cacique of
the village where he landed had long since heard of

•: «>^injiMdBi<»iin'U.,

nd beautiful ship,
m to stern with va-
it their beauty is
d one of the large
feet wide."
irlike in their dis-
ig the Caribs, All
t pattern as those
hey were of better

le coast to the west-
coming out in their
) up their kind of
; were all celestial
exceeded in value
water — all of which
A^hen the squadron
ad, the wind being
ja, and there being
i in Jamaica, it was
■e, it being regarded,
i of Asia.

)ut that enterprising
ilege of sailing with
heart is human," his
venture ; but, resolv-
;s of his sisters, he
ships. We hope he
!ss, as the Admiral

iba. The cacique of
long since heard of

A SEA OF ISLANDS.

247

him. Indeed, the intelligence of his former visit on
the other side of the island seems to have spread quite
generally, so that the Spaniards were now anticipated
at every point as wonderful beings come down from

the skies.

As the ships sailed westward they found the shoie
bending to the northeast for many leagues, then west
again, thus forming an immense bay. Here the water
was shallow and there was a most terrific thunder-
storm. The situation was perplexing, for in such thun-
der and lightning one should strike sail, and yet the
shoal water required the sails to be spread. Fortu-
nately, the storm was soon over.

Now the shoals, sand-banks, and small islands became
so numerous as to make sailing very difficult, and the
sailor at the mast-head proclaimed a sea of islands
stretching away to the horizon. Some were mere sand-
banks, others were green and treeless, and others,
especially those near the shore, were clothed with
forests grand as those of the adjacent shores. The
Admiral undertook to give a name to each island, but
the number was so immense— 160 counted in one day —
that he was content to name the mass the Queen's
Gardens. Would it not be well to sail outside of this
archipelago? But did not Sir John Mandeville and
Marco Polo number the islands along the coast of
Asia by the thousands? Surely he must now be
among them ; hence it would not be wise to diverge
from the shore, which must be Cathay, the territory of
the Grand Khan. How like fairy-land, and therefore
how like the supposed India, these verdant islands were.
Those sweet odors borne on every breeze surely sug-

'fs

i; 1'

If-

248

HARD SAILING.

gested the land of spices. Here was the luxuriant
foliage and the magnificent flora of the tropics. The
stately groups of flamingoes clad in bright scarlet,
and the tortoises coming from an ^%% not unlike that
of a hen and growing to the size of a soldier's buckler,
all reminders of the grandeur of the Orient

3ut the navigation is exceedingly diflicult. Now
the keels of the ships grate on the sand, now thump
against rocks, and now a counter-current fairly turns
the small crafts about. They sail successively to every
point of the compass. Every foot of the way must be
tested. The man at the roundtop must keep a sharp
lookout every minute, the lead must be thrown con-
tinually, and not infrequently the channel becomes so
narrow that the sails must be dropped and the vessels
towed on by means of the row-boats ; and still they ran
aground, and were gotten oflF with great labor.

The weather, too, was very peculiar. At sunrise
the wind blew from the east, and it followed the course
of that great luminary throughout the day. At sunset
it was calm. But very soon thunder-clouds gathered,
with sheets of lightning and rumbling in the distance.
As the moon arose a breeze came oflF the land scatter-
ing these threatening cloud-banks with a mere shower.
This order of phenomena was an every-day occur-
rence.

But while vegetable life of the greatest variety and
beauty abounds in these islands, and birds of the most
brilliant plumage and those charming in song are
multitudinous, neither voice nor form of any human
being is to be discovered. For days they sail amidst
a magnificent solitude. At length, on the 2 2d of May,

NOVEL FISHING.

249

was the luxuriant
f the tropics. The
I in bright scarlet,
-gg not unlike that

a soldier's buckler,
Dt" the Orient.
gly difficult. Now
e sand, now thump
current fairly turns
iuccessively to every
of the way must be

must keep a sharp
ust be thrown con-
channel becomes so
iped and the vessels
s ; and still they ran
great labor,
culiar. At sunrise
: followed the course
the day. At sunset
der-clouds gathered,
iling in the distance.
oflF the land scatter-
with a mere shower,
an every-day occur-

greatest variety and
.nd birds of the most
irming in song are
form of any human
ays they sail amidst
1, on the 2 2d of May,

they find human habitations on one of the islands, but
they are completely deserted. As usual, the Indians
have fled in terror at the strange sight of the ships.
Let us tarry for a few moments in these remote habi-
tations of the American savage. Here is an abundance
of fish, that staple article of food with primitive
man. Outside are piles of " kitchen middens,"
mostly tortoise shells. As living domestic appur-
tenances, here are tame parrots chattering and flamin-
goes stalking about. Those dumb dogs, found else-
where as we have seen, are being fattened for food,
and are as savory to the Spaniards as "kids in
Castile."

As they go on they discover the natives in the act of
fishing, and very remarkable, indeed, is the process.
Somewhat after the manner of ancient falconry, they
are making one kind of fish catch other kinds. The
Histoire claiming to be written by Fernando Columbus
says : " They had tied some small fishes they call reves
by the tail, which run themselves against other fishes,
and with a certain roughness which they have from
the head to the middle of the back they stick so fast
to the next fish they meet that when the Indians perceive
it, drawing their line, they draw them both together,
and it was a tortoise our men saw so taken by these
fishermen, that fish clinging about the neck of it, where
they generally fasten, being by that means safe from
the other fish biting them. ' I have seen them fasten
upon vast sharks." This mode of fishing has been
reported by other navigators, and occurs also in other
parts of the world — for instance, at Mozambique, on the
east coast of Africa, and at Madagascar. The " rough-

* ,

Isi

Sim

250 INTELLIGENCE OF THE NATIVES.

ness " which these capturinp: fishes have " from the
head to the middle of the back" is said to consist of
suckers, which become attached to the throat of the
fish to be caught, or the under shell of a tortoise, and
adhere so firmly that very large game may thus be

secured.

When the natives were done fishing they came to
the Spaniards in the most fearless manner and inquired
what the3' were after. They also offered them their
supply of fish just taken and about everything else
they had, but Columbus was content with taking
simply the fish, for which he paid them.

Wearied with the difficulties of navigation in this
archipelago, the Admiral at length emerged into the
open sea and steered toward a mountainous part of the
coast of Cuba. Here, June 3d, he found a considerable
village of the natives. They were exceedingly pacific
and communicative. Columbus thought them even
more cordial than the inhabitants of the other islands.
They also seemed to give special attention to their
domestic animals, which were in better condition than
others found in those regions. While the crews took
in water, intercourse went on with the venerable
cpcique and other aged men around him, and the inter-
view was most impressive. " Was Cuba an island ? —
the most vital question now, of course, with the Ad-
miral. The cacique answered that he was an old man
and had known other old men in his time who under-
stood such matters, and he had never heard it said that
it had any end. Others thought that a ship could not
reach the end of it in forty moons. But the province
of Mangon lay just to the westward, and there the

:<mmm>tm0iim»imim^ti^»''

yA TI VES.

\ have ''from the
said to consist of
the throat of the
I of a tortoise, and
ame may thus be

hing they came to
inner and inquired
offered them their
Lit everything else
ntent with taking

em.

navigation in this
I emerged into the
tainous part of the
)und a considerable
exceedingly pacific
bought them even
f the other islands.
i attention to their
itter condition than
hile the crews took
vith the venerable
him, and the inter-
3uba an island ? " —
ourse, with the Ad-
; he was an old man
lis time who under-
siQx heard it said that
hat a ship could not
But the province
Yard, and there the

HAPPY DATS OF THE VOYAGE.

2tI

people could inform him further. Mangon :— most
significant sound to the ear of the Admiral. That
must be " Mangi " ! the celebrated province of the
Grand Khan. He must know all about Mangon. And
right well can these natives inform him. They know
that these people of Mangon have tails, and wear long
garments to cover them up. vVhy else should they
wear clothing ? Surely there was nothing in nature
of which to be ashamed ? How striking ! Did not
Sir John Mandeville say that the inhabitants of Mangi
had tails, and so, contrary to the custom of their rude
neighbors, wore long clothing ? vSurely now he must
]>e approaching Tartary !

After being well feasted on the fat pigeons furnished
by the natives, the squadron sailed away into an
immense stretch of open sea along the charming
mountainous coast. Everything was now bright with
hope. These illusive hours constituted some of the
most gala-days of poor Columbus. Each. day repeats
the same delectations. The ever-varying landscape of
mountain, valley, river, and peaceful Indian village is
on the right. The clear, dark sea, dark because of its
great depth, reaches away to the iiorizon on the left.
At every headland and in every bay the natives
anticipate them. They come out in their swift canoes
laden with fruits and the good things of the land gen-
erally. They even swim out to the ships in order to
meet these people from heaven. The evening breezes,
with their soft showers, bring sweet odors from the
land, and the still sweeter songs of the jubilant villagers,
feasting and dancing at this great event of the arrival
of the ships from the skies. The Admiral is living in

V
< I

252

FRIAR OF ST. MART OF MERC'/.

irfi

the very tliird heaven of hope and joy, the balmy
nights passing as if they were but a single hour.

After passing the beautiful Gulf of Xagua, they sail
into water white as milk, from the fine sand kept afloat
by the agitations of the water. Then come numerous
islands again, as numerous as the Gardens of the
Queen, and the navigation is exceedingly difficult.
The smallest caravel going ahead, the rest follow with
the utmost caution. A caravel, sent to the main in
search of water, reports the shores low and muddy, and
the trees so thick that they look like a solid wall. A
cat could not go on shore at'that place. Again they
are in clear open water, and steer for the mountainous
coast. They anchor in a fine harbor in order to fill
the water-casks.

The wood-choppers are cutting their wood, and the
drawers of water filling their casks, when one who
had strayed away into the forest with his cross-bow in
search of game returns in a breathless terror. He
has met a most weird and startling sight — some one
in a long white garment, looking like a grave friar of
St. Mary of Mercy. Two others followed with white
frocks down to their knees, and a little farther away
were coming about thirty similar personages, armed
with clubs and lances. Nor were they the common
tawny skins of the island, but of fair complexion like
Europeans.

At this startling report al I the hewers of wood and
drawers of water fled in utmost precipitation to the

ships.

But the story had no ghostly alarm for Columbus.
It was but another item in the remarkable list of cor-

5- MERC't.

id joy, the balmy
a single hour.
3f Xagua, the}' sail
iiie sand kept afloat
len come niimerons
tie Gardens of the
ceedingly difficult,
the rest follow with
nt to the main in
ow and muddy, and
ke a solid wall. A
place. Again they
)r the mountainous
rbor in order to fill

their wood> and the
;ks, when one who
ith his cross-bow in
ithless terror. He
ig sight — some one
like a grave friar of
followed with white
I little farther away
■ personages, armed
e they the common
air complexion like

hewers of wood and
precipitation to the

arm for Columbus,
larkable list of cor-

A LION OR A GRIFFIN.

253

respondence between his findings and the accounts of
Mandeville and Polo. These must, indeed, be the
people of Mangi, who pat on clothes in order to cover
their tails. On the following day some forty, under
arms, were hustled off into the wild interior in search
of these people dressed in white. And they must go
till they find them, even if the journey be forty miles.
A dismal tramp this party had through almost impene-
trable forests, over broad plains of gigantic grasses
and shrubbery, where there was not even the track of
a wild beast. Scarcely more than a mile had they
gone, when they became almost exhausted and were
obliged to return.

The next day another party was sent out in a
different direction. They travelled but little farther
than their comrades of the day before, and with no
better result. They very soon became alarmed at the
tracks of some huge animal in the sand, the sharp
claw-prints of which were indicative of the lion to
some, while others thought them the footprints of the
griffin, a fabulous animal, having the body and claws
of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. This
creature had been frequently referred to by Cardinal
Iliaco, that favorite author of Columbus ; and Glanville,
in a work well known to him, had described it as keep-
ing guard over the mountains abounding in gems and
gold. On their return, the party was startled by a
flock of huge cranes, twice the size of those in Europe.
How aromatic were the impenetrable forests, and the
shrubbery of the meadows was most charmingly
festooned with the wild-grape vine, laden with fruit.
Like the ancient spies sent by Moses into Canaan, who

-i t

2^4 MOUNTAINS IN THE DISTANCE.

returned with the grapes of Kschol, the vSpaniards came
bearing the luscious native fruit.

As to the people in long white garments, they were,
without doubt, a flock of great white herons so
common in that region ; and the tracks in the sand—
"tracks of some very large beast, with five claws (a
terrible sight !) which they judged to be lion's, or grif-
fin's, or some other wild beast"— were probably those
of the alligator. How much natural history has done
to solve the mysteries of the superstitions of former

times !

As the account given by Bernaidez, who appears to
have talked this whole matter over with Columbus at his
fireside, is here particularly lucid, we will copy a few
paragraphs from him. He says : " The Admiral, hav-
ing thus crossed over from Point Serafin, where the
land declined towards the east to the mountains at
the north, followed the coast back towards the east till
he saw that it joined the other and was continuous
with it, and then turned again to the west ; and, al-
though both the vessels and the men were much woni
by the voyage, he proposed to sail for some mountains
which he had seen in the west at the distance of thirty-
five leagues from the place where they had taken m
their supply of water. After they had gone nine
leagues, they came to a beach, where they captured the
cacique of the region, who, being an ignorant person
that had never been away from these mountains, told
them that towards the north the sea was very deep for
a very great distance. They weighed anchor, and
proceeded on their voyage very joyful, thinking to
find it as he had said. But, after sailing several

>l^wi»liaa>»i Wfe''«i «' -

I STANCE.

the Spaniards came

[irments, they were,
white herons, so
icks in the sand —
:, with five claws (a
to be lion's, or grif-
;ere probably those
ral history has done
erstitions of former

idez, who appears to
,vith Columbus at his
I, we will copy a few
'* The Admiral, hav-
t Serafiu, where the
1 the mountains at
towards the east till
and was continuous
» the west ; and, al-
lien were much worn

for some mountains
;he distance of thirty-
; they had taken in
they had gone nine
ere they captured the
3j an ignorant person
hese mountains, told
sea was very deep for
veighed anchor, and

joyful, thinking to
after sailing several

PliESTEix' J()//\

255

-'t-t^ato-ji ---

leagues, they found themselves entangled among a
number of islands, with very little depth of water, so
that they could not find a convenient channel by which
to go on. After making their way for a day and a
half through a very narrow and shallow channel, they
were obliged to drag the vessels, by means of their
anchors and capstans, over the bottom, nearly a
fathom out of water, for two full leagues, after which
they found two fathoms and a half of water, in which
they sailed for two days, and farther on three fathoms.
At this place there came to the vessels many canoes,
the people in which said that the inhabitants of those
mountains had a king of great authority, and they
seemed to be wonderfully impressed with the extent of
his dominion and the greatness of his power, saying
that he had infinite provinces, that he was called
' Holy,' and that he wore a white tunic, which trailed
upon the ground." How suggestive ! Must this not
indeed be Prester John ?

"They pursued their course along the coast, in three
fathoms of water, for four days, in which they passed
the mountains, leaving them far to the east, and al-
ways found the shore low and the trees growing close
to the water's edge, as has been described, so that it
was impossible to effect a landing. At the end of this
time, the vessels being in a bay where the coast turned
again to the east, they saw upon a cape, at twenty
leagues distance, some very high mountains, which
the Admiral determined to visit, since the sea was not
open towards the north, and was of very great depth,
as the cacique had said, who also told the Admiral
that in the way in which he was going he would not

256

PALAr GROVES AND PEARLS.

come to the end of the land in fifty leagues— so he had
heard it said. They sailed within a great many
islands, and, after four da; s and nights, came to the
mountains they had seen, and found a country as large
as the island of Corsica. They went all around it,
but found no spot where they could land, the shore
being very muddy and the trees very thick, as has
been said of the other places, and the smokes from the
dwellings of the inhabitants in the interior were large
and numerous. They remained on this coast seven
days seeking for fresh water, of which they were in
want, and \s\\\q\\ they found at a place towards the
east, in some beautiful palin-groves, where they also
found mother-of-pearl and some very handsome pearls,
and saw also that there were excellent fishing grounds,
if they were only used. After supplying themselves
with wood and water, they sailed towards the south
for a considerable distance, following the coast until it
led them towards the southwest, and appeared to run
in that direction for a great number of days' sail, and
at the south they saw the sea filled with islands. The
vessels were in very bad condition from thumping
about in the shallows, their ropes and tackle worn out,
and most of the provisions imich injured, especially
. the biscuit, in consequence of the leakiness of the
vessels ; and the men, too, were very much exhausted,
afraid of their provisions failing, and likewise of the
winds being, at this season, unfavorable for their

return."

Somewhere along here the crews were surprised at
the great numbers of enormous tortoises, which covered
the sea in countless numbers. There were also in-

PEAIiLS.

THE GOLDEN C/fERSONESUS.

'-57

leagues — so he had
hin a great many
nights, came to the
d a country as large

went all around it,
ould land, the shore
very thick, as has
the smokes from the
e interior were large
on this coast seven

which they were in
a place towards the
res, where they also
:ry handsome pearls,
ilent fishing grounds,
upplying themselves
d towards the south
ing the coast until it

and appeared to run
ber of days' sail, and
d with islands. The
ition from thumping

and tackle worn out,
:h injured, especially
the leakiness of the
i^ery much exhausted,
r, and likewise of the
mfavorable for their

ews were surprised at

irtoises, which covered

There were also in-

credibly large flights of cormorants, or sea-crows,
fiiirly darkening the .ky, and what a sight must have
licen those clouds of brilliant butterflies, which filled
tlie air for a whole day, until the evening showers dis-
persed them.

As illustrating the enterprising imagination of Co-
lumbus, Bernalde/ says : " While on this voyage, it
occurred to him that if he should be prospered he
might succeed in returning to Spain by the east, go-
ing to the Ganges, thence to the Arabian gulf, thence
by land from Ethiopia to Jerusalem and to Joppa,
where he might embark on the Mediterranean, and
arrive at Cadiz." But this bold suggestion could
never have been more than a thought — could never
have been a definite and determined plan.

But that magnificent shore, stretching away inimit-
ably to the southwest, just as Marco Polo had de-
scribed India, must lead to the Golden Chensonesus
so attractive to the ancients — that country now sup-
posed to be the peninsula of Malacca. But the Admiral
was confronted by stubborn facts — hungry, tired
sailors and worn-out, leaky ships. Besides, who in all
these crews — some eighty souls — shared his enthusiasm
in Oriental discovery ? Where was there another im-
agination which could conceive such brilliant pictures
and such vast schemes as those which were constantly
arising to his vision ?

No ; unwilling as he may be, he must turn back ! —
even though he is so near the west end of the great
island that "a ship-boy from the masthead might
have overlooked the group of islands to the south, and
beheld the open sea beyond," and two or three days

258

ISLAND OR CONTINENl f

further sail would have rounded Cape San Antonic
How different then would have been his geographic^
conceptions, which remained a grand delusion till th
day of his death I How vastly different might ha\
been his exploring expeditions in the few after yeai
of his life I

Yet the ships do not turn about easily, teredo-bore
and crazy though they be. Many an eager look i
cast down along that immense trend of southwes
coast. What if it should prove to be the Golde
Chersonesus just under the ships' prows ? Or wh£
if they were, indeed, only riearing the end of an in
mense island ?

But this must surely be the eastern extension of
continent — the continent of Asia. Had they nc
coasted three hundred and thirty leagues westwan
according to the estimates of the pilots ? Who ha
ever heard of an island of such immense magnitude
And did not everything, especially that great extei
of Southwestward coast-line, correspond to an iota wit
the descriptions and accounts of India as given I
Polo and Mandeville ? Aye, those columns of smol
arising here and there throughout the mountains ai
hills of the interior might be from the fires of t^
ruder outlying parts of Mangi and Cathay.

But in a matter so important, so vital to the magJ
tude of his enterprises, he will not depend merely upj
his own opinion in making out an official report to
court of Spain. Every soul in the three ships mi
record his conviction under oath. Who could tell wl
crookedness and perverseuess there might be in brii
ing home to the King and Queen the reports of |

TTINENl f

led Cape San Antonio,
re been his geographical
grand delusion till the
itly different might have
\ in the few after years

bout easily, teredo-bored
Many an eager look is
ise trend of southwest
irove to be the Golden
ships' prows ? Or what
iaring the end of an im-

;he eastern extension of a
Asia. Had they not
thirty leagues westward,
of the pilots? Who had
,ch immense magnitude?
ecially that great extent
correspond to an iota with
Its of India as given by
those columns of smoke
ighout the mountains and
be from the fires of the
gi and Cathay,
tant, so vital to the magni-
iU not depend merely upon
out an official report to the
1 in the three ships must
oath. Who could tell what
iss there might be in bring-
d Queen the reports of so

A STRANGE OATH.

259

many ? A public notary, therefore, is sent, with four
witnesses, to take the judgment of each one, from cap-
tain to ship-boy, under oath. A<- this distance of four
centuries, and in this light of the end of the nineteenth
century, the proceedure is simply ridiculously absurd,
appearing, as one has said, like attempting " to estab-
lish a geographical fact by a certificate undci oath."
Possibly if we had stood on the deck of one of the
ships of the little fleet, conscious of the touch and
influence of all the circumstances, we might at least
modify our judgment.

But if the act of administering the oath is of doubt-
ful wisdom, the penalties annexed to any opposite
opinion expressed afterwards is still more objectionable.
It was formally announced by the notary that if any one
dared to falsify this expression of conviction, if an
ofiicer he should pay a penalty of ten thousand mara-
vedis, and if a private he should receive a hundred
lashes and have his tongue cut. This word ''''ait ■■ has
generally been rendered "<:«/ o«/," which is straining
the meaning. If we fall back upon the customary
treatment of liars in Spain — and it was lying and not
chauging of opinion that was to be punished — we shall
find that it was to slit the end of the tongue. This,
then, was what Columbus meant by having the tongue
"^«/." And, considering that this event belonged to
the age of Torquemada and the Inquisition, the penalty
was by no means severe.

The sorrowful faces of the crews became more cheer-
ful on June 13th, as the ships stood to the southeast for
Hispaniola. They were passing through a labyrinth
of keys, which were almost impenetrable to a sailing

..tAlaOM^VatJr,-

26o

HARD SAILING

craft. Very soon a large and majestic island, now-
known as the Isle of Pines, loomed up in the midst of
countless islets. Anchoring here for wood and water,
they soon bore to the east, along the south side of the
island, hoping to find an open passage south of the
innumerable islands they had encountered sailing west-
ward, and also intending to explore the south shore of
Jamaica en route.

But his crews seem to have been greatly dismayed
at this indirection; he therefore sailed through the
islands back to Cuba over the white sea noticed before.
The way was exceedingly toilsome, and the crews
were in the most unhappy mood. Nor did the loss of
ten days in testing a new passage, and the slim allow-
ance of a pound of mouldy bread and a few swallows of
wine per day to a man, tend to the increase of cheer-
fulness. On June 30th, as they were toiling through
the most perplexing channels, the Admiral's ship struck
bottom with such violence as to alarm all. The anchor
was sent out astern to free her, but they finally had to
drag her across the shoal with great effort.

Now they are again sailing along the clear coast of
Cuba, in sight of the delightful province of Ornafay.
Like Humboldt, hundreds of years later, they are de-
lighted with the fragrant odors wafted out on the sea.

May not this hungry, tired crew now have a little
rest and refreshment? With what joy they cast an-
chor, July 7th, in the mouth of a beautiful river.
While they are taking in wood and water, the Admiral
is making the acquaintance of the cacique, who rules
over a large tract of this charming country. The
exhausted seamen are delighted with the sweet repose

HIGH MASS.

261

ijestic island, now
up in the midst of
"or wood and water,
le south side of the
ssage south of the
ntered sailing west-
; the south shore of

1 greatly dismayed
sailed through the
e sea noticed before,
ne, and the crews
Nor did the loss of
and the slim allow-
nd a few swallows of
e increase of cheer-
ere toiling through
.dmiral's ship struck
rm all. The anchor
; they finally had to
it effort.

Qg the clear coast of
(rovince of Ornafay.
:s later, they are de-
fted out on the sea.
;w now have a little
lat joy they cast an-
■ a beautiful river,
d water, the Admiral
e cacique, who rules
ling country. The
ith the sweet repose

of terra firma. No less grateful is the abundant
repast furnished by the natives — cassava-bread, utias,
birds of every kind, including large, fat pigeons, and
siich aromatic, luscious fruits !

Nor are the services and ceremonies of religion neg-
lected. A stately cross is erected in a charming grove,
and on a bright Sunday morning the impressive
ceremonies of high mass are celebrated. The cacique
and his venerable counsellor of four-score years have
each taken the Admiral by the hand and led him to
the grove for worship, the latter having presented to
him a string of mystic beads and a calabash of the
finest fruit. The natives stand around in groups
witnessing the solemnities with the utmost awe.

When all was over, the venerable Indian counsellor
approached Columbus and made an address which,
for its profound wisdom and sacred import, is worthy
to be recorded to the end of time.

This discourse as given by Bernaldez, who, no doubt,
received it from the lips of Columbus as a guest at his
own fireside, is as follows : " He had known how the
Admiral was going about exploring all the islands in
these parts and the continent,^ and that his being on
the continent was known to them. He told the Ad-
miral that he must not be vainglorious because all
the people were afraid of him, for that he was mortal,
like men ; and he began , by words and by signs to
explain how men were born naked, and how they had
an immortal soul, and that when any member was
diseased it was the soul that felt the pain ; that at the
time of death, and their separation from the body,

* Referring, no doubt, to Cuba.

262 CELEBRA TION OF HIGH MASS.

s
o

b
O

id
»

5-// jyAss.

INDIAN EL O^ UENCE.

263

these souls felt very great pain, and that they went to
the King of the heavens, or into the abyss of the earth,
according to the good or evil they had done and
wrought in the world."

Peter Martyr, who, no doubt, reports the results of
his conversations with the Admiral, gives the words of
the aged Indian counsellor as follows : "I have been
advised, most mighty prince, that you have of late
with great power subdued many lands and regions
heretofore unknovn to you, and have brought great
fear on all the people and inhabitants thereof, which
good fortune you will bear with less insolency if
you remember that the souls of men have two journeys
after they are departed from this body : the one, foul
and dark, prepared for such as are injurious and cruel
to mankind ; the other, pleasant and delightful, or-
dained for those who, in their lifetime, loved peace and
quietness. If, therefore, you acknowledge yourself to
be mortal, and consider that every man shall receive
just rewards or punishments for such things as he
hath done in this life, you will wrongfully hurt no

man

The Admiral was deeply impressed by this address
as translated by the Lucayan, and replied to the ven-
erable man, telling how pleased he was to learn his
views as to a future state, not having ascertained any-
thing of the kind from the jiatives before ; that he had
been sent to teach them religion, to subdue their
enemies, the cannibals, and to protect them from all
harm. Therefore, the harmless and peaceable might
look to him as their friend and protector. The old
man, surprised to find that the Admiral was still sub-

^ «;»a ^'iiSi^^fv^ WiktU'

264

AN AFFECTING FAREWELL.

ject to a higher ruler, was still more astonished to
learn from the Lucayan the glory of Spain and its
rulers. Surely that country must be heaven. Would
not the Admiral take him along with him on his re-
turn ? But the entreaties of his wife and family were
such that the aged man was obliged to give up the

project.

July i6th, Columbus took an affecting farewell of
the chief and his venerable adviser, and, taking a
young native as interpreter, found sea-room outside
the Queen's Gardens on his way to Hispaniola. But
he was soon overtaken by a gale, which almost upset
the crazy vessels, and so strained his caravel as to let
the water in at every seam and defy the efforts of the
weary crew at bailing. Anchoring in the shelter of
Cape Cruz on the i8th, the Spaniards enjoyed the
renewed hospitality of the natives for three days. As
the wind was still unfavorable, July 2 2d the ships
stood across to Jamaica in order to circumnavigate
that beautiful island. But the coasting of its south
shore to the east was the toilsome work of nearly a
month. So untoward was the weather that the
ships were obliged to anchor under lee of the land each
night, the head-winds and pelting showers often com-
pelling them to enter harbor at night \irhere they had
started out in the morning. Fortunately the natives
were cordial, and brought them abundant provisions.
If the leaky crafts and exhausted crews urged Columbus
homeward, the magnificence of the island, with its
excellent harbors, strongly attracted him to remain
and explore the charms of the interior. In one large
bay, including seven islands and surrounded with

EWELL.

more astonished to
y of Spain and its
be heaven. Would
v/ith him on his re-
ife and family were
iged to give up the

Bfecting farewell of
iser, and, taking a
d sea-room outside
to Hispaniola. But
vhich almost upset
his caravel as to let
y the efforts of the
ng in the shelter of
miards enjoyed the
for three days. As
July 2 2d the ships
to circumnavigate
:oasting of its south
le work of nearly a
; weather that the
r lee of the land each
r showers often com-
.ght \irhere they had
unately the natives
bundant provisions,
ews urged Columbus
the island, with its
cted him to remain
terior. In one large
id surrounded with

A ROYAL FAMILY.

265

native villages, the cacique entertained him most
uobl}'.

" The next day the Admiral left the place, and after
he had already got under sail with a light wind, the
cacique, with three canoes, came towards the ships in
such state that I must not omit to describe his
equipage. One of the canoes was very large, like a
large /«5/«,^ and much painted ; in this canoe was the
cacique himself, with his wife and two daughters, one
of whom was about eighteen years old, very beautiful,
entire^'y naked, according ':o the custom of the country,
and very modest; the other was younger. There
were likewise two boys, his sons, and five of his
brothers, and other kinsmen. Indeed, all the others
must have been his kinsmen and subjects. He also
brought with him in his canoe a man who acted as
standard-bearer. This man alone stood in the bow of
the canoe, wearing a loose coat of red feathers, re-
sembling in shape those of our kings-at-arms, and on
his head a large plume, which looked very well ; and
in his hand he bore a white banner, without any
device. Two or three men came with their faces
painted, all in the same way, and each of these wore
on his head a large plume, in shape like a helmet, and
over the face a round tablet as large as a plate, painted
likewise, and all of them in the same style, for neither
in these tablets nor in the plumes was there any
difference; these carried in their hands a kind of
musical instrument, upon which they played. There
were two others, who were also painted, but in a
different fashion ; these bore two wooden trumpets,

1 Or ym^X..

-a^J'yn ^'^n h W« »*"Mi» g ** ^

266

ROYAL INDIAN ORNAMENTS.

highly wrought with figures of birds and other devices,
the wood being black and very fine; each of them
wore a very handsome hat of green feathers, very
closely put together, and of very ingenious workman-
ship. Six others wore hats of white feathers, and
came in a body as the cacique's guard.

" The cacique wore suspended from his neck a trinket
made of copper, which is brought from a neighboring
island called Guani, and is very fine, resembling gold
of eight carats ; in shape it was like a fleur-de-lis^ and
as large as a plate. He wore also on his neck a string
of large marble beads, which these people value very
highly ; and on his head a large open crown of very
small green and red stones, disposed in order and in-
termixed with some larger, white ones, so as to look
very well. He had suspended over his forehead a
large jewel, and from his ears hung two large plates
of gold, with rings of very small green beads, and
although naked he wore a girdle of the same workman-
ship as the crown, all the rest of his body being
uncovered. His wife was decked in a similar manner
and naked, except so much of her person as was
covered by a bit of cotton not larger than an orange
leaf. She wore upon her arms, just below the
■ shoulders, a roll of cotton like those on the sleeves of
the ancient French doublets, and another similar roll,
but larger, she wore on each leg below the knee — like
the anklets of the Moorish women. The elder and
more beautiful of the daughters was entirely naked,
wearing only a girdle of stones of a single color, black
and very small, from which hung something in the
shape of an ivy-leaf, of green and red stones, embroid-
ered upon cotton cloth.

ill'

A ME NTS.

is and other devices,
fine ; each of them
reen feathers, very
ingenious workman-
white feathers, and
lard.

)m his neck a trinket
; from a neighboring
ine, resembling gold
ke a fleur-de-lis^ and
on his neck a string
se people value very-
open crown of very
ied in order and in-
i ones, so as to look
over his forehead a
ung two large plates
11 green beads, and
f the same workman-
; of his body being
in a similar manner
her person as was
rger than an orange
ns, just below the
3se on the sleeves of
I another similar roll,
below the knee — like
men. The elder and
; was entirely naked,
" a single color, black
Qg something in the
d red stones, embroid-

AN ASTOUNDING PROPOSITION.

267

" The large canoe came between the two others and a
little in advance of them, and as soon as it came up
with the vessel the cacique came on board and began
giving to the masters and each of the men something
from his treasures. This was in the morning and the
Admiral was at his prayers, knowing nothing of this
giving of presents or of the purpose of the coming of
this cacique, who had come at once on board the caravel
with his followers, and when the Admiral came on deck
he had sent back his attendants to the land with the
canoes and they were already at a considerable distance.
As soon as the Admiral made his appearance the
cacique came towards him with a very joyful counte-
nance, addressing him as follows : ' My friend, I have
resolved to leave my country and go with thee to see the
King and Queen and the Prince, their son — the two
greatest lords in the world, whose power is so great that
they have subdued so many countries hereabouts by
means of thfee, who art their subject and goest on thy
conquests by their command. This we have learned from
those Indians whom thou earnest with thee, and also how
everywhere the people are wondrously afraid of thee —
even the Caribs, an innumerable and very brave race,
whose canoes and dwellings thou hast destroyed, and hast
captured their wives and children, and slain those of
them who did not escape by flight. I know that in all
the islands of this region there is an infinite number
of people and a vast country, and they all stand in fear
and great dread of thee, and thou canst do them much
harm and injury if they do not submit to the great
King of Castile, thy lord, since thou knowest the people
of these islands and their weakness, and art acquainted

■: Tt'S^BiTt.T:.»SPtev'?Ki5S5a''v?s»-.«3a>K:;' — •(■■KrnR-'*

^68

AN EMBARIiASSING SITU, I TION.

II
I

"Si",

with the coinitr>. And before thou shalt take from mc
my lands and dominions I wish to go with thee in thy
vessels, with my family, to see the mighty King 'and
Queen, thy sovereigns, and the land in which they
dwell, the richest the most abundant in the world, and
the wonders of Castile, which are many, as thy Indian

has told me.' '"

The situation was decidedly embarrassing. His
leaky ships and mouldy bread would afford but poor
accommodations for these royal personages. He there-
fore relieved himself of the dangerous draught on his
scant larder and the overcrowding of his small cabins
by promising to comply with the cacique's wishes at
a more opportune season, when he might be going
directly to Spain.

On the 2oth of July the Admiral was coasting the
south side of the western peninsula of Hispaniola. He
did not recognize the island, however, till a cacique,
pushing out to the caravels on the 23d, accosted him by
his title and mixed a little Castilian in his Indian sen-
tences. But it was still no small matter to get around
the island. The weather was so severe as to separate
the ships, and it was near the eud of August when the
Admiral anchored his ship at the tall rock " Alto Velo,"
so named because, in the distance, it resembled a ship
under sail. This island was only half way along the
south shore. Here, while the sailors kept lookout for the
other two vessels, they found the pigeons and other
birds so tame that they could knock them over with
sticks. They also killed what they called sea-wolves—
probably a kind of seal— while these creatures were

1 Bernaldez.

«WK««»t*i^^4 ■»«W9iMMe?'ii*«>^-

ITU ATI ON.

»u shalt take from me
.) go with thee in th}
he mighty King 'and

land in which they
mt ill the world, and

many, as thy Indian

embarrassing. His
'onld afford but poor
;rsonages. He there-
jerous draught on his
g of his small cabins
e cacique's wishes at
he might be going

iral was coasting the
ila of Hispaniola. He
wever, till a cacique,
; 23d, accosted him by
ian in his Indian sen-
l matter to get around
3 severe as to separate
. of August when the
tall rock" Alto Velo,"
:e, it resembled a ship
ly half way along the
>rs kept lookout for the
he pigeons and other
cnock them over with
ey called sea-wolves —
these creatures were

AN ECLIPSE OF THE MOON

269

sleeping on the sand. Being joined finally by the
other two caravels, they proceeded, passing beautiful
rivers and bays, where the Indian villages could be
seen ill various directions.

Presently some of the natives came out in canoes to
greet them. They had seen some of the Spaniards
recently and reported favorably concerning the colony.
Being thus encouraged, he lanued nine men, who were
to cross the island and announce his approach to
Isabella.

A little further east the weather became so threaten-
ing that the Admiral took shelter in a channel behind a
key or islet. An eclipse of the moon enabled him to
take his longitude. During eight tempestuous days he
waited here, intensely anxious as to the fate of the
other vessels, tossed by the tempest he knew not
whither. In due time, however, they rejoined him, and
by the 24th of September they had reached the eastern
end of Hispaniola. Between Hayti and Porto Rico is
the island of Mona. Here they anchored.

Even now, with his damaged ships and failing stores
of provisions, the Admiral " could not get the consent
of his mind" to put into Isabella without further
exploration of the Carib islands, lying just away to the
southeast. But from this undertaking the crews were
suddenly relieved. Strong as our veteran seaman was,
blood and nerve could not sustain the stupendous eiforts
of his mind. Trying enough were the hunger, the toil^
and the buffeting of storms endured by the ship-boy.
All of these Columbus shared ; but what were they
compared with that watchfulness which kept guard
while others slept? — the sleepless eye that studied the

»i»S^3B^«w*s: ^!«ws,-%t*'tw»'

2^o

A FEARFtlL REACTION.

Stars i)y night, and scanned the horizon night and day
for new islands and continents ?— the consciousness!
that all Spain and the world were gazing upon him ?l
Fernando Columbus says the Adminvl had scarcelyf
slept three hours in eight days. Cv^lumbus himself
says he was thirty-three days without Ui'tural rest. Inl
all, this anxious, nervous voyage had lasted five
niiaiths. And, after all, what was it but an immense
iiis.].i.)oir,tment? Surely it was nothing more than a
grand uncertainty. What wonder, then, that the reaction
was too great for the natural forces to sustain? A
lethargy like a deep sleep -came over him. The hand
was helpless ; the open, fixed eyes were sightless
the perceptive faculties were all dormaiM ; memory was
broken off. The little fleet sailed into Isabella bearing
their comiriinder-in-chun-— scarcely more than a dead
man! A severe sickness of some five months — the
same length of time as the voyage — now followed.

(tUW>i|ii|*mf»i'» Wn>iriiTnfiifri>ii'r '^•■'Trt""

iK ates**^ «**wseBfc'**^.^^««sw*«

1 CTfON.

lorizon night and day
J ? — the consciousness!
ere gazing upon him ?l
Adniirni had scarcely[
s. Cijlumbus himself
;hout ni't'.iral rest. Iiil
^age had lasted five
as it but an immense I
nothing more than al
r, then, that the reaction!
forces to sustain? Al
over him. The handj
eyes were sightless
iormaiM ; memory wasi
;d into Isabella bearingl
ely more than a dead!
ome five months — thef
.ge — novv^ followed.

^^rf!;^:^ mf ^ ^Sm^^ ' m^ F?'W^^'^^^'f.^fyM^i^^^WB:

.A..

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

I.I

IA;|28 |2.5

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CHAPTER XIII.

EVENTS ON REACHING ISABELLA.

NE joy, at least, awaited the Admiral. His
brother Bartholomew was at his bedside.
_____ The chase of this afifectionate brother, for
some ten years, in the interests of Christopher— now
Admiral— is really affecting. Having shared the
voyage of Bartholomew Diaz along the south coast of
Africa in i486, in which voyage the Cape of Good Hope
was discovered,^ he afterwards went to England to
enlist Henry VII. in favor of his brother's scheme.
Gobbled up by pirates and reduced to such extreme
poverty that he was obliged to spend considerable time
in making maps, charts, etc., ere he could appear before
that potentate, he was so belated in reaching France
after his success in England" that Paris was already
aflame with the news of his brother's triumphant
return from his first voyage. Bartholomew at once
gained notoriety at the French court, and Charles
VIII. gave him one hundred crowns to help him back
to Spain. Here he arrived just after the Admiral had
set out on his second voyage. Going to the Spanish
court with his young nephews, who were to be pages
to the royal household, he -was majie commander in a

'This is nscertained from a note, in his handwriting, on the margin of his
brother's famous copy of Cardinal Iliaco's Imago Mundi.

•The history of this trip to England is somewhat obscure, but Henry VII.
seems to have given heed to Bartholomew's interesting map and to have
favored Christopher's project

*-aMi)iMt-'M-S<k3»i^<t- a

THE TWO BROTHERS.
L aw .0 sail to - -a..^^ H^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
arrived too late. The /^^""'f ^^ ^ ^he broth-

^r If. r" '::^:^^^ ^-^ ^-^

M- I'ifc had met Tall and stately like his brother, and

of i Ve V s imUar grade of cultt,re, Bartholomew was

L imSiritive, less speculative, more stern at^d pra^.-

Tl,^ Admiral would want to know all about that tour
ItleE^^h court, also about that f-orable recep"
t°.un Paris. And how were matters m Spam ? The

bovs were at the court and were well and the Aa
boys we ^^^^^ jj^^^j,. and that

Cl If ex""ns n • whiel the Pope issued just as

C llbLtd departed or^ ^^^^^^^J^y^^^Z

completely it -"^-^J^-;!^" ounces of the
the full possession of all tne pagau ^
Indies which the former might discover.

^!t The outlook at Isabella was threatening. The

was still keenly icii. x „•„_„.. ijfe did not

privation, and slow profits of a P^«"/\; ^^J/^ -, ^,,.
suit their notions of making a fortune. ^^l^^J; "; "
:;., who demanded th.

IMPOSITION ON NATIVES.

273

Here again be
,e squadron had
\t last the broth-
US and purposes
: his brother, and
iartholomew was
e stern and prac-

I of affairs. We
IX. Happy hours
^e fouud in each
/alescence of the
t theirs, but talk
yht to the world.

II about that tour
t favorable recep-
rs in Spain? The
veil, and the Ad-
n there; and that
jpe issued just as
ond voyage !— how
gainst Portugal in
n countries of the

over.

threatening. The
the large company

the second voyage
3us labor, constant
ioneer life did not
me. Then this for-
^ man did not work
iquired that hidalgo,

Id all toil alike in

ploughing the field, building the town, and in grind-
ing at the mill, was, to say the least, very distasteful

to them. ,

But if the colony was in an unhappy mood, the
natives were in a still more dangerous attitude. The
instructions given to Margarite by the Admiral as he
was about to sail for Cuba contained dangerous ele-
ments, and that leader had precipitated the evil conse-
quences by neglecting the better clauses, which might
at least in part have served as a corrective. If he
were not to annoy the natives by impositions, he must,
on the other hand, make them fear the power of the
white man ; and to turn out some four hundred hungry
Spaniards to be fed by the slim provisions of the
natives was presuming a good deal on their hospital-
ity, especially when we remember Las Casas state-
ment that " one man would consume in a day that
which would have sufficed three Indian families of-
ten persons each for the space of a whole month.
But always and everywhere the heinous offence of
the Spaniards against the natives was that against
the chastity of their wives and daughters.

Margarite had given little or no attention to law and
order or the accomplishing of. any good purpose in
the absence of Columbus. He led out his four hun-
dred into the beauties and luxuries of the Vega Real
to revel at pleasure. Their excesses, it would seem
were simply a repetition of the affairs of La Navidad

on a large scale. ,

When Diego Columbus, seeing the inevitable conse-
quences of such evil courses, wrote to Margarite, warn-
ing him and reminding him of his charge to explore the

a(S»»s*s>l«*»«*M*»»1**'*''*»*-

K.:*,-»*'«<a»Si*«^#^»MiV3M3«IW«i-K-^^^^

AN EVIL DEPARTURE.

country and the gold regions, this haughty leader at
once headed a faction of the Admiral's most bitter
enemies. And in this wicked enterprise he found an
able colleague in Father Buil, a Benedictine friar,
who was proving false alike to his duties as a member
of the ruling council at Isabella and as chief apostle
to the heathen natives.

Under the mild rule of Diego, a better ecclesiastic
than ruler of a colony, it wruld seem, these malcontents
seized two of the ships in the harbor, and, along with
their accomplices, sailed for Spain. If there was great
relief in being rid of these afch-rebels, there was no
telling what the evil influence of this Spanish knight
and high ecclesiastic might be with the sovereigns
and nobility at home. Such anticipations were not
very helpful to the convalescent Admiral.

But the evil did not depart with the leaders. The
adherents of Margarite became a sort of banditti, and
breaking up into small squads infested the country in
the most lawless manner. The natural indignation of
the human heart arose among the natives. Acts ot
vengeance, few at first, soon became more common,
and before long the Indians were planning a combina-
tion against their intruders.

The brave and sagacious Caonabo was planning to
surprise Fort St. Thomas in the mountains with about
ten thousand warriors armed with clubs, bows and
arrows, and lances pointed and hardened in the fire.
But Ojeda, as big in spirit as he was little in body,
getting clue to his intentions, made solemn vovys to
the Virgin, in the presence of that picture of " Our
Lady " which he kept on the wall of his chamber, and

IRE.

THE SIEGE BROKEN UP.

275

haughty leader at
niral's most bitter
rprise he found aii
Benedictine friar,
luties as a member
id as chief apostle

better ecclesiastic
, these malcontents
)or, and, along with
If there was great
ebels, there was no
his Spanish knight
ith the sovereigns
cipations were not
dniiral.

, the leaders. The
5ort of banditti, and
sted the country in
tural indignation of
le natives. Acts of
anie more common,
planning a combina-

ibo was planning to
ountains with about
ith clubs, bows and
lardened in the fire,
was little in body,
ade solemn vows to
bat picture of "Our
I of his chamber, and

put his fifty men under arms, making them bristle along
llie ramparts. Cross-bows and arquebuses told heav-
ily on naked bodies, and when this spirited leader
sallied forth here and there with his men in armor
Caonabo's braves fell almost in rank and file.

If there was no hope in weapons of war, there
might be hope in famine. Caonabo stationed his forces
on every pass, in order to cut off every source of sup-
ply. This told heavily on the fortress, especially after
being kept up for thirty days. But Ojeda made fre-
quent and effective sallies round about, always seem-
ing to move too quickly to be struck by any Indian
lance or arrow. By and by the Indians became
wearied of this protracted and apparently useless effort
and gradually disappeared in the forests.

When Caonabo left St. Thomas, filled with admira-
tion for the tact and dash of Ojeda, it was only to
mature wider and deeper plans for the destruction of
the Spaniards. By a careful reconnoitre he ascer-
tained the weakness of the colony at Isabella. He
then undertook to unite all the native forces of the
island against it. This was no very difficult task.
The conduct of the white men had so broken down the
original notion of the Indians as to their angelic or
divine nature, and had so embittered their feelings,
that there was a general readiness for the uprising.

It was no small matter for Guacanagari to break
away from his neighboring' chiefs and ally himself to
the detested strangers, but the confidence of the Ad-
miral was rewarded by a friendly call from this in-
teresting savage, during which the former was informed
of the combination against him and of the cost of the

^l*M&S«Ht«^*««**"*^*^'^'**^'^«^'*»*^«^^ ^"""

.■ t - r-»c» =-^'^-'-

276 ^^^O SHALL LEAD THE ARMY?

latter's loyalty— of his wives, one having been killed
by Behechio, and another captnred by Caonabo. Thns
Guacanagari was suffering the enmity of his old native
colleagues on account of his friendship for the white
men. The loyalty of this noble-hearted cacique, whose
large territory was in the immediate vicinity of the
settlement, was of incalculable importance.

Columbus was almost without force or even avail-
able leadership in the midst of this threatening combi-
nation of the many thousands of enraged natives. He
was on his sick-bed, there was no one among the
Spaniards capable of leading the attack, and they
were jealous of Bartholomew. First a small force was
sent to the relief of Fort Magdalena, which was m
danger of falling a prey to Guatiguana, the angry ca-
cique of the Grand River region. He had recently
massacred a number of Spaniards, probably for ex-
cesses committed in his dominions. The expedition
against him was successful, with the usual Spanish
excesses, as it would appear, the cacique himself mak-
ing good his escape.

As this was a tributary cacique to Guarionex, who
was known to be amenable to kindly influences, Co-
lumbus sent for him in order to have a friendly inter-
view. The Admiral deprecated the licentiousness and
excesses of the Spaniards as contrary to his wishes
and intentions, and by means of his remarkable per-
suasive powers he brought this gentle-hearted savage
into friendly relations, which he sealed by effecting
the marriage of the chief's daughter and his Lucayan
intrepreter, called Diego Colon. This brought him
into peaceful relations with tha whole Vega Real,

? AR.vrf

having been killed
Dy Caonabo. Thus
ity of his old native
dship for the M-hite
irted cacique, whose
iate vicinity of the
jrtance.

force or even avail-
threatening combi-
i raged natives. He
no one among the
I attack, and they
St a small force was
lena, which was in
ruana, the angry ca-
. He had recently
s, probably for ex-
is. The expedition
the usual Spanish
lacique himself mak-

e to Guarionex, who
indly influences, Co-
lave a friendly inter-
le licentiousness and
ntrary to his wishes
f his remarkable per-
rentle-hearted savage
: sealed by effecting
Iter and his Lucayan
This brought him
9 whole Vega Real,

THE TALKING METAL.

377

which he made still more secure by building the
Fort I.a Conception.

But if Guarionex had been brought into friendly
relations, Caonabo, the powerful cacique of the gold
regions, could not be conciliated. Much has been
said as to the dishonorable instructions given by Co-
lumbus for the capture of this redoubtable chief. But
here was a pressing necessity, and if war even in our
day is "cruel" and " cannot be refined," much more
was it so in that unscrupulous age. Ojeda, with his
usual " cunning and dash," is the hero of this striking
episode. He would go as a peaceful embassador to that
chieftain, thus appealing to his high, chivalrous feel-
ings. With ten trusty comrades, he would partake of
his hospitality and propose a journey to Isabella,
where the savage chieftain was to enter into peaceful
relations with the Admiral and receive as a gift the
chapel bell — a great mystery to the natives, since it
could call the people together. It was made of a talk-
ing metal, they said, and all brazen, glittering objects
were associated with this " talking metal." How Cao-
nabo, when lurking about the woods around Isabella,
had longed to see this wonderful object, no doubt
come down from heaven. Surely he would do almost
anything to have it now as his own. Thus far all
was well ; but what was Ojeda's surprise, on starting
out, to see a powerful band of warriors ready to march
in protection of their chfef ! " Why take such an
army when going on a friendly visit ?" he asked. " It
would not do for a prince like himself to go slimly
attended," he replied. Here was a perplexity. The
affairs of Isabella were in too weak a condition to have
a savage army precipitated upon it.

,aB»a««i««»*««««!»««i*<'**'«'*'****^**'''"

^HM»w.»l;(«*»aS«wii*+«»«*-*^>- s***^"**'"*'^*^-'^^ ■'(,«i»iV!<«S*«'jae'.>r* »

2^8 ^ TRAP FOR A CHIEFTAIN.

The authority for the shrewd strata^^em now resorted
to is none other than the venerable Las Casas, who
arrived at Isabella some six years after the occurrence
and found a vivid recollection of it among the citizens.
As the Indians and the Spaniards were journeying
along together they came to a river. Here, as they
halted, Ojeda displayed a set of steel manacles, so
highly polished as to resemble burnished silver.
These ornaments, Ojeda said, came from heaven, and
were worn by his monarchs at home, at great festivals.
If Caonabo would first take a bath, he would present
them to him ; and if he would put them on he might
ride back on his own horse, to the great astonishment
of his subjects. Sharp as Caonabo was, he walked
straight into this trap. Having enjoyed his swim, he
mounted the horse behind Ojeda, and suffered the
shining ornaments to be fastened upon him. While
the chieftain was delighting himself over his lofty posi-
tion and royal present, Ojeda started, and his com-
rades followed. They whirl into a circle, which is
made larger at each round, the frightened natives^fly-
ing pell-mell into the woods in every direction. The
riders found it easy to escape through the scattered
body-guard. When far enough away to be concealed
they halted, closed about their captive, drew their
swords, and threatened death if he tried to escape.
Having bound him firmly to Ojeda with cords, they
put spurs to their horses for Isabella. Fifty leagues
or more, past large Indian towns, lay between them
and home. The vast community of native allies must
not be excited, so they move with utmost caution and
pass the towns in full gallop. They are hungry and

: FT A IN.

itagem now resorted
jle Las Casas, who
after the occurrence

among the citizens,
ds were journeying
ver. Here, as they

steel manacles, so
burnished silver,
le from heaven, and
le, at great festivals.
1, he would present
.t them on he might

great astonishment
abo was, he walked
njoyed his swim, he
a, and suffered the
I upon him. While
If over his lofty posi-
tarted, and his coni-
o a circle, which is
ightened natives fly-
very direction. The
irough the scattered
away to be concealed

captive, drew their
■ he tried to escape,
eda with cords, they
ibella. Fifty leagues
lis, lay between them

of native allies must
h utmost caution and
rhey are hungry and

THE ROYAL CAPTIVE.

379

fatigued, yet they must keep on— fording rivers, cross-
ing long reaches of plain clothed in gigantic grasses,
tearing their way through tangled thickets and forests,
and clambering over rocky hills and mountains.

But they enter Isabella in triumph, to the great
delight of Columbus and the colony. The Admiral
will keep him bound in his own house till he can send
him as a prisoner to Spain, passers-by gazing at him
from the street. Truly a lesson in human life is this
Carib of the mountains. He will not humble himself
in the presence of the Admiral, nor take the least
notice of him. He boasts of his massacre of La Navi-
dad, and acknowledges his intent of treating Isabella
in like manner. Why does he rise to his feet and pay
the profoundest respect to Ojeda when he enters the
room, but never deign to notice the Admiral ? The
latter did not dare to attack him in his mountain fast-
ness, but the former was heroic enough to make him a
captive. His face is hard as the mountain rocks.
True to the nature of the savage, he will show no
sign of grief or despair, but will be brave and unyield
ing to the end.

While Columbus was still on his sick-bed, Bartholo-
mew acting as deputy, under the title of adelantado,
Antonio Torres arrived from Spain with four ships,
bringing a new physician, medicines, artificers and
rrardeners. Was there not hope now that the sick
might be cured and that the rich resources of the soil
might be developed ?

Then that letter from the sovereigns, dated August
1 6th — how comforting it must have been ! Not only
had the Pope's line of demarcation been settled once

k:?^Pi?WJt^^M»5S«^«M»*^^»*J^^'^^»i*««*^fe*«»^^

^i^*,;i^i»4t,;-iiat*w»v*«»h't("i^;»".'5J>^^S"aff«^»*=-''''"***^^'*^-^'^

28o BXCOir/fAG/yG WORDS.

and for all between vSpain and PdrUiKal— 37° IcaKUes
west of the Cape de Verde Islands, i)nt they wished
him to come himself or to send some one to them capa-
ble of ninninK this bonndary line, which they hoped
mi^ht passthrongh scmie island, where a numnmenl
conld be raised. And did they not owe all this im-
mense addition to their dominiims to the ^a-nins and
perseverance of the Admiral ? Equally opportune was
the letter of the soverei^nis to the colonists command-
ing strict obedience to the authority and to all the
wishes of the Viceroy, under penalty of ten thousand
maravedis for each offence.- As the Admiral could
not go, Diego, his brother, was chosen to return, armed
with maps, charts, etc., to help in respect to the Pope's
line. Torres' ships must go back as soon as possible,
bearing something which might be regarded as an
adequate return for the liberal supplies brought out.
But what should it be ? There was but little gold ; a
variety of new fruits and spices, indeed, and samples
of the more common metals ; but these, all put together,
were but a sorry cargo for such a fleet to take back to
the expectant nation, all eyes being turned to the fab-
ulous resources— gold, pearls, gems, spices, silks— of

the Indies.

In this terrible emergency, why not imitate Portu-
gal, making herself wealthy in the now well-estab-
lished African slave-trade; or Spain herself, who
enriched her coffers from the sale of the vanquished
Moors, taking not only men under arms, but thousands
of peaceful peasants and helpless women and children ?
True, this very fleet had just brought the decline of the
sovereigns to a proposed slavery of the Caribs, in his

OHDS.

A sin I'- LOAD OF SLAVES.

a8x

)nuKal — 370 ka^ULS
ids, but they wished
me one t(i them capa-
e, which they h()i)ed
, where a niomuueiu
lot owe all this iiu-
s to the jreiiius and
[ually opportune was
; colonists coniniand-
lority and to all the
alty of ten thousand
^ the Admiral could
osen to return, armed
respect to the Pope's
k as soon as possible,
t be regarded as an
supplies brought out.
vas but little gold ; a
, indeed, and samples
;hese, all put together,
I fleet to take back to
ing turned to the fab-
ems, spices, silks — of

hy not imitate Portu-
\ the now well-estab-
Spain herself, who
lie of the vanquished
;r arms, but thousands
; women and children ?
ught the decline of the
J of the Caribs, in his

famous " Memorial," the humane heart of Isabella
asking if the evangelization of these heathen canni-
bals could not be accomplished "in some other way;"
but hud not the casuistry of the church decided in favor
of the enslavement of the heathen by Christian nations,
that thus their benighted souls might come under the
illuminating influences of Christianity? Anyhow,
necessity knows no law, so here files the long train of
poor Indian prisoners of war into the ships — five hun-
dred of them going to vSpain to be sold in exchange
for cattle, farm implements, seeds, etc. ! If the scene
could have been photographed, would we want the
picture ? Alas for the tender mercies of a Chri.stian
civilization four hundred years ago!

But let us not lay all the responsibility of this sad
scene upon Christopher Columbus. He was simply
in line with the public — or we may say Christian —
sentiment of his time. Had his conceptions of human
freedom been as far in advance of his age as were his
views in cosmography, he might have illustrated in
his personal history the noble and humane principles
of Las Casas ; but we can scarcely look for an advanced
example of all the great virtues in one man.

And now one scene of misery crowds upon the heels
of another. The fleet laden with poor unfortunates
bound for the slave-markets of Spain was barely out
at sea, when the suffering natives had massed them-
selves in the Vega Real — Las Casas thinks a hundred
thousand of them — to wage war against their foreign
oppressors. And what had Columbus to bring out
against this dusky host, bristling with bows and arrows,
war-clubs, and rude lances, pointed and hardened in

^S^P^r£^*(^lr«?#***«*««f*'*«^««'**l^*^

r^&»,'. ■-■- ■>-r0iib-tr

282

THE BA TTLE ARRA Y.

the fire ? Two hundred foot and twenty horse ! But
they were trained warriors, well armed, cased in steel,
and shielded bv bucklers. The Admiral, barely up
from a sick-bed .'took the lead, aided by Bartholomew
and Ojeda, April 25, i495- Guacanagari followed
along with his naked warriors, but they were little
more than spectators in this swift destruction.

They climbed up the Gentleman's Pass, and de-
scended into the magrificent Vega Real— alas! no
longer the earthly paradise of ease, peace, and plenty,
but the rendezvous of many thousands of angry sav-
ages. These were led by Manicaotex, brother of the
brave Caonabo. When, according to their custom, the
Indian spies, unskilled in the science of numbers,
returned with a mere handful of corn, each grain
representing a man in the enemy's army, the caciques
laughed at the insignificance of their enemies as com-
pared tuith their own immense numbers. But the little
Spanish army of foot, divided into detachments,
rushed upon them in front, flank, and rear at the same
instant, with the deafening noise of drums, trumpets,
and fire-arms. Steel lances, swords, cross-bows, and
arquebuses were too much for the naked Indians
They pressed together in utmost confusion. At the
same moment, Ojeda dashed among them with his
twenty war-horses, striking right and left with sabre
and lance. While the horses were trampling dowi
the bleeding victims the fierce blood-hounds rushec
upon them, dragging them down into the dust by th<
throat and " tearing out their bowels." The terrifi.
shrieks and yells of the poor mortals were indescnba
ble. From rocks and precipices they begged for quar

ARRA r.

Liid twenty horse ! But

II armed, cased in steel,
^he Admiral, barely up
, aided by Bartholomew

Guacanagari followed
.rs, but they were little
nh destruction,
tleman's Pass, and de-
it Vega Real — alas! no
ease, peace, and plenty,
thousands of angry sav-
nicaotex, brother of the
ding to their custom, the
le science of numbers,

III of corn, each grain
emy's army, i/ic caciques
of their enemies as corn-
numbers. But the little
ided into detachments,
nk, and rear at the same
oise of drums, trumpets,

swords, cross-bows, and
for the naked Indians,
most confusion. At the
among them with his
ight and left with sabre
:s were trampling down
■ce blood-hounds rushed
own into the dust by the
r bowels." The terrific
mortals were indescriba-
ces they begged for quar-

WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE ?

283

ter most piteously. Vast numbers were killed, still
more were made prisoners, and the immense Indian
army was scattered and broken up as if alike by thun-
der and lightning from heaven and by fiends let
loose upon them from the infernal pit.

Who was responsible for this horrid slaughter?
Surely not the simple-hearted, generous natives, for
they were the most amiable of all beings till their hos-
pitalities and homes were outraged. And shall any
one say that this tempest of savage indignation would
ever have arisen if the plans and instructions of
Columbus had been carried out from the beginning?
The uncontrollable excesses of the Spaniards must
ever be regarded as the cause of all these dire calami-
ties with the natives.

The victory in the Vega was now to be followed up
by crushing out every symptom of rebellion in more
remote parts. Columbus and his warriors therefore
traversed the island, Ojeda and his horsemen moving
almost on the wings of the wind to any point which
might threaten insurrection. One after another, the
caciques submitted to the inevitable authority. Gua-
rionex, chief of the Vega, naturally gentle and sub-
missive, and Manicaotex, Caonabo's valiant brother,
both made peace, and others followed — all except
Behechio, chief of the western part of the island ; he
had not yet come into personal contact with the Span-
iards, and his dominions affdrded the safest retreat to
his sister, the beautiful Anacaona, wife of the captive
cacique Caonabo.

We now come to one of the worst measures of the
Admiral's administration in these islands. We must,

^j««w>«t*j'e«*»'''*^'*'^***W'*«^^^

284

MUST HAVE GOLD!

however, give due weight to certain motive powers over
which he had no immediate control. Unwittingly he
had brought about a great national disappointment.
He had reported the discovery of the Indies, the country
of fabulous wealth— the desideratum of the nr.tions.
But where was the gold, the pearls, the silks ? The
hundreds of eager fortune-seekers in the Indies had for
the most part either sickened and died in despair or had
gone back to Spain to report their disappointment in a
manner most damaging to his great enterprise. The
sovereigns, too, expected gold — must have gold ! The
recovery of the Holy Sepulchre would require gold.
Somehow gold must be gotten, or the most disastrous
failure would be insured. Columbus had no doubt but
there was plenty of the precious metal in the mountains
and streams of the island, but the ordinary methods
owing, no doubt, to the inefficiency of the Spaniards-
had failed to procure it in encouraging quantities. But
was there not now an opportunity — providential, per-
haps—of commanding an immense working force-
men, women, and children— who knew every nook and
stream of the mountains, and who had some slight
experience, at least, in searching and washing out the
gold ? Then it would be perfectly proper, according to
all received ideas of church and state, to command and
compel these heathen captives. How rapidly, how
magic-like, this great army of native workers might
accumulate the grains and nuggets of the precious
metal 1 Here, indeed, was a golden dream— one well
in keeping with the times.

So every native over fourteen years of age was
required to deliver a Flemish hawk's bell of gold every

iJL* >« I I II w wWtfwiifw i iTir r iii i r > n rm tiT r ^' ■ ■ .^MWMMiiii. ««*• ■i«*«t*y

THE TAX.

285

1 motive powers over
•ol. Umvittiiigly he
nal disappointment,
le Indies, the country
tum of the nr.tions.
rls, the silks ? The
in the Indies had for
lied in despair or had

disappointment in a
-eat enterprise. The
ust have gold ! The

would require gold.
: the most disastrous
bus had no doubt but
letal in the mountains
le ordinary methods
cy of the Spaniards —
ging quantities. But
y — providential, per-
ise working force —
knew every nook and
irho had some slight

and washing out the
^ proper, according to
jtate, to command and
How rapidly, how
lative workers might
gets of the precious
ien dream — one well

n years of age was
vk's bell of gold every

three months — a tax equal, perhaps, to some $15 in our
time. The caciques were to pay more — Guarionex a
lialf-calabash of gold-dust.

If the Vega Real and other similar rich tracts of the
island afforded little or no gold, did not cotton— //w-
'.oool^ as the German calls it — grow wild on the trees
and shrubs everywhere? An arroba — twenty-five
pounds — of this important product might be taken as
an equivalent for the hawk's bell of gold-dust. Thus
the tax — certainly a heavy one for these poor natives,
all unused to labor and hardship — was arranged.
Guarionex was much troubled at the exaction, lest his
people should not be able to comply ; and proposed to
grow a belt of grain from ocean to ocean across the
island — enough to provision all Castile for ten years,
Las Casas thought.

But this generous offer was rejected, for nothing but
gold would meet the necessities of the case. If the
full measure of the hawk's bell^ was too much, it might
be lessened one-half.

About this time the sovereigns wrote to Columbus :
" It appears to us that there should be given to Indians
with whom it is concerted that they are to pay the tribute
imposed, a piece or mark of brass coin or lead, which
they must wear on the nape ; and the figure or mark
of this said coin must be changed every time they pay,
in order that it may be knovm who has not paid ; and
that whenever and wherever ' persons are found in the
island who have not changed the said mark on the

' "It is a curious circumstance," says Irving, "and might furnish some
practical conceits, that the miseries of the poor natives should thus be
measured out, as it were, hy the very baubles which first fascinated them."

.*«i -in .ii»>« w*rt »te^l^^'

69&«rt*«*l4««»W^^-iW9fcl*.. *fcJ-^..i»*t«B.*«^.^- .*^^'»»"

286

THE YOKE OF SER VITUDE.

nape they are to be seized and snbj acted to some slight
punishment." A copper coin was selected as the
tribute-sign, to be worn on the neck, the die being
changed at each payment. If any one had not the tri-
monthly payment thus certified, he was to be arrested
and punished. Thus we see that Ferdinand and Isabella
were in full sympathy with this enactment of Columbus.

In order that the payment of these tributes might be
duly enforced, the fortresses were all put in order and
new ones built — all so located as to keep an effective
surveillauce over the island.

" In this way," says Irving', " was the yoke of servi-
tude fixed upon the island, and its thraldom effectually
insured. Deep despair now fell upon the natives when
they found a perpetual task inflicted upon them, en-
forced at stated and frequently recurring periods.
Weak and indolent by nature, unused to labor of any
kind, and brought up in the untasked idleness of their
soft ■ climate and their fruitful groves, death itself
seemed preferable to a life of toil and anxiety." Nor
was there anything better to be seen in the future. A
power which they could not comprehend overshadowed
them. And these superhuman white men, clad in steel,
thrusting spears and swords into" their flesh, arraying
the very thunder and lightning against them, robbing
them of their lands and invading their household hap-
piness, had come to stay. Else why those great
houses of most solid structure in wood and stone,
compared with which their mere wigwams were
frail as birds' nests? Their peculiar life of ease
and peaceful pleasure — one which poets and philosophers
might envy — with wants the fewest and resources of

WW d«; W BM ];i[ >^?T>^-^wwaiyi > ^■■iw aW . IW*

*'WK'ai^»»^W fimMWii ' ;'m< «» )i>f .i m

HTUDE.

jected to some slight
as selected as the
neck, the die being

one had not the tri-
le was to be arrested
;rdinand and Isabella
LCtment of Columbus.
;se tributes might be
all put in order and

to keep an effective

as the yoke of servi-
thraldom effectually
)on the natives when
cted upon them, en-
recurring periods,
used to labor of any
ked idleness of their
groves, death itself
and anxiety." Nor
;en in the future. A
rehend overshadowed
ite men, clad in steel,
their flesh, arraying
gainst them, robbing
their household hap-
se why those great
in wood and stone,
ere wigwams were
eculiar life of ease
loets and philosophers
/est and resources of

HOPELESS SLA VERT.

287

nature the greatest, was now forever passed away.
Those elysian fields and groves, where they had loitered
and lounged in the shade by day and sung and danced
to the sylvan drum by night, were now to be scenes of
toil and moil and hopeless servitude. "Hewers of
wood," " drawers of water," tillers of the soil, miners
in the mountain and stream, they must bend to the
severest labor throughout the day, and lie down in
weariness and despair at night. Their song and dance,
once the very expression of a light and a joyous heart,
now degenerated into the mere voice and movement of
^melancholy. They even recalled prophecies in which
their ancestors had foretold the advent of strangers,
clothed and bearing swords which could divide one
asunder at a blow-, who should conquer and enslave
their posterity.

But these foreigners, apparently more than human
—whether demons or angels, it vras hard to tell —
tliese beings must eat and drink, and seemed very
dependent on them for these daily necessities. Herein
might lie the secret of their power — they would starve
these white men out. They, the natives, could live
on the roots and herbs and scattered fruits of the
mountains, and could find shelter in the caves among
the rocks. So away they w^ent, father, mother, and
child, to try the desperate experiment. But there was
more in the undertaking than they, in their sim-
plicity of heart, had taken into the account. The
white men suflFered, indeed, for want of the immediate
service and supplies of the Indians, but they had all
Spain back of them, and the distance across the ocean
was every day becoming shorter and less formidable.

■Ki- J t^i.^'jis-te'i"' -■ ^•ii*V"A'''*»iW>^'"-i-''-''''

288

STARVING OUT THE SPANIARDS.

The Indians, especially the aged, the infirm, the
mother with her infant on her back, and the still more
helpless little one, fonnd scanty and insufficient fare
when so far away from the fertile valleys, and the
chill and dampness of the mountain air was too severe
for most of them in their naked exposure to the
elements.

But even in this miserable resort they could not
escape their oppressors. They were hunted like game
in their mountain fastnesses, and those escaping sick-
ness and death were brought back by force to toil in
the fields and in the mines. -The robustness and the
irrepressible mirthfulness of the African may enable
him to bear up under the great wrongs of enslavement,
but the frail, moody, melancholy Indian, dependent
upon the ease and leisure of savage life, upon that
sweetness of nature which is taken into the soul by
quiet observation and reflection, sickens and dies
under its trials and hardships. The natives of the
islands became a broken-hearted people, and vanished,
as we shall see, like snow under the sunny days of
spring.

But the saddest item in this dark picture of the
suiFering natives is the final fate of that kind-hearted
cacique, Guacanagari. His people, along with the
rest, found the tax very grievous; and, as he had
always been the special friend and ally of the white
man, he was marked down by his v/hole race as an
aid to their calamities. Nor does it seem that any
discrimination was ever made in favor of him or his
people by the Spaniards. All bore alike the crushing
weight of tax and toil and final slavery. How could

PANIARDS.

ed, the infirm, the
^, and the still more
and insufficient fare
ile valleys, and the
in air was too severe
;d exposure to the

:sort they could not
;re hunted like game
those escaping sick-
ck by force to toil in

robustness and the
African may enable
ongs of enslavement,
\j Indian, dependent
vage life, upon that
ken into the soul by
, sickens and dies

The natives of the
people, and vanished,
r the sunny days of

dark picture of the
of that kind-hearted
pie, along with the
us ; and, as he had
ad ally of the white
lis v/hole race as an
;s it seem that any
ti favor of him or his
ire alike the crushing
slavery. How could

SAD FATE OF GUACANAGARJ.

289

one of his generous and sensitive nature endure the
pains and cries of his people, the contempt and hatred
of the multitudes of hopelessly afflicted natives, and
the vile ingratitude of these strangers, whose power to
crush and destroy seemed unlimited ? He, too, fled
to the mountains, and there died, broken hearted, in
some lonely haunt.

Irving excuses Columbus in respect to this melan-
choly event on account of his own sufferings and his
long detention in Europe at the time. This excuse is
worthy of consideration, and, in view of the cruel cus-
toms of the times, we are inclined to make the most
of it ; and yet there is no denying or obscuring the
fact that the " Admiral of the Ocean Seas '' did not
anticipate the humane conceptions of the nineteenth
century. His policy sacrificed the natives of His-
paniola to that insatiable greed for gain in the Spanish
nation which, at this hour, was such an imminent
peril to him and his enterprise.

Where is the heart that will not ache and bleed at
the review of such scenes of human suffering ? On
whom • does this great wrong rest ? Not on any one
individual alone; certainly not on Columbus par-
ticularly, though he must forever bear his share of
guilt and sin against the most sacred rights of
humanity. To determine the rights of the savage
when civilized man has once set foot on his soil has
never been an easy question, and is by no means
solved at the present time. And with our sense of
obligation to human freedom and the relief of human
suffering it is not easy to judge the moral sense, con-
science, and degree of guilt in these far different

290

ri/EX AND NOW.

ed years ■

sentiments and circnnistances of four hundred
ago. In an age when the highest religious conscious-
ness of an enlightened Christian nation could justify
the horrors of the Inquisition we must not be too
severe on a sailor and self-made man, growing up
amidst the more or less piratical enterprises then com-
mon to the high seas. Between the sentiments and
convictions of this end of the nineteenth century and
those of the latter part of the fifteenth there is an in-
calculable distance. We have at least had the immense
moral illuminations of the Reformation of the six-
teenth century since then.- After all, are not the
strong humanitarian sentiments so characteristic of our
own time of comparative recent origin ?

Before accompanying Columbus on his third voyage
it will be necessary to notice an enterprise in another
part of the world, fraught with the greatest con-
sequences to this continent. We have already had
occasion to notice that Bartholomew Columbus had been
sent to make overtures to Henry VII. of England in
behalf of his brother Christopher's grand scheme in
anticipation. Whatever the King may have thought
of this man of the "red earth," with his map so
strangely garnished with verses — whether he thought
him to be building " castles in the air," or to indicate
some great enterprise well worthy of attention — there
was soon to arise among his people a citizen of foreign
birth and accent who should open the way to this new
world about to be discovered on the other side of the
globe for the establishment of the English language,
civilization, enterprise, and formulas of the Christian
religion. Spain may unfurl her banner and plant the

«~;.^,|,pjg^-.^*ft^,^^.^feJ^:^y«fcp>^a^ \BXm>^S^m'»A'

four hundred years
t religious conscious-
nation could justify
ve must not be too
le man, growing up
enterprises then com-
the sentiments and
iieteenth century and
eenth there is an in-
east had the immense
)rmation of the six-
ter all, are not the

characteristic of our
•igin ?

1 on his third voyage
enterprise in another
i the greatest con-
^e have already had
vv Columbus had been
' VII. of England in
;r's grand scheme in
g may have thought
I," with his map so
—whether he thought
he air," or to indicate
y of attention — there
e a citizen of foreign
1 the way to this new

the other side of the
he English language,
lias of the Christian
banner and plant the

JO//X cA/for.

zqi

cross on the islands and outlying shores of the new
hemisphere, but the little island of the Tudor kings
will give birth to the nation and the people about to
occupy the heart of a great continent and develop a life
of such unprecedented freedom and prosperity as shall
become the desideratum of all mankind.

For many years Bristol, noted for its commercial
enterprise, had been the point of departure for ships to
the Iceland fisheries, thus carrying on an extensive
trade with the Norsemen, and for nearly a score of
years she had been sending out expeditions in search
of the fancied island, Brazil, and that of the Seven
Cities, supposed to be somewhere to the west of Ireland.
In Bristol, as in Spain and Portugal, Genoa was rep-
resented. John Cabot, though having spent in Venice
the fifteen years necessary to gain citizenship,* claimed
her as his birthplace ; and when the news arrived that
Christopher Columbus, a fellow-townsman by birth,
had reached the Indies by sailing to the west, this
" foreign-born " citizen of Bristol— this merchant-sailor—
seeing that the achievement was regarded as "more
divine than human," felt in himself " a great flame of
desire to attempt something notable."

Many years before, while in Arabia, he had inquired
of a caravan laden with spices whence these commod-
ities had come. Having traced them from hand to

' John Cabot is called by his coiUemporaries a Venetian, and more es-
pecially a citizen of Venice, because citizenship, once accorded only to the
nobility or privileged class, afterwards, when the plague set a premium on
population, extended to one who married a Venetian woman, and then again
was restricted to those having resided for fifteen years consecutively in the
city of Venice. The Senate, in 1476, admitted Cabot to the ordinary and
extra privileges of citizenship by virtue of a residence of fifteen years.

See Harrissc, Jean et Sebastian Cabot, p. 2.

292

HE IMITATES COLUytPUS.

hand into the far east, his thonghts had been aronsed to
the desideratum of oriental trade. Whether previously
impressed with the sphericity of the earth or not, he
was soon capable of contemplating or even making a
globe ; and he could thus conceive the practicability of
a western route to the land of spices. Before January
of 1496 he had applied to the King of England for aid
to undertake a voyage similar to that of Columbus.
Notification to this effect was sent home to the sov-
ereigns by Puebla, the Spanish embassador, and before
they could send back their warning, that such an enter-
prise would be an infringement on the rights of Spain
and Portugal, the English King had issued his patent to
Cabot and his three sons, including Sebastian, that they
might " sail to the east, west, or north, with five ships
carrying the English flag, to seek and discover all the
islands, countries, regions, or provinces of pagans in
whatever part of the world," provided they would return
to the port of Bristol and give the King one-fifth of the
profits. Permission to sail south was not granted them,
lest they should encounter the enterprises of Spain, or
possibly Portugal.

On a May morning, 1497, the one solitary ship,
named the Matllinv^ sailed away to the northwest
with eighteen men on board. Probably Sebastian accom-
panied his father. As two letters, well authenticated,
indeed, but of comparatively recent finding, tell about
al' that is certainly known of this voyage, and as the
letters are exceedingly quaint and interesting, we will
here quote them. The first is from Lorenzo Pasqualigo,
a London merchant, to his brothers in Venice, August
23, 1497, and, slightly abridged, reads as follows:

:''i*niijasj. ig gj^

Mj^ ».i^ijiii_i!; ^Mrii_;injiil^^|i;i;ii;ilji'wii >fi ji^ ^■i l J fWl'jjJl l^JM j^t_j> jiT7t'i;[TflsytX't'^i-'t'r'y^^ tT-ff fpj^"':-*^' -^--:'*'-^^^""'*'*^"^'^

7Af/Jr/S.

had been aroused to
Whether previously
Lhc earth or not, he
J or even making a
the practicability of
es. Before January
y of England for aid
» that of Columbus,
it home to the sov-
ibassador, and before
I, that such an enter-
I the rights of Spain
A issued his patent to
: Sebastian, that they
orth, with five ships
and discover all the
vinces of pagans in
led they would return
King one-fifth of the
ras not granted thera,
:erprises of Spain, or

e one solitary ship,
y to the northwest
ibly Sebastian acconi-
, well authenticated,
It finding, tell about
is voyage, and as the
interesting, we will
1 Lorenzo Pasqualigo,
rs in Venice, August
eads as follows :

PA S^ r.i A /GO' S I. E TTli R.

293

"The Venetian, our countryman, who went with, a
ship from Bristol, is returned, and says that 700 leagues
hence he discovered land in the territory of the Grand
Cham. He coasted 300 leagues and landed, saw no
human beings, but brought to the King certain snares
to catch game, and a needle for making nets ; was three
months on the voyage. The King has promised that
in the spring our countryman shall have ten ships.
The King has also given him numey wherewith to
amuse himself till then, and he is now in Bri.stol with
his wife, who is also a Venelian, and with his sons.
His name is Zuau Cabot, and he is styled the Great
Admiral. Vast honor is paid him. The discoverer
planted on his new-found land a large cross, with one
flag of England and one of St. Mark, by reason of his
l)eing a Venetian." ='' '== '' (Venetian Calendars, i,
262.) The same author says that Cabot, the Grand
Admiral, was '' dressed in silk, and the English ran
after him like crazy men."

The other letter is by Raimondo de Soncino to the
Duke of Milan, written from London and found in the
state archives of Milan :
'• Most Illustrious and Kxccllvnt My Lord :

" Perhaps, among your Excellency's many occupa-
tions, it may not displease you to learn how his
Majesty here has won a part of Asia without a stroke
of the sword. There is iji this kingdom a Venetian
fellow, Master John Caboto by name, of a fine mind,
greatly skilkd in navigation, who seeing that those
most serene kings, first he of Portugal, and then the
one of Spain, have occupied unknown islands, deter-
mined to make a like acquisition for his Majesty afore-

lgtidBjibi^JiBP53fi.s!feapi4iiia>J«r.

2c).| JiAiMoxnn nn .soxc/xo's i.ETTF.n.

said. And having ohuiincd royal js^rants that he
should hiivi- the usufnul of all that he should discover,
provided that the owuership of the same is reserved to
the Crown, with a small ship and eighteen persons he
committed himself to fortune; and having set out from
Bristol, a western port of this kingdom, and passed
the western limits of Hihernia,' and then standing to
the northward he began to steer eastward,'Meaving (after
a few days) the North star on his right hand; and,
having wandered about considerably, at last he fell in
with terra firma, where, having planted the royal
banner and taken possession -on behalf of this King
and taken certain tokens, he has returned thence. The
said Master John, as being foreign-born and poor, would
not be believed if his comrades, who are almost all
Knglishmen and from Hristol, did not testify that
what he says is true. This Master John has the
description of the world in a chart, and also in a solid
globe which he has made, and he (or the chart and
the globe) shows where he landed, and that going
towards the east' he passed considerably beyond the
country of the Tanais/ And they say that it was a
very good and temperate country, and they think that
Brazil-wood and silk grow there ; and they affirm
that that sea is covered with fishes, which are caught
not only with the net, but with baskets, a stone being
tied to them in order that the baskets may sink in the
water. And this I heard the said Master John relate ;
and the aforesaid Englishmen, his comrades, say that
they will bring so many fishes that this kingdom will

' Ireland.

-This must mean westward.

" Evidently west.
* This is obscure.

.9 LETTER.

il jirrants that he
lie should discover,
same is reserved to
■i>;lUeen persons he
luivin^ set out from
ij^doin, and passed
id then standing to
,vard,'Mcaving (after
ri^ht hand ; and,
y, at last he fell in

planted the royal
ehalf of this King
urned thence. The
orn and poor, would
vho are almost all
id not testify that
lister John has the
, and also in a solid
e (or the chart and
;d, and that going
lerably beyond the
jy say that it was a
and they think that
: ; and they affirm
1, which are caught
skets, a stone being
:ets may sink in the
Master John relate ;

comrades, say that
It this kingdom will

vidently west.
Ills is obscure.

liMStONDO DE sn.XCfXO'S LETT Eli. 295

no longer have need of Iceland, from wliieh couiilry
there comes a very great store of fisl;, which are tailed
stock-fish. Hut Master John has set his mind on
something greater, for he expects to go farther on
towards the east from that place already occupied, con-
stantly hugging the shore until he shall be over
against (or "on the other side of") an island by him
called Cipango, situated in the e(|uiiioctial region,
where he thinks all the spices of the world, and also
the precious stones, originate; and he says that m
former times he was at Mecca, whither spices are
brought by caravans Irom distant c<.untries, and that
those who brought them, on being asked where the
said spices grow, answered that they do not know, but
that other caravans come to their homes with this
merchandise from distant countries, and these (cara-
vans) again say that they are brought to them from
other remote regions. And he argues thus : that if
the Orientals affirmed to the southerners that these
things come from a distance from them, and so from
hand to hand, presupposing the rotundity of the earth,
it must be that the last ones get them at the north
towards the west ; and he said it in such a way that,
having nothing to gain or to lose by it, I too believe it ;
and, what is more, the King here, who is wise and not
lavish, likewise puts some faith in him, for (ever) since
his return he has made good provision for him, as the
sa - Master John tells me. * And it is said that in the
spru.g his Majesty aforesaid will fit out son'c ships,
and will besides give him all the convicts, and they will go
to that country to make a colony, by means of which
they hope to establish in Loudon a greater storehouse

296

RAIMONDO DF. SONCINOS LETTER.

of spices than there is in Alexandria, and the chief me
of the enterprise are of Bristol, great sailors, who, no\
that they know where to go, say that it is not a voyag
of more than fifteen days, nor do they ever have storm
after they get away from Hibernia. I have also talke
with a Burgundian, a comrade of Master John's, wh
confirms everything, and wishes to retnrn thithe
because the Admiral (for so Master John alread
entitles himself) has given him an island ; and he ha
given another one to a barber of his from Castiglion(
of Genoa, and both of them regard themselves s
counts, nor does my Lord the Admiral esteem himse
anything less than a prince. I think that with th:
expedition there will go s^ve^al poor Italian monks, wh
have all been promised bishoprics. And, as I ha\
become a friend of the Admiral, if I wished to go thith(
I should get an archbishopric. But I have thougl
that the benefices which your Excellency has in stoi
for me are a surer thing ; and therefore I beg that if the
should fall vacant in my absence, you will cause posse
sion to be given to me, taking measures to do this rathi
(especially) where it is needed in order that they be n^
taken from me by others, who because they are presei
can be more diligent than I, who in this country ha^
been brought to the pass of eating ten or twelve dishi
at every meal, and sitting at table three hours at a tin
twice a day, for the sake of your Excellency, to whom
commend myself.

" Your Excellency's

" Very humble servant,

" Raimondus.
" London, Dec. 18, i497-"

!!B!!»^w«5SS^^wEnBws««ara«BOB(W!SS^^

'CI NO'S LETTER.

jcandria, and the chief men
ol, great sailors, who, now
say that it is not a voyage

do they ever have storms
lernia. I have also talked
de of Master John's, who
vishes to return thither
so Master John already
ini an island ; and he has
■ of his from Castiglione,
m regard themselves as
e Admiral esteem himself
;. I think that with this
al poor Italian monks, who
lioprics. And, as I have
al, if I wished to go thither
ric. Bnt I have thought
Lir Excellency has in store

therefore I beg that if they
mce, you will cause posses-
l measures to do this rather
id in order that they be not
o because they are present
, who in this country have
eating ten or twelve dishes

table three hours at a time
our Excellency, to whom I

:y's

nble servant,

" Raimondus.

CABOT S SECOND VOVAGE.

297

We have preferred to give these letters to our read-
ers, because they so vividly illustrate the times of Lou-
don in that most interesting epoch.

The following year the King was again petitioned
for letters-patent in pursuance of another voyage.
The favor was promptly and cordially granted, six
ships being named for " our well-beloved John Kabotto,
Venician," " any statute, acte or ordenaunce to the con-
trary e made or to be made in any wise notwithstanding."
It is altogether probable that Sebastian sailed with
his father's company of, perhaps, three hundred men.
The flag-ship was accompanied by three or four small
ships, in which " divers merchants of London ventured"
'' small stocks," both " slight and gross merchandises,
as coarse cloth, caps, laces, points, and other trifles."*
Evidently this was the joint fleet of Bristol and
London making for the historical point of departure,
viz., " Cowes and a market." " These ships did shortly
after pass gallantly by Greenwich, in the King's pres-
ence, one of the mariners standing upon the main top-
mast of one of them."^ One vessel, much damaged by
a storm, was obliged to put back into an Irish port.
We hear no more of John Cabot, who was probably
lost on the voyage, his son Sebastian succeeding to the
mastership of the squadron. "Those ships," says
Holinshed, " at the last arrived in the country of Mos-
covia, not without great loss and danger, and namely
of their captain, who was a worthy and adventurous
gentleman called Sir Hugh Willoughby, Knight, who
being tossed and driven by tempest, he was at the last
found in his ship frozen to death and all his people."

1 Fabien's Chronicle.

» Lanquet's Epitome Eng. Chron.

t^tmaf.tsiiimisis»mm^aa:ii»*^

298

rilE EXTENT OF THE VOYAGE.

The extent of the voyage along the North American
coast is not known. The fleet must have reached very
far north, as many died of the cold in July ; and it
may have been as far south as the Chesapeake Bay,
possibly not farther than somewhere in New England.
Peter Martyr, who was an intimate friend of Sebastian
Cabot during his sojourn in Spain,' says, that Sebas-
tian Cabot went so far north " that even in the month
of July he found monstrous heaps of ice swimming on
the sea," and that he went so far south that he was in
the latitude of 36. In the Labrador region, Peter
Martyr mentions the multittides of big fishes which
impeded the progress of the vessels ; that the inhabi-
tants of those regions were clothed in the skins of
beasts, and that there was such a " great plenty of
bears," which used to eat fish, that " plunging them-
selves into the water, where they perceive a multitude
of these fishes to lie, they fasten their claws in their
scales and so draw them to land and eat them."

There may have been a third voyage by Sebastian
Cabot, for Stow's Chronicle, 1502, says: "This year
were brought unto the King three men taken in the
new-found islands by Sebastian Gaboto, before named,
in anno 1468. These men were clothed in beasts' skins,

' Having m.irried a Spanish lady, Sebastian Cabot went to Spain soon
after the death of Henry VH., and entered the service of King Ferdinand in
1512. Charles V. appointed him Pilot Major of Spain in 1518; in 1524 he
was in the council of Badajos; and a few years later he went c.i his disas-
trous expedition to the La Plata, irom which he was returned a prisoner bv
his mutinous crew. Being unjustly condemned to an African exile for two
vears, he was pardoned by the Emperor and restored as Pilot M.njor. We
find him in England again in 1548 as governor of a company of merchants
who are trying to find a northeast passage to China. In 1556 he is president
of a Muscovy company opening a trade with Russia by w.iy of the White
Sea. He died in London about I5S7-

E VOYAGE.

the North American
ist have reached verj'
cold in July ; and it
the Chesapeake Bay,
ere in New England,
te friend of Sebastian
in/ says, that Sebas-
at even in the month
s of ice swimming on
south that he was in
brador region, Peter
. of big fishes which
sels ; that the inhabi-
thed in the skins of
ti a " great plenty of
lat " plunging them-

perceive a multitude
1 their claws in their
and eat them."

voyage by Sebastian
)2, says : " This year
ree men taken in the
Gaboto, before named,
iothed in beasts' skins,

roSSIBL r A THIRD VO VA GE.

299

an C.nbot went to Sp.iin soon
5 service of King Ferdinand in
r of Spain in 1518; in 1524 lie
irs later he went c.i his disas-
he was returned a prisoner l\v
ned to an African exile for two
restored as Pilot M.njor. We
lor of a company of merchants
China. In 1556 he is president
h Russia by way of the White

and ate raw flesh, but spake such a language as no
man could understand them ; of the which three nien,
two of them were seen in the King's court at West-
minster, two years after, clothed like Englishmen, and
could not be discenied from Englishmen."

The famous Cabot voyages were of little immediate
result to England, since they did not find the riches
of India ; but in after years, when men learned that
an immense continent, rich in all the great resources
of nature, is not to be thrown away, those same voy-
ages gave us the great English-speaking peoples of

North America.

Peter Martyr says that Sebastian Cabot was carried
into England by his parents when he was " but in man-
ner an infant," and Ramusio's statement is similar, but
the English chroniclers generally say he was born in
IhistoL In the occupancy of North America by the
English, the fact that Sebastian Cabot was an English-
man was of such prime importance that the pre-
eminence, in the discovery of the continent, due to his
father, a native of Genoa and a citi/.en of Venice, seems
to have been studiously kept in the shade. In all con-
temporary history of England, Sebastian's English
birthplace was empha.sized, and he was made so promi-
nent in the two voyages— so blended as to appear like
one— that were it not for the original petitions to King
Henry VII., and his letters-patent, and the letters of
foreign embassadors recently found in the archives of
Milan and Venice, Sebastian would appear as the mam
figure not only to the exclusion of his brothers, but
even to the eclipse of his father. The aim and inten-
tion of all this goes to the dispute and ruin of all the

aaaasgetiiatMi Miif.i i iiiWM' i ii a w^ ''''''-

300 HARJilSSE'S ARGUMENT.

claims of prior discovery. It advances and substantially
establishes the right of England by an English-born
citizen to the co-ordinate if not the first survey of the
North American coast.

The astute and incisive Harrisse, who has added so
much to our critical knowledge of certain detailed facts
and dates, is entitled to great credit in the distinction he
has achieved by his notes and biographies of Columbus
and Cabot. None of the writers who have treated of the
progress of discovery have been free from prejudice,
each assuming his peculiar views and theories. Har-
risse, who we believe is an 'American born, although a
domiciliated Frenchman, whether naturalized or not, like
the Venetian citizenship of Cabot, has his very positive
leanings. He cites Blackstone as published in New
York to settle the law of England in the days of Henry
Vn. He assumes that the patent granted to the Cabots
by the Crown denaturalizes them upon an arithmetical
inference deduced from the date of the Venetian nat-
uralization. He quotes contradictory citations from
Richard Eden's marginal note on Peter Martyr's chron-
icles and from Contarini the embassador's correspond-
ence. The latter says concerning Cabot : " He said to
me, Seiior Embassador, to say it all, I was born at
Venice, but I was raised and bred in England," whilst,
the marginal note in the chronicles affirms : " Sebastian
Cabot said to me that he was born at Bristol, but at the
age of four he was carried by his father to Venice,
aiid after a certain number of years he returned to Eng-
land, where it was assumed that he was a Venetian b>
birth." Harrisse asks, " Which of these declarations is
to be credited?" And he quotes Peter Martyr, who

{ -»

UMENT.

inces and substantially
d by an English-born
the first survey of the

isse, who has added so
)f certain detailed facts
dit in the distinction he
:)graphies of Columbus
who have treated of the
11 free from prejudice,
vs and theories. Har-
rican born, although a
r naturalized or not, like
it, has his very positive
as published in New
id in the days of Henry
It granted to the Cabots
n upon an arithmetical
e of the Venetian nat-
adictory citations from
n Peter Martyr's chron-
nibassador's correspond-
iig Cabot : " He said to
r it all, I was born at
■ed in England," whilst,
:les affirms : " Sebastian
irn at Bristol, but at the
yr his father to Venice,
ears he returned to Eng-
it he was a Venetian by
I of these declarations is
otes Peter Martyr, who

MARTYR AND CONTARINl.

301

reports Sebastian Cabot as " born in Venice, but trans-
ported to England when but an infant." These are
almost the same words as Contarini's. There could be
no collusion between the statements, because Peter
Martyr's was printed six years before the arrival of
Contarini in Spain. Harrisse does not remark that Peter
Martyr as a Spanish writer, and Contarini as r Spanish
diplomat, arc maintaining the Spanish or foreign side
of a controversy under confessed diplomatic and parti-
san auspices. It is unnecessary to comment on such a
biased statement of the case.

Harrisse, therefore, sets aside the words of Cabot as
migatory because contradictory, and he puts forward
what he calls the legal documents and a legal view of
the case. The petition addressed to Henry VH., in
1496, is entered in the names of Ludovic, Sebastian,
and of Sancho Cabot, and Jean, their father, does not
assume or declare himself to be legal guardian of them
as infants. The sons, on the contrary, appear in their
individual capacity. The letters-patent, dated the 5th
of March, 1496, so enumerates the four grantees. It is
not a joint concession, and in its terms is an individual
s^rant to each by name, their heirs, successors, and
assigns. '* Dilectis nobis, Johanni Caboto, civi Venitia-
rum, ac Ludovico, Sebastian© et Sancto filiis dicti
Johannis, et eorum ac cujus lebet eorum. Hereditus
et deputatis."

Harrisse then appeals to Blackstone's Commentaries,
published in New York in 185 1, to show that this grant
could not vest if the three sons were minors ; and there-
fore they must be of age, which would carry their birth
back to Venice, anterior to their father's naturalization.

302

BLACK STONE AND HENRY VII.

The parliament alone, he says, possessed this power, with-
out which a concession based merely on the royal grant
would have been of no avail. He therefore appeals to
the common law of England as an impassable barrier to
the claim of Sebastian Cabot as an Englishman, and
an incontrovertible proof of his foreign birth, notwith-
standing his own assertions and those of all the chron-
icles and records of the time to the contrary. In this
amateur legal dictum Harrisse does not say that he has
proof that the authority of parliament was wanting ;
prima fade, if needed, such authority is implied in the
record he produced of the' grant, and the record is the
proof of such necessary action in the law. The Latin
text above quoted specifically mentions the Venetian
citizenship of John, the father, and the other names are
given separately and expressly without such qualifica-
tions. If it was requisite to give the citizenship of John,
the sentence is framed so as not to include the sons.

The specious presentation of this subject would be of
slight account if it did not allege documentary and
legal proof, where the most trivial examination will
show the absence of both. Blackstone has nothing to
do with it in 1851. The statutes in the time of Henry
VII., whatever they may have been, were supplemented
and declared in the King's patent and the obviously
implied legal action of the cabinet, the lords, the com-
mons, and the whole routine necessary to make such

patent good.

We must therefore relegate Mr. Harrisse to the ranks
of the foreign antagonists to the English claim of the
birthright of Cabot, and the credit derived from the dis-
coverie? of the English sailors of the city of Bristol.

.■1

^•^litTBg^^wE^i^iwa^i ^ iB ss^^^ ^ ^ s Ba^i^ji egs ^ i a ^i ^i gB W

IlENRT VII.

issessed this power, with-
srely on the royal grant
3e therefore appeals to
an impassable barrier to
IS an Englishman, and

foreign birth, notwith-
1 those of all the chron-

the contrary. In this
loes not say that he has
rliament was wanting;
hority is implied in the
it, and the record is the

in the law. The Latin

mentions the Venetian
and the other names are
• without such qualifica-
e the citizenship of John,
t to include the sons.

this subject would be of
illege documentary and
trivial examination will
ackstone has nothing to
:es in the time of Henry
been, were supplemented
itent and the obviously
)inet, the lords, the corn-
necessary to make such

Mr. Harrisse to the ranks
he English claim of the]
edit derived from the dis-
of the city of Bristol.

THE ARITHMETICAL INFERENCE. 303

As to the arithmetical deduction from the legal doc-
uments, Harrisse alone presumes the existence of a
maritime requirement, which must apply the majority age
of twenty-one to a ship's officer or a marine sailor in the
age of Henry VH. There never was such requirement,
neither in the mercantile nor in the royal navy of any
nation, so far as we know. Nelson entered the British
navy at the age of thirteen, gained his great renown in
Indian and European battles, fought through the
American war, and was made a post captain at the
age of twenty-one. The difference in time between the
naturalization at Venice and the date of the letters
patent — the difference between 1476 and 1496 — proves
that they were of competent age; but as there is no
mention nor record of their naturalization or birth in
Venice, nor in any authenticated document produced of
their abode elsewhere than in England, the arithmetical
presumption goes for naught. Ludovico and Sancho
have not been thought of sufficient importance, and
Sebastian alone, by his discoveries and distinguished
career, has been exclusively discussed in this connection.
Assuming him to be the second son, as named in the
grant, would still leave the fact of his being the youngest
open to conjecture. There is no argument whatever,
and no fact alleged, inconsistent with Sebastian Cabot's
English nativity to be argued from the dates, making
twenty years- between the Venetian naturalization
and the English concession, and the English preroga-
tives of discovery derived from a citizen of English
birth.

In these statements we present an epitome of the
facts and the dispute regarding the English claims to

THF SPHERE OF DISPUTE.
304 '"'

the discovery of North America. The French abettors
o rdnplain, Cartier. and othe« ; the Dntch presen-
tation of Hndson; 'he Florentmes w,th Ve ncc n.
„nv continne to dispntc these questions, bnt «>c great
; «=^U anains exclnsively segregated npon the broad
fold of colonisation and possession that the Spaniard
and the English divide the actnal and final sphere of he
topi Perhaps, from this practical point of v,ew, the
r s? of t, in the cnrt manner of Harrisse h.mself nray
te dismissed as only among the enterta.nmg episodes of

history.

)isruTE.

The French abettors
j; the Dutch preseii-
nes with Vespticcius,
estions, but the great
^ated upon the broad
m, that the Spaniards
and final sphere of the
tical point of view, the
Harrisse himself, may
jntertaiuing episodes of

CHAPTER XIV.

THE AFKAIRvS OF THE NEW WORLD IN SPAIN.

ET us now cross the Atlantic and see how
the affairs of the New World stand in Spain.
^^^^^^^^^^ Columbus judged rightly. Margarite and
Friar Buil have been doing their utmost to prejudice
the sovereigns against him and his enterprise. The
islands they regard as a worthless discovery, contain-
ing neither gold, spices, nor anything else worth the
vast expense necessary to obtain them. They are
simply a good place to sicken and die among savages.
As for the Admiral, his administration is most
miserable. When the colonists are sick he taxes
them with excessive labor; for the most trifling
peccadilloes he stops their rations, at the great peril of
their health ; upon the common people he inflicts the
severest punishments, and upon gentlemen heaps the
most humiliating indignities. To crown the evils of
the new settlement, it was altogether probable that he
had perished in his foolhardy continuation of the dis-
covery of new territories. Of course there was a vast
other side to the whole matter, on which they were
silent. Nothing was mentioned of the great emer-
gencies of the new settlement in the wilderness, calling
for almost herculean efforts; nor of the reckless
idleness and crime, which demanded severe measures.
No one regarded the fact that the supplies taken out
in the second voyage were inadequate to the wants of

:,kiv:^i»vis-'uMieSi»iemmam^sim»-v»i>'-^'-'-^^t*em

3o6

JUAN AGUADO,

so many, and that nincli of it had spoiled ; that the
Admiral, wishing to relieve the burdens of the Crown
as much as possible, hoped to replenish his scanty
larder by a speedy development of the resources of the
island. Nor could he, in his ready adaptation to every
needed industry, sympathize with those delicate souls
to whom work was worse than death. But Columbus
had no competent advocate at court to rebut the one-
sided exaggerations.

In view of all these charges and discouraging
reports, it cannot be said that the sovereigns were
unreasonably moved. But - precautionary measures
were necessary, for the more official reports of ^lar-
garite and Friar Buil were sustained by others who
had returned from the colony, some of whom were so
connected and related as to have no small influence
over persons of rank. Some properly qualified per-
•son must be sent out to make an official investigation
of affairs, and to assume the government if the
Admiral did not return, for his brothe,- had been
rendered so unpopular as to make their ruling as
deputies unsafe. If the Viceroy were on the ground,
he was simply to report the evils existing m the
island, their causes, and the remedies to be applied
An important mission this— one requiring wisdom and
tact Who should perform it? Who, finally, but Juan
Aguado, whom Columbus himself had but recently
commended to the special consideration of the sover-

eigns ? , .

On the loth of April, I495, there was another enact-
ment of great importance to the interests of the Vice-
roy Any native-born subject of Spain might prose-

XEIV VOrAGERS.

30:

id spoiled ; that the
rdcns of the Crown
ipletiish his scanty
the resonrccs of the
^' adaptation to every
I those delicate sonls
Lth. Bnt Colnmbns
•nrt to rebut the one-

5 and discouraging
:he sovereigns were
cautionary measures
;ial reports of Mar-
;ained by others who
ue of whom were so
'e no small influence
operly qualified per-
official investigation
government if the
; brothe-," had been
nake their ruling as
' were on the ground,
evils existing in the
nedies to be applied,
requiring wisdom and
Who, finally, but Juan
elf had but recently
leration of the sover-

ere was another enact-

interests of the Vice-

3f Spain might prose-

cute voyages of discovery in the New World on his own
account, and might even settle in Hispaniola under
certain conditions. " All vessels were to sail exclu-
sively from the port of Cadi/., and under the inspection
of officers appointed by the Crown. Tliose who em-
l)arkcd for Hispaniola without pay and at their own
expense were to have lands assigned to them and to be
provisioned for one year, with a right to retain such
lands and all houses they might erect upon them. Of
all gold which they might collect they were to retain
one-third for themselves and to pay two-thirds to the
Crown. Of all other articles of merchandise, the
produce of the island, they were to pay merely one-
tenth to the Crown. Their purchases were to be made
in the presence of officers appointed by the sovereigns,
and the royal duties paid into the hands of the King's
receiver. Each ship sailing on private enterprise was
to take one or two persons named by the royal officers
at Cadiz. One-tenth of the tonnage of the ship was to
be at the service of the Crown free of charge. One-
tenth of whatever such ships should procure in the
newly-discovered countries was to be paid to the Crown
on their return. These regulations included private
ships trading to Hispaniola with provisions. For every
vessel thus fitted out on private adventure, Columbus,
in consideration of his privilege of an eighth of tonnage,
was to have the right to freight one on his own

account."^

Clearly enough, this was an infringement on the
privileges originally granted to Columbus, and he com-
plained of it most bitteriy. Was it bro ught about by

I Irving's Columbus, vol. ii, pp. 63, 63.

:-^!?RaNi«*t-h5««te**«««**iJr- *

'^i^<mi^ ^'^--^

3o8

AX INFRIXGEMENT ON COLUMDUS.

the persuasions of Vicente Yafiez Pinzon, and others
who had sailed with Columbus ? The empty coffers of
Spain, the expensive expeditions of Columbus briufj^ing
little or nothing in return, and the pressing need of
extcndiTig the explorations as rapidly as possible — all
made the ears of the monarchs available to a plan
which would accomplish their designs not only without
expense, but with large and sure profits. Tlu- privileges
thus widely extended were no doubt greatly abused,
and did much to bring about that irregularity of method
in discovery, that licentiousness and predatory adven-
ture, prophesied by Columbus.

Early in April, before the ships were under way
Torres returned from the Indies and brought the old-
fashioned ship news, fully up to the times. Columbus
had returned from his voyage along the south of Cuba,
and here was the famous official document, in which all
the crews had taken solemn oath that they had seen the
continent of Asia. At once the mercury of the court
went up, and up went the stock of the enterprise in the
Indies ; for here was more gold, and many animal and
vegetable curiosities. The continent of India ! — richest
country on the globe ! — here it ivas^ authenticated ana
sworn to by all parties !

Still Aguado must go and look into matters. Was
he not at once the friend of Columbus and loyal to the
Crown ? He could ascertain the facts concerning this
unhappy state of affairs in Hispaniola; that would
wrong no one. Diego, the Admiral's brother, having
had the nervention of the sovereigns in behalf of that
gold of i J which Fonseca tried to retain when he came
back from the Indies, would now go back again. But if

V COLUMBUS.

A n \ ICE FR oAf run so i 'ereigxs. 309

e/ Pinzon, and others
The empty coffers of
of Columbus briuf^ing
the pressing need of
ipidly «is possible — all
s available to a plan
signs not only without
)rofits. Tin- privileges
ioubt greatly abused,
irregularity of method
and predatory adven-

lips were under way
> and brought the old-
the times. Columbus
3ng the south of Cuba,
iocunient, in which all
that they had seen the
t mercury of the court
if the enterprise in the
and many animal and
nent of India ! — richest
ivas^ authenticated ana

ok into matters. Was
inibus and loyal to the
e facts concerning this
ispaniola ; that would
miral's brother, having
reigns in behalf of that
:o retain when he came
' go back again. But if

the dignitary had been humbled by tlio royal compulsion
to do justice in the case, iitul by the special orders to be
conciliatory toward the Ac.miral, he had ample oppor-
tunity in the long years of his administration of Indian
iiffairs to vent his pent-up wrath on Columbus and his
descendants.

Though always considerate of the feelings of the Ad-
miral, it was necessary to .send him a letter of instruc-
tions. " The number of persons in the .settlement
should be limited to five hundred, a greater number
being considered unnecessary for the .service of the
island, and a burdensome expense to the Crown. To
prevent further discontents about provisions, they
ordered that the rations of individuals should be dealt
out in portions every fifteen days, and that all punish-
ment by short allowance or the stoppage of rations
should be discontinued, as tending to injure the health
of the colonists, who required every assistance of nour-
ishing diet to fortify them against the maladies incident
to a strange climate." '

Pablo Belvis must go in the place of Firmin Cedo, to
give special attention to the mining interests. Eccle-
siastics must be sent to replace those who had returned,
for now, as heretofore, the conversion of the natives was
all important to Isabella.

What was to be done with the five hundred Indian
slaves whom Torres had just brought to Spain? At
first they were ordered to be sold in the slave-markets
after the manner of the Africans and the Moors who
had been the victims of wars and conquests. But they
were so gentle, so docile, and had been so hospitable to

1 Irving, vol ii, pp. 65, 66.

ei-y%«»»*M%»^Si'^n*««^-»'^'iSi**V>-.*-*Ui-*f^-* * r*o>?**-^i'i7^i':!

310

A R R O GANCE OF A G UA D O.

the Spaniards, the Queen's heart failed her. Fiv
days later the order was countermanded until learne
and devout spiritual advisers could be consulted as t
the procedure. The opinion thus sought came slowb
and was by no means unanimous ; so Isabella was go^
erned by the impulses of her own generous nature, an(
contrary to the customs of the times, ordered them 1
be sent back to Hispaniola.

But it is time to accompany Aguado, sailing his for
caravels, liberally filled with every kind of supplie
out of Cadiz, in the last days of August, to reac
Hispaniola in October. Oii his arrival the Admir
is absent, still trying to settle affairs in the island-
trying to complete a peace with Caonabo's brother
How will this official from the sovereigns deport hii
self? Surely he has every motive for good condu(
If he is under deep obligation to the Admiral, ai
therefore should do him justice, he is under no le
obligation to the King and Queen of Spain and to tl
unhappy condition of Hispaniola. But to the
claims upon his good discretion he is utterly blin
Without v/aiting to investigate the true state
affairs, he immediately grasped the reins of authorit
Some he arrested, officers were summoned to accoui
and no respect whatever was shown the lieutenai
Bartholomew. The latter, taken by surprise by sn
proceedings, demanded that he should show his co
mission. He "would show it to the Admiral," \^
the haughty reply. Presently, however, lest any o
should doubt his authority, he had his credentials p
claimed publicly with sound of trumpet. They w(
brief, but comprehensive — comprehensive because

_£..(-,

)F AGUADO.

heart failed lier. Five
iiiternianded until learned
s could be consulted as to
thus sought came slowly,
lous ; so Isabella was gov-
own generous nature, and,
he times, ordered them to

y Aguado, sailing his four
11 every kind of supplies,
ays of August, to reach
1 his arrival the Admiral
ttle affairs in the island —
with Caonabo's brothers,
the sovereigns deport him-
motive for good conduct.
Ltion to the Admiral, and
isdce, he is under no less
^ueen of Spain and to the
spaniola. But to these
retion he is utterly blind,
jtigate the true state of
ped the reins of authority,
vere summoned to account,
vas shown the lieutenant,
taken by surprise by such
t he should show his com-
V it to the Admiral," was
ntly, however, lest any one
he had his credentials pro-
id of trumpet. They were
comprehensive because of

HE COURTS DISCONTENT.

311

their vagueness ; like an india-rubber ring, the docu-
ment could be adjusted to almost any case.

" Cavaliers, esquires, aud other persons who by our
orders are in the Indies, we send you thither Juan
Aguado, our gentleman of the chamber, who will
speak to you for us. We command you to give him
faith and credence."

The indefiniteness of the document, and the pom-
pous manner in which it was proclaimed, all told in the
heaviest possible manner against Columbus and his
brothers. The proud hidalgos, humiliated by labor
and limitations of food; the common culprit, but
partially punished for his flagrant crimes ; the jealous
subordinate in office, who would not brook the superior
authority of a foreigner; the aggrieved Indian, who
could not discriminate between the outrages of the
Spaniards and the rule or misrule of the Admiral —
all, now, were loud enough in their calls for redress,
supposing that Aguado would at once supersede Co-
lumbus in authority. The former, in order to appear
as peremptory as possible, set out in search of the
latter with a body of horsemen.

With Bartholomew Columbus, surrounded by this
seething sea of discontent, discretion was the better
part of valor. He must be quiet and look on.

Rumor of Aguado's proceedings soon reached the
Admiral, and he at once set out for home. The
parties missed each other, but Aguado soon returned
and the meeting occurred at Isabella. Now Aguado
and all the rest were taken by surprise at the conduct
of the Admiral. The former, who had anticipated and
almost courted a sharp altercation, was completely

■i?A*»^-=^"Cv«**i*^'lV'^v;Wr»^!*"\

312

A HURRICANE.

disarmed by the cool submission of the latter. But
Columbus could not fail to see that his prestige was
severely shaken, for even the caciques met in a sort
of convention to formulate their grievances to the new
officer, who, in making up his category of accusations,
seems to have made but little discrimination as to
what was true and what was false.

C "■'umbus took in the situation, and saw the necessity
of at once returning to Spain to vindicate himself.
He resolved to go in the same squadron with Aguado.
It is about noon, and the ships are ready to weigh
anchor for Spain. But what mean those sharp gusts
of wind from the east, and those dense clouds of vapor
rushing through the air ? Ah ! say the Indians, a
furicane is coming— or a hurricane, as we now say,
having slightly changed the word. Another tempest,
rushing from the west, encounters it. All at once the
heavens are dark as midnight. There are lurid sheets
of lightning and awful crashes of thunder. The sea
breaks its bounds and rushes inland for miles. The
air is thick with leaves and flying branches of trees.
Whole groves, with masses of earth and rocks, are
torn from the mountain sides and hurled into the
valleys, stopping the rivers in their courses. It was as
if the end of the world had come. Some even fled to
the caves for refuge. The ships snapped their cables ;
three were sunk with their passengers and crews ;
others were " dashed against each other " and wrecked
along the shore. The fury of the tempest lasted for
three hours, and then the sun shone upon the fear-
ful scene of disaster. Never in the memory or the
traditions of the Indians had there been such a hurri-

IE.

A NEW GOLD-MINE.

313

n of the latter. But
that his prestige was
iciques met in a sort
grievances to the new
;egory of accusations,
discrimination as to

and saw the necessity
to vindicate himself,
uadron with Aguado.
ps are ready to weigh
an those sharp gusts
dense clouds of vapor
! say the Indians, a
:ane, as we now say,
rd. Another tempest,
rs it. All at once the
There are lurid sheets
of thunder. The sea
nland for miles. The
Qg branches of trees,
earth and rocks, are
iand hurled into the
eir courses. It was as
ae. Some even fled to
snapped their cables ;
issengers and crews ;
:h other " and wrecked
the tempest lasted for
shone upon the fear-
in the memory or the
lere been such a hurri-

cane. Surely this was a divine visitation on the
"cruelties and crimes of the white men," who, bj'
their outrages, had moved the very waters, earth, and
air to judgment !

Aguado's fleet of four ships had been sunken and
wrecked, and also two others, leaving only the shat-
tered Nino. She was repaired, and another caravel
was built out of such ruins of the fleet as could be
reclaimed. Behold the energy of the sick-hearted
Admiral, who, though doing the greatest possible
service for his nation and for the world, is fighting
misfortune among strangers and savages — alike his
enemies !

But scarcely ever is any part of life all misfortune.
Isabella was now surprised by a most romantic inci-
dent. A young Spaniard named Aliguel Diaz, having
liad an altercation with another young Spaniard and
wounded him mortally as was supposed, fled with some
half-dozen comrades across the island, among the sav-
ages on the south side. Here he became the guest of
a village and community over which ruled a young
female cacique, who in time fell r" ;eply in love with
liim. He, not insensible to her attractions, wedded
her, it would seem. But in time his isolation among
savages told heavily upon him, and he became melan-
choly. On seeing this, the kind heart of the native
princess was greatly moved, and she resolved upon a
remedy. Knowing the Spanish mania for gold, she
disclosed to him the rich mines in her dominions, and
urged her spouse to invite his nation to locate with
her. Miguel and his comrades examined the gold
region and soon became convinced of its exceeding
richness in the precious metal.

jw^w>*8a»x 3 fwa^ >i»ftwr) fw*M&«

wt rn rv^ — — ^ ^i>i^** iiMM

l»> W W mi • I T * " W i HW*

314

GOLD IN A H UN DA NCR.

Now, by a literally golden path, he saw his way out
into civilization once more. However much the rather
severe adelantado may have been incensed at him, an
abundance of gold would be an ample peace ofifering.
He and his comrades returned to Isabella, and, linger-
ing about the neighborhood, soon learned that the
wounded man had entirely recovered.

On entering the town and relating his strange and
welcome story, he at once became a hero. The Ad-
miral, too, was again lifted up.

The ships must wait till the adelantado could
journey to the south side of the island and make such
examination as might confirm the good news.

He and his party made a forced march across thither
and soon returned, saying that alike in all the rivers
and in the hillsides there was such an abundance of
gold that Cibao was not to be compared to it. Then
there were several old pits, as if the mines had once
been worked. How suggestive to the Admiral ! This
must surely be the ancient Ophir, where the ships of
Solomon, coming from the east, had obtained the fabu-
lous quantity of gold, with which the temple had been
literally covered ! What news for Spain! Besides,
Columbus had wished to change the location of the
colony. The Indian princess, now named Catalina,
occupied the site of the present city, San Domingo—
an excellent location for a colony and having an
abundance of gold in the vicinity. What more could
be desired ? A fort must be erected at once and the
territory of the Indian princess, at the mouth of the
Ozema river, must become the centre of operations.
On March lo, 1496, everything was ready for the

>ANCE.

I, he saw his way out
^•ever much the rather

1 incensed at him, an
ample peace ofifering.

Isabella, and, linger-
on learned that the

2 red.

ating his strange and
ne a hero. The Ad-

the adelantado could
island and make such
le good news,
d march across thither
alike in all the rivers
;uch an abundance of
lompared to it. Then
if the mines had once
to the Admiral ! This
lir, where the ships of
had obtained the fabu-
:h the temple had been

for Spain ! Besides,
ige the location of the

now named Catalina,
t city, San Domingo—
:olony and having an
ity. What more could
irected at once and the
IS, at the mouth of the
centre of operations,
ling was ready for the

BRAVERlr OF CAOXABO.

315

voyage to vSpain. The two :;hips were crowded, some
two hundred and fifty persons — indifferent idlers —
gentlemen probabl}' ; those who were sallow and hollow-
cheeked from lingering diseases, the disorderly and
the profligate — a sorry crowd, filing along the gang-
ways ! " Never," says Irving, " did a more miserable
and disappointed crew return from a land of promise."
Columbus was in one ship and Aguado in the other.

But we must not overlook the Indians in these ships,
of whom there are about thirty, including the noted
Caonabo, one of his brothers, and a nephew. Whatever
may have been the Admiral's promises to the cacique,
or his plans concerning him, that savage chieftain
remained sullen and morose, being intelligent enough
to know that his power was at an end.

What if he were taken to Spain to see the glory of
that kingdom, and then return as the Admiral had
promised him ? Could he ever again be " Lord of the
Golden House "? Had not the detested white man
taken possession of his kingdom of gold-bearing rocks,
his broad grassy plains, and rivers which flowed over
golden sands ? There have been fair-skinned rulers
who would rather die as kings than live as men.

The voyage was painfully tedious. The Admiral,
not knowing anything about the trade-winds, instead
of steering to the northward so as to take advantage
of the westerly winds returning as a reaction of the
same, went directly east, thus having either head-winds
or calms continually. After a month at sea, he was
barely at the Caribbee Islands, his crews tired and sick
and his provisions greatly reduced. He concluded,
therefore, to stop at these islands, not only for wood

g|gP;fc|fc«e\i*k.iw«W"«i«r-«^ *

3i6

AN INDIAN PRINCESS.

and water, but for as much cassava-bread and other
eatables as he might be able to obtain. They anchored
at Alariagalante, but soon went to Guadaloupe. But
the natives, the women at one end of the island and
the men at the other, were decidedly warlike, and vigor-
ously opposed their lauding. Fire-arms and gew-gaws,
however, soon reconciled them, and the boats landed.
" While some of the people were getting wood and
water and making cassava-bread, Columbus dispatched
forty men, well armed, to explore the interior of the
island. They returned on the following day with ten
women and three boys. The women were of large and
powerful form, yet of great agility. They were naked
and wore their long hair flowing loose upon their
shoulders ; some decorated their heads with plumes of
various colors. Among them was the wife of a cacique,
a woman of great strength and proud spirit. On the
approach of the Spaniards she had fled with an agility
which soon left all her pursuers far behind, excepting
a native of the Canary Islands remarkable for swift-
ness of foot. She would have escaped even from him,
but, perceiving that he was alone and far from his
companions, she turned suddenly upon him, seized
him with astonishing force, and would have strangled
him had not the Spaniards arrived and taken her.
entangled like a hawk with her prey. The warlike
spirit of these Carib vomen, and the circumstance of
finding them in armed bands, defending their shores
during the absence of their husbands, led Columbus
repeatedly into the erroneous idea that certain of these
islands were inhabited entirely by women, for which
error, as has already been observed, he was prepared

VCBSS.

sava-bread and other
itain. They anchored
to Guadalonpe, But
md of the island and
dl y warlike, and vigor-
re-arms and gew-gaws,

and the boats landed,
/ere getting wood and
, Columbus dispatched
•e the interior of the
oUowing day with ten
men were of large and
ty. They were naked
ring loose upon their
• heads with plumes of
LS the wife of a cacique,

proud spirit. On the
lad fled with an agility

far behind, excepting
5 remarkable for swift-
:scaped even from him,
one and far from his
:nly upon him, seized

would have strangled
rrived and taken her.
er prey. The warlike
tid the circumstance of
iefending their shores
asbands, led Columbus
ea that certain of these
y by women, for which
srved, he was prepared

STARVATION ON THE SEA.

317

by the stories of Marco Polo concerning an island of
amazons near the coast of Asia."'

Having made up cassava-bread enough to last three
weeks, the ships prepared to sail. As it was intended
to make Guadaloupe a sort of key to the Caribbee
Islands, it was important to leave the natives in a
friendly mood. The prisoners, therefore, were all dis-
missed with presents. But the cacique's wife refused
to go, retaining also her young daughter. It is sup-
posed that she fell in love with the unfortunate
Caonabo.

The ships kept to the twenty-second degree of lati-
tude, laboring against wind and current, so that a
month of utmost effort in sailing found them still far
from Spain, and the provisions were so alarmingly
low that the allowance could not be more than " six
ounces of bread and a pint and a half of water " per
day. During the last days of May the store of pro-
visions was so small as to call for still scantier rations.
But where on the wide Atlantic were these hungry peo-
ple ? The pilots, accustomed only to coasting, or
navigating the Mediterranean, had completely lost their
reckoning, nor were they disposed to accept the opinion
of the Admiral. By the first of June famine stared
them in the face. Some proposed to kill and eat the
Indians. But for the earnest entreaties of Columbus
I they would at least have thrown them overboard to
lessen the demand for food. These mortals were
[human, he said, and must be treated accordingly.
Besides, he had kept exact reckoning and knew that
[they were near Cape f^t. Vincent. When night came

'Irving's Columbus, vol. ii, pp. 84, 85.

. J 8 DBA TH OF CA ON A B O.

on and he ordered the sail taken in, there was a general
sneer and discontented chattering. They were nearer
the English Channel or France, most thonght. When
morning dawned and they saw the very land Columbus
had named they were ready to pronounce him an oracle

of the ocean.

The almost starving passengers landed in Cadiz on
the nth of June, after a most trying voyage of three
months. Caonabo had died on the way ; died, it would
seem, of a broken heart— or of " grief and vexation,"
as Bernaldez has it. Having landed in Hayti a mere
Carib adventurer, he had allied himself to one of the
most noble families and had risen to be the most pow-
erful chief of the island. A veritable king among
savages was he, and though broken in spirit by over-
whelming misfortune at heart he could not bow to
captivity, but was unyielding and heroic to the last.

In this same harbor of Cadiz were now three caravels
just ready to sail with supplies for the colony. The
four sailing in January before had been wrecked on the
coast of Spain. Columbus examined the royal dis-
patches, and, having learned the directions of the sov-
ereigns and also the general public sentiment, wrote at
once to his brother Bartholomew, whom he had left in
authority, to be energetic in restoring the island to
peace and order, to develop its resources, to explore and
work the recently found gold-mines in Hayna, and to
begin to build there a sea-port. The discords and
unproductiveness of the New World, now become noth-
ing less than noted scandal, must be speedily reme-
died.

No earthly scene could have done more to confann

^aSi^£ 3 r'i a i W iaMta>»i W Mli» «

^NABO.

in, there was a general
g. They were nearer
most thought. When
le very land Columbus
onounce him an oracle

;rs landed in Cadiz on
rying voyage of three
lie way ; died, it would
" grief and vexation,"
mded in Hayti a mere
himself to one of the
m to be the most pow-
veritable king among
Dken in spirit by over-
he could not bow to
id heroic to the last,
v^ere now three caravels
i for the colony. The
id been wrecked on the
:amined the royal dis-
e directions of the sov-
blic sentiment, wrote at
jv, whom he had left in
■estoring the island to
esources, to explore and
aines in Hayna, and to
rt. The discords and
/orld, now become noth-
must be speedily reme-

: done more to confirm

COLUMIirs AND THE SOVEREIGNS.

319

the evil prejudices against Columbus and his '* island"
than did the sorry spectacle of the disembarkation of
his crews at Cadiz. Two hundred and fifty wretched
beings — sick and half starved, hollow-cheeked, hollow-
eyed, their sallow skins a mockery of the gold they
went to seek — crawled out of the caravels, about every
one of them ready to curse the day he left Spain.
Columbus himself, with downcast countenance, wear-
ing the plain gray frock of a Franciscan monk, a cord
about his waist and his beard neglected after the man-
ner of that order, was scarcely more than a symbol of
grief. Over two hundred disappointed, angry tongues
could do much to detract the Admiral and his West-
India enterprise. And all Spain, already advised by
Margarite, Friar Bull, and many others, was on the
alert to learn the worst things possible from these bar-
barous kingdoms — this " Mosquito Land "I

But the Admiral had still some grand points to
make. His resources for a show of prosperity were
by no means exhausted. Then, too, the sovereigns,
seeming to turn a deaf ear to all that had been said
against him, had written him a most cordial letter
from Almazan, July 12, 1496, as soon as they heard
of his arrival. Most graciously did they invite him
to court as soon as he might be able to recuperate
after the exhaustion of his long and tedious voyage.

This would be the occasion for exhibiting what he
had just brought from the 'New World. So the pro-
cession, not nearly so large as it had been when going
to Barcelona in 1493, started for Burgos, where the
King and Queen were to await him. The Indian
show was better than before, for the number and

CURIOSITIES FROM THE INDIES.

variety were greater. They were decorated i.. gaudy
feathers and gold, and there were pnnce. an.ong them
-Caonabo's brother, of son>e thirty years, «->th his
Uttle son of ten years. The former, = '-""l^d D?,,
Diego, " wore a eollar or ehain of gold, wh.el. the
\dmiral made him pttt on when they passed throngl.
the eities and villages." Bernalde, the venerable
anthor just quoted, says it weighed "stx hundrea
«</r//««,»,' which ehain I saw and took n, my hand
when I had the above-named Lord Bishop (Fonseeal
and the Admiral and Don Diego as guests in my
house The Admiral brought, also, many things
nsed by the Indians-crowns, masks, girdles, collars
and many other things interwoven with cotton, an.,
all having a figure of the devil in his own shape, or in
?ha of acat or of an owl's head, or somethmgl
worse, cut in wood or made in the cotton or wha^
ever else might be the material of the orna-
ment He had some crowns with wings at the sides,
on which were eyes of gold, and in particular one
erown, which he said had belonged to the cacique
Caonabo, which was very large and high, and on ben
struck d splayed wings, like shields, with eyes of gold
as krge a^imd as a drinking cup, set m their places
in a very ingenious and singular way resembliuR
enamelling. This erown likewise had a figure of th
d V upon it, and it may b« believed that he appeare
to them in these shapes, and that they were idolators
and had the devilfor their Lord." , . , ■„
Thus wrote the good old curate, showing how »
those superstitious times, _tWsJUplay^h_eatto

t£

HE INDIES.

•c decorated in gaudy
: princes among them
lirty years, with his
>rmer, christened Don
1 of gold, which the
I they passed through
laldez, the venerable
lighed " six hundred
nd took in ray hands
ord Bishop (Fonseca)
ego as guests in my
t, also, many things
nasks, girdles, collars,
oven with cotton, and
n his own shape, or in

head, or something
1 the cotton, or what-
aterial of the oma-
ath wings at the sides,
and in particular one
longed to the cacique
and high, and on being
ields, with eyes of gold

cup, set in their places
gular way, resembling!
rise had a figure of the
lieved that he appeared
that they were idolaters

:urate, showing how, iti
lis display of heathen |

f the present time," says Irving.

PEOPLE WITH TAILS.

321

ornaments and symbols may have seemed almost like
a revelation, not only from the new^ but also from the
under-zoo,-IH—\.\\c " Inferno:'

In his interview with the sovereigns the Admiral
was happily disappointed. He had no occasion to
reply to the croakings of Don Margaritc and Friar
Buil, nor yet to the budget of accusations brought
home by Aguado, for they were not so much as
mentioned. The situation of the Admiral in the
Indies was exceedingly trying and difficult. If he
liad erred in any particular, it was in judgment, not
in disposition. Says Bernaldez : "The King and
Queen, who received him very graciously, took great
pleasure in seeing the strange things and in learning
about his discoveries." With what keen interest must
they have listened to his account of that memorable
voyage along the south of Cuba, with its romance of
people in long white garments and those having tails.
Also, there was the account of the amazons in the
Caribbees, the love adventure of Miguel Diaz, and the
gold-mines of Hayna, which mines were, of course,
those of King Solomon's Ophir !

Being so well received, Columbus was encouraged
to propose anothei" voyage of discovery, in order to
connect Spain more closely with the mainland of
Asia, or more especially to discover the mainland to
the south, of which he had heard through the natives.
To this end they readily promised the eight ships he
asked for, two to be sent at once with supplies to
Hispaniola, and six properly fitted out for his voyage
of discovery.
But in all this there came about a most painful and

322

GOLD IN n Aim.

mischievous delay. The sovereigns had already far
too nnuh on their hands ; and men in office, who were
the deadly enemies of Colnmbus, found many ways
of detaining him. Spain was in trouble with Prance,
being obliged to keep a large army in Italy to help
the King of Naples recover his throne. Other armies
must be kept on the frontiers to keep out French
invasion, and squadrons must skirt the coast both on
the Atlantic and on the Mediterranean. Then there
was about to be a great double wedding. The Princess
Juana was to marry Philip, Archduke of Austria, and
his sister Margarita was td be the bride of Prince
Juan. An armada of more than a hundred ships, with
twenty thousand persons, many of them the most
distinguished in Spain, was to carry away Philip's
bride and bring back that of Prince Juan. Thus, the
sovereigns bustling about from place to place, full of
care and business, and the treasury empty, Columbus
was obliged to stand aside, as in other days, and await
the dispatch of all these immense affairs before his
few caravels could be fitted up.

Finally, in the autumn of 1496, an appropriation
was made. But just as the six million maravedis
were about to be handed over, a most untoward in-
cident occurred. Pedro Alonzo Niflo, who had left
Cadiz for Hispaniola just as Columbus returned from
his second voyage, was now returned with his three
caravels laden with Indian slaves. He did not make
a formal report until after visiting his home at
Huelva, but had meanwhile circulated a rumor
that he had a great amount of ^^ g-o/d in barsP
The slaves were his gold^ and they were confined by

rns had already far
1 ill office, who were
, found many ways
rouble with France,
my in Italy to help
rone. Other armies
) keep out French
irt the coast both on
anean. Then there
iing. The Princess
uke of Austria, and
the bride of Prince
hundred ships, with
of them the most
carry away Philip's
:e Juan. Thus, the
ilace to place, full of
ry empty, Columbus
ther days, and await
se afifairs before his

>6, an appropriation
: million maravedis
most untoward in-
Niflo, who had left
imbus returned from
iirned with his three
s. He did not make
siting his home at
circulated a rumor
of ^^ gold in barsy
hey were confined by

ISA fi ELLA'S PLAXS.

323

iron bars in the ship.s. Ferdinand and Isabella, com-
pletely duped by this play upon words, invested the
six million maravedis designed for Columbus in
patching up an old castle, and ordered his outfit to be
made from the new returns of gold from the Indies —
probably from llw rich niinrs in Ilayna.

Not only did this joke cause a long and disastrous
delay, but it was turned into a most keen-edged bur-
lesque on the golden Ophir of Columbus. It was one
of those seeds of rancorous ill-will which could flourish
so readily in the jealous hearts of Spain.

It was only in the spring of 1497 '^^'^^ wars and wed-
dings had sufficiently subsided to admit of Isabella's
serious attention to the affairs of the Indies. However
indifferent Ferdinand may have become, and however
unfavorable the chief advisers of the court may have
been, she was still in earnest, and evidently intended
to place matters on a firm basis. To this end, every
point needing consideration seems to have been thor-
oughly reviewed, and throughout the changes and pro-
visions made there is an evident design to aid and gratify
Columbus in every way possible.

First^ all his rights and prerogatives were confirmed
and emphasized, with the privilege of transmitting them
to his descendants forever. And his brother Bartholo-
mew was appointed adelantado, no reference being made
to his having been placed in this office already by the
Admiral, an act concerning which Ferdinand had been
decidedly jealous.

Secondly^ as the lack of dividends in the Indian en-
terprises had told most heavily on Columbus, who was
expected to furnish one-eighth of the investments and

324

LENIENCY WITH NATIVES.

B-

had received no profits, he was exempted from all pay-
ments, with the nnderstanding, of conrse, that he could
claim neither an eighth nor a tenth of the profits, which
were far less than the outlay.

Thirdly^ as Columbus had been aggrieved by the act
of April, 1495, granting license for discovery to any
native-born Spaniard, under certain conditions, a retrac-
tion was now made of anything which might be
unfavorable to his interests and contrary to the privi-
leges already granted him.

Fourthly, three hundred and thirty persons in royal
pay were allowed him for this-" voyage, with the privi-
lege of adding to the number if they could be paid out
of the profits of the colony. He was authorized to give
lands to all who should reside on them for four years,
and give proper attention to the cultivation of the same.
But all brazil-wood and precious metals must be reserved
for the Crown.

Nor were the unfortunate natives forgotten. The
Queen could not consent to have them treated after the
common manner of captives. The greatest attention
must be given to their religious instruction. Leniency
must be shown in collecting tributes, and those who
failed to pay must not be treated harshly. In fact,
measures of government should not be severe, beyond
what was necessary for the safety of the colony.

Thus far everything promised well ; but when the
ships, with their crews, were called for, there was a com-
plete stoppage of affairs. No longer, as in the previous
voyages, did all classes, from the lordly castle to the
cottage, press and crowd into the fleet, but more after
the manner of the first voyage out of Palos, men every-

i*t^vjfee(» & aw*M«H(WW«

^iei>jateaiwww ' < www ( i«MWiuy *Mwi fiw^^ x wi

NATIVES.

:xenipted from all pay-
f course, that he could
th of the profits, which

n aggrieved by the act
for discovery to any
lin conditions, a retrac-
ing which might be
i contrary to the privi-

thirty persons in royal
voyage, with the privi-
they could be paid out
was authorized to give
Dn them for four years,
cultivation of the same,
netals must be reserved

itives forgotten. The
: them treated after the
rhe greatest attention
instruction. Leniency
;ributes, and those who
ited harshly. In fact,
I not be severe, beyond
;y of the colony,
id well ; but when the
ed for, there was a com-
tiger, as in the previous
he lordly castle to the
tie fleet, but more after
>ut of Palos, men every-

CRIMINALS FOR THE COLONY.

325

where refused to go. Herculean labor, sickness, and
short rations, with a so-called severe government and
little or no gold— this combination of things was repel-
lent rather than attractive. Hence a measure was
resorted to at the suggestion of Columbus, according to
Las Casas, which was simply a method of instilling
blood-poison into the colony. The galleys, the mines,
and the prisons were relieved of their criminals, whose
sentences were commuted in order that they might
serve without pay for certain specified periods in the
New World. Those who had been sentenced to banish-
ment for life might thus become free in ten years.
Those under penalty for any term of years could earn
their freedom in half the time. Finally, a general par-
don was announced for all malefactors still abroad, if
they would consign themselves over to the Admiral
within a given time. Those who had merited death
might serve for two years ; lighter sinners might get
off with one year. But those guilty of heresy, treason,
murder, or certain other crimes named could not avail
themselves of this offer of freedom.

This baneful measure, more or less common among
nations in times gone by, could not fail to bring mis-
chief to the colony. Crossing the Atlantic would not
change the evil hearts of these criminals. The corrupt
tree transplanted in the New World would produce the
same corrupt fruit as at home, being only the more pro-
lific because of its greater freedom and more prosperous
circumstances. Nor could Columbus hope to have the
grievous perplexities of his government in the Indies
lessened by such a policy. And the better classes in
Spain would be all the more shy of this poverty-stricken

326

BITTER TRIALS OF COLUMBUS.

mosqiiito-laud, since now they would not only have to
live among savages and noxious insects, but also among
criminals, some of whom had even deserved to die at
home.

And still the voyage was delayed. The official
department of Indian affairs had been somewhat
changed. For some time Antonio de Torres had, to a
great extent, superseded Fonseca, but his demands had
become unreasonable and the latter had been reinstated.
New papers had to be made out, and the unfriendly
bishop does not seem to have hurried matters. Indeed,
it would seem that his agents, inspired by his animus,
did whatever they could to hinder and retard the
preparations. The Queen, too, was overwhelmed with
affliction in the death of her son. Prince Juan. Such
was her sympathy with the Admiral, however, and her
interest in the suffering colony, that she used money
laid by as the dov ei of her daughter Isabella, betrothed
to the King of Portugal, that she might send two ships
laden with provisions by Coronel early in 1498. And
it must have been some relief, in the midst of the
unpopularity and scorn manifested toward Columbus by
all parties, when she took into her own service as pages
his two sons, who had served as such to her deceased
son.

Now, at length, in the end of May, the squadron of
six ships is ready to sail under the command of the Ad-
miral. But his bitter trials are not yet over — they must
follow him even to the " water's edge." One Ximeno
Breviesco, accountant and minion of Fonseca, with " an
impudent front and an unbridled tongue," had been a
good mouth-piece for the enmity which seems to have been

'^fi SS i^ 'i Si i i^v imS i S i m - ni i imii a m^^& i ^^mS a ^^

OLUMBUS.

uld not only have to
sects, but also among
;n deserved to die at

layed. The official
ad been somewhat

de Torres had, to a
but his demands had
r had been reinstated.
, and the unfriendly
ied matters. Indeed,
ipired by his animus,
ider and retard the
as overwhelmed with

Prince Juan. Such
ral, however, and her
hat she used money
er Isabella, betrothed
might send two ships

early in 1498. And
n the midst of the
[ toward Columbus by

own service as pages

such to her deceased

day, the squadron of
I command of the Ad-
; yet over — they must
dge." One Ximeno
of Fonseca, with " an
tongue," had been a
Ich seems to have been

BRE VIESCO IS PUNISHED.

327

so rife in the office of Indian affairs. At the very last
moment, as the ships were about to weigh anchor, he
was on hand. Either on shore or on the Admiral's ship,
he assailed the latter with his insolence. It was the
drop which causes the cup to overflow. Unfortunately,
the self-restraint which seems to have held out till
now gave way in this last moment. Columbus knocked
Breviesco down and kicked him — kicked him more than
once— kicked him well, it is to be hoped, for he no
doubt richly deserved it.

But on the side of the Admiral it is much to be
regretted that he should have thus broken down, for Las
Casas tells us that this one act, more than all the com-
plaints and detractions of his enemies, did much to
injure the confidence of the King and Queen in his
government, and, in general, to confirm the reports so
assiduously circul? i c. as to his vindictive cruelty. The
measures soon aft . e for his humiliation are sup-
posed by the above Wx.ctr to have been facilitated, if not
suggested, by this incident ; although he deeply regretted
it and wrote to the sovereigns some time afterwards,
hoping, at least, to mitigate the effect of his unfortunate
paroxysm of passion.

•^

CHAPTER XV.

COLUMBUS'S THIRD VOYAGE.

t'<

'■A

ft.

(OLUMBUS sailed from San Liicar on his third
voyage May 30, 1498. With a new and

peculiar thought, he had mapped out a unique

route across the ocean, thus working, as heretofore, to a
definite plan. He believed there was a continent some-
where to the south, for when' he started homeward from
his recent voyage along the south shore of Cuba he
saw it bending down in that direction, and the Indians
had constantly been telling him of a great body of land
lying that way. Herrera thinks King John 11. of
Portugal had the same notion. Then Jayme Ferrer, a
distinguished lapidary and traveller, had informed him
by letter, at the order of the Queen, how he had ascer-
tained that the nearer one came to the equator and to
those regions where the people were black, the more
abundant would one find the most valuable articles of com-
merce — gold, drugs, spices, and precious stones. Co-
lumbus would keep well to the western outskirts of the
Canary Islands, especially since he suspected French
cruisers near the coast ; and, making the Cape Verde
Islands his starting point, he would follow the equator
to the continent in anticipation. Here he would find
those black men whom the Indians of Hayti had told
him once came to their island from the south and had
peculiar metallic heads to their javelins. Some of this
metal, which they had given him, had been assayed in

A FRENCH PRIVATEER.

329

/OYAGE.

ian Lucar on his third
With a new and
I mapped out a unique
ng, as heretofore, to a
was a continent some-
tarted homeward from
th shore of Cuba he
ction, and the Indians
if a great body of land
cs King John II. of
rhen Jayme Ferrer, a
,er, had informed him
en, how he had ascer-
; to the equator and to
were black, the more
'aluable articles of com-
precious stones. Co-
estern outskirts of the
he suspected French
iking the Cape Verde
lid follow the equator
Here he would find
ms of Hayti had told
om the south and had
avelins. Some of this
1, had been assayed in

Spain, and proved to be a mixture of gold, silver, and
copper. To ascertain the exact truth of all this would
be most interesting, and might well give point and pur-
pose to this third voyage. So, standing away to the
southwest, and thus escaping that French squadron
which might be playing off and on somewhere between
Cape St. Vincent and the Canaries, he touched
Porto Santo and Madeira to take in wood, water,
and supplies. Then he touched at Gomera, one of che
more western islands of the Canaries, and, finding
a French privateer with two Spanish prize ships, all of
which fled at his approach, he sent three of his ships
in pursuit. The fugitive squadron had such a start
that they could not be overtaken ; but one of the prizes,
having left six of the French crew behind in their haste,
was easily turned over to Columbus by the Spanish
prisoners on board. He delivered the ship to the cap-
tain and consigned the French prisoners to the gover-
nor of the inland, to be offered in exchange for six
Spanish prisoners held by the cruiser.^

June 2ist, just off the island of Ferro, the squadron
was divided, three ships hastening away to Hispaniola
with supplies, and three, connnanded by the Admiral,
going on to the Cape Verde Islands.

The three captains of the ships bound for Hayti are
worthy of notice. Alonzo Sanchez de Carvajal was
a man of worth ; Pedro de Arana was the brother of
Beatrix Henriquez, and the cousin of the unfortunate
commander of La Navidad ; Juan Antonio Colombo,
a man of rare judgment and ability, was a Genoese and
a relative of the Admiral. They were to command the

1 See Historia, by F. Columbus, cap. 65.

ti t am mi iiimsm i MU i mn

"T-

^3o THE ADMIRAL'S SQUADRON.

squadron, each a week at a time successively, the ship
in command bearing the signal-light. They must steer
for the new site of the colony, at the mouth of the
Ozema, in the newly discovered gold regions of Hayna,
on the south side of Hayti, for by this time the colony
would have its headquarters here. ^

The Admiral's squadron consisted of two merchant s
caravels and his own decked flag-ship of, perhaps, a
hundred tons burthen and requiring some three
fathoms of water. He was in no physical condition
for the arduous efforts and excitements of this im-
portant voyage. He had hoped to -find rest in Spam
but had been tried to the last degree by anxiety, gnef,
and vexation. Now, as he encountered the damp,
sultry weather of the tropics, he was on the very
verge of nervous prostration, and was soon down with
a most painful attack of the gout and a high fever.
But his mind remained unclouded, and he kept up his
reckonings and very interesting observations.

The foggy atmosphere and barren landscape of the
Cape Verde Islands when the ships arrived, June 27th,
had a most depressing effect on him and his crews.
The inhabitants looked sallow and morbid, "neither
sun nor star " was to be seen, and the goat's flesh
needed for provisioning his ships, and the cattle for
stocking Hispaniola, were hard to get, so, on July 5th,
he stood away to the southwest for the equinoctial
line. Adverse currents kept him for two days near
the Island del Fuego, the high volcanic summit of
which resembled, in the distance, a church with a tall
steeple. This was the last point of land which r.Aelted
away in the horizon.

and sc

extend

equato

of trad

The se

hot th

of the

the w"

shranl^

leaked

of the

remaii

that w

and s]

seeme<

to be 1

region

true t

overca

atmos;

combi:

the en

Coll

the so

He w

ning-i

Azore

reniar

there

The

HEAT UNDER THE EQUATOR.

331

ely, the ship
iy must steer
Louth of the
as of Hayiia,
le the colony

ro merchant's
jf, perhaps, a

some three
ical condition

of this im-
rest in Spain,
.nxiety, grief,
d the damp,
on the very
•on down with
[ a high fever,
le kept up his
dons.

idscape of the
ed, June 27th,
and his crews,
rbid, "neither
he goat's flesh

the cattle for
o, on July 5th,
he equinoctial
two days near
tiic summit of
irch with a tall
i which Incited

July 15th, he was in the 5th degree north latitude,
and so within that belt of almost dead calm which
extends for some ten degrees on either side of the
equator. This is caused by the converging currents
of trade-winds, on either side, neutralizing each other.
The sea was smooth as glass, and the air so scorching
hot that the tar dripped from the rigging ; " the seams
of the ships yawned ; the salt-meat became putrid ;
the wheat was parched as if with fire ; the hoops
shrank from the wine- and water-casks, some of which
leaked and others burst ; while the heat in the holds
of the vessels was so suffocating that no one could
remain below a sufficient time to prevent the damage
that was taking place. The mariners lost all strength
and spirits, and sank under the oppressive heat. It
seemed as if the old fable of the torrid zone was about
to be realized, and that they were approaching a fiery
region, where it would be impossible to exist. It is
true the heavens were for a great part of the time
overcast, and there were drizzling showers, but the
atmosphere was close and stifling, and there was that
combination of heat and moisture which relaxes all
the energies of the human frame.^

Columbus now changed his course, bearing away ta
the southwest, in order to escape the insufferable heat.
He was now approaching that mysterious line run-
ning-north and south one hundred leagues west of the
Azores, crossing which he invariably found such a
remarkable change in sea and sky and air, all nature
there becoming so much more mild and refreshing.
The present voyage was no exception.. He soon

1 Irving's Columbus, vol. ii, pp- 116, 117.

iaia8Bt»^aiWM»^gaa<i«Bei»wywiiw>r«Mtma^^

332

TRiyiDAD.

e,„e,«ed into .In. -""-""K --f^""- Jl"' ^'it
broke the sun shone, and a cool, inviKoratinR bree/e

fi led t sails. Cohunbus wonUl have '-" glad'"
have borne awav stiU farther to the south but the
ships were letting in the water throuRh the.r gaptng
selms the provisions were spoiling, and the water was
"el nigh exhansted. So he followed the fl.ght of
Wrds and other favorable indieations d.rectly to the

* mv after day passed, and yet no land met their
anlioL gaze along the horizon. The ere.vs becatne
Tpatlnt^and the' ships were tnrned -rth .« seareh
of the Caribbee islands. It is midday, on the .,ist
°f „1v and there is bnt one cask of water ,n each
Ihip when a sailor at the mast-head gives the joyfnl
^rvrf "Landl" Three monntain peaks peer above
ZL. Xs the ships approach, these nnite tn „^,e
solid monntain at the base. How sngges nve Co-
Uns had already <>ccided to name the: - - d d.^

?:i::^^^rl:.ZTasX:Vange coincidence
U hi t'riple-peaked monntain pointing heavenward!

21 ,^ sqnadron makes for the sontheastern extrenuty
:; the island, which looks so much hke a galley under
can that he names it Punta de la Galera.

He begTns the month of August by coasting along
the beautiful southern shore, with its groves of p^lms
sweeping down to the very edge of :he water. Here
troa"e delightful fountains and running streams.
If the shore? are low and uninhabited, there ar
sea terefhamlets aud signs of cultivation m many

I'he clouds
,ng bree/.e
:eii glad to
h, but the
leir gapiug
water was
le flight of
ctly to the

I met their
ews became
h ill search
Ml the 31st
ter in each
i the joyful

peer above
nite in one
sstive ! Co-
rst land dis-

the sacred
coincidence,
lieavenward
ill the crews,
:rn extremity
galley under

)asting along
ves of palms
vater. Here,
ling streams,
d, there are
ion in many

io«l«*«i«)J«J««?l».

234 TRACKS ON THE SHORE.

parts i)f the more elevated interior. They sail five
lca<^aies before they can find a safe harbor to careen
the'' ships. Bnt the climate is so delightful, every
thing is so fresh and green, and there is such a sweet
odor from off the land that the crews can only think
of " the delights of early spring in the beautiful
province of Valencia."

But the ships must have fresh water. So the boats
go ashore at a point named Punta de la Ploya, and
fill their casks at a silvery brook ; but there is no
harbor nor people, only tracks— of men and goats, as
they suppose, one of which animals— no doubt deer,
in which the island was afterwards found to abound—
they find dead. Very soon they see the shore on the
opposite side stretching away some twenty leagues—
the low land about the mouths of the Orinoco, their
first sight of the South American continent, but they
think it an island and call it La Isla Santa !

They must have sailed rapidly, for by the 2d of
August they were at the southwest point of Trinidad,
which Columbus named Point Arenal. A correspond-
ing point of the mainland stretched toward it, forming
a narrow pass, with a formidable rock in the centre.
Near here they cast anchor and meet a large canoe
with twenty-four or five Indians putting off from the
shore. At the distance of a bow-shot the Indians stop
and try to communicate, but no one can understand
them. The Spaniards get out their wares— glittering
trinkets, looking-glasses and basins of polished copper,
and elegant little hawk's bells. But the more they are
called so much the more do they suspect craft and
deceit, and gradually move backwards. For more than

A SHOWER OF ARROWS.

335

They sail five
irbor to careen
jliglitful, every
is such a sweet
an only think
the beautiful

. So the boats
; la Ploya, and
It there is no
ni and goats, as
-no doubt deer,
nd to abound —
he shore on the
^enty leagues —
e Orinoco, their
tinent, but they
ianta !

T by the 2d of
mt of Trinidad,
A correspond-
>ward it, forming
: in the centre.
;t a large canoe
ing off from the
the Indians stop

can understand
/ares — glittering

polished copper,
he more they are
aspect craft and
. For more than

two hours, paddles in hand, they stare, ready to be off
at any moment in case of approach. They are an exhi-
bition for an artist — beautifully formed young men,
naked as Apollo Belvidere, except a slight cotton turban
about the head, so bright and pretty that it reminded
Columbus of the Moorish head-dresses, and a party-
colored cloth of the same material about the loins.
They have bows, and their arrows are feathered and
tipped with bone, and their large wooden bucklers are
the first which have been found among the natives.

But gifts do not appeal strongly enough to the eye
of these savages to bring them near, therefore the
Admiral will try music and dancing — they are always
fond of dancing, especially to the sound of their rude
wooden drums. So he orders some of his ship-boj'S
onto the high poop of his ship, to dance, while one
sang to the stroke of the tabor and other musical
instruments. But this happens to be the wrong move.
The Indians mistake it for a signal of battle, and
*' in the twinkling of an eye " they have dropped their
paddles, adjusted bows and bucklers, and let fly their
arrows. The Spaniards discharge several of their
cross-bows, and the Indians beat a quick retreat. As
they run under the stern of one of the smaller ships
the pilot throws a cap and a mantle to the one who is
most prominent, and he makes signs for his benefactor
to follow them to the shore as they land. The pilot
went to the flag-ship to ask permission, and the
Indians, suspicious of danger, boarded their canoe and
"fled as swift as the wind." They were not seen
again.

But how to account for these charmingly formed

-•I* iiJ*i«.u.i»*«a(«<t«flMl9i«~»l.'Jwtoi*ea»SO» ,,.aMO««.tlN»<«*ft»tl*«4^.- >■<■ »^l«Kc«»liW>aA<-»U--.l>»»«a «i

336

A DEr.ldlTFUL CLIMATE.

yoiiiiK' men of such fair complexion— fairer tluin the
natives farther north, it would sccni, or the Spaniards
themselves, indeed— was a puzzle to Columbus. Was
he not in the seventh dcj^ree of latitude, as he sup-
posed ?— really in the tenth. Why, then, according to
Ferrer the lapidary, were not the people ill-.shapen and
black, with crisped hair ? These people had beautiful
straight hair, which, by the way, they did not braid,
as did the Indians of Cuba and Hispaniola. The
temperature, too, was unaccountable. In these dog-
days of the eciuator, the days even were refreshing,
and the nights and mornings were positively cool.
Indeed, the crews were in a state of delectation as they
went ashore in this salubrious climate, after their long
confinement at sea in the suffocating calms of the
torrid zone. It is true they can find no gurgling
springs or running water, but they sink pits in the
sand, and soon fill their casks.

But the Admiral is uneasy because of the bad
anchorage. A rapid current is constantly setting in
from the east like the torrents of a great river, remind-
ing him of the furious, swollen floods of the Guadal-
quivir. This would make any return of the fleet very
difficult; and the pass between the approaching points
of the mainland and Trinidad, about two leagues
across, which he names the Mouth of the Serpent, is
most dangerously forbidding. Here the current from
the east— the great Gulf Stream from the coast of
Africa— meets the outrushing floods of the Orinoco,
and forms tremendous breakers, thundering as if on
reefs and shoals of rocks. At a late hour of the night,
wakeful with pain and anxiously watching every

ircr than the
the Spaniards
unibus. Was
e, as he snp-
I, according to
iU-shajJcn and
had beautiful
lid not braid,
paniola. The
[n these dog-
re refreshing,
lositively cool,
ctation as they
fter their long
calms of the
no gurgling
;k pits in the

e of the bad
iitly setting in
; river, reniind-
of the Guadal-
■ the fleet very
oaching points
t two leagues
the Serpent, is
e current from
n the coast of
if the Orinoco,
lering as if on
iir of the night,
matching every

THE DJi AGON'S MOUTH.

$37

phenomenon in this new and strange part of the world,
he was startled by a most amazing manifestation of
the forces of nature. He says, " I heard an awful
roaring that came from the south towards the ship ; I
stopped to observe what it might be, and I saw the sea
rolling from west to east like a mountain as high as
the ship, and approaching by little and little ; on the
top of this rolling sea came a mighty wave roaring
with a frightful noise and the same terrific uproar as
the other currents, producing, as I have already said,
a sound as of breakers upon the rocks. To this day I
have a vivid recollection of the dread I then felt lest
the ship might founder under the force of that tremen-
dous sea ; but it passed by and reached the mouth of the
before-mentioned passage, where the uproar lasted for
a considerable time."

The nature of this tempest in the Dragon's Mouth
must be ascertained, so boats were sent the next morn-
ing to sound the pass and learn if these roaring
waters were breakers on rocks or opposing currents,
or what. On the return the pilot reported, to the great
joy of all, that the waters were deep, and that the
currents and eddies set in from both directions. As
the wind was favorable, the ships soon made trial of
the pass, and dropped safely into a large tranquil sea
on the other side. They followed the magnificent
curve of the western side of Trini4ad, the great and
unknown Gulf of Paria stretching away to the west.
Some one lasted the water, and great was their sur-
prise to find it almost as fresh and sweet as that of a
river. As they approached the northwest point of
Trinidad, about 14 leagues from Point Arenal, a moun-

rtiifii<«.ai«>>«si*«««^».sw*Mfc'»***Kiiai^^

338

A BEAUTIFUL COAST.

tainoiis point loomed up just a little to the west. It
was the long, narrow stretch of the mainland which
bounds the Gulf of Paria on the north. Here, between
this point in the west and the northeastern end of
Trinidad, the currents met again, forming a more
dangerous strait than the Mouth of the Serpent, since
it contained great rocky islands. So the Admiral
called it the Mouth of the Dragon.

This he did not wish to encounter. Sailing, there-
fore, toward the west, on Sunday of August 5th he
concluded to pass this supposed island, which he named
Gracia, at the west end, and sail directly north for
Hispaniola. How intensely the crews must have been
charmed with the salubrious climate and the entranc-
ing mountainous landscape. All along, the coast was
indented with excellent harbors. Stately forests
crowned the immense elevations of hill and plain, and
there were numerous streams of water. In many
places there was more or less cultivation, and the most
luscious fruits grew wild in abundance. Two things
particularly surprised the Admiral — the delightful
placidity and the increasing freshness of the sea.

How desirous he was of meeting the inhabitants of
these parts. But everywhere they eluded him. Au-
gust 6th, they entered a harbor. Here were signs of
cultivation, and the boats were sent ashore ; but the
inhabitants had fled. There were recent signs enough
of human habitation, but all was deserted and silent.
But there were many monkeys climbing and chatter-
ing in those beautiful and fruitful groves on the moun-
tain sides.

The)'^ continued toward the west, and, finding the

IT.

". to the west. It
mainland which

. Here, between

theastern end of
forming a more

he Serpent, since
So the Admiral

•. Sailing, there-
of August 5th he
1, which he named
directly north for
vs must have been

and the entranc-

ong, the coast was

Stately forests

hill and plain, and

water. In many
ition, and the most
ince. Two things
•al — the delightful
of the sea.
the inhabitants of
eluded him. Au-
lere were signs of
nt ashore ; but the
ecent signs enough
eserted and silent,
inbing and chatter-
;roves on the moun-

5t, and, finding the

THE NATIVES.

339

country more level, anchored in the mouth of a river.
Here a canoe with some three Indians came off to
meet them. As they approached the nearest caravel,
the captain made as if he would go to land with them,
but jumped on their canoe in such a way as to upset
it, and the natives, being precipitated into the water,
were captured before they could escape. Taken to
the Admiral's ship, they were treated to beads, hawk's
bells, and sugar. They were delighted, and went
ashore to attract their acquaintances. Other canoes
now approached the ships. The natives were tall,
comely, and graceful as wild animals in their move-
ments. They had bows and arrows and targets. The
men, as heretofore, had bright-colored cotton cloths
around the head and loins, the colors being so delicate
as to resemble silk in the distance. The women were
entirely naked. They brought provisions of the kinds
common to the natives, but they also brought delicious
drinks, resembling beer and wine. Why do they
smell of everything — even the boat, the people, and
pieces of brass ? This is their way of examining and
testing things. They care but little for beads, but are
delighted with those tinkling hawk's bells. They are
also charmed with brass ; and, holding it to their noses,
call it turey — that is, " from heaven."

From these Indians Columbus understood that the
name of their country was Paria, and that farther to
the west he would find it more populous. Taking
several of them to serve as guides and mediators, he
proceeded eight leagues westward to a point which he
called Aguja, or the Needle. Here he arrived at three
o'clock in the morning. When the day dawned he

.-<s«»»>swK*s^*^*^«**»*>**a«*^i^*>'^^ '- "

;.Af>*..'i^3?^*U,'-■v*,^*^«««w«aWwl*«^^

GOLD AND PEARLS.
34°

was deliEhted with the beauty of the coutitry. It was
activated in many places, highly populous, and
Tdo led with magnificent vegetation ; J.ab.tat.o- were
interspersed among groves laden wtth frmU and flow-
ers • grape-vines entwined themselves among the trees
and birds of brilliant plumage fluttered among the
branches. The air was temperate and bland and
sweetened by the fragrance of flowers and blossoms
anlnumeron's fountains and limpid streams kept up a
tmiversal verdure and freshness. Columbus was so
n,uch charmed with the beauty and amemty of th^s
nart of the coast that he gave .t the name of The
G^dens."' What a tour this would have been for a

"X" I'e shores teemed with the canoes of the
narivrs-canoes much superior to any they had ye
seen-larger, lighter, and with a sort of cabin m tU
x^'ddle The natives, who urged the Adm.ral in the
Tame of their cacique to come to land, were qmte
hfgWy ornamented. They had about the.r necks tn
coflars and burnished plates, considerable gold of a
hj: poor quality, which could be found among th
hills not far away. Other ornaments of the same
metaUhey had. One Indian had a mass as big as an
rnle But what have those females for garlands on
?het heads, necklaces, and bracelets? Nothing less
han pearls and they show the Spaniards the shells-
mother ot-parl-from which these have been uken^
Peter Martyr says that these Indian women had
petr s in such great abundance that the Spanish
Cmen ' VplaAd^riumphsh^^

ilrving's Columbus, vol. ii. p. »a7'

^Aiuili wJiii^n >>■

AN INDIAN ENTERTAINMENT.

341

ty. It was
ulous, and
itions were
s and flow-
gthe trees,
among the
bland and
d blossoms,
IS kept up a
bus was so
enity of this
neof "The
; been for a

Luoes of the
hey had yet
cabin in the
Imiral in the
, were quite
eir necks, in
»le gold of a
d among the
of the same
3 as big as an
r garlands on
Nothing less
s the shells—
5 been taken,
women had
the Spanish
greater plenty

of stones of glass and crystal in their garlands,
crowns, girdles, and such other tirements. Being asked
where they gathered them, they pointed to the next
shore by the sea-banks. They signified, also, by cer-
tain scornful gestures which they made with their
mouths and hands, that they nothing esteemed pearls.
Taking, also, baskets in their hands, they made signs
that the same might be filled with them in shorl

space."

This so excited Columbus and his crews that he sent
boats ashore to gather information, and also to get
pearls to be sent to Spain. Now, not only the multi-
tude, which Peter Martyr says "came flocking to
them by heaps, but also the cacique and his son came
to greet the strangers just come down from heaven.
They brought them into the large house of the
cacique— not built in the round, wigwam sLyle, so com-
mon among the natives, but having a front and ends—
fa9ades— quite architectural and large for that coun-
try—and having seated them on stools of ebony, finely
carved, gave them bread, the most luscious fruits, and
their native beers and wines, both white and red.^
During this entertainment the women were in one end
of the house and the men in the other, in the manner
of a meeting of the Friends. The strangers are next
taken to the house of the cacique's son and feasted

again. « /

These people made a most unique impression on the
Spaniards, they were so aflfable, so martial in their

•Columbus takes pains to say that these wines were " not made of grapes,
but apparently produced from different fruits. The most reasonable infer-
ence is that they use maize."

i*av.**«;*ta"i^*- .^.•wf*'-

HOW PEARLS GJiOWt

342

bearing, so keen-eyed and intelligent, so unlike the
coarse black people Columbus expected to find here,
almost under the equator. They brought presents,
as everywhere else; parrots of vanous colors some
large as comestic fowls. They also brought the
much-coveted pearls, which they read.ly exchanged
for hawk's bells and brass. The finest of the pea Is
were selected to be sent to the sovereigns of Spain_
When they were questioned as to where they found
these pearls with which nearly all the women were so
finely ornamented, "they Poir*^ "? «"'".° "°'^;
tains" says Peter Martyr, " seeming with their
countenances to dissuade our men from «»»/ Either ;
for putting their arms in their mouths, and gnnn.ng
as though they bit the same, still pointing to the
mountains, they seemed to insinuate that men were
eaten there, but -vhether they meant by cannibals or
wild beasts our men could not perceive."

" They took it exceedingly grievously,' says the
same author, " that they could neither understand our
mTn nor oilr men them." Perhaps no intercourse
between the Spaniards and natives wa^ ever more novel
and pleasing than this. But Columbus is desirous of
getting around the western end of this supposed
fsland called Gracia, so he sails away, dreaming
a^ut ^rU, accordiW to the habit of his quick
imarination. Did not Pliny say that pearls were
g"nfrated from drops of dew which fell into the open
mouths of oysters ? This country had an abundance
Jdlw, and 'oysters so abundant that a branch lying
in the water would become laden with them, and the
mangrove trees growing along the shore and laving

*Mwi «m»i*! > "^rtj ii to m» M

SUFFERINGS OF THE ADMIRAL.

343

unlike the
o find here,
it presents,
:olors, some
rought the

exchanged
' the pearls
as of Spain,
i they found
men were so
rtain moun-

with their
)ing thither;
md grinning
nting to the
at men were

cannibals or

iy," says the
iderstand our
o intercourse
er more novel
is desirous of
[lis supposed
ly, dreaming
■A his quick
pearls were
into the open
an abundance
L branch lying
them, and the
ore and laving

their boughs in the tranquil waters would soon be
clustered with them. Las Casas, commenting on
these flights of fancy in the Admiral, notices that
these oysters dwelling in shallow waters do not produce
pearls ; but that this valuable kind, " by a natural
instinct, as if conscious of their precious charge, hide
themselves in the deepest waters."^

About the loth of August the crews discerned
points of the mainland to the west of the Gulf of
Paria, and thought they were now nearing an outlet
between islands. But the water became so shallow
that the flag-ship, drawing three fathoms, could
venture no further. A light caravel was sent on to
find the supposed outlet, but it returned the next day
reporting simply gulfs and mouths of rivers with an
abundance of fresh water. There was no choice of
way. The fleet must go back and out at the Mouth
of the Dragon. Nor could there be any delay, much
as he might desire to explore this promising region,
for his sea-stores were failing and the supplies for
Hayti were in danger of damaging. His gout, too, was
insufferable, and the accustomed inflammation of his
eyes had become so serious with constant watching and
loss of sleep that he writes, " never were my eyes so
much affected with bleeding or so painful as at this
period." There was even danger of a repetition of the
entire nervous prostration experienced on his return
from the south of Cuba. -

The sails were spread for the Mouth of the Dragon on
the nth of August, and the fleet was borne along so
rapidly by the currents of fresh water on their way to

>La8 Casas, Hist. Ind., cap. 136.

^j^,j^iaj^v.;r<=aa»>**<*^**w^«'^»«**^»****^*^ *

S-

A DIFFICUL T PA SS.

344

the sea that by Sunday, the 13th, they cast anchor
near the outlet, in a fair harbor, the neighborhood of
which so abounded with monkeys that he named it
after them-Puerto de Gatos. Here were mangroves
loaded with oysters, their mouths being open to catch
the dew 1 The pass of the Mouth of the Dragon, some
five leagues across, would have been wide enough, had
it not been for the islands which blocked its current and
increased the stupendous billows which, contending
with each other, threatened to engulf his frail ships.
Were these angry waves breakers on shoals of rock, or
were they simply the commotion of immense currents
opposed to each other-the fresh water struggling to get
cut and the ocean contending to come in ? There was
neither pilot nor chart to guide these first ships of dis-
covery. Columbus, having studied the situation and the
action of the waters carefully, concluded to make trial
of the passage, especially as a fresh breeze was now
favorable. The wind died away, however, while he was
vet in the tempest of the straits, but he was safely
carried through by the sweeping currents into the open
sea beyond. The Admiral, with his usual skill in
observation, now conjectured that the currents and the
overwhelming mountains of water which rushed into
these straits with such an awful roaring arose from the
contest between the fresh water and the sea. The fresh
water struggled with the salt to oppose its entrance, and
the salt contended against the fresh in its efforts to gain

a passage into the gulf. . , , j 1 -^

Still conceiving this point to be an island, and skirt-
ing it to the west, he expected to find a gulf of pearis at
its western end. Passing a number of islands and many

cast anchor
jhborhood of
le named it
; mangroves
jen to catch
)ragon, some
enough, had
5 current and
, contending
5 frail ships.
Is of rock, or
ense currents
igglingtoget
? There was
ships of dis-
lation and the
to make trial
;eze was now
, while he was
le was safely
into the open
isual skill in
rrents and the
1 rushed into
arose from the
ea. The fresh
3 entrance, and
J efforts to gain

and, and skirt-
ulf of pearls at
ands and many

DISS A TISFA CTION ABOUT PEARL S. 345

fine harbors, on the 15th he came upon the islands Cu-
bagua and Margarita. Here he found a number of
Indians fishing for pearls. These fled, and a boat
being sent in pursuit of them, there was noticed a
female with many strings of pearls about her neck.
One of the sailors having a porcelain plate painted in
gaudy colors, broke it in pieces, and succeeded in bar-
tering it away for quite a number of the much-coveted
ornaments. The Admiral then sent a number of pretty
plates on shore, and also hawk's bells, which were
readily taken in exchange for about three pounds of
pearls, some of which, being quite large, were sent to the
King and Queen of Spain. Bernaldez says that when
he " discovered the Pearl Islands he would allow the
men to keep nothing for themselves, except a trifle as a
specimen. This produced great dissatisfaction among
the sailors, because he had told them that whatever
God should give them or throw in their way he would
share with them; whereas he now said that the King
and Queen had sent them on this voyage to make dis-
coveries, and not to enrich themselves." This only
shows that new conditions had arisen, and that the Ad-
miral had grown wiser since the making of the above
promise, which probably occurred on the first voyage.

Great was the temptation to explore these regions
still further, for the natives mentioned other places
in the vicinity which they said ^bounded in pearls.
And that magnificent range of mountains stretching
westward along the coast of Paria as far as one could
see !— might it not be a part of the mainland of Asia ?
But the time was come to return to Hispaniola. His
presence was greatly needed there, and he was well-

346

A GREAT CONTINENT.

nigh exhausted by the hardships of his voyage. His
eyes were now so diseased that he was obliged to give
up all observations, even the ordinary lookout hav-
ing to be entrusted to his pilots.

But if the external vision was closed almost to total
blindness, reflection and deductive reasoning were
active. His recent observations, so novel and so pro-
foundly impressive, in this hitherto undiscovered part
of the world, were extremely suggestive and furnished
material for several very remarkable conceptions and
generalization s.

First. The immense torrents of fresh water rushing
into the Gulf of Paria indicated a continent of incalcu-
lable extent to the west and south. It must be that
most of the land he had seen about that body of water
was in some way connected, the shore to the west of
Margarita trending away immeasurably to the west, and
the land to the west of the Mouth of the Serpent run-
ning south beyond the equator, and so including an
immense unexplored territory of the most precious com-
modities, such as Ferrer had located along the equator.
So the old writers, Aristotle, Seneca, St. Augustin, and
Cardin.\l Aliaco, must be correct in supposing the
greater part of the globe to be land— perhaps six parts
out of seven, as Esdras of the Apocrypha had said.
Who could tell what benignant stars might shine on
this boundless, unknown continent? Happy he who
should open up its treasures to the cinlized world !

These stupendous ocean currents— compared lyith
which earth's mightiest rivers are but rivulets— taking,
by some mysterious forces, a well-defined course through
the great seas— especially that great equatorial current

«»i«WUI»»'U*ll>lllii'-"".VII»»M»'*J—'-"' «'."l»l»" •

OCEAN CURRENTS,

347

yage. His
ged to give
okout hav-

lost to total
miiig were
and so pro-
overed part
id furnished
eptions and

ater rushing
t of incalcu-
lust be that
Ddy of water

the west of
Lhe west, and
Serpent run-
ncluding an
)recious com-

the equator,
.ugustin, and
iipposing the
laps six parts
ha had said,
ight shine on
appy he who
id world !
impared with
ilets — taking,
3urse through
torial current

— were they not sculptors of the landscape, cutting off
portions of the mainland, and thus fringing the conti-
nents with islands ? Else why do these islands invari-
ably lie lengthwise with the currents ? What a reve-
lation to him would have been the earth's grand sys-
tem of ocean currents as we now understand them I But
more wonderful still would have been his supposed great
continent to the west and south, as well as all the con-
tinental lands and the islands of that half of the globe
discovered by his wonderful genius, courage, and
energy !

But we must not fail to notice still another striking
conception, which, however much the learned of to-day
may ridicule it, was by no means a stupid generaliza-
tion, if we consider how little was then known of the
shape and contents of the earth. The facts in nature
which he co-ordinated all lent themselves readily
enough to his hypothesis as to the form of the earth's
surface in the absence of that knowledge of other facts
which have since corrected it. Is it too much to say
that deductions far more absurd have been made by
philosophical speculators of the greatest authority in
our own day ?

"I have always read," he says, "that the world
comprising the land and the water was spherical, and
the recorded experiences of Ptolemy and all others
have proved this by the eclipses of the moon, and
other observations made from east to west, as well as
by the elevation of the pole from north to south. But,
as I have already described, I have now seen so much
irregularity that I have come to another conclusion
respecting the earth, namely, that it is not round as

ijimiiji '.I ii"i ""I iT'T'"

3^8 r//E EARTH PEAR-SHAPED,

they describe, but of the form of a pear, which is very
round except where the stalk grows, at which part it
is most prominent ; or like a round ball, upon one
part of which is a prominence like a woman's nipple,
this protrusion being the highest and nearest the sky,
situated under the equinoctial line, and at the eastern
extremity of the sea— I call that the eastern extremity
where the land and the islands end. In confirmation
of my opinion, I refer to the arguments which I have
above detailed respecting the line which passes from
north to south a hundred degrees west of the Azores ;
for in sailing thence westward the ships went on ris-
ing smoothly towards the sky, and then the weather
was felt to be milder, on account of which mildness
the needle shifted one point of the compass; the
further we went the more the needle moved to the
northwest, this elevation producing the variation of
the circle which the North star describes with its
satellites, and the nearer I approached the equinoctial
line the more they rose and the greater was the
difference in these stars and in their circles. Ptolemy
and the other philosophers who have written upon the
globe thought that it was spherical, believing that
This hemisphere was round as well as that in which
they themselves dwelt, the centre of which was in the
island of Arin,^ which is under the equinoctial line
between the A;abian Gulf and the Gulf of Persia; and
the circle pa^s over Cape^.^^incent^m_Portugal,

■ T'- i^na" saTs^M^, "not infrequent in those days, for the

J^aM^JTro, IndTir o" im'o, On<rtn. ,. M..W.. .h.ne. ... Ud....
reckoned their first meridian."

SSggawi«i^v-Sr«ea<,»»*««M«««^^

hich is very
hich part it
il, upon one
lan's nipple,
rest the sky,
; the eastern
rn extremity
confirmation
vhich I have
passes from
the Azores;
went on ris-
the weather
ich mildness
ompass ; the
tioved to the
variation of
ibes with its
le equinoctial
Iter was the
,es. Ptolemy
itten upon the
lelieving that
that in which
ch was in the
uinoctial line,
)f Persia ; and
, in Portugal,

those days, for the
whence the Indians

THE PROOF OF THE PEAR-SHAPE. 349

westward, and eastward by Cangara and the vSeras,* in
which hemisphere I make no difficulty as to its being
a perfect sphere as they describe ; but this western
half of the world, I maintain, is like the half of a very
round pear, having a raised projection foi the stalk, as
I have already described, or like a woman's nipple on
a very round ball. Ptolemy and the others who have
written upon the globe had no information respecting
this part of the world, which was then unexplored ;
they only established their arguments with respect to
their own hemisphere, which, as I have already said,
is half of a perfect sphere. And now that your High-
nesses have commissioned me to make this voyage of
discovery, the truths which I have stated are evidently
proved, because in this voyage, when r was off the
island of Margin' and its vicinity, which is twenty
degrees to the north of the equinoctial line, I found
the people are black, and the land very much burnt ;
and when, after that, I went to the Cape Verde Islands,
I found the people there much darker still, and the
more southward we went the more they approach the
extreme of blackness ; so that when I reached the
parallel of Sierra Leone, where, as night came on, the
North star rose five degrees, the people there were
excessively black ; and as I sailed westward the heat
became extreme. But, after I had passed the meridian
or line which I have already described, I found the
climate become gradually more temperate; so that
when I reached the island of Trinidad, where the
North star rose five degrees as night came on, there
and in the land of Gracia I found the temperature

ijapan and China. »Arguin, west of Africa.

350

A MESS/: NO BR TO DON liARTHOLOMEW,

«*■■

excccdiiiK'ly mild ; the fields and the foliage likewise
were remarkably fresh and green, ; nd as beantiful as
the gardens of Valencia in April. The people there
are very gractfnl in form, less dark than those whom
I had before seen in the Indies, and wear their hair
long and smooth ; they are also more shrewd, intelli-
gent and conrageons. The snn was then in the sign
of Virgo, over onr heads and theirs ; therefore all this
mnst proceed from the extreme blandness of the tem-
peratnre, which arises, as I have said, from this coun-
try being the most elevated in the world, and the
nearest to the sky.'"

On the 19th of August the Admiral's ships reached
Hispaniola, fifty leagues west of the new port at the
mouth of the Ozema. The strong currents, of which
he had not yet learned the full force, had carried hira
far out of his intended course during the less watch-
ful hours of the night. It was impossible to conjecture
how much these currents might retard his sailing east-
ward ; so he landed in order to find a messenger, who
-might carry a letter to the adelantado by land, thus
advising the latter of his safe arrival. At once Bar-
tholomew started in a caravel to meet the Admiral.

Meanwhile the latter was not a little uneasy, for he
had seen a native carrying a cross-bow. This was not
an article to be sold or given away by the Spaniards.
Might it not indicate some calamity like that of La
Navidad ? In order to form some conception of the
intelligence which Bartholomew was to bring the
Admiral, let us go back a few years and learn the
fortunes of the adelantado in governing the colony.

'Letter to Ferdinand «nd Isabella, deicribing hi» third voyage. See
Select Letters of Christopher Columbus, by R. H. Major.

OLO.\fEW.

ige likewise
beautiful as
people there
those whom
r their hair
•ewd, intelli-

in the sign
fore all this

of the tem-
n this coun-
rld, and the

lips reached
port at the
its, of which
carried hira
; less watch-
to conjecture
sailing east-
ssenger, who
ly land, thus
\t once Bar-
Admiral,
leasy, for he
rhis was not
e Spaniards.
; that of La
ption of the
o bring the
ad learn the
le colony.

lird voyage. See

CHAPTER XVI.

THE ADELANTADO AND KOLDAN.

ARTHOLOMEW COLUMBUS was a man of
great resolution and energy. As soon as

the Admiral had departed for Spain, in

March, 1496, placing his brother Diego over the affairs
of Isabella, he mustered a force of over four hundred
men, and marched to the south side of the island in
order to develop the gold-mines of Hayna— the sup-
posed Ophir of Solomon. On a site abounding in ore
he built a fort named San Christoval ; but the work-
men, on account of the golden grains which gleamed
in the rocks and in the sands, called it the Golden

Tower.

In three months this large force had erected the
fortress and gotten the mining and purifying of the
ore under way. But so many men could not be easily
supported in the wilderness, especially in such a moun-
tainous country. Nor did the natives any longer bring
their fish, fruits, and cassava-bread ; for by this time
some doubt had arisen in their minds as to the heavenly
origin of these men— so cruel, so licentious, so eager
for gold. Bartholomew, therefore, left but ten men to
guard the fortress, with a dog to catch the little rat-
hke utia ; and taking the four hundred into the neigh-
borhood qf Fort Conception, in the Vega Real, he
called on the cacique, Guarionex, for supplies while he
collected tribute. A generous man this Indian poten-

jt^e^^si&^t^m*'

'1 i
■i-'ii

352 SHIPS WITH SUPPLIES ARRIVE.

tate must have been, to feed this multitude of foreign-
ers, with such capacious stomachs, and pay tax at the

same time. _ • t 1

But in the course of a month— some time m jUly—
Niflo arrived from Spain with his three ship-loads of
men and supplies. As was generally the case in cross-
ing the Atlantic, much of the provisions had spoiled,
and thus the colony failed to receive the full measure
of relief it so greatly needed ; for, after nearly five
years of colonial life in this genial climate, in this
land of great and quick resources, hunger still pre-

vailed. , , 11.^

These ships, it will be remembered, brought letters
from the Admiral— letters written under the sharp
impulses received when coming in contact with the
unhappy public sentiment in Spain. Two points
needed immediate attention— the gold-mines at Hayna,
must be developed, and such of the native rulers and
their subjects as had been involved in the death of
the Spaniards— for so the theologians had decided-
might be sent to Spain as slaves. At once three hun-
dred of these poor unfortunates passed over the gang-
ways into the ship, to be delivered as " gold in bars "
on reaching the home slave-market, and, with a new sup-
ply of provisions, the adelantado set out for the mouth
of the Ozema, by way of San Christoval. " They
aFirm this river," says Peter Martyr, " to have many
benefits of nature; for, wheresoever it runneth, all
things are exceedingly pleasant and fruitful, having
on every side groves of date trees and divers other of
the island fruits so plentifully that, as they sailed along
by the shore, oftentimes the branches thereof, laden

'y^h

■iiUw!wa»R«wwai5ian«9^

RRIVE.

:itude of foreign-
d pay tax at the

le time in July —
iree ship-loads of
the case in cross-
ons had spoiled,
the full measure
after nearly five
i climate, in this
biunger still pre-

1, brought letters
under the sharp
contact with the
in. Two points
l-mines at Hayna,
native rulers and
L in the death of
as had decided —
.t once three hun-
ed over the gang-
is " gold in bars "
id, with a new sup-
out for the mouth
iristoval. " They
r, " to have many
er it runneth, all
id fruitful, having
nd divers other of
s they sailed along
hes thereof, laden

THE NE W CITY,

353

with flowers and fruits, hung so over their heads that
they might pluck them with their hands."

Here, at the mouth of the Ozema, wa^ a natural
haven, with a fine entrance, deep water, and a good
bottom to hold the anchor. On tbe eastern side, there-
fore, he located his sea-port, San Domingo ;^ for here
was pure water, an abundance of fish, and a fertile
country. The site must have been well chosen, for,
after four hundred years, the city is still flourishing as
the capital of a republic. The female cacique of this
locality, bride gf Miguel Diaz, who had invited the
white men to locate here, gave them a cordial recep-
tion, and ever proved faithful to her promises.

The first building, a fortress, was soon completed ;
and the adelantado, leaving twenty men as a garrison,
took his large force into Zaragua, the most western
province of the island, in order to adjust the tribute to
be levied on the cacique, Behechio, and his subjects,
that province not yet having beer consulted on this
important matter.

This was a most beautiful and fertile region, and
the inhabitants were noted for their fine physique,
intelligence, and graceful manners. "With this
cacique resided Anacaona, widow of the late formida-
ble Caonabo. She was sister to Behechio, and had
taken refuge with her brother after the capture of her
husband. She was one of the most beautiful females
of the island ; her name in the Indian language signi-
fied ' The Golden Flower.' " She " possessed a genius
superior to the generality of her race, and was said to
excel in composing those little legendary ballads, or

1 This city was first called Nueva Isabella— New Isabella.

».'

*;ii

354

ANACAONA.

'it'

i
ii

areytos, which the natives chanted as they performed
their national dances. All the Spanish writers agree
in describing her as possessing a natural dignity and
grace hardly to be credited in her ignorant and savage:
condition. Notwithstanding the ruin with which her
husband had been overwhelmed by the hostility of the
white men, she appears to have entertained no vindic-
tive feelings toward them, knowing that he had pro-
voked their vengeance by his own voluntary warfare.
She regarded the Spaniards with admiration, as almost
superhuman beings, and her intelligent mind per-
ceived the futility and impolicy of any attempt to
resist their superiority in arts and arms. Having
great influence over her brother Behechio, she coun-
selled him to take warning by the fate of her husband
and to conciliate the friendship of the Spaniards ; and
it is supposed that a knowledge of the friendly senti-
ments and powerful influences of this princess in a
great measure prompted the adelantado to his present
expedition."^

Irving has posed this Indian queen so gracefully
that we could not refrain from quoting him. We will
now quote Peter Martyr, as translated by Eden — all
but the old style of spelling— as to the appearance of
the adelantado and his men in Zaragua, after collect-
ing tribute on their way, and cutting down the great
Brazil trees and storing them. " When the king had
espied our men, laying apart his weapons'* and giving

»Irving'8 Columbus, vol. 2, pp. 152, 153.

•The cacique had come out with a great army equipped with bows and
arrows and club-like lances ; but the military array of the Spaniards— their
cavalry in front, followed by the infantry, all marching to the sound of drum
and trumpet — had quite daunted him.

signs of

whether i

them wha

that he si

in the n

whom he

whereas i

forth golc

nation en

for gold.

that we s

he might

dered or

that youi

pini cott

desire yo

words he

him as n

When

chio's h<

thirty w<

bines, be

singing

that thei

gossamp

hanging

forehead;

affirm tl

parts of

well pro

brown.

beautiful

8 8!- jaaswaaiSSiasgaiWy

ARRANGING THE TAX.

355

' performed
iters agree
iignity and
and savag(:

which her
ility of the
[ no vindic-
le had pro-
try warfare.
1, as almost

mind per-
attempt to
s. Having
), she coun-
ler husband
niards ; and
endly senti-
incess in a

his present

) gracefully
n. We will
y Eden — all
ppearance of
after collect-
srn the great
lie king had
' and giving

sd with bows and
Spaniards — their
le sound of drum

signs of peace, he spoke gently to them (uncertain
whether it were humanity or fear), and demanded of
them what they would have. The lieutenant answered
that he should pay tribute to the Admiral, his brother,
in the name of the Christian King of Spain. To
whom he said, ' How can you require that of me,
whereas never a region under my dominion bringeth
forth gold ?' For he had heard that there was a strange
nation entered into the island, which made great search
for gold. The lieutenant answered again, ' God forbid
that we should enjoin any man to pay such tiibute as
he might not easily forbear, or such as were not engen-
dered or growing in the region ; but we understand
that your regions bring forth great plenty cf gossam-
pin^ cotton and hemp, with such other, whereof we
desire you to give us part.' When he heard these
words he promised, with cheerful countenance, to give
him as much of these as he would require."

When Bartholomew and his men approached Behe-
chio's house, " first, there met him a company of
thirty women, being all the king's wives and concu-
bines, bearing in their hands branches of date trees,
singing and dancing. They were all naked, saving
that their privy parts were covered with bunches of
gossampine cotton ; but the virgins, having their hair
hanging down about their shoulders, tied about their
foreheads with a fillet, were utterly naked. They
affirm that their faces, breasts, paps, hands, and other
parts of their bodies were exceedingly smooth and
well proportioned, but somewhat inclining to a lovely
brown. They supposed that they had seen those most
beautiful dryads or the native nymphs or fairies of

356

INDIAN AMUSEMENTS.

H/.l-

it -' '
'■; 'i ,

>^\

the fountains whereof t/.e antiques speak so much.
The branches of date trees which they bore m the right
hands when they danced they delivered to the lieu-
tenant, with lowly courtesy and smiling countenance.
Thus entering into the king's house, they found a
delicate supper prepared for them, after their manner.
When they were all refreshed with meat, the night
drawing on, they were brought by the king's officers,
every man to his lodging, according to his degree, m
certain of their houses about the palace, where they
rested them in hanging beds, after the manner of the

country."

But the entertainment is not yet over. The day
following," says the same author, " they brought our
men to the common hall, into the which they come
together as often as they make any notable games or
triumphs, as we have said before. Here, after many
dancings, singings, maskings, runnings, wrestlings,
and other tryings of masteries, suddenly there appeared,
in a large plain near unto the hall, two great armies
of men of war, which the king for his pastime had
caused to be prepared, as the Spaniards use the play
with reeds, which they call Juga de Canias. As the
armies drew near together they assailed the one the
other as fiercely as if mortal enemies, with their ban-
ners spread, should fight for their goods, their lands,
their lives, their liberty, their country, their wives and
their children, so that within the moment of an hour
four men were slain and many wounded. The battle
also should have continued longer if the king had
not, at the request of our men, caused it to cease."
When Don Bartholomew returned to Isabella, at the

end of sur

ble condit

Spain had

the spring

settlement

natives ha

the neighl

their aid.

cultivatioi

mate was

pearls, sp:

gold-mine

Everybod

those in h

complaint

of Spain

governme

the harb(

might wi;

of their ;

of the oc

might in

inexp'^rie

Evider

arouse tl

ordered 1

line of fo

was com

of servic

as well a

they mi

provisioi

^ gf£iv m (' m >- ' V'' mi\%0 S ffx ir^'

,^g^5g^gggj^a^^^g^gBt^»W»(»««««

CONDITION OF THE COLONY.

357

Ic so much,
in the right
to the lieu-
ountenance.
ley found a
eir manner.
t, the night
ig's officers,
s degree, in
where they
inner of the

"The day
brought our
h they come
)le games or
, after many
, wrestlings,
ere appeared,
great armies
pastime had
ise the play
ias. As the

the one the
th their ban-
;, their lands,
eir wives and
t of an hour
, The battle
;he king had
to cease."
jabella, at the

end of summer, he found the colony in a most misera-
ble condition. The supplies recently brought from
Spain had been exhausted ; the golden opportunity of
the spring had been neglected, and, after a five years
settlement, there was no adequate crop; and the
natives had been so outraged that they had abandoned
the neighborhood, and thus deprived the white men of
their aid. No one had the sagacity to see that the
cultivation of so rich a soil i. such a stimulating cli-
mate was a surer source of v ealth than hunting for
pearis, spices, and gold. For want of supplies the
gold-mines, too, at Hayna were still undeveloped.
Everybody was repining. The sick had no medicine,
those in health had no bread, and all were loud in their
complaints against Columbus for tarrying at the court
of Spain while they languished, forgotten even by the
government. There was not so much as a vessel in
the harbor to take them home, however much they
might wish to go— no way of bearing the intelligence
of their sufferings to their friends on the other side
of the ocean seas. Here was a state of affairs which
might indeed tax the ingenuity and the skill of an
inexp-^rienced ruler over a strange people.

Evidently there must be some outlook of hope to
arouse these people. Two caravels, therefore, were
ordered to be built for the use of the colony. The
line of fortresses between Isabella and San Domingo
was completed and garrisoned, and those too ill to be
of service were quartered in the hamlets about them,
as well as in other parts of the interior, in order that
they might enjoy a better climate and secure some
provisions from the natives. Those left behind were

rt'l

:•/

358 MISSIONARIES AND THE NATIVES.

either too ill to be moved or not in sufficient health to
carry on the affairs of the colony, particularly the
building of the caravels, and the adelantado returned
to San Domingo with a considerable body of active

men. . •. ^ ^1.

For a while all went well with the natives, but there

soon occurred several incidents which moved them to
a general insurrection. Two very devoted mission-
aries had been most earnestly striving for the con-
version of the natives in the Vega. They had won
over one family of sixteen persons, the head of which,
on being baptized, was named Juan Mateo. But the
grand cacique Guarionex was the chief object of their
interest His conversion would greatly influence hi_
numerous subjects. These labors were much en-
couraged when the chieftain and his whole family
repeated every day the Pater Noster, the Ave Mana,
and the Creed. But the other chiefs ridiculed him.
Why should he be imitating the customs of these
strangers— these tyrannical usurpers? Still, all this
might not have influenced him had not a Spanish
official outraged his favorite wife. It was no easier for
him than for the more civilized to do otherwise than
to associate the sins of a people with their professions
of religion, and he would have nothing to do with a
religion which seemed to tolerate such crimes.

The missionaries, becoming discouraged, moved into
the territory of another cacique. But very soon after
this departure the little chapel which they had built
for the family of converts left behind was rudely
despoiled by the pagan Indians, who stamped the
images into pieces and buri-d Lliem in a field. Don

Bartholon

laws and

perpetrate

fagot." ]

an outraj

resemblin

where th(

of a cross.

But th

natives fi

state of r

I human f

or outraj

was shoe

tortured

him a me

who neve

seeing h

entreated

oppressoi

even thi

chief in

against t

Thus

peaceabl

club wh

of dome;

jects. 1

claimed

belou /e(

many y

consulte

Lt health to
:ularly the
LO retiinied
y of active

bSjbut there
/ed them to
ed iiiission-
for the con-
ey had won
A of which,
:o. But the
ject of their
nfluence hi.
; much en-
rhole family
: Ave Maria,
diculed him.
ms of these
Still, all this
it a Spanish
no easier for
herwise than
f professions

to do with a
imes.

d, moved into

;ry soon after

ey had built

was rudely

stamped the
a field. Don

FIRE AND FAGOT.

359

Bartholomew instituted a suit according to the cruel
laws and methods of the Inquisition, punishing the
perpetrators of the sacrilege with death by " fire and
fagot." Indeed, nature itself was startled at so horrid
an outrage, they said, for some of the agi roots,
resembling turnips and radishes, planted in the field
where the images had been buried, grew in the shape

of a cross.

But this signal punishment of the sacrilegious
natives failed to have anv salutary effect. In his
state of nature, Guarionex was far more susceptible of
human feelings than of holy horror at a disrespect
or outrage in regard to any religion whatever. He
was shocked and horrified at seeing his subjects thus
tortured and burned at the stake for what seemed to
him a mere trifling matter. And the other caciques,
who never looked with favor on these strange customs,
seeing how he was irritated and provoked, earnestly
entreated him to tak^ up arms against these horrid
oppressors. Indeed, it would seem that his subjects
even threatened to forsake him and set up another
chief in his place if he failed to take up their cause
against the Spaniards.

Thus this chieftain, naturally so kind-hearted and
peaceable, was about compelled to take up the war-
club while smarting und'cr his own personal wrongs
of domestic outrage and cruel persecutions of his sub-
jects. Then, back of all these provocations, there was
claimed to be the fulfilment of a prophecy. Guarionex
belot; ;red to a long line of caciques ; and his father,
many years before, after five days of fasting, had
consulted his Zemi, or household deity, as to the

lis

t^l

-60 ^^ INGENIOUS MESSENGER.

future, and was told that a few years hence there
should come a strange nation, wearing clothing, whicn
should destroy their customs and make them slaves.

Now Guarionex was ready to join the other caciques
in making war against their oppressors. The fate of
Caonabo and the confederation led by his brother was
fresh in their memories, but they were goaded on by
despair, for death itself was infinitely better than the
hopeless oppressions, outrages, and slavery to which
they had been reduced. The day for paying their
quarterly tribute was near ; then they could come
together in vast numbers without being suspected,
and could suddenly massacre their enemies.

But the Spaniards had long ears, and overheard
some whispers of the conspiracy at Fort Conception.

The garrison was a mere handful m the midst ot
the thick of the war-plot. How could they get an
appeal for aid to the adelantado at San Domingo?
" An Indian made use of a stratagem m carrying the
letters," says Herrera, " which was that they being
delivered to him in a staff that was hollow at one end
—the Indians having found by experience that the
Spanish letters spoke, they endeavored to intercept
them— and the messenger falling into the hands oi
the guards the revolted had posted on the passes, he
pretended to be dumb and lame ; in short, answering
them altogether by signs, and limping as if he was
going with much difficulty into his own country, he
escaped them, because they thinking he had been
dumb asked him no questions, and supposing that the
staff had been to help him on they did not search
it, and thus the letters came safe to Don Bartholo-

mew Co"

Spaniard;

Don B;

were in n

Bonaparti

did for t

arrive to

assemble

tado held

a plan of

several p

their fon

into com]

there bei

They we

bind the

rionex w

have the

difficulty

entered

daylight

anything

the forti

plussed

great mi

the forti

tions an

adelanta

conspira

done m(

Guarion

wrongs

¥,

CAPTURING THE CACIQUES.

361

;nce there
ing, which
n slaves,
er caciques
'he fate of
irother was
aded on by
ir than the
^ to which
lying their
:ould come
suspected,

overheard
nception.
he midst of
they get an

Domingo ?
irrying the

they being
ir at one end
ce that the
to intercept
le hands of
le passes, he
t, answering
IS if he was

country, he
e had been
sing that the
I not search
on Bartholo-

mew Columbus, which proved the safety of the

Spaniards.

Don Bartholomew's men, enfeebled by short rations,
were in no condition for long marches ; but Napoleon
Bonaparte could scarcely have moved quicker than he
did for the relief of Fort Conception. Nor did he

arrive too soon.

for thousands of the natives were

assembled in the Vega, ready for action. The adelan-
tado held a council of war at the fort, which resulted in
a plan of operations fully equal to the emergency. The
several points at which the caciques had distributed
their forces were noted, and the Spaniards were divided
into companies of about a hundred each, under a captain,
there being a company to each cacique and his forces.
They were to surprise the Indians while asleep at night,
bind the caciques, and bring them to the fort. As Gua-
rionex was the chief personage, the adelantado was to
have the honor of capturing him, which he did without
difficulty. Indeed, all the Indian quarters were quietly
entered at midnight and each cacique bound, and before
daylight— before any of the sleepy Indians could do
anything for their rescue— fourteen of them were inside
the fortress. The Indians were so completely non-
plussed that they made no attempt at resistance ; but a
great multitude, estimated at five thousand, came around
the fortress wholly unarmed, and, with dismal lamenta-
tions and bowlings, begged for their .chieftains. The
adelantado inquired into the causes and progress of the
conspiracy, and put to death the two caciques who had
done most to bring about the insurrection and to induce
Guarionex to be its leader. And he recognized the
wrongs this cacique had suffered, as well as his slowness

36, CLBMBNCrOFTHBADELANTADO.

n,,r1 «;n mrdoned lum. lucked, it
in taking revenge, and so P^«^°"^ Spaniard who

forgiymg ^P'"'; , J.' f^,, 7,ebclied, the punishment
''" uV J^e e Th s reasonable elemency moved the
r t of G.a ioner The insurrection had been put

Y„ a „^ t ™1 out bloodshed, and nearly all ^vere
down almost i.iiuoui „rateful emotions of

restored to their freedom. In "'^ /^^ . „„i the

the moment, pa.t ^'■^^^^l^^^JZ^'^Z Spaniards
ehieftain made a speech to h.s people^ ^

resist them; yet Hov S^n.'; ^, ^- ^^ust

4.r. +v.r^cp who were faithtul! ine iidiivc
were to those wno wc i,-u:„ These words

benceforth ^^^^J^t^^M >- snb-

rsirhCC^:lth"songs and loud rejoicings.

^C^^ra^lttld!:^^^^^^^^

At least they might ^"^g/\7\'°°^ , ^^^^ ^^ines, how

r^:drpS:*erthan industry a„dthrift,seen.
to have been the order of 'l>»g=- ^

their tribute m readiness. Agam .^ ^^

for that entrancing country, with as numerou

00.

Indeed, it
uiard who
d so deeply
le slioweda
after, they
)unishmetit
/ moved the
d been put
ly all were
emotions of
:n ; and the
e Spaniards
y could not
giving they
latives must
'hese words
ded, his sub-
d rejoicings.

ere approach-
only diverted
nessengers of
.ck to Spain,
medicines,
he mines, how
le soil ! Idle-
nd thrift, seem

from Zaragua,
;e caciques had
elantado starts
erous a train as

AN INDIAN FEAST.

363

he can command. No doubt lie could enlist more men
for this tour than for any other. A^ain Hehechio and
his sister, Anacaona, who seems to have about as much
authority as her brother, come out to meet him, well
attended by their subjects ; and the royal train is en-
livened by songs and dances. As heretofore, the Span-
iards are charmed by the intelligence, ("ignity, beauty,
and graceful manners of the Indian queen.

Thirty-two of Behechio's caciques have brought tlieir
tributes of cotton, the hulk of which has filled a house.
Having waited some time for him, they greet him most
cordially, and offer him, in addition to the tribute, all
the cassava-bread he may wish, which latter is most
acceptable to the crowd of hungry Spaniards. Peter
Martyr implies that they had also corn-l)read, as well as
Htias and dried fishes, not to speak of the delicate ser-
pents—or iguanas. He says that " unto that day none
of them (the Spaniards) durst adventure to taste of
them, by reason of their horrible deformity and loath-
someness. Yet the lieutenant, being enticed by the
pleasantness of the king's sister, determined to taste
of the serpents. But when he felt the flesh thereof
to be so delicate to his tongue, he fell to amain without
all fear ; the wh'ch thing his companions perceiving,
were not behind him in greediness, insomuch that they
had now no other talk than of the sweetness of these
serpents, which they affirm to be of more pleasant taste
than either our pheasants or partridges. They say,
also, that there is no meat to be compared to the eggs
of these serpents."

The adelantado is so loaded down with tribute and
presents that he must needs send to Isabella for one of

ANACAChVA'S TRHASURES.
304

Ws new caravels to carry it allhome. We jonder >
the caravel came too soon for the pkasnrc of l.m.self

"' Tlt^''l.a. arrived and is anchored in the hu,. or
J^ Lvay. Ana., .ona n.nst see the '^'S -- a
t„ nersuadt . h. r hrother to go with her. On tne way

L Ws kil of works, in which they show great art
m this KuiQ ^^^^^^^^ ,,^^ ^„j

^"risu':^ S cLlbba, sitnated in the mon*
"a bay on the west side of Hispan.ola In the.e
of a bay on t fantasies as they

SXy ee »^HngV ."g-t. which the antique.

XlemuU also the images of men, serpents, bea^s,

a wbatsoever tW '^ h^ ^ -^ dediird,

^ptrXC 'ayt°What wonld you think, most
Feter marry J ' , ^ ^ jf t^^y had the use of

"tirsueltpo they only first make these soft

r fire and afterwards make them hollow and

.Wmwhh a certain stone which they find on the

'XIrV Of *is and chairs she gave the lieutenant

fourteen, and of vessels pertaining to the table and

wonder if
of himself

the havbor,
;r canoe a ad
3n the way
.Hurc," says
jold, silver,
y to be used,
, pots, pans,
f andinstru-
lc au'J hard
irned ^Uysi-
) be ebony,
en to the in-
most appear
ow great art
an had were
in the mou'.h
ia. In the;;e
:asies as they
. the antiques
pents, beasts,
een." Then,
I is dedicated,
think, most
had the use of
ake these soft
n hollow and
ley find on the
the lieutenant
the table and

■ ;»ft(*WJ'>'-Jff^'^

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. .i^^^^msimms.

kitche
some
trreat
the ad
this oi

contiii

the ki

be brc

two c

self a

sister

desire

ant.

tain

; purpo

with

posin

offal

and I

spirit

and 1:

they •

there

foresl

hatcl

broth

I the '

amaz

I derin

up ai

the a

THE BIG CANOE.

365

kitchen she gave him three score, some of wood and
some of earth, also gossampine cotton nearly four
irreat bottoms of exceeding weight." It is a wonder
the adelantado did not set up housekeeping with all

this outfit !

" The day following, when they came to the seaside,"
continues our author, " where was another village of
the king's, the lieutenant commanded the ship-boat to
be brought to the shore. The king also had prepared
two canoes, painted after their manner, one for him-
self and certain of his gentlemen, another for his
sister Anacaona and her waiting-women ; but Anacaona
desired to be carried in the ship-boat with the lieuten-
ant. When they now approached near the ship, cer-
tain great pieces of ordnance were discharged on
purpose ; the sea was filled with thunder and the air
with smoke ; they trembled and quaked for fear, sup-
posing that the frame of the world had been in danger
of falling ; but when they saw the lieutenant laugh
and look cheerfully on them, they recalled again their
spirits, and when they yet drew nearer to the ship
and heard the noise of the flutes, shawms, and drums,
they were wonderfully astonished at the sweet harmony
thereof. Entering into the ship and beholding the
I foreship and the stern, the top-castle, the mast, the
hatches, the cabins, the keel and the tacklings, the
I brother fixing his eyes on the sister, and the sister on
1 the brother, they were both, as it were, dumb and
I amazed, and wist not what to say for too much won-
dering. While beholding these things and wandering

up and down in the ship, the lieutenant commanded
[the anchors to be loosed and the sails to be hoisted up.

-fsa^fslSa**''!.^^'^" "'^^^'^iSHf ■■•'^•^

^■■SiKraE^^TtsrM""^^*™^^*

3~JS,wm- -'.*-/Kca^ »*>g v' ' " ^---- '- i^6«S;^

366 ^ WONDERMENT TO THE INDIANS.

Then were they Airther astonished when they saw so
great a mole to move as it were by itself, without oars
and without the force of man ; for there arose from the
earth such a wind as a man would have wished for on
purpose. Yet furthermore, when they perceived the
ship to move sometimes forward and sometimes back-
ward, sometimes toward the right hand and sometimes
toward the left, and that with one wind and in manner
at one instant, they were at their wits' end for too much
admiration. These things finished, and the ship laden
with bread and such other rewards, they being also
recompensed with other of our things, he dismissed
not only the king, Behechio, and his sister, but like-
wise all their servants and women, replenished with
joy and wondering."

But the great activity and good judgment of the
adelantado were soon to be taxed to the uttermost by
the heinous conduct of one of the chief officers of the
island. Francis Roldan, a man who had once been
especially recommended to the sovereigns by the Ad-
miral, had been "raised by him from poverty and
obscurity." Employed at first in the most ordinary
situations, he discovered so much shrewdness, talent, j
and tact that, notwithstanding his deficiency in educa-i
tion, he was made ordinary alcalde, or justice of the
peace. Having discharged his duties with fidelity and
good sense, Columbus, on returning to Spain from his
second voyage, made him chief judge of the island.
But he soon " forgot the Admiral's bread he had eaten,'
says Herrera, " desiring to get into authority by raising
commotions, and taking for his pretence Don James
Columbus's having ordered the caravel which had

carried
preveni
away ii
men wl
jjcen th
mean p
saying
and on
catholic
away, '
not per
that ne
brother
design e
keepinj
ing the
their t
The UK
authori
deuce t
scarce <
ceiving
they si
for the
afloat, t
was ve
niajesti'
such a
I ground
suade

■This w;
I and cassav

OIANS.

\ they saw so
without oars
irose from the
wished for on
perceived the
netiines back-
iiid sometimes
iiid in manner
d for too much
the ship laden
ley being also
, he dismissed
ster, but like-
jlenished with

Igment of the
t uttermost by

officers of the
tiad once beeii|
ns by the Ad-
n poverty and
most ordinary
iwdness, talent,!
iency in educa-

justice of the
/ith fidelity and
Spain from his|
: of the island,
i he had eaten/'
ority by raising!
ice Don James
vel which had

I^RANCIS ROLDAN. 367

carried bread and wine to Isabella' to be laid dry, to
prevent its being stolen by some malcontents to go
away into Spain, began to mutter among the laboring
men where he had some reputation, because he had
been their overseer, as also with the seamen, and other
mean people and those that were most discontented,
saying that the caravel would be better in the water,
and ought to be sent into Spain with letters to their
catholic majesties, since the Admiral was so long
away, that their wants might be relieved and they
not perish with hunger or be destroyed by the Indians;
that neither the adelantado, Don Bartholomew, nor his
brother Don James, would send it, because they
designed to revolt, and keep the island to themselves,
keeping them all as slaves, employing them in build-
ing their houses and forts, to attend them in gathering
their tributes, and enriching themselves with gold.
The men finding themselves encouraged by a man in
authority, such as the chief alcalde, had the impu-
dence to say those things in public which, before, they
scarce durst mutter in corners. Francis Roldan, per-
ceiving that the men had declared their minds, required
they should all sign a paper importing that it was
for the public good that the caravel should be set
afloat, thus to engage them further; and because he
was very sensible it was not fit that their catholic
majesties should know he had been the ringleader of
such a mutiny, he sought after plausible pretences to
I ground his designs. He proceeded farther to per-
jsuade the people that the best way to secure the

'This was a caravel just returned from Zaragua, loaded with tribute cotton
I and cassava-bread.

■W'aiWH»««»*.i»uiu**»i«it«iiS»»*(rt^^SIS^*^ AS*S«-'i';.jii#»SS*r^AiftS!«''**r««to»iia^' i>sa<»j!9»*'

53 HE INSTIGATES MUTINY.

friendship of the Indians to the Spaniards was to quit
m of the tribute ; and advice being brought ha
Gnarionex's Indians did not pay the tnbnte and that
thev gave tokens of uneasiness, Don James Columbus,
tWuking to put Roldan out of the way of advane.ng
hi design, sent him with a considerable part of the
n n to'c'onception, where he better earned on Ins
mutiny and abused and disarmed those that would
Tt fol ow him. Returning to Isabella, hav.ug by
f^rle taken the key of the royal maga..ne he b^ke
the locks in pieces, and crying, ' Long '""• f ^ /^ "'^Z
took all the arms and provisions he thought fit for h.s

'" TwHs" Ihe beginning of Roldan's rebellion accord-
ingto a very competent writer, employed as ofBc.al
hiftoriographer of the Indies, and one who Itved s
near the time of the events themselves that he must
h!ve often conversed with those who had been eye-
witnesses of the scenes he describes.

In the midst of the confusion result.ng from th
scene of breaking open the royal "^S^^^ f J^",^
described, Diego Columbus, accompanied by some
honest m^i, came forth to reason with the mutineer.
But Roldan was so insolent that he thought it the
better part of discretion to retire into the fort, and h
was in'such great fear of the rebels that he wouU no
allow Roldan to speak to him without first furnishing

■■"tf mutineers now left Isabella and visited the
royal stockj^d^^r^^ox^ and mares^v^r^

"".■^il^TnT'.';;;;:;;^", of mrr.™'. G«;r.1 Hi.t<.,, of Amck,, pp.'

ROLDAN DlSAFFECrs THE INDIANS. 369

s was to quit
brought that
ute, and that
les Columbus,
of advancing
e part of the
arried on his
se that would
la, having by
.zine, he broke
've the King! '
ight fit for his

ibellion accord-
lyed as official
: who lived so
s that he must j
had been eye-

Iting from the
igazine as just
nied by sonie|
the mutineers,
thought it the I
he fort, and he
at he would not I
first furnishing

and visited the
nares were kept

tory of Americ:\, pp.

for breeding in order to supply the colony. Here
they took wha^^ever they wanted of the cows and mares,
with their colts, killing and eating on the spot as
many of the first as their appetites craved, and, going
through the Indian towns, reported themselves as in
a quarrel with the Admiral's brothers on account of
their exacting the tribute from the natives. The
Indians should not pay tribute, they said. If they
should refuse to do so they would defend them. That
this mischievous advice was not dictated by humane
feelings, but was used only as a mutinous policy, will
hereafter appear from Roldan's own conduct towards
the natives. But it was very conciliating, to say the
least.

" Many causes," says Herrera, " are said to have
moved Francis Roldan to that insolence ; but the
chiefest of them were ambition of command and to
be subject to no man nor to the rules observed at
Isabella ; and believing that the Admiral would not
return because of the information John Aguado had
carried against him, he had a mind to place himself in
I authority."

About this time Don Bartholomew returned to
Isabella from Zaragua. Roldan, sustained by so
[large a party of malcontents, demanded the launching
of the caravel, or at least that he might launch it him-
self. But the adelantado positively .forbade it on two
grounds— yfr^/, because the ship was not properly
Irigged for so long and perilous a voyage, and, secondly.,
because neither Roldan nor his men were sufficiently
j skilled mariners to conduct the voyage. It must also
lliave been about this time that the foul plot occurred

■c- ,j(S'*£ia>:sr**JWi€^^^*«*iM*5a*a*'«^aw^^

,>W'rs*»ftb**».iM*tea*Mrti»i*Ae»s^^

37°

y1 FOUL PLOT.

referred to by Fernando Columbus, who says Roldau
•'drew so „.any over to his own party that one day
when the lieutenant was come back from Zaragt.a to
M llt-mc of then, resolved to stab h,m, look,ng
upon it as so easy a matter that they had prov.ded a
halter to hang him up after he was dead. What at
p ' ™t the nfore incensed then, was the .mpnson.ng
r ,..rahona, a friend to the -nsp-rators concent

inK whom, if God had not put it nno the heart of th
Inuenant not to proceed to execnt.on of ] stce at
that time, they had then certa.nly murdered h.m.

'raking seventy n.en, well armed, tins arch rebe,
„1. c'cs hhnself in an Iud,a,. town about two leagues
^;:, V. Conception, which he intended to capture
a°d then he would "get Don Bartholomew n> h^
„ !ds," whose valor and sagac.ty vvere espeaalb
fornudable to him, and put h>m to dea^h A a fir^t
,ten in this direction, he approached Captam Uarrautes,
2 had charge of thirty men in the town where
lived the cacique Guarionex, whose wife Roldau is
sJd to have debauched. But the captain shut hini.
self "P with his thirty men, refusing to talk with th
lels "Roldau might go about his business, he
TaM " he and his men were in the King's service _
R dau, threatening to burn him and his men s..a
their store of provisions, and marched to Conception,!

^''rtl'etartetShael Ballester, an old^^a, ,
hafred veteran, was true to his situation, and shut the]

'"Thr'atlai'^o knew not whom to trust s„, at the I
suggestion of Ballester, he got into Fort Coneeptio.

THE ADELANTADO IN DANGER.

371

says Roldau
that one day,
11 Zaragua to
him, looking
.d provided a
id. What at
imprisoning
tors, concern-
heart of the
of jnstice at
jred him."
lis arch rebel
It two leagues
ed to capture,
olomew in his
ere especially
th. As a first
tain Barrantes,
le town where
/ife Roldan is
:ain shut him-
o talk with the
3 business," he !
Gug's service.'
his men, seized
[ to Conception, |

er, an old gray-
m, and shut the I

trust, so, at the!
Fort Conception 1

to save his life. From here he sent a messenger to
Roldan, bidding him to consider the mischief he was
doing to the interests of the colony and the service of
the sovereigns in obstructing the tribute and stirring
up the natives. This brought Roldan to an inter-
view with the adelantado upon the latter giving him
security. They conversed through a window of the

fort.

" Why do you lead about these people in such a
scandalous manner," said Don Bartholomew, "to the
hindrance of their majesties' service ? "

''I only draw them together to defend myself
against you," said Roldan, " for it is reported that
you intend to kill us all."

" You have been wrongly informed," replied the
adelantado.

" My company and I are in the King's service," said
the rebel ; " say where you would have us serve him."

" In the dominions of Diego Columbus," said Don
Bartholomew, referring to the famous Indian guide and
interpreter, who had married into the family of Guario-
nex, and thus become one of his subordinate chiefs.

" There are not enough provisions in that locality,"

was the excuse.

" Lay down the office of chief alcalde, and cease to act
as such, or even bear the name, since you are against
the service of the King," the adelantado insisted

Roldan now turned his back in the most haughty
manner possible, and went away to Manicaotex, the
most disloyal of the caciques. Calling him " brother,"
he got away from him the three marks of gold he was
to have paid to the king, and in order to bind him down

:.^itf.^te**S'**^iJ«Si^l;*

,W»Mwawr,»»»!*«W>»<W«*«-'~**«»^««*^

!,.St->J»*»fc»««itatt».'!Tii!i«r»iWM<..

^^2 ^V/A" INSriiGEiXTS INCREASE.

as tightly as possible lie took away and led about with
him the cacique's sou aud his ucphew.

Keepiug the natives in awe of him in every way, he
'xllowed those who followed him to live in the most lewd
aud arrogant libertinism. Herrera says, " Roldan had
now goc some horses, for ever since John Aguado went
away he had provided many horseshoes, which had not
been necessary till then, whence it was inferred that
Aguado's indiscretion and his ill-behavior towards the
Admiral were the occasion of this revolt, aud that
Francis Roldan had intended it ever since that time.

Roldan's adherents increased in number, and he was
more intent than ever on getting Don Bartholomew into
his hands. But the latter was warned by Collado,
through Rambla, " to take heed whom he trusted."

At this critical moment news came that Coronal had
arrived with his two ships, sent ahead with supplies by
the Admiral, while he came on by way of an explonng
route with six ships more.

The news brought by these ships was by no means
reassuring to the rebels. Don Bartholomew, against
whose authority they professed especially to rebel, had
been confirmed by the sovereigns as Lord Lieutenant of
the Indies, or adelantado, according to the appointment
made him by his brother, and not only had Aguado's
official budget of accusations received no notice at the
court, but all titles and privileges originally granted to
the Admiral had been renewed, not to speak of other
special favors which he had received.

All this was clearly announced by the adelantado, as
he now set out for San Domhigo with his troops to
secure the caravels just arrived. Roldan followed in

;d about witli

:very way, he
:he most lewd
" Roldau had
Aguado went
,'hich had not

inferred that
>r towards the
;oU, and that
:e that time. "
:r, and he was
tholomew into
d by Collado,

trusted."
Lt Coronal had
th supplies by
f an exploring

by no means
iomew, against
y to rebel, had
1 Lieutenant of
le appointment
had Aguado's

notice at the
ally granted to
speak of other

; adelantado, as

1 his troops to
Ian followed in

THE A/JELANTADO IS CONFIRMED.

373

the distance, anxious to know as fully as possible all
tlie late news and the moves now to be made. He was
also on the alert to draw over to his party any of the
disaffected whom he might meet. Hut he found the
passes on the way strongly guarded and was obliged to
halt five leagues away. He was also somewhat dis-
armed when he found that Don Bartholomew had taken
a more mild and conciliating attitude towards those
about him, seeing more clearly now than ever before
how greatly the colonists had suffered from sickness
and hunger, and how much had been done to throw a
doubt over his authority. He therefore promised full
pardon to all the disaffected who would at once renew
their allegiance to him. He also sent Coronal, who was
prepared to give a clear account of the Admiral's good
official standing in Spain, in order that he might per-
suade the rebels to desist from their mischievous and
hopeless undertaking against the authority of Spain.

But Roldan was not disposed to treat with this mes-
senger, who was not only loyal, honest, and competent,
but fresh from the scenes of the recent official trans-
actions in Spain. At a narrow pass on the way he
placed a body of his men with cross-bows levelled, who
cried out, " Halt, traitor ! Had you come eight days
later, we should all have been as one man." In vain
did Coronal point out to Roldan the disservice and mis-
chief he was doing to the interests of the colony, the
imminent danger of his position, and the great advan-
tage of improving this opportunity of peace. He " was
sent away with haughty and scandalous answers." Rol-
I dan claimed that he was simply opposed to the tyranny
and bad government of the adelantado, and would at

■ygf ^>Bcvtet3l'fr1*e>*rf''*^t»*ba******'****''''^"*«*»'^ ■*irt'Wt«ia»WJW >-<-■■ J*>'^iWi<-&

374

/.V.S OL E NC r OF rilE li EFtEL S.

once submit to the Admiral when he shouhl eome. This
was tin- plea generally adopted by the party, some of
whom wrote letters to that effect to their friends at vSan
Domingo, entreating their good offices for them when
Columbus should arrive from Spain.

When Coronal reported to the adelantado the results
of his interview, that oflficer proclaimed RoUlan and his
followers traitors. Hereupon the rebels left those parts
and went to Zaragua, the most delightful and fertile
part of the island. Roldan unfolded his scheme fully
to his men. They would not endure the strict discipline
of the adelantado, he said, for he " made them keep the
three vows of religious men; and besides that, they
wanted not for fasts and disciplines, as also imprison-
ments and other punishments, which they endured for
the least fault.'" He was able to govern them in a
different manner, and would take them into a country
which was like Paradise. There, supported by the most
intelligent, polite, and agreeable of the natives, they
would bask in a perpetual sunshine of delight— eat,
drink, and be merry. Above all, they could there ap-
propriate as many of the most beautiful Indian women
as they might wish. All this was much better than
heaven itself to these miserable libertines, so recently
escaped from the prisons and dungeons of Spain. So
on they went, stirring up all the mischief they could
among the Indians on the way, and in every way possi-
ble abusing the hospitalities of these simple and kind-
hearted children of nature.

The ships of Coronal had brought quite a reinforce-

> Life of Columbus, bj his son, cap. 74.

^':!,w^WiiA--:ii*l=v»*Wi''Ois— !«'i*s*e<»»^k'*'**

L'oine. This
rty, some of
icnds at San
thfin when

3 the results
Ulan and his
t those parts
I and fertile
ichenie fully
ict discipline
leni keep the
IS that, they
so iniprison-
r endured for
1 them in a
to a country
1 by the most
natives, they
delight — eat,
lid there ap-
ndian women
I better than
3, so recently
f Spain. So
sf they could
iry way possi-
ble and kind-
le a reinforce-

UrJUSlXG OF THE NATIVES.

375

incnt to the industries of the colony. Over ninety
men came in all, fourteen of whom were to till the
soil, and the remainder were to work the mines and
cut Brazil-wood.

But peace and quiet were not to be secured, not even
by the most conciliating measures. So great had
been the influence of the rebels and their false repre-
sentations among the natives, that they had secretly
planned a wide-spread rebellion, of which the peaceful
Guarionex had consented to be the commander-in-chief.
As they could count only on their fingers, it was
difi^cult for them to fix a day for their rendezvous.
They agreed to rise on the night of the next full
moon and slay all the small parties of Spaniards
quartered here and there among the natives, Gua-
rionex attacking Fort Conception. But one of his
chiefs, not being a very good astronomer, moved before
the time and advertised the whole affair, thus putting
the Spaniards on their guard. He fled to Guarionex
for refuge, but was indignantly put to death.

This leader now knew full well that there was no
hope for him in the fortunes of war, so he fled across
the mountains to Maiobanex, chief of the Ciguayans,
with his wife, children, and a few followers, and im-
plored his protection. This was the tribe of lardy
mountaineers which the Admiral and his men had
encountered at the Gulf of Samauaon the first voyage.
It will be remembered that they had caused the first
bloodshed by the Spaniards among the Indians.

Maiobanex received his brother chief with a generous
cordiality and faithfulness which would have done
credit to the most civilized prince, not only receiving

376

DEPREDA TIONS.

him as his guest, but promisiug to stand by him even
at the cost of life and fortune.

From these mountain heights and aided by the
Ciguayans, Guarionex made many predatory excur-
sions into the valleys, killing many of the Spaniards
who were quartered among the friendly Indians, and
destroying the crops. Don Bartholomew could see no
escape from the necessity of war with these combined
natives, and so entered upon a campaign in the
spring. This war is so graphically described by
Peter Martyr in his Decades of the Ocean that we can-
not refrain from quoting him, essentially as trans-
lated by Eden in the quaint old English rhetoric of
the sixteenth century. He says : " The Admiral sent
his brother, the lieutenant, with an army of four score
and ten footmen and a few horsemen, with three
thousand of the island men which were mortal
enemies to the Ciguayans, to meet the people of
Ciguana with King Guarionex, their grand captain,
who had done much mischief to our men and such as
favored them. Therefore, when the lieutenant had
conducted his army to the banks of a certain great
river running by the plain, ^ which we said before to
lie between the corners of the mountains of Ciguana
and the sea, he found two scouts of his enemies lurk-
ing in certain bushes, whereof the one, casting him-
self headlong into the sea, escaped, and by the mouth
of the river swam over to his companions ; the other,
being taken, declared that in the wood on the other
side of the river there lay in camp six thousand

iThis plain was on the north side of the island, between two mountain
spurs.

INDIAN WARFARE.

377

y him

even

ded by the
itory excur-
e Spaniards
[ndians, and
could see no
:se combined
lign in the
[escribed by
that we can-
[y as trans-
h rhetoric of
\dmiral sent
of four score

with three
were mortal
le people of
and captain,

and such as
;utenant had
certain great
said before to
3 of Ciguana
memies lurk-
casting hini-
by the mouth
IS ; the other,

on the other
six thousand

iveen two mountain

Ciguayans, ready, unawares, to assail our men passing
by. Wherefore, the lieutenant finding a shallow place
where he might pass over, he with his whole army
entered into the river, the which thing when the
Ciguayans had espied, they came running out of the
woods with a terrible cry and most horrible aspect,
much like unto the people called Agathyrsi, of
whom the poet Virgil speaketh, for they were all
painted and spotted with sundry colors, and
especially with black and red, which they make of
certain fruits nourished for the same purpose in their
gardens, with the juice whereof they paint themselves
from the forehead even to the knees, having their
hair— which by ar.t they make long and black, if
nature deny it them— wreathed and rolled after a
thousand fashions, a man would think them to be
devils incarnate newly broke out of hell, they are so
like unto hell-hounds. As our men waded over the
river, they shot at them, and hurled darts so thick
that it almost took the light of the sun from our men ;
insomuch that if they had not borne off the force
thereof with their targets the matter had gone wrong
with them. Yet at the length, many being wounded,
they passed over the river; which thing when the
enemies saw, they fled, whom our men, pursuing,
slew some in the chase, but not many, by reason of
their swiftness of foot. Thus being in the woods,
they shot at our men more safely, for they being
accustomed to the woods, and naked, without any
hindrance passed through the bushes and shrubs, as
it had been wild boars or harts, whereas our men were
hindered by reason of their apparel, targets, long
javelins, and ignorance of the place.

w-jm-:-^^' -i^^-^^

378

INDIAA WARFARE.

" Wherefore when he had rested them all that night
in vain and the day following he saw no stirring in
the woods, he went, by the connsel and conduct of the
other island men which were in his army, immediately
from thence to the mountains, in the which King
Maiobanex had his chief mansion place, in the village
called Capronum ; by the which name also the king's
place was called, being in the same village. Thus
marching forward with his army, about twelve miles
off, he encamped in the village of another king, which
the inhabitants had forsaken for fear of our men;
yet making diligent search, they found two, by whom
they had knowledge that there were ten kings with
Maiobanex in his palace of Capronum, with an army
of eight thousand Ciguayans.

'« At the lieutenant's first approach he durst not give
them battle until he had somewhat better searched the
regions, yet did he in the meantime skirmish with
them twice. The next night, about midnight, he sent
forth scouts, and with them guides of the island, men
who knew the country, whom the Ciguayans espy-
ing from the mountains prepared themselves to the
battle, with a terrible cry of alarm after their manner,
but yet- durst not come out of the woods, supposing that
the lieutenant, with his main army, had been even at
hand. The day following, when he brought his army
to the place where they encamped, leaping out of the
woods, they twice attempted the fortunes of war, fiercely
assailing our men wiih a main force, and wounding
many before they could cover them with their targets.
Yet our men put them to flight, slew many, took many;
the residue fled to the woods, where they kept them still

(« (

1 tliat night
) stirring in
iduct of the
mmediately
vhich King
I the village

the king's
age. Thus
twelve miles
king, which
if our men ;
\fO, bj^ whom

1 kings with
rith an army

urst not give
searched the
iirmish with
light, he sent
; island, men
layans espy-
selves to the
their manner,
apposing that
been even at
ght his army
ng out of the
f war, fiercely
,nd wounding
their targets,
y, took many ;
cept them still

EXPOSTULATIONS AND THREATS. 379

as in their most safe-hold. Of them which were taken
he sent one, and with him another, of the island men
which was of his party to Maiobanex with command-
ments to this effect : ' The lieutenant brought not hithrr
his army, O Maiobanex, to keep war either against you
or your people, for he greatly desireth your frienship;
but his intent is that Guarionex, who hath persuaded
you to be his aid against him, to the great destruction
of your people and undoing of your country, may have
due correction, as well for his disobedience toward him
as also for raising tumults among the people. Where-
upon he requireth you aud exhorteth you to deliver
Guarionex into their hands, the which thing if you shall
perform the Admiral, his brother, will not only gladly
admit you to his friendship, but also enlarge and defend
your dominions.

" ' And if herein you refuse to accomplish his request,
it will follow that you shall shortly repeut you thereof,
for your kingdom shall be wasted with sword and fire
and shall abide the fortune of war, whereof you have
had experience with favor, as you shall further know
hereafter to your pain, if with stubbornness you provoke
him to show the uttermost of his power.'

"When the messenger had thus done his errand,
Maiobanex answered that Guarionex was a good man,
endued with many virtues, as all men knew, and there-
fore he thought him worthy his aid, especially inas-
much as he had fled to him for succor, and that he had
made him such a promise, whom also he had proved to
be his faithful friend.

" Again, that they were naughty men, violent and
cruel, desiring other men's goods, and such as spared

38o

ENTREATIES AND ARGUMENTS.

not to shed innocent blood. In fine, that he would have
nothing to do with such mischievous men, nor yet enter
into friendship with them.

" When these things came to the lieutenant s ear he
commanded the village to be burnt where he himself
encamped, with many other villages thereabout; and
when he drew near to the place where Maiobanex lay
he sent messengers to him again, to commune the mat-
ter with him, and to will him to send some one of his
most f^iithful friends to entreat with him of peace
Whereupon the king sent unto him one of his chiet
gentlemen, and with him two others to wait on hnn.
When he came to the lieutenant's presence he kindly
required him to persuade his lord and master in his
name, and earnestly to admonish him, not to suffer his
flourishing kingdom to be spoiled or himself to abide
the hazard of war for Guarionex' sake, and further to
exhort him to deliver him, except he would procure the
destruction alike of himself, his people, and his coun-

"^^^ When the messenger was returned Maiobanex as-
sembled the people, declaring unto them what was
done but they cried out on him to deliver Guarionex,
and began to curse the day that ever they had received
him thus to disturb their quietness. Maiobanex
answered them that Guarionex was a good man and
had well deserved of him, giving him many princely
presents, and had also taught both his wife and him to
sing and dance,, which thing he did not little esteem,
and was therefore fully resolved in no c ase t o forsake

"i Herrera notices that it ^^•as the^peculiar dance of the Vega which this
chief esteemed so highly.

\TS.

e would have
nor yet enter

naiit's ear he
e he himself
reaboiit ; and
aiobanex lay
lune the niat-
le one of his
im of peace.
; of his chief
wait on him. 1
ice he kindly
Liaster in his
)t to suffer his
nself to abide
md further to
Id procure the
and his coun-

Maiobanex as-
em what was
er Guarionex,
y had received
Maiobanex
good man and
many princely
rife and him to
; little esteem,
:ase to forsake

he Vega which this

RETALIATION.

381

him or, against all humanity, to betray his friend, which
fled to him for succor, but rather to abide all extremities
with him than to minister occasion of obloquies to slan-
derers, to report that he had betrayed his guest, whom
he took into his house with warranties.

" Thus dismissing the people, sighing and with sor-
rowful hearts, he called Guarionex before him, promis-
ing him again that he would be partaker of his fortune
while life lasted.'"

Maiobanex was so resolute in his determination to
protect his friend that he forbade any further communi-
cation with Don Bartholomew. To this end he stationed
guards along the various passes, with orders to kill any
who might be sent to treat of peace. Meanwhile the
adelantado sent two messengers, the one a prisoner from
the Ciguayans and the other a friendly island man ;
but they were both slain on the way. When Don Bar-
tholomew, who followed closely with ten footmen and
four horsemen, found his messengers lying dead in the
path, the arrows still sticking in their bodies, his rage
was thoroughly aroused, and he resolved to subdue this

tribe utterly.

As he approached the encampment of Maiobanex
the chiefs and men about this true-hearted man all for-
sook him and fled. They could not face the spears,
swords, cross-bows, and war-horses of the Spaniards.
Maiobanex, with his family and a few faithful friends,
now took refuge in the mountains. Several of the Ci-
guayans hunted for Guarionex, intending to deliver him
up as the cause of their ruin, but he too had fled to the

' Herrera says the chiefs both wept, Maiobanex comforting his friend and
promising to protect him even at the loss of his kingdom.

„>--t.^ -

7j/*«is'eti»' ■»# -oi^ -

382

HARDSHIPS OF THE SOLDIERS.

deus and caves of the highest rocky peaks, there
wandering alone in his grief and peril. .

Three months of hardship and privation m the
mountains had worn ont the Spaniards. The natives
had fled. Their villages were desolate. Why should
the white men endure their fatigue and hunger any
longer ^ Cassava-bread, roots, herbs, and the few little
utias caught by their hounds, with water only, ' some-
times sweet and sometimes muddy, savoring of the
marshes "—this was poor fare for these elegant soldiers,
accustomed to the luxuries of Spain. Sleeping m the
open air, under trees, exposed to the damp, chilly air of
the mountains, was not to be kept up longer than was
necessary. Besides, what would become of tl^eir farms
in the Vega> Don Bartholomew dismissed all but
thirtv With these he would search " from town to
town and from hill to hill" till he should find the two

caciques. ., .

This was no easy task in such a vast wilderness,
now so utterly abandoned that there was neither sight
nor sound of the natives. If one of these occasionally
strayed among the desolate habitations, he protested
utter ignorance of the whereabouts of the chiefs. One
day, however, several Spaniards who were hunting
uiias came across " two familiars " of Maiobanex, who
were stea hig forth to procure some cassava-bread for
their chief. They were at once examined by the
adelantado as to the hiding-place of the caciqiie, and
though they wonderfully kept the secret they were
entrusted with by their lord, after having been much
racked, they confessed where he was."

These poor men, fresh from the rack, were com-

«S,3BM&f(^»a>4»«S»««»»****^"

'.RS.

peaks, there

ation in the

The natives

Why should

hunger any

the few little

only, " some-

'oring of the

sgant soldiers,

^eping in the

p, chilly air of

igcr than was

of their farms

lissed all but

from town to

1 find the two

ist wilderness,
3 neither sight
je occasionally
s, he protested
le chiefs. One

were hunting
[aiobanex, who
ssava-bread for
mined by the

cacique, *' and
cret they were
ing been much

ick, were com-

D 0MB S TIC A FFE C TION.

383

pelled to act as guides. Twelve of the vSpaniards
stripped themselves, and having tattooed their naked
bodies, after the manner of the natives, with a black
and red paint made from certain fruits, and wrapped
their swords in palm leaves, accompanied them to
the hiding-place of the cacique and his household.
They drew their swords and took them prisoners, the
adelantado returning with them to Fort Conception.

In the cacique's household was a sister of his, wife
of another cacique, who had not yet encountered the
Spaniards. She was a model of female beauty and
attractiveness, having left her home to comfort her
brother in his wanderings. At once came her husband
begging for her release with tears and pledging his
fidelity as an ally. The wife was given up, along with
several other subjects who had been taken, and
Herrera says the Indian was so thankful that he
brought four or five thousand Indians with coas, which
are staves hardened in the fire, used by them instead of
spades, for him to appoint where he should grow corn for
him. The place was accordingly appointed, and they
made such a plantation as would be then worth 3,000
ducats. All the Ciguayans conceived that since Don
Bartholomew had set that lady at liberty, she being
very famous in the country, they might obtain the same
for 'their king. Many of them went with presents of
«//a5and fish, which was what their country afforded, to
beg him, promising that he should ever after continue
iu obedience. He set the queen, the children, and the
servants at liberty, but would not release the king.
Cxuarionex, being distressed with want in the place
where he lay hid, went out to seek something to eat,

i,l^i^-i^^«»N}H iT**^;*^"'**'

384

FAITHFUL FRIENDS.

and being seen by the Ciguayans, they going to visit
Maiobancx, acquainted Don Bartliolomew, who imme-
diately sent some men and they conducted him to Fort
Conception.

Sir Arthur Helps thinks, " the two caciques probably
shared the same prison,'' and adds, " thus concludes a
story which, if it had been written by some Indian
Plutarch and the names had been more easy to pro-
nounce, might have taken its just place amongst the
familiar and household stories which we tell our chil-
dren, to make them see the beauty of great actions."

"-vi,.,,,^,ari««^*l»®i^5i3Swi^iW^

,^^t^i^^!f^^-^ii<^^si)ts»f^aiimmem^i^^

going to visit
,', who iinme-
d him to Fort

jues probably

s concludes a

some Indian

easy to pro-

amongst the

: tell our chil-

at actions."

CHAPTER XVII.

COLUMBUS AND ROLDAN'S REBELLION.

OLUMBUS reached Hispaniola on his third
voyage to find his organization of .system
_^ among the natives nearly broken up, the plan
of taxation demoralized, and his chief justice, Roldan,
in rebellion. However much an overtaxation may have
done to bring about the former result, its immediate oc-
casion, at least, was the insinuating influence of the
arch rebel. The natives were encouraged to throw off
all restraint, and every industry was at a stand- still.
The Golden Tower rose almost solitary on the banks of
the Ozema ; the mountains of Cibao were virtually for-
saken, the fertile Vega Real and other plains scarcely
less fruitful and inviting were almost unbroken by the
husbandman ; the missionary work had a mere nominal
existence among a people who had learned to despise
the cross on account of the atrocities committed by those
who bore it, for it had come to be the symbol of the
most shocking cruelties and excesses rather than the
emblem of the tender mercies of Jesus of Nazareth.
Whereas a Christian civilization might have been an in-
calculable means of elevation to the kind and simple-
hearted natives, their numbers had been thinned by
oppressions and devastating wars, and the last scintilla
of their hopes had been darkened. Demoralized,
terrified, scattered, and starving, they looked upon those

JWJ»i'»li**a»-#?*'«**'**»*

386

COADIICT OF TIIF. REIiliLS.

whom they had recently hailed as from heaven to be
more like demons escaped from the infernal pit.

Scarcely less deplorable was the condition of the
white man. Idleness and vice had indnced want and
disease. The ill-nsa^'e of llie natives, who had been
serviceable in .so many ways, had driven them away in
indiK'nalion and dismay. Rebellion had embittered the
souls of many. The remainder were sad and dis-
heartened by the gloomy outlook.

In the midst of all this disappointment and pressing
poverty of the island, the firsl undertaking for the Ad-
miral, weary and sick from the long and exciting voy-
age, was the conciliation of Roldan's unreasonable re-
bellion. In addition to the disheartening tale of their
doings which his brothers and allies had to report, the
three ships which he had sent in advance when at the
Cape Verde Islands,and whicli reached San Domingo some
time after his arrival, brought additional accounts which
were of a most trying nature. These ships, guided by
men new to the route, had been carried past their prop-
per landing-place by the strong currents, and so came,
unfortunately, to that part of the island infested by the
rebels. They, taking the shrewdest possible advantage
of this occurrence, went on board the ships in the most
cordial manner, and gave as their reason for being in
that part of the island the procuring of provisions
and the preserving of good order among the natives.
On the strength of this plea, they got possession of a
large proportion of the supplies brought by the ships,
and had an opportunity for disaffecting, on the sly, many
of these miserable characters, who, if they had had their
just deserts, would have been inside of prison walls or

■.-.rf»iJW^i6WWS!BiWM6>MtM!iW-J.i»1

.iuoawsiiaCTiafiif^iaiww**^ *•»'•*'■

IS.

heaven to be
al pit.

ditioii of the
ictd want and
who had been
them away in
embittered the
sad and dis-

t and pressing
ng for the Ad-
exciting voy-
tireasonable re-
ig tale of their
to report, the
ce when at the
Domingo some
acconnts which
lips, guided by
past their prop-
s, and so came,
infested by the
sible advantage
lips in the most
m for being in
of provisions
ug the natives,
possession of a
it by the ships,
)n the sly, many
y had had their
prison walls or

THEIR SEDUCTIVE METHODS.

3«7

hanging on gibbets. Herrera says : " Roldan, incttlcat-
ing to them that they were going to lead a very painful
life, for that they should be obliged to labor and dig,
with much hunger and want, easily persuaded them to
stay with him, telling them, at the same time, how they
should live witli him, which was going about from one
town to another, taking the gold and what else they
thought fit." Peter Martyr, speaking more plainly
still, says Roldan " seduced " these men, " promising
them in the stead of mattocks, wenches' paps; for
labor, pleasure ; for hunger, abundance ; and for weari-
ness and watching, sleep and quietness." Satan himself
could scarcely have made a more seductive appeal to
these subjects of a state-prison.

Both wind and currents were against the return of these
ships to their port, so that it would take two or three
months to sail to San Domingo. So the three captains
resolved to expedite affairs by a special adjustment. As
the laborers on board were under pay from the time
they left Spain, John Antonio Columbus would take
some forty of them to the Admiral by land ; Arana
would take charge of the ships in such moves as it was
necessary for them to make till the weather was favor-
able to their leaving for San Domingo; and as the
rebellious attitude of Roldan had been discovered, Car-
vajal would spend his time in trying to bring him to a
reconciliation with the Admiral. But when, on the
second day after their arrival, John Antonio Columbus
had gotten his forty men on the land, all but eight went
immediately over to Roldan. He earnestly appealed to
this rebel leader to dissuade them from such a proced-
ure, especially as they were under pay for the royal

3S8

SA/L/NG AC, A INST THK W/ND.

scrvicx'. Whatever nii>jlit he his variance with the
adcUintaclo, he owed loyalty to the Kiti)^. liut Roldan
was very soft-hearted about the matter. His was a
religious order of the utmost freedom, he said, and he
could not consistently use any force to keep those away
who n^ight wish to go with him.

It soon became obvious that the only safe way was for
the ships to put out for San Domingo at once, in the teeth
of wind and storm, lest defection should spread* still
further among the crews. Carvajal, however, remained
still longer, endeavoring to persuade the rebels to return
to allegiance.

Though the distance was short, the ships, contending
with wind and current, reached San Domingo with
delay and difficulty. That one which Carvajal had
brought over struck on a sand-bank, lost her rudder,
and sprang a leak. The length of time since the de-
parture from Spain had consumed a great part of the
provisions, and much of the lest was seriously damaged.
Carvajal soon arrived by 1und to report failure in his
efforts to bring the rebels to terms of reconciliation, but
Roldan had promised to state his grievances to the Ad-
miral and to be ready for some peaceful adjustment as
soon as he might learn of his arrival. Carvajal and
others thought that a general pardon for past ofTences
would secure allegiance.

The outlook was exceedingly perplexing. The ap-
proach of Roldan, though ostensibly for peace, might
seduce many of the discontented, and the persistent
effort on the part of the rebels to make the people
believe that Columbus and his brothers intended to de-
tain the colonists against their wishes, in order to

CO vvitli the

Hilt Rolclan

His was a

said, aiul he

p those away

e way was for
', in the teeth
spread* still
:cr, remained
>cls to return

5, contending
Jill in go with
^^arvajal had
; her rudder,
iince the de-
t part of the
sly damaged,
"ailure in his
iciliation, but
es to the Ad-
Jjustment as
Carvajal and
past offences

ig. The ap-
peace, might
le persistent
e the people
itended to de-
in order to

MIGUEL HAl.I.ESTIili.

3H9

accomplish their own f^elfish purpos. s, would have its
effect. Evidently it would U- l^-st for all the homesick
and disaffected to be SCI I f back lo 8pain at once. .\s
there were five vessels nearly ready to sail, ihe Admiral
announced free passage, provisions, and pn,y for all who
might wish to return.

He warned Hallester at Fort Conception to bp on his
jfuard for the attacks of Roldan, to seek an interview with
him, offering him full i)ardon for the past if he would at
once return to loyalty. This new })rocess entirely did
away with the act of the adelaiitado declaring him and
his men rebels. Ballester was also to invite Roldan to
come to San Domingo in order to adjust terms of recon-
ciliation, the Admiral offering, if it were required, a
written a.ssiuancc of a safe conduct. Tliis message had
barely arrived when Ballester learned that the rebels
were assembling about ten leagues away, at Bonao, where
Reciuclme, one of the leaders, had large possessions.

Irving, following Las Casas, says : " Ballester was a
venerable man, gray-headed, and of a soldier-like
demeanor. Loyal, frank, and virtuous, of a serious dis-
position and great simplicity of heart, he was well
chosen as a mediator with rash and profligate men ;
being calculated to calm their passions by his sobriety,
to disarm their petulance by his age, to win their con-
fidence by his artless probity, and to awe their licen-
tiousness by his spotless virtue."

This man of weighty* character met the rebels in
full force at Bonao, ind they were in the most self-
complacent and haughty mood possible. The Ad-
miral's oflfer of pardon, so generous in view of their
heinous deeds, they utterly scorned. They were not

THE TAUNTS OF R OLD AN.
390 J 't^

comi„g to «.ek peace, but to demand that the Admiral
should deliver to them those Indians '"^"y^^f "f*
and about to be sent to Spain; &/ R""*"' ^".\\\f
justice, had promised to protect them. TiU these
Indians were delivered there could be no peace_ Rc^-
dan even claimed to control the fortunes of the Ad_
miral, who, if he were not careful, would yetbeobhged

to bee pardon of him. . 1 '

How much Roldan cared for the Ind-.ans ts best seen
in his outrageous treatment of them generally ; but
to champion the rights of the -slaved nattves was
convenient point to make at this juncture, w^en the
Queen was especially solicitous to liberate the suffer^
4 subjects of this new country, and he was shrewd
enough to noise the present attitude of hts onwar-
ranTed rebeUion thereon. Roldan having taunted Co-
umbus with the statement that only the gentlemen
about him were loyal, he concluded to make a test of
the Latter, and so ordered his men to appear under
arms. About seventy presented themselves, and
scarcely more than half of these could be trusted.
One was lame, another was -k, and some had rela-
lives or friends among those m rebelhon. It was
obvious at a glance that Columbus could command no
armed force adequate to the occasion, lo attempt it
Tutd only betray his weakness. The situ^.on was
most humiliating, and compromise with this mos
unreasonable rebellion was become a necessity^ Ihe
five ships detained in the harbor with the hope o
sendin/back to Spain such of the -bels f migh
prove incorrigible, and of bearing more favorable tiding,
to the soverSgns, must be under way, for their suj.

..nJ»«ffl«l!t*"'0*«»"«*

.^.,«WS««eBaaewW«il«iW««*oM^

APPEAL TO THE SOVEREIGNS.

391

the Admiral
itly captured
Ian, as chief

Till these
peace. Rol-

of the Ad-
^et be obliged

s is best seen
;nerally; but
natives was a
ire, when the
ite the sufifer-

was shrewd
f his unwar-
g taunted Co-
he gentlemen
ake a test of

appear under
imselves, and
Id be trusted,
some had rela-
Uion. It was
d command no

To attempt it
; situation was
itb this most
ecessity. The
th the hope of
ebels as might
ivorable tidings
r, for their sup-

plies were wasting, the suffering Indians on board
were perishing, some of them suflfocating with heat in
the holds, and some of them plunging overboard and
making their escape. Then, too, the discontented
about him must be gotten away before they could com-
municate with their friends in rebellion.

October i8th, the ships sailed. Las Casas states
that his father returned to Spain in one of them, and
so must have been able to furnish him with many of
the facts of his important history. Columbus sent to
the sovereigns a most interesting letter, the abstract
of which, given by Irving, is so lucid that we here
quote it :

" Columbus wrote to the sovereigns an account of
the rebellion, and of his proffered pardon being refused.
As Roldan pretended it was a mere quarrel between
him and the adelantado, of which the Admiral was not
an impartial judge, the latter entreated that Roldan
might be summoned to Spain, where the sovereigns
might be his judges ; or that an investigation might
take place in presence of Alonzo Sanchez de Carvajal,
who was friendly to Roldan, and of Miguel Ballester,
a witness on the part of the adelantado. He attributed,
in a great measure, the troubles of this island to his
own long detention in Spain, and the delays thrown
in his way by those appointed to assist him, who had
retarded the departure of the ships with supplies until
the colony had been reduced to the greatest scarcity.
Hence had arisen discontent, murmuring, and finally
rebellion. He entreated the sovereigns, in the most
pressing manner, that the affairs of the colony might
not be neglected, and those at Seville who had charge

^o2 PROPOSITIONS OF THE ADMIRAL.

of its conccnis might be instructed at least not to
devise impediments instead of assistance. He alluded
to his chastisement of the contemptible Ximeno Bre-
viesco, the insolent minion of Fonseca, and entreated
that neither that nor any other circumstance might
be allowed to prejudice him in the royal favor through
the misrepresentations of designing men. He assured
them that the natural resources of the island required
nothing but good management to supply all the wants
of the colonists, but that the latter were indolent and
profligate. He proposed to send home by every ship,
as in the present instance, a number of the dis-
contented and worthless, to be replaced by sober and
industrious men. He begged also that ecclesiastics
might be sent out for the instruction and conversion
of the Indians and, what was equally necessary, for
the reformation of the dissolute Spaniards. He
required, also, a man learned in the law to officiate as
judge over the island, together with several officers of
the royal revenue."

The same author continues : " Nothing could sur-
pass the soundness and policy of these suggestions ;
but, unfortunately, one clause marred the moral beauty
of this excellent letter. He requested that for two
years longer the Spaniards might be permitted to
employ the Indians as slaves, only making use of
such, however, as were captured in wars and insur-
rections. Columbus had the usage of the age in
excuse for this suggestion, but it was at variance
with his usual benignity of feeling and his paternal
conduct towards these unfortunate people."

The Admiral's interesting letter detailing the facts

of his

known

Select

The

plausil

that tl

tyrann

now n

friends

were n(

of the 1

against

The

these o

follows

time : "

said he

shedder

light oc

head th

that th(

and wil

enemies

intent tc

islands,

thousan*

would p

only sue

"The

desired ;

avouchec

vised su

i^mtiim^mmim0^smfi mmi isi'' f . f tm

RAL.

least not to

He alluded
Cimeno Bre-
id entreated
tance might
vor through

He assured
md required
lU the wants
ndolent and
I every ship,

of the dis-
t)y sober and

ecclesiastics
d conversion
ecessary, for
liards. He
o officiate as
ral officers of

y could sur-
suggestions ;
moral beauty
that for two
permitted to
iking use of
s and insur-
■ the age in
; at variance
his paternal

ling the facts

CRIMINATIONS AND RECRIMINATIONS. 393

of his third voyage was sent separately, and is so well
known in the English translation given in Major's
Select Letters as to need no extended notice here.

The rebels also wrote to Spain, giving the most
plausible excuses for their attitude, claiming, as usual,
that the Admiral and his brothers were selfish'
tyrannical, and cruel. Since Roldan and his company'
now numbering a hundred or more, had many
friends and relatives in the mother country, and there
were not wanting at the court those who were jealous
of the Admiral, they had a great and unequal influence
against the foreign adventurer.

The criminations and recriminations included in
these opposing reports to the sovereigns are given as
follows by Peter Martyr, who was a courtier at the
time: "They accuse the Admiral and his brother,"
said he, "to be unjust men, cruel enemies, and
shedders of Spanish blood, declaring that upon every
hght occasion they xvould rack them, hang them, and
head them, and that they took pleasure therein, and
that they departed from them as from cruel tyrants
and wild beasts rejoicing in blood; also the King's
enemies ; affirming likewise that they perceived their
mtent to be none other than to usurp the empire of the
islands, which thing, they said, they suspected by a
thousand conjectures, and especially in that they
would permit none to resort to the-gold-mines, but
[ only such as were their familiars.

" The Admiral, on the contrary part, when he

desired aid of the King to infringe their insolvency,

avouched that all those his accusers which had ad-

I vised such lies against him were naughty felxows.

394

CRUEL DIVERSIONS.

abominable knaves and villains, thieves, bawds,
ruffians, adulterers and ravishers of women, false
perjured vagabonds, and such as had been either con-
victs in prisons or fled from fear of judgment, thus
escaping punishment but not leaving vice, wherein
they still continued and brought the same with them
to the island, living there in like manner as before, in
theft, lechery, and all kinds of mischief, and so given
to idleness and sleep that, whereas they were brought
thither for miners and scullions, they would not now
go one furlong from l-heir houses except they were
borne on men's backs.

'* To this office they put the miserable island men,
whom they handled most cruelly. For lest their
hands should discontinue the shedding of blood, and
the better to try their strength and manhood, they
used now and then, for their pastime, to strive among
themselves and prove who could most cleverly with
sword, at one stroke, strike oflf the head of an innocent,
so that he who could with most agility make the head
of one of these poor wretches to flee quite and clean
from the body to the ground at one stroke, he was the
best man and counted most honorable."

This same horrid diversion by the Spaniards in the
Indies is related by Las Casas.

The three ships still in the harbor were designed
for Don Bartholomew, in order that he might continue
the exploration of the coast of Paria, which the Ad-
miral had been obliged to pass by so hastily. But the
adelantado could not be spared till the rebels had been
brought to terms ; for at any moment, in case of their
making an attack, his active valor might be needed.

;ves, bawds,
voinen, false
;n either con-
dgment, thus
vice, wherein
ne with them
as before, in
ind so given
were brought
rould not now
ept they were

[e island men,
'or lest their

of blood, and
nanhood, they
) strive among

cleverly with
)f an innocent,
nake the head
[uite and clean
ke, he was the

janiards in the

were designed
might continue

which the Ad-
LStily. But the
rebels had been
in case of their
ight be needed.

WAS DON BAR THOL OME W TO ttLA MR f 395

Hence the reconciliation of this *' handful of ruffians "
was now the pressing necessity.

Was there any truth in the charge so generally
made — that Roldan's rebellion was brought about by
the too severe rule of Don Bartholomew ? Las Casas,
who witnessed a full investigation of that officer's con-
duct in this matter, " acquits him of all charges of the
kind, and affirms that, with respect to Roldan in par-
ticular, he had exerted great forbearance." But Co-
lumbus would be on the safe side. On the 20th of
October he wrote to Roldan in the most conciliating —
one might almost say patronizing— language. Would
he not, in view of past kindnesses, do away with this
quarrel between him and the adelantado ? The com-
mon good, as well as his former good standing with
the sovereigns, pointed alike to the desirability of such
a step. He need not fear molestation in case he and
his companions would come to him. They might
have a safe conduct.

Who should be the bearer of this important letter ?
The rebels had refused to treat with any one but
Carvajal, but his fidelity was seriously doubted, with-
out just foundation, however, as we shall hereafter
see. The reasons presented against him were ap-
parently strong and decidedly formidable in number,
but Columbus, who was always charitable in his
judgments, gave him the benefit of the doubt, and so
made him his messenger. Nor did he ever have
occasion to regret it.

But the messenger was scarcely out of sight when a
letter arrived signed jointly by the leaders of the
rebellion, and written several days before. This letter

6 THE REBELS ARE INCORRIGIBLE.

put a new phase on their afifairs. Not only did they
deny the charge of being in rebellion, " but claimed
great merit " for not having done more ""schief.
They had dissuaded their fellows from killing the
adelantado in revenge for his cruel oppressions, pre-
vailing on them to await the Admiral's return for
redress. It was now a month since his return. Dur-
iug all this time they had waited patiently, expecting
to receive some orders from him, but all in vain. He
had shown only irritation and ill-will. In point of
honor and safety, therefore, they now formally de-
manded discharge from his service.

Meanwhile, Carvajal and Ballester presented the
Admiral's letter, and exhausted their powers of per-
suasion with view to a reconciliation. Having right,
truth, personal influence, and the authority of Spain
on their side, they succeeded in winning the judgment
of the leaders, so that they even mounted their horses
in order to confer with the Admiral ; but the body of
their followers were too thick-headed and corrupt to be
amenable to reason, and they immediately set up a noisy
clamor in opposition. The idle, roaming, licentious
life which they were living they would on no account
exchange for the industrial and moral discipline of the
colony. This was a matter which concerned them all,
they said, and no arrangement should be made, there-
fore, without their knowledge and consent. Let all
propositions be made in writing, and so be made clear
to the public. This uproar continued for one or two
days, and then Roldan wrote to the Admiral that his
followers objected to his coming to San Domingo with-
out a passport to protect him and his companions.

Sea:
urginj
demai
iially
lug ai:
promi:
dissati
would
of the
luiral
him s]
rank £

Col
was n
when
to gai
Hisdc
able t
dange
could
in his
have
naudc
a geiii
upon
follow

some
and t
had fl
happe

partic

UiLE.

PERILOUSNESS OF THE SITUATION.

397

ily did they
' but claimed
re mischief.
1 killing the
ressioiis, pre-
's return for
-eturn. Dur-
ly, expecting
in vain. He
In point of

formally de-
presented the
towers of per-
Having right,
rity of Spain

the judgment
:d their horses
t the body of
1 corrupt to be
^ set up a noisy
ling, licentious
on no account
iscipline of the
jrned them all,
be made, there-
isent. Let all

be made clear

for one or two
Imiral that his

Domingo with-
)mpanions.

Scarcely more assuring was the letter from Ballester,
urging an agreement to whatever the rebels might
demand, since their force, already so strong, was contin-
ually increasing, the soldiers of his own garrison desert-
ing and going over to them daily. Unless some com-
promise were made at once and the incorrigible and
dissatisfied sent to Spain, the government of the colony
would be in the most imminent danger, not to speak
of the peril which might threaten the person of the Ad-
miral himself. Even if the officers and gentlemen about
liim should prove faithful, he could not depend on the
rank and file of the people.

Columbus realized the crisis of the moment. There
was no choice left to him. He sent the passport. But
when Roldan arrived it was evident that he had come
to gain adherents rather than to effect a reconciliation.
His demands were so numerous, arrogant, and unreason-
able that Columbus^ notwithstanding the threatening
danger and his willingness to make large concessions,
could not admit them. Roldan left, promising to send
in his terms in writing. " But that they might not
have cause to complain," says Columbus's son, Fer-
nando, " or say he was too stiff in this affair, he ordered
a general pardon to be proclaimed, and to be thirty days
upon the gates of the fort, the purport whereof was as
follows :

" That forasmuch as during his absence in Spain
some difference had occurred between the lieutenant
and the chief justice, Roldan, and other persons who
had fled with him, notwithstanding anything that had
happened, they might all in general, and every one in
particular, safely come to serve their Catholic Majesties,

ri-*;yi?!G^.v:*\"!M? '^■^-

a PROCLAMA TION OF rMtDON.

.. if no difference had ever been, and that whosoever
wo Id go iS: Spain should have his P-age a^^^^^^^^^

Trder to receive his pay, as was -f 7"^^];? ^^

\a.A thev presented themselves before the Admiral

lit i^MtyTys to receive the benefit of this pardon,

'"irIX:rlp::^ng the doc. wide enough for
auyreille pe Jn among the rebels to find h,s way
back into the royal service with honor.

Ca v^al carried a copy of the P™''^"^""" '° J°^
P r„t on where he found Roldan besieging Ballester,

-?"ifj::^^^^rre^^?

^l^^^ teason -. -o- .^^^^^^^^^

" taS Tagrel " rs'ca^vaial, and Salamanca,
hLstewatwhold accompanied him, could sign, he

""^^V^Srti'nUd on the fort the rebeU scoffed
at saying the Admiral would soon be obliged to ^g
tr pardon. After the earnest expostulations of Car^
vajal, the following articles were drawn up by Roldan

Z:^ mostt^isMlowe. were the. andjeca^

• " " ' ' 1 Life of Coluinbut, by hU Son.

there is
prepare
said R(
Spain,
II. ']
pay me
and let
ties thj
III.
they h
certify
womei
them s
were t
may t£
IV.
all th(
been j
furnish
have 1
have
or for
if the
easily
biscui
V.
such
their
VI.
perso:
Lords

vi:

t whosoever
sage and an

otheis, pro-
the Admiral

this pardon,
.r within the
ainst accord-

e enough for
► find his way

ation to Fort
ring Ballester,
ce him to sur-
med, in order
Ian wished to
the Admiral's
3uld not agree
would draw up
Lnd Salamanca,
could sign, he

le rebels scoffed
obliged to beg
ilatious of Car-
i up by Roldan

two good ships,
nent of able sea-
ort of Zaragua,
:re and because

PROrOS/TIONS FROM THE REBELS. 399

there is no other port more commodious to provide and
prepare victualling and other necessaries, where the
said Roldau and his company shall embark and sail for
Spain, if so God please.

II. That his Lordship shall give an order for the
payment of the salaries due to them all till that day,
and letters of recommeudatioH to their Catholic Majes-
ties that they may cause them to be paid.

III. That he shall give them slaves for the service
they have done in the island, and their sufferings, and
certify the said gift; and because some of them have
women big with child, or delivered, if they carry
them away they shall pass instead of such slaves they
were to have ; and the children shall be free, and they
may take them along with them.

IV. His Lordship shall put into the aforesaid ships
all the provisions requisite for that voyage, as have
been given to others before ; and because he could not
furnish them with bread, the judge and his company
have leave to provide in the country, and that they
have thirty hundredweight of biscuit allowed them,
or for want of it thirty sacks of corn, to the end that
if the cassava or Indian bread should spoil, as might
easily happen, they may subsist upon the aforesaid
biscuit or corn.

V. That his Lordship shall give a safe conduct for
such persons as shall come to receive the orders for

their pay.

VI. Forasmuch as some goods belonging to several
persons who are with Roldan have been seized, his
Lordship shall order restitution to be made.

VII. That his Lordship shall write a letter to their

■^MiSir-tt^ --MS ^. 1 JJ-i>«; «

„« PJfOPOsmONS FROM rilE REBELS.

J.„,„or,ty to sen so,ne K^o^s .e ha. .^ c.

SaLauca » be just, he shall write to the sa.d 3udge
" XrThiThrs Lo£ip Shan be discoursed eoneern-
'"Vl'rSft'rh as the saidRoldan and his

'':rhc ot Ir stir that'are in the island, he shall

Sa!:ch::'de Carvaia, and James de Salam-a «U
Francis Roldan and h,s company, tins day^ be> 8
Wednesday, the a.st of November, I49i>, I ^^ '^''"''■"

ELS.

at the said
the inhabi-
vveuty great
ill, praying
)r them they
swiiie were

said Roldau

s, which he

them as he

with whom

idges to give

; demands of
lie said judge

irsed concern-

>ldan and his
)r some other
some violence
.land, he shall
act, promising,
own faith and
in Spain, that
on shall offend

ade by Alonzo
;alamanca with
his day, being
8, I am content

PROrOSlTlONS FROM THE REREl.S. 401

it be fully observed, upon condition that the said
Francis Roldan, nor any of his followers, in whose
name he subscribed and ratified the articles by him
delivered to the aforesaid Alon/.o Sanchez de Carvajal
and James de Salamanca, shall not receive into their
company any other Christian of the island, of any
state or condition whatsoever.

I Francis Roldan, judge, do promise and engage
my 'faith and word, for myself and all those with me,
that the articles above mentioned shall be observed
and fulfilled, without any fraud, but faithfully as is
liere set down, his Lordship performing all that has
been agreed on between Alonzo Sanchez de Carvajal
and James de Salamanca and myself, as is in the

written articles. r -n i

I That from the day of the date hereof till the
answer be brought, for which ten days shall be allowed,
I will admit no person whatsoever of those that are
with the Lord Admiral.

IL That within fifty days after the said answer shall
be delivered to me here in Fort Conception, signed and
sealed by his Lordship, which shall be within the ten
days before mentioned, we will embark and set sail

for Spain. j 1 n

III. That none of the slaves freely granted us shall

be carried away by force.

IV. That whereas the Admiral will not be at the port
where we are to embark, the person or persons his
Lordship shall send thither be honored and respected
as their Majesties' and his Lordship's officers, to whom
shall be given an account of all we put aboard the ships,
that they may enter it and do as his Lordship shall

Ill Mll.lM IS^' THliM'^-
'7 "" , rs , n im. then in writing, U.c unswc.

scribed tins wnling. C'i\oi .u n»«. v, x
except the lessci ^^.^^^ ^^^^^

T1,P rebels then went away into Zaragna '■"Pi
JtlX^^^^ and tU. « .t onoe^ abo,;.
,.,, ,.e - jH,p« re. y > Spa.n, as_^a,^^^^__^^^ ^^ ,
part thus with the snips further d s-

Lnd Hi. brother B-^^^^^r^L '^e^ilXries
coveries in the regions »f /^ » •'™; /^^ ^^e trouble

Tt^ rr>LroT':rr \r if the ...in,

"iessTty of t'L hour. How mneh more raptdly ever,

RKrOURSF. (U- rUF. APM/h'M-

4^'^

jcstics. All
1(1 performed
:arvajal and
, Ihc answer
ti<m in eiglu
t I shall not

luy company
, I have sub-
epllon on the

■ms, based on
ly hemmed in
ombination of
ad no choice,
action was be-
hosc who were
Ciguaya, after
nen had gone
f November, he
on the part of
:,\\ his part,
gna to prepare
once set about
as agreed. 1"
had planned to
for further dis-
: pearl fisheries
get the trouble
as the pressing
re rapidly every

department of this great enterprise might then pro-
gress. . r »i

Hut he felt i his duty to advi.se the sovereigns of the
karful combinati.m of things which niade it necessary
for him to Mgn an agreement so false and so unjust as
that by which the rebellion had been compromised. A
detailed account, therefore, of the wlude matter was for-
warded to Spain. He recommended that these parties
be arrested, and when their outrageous conduct, which
had paraly/ed every industry in the island, broken
up the system of tribute, and brought on war with
the natives, whom they had rol)bcd and who.se women
they had debauched, could be investigated, the .sov-
ereigus would know something of the terrible necessity
under which he had been compelled to act in order to
save the colony from utter ruin.

The trouble with the rebels being thus adjusted, and
Sun Domingo and vicinity once more restored to tran-
quillity, the Admiral, accompanied by Don Bartholomew,
went to Isabella to repair such mischief as had occurred
in consequence of the revolt, the interests at San Do-
mingo being left with Don Diego.

Hut such was the lack of the necessary resources and
such the disorder in the colony that the ships agreed
upon for Roldan could not be gotten ready till late in
February. Then a severe storm overtook them on their
way and compelled them to lie at audiorin a harbor on
the coast till the end of March. Indeed, one was so
disabled as to be obliged to return to San Domingo,
another being dispatched under Carvajal to take its

place.
This failure of the ships in respect to time the

CAR VAJAL'S PROTEiy T.

.ebds seized upon, glad for -V "--j^^i^^^^Veu!

therefore resolved not to go. „„.«„<..

0.rvaial tl,en gave formal protest, in the presence

frXU^ l}r refusing u. e«^f J— J

tdi'^L";;": t:?rdr::™,l^d :tth^ provisions

washed byuuLoldable detention, «-^^-;' l-^* .
SrDon,.^go, while Carvajal ret^r^ed , land^ J^o,
dan went with h.m some distance
appearing ninch disturbed .n ^'^^^J^J^^^^^.^^
return to Spain, and to persist in

.,th such a band of ruffians ^^^ ''^,': Ld to talk

.fford any very ''"s'^' f^f ^^ "two alighted and
with Carvajal pr.va ely, so they J^ ^^^^^ ^^

withdrew under a "«• /^S^^'^j^i^, „„„,d send a'
was loyal at heart, ^■'*,'' ;"„,7„ • ^, companions he
.afe-conduct to mm ^"f ^?\f""Xt all might he
would meet him, and though to all g ^^^

-rer.:el\r r ra^reCs fa; as his me.

were concerned. u^ to reDort this to thel

" short

submis

was wr

San D(

on the

about 1

that h(

and hi

did no1

author

But

Spain.

amidst

the m

eigns

letter

knowl

few \^

north,

remaii

time

rebell:

to be ■

and b

Thi

Colun

crisis

when

the r

every

ciliati

COLl'MBUS APl'EALS J A \ AJN.

405

escape such
»le to meet in
le on Coluni-
e ships, and
jndition, and
ght perish on
isions which
consumed by
ilaced. They

the presence
: according to
ships, already
irith provisions
sent back to
by land. Rol-
en horseback,
He dared not I
ce of authority
eels could not
wished to talk
) alighted and
iclared that he
[ would send a
companions he
; all might be 1
ties ; but for the
s far as his men

;port this to the I
ie-conduct under
2tter to Roldan,

" short " but " very pithy, persuading him to peace,
submission, and their Majesties' service." This letter
was written May 21st. " He afterwards repeated it at
San Domingo more at large, on the 29th of June, and
on the 3d of August six or seven of the chief men
about the Admiral sent Roldan another safe-conduct,
that he might come to treat with his lordship." ' He
and his followers were pledged security, provided they
did nothing hostile to the representatives of the royal

authority.

But it is time for Columbus to get intelligence from
Spain. Since he is struggling so faithfully, so loyally
amidst the toils of a rebellion almost universal, and
the most unreasonable and wicked, surely the sover-
eigns will stand by him promptly, positively. The
letter he receives is from Bishop Fonseca. He ac-
knowledges the appeal made by the Admiral, but in a
few words, as freezijigly cold as the icebergs of the
north, he simply says the matter for the present must
remain in suspense until the sovereigns may have
time to investigate and devise some remedy — as if
rebellion and disorder in a young colony were a thing
to be winked at, and allowed plenty of time to grow
and become strong.

This cniel answer almost took the heart out of
Columbus. Must he, then, stand alone in this terrible
crisis? How incorrigible would the rebels become
when they discovered how little influence he had with
the royal authority 1 Still, he would do and suffer
everything in order to bring about a speedy recon-
ciliation. In the latter part of August he and several

> Fernando Columbus, cap. 83.

o5 EFFRONTER V OF THE REBELS.

„r l,i, most i,nporta„t met, sailed in the two caravels
A:,:°«tweert Sa,. Domingo and Zaragtu. m otder
to meet Roldan a,id his men as much to their

Celv he nnst have heard how coolly the Adnural s
: ■ a^ h:d been received i„ Spain ^"^^^
IL.S had changed the Vropn.ty o( cen.^^^^^s^.
he demanded the same terms as before, adding

'1° Th!t the Admiral shonld send fifteen of his men
tn Snaiu in the first ships which might go

frTliat to those remaining he should give land and

Xl T^iat ;rocTamation shonld be made that all which
had happene'd had been caused by false suggestions

-fv^'Zt thrA^i"! ^"uewlyappoiut Roldai,

"Tr^lld have been more humiliaung«
, tl,^„ these' But to the unhappy Admiral
Tre w s 1 ft no hoice between this miserable com-
'p'roiiro the ruin of the colony, fo'dan went o.
^hore to confer with the main body of h- » - AJ
some two days the capitulations of the rebels wer
oTarded in Lguage the -st arrogrant and^ in ul^
i„g. To all their former articles of joncession Iron.

" '^ 1 See Fernando Columbus.

ment.

nUMILlA TIAG COA/J/T/OA.S.

vo caravels
a, ill order
) their cou-

eral others,
d effrontery
iven ill dic-
ak of a cul-
for pardon,
e AdiiiiraVs
3t as circuin-
Lain clauses,
adding the

. of his men

rive land and

:hat all which
; suggestions

.point Roldan

umiliating or
ippy Admiral
liserable com-
Idan went on
s men. After
le rebels were
tit and insult-
)ncession from

407

Columbus they added that if he should fail in the ful-
filment of any point, they might, by force or by any
other means they saw fit, compel him.

Before signing these humiliating conditions he
added that the commands of the sovereigns, himself,
and the justices should be promptly obeyed by them.
Whatever the injustice and the personal humiliation
he might suffer in this transaction, there might come a
time when he could explain to the royal ear how little
personal freedom there had been left to him.

We have been somewhat full and explicit in giving
the details of this shameful rebellion, that the reader
may judge for himself as to the wretched material out
of which Columbus was obliged to construct his col-
ony. Let those who are disposed to judge him severelj'
as a ruler contemplate what they could have done
under like circumstances. Surely Don Bartholomew
must have been a patient man to have allowed so much
blame to be falsely imputed to him ; for his manage-
ment, during the absence of the Admiral, had been
made the chief point of censure by the rebels.

Herrera represents Roldan as resuming his office of
chief judge with a no+^'ceable arrogance. Surrounded
by his former accomplices, and holding intercourse
only with the disaffected, he was disposed to frown upon
those who had been orderly and loyal, even discharg-
ing Rodrigo Perez, the Admiral's lieutenant, and say-
ing that only those whom he should appoint could
hold office in the island. But Columbus was patient,
and endured many indignities that quiet and order
might be restored. When Roldan presented a paper,
signed by over one hundred of his late followers,

i^^m:-^^-- fi.'-''

REPARTIMIBNTOS.

408 . ,

„.Ui,.. ro. lands i„ Zaragna ^^^^l^^^^ltl
settle, 1.0 feared the resttlt of -'""'f^;"!^ better
at one point, and that so — ^„^ « the banks
to distribute them, some at Bonao son ^^^^^^

of the Rio Verde, and <">-- t^J^^^onioned them
of land he gave were large, and h^^l'-" "W ^^ „„s.

as slaves many «>?° .''='*„'';'" ifu^by means of

Caciques nearby ''"g^'/'^^f^'^ite This sort of
their sttbiects instead of paymgtnbute^Th^^^^^^.^

,„asi serfdom was tbe b^g-""^"/ V^:Un^ioUos, and
,f free Indtans f»; '^^"^^^^J .Jsed by the Span-
which was afterwards so gj'*' ^ ^y^^s, Colum-

iaMs in the New Wor . If, - Mu^^^ ^^ ^^^ „,

bus now concluded that, as a 4 .^ t„

;'!= rtl' trn^rcrrtllJl^e^yUrent to the
tht 1 olie he'\,ad in mind on his hrst d.scovery.

..^ V Tro'-es, coUeft tribute, and keep an eye
on the conduct of the colonists . .^

Roldan now P'-^"''<'/'^^° rovaT^ultry farm

irztaVut\vith cattle and animals in g^^^^^^
.acicne whose ears O^dahd^c^ ^^ ^^^^^^ ^^

went into the Vega was .. ^s, however,

laborers on these lands. ^11 these gr ^ ^^.

when the sovereigns should come to • i,

Roldan gained permission to visit his possess

S,'ifcl*"S*j!>««-'5*««S«lS

i-l.snEMBaESiWjSWBiiiaKaiSH'^f

1-SlS^— irt»SW«

RE^UELMKS BARN.

409

they might
lany rebels
rht it better

the banlcs

The tracts
tioned them

I the wars,
by means of
This sort of

distribution
mienloSy and
by the Span-
links, Colnm-

this part of
; as vassals to
Jerent to the
rst discovery.

t of police to
d keep an eye

tns, which in-

II poultry farm
certain grants
general. The
: when he first
lis subjects as
rants, however. |
r Columbus an-
le late rebellion
low the facts.
s possessions in I

the Vega. At Bonao, his late headquarters, he made
Requelme, one of his old colleagues, a judge in that
place. At this appointment Columbus was aggrieved,
for it transcended the powers of Roldan's office. Then
that strong edifice which Requelme was erecting on
a hill, ostensibly a barn for cattle, looked exceedingly
like a fortress, and might be used by the late rebels as
a stronghold. Arana, in his firm loyalty, entered a
protest against the building. Both parties appealed
to the Admiral, and he forbade the enterprise.

Columbus had intended to go into Spain, taking
Don Bartholomew with him, in order that they in
person might accomplish that which his letters had
failed to do. But the outlook was still forbidding.
Could he be certain that the late rebellion was wholly
subdued ? What if the Ciguayans should swoop down
from the mountains, as they seemed inclined, and try
to carry ofif their imprisoned cacique, Maiobanex, now
in Fort Conception ? What could be the import of those
four ships said to have recently arrived at the west
end of the island ? The Admiral was obliged to con-
tent himself with sending two caravels to Spain early
in October. In these returned such of the colonists
as did not wish to stay, including some of the late
rebels. They took slaves with them and such
daughters of the caciques as they could induce to go
with them, which wrongs the Admiral, in the weak-
ness of his authority, was obliged to wink at. He
also knew but too well how these enemies would lose
no opportunity to misrepresent and ruin him at the
court. As an oflfset he sent the noble Ballester and
Garcia Barrantes to represent him before the sover-

coiajMBV'^'^'^ a r peal.

eigns and to present the depositions concern "g 'he

em,d«ctof the late rebels, "f .'^^ "^y! since he
affair he nrged them to make c ose »^q^ ^J
looked npon his capmtlat.on -^l^^l^ him in
void, becanse they ^^^f ^';«" J,f„ [,risdictio„ as
violence, and at sea, where he had no )t

viceroy ; because the -»-^S-'! .''/'^J'::^ \„ absolve

as traitors, and U was .»"' ° " ^^^J/j matters of
them; because the caP't«lat.o,.s .nc'nde ^^^ ^j_^

the royal revenue, over which he had no c

absence of the ofhcers P"'-""f^ '° J vtut^d he

^vLS tl"- asked -a i-.e c-.te.^

^'■"'t"hat1rmiS noTr,;d alot in tlfe seve«
m order that he mu, functions must be

exigencies of justice. Jut the. ^^ ^^^ ^ig-

so limited as not to infringe 011 ms g

•^- o What could governors do it tneir P^iu^^^
nities. What couiQ g ^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^^g

not sustain them? And, since .^^^i^i^s of

and he was becoming conscious ot tne m

and ne wa ^^^^ ^ ^^^^^ ^^^ des-

age, might not his son ^ ' ^^-i^ed at mature
lined to be his successor and having arnvea 1

years, be sent to assist him ?

j^..^-^.v-tHWS*ii,..»

iiti0O&*^vsimii^^-

icerning the
th of which
liry, since he
11 as uuU and
rom him i"
urisdiction as
:n condemned
;r to absolve
ed matters of
control in the
it ; and, more
d violated the
ng Spain, that
^riceroy of the
e competent to
screet persons,
e in the severe
ctions must be
rights and dig-
beir princes did |
alth was failing 1
tie infirmities of|
i page, but des-
rrived at mature |

CHAPTER XVIII.

ojeda's mischief at zaragua.

It seems as if there were no limits to the evil
in the hearts of those with whom Columbus
was associated. Even the brave, dashing
Ojeda is now in mischief. His four ships, already
hinted at, were anchored at the west end of the island.
As Roldan had now faced about and seemed anxious
to reinstate himself, Columbus sent him, on the 29th
of September, with two caravels, to inquire into the
reason for their appearance. He anchored within two
leagues of Ojeda's squadron, and landed with twenty-
five men accustomed to find trails in the forest. Five
were sent as scouts, who reported Ojeda away from
his ships, and accompanied by only fifteen men. They
were making cassava-bread. Roldan placed himself
so as to intercept their return, or possibly take them
by surprise. The Indians, who dreaded his very
name on account of his former excesses among them,
reported him. Ojeda saw his peril, and, as he could
not return to his ships, faced Roldan with only a half-
dozen men. The latter wished to know why the
former had come to that lonely part of the island.
Ojeda said he had been on a voyage of discovery,
and had sought a harbor there because he was dis-
tressed for food and needed to repair his ships. In
the name of the government, Roldan demanded a
sight 01 the credentials under which he prosecuted

'ft'

OIEDAS INTHUSHhS-
412 ■'

• . Knowins that Roldan was not to be
his discoveries K''<'.*'"8 " ; ,- «as on board

trifled with, Ojeda said that h.s ''""^'^ * j„ j,,,

„is ship, and that he would P->.f JJ/f^pU to
Admiral at San Donungo, «'"" ''%,^;" „; ht hear,
him intelligence wh.ch no one else m^

Meanwhile he '"'^Y rdil^r^cf court that there
■"'"' ""talu oTuk ng a^fr^s command, and that
;;: 2;;:: ab:ut"hi: 'my re^maming friend, was so .11
It she was in nowise ""'»■ '"J"^",,,, ,Hps he

When Roldan -'"J^^^.^^^^itee, some of
found 1 persons of his former acq repeated

whom had before be^,.n the sUnd^ Jl-V^^P ^^^

the substance "f , O^^fj,^ ^Xp„„Uca, authorising
indeed a license, signed by Bishop !■ , ^^

Ojeda's voyage of d'^covery. The wn
the enterprise was soon revealed. The glow, g V
which Columbus had sent '"/P-'^^f J^ L. etc.,
which he had just "P'"'^^' "'' .f tl„„ a certain
had been made »»■"»? Sem the advantage
group of adventurers, thus «'™f'..kAmyn\. Theii

.^ordinate th.nt lot g ,,pedition, the

P"' f n , „n Fonseca giving him full access to all
worthy Bishop Fonsecagtvg ^^^ ^^^ sent

the charts, '"""^^'^''-'tken to intercept the great

n- .ttrharvesf :h 1^ He might have enjoyed
explorer m the ttarvesi , , ^ j,is ruffians in

bnt for the ^^^^^'^^''l,^. had furnished
Hispaniola. The paP'« '^ ^ , ^ sovereigns,

srittTauTof"----'-"-

<t,iStutiei*li3S»aS^«<»»**»'S*'**^^*''''°

A MERICUS VESrUCCIUS.

413

as not to be
IS on board
pects to the
,d impart to
migbt hear.
;hat the Ad-
t, that there
,nd, and that
nd, was so ill

a's ships he
nee, some of
*hey repeated
Qd there was
;a, authorizing
)le scheme of
jlowing report
e Paria region
fisheries, etc.,
ong a certain
the advantage
imiral. Their
sed, Ojeda was
xpedition, the
11 access to all
mbus had sent
-rcept the great
It have enjoyed
. his ruffians in
:a had furnished
the sovereigns,
uguese regions.

ot any part discovered by Columbus previous to 1495 ;
but as the Paria coast and the Pearl Islands had been
discovered after the above date, that great and wealthy
region was purposely left open to this company of
adventurers, who fitted out their own ships and con-
trolled their fortunes, giving only a certain proportion

to the crown.

The fleet had been fitted out at Seville, where many
wealthy speculators assisted. Among those who
sailed was the notable Americus Vespuccius, then a
Florentine merchant in that city. In geography,
navigation, and a ready use of the pen he was highly
accomplished. Indeed, it was the happy use he made
of his pen in describing his several voyages along the
coast of South America, and his work as chief pilot of
Spain and cartographer of the New World, which, all
unwittingly on his own part, fastened his name' for-
ever to one-half the globe. Here, too, was Juan
de la Cosa, a mariner of rare skill, who had sailed
with Columbus on his first voyage and in his trying
explorations along the south side of Cuba. He was
first pilot of Ojeda's fleet, and has made himselt
famous by means of his map of the New World, which
he drew on a large ox-hide, and which, beautifully
colored and illuminated, still adorns the walls of the
Royal Museum in Madrid.

Having sailed in May, i499, the 'adventurers had
coasted the southern continent from two hundred
leagues east of the Orinoco, and, following in the
track of Columbus's third voyage by means of his
charts, they had passeddirough the Sejrpent'sMouth

» See Humboldt'* Ex»men Critique.

414 ■'

^nd out at the Mouth ..f the DraRou, visited the pearl
r^ous, and discovered the T.ulf of Venezuela. Touc -
uu- at the Carihbee IsUuuls, thc-y had cucouutered th
a'tives iu ot.e of their fierce attacks, atul had captured
uauy shu-es for the markets of Spait,. Their supp^-s
:„duK low. Ojeda^ had sailed fbr H-pamol|^^ -uuk
,„,de the tuost extensive voyage up to that tunc
on the shores of the New W orld.

Roldan bad ....horcd what iufor.uafo,, he ecu

to sail to San D<>mi..K<. and do ho.nage o the Ad-
iral he rctnrned to that place to make report.
Cohunhus was deeply agK'-ved ,0 learn of so .er,o,,s
,n infringenient of his rights as the lleense for Ojeda s
vovaee implied, but he «onld wait patiently for the
promi ed 'sit of that daring adventurer a..d learn
n o e fullv what had been done. Bnt Ojeda's prom.se
rrbeen made only as a means of e-pe from Koldan,
and not with the least intention of fnlfilment. Hav-
W repaired his sqnadron and gathered snppl.es h
"Itled farther along the coast of Zaragna where the
Spaniards who resided in those parts, and who were
not specially friendly to Columbus, reee,vedh„n„.o.
cordially and gave him whatever he needed. These
or Wed retels, learning OJeda's jealous feel.ngs
towards the Admiral, looked upon h..« as a neu
leader, who might take U|e^ plae^RrfdanJThey

South America. , r\\.A„ »« Havti but

.Ve.pucciuB does not seem to h.ve accompanied Ojeda to Hayt,,

returned home bv another route.

were low
especial!}
claimed,
blooded '
the red re
been dri
lunibus 1
demand
would h
island.

These

with the

rebels, b

plans. 1

were kil

those in

this tim

resolute

Ojeda in

been se

affairs.

plice, E

he couk

that Re

service

kill hii

awake i

Ojedi

his fore

to the

and the

dan no

fit

<^»W3t«T*^S*SSlSJ£.fir*a!*Sr.Kr

.^.-~j,,-f.fsx':ri<!!mm^mm~^^'^f^:'»^'^-

r , -,.»i., -,»*;!riie--iW">^''*"'"'

OJEIKA iVliSS IIHRO.

415

d the pearl
a.' Touch -
lutered the
ad captured
eir supplies
iola, haviuK'
that time

11 he could
his promise

to the Ad-
ake report,
f so serious
e forOjeda's
nitly for the
r, and learn
da's promise
rom Roldan,
ment. Hav-

supplies, he
la, where the
md who were
^'ed him most
eded. These
ilous feelings
m as a new
oldan. They

s questionable ma-
along the coast of

)jeda to Hayti, but

ucrc loud in their clamors against the government,
especially on account of the back pay which they
cliimcd ' All this gave a vantage-ground to the hot-
blooded Ojeda. lie would now play the hero, and be
the redresser of the grievances of these men, who had
been driven to desperation by the cruelty of the Co-
lumbus brothers. He would march at their head and
demand a redress of their wrongs, and the Admiral
would have to pay them on the spot or leave the

island. . ,

These heroic propositions by Oieda were received
with the most enthusiastic cheers by some of the late
rebels, but others were not disposed to fall m with his
plans.' Hence arose a violent quarrel, in which several
were killed and others wounded on both sides. But
those in favor of Ojeda's scheme prevailed. About
this time Roldan arrived with a small company of
resolute men. Intelligence of the proceedings of
Ojeda in Zaragua had reached San Domingo, and he had
been sent by the Admiral to keep a close watch of
affairs. On the way he had enlisted his old accom-
plice Escobar, who was to aid him with all the force
he could collect. The late rebels in Zaragua, finding
that Roldan had been hopelessly converted to the
service pf the government, undertook to waylay and
kill him while on his march ; but he was too wide-
awake and quick to be thus entrapped*.

Ojeda knew better than to encounter Roldan and
his force in a desperate fight, and thus oppose himself
to the royal authority with no adequate end in view,
and therefore found his way back to his ships. Rol-
dan now besought him to cease his irregularities,

4i6

SNA itr i/'J '^'*^' '^ ^ A'/Av;.

which were creatiiiK s«> much disturbance, and conic
ashore to make peace. Ojeda would not venture
within the reacn of one so crafty and vehement as h
knew Roldan to be. On the other hand, he sei/ed
several of his men and confined them "\;^-"^ ;'"
board his vessel, threatening to hauK them if Roldan
did not hand over a certain one-armed sailor who had

'^' After a Rood deal of close watchiuR and sharp
manc^uvriiiK on the part of both these shrewd oppo-
uents, Ojeda's ships moved away to the province of
Caha;, and landing with forty men he took whatever
he wanted by force from the kind-hearted natives. He
was soon overtaken by Roldan and Escobar, who fol-
lowed along the shore. In a canoe, winch was made
almost to skip over the water by the dett nduui pad^
dies the two latter approached the ships of Ojeda and
asked of him that, since he himself dared not come
ashore, he would send a boat and bring them on board
one of his ships for a conference. Ojeda at once sent
the boat, thinking to thus get Roldan in lus power
The boat came near to the shore and asked Roldan to

come to them. , , , , ^^

- How many mav come with me?" asked the latter.
" Not more than five or six," was the reply.
Escobar and four others waded to the boat, which
refused to take any more ; but Roldan, getting upon
the back of one man and ordering another to walk
alongside and assist him, eight in all got in^ At
once Roldan ordered the boat to row to shore. \\ hen
the men refused, his men attacked them with the
sword, and wounding some, made the rest prisoners.

-*.,-t^i*sjSF-=^=i*?'*.'"'^"P*-*'^-'^ '•■•'' '•■"^''■*

;:.B,ViilUfi.fc;

-^*w^?:i-V'^±K^'-i- '""'^^ '^'^ "'' -'W.*^'

„wi%**!«B«aa«a«iMi».«^*wiw* ■

FIX A I. A c. HI-: /•: i//; a' /'.

4«

ice, and conio
not venlnrc
hfincnt as he
lul, Ik- seized
in irons on
-ni if RoUlau
ailor who had

1^ and sharp
shrewd oppo-
e province of
took whatever
1 natives. He
:obar, who fol-
lich was made
ft Indiiin pad-
5 of Ojeda and
ared not come
them on board
la at once sent
in his power,
iked Roldan to

iked the latter.

reply.

he boat, which
a, getting upon
mother to walk
.11 got in. At
3 shore. When
them with the

rest prisoners.

One Indian, however, plunged under water and swam

iiway.

Roldan had gained his point, for Ojeda must have
his long-boat. ICntcring his small boat, which remained
with his chief pilot and four oarsmen, the latter came
near the shore. Roldan entered the long-boat just
(.a])tured, with some twenty-lwo men, twenty more
awaiting his orders on the land, and made ready to
meet him. Keeping at a safe distance from eacli other,
thcv exchanged some sharp words. Ojeda said that
Rofdan had come with men under arms in order to
seize him, and therefore he had a right to defend him-
self. This the latter denied, and promised that all
should be well if the former would present himself
before the Admiral at San Domingo.

Finally there was an agreement. The boat was to
he restored and the prisoners exchanged — all but the
(inc-armed deserter, who had made his escape — if Ojeda
would immediately leave. But when he sailed he
threatened to come again with more men and more
ships. Vox some time Roldan kept watch, lest Ojeda
sliould not depart after all. Very soon he heard that
he had landed farther along the coast and he imme-
diately followed with eighty men in canoes, others
acting as scouts along the land. But before he could
overtake him, Ojeda had sailed again ; only after he
had made up a drove of slaves, however, to be sold on
his arrival at Cadiz.

This visit of Ojeda at Hispaniola is a very naughty,
\\'^\y incident in the life of one who, though unfortu-
naLe in the end, might otherwise have passed into
history as a brave and interesting character, who ren-

4i8

REBELLION AGAIN.

tf I

%
I

dercd much good service in au important age of the

^™Thi: s^cSu, attack o„ Ojeda by the late rebels
was a grand first step toward their reinstatement m the
lubUc confidence. Being so nnacenstomed to good
deeds they took great credit to themselves made a
{or d ^oise over their loyalty and great servtces, and
S Roldan to give them land that they m.,ht make
them estates in the delightful provmce of Caha
But the late rebel leader wished to make good h.s
professions of reform, and win a good name for obed -
Lee to authority, so he gave them some of his own
^Ss in Zaragua to quiet then, till he eould confer
vrih the Admiral as to their request. In answer to
Roldan's letter, asking permission to come to San
DonC Columbus expressed his most sincere thanks
for that leader's farthfulncss and success m dnv„,g
awav the enemv, but asked him to rema.n yet longe
hrzlragna,lestOjeda should still be l.ngenng about
the coast with view to further mischief.

V, bad blood is sure to breed a sore somewhere, so
the v^l nature of some of the late rebels soon founc
oc asion for another insurrection. This time thy
found their centre of interest in the romance of a love
Iffar There had recently come to the island a young
cLlierof a d-tinguished family named Don Her-
nando de Guevara. A cousin to Adrian de Moxica, he
was as dissolute in habits as he was elegant and fasci-
nating in manners, and had been so licentious at
&i Domingo that the Admiral ordered him to leave
fh i°and. 'Having reached Zaragua too ate^o take
passage in Ojeda's ships, he found refuge with Roldan,

.,*S,»t«*»<S«k;™W»*«''-'-" '

-X-'ii.*.-V^"'-'A#'^*.^^'.

'ija.iiAi(«*swa*:'-'*fe ■*■*

3r>,;T4.-®««s»»%v«wsaii«t'««w>«***''*

THE INDIAN BEAUTY.

419

mt age of the

Lhe late rebels
tatement in the
tomed to good
iselves, made a
it services, and
ley niii,ht make
ince of Cahay.
make good his
name for obedi-
ome of his own
he could confer
In answer to
to come to San
;t sincere thanks
ccess in driving
main yet longer
; lingering about

:f.

re somewhere, so
ibels soon founc
This time they
■omance of a love
le island a young
named Don Her-
■ican de Moxica, he
elegant and fasci-
so licentious at
;red him to leave
la too late to take
!fuge with Roldan,

who was disposed to show him favor on account of his
relationship to his old friend De Moxica. and so per-
mitted the vonng cavalier to choose his place of resi-
dence until the Admiral should give further orders
concerning him. That point in Cahay where Roldan
had captured Ojeda's boat was chosen, as it was near
to Zaragua. the home of those of his acquaintance and
relationship. This was also a sort of sporting point,
where de I^Ioxica kept his hawks and hounds.

Through Roldan he was introduced to the famous
Anacaona, with whose beautiful daughter, just passing
into womanhood, he became desperately in love.
Hence when the occasion for his departure arrived he
was not inclined to go. Roldan, who Las Casas thinks
was himself in love with the Indian beauty, became
peremptory, and demanded that Guevara should leave.
Anacaona, to whom the Spaniards were always objects
of the strongest fascination, was pleased with the antici-
pated match, and encouraged the young cavalier to
linger at her house. He, meanwhile, sent for a priest
to baptize his intended bride. Roldan now sent for
Guevara and rebuked him severely for taking advan-
tage of the friendship and affection of this distin-
guished native family, and again he ordered him to
depart. Guevara pleaded good intentions and begged
leave to remain, but Roldan could not be persuaded,
saying the Admiral might misunderstand the matter,
and great evil come of it.

The young cavalier left, but three days was the
longest separation from the Indian beauty which he
Lould endure. Then he returned with five friends, and
managed to be hid away in Anacaona's house. A

'4nS•Ni«S^^i^M^»■"

GUEVARA'S REVENGE.

420

severe attack of inflamed eyes confining Roldan at the
time, he sent word at once, on hearing of Ins yonng
friend's retnrn, ordering him to leave ^ns/aufrr. This
time the young cavalier pnt on an air of defiance a^d
warned Roldan not to make foes m this critical hotir,
when he might need the aid of ^^«/"^^^^'.f ! ^^^f
Admiral was certainly abont to take off his head.
Roldan now ordered him to appear at once before
the Admiral at San Domingo. At this stern order
the young lover wilted, and begged for permission to
remain a little longer. Roldan granted the request.

But Guevara resolved 10 take revenge on the man
who had dared to thwart his passion, and so began at
once to make a party among the more incorrigible of
Roldan's former accomplices, who, as Irving says,
- detested as a magistrate the man they had idoh.ed
as a leader " By a sudden rise they would either put
Roldan to death or put out his eyes But he dis-
covering the plot, arrested Guevara and seven of hs
friends in Anacaona's house, and reported them to
the Admiral, saying that he was not able to judge the
case impartially. Columbus ordered the young
cavalier to be confined in the fortress at San Domingo.
Now the smouldering embers of the old rebellion were
fanned into a flame. Adrian de Moxica, resolving to
rescue his cousin, called on Requelme at Bonao and
they tog-' her soon rallied their old comrades, settled in
the neighborhood, in defence of their young favorite
and his pretty bride /« prospeau. Why should Rol-
dan, now become tyrant, prevent such a happy mar-
riage-one which might be a benefit to the colony?
Down came the old weapons of rebellion from the walls,

,<ii(»*'jfiS»«»1

msiifmm^imsmsimmmmmm mmm i im' imm

MOXICA IS HUNG.

421

Loldan at the
3f his young
'anter. This
defiance, and
critical hour,
ends, for the
off his head,
once before
s stern order
permission to
the request,
re on the man
id so began at
ncorrigible of
Irving says,
r had idoh'zed
)uld either put
But he, dis-
l seven of his
rted them to
A to judge the
d the young
San Domingo,
rebellion were
a, resolving to
: at Bonao, and
-ades, settled in
young favorite
hy should Rol-
1 a happy mar-
to the colony ?
I from the walls,

and a body of reckless men on horseback were ready
for any deeds of violence which might rescue their
favorite, and secure the death of Roldan and the Ad-
miral. The latter, now at Fort Conception and thus
in the immediate vicinity of the plot, set out at night,
with six servants and three esquires, for the quarters
of the ringleaders, who, encouraged no doubt by the
leniency shown to them in the recent insurrection,
were completely off their guard. Moxica and several
of his chief confederates were taken and lodged in
Fort Conception. After all the outrages which Co-
lumbus had suffered from these turbulent men, and
the utter inappreciation they had shown for his recent
toleration, it is not at all surprising that he now
determined upon heroic treatment. Moxica was to be
hanged from the top of the fortress. As he wished
to confess before dying, a priest was sent for ; but
thoin/^ he had been so vaunting and arrogant as a
re^^/ : lad no courage in the face of death. He
woulv. jegin his confession and then hesitate, and
then begin again, as if to gain time for some possible
chance of rescue. Finally he began to accuse of
criminality others who were above suspicion. Co-
lumbus, out of patience with such cowardly treachery,
ordered the miserable wretch to be swung off.

This new departure was vigorously kept up. In
prison irons several of Moxica's associates awaited
the execution of their death sentence. Requelme
and those quartered with him at Bonao were taken
to San Domiugo, where they made company for
Guevara, the cause of the rebellion. The rest of the
rebels fled to Zaragua. Don Bartholomew, aided by

OliDJSli IS RESTORED.

Han, pursued them «th ^^^^^^^"^^
enercv. Very soon seventeen of these reo
S awaited their trial in one d-'-'g^"' • ^"^^^^^^

on the part of Colnn.bus xvere of no avail.

Good order was once more ^--'°'f-}^^Jl
irritated Indians took warning, and sntantted to
aTt horVty Some of them became sufficient y ctv^tze
r out on clothes and to adopt Chnstian.ty Tl e,
assi'sl he indolent Spaniards in eult.vattng th.
ta„d , and a settled prosperity began to appear Had
he Adtniral and Viceroy now been allowed to pursm
hi! D^-ns without interruption, no doubt a new era o
'^d';overnment and general improvement nngh
we enstted. But there was to be no opportuiuty lo
ri^sc entific discoverer to reap the harvest vvh.ch he
hal so truly earned. Those plans wh.eh were to
evenwate it' his utter disgrace and overthrow as a
ruler were already maturing.

wiftuess and
se rebellious
son, and still
; seem severe,
•prise of this
Aug the New
;he despicable
rits, and that
ring measures

d. Even the

submitted to
iently civilized
tianity. They
ultivating the

appear. Had
owed to pursue
ibt a new era ol
>vement might
opportunity for
arvest which he

which were to

overthrow as a

CHAPTER XIX.

BOBADILLA SENDS COLUMBUS HOME IN CHAIWS.

|0W bitterly cruel that, while Columbus was
patiently contending with such idleness,

licentiousness, cruelty, and seditioir as broke

up every line of his operations in the New World, this
wicked element should have had its correlated forces
working with most fl^ital effect in the court of Spain,
thus completely demoralizing the confidence he had
inspired and subverting his entire system of coloniza-
tion. Very reluctantly, indeed, especially in the case of
Isabella, did the royal coni^dence give way. But the
continual dropping of water e\'en will finally wear away

the rock.

And still the cry against the Admiral and his brothers
continued. All the ship-news from the Indies— and it
was important in those days — reiterated the same thing.
The disappointed speculator, the humiliated hidalgo,
the expelled criminal— all told the oft-repeated items.
Letters from those who could not return confirmed them.
The points of accusation are clearly expressed by the
Admiral's son, who was then a page in the royal house-
hold, and whose wounded feelings w6uld but too clearly
receive the indelible impressions of the hour, which he
so candidly related in after years. He says, " Many of
the rebels by letters from Hispauiola, and others that
were returned into Spain, did not cease to give in false
information to the King and his council against the Ad-

MANY-SIDED A CCVSA TIONS.

424

mirul and his brothers, saying they were cruel and unfit
for that government, not only because they were
strangers and aliens, but because they had not formerly
been in a situation to learn by experience how to govern
people of quality, affirming that if their highnesses
did not apply some remedy those countries would be
utterly destroyed, and if they were not quite ruined by
their ill-government the Admiral would revolt and joiu
in league with some prince to support him, since he
pretended that all was his own, for it had been discovered
by his industry and labor, and that the better to compass
his design he concealed the wealth of the country and
would not have the Indians serve the Christians, nor be
converted to the faith, because by making much of them
he hoped they would be on his side and do what he
might wish against their highnesses."

Here we may see how many-sided and dishonest was
this bitter attack upon Columbus. A little while before
his enemies were making a special point on what they
regarded as his cruelty to the natives. Now they make
an equally sharp and much more dangerous point, by
claiming that by indulgence and caressing of this
simple-hearted people he is courting their alliance m an
anticipated revolt against the sovereigns of Spam.

And the grave charge of a design on the part of Co-
lumbus to alienate the Indies from the authority of
Spain however preposterous, niusi have been made very
prominent, for in his letter to the nurse of Prince Juan
he refers to it in the most affecting and pathetic lan-
guage. " Although I am an ignorant man," said he, ' I
do not imagine that any one supposed me so stupid as
not to be aware that even if the Indies had belonged to

\!^r^fi^^^^i^^^

.j^y^a«SfliS*e«fe'>^**'"" '"'

me I c{

of some

better s

the Kin

have ra

the grea

the sea?

househo

in loyali

as showi

he cont

maliciou

ject I CO

The (

been th;

of Solo:

common

Now, sir

abundan

another

because ■

profitabli

those," !

home ar

embez^ili;

the Gen(

with crin

been beli

recently

the Adm:

and in m

vanity.

COL UMnuS'S RE PI. T.

425

lel and unfit
they were
lot formerly
)w to govern
highnesses
;s would be
e ruined by
;olt and join
im, since he
;u discovered
;r to compass
country and
itians, nor be
inch of them
do what he

ishonest was
; while before
an what they
3W they make
ous point, by
;sing of this
alliance in an
of Spain.
le part of Co-
: authority of
een made very
f Prince Juan
pathetic lan-
n," said he, " I
e so stupid as
ad belonged to

me I could not support myself without the assistance
of some prince. Since it is thus, where should I find
better support or more security against expulsion than in
the King and Queen, our sovereigns, who from nothing
have raised me to so great an elevation, and who are
the greatest princes of the world, on the land and on
the sea?" Then referring to the fact that his son was in the
household of the sovereigns, thus binding his own heart
in loyalty to them, which loyalty they had appreciated,
as shown in the honors they had bestowed upon him,
he continues : " If I have now spoken severely of a
malicious slander, it is against my will, for it is a sub-
ject I could not willingy rlecall even in my dreams."

The cry of the Admiral's enemies had all along
been that there was no gold in this pretended Ophir
of Solomon. Noblemen, mariners, gentlemen, and
common people made a jest of his great expectations.
Now, since gold was unquestionably being found in
abundance, they began to turn the tide of scandal in
another direction. Not only did laborers complain,
because they must work for wages instead of the more
profitable arrangement of shares, but "there were
those," says Bernaldez, "who wrote, and who came
home and told the King and Queen, that he was
erabezdmg the gold, and that he wished to give it to
the Genoese, and many other stories, charging him
with crimes, the least of which it ought not to have
been believed that he would commit." Gold had but
recently been found in considerable quantities ; and
the Admiral had been accumulating it both in amount
and in masses, with feelings of gratification and even
vanity. If, as Bernaldez says, " he delayed sending

S^n^4>««Si^

426

ESCirKMENT IN SPAIN.

the gold to the King somewhat longer than he should

have done," it was only that he might himself bring

to the sovereigns his specimens, " as large as the eggs

of a goose or fowl, and many other sizes, which had

been collected in a short space of time, in order to

please their Highnesses, and that they might be

impressed with the importance of the affair when

they saw a great number of large stones loaded with

gold.'" Then he would report to them '' a revenue for

twenty years, which is, according to man's calculation.

an age,'" and show them how in the Indies "they

gather gold in such abundance that there are people

who, in four hours, have found the equivalent of five

marks." /-» i u

The charge of arrears on the part of Columbus

toward those serving the sovereigns under him was

pressed even to a most disgraceful issue. Says Fernando

Columbus, "When I was at Granada, at the time the

most serene Prince Michael happened to die, above

fifty of them, like shameless wretches, brought a load

of grapes, and sat down in the court of the Alhambra

(a castle and palace), crying out that their Highnesses

and the Admiral made them live so miserably by not

paying them, with many other scandalous expressions.

And their impudence was so great that if the Catholic

King went abroad they all got about him,' crying, ' Pay,

pay: And if it happened that my brother or I, who

were pages to her Majesty, passed by where they

were, they cried out in a hideous manner, making the

sign of the cross, and saying, ' There are the Admhal

I Letter of Columbus to the nurse of Prince Juan.
• Caught hold of his robe, some say.

FONSE CA ' S JiWFI. L 'FXL E.

427

lan he should
himself bring
re as the eggs
;s, which had
;, in order to
ey might be
; affair when
s loaded with
' a revenue for
's calculation,
Indies " they
ere are people
ivalent of five

of Columbus
uder him was
Says Fernando
at the time the

to die, above
brought a load

the Alhambra
eir Highnesses
iserably by noi
LIS expressions,
if the Catholic
i,^ crying, ' Pay,
)ther or I, who
by where they
er, making the
ire the Admiral

ice Juan.

of the mosquito's sons, he that has found out false and
deceitful countries to be the ruin and burial-place of
the Spanish gentry,' adding many more such insolencies,
which made us cautious of appearing before them.'"

It is true, that against all this tide of slander there
was an occasional letter from Columbus stating the
facts of his trying situation, and showing that the
troubles of the island did not arise from errors on his
part, but out of the nature of the undertaking and the
great depravity of the men about him. But the wily
and bitter-spirited Fonseca controlled all communica-
tions, and could put them into such relations before
tlie court as suited his enmity towards the Admiral.
Then there remained the stubborn and unfortunate
fact that, while the draught upon the royal treasury
to support the enterprise in the Indies was immense,
tlie fleets had returned almost empty, bringing only
slaves and golden promises.

It is easy to see how the jealous mind of Ferdinand,
always open to suspicion in respect to this enterprise,
begun, as it were, under his protest, and constantly
eaviled at by the courtiers, who felt themselves out-
shone by this sudden glory of a foreigner, should now
give way to the general sentiment of contempt for the
Admiral. Even Isabella, so ardent in her admiration
of the noble achievements of her hero of the ocean seas,
must needs yield to some extent to the incessant
clamor of all parties. If the knocking down and
kicking of Breviesca at Cadiz had shaken her faith in
his humane spirit as a ruler, she was still more
deeply wounded by the ship-loads of enslaved Indians

1 Life of Colon by his son, cap. 85.

,u.rf.*^=iKi^B.. -,■<■->. <

FliANCISCO nOHADlLLA.

,,e continued '"/™\7 ^^' ^i, „oecut, kind-hearU.d
pr.,tc.sWUo,. .« favor "^ 'f;;;' ij^.tiaUy under

n,ake thoron.h ■."?-"8"";'" „•,„"„ he natives,
rebellion, .he -'"l'""" ^'^ .V ^.d partiettlarly the
'"^ -r^irn^thod: of go::;mnent Z Colun,bus and
^■^'"loSfer Who night be the person to nndc.
his brotntrb. >wi b delicate, so un-

take a commission so difficult so dedicate

. ^ vv>.o but Don Francisco Bobadilla, ot the

„,iU.ary and «>f "^^T^^^*^^ ''^^ ;,<,, after referring
of anthonty da^ed ^^ -^ -t, 499. ^^.^^^^

at length to the aimcu ^....^^gif of what has

needed

as the

be able

author

If tl

matter

into a

overaw

have b

tained

service

would

been t

cannot

letter

would

have

fatigU'

for cal

which

care m

their

doing

spoke:

/ have

day, i

Wil

would

of in(

in th

BLIND PROCEEDINGS.

429

standing lier
kind-Ueartcd
itially under
le felt a par-

e, along with
IS come when
the Indies to
irs — Roldan's '
f the natives,
rticularly the
Columbus and
son to under-
licate, so ini-
badilla, of the
the knights—
His first letter
after referring
Daniola, reads;
;lf of what has
■e that revolted
Lise they did so,
lave committed,
ur inquiries to
; when the in-
aiown, you will
er they may be,
)u will proceed
jent, both civilly
L such fines and

)le."

nd if Bobadilla

needed help in his difficult work it was but reasonable,
.as the .sovereigns further demanded, that he should
hf able to call the Admiral and all other persons in
authority to his assistance.'

If the sovereigns could have known precisely how
matters in Hispaniola at that very time were coming
into a state of submission to the Admiral— the natives
overawed and the rebels subdued— why would it not
have been well if they had come to his aid and sus-
tained him through the crisis ? In view of his great
services, good motives, and peculiarly bitter trials, it
would seem that such a course would merely have
been the part of justice as well as discretion. We
cannot but feel the force of Columbus's words in his
letter to Prince Juan's nurse : " If their Highnesses
would condescend to silence the popular rumors, which
have gained credence among those who know what
fatigues I have sustained, it would be a real charity ; '^
for calumny has done me more injury than the services
which I have rendered to their Highnesses and the
care with which I have preserved their property and
their government have done me good ; and by their
doing so I should be established in reputation and
spoken of throughout the universe, /c'r ///r things which
I have accomplished arc such that they must gain, day by
day, in the estimation of mankind ^

Without doubt, the best way of sustaining Columbus
would have been to appoint a competent commission
of inquiry. Thus far the sovereigns had taken a step
in the right direction ; but unfortunately, as they

« See Navarrete, Col. Doc. Dipl., cxxvii.

» Instead of" charity" we would say ''justice."

i^isMm»^i»:iM^r:v^»**^"^'«^'^-<'''*^*^''''

COLfrA/Zirs AS A RVLKR.

,„ukvt.kmK^ c„lnmbus .s . man an.l a ."lev,

seen in llic nwlst of ""; "" " .„,i,,e,- thcv %vcrc.

,., r, L ^ TVTMrtvr it tllC COUrt, Of, 11K»- A-"i^ '^'^ '

rtic „™e. the "-".-'--ttrt^rt ^
"""'r;^^;i,e'^:a ":::rHl'p:ntr::uni.c native

of the \\«; J"'';;^^';' goverun-ent of the Admiral
consequence "f "'J f^;^^ ,, „,„i„g of the Gordia»
and Viceroy. Bj th,s sn u j'agn.ent "f fom

knot they attempt to rc\ersi. tne 3 b

" But fcarefnl examination of the ways and means of

COL I MJJ US A .V A 1< UL Eli.

4.^1

r the great

r aftcnvards
elf, alike in
latc to tlu-

and ;\ ruk'V,
and coiiiino-
they were,
^as Casas, in
lot only as a
;es accordini^
iscly loyal at
I generations

^•icws. Evi-'ii
of documents

uence Irving-
alters of the
'' an amiable
fine impartial
he same catc-
rican writers,
c most critical
selves the dis-
Lud the natives
^as simply the
f the Admiral
of the Gordian
gtnent of four

s and means of

ails to find the

coimseis for La

Navidad would all have been the very best assurance of

success if they liad not been subverted by the heincms

conduct of the ij^arrison. His plans and methods of

oloni/.atton were sound and practicable as far as can

now be learned; and if he came into disfavor with the

hidalgos, ecclesiastics, speculators, and laborers of his

time, it would seem to have been because his conceptions

of industry, frugality, and self-denial were too far in

advance of the idleness, pride, and profligacy of those about

him. The Spaniards hated him for very much the same

reason that the Jamestown colony detested John vSmith.

They would rather beg corn of Powhatan than blister

iheir hands in growing it. Surely the government of

Columbus does not suffer when compared with that of

Bobadilla and Ovando.

It will probably be some time before the world will
'Aithhold its sympathy and admiration from one having
rendered the service of Columbus to the present age, as
well as for the strictly scientific method, not to speak of
the courage and energy, in which and by which the
grand result was achieved.

As we have seen, the commission given by the .sov-
ereigns to Bobadilla in March was fair enough. Indeed,
it was not only necessary, but every way in accordance
with Columbus's own request ; for he always courted
investigation of the troubles in the Indies by some proper
[royal representative, and now he was. emphasizing the
request in respect to the conduct of Roldan and his con-
federates. He wished the sovereigns to send out some
thoroughly learned and competent justice, who might
I judge these and all other cases impartially.

But on May 21st, scarcely two months later, other

■«»i«e«WVftCT-*-M«»«»»f«i»a»««^'«««'*»"'"»'

-,ts«ii*i-»ia*>!»*S5«««=S".'-*'»*«**''"»'*

432

FUNCTIONS OF BOIiADILLA.

letters were added to the commission, giving wholly a
new scope to the functions of Bobadilla, and placing
Columbus entirely at his mercy. Nothing new had
occurred. No new intelligence had arrived. What,
then, is the explanation of this change in the powers of
the commissioner? Evidently the cabal of the Admi-
ral's deadly enemies at court had been busy. To
merely investigate was not enough in a case so desperate
and so far away. There was no time to lose. If Boba-
dilla should find it necessary, after full investigation, to
suspend the rule of the Admiral a:'d his brothers, it
would be perilous to put off that act until another com-
mission could be sent out only after this one had re-
turned. Why not give the present com;uissioner a dis-
cretionary power, to be used in case of necessity ? To
bring the generous and confiding heart of the Queen
to this extreme measure probably required time. She
appreciated the services of Columbus, which, if gold
and costly gems, pearls and silken fabrics were not
forthcoming as might have been expected from India,
had at least added unprecedented lustre to the
Spanish crown. If he had erred in some things, per-
chance for want of experience or because he did like
others, as in the case of enslaving the natives, he was
evidently loyal and conscientious. Would any one
else do better under such trying circumstances ? But
even Isabella was won over after a time, and con-
sented to the enlarged powers of the commission.

"To the counsellors, judges, magistrates, cavaliers,
gentlemen, officers, and inhabitants of the colony,"—
so ran the address of one of the royal letters of May
2ist which announced BobadiHa as governor-general

JLLA.

, giving wholly a
lilla, and placing
slothing new had
arrived. What,
e in the powers of
abal of the Adnii-
been busy. To
I case so desperate
to lose. If Boba-
1 investigation, to
d his brothers, it
mtil another coni-
r this one had re-
)ni;uissioner a dis-
jf necessity? To
art of the Queen
quired time. She
ms, which, if gold
fabrics were not
)ected from India,
;d lustre to the
some things, per-
ecause he did like
he natives, he was
Would any one
:umstances ? But
a time, and con-
commission,
ristrates, cavaliers,
of the colony,"—
;'al letters of May
s governor-general

BOBAD/LLA'S FUNCTIONS.

433

of the Indies, with civil and criminal jurisdiction, and
then continued — " We order and command all cavaliers
and other persons now on these islands or arriving
hereafter to quit them if the said commander, Fran-
cisco Bobadilla, judge it necessary for our service,
and not to return thither, but to repair immediately
to us. For this purpose, by our present letters, we
confer on him all necessary powers, and order every
one to obey his orders at once without waiting to con-
sult us or to get further instructions, and without ap-
peal, under such penalties as he may impose in our
name," ^ etc., etc.

The other letter, designating Columbus simply as
the Admiral of the ocean, orders him and his brothers
to surrender every royal possession and appurtenance of
the island to the new governor, under the penalties ap-
pointed for those refusing to obey such orders given by
the King. Five days later the sovereigns addressed a
letter directly to the Admiral, ordering him to believe
and obey whatever Bobadilla might demand, and to
make his power as unlimited as possible the monarchs
signed blanks which he might fill out and use at his
discretion. We shall hereafter see that he used them
in the most unwarrantable manner.

These letters conceded everything for the ruin of Co-
lumbus which his bitterest enemies might demand.
Now it simply remained to so instruct and influence
Bobadilla — himself, perhaps, a member of the vindictive
cabal at court — to precipitate matters without due inves-
tigation; in other words, to prejudge the case; then
the guilty culprits, who might well dreai the results of

' Navarrete Col. Doc. Dipl., cxxviii.

*■■?ww«^;5t4t^i**K-^ ^**t^EKSS«*'w^»«.*r-*

i,-^..-s.ji.(^ ■■: i*»^a^; ,

. , . INDIAN SLA VES RE TURNED.

a thorough and impartial inquiry, would at once escape
iustice and secure their victim.

Still the commission was delayed. But m the follow-
ing autumn the ships arrived with the returned rebels,
bringing the slaves which the straitened circumstances
had "compelled Columbus to allow the haughty insur-
gents, as well as those they had carried away by force
after they left him. Among these were decoyed
daughters of the caciques, some of whom were about
to become mothers, and others had infants in their arms.
The motherly heart of the Queen rose in indignation
for was not every one of these unhappy slaves handed
over by the Admiral ? So it was falsely claimed, and
so she no doubt believed. This, then, was the drop
which caused the cup to overflow. Las Casas says that
the Queen was so incensed at the sight of these slaves
that had it not been for her high sense of the eminen
service of Columbus she would at once have brought
him into disgrace. " What right has the Admiral to
give away my subjects?" she exclaimed and at once
ordered them sent back, allowing those of the former
shipments to remain only because they had been taken
as lawful captives in war. Then had not the Admira
iust asked to have the lease for enslaving the Indians
continued a while longer? And all this after her
repeated protestations ! , r o •

Near the middle of July, 1500, Bobadilla left Spam
for San Domingo. His two caravels bore twenty-five
soldiers enlisted for a year, and six friars to take charge
of the returning slaves and to evangelize the natives
At daybreak of August 23rd these caravels appeared
just outside San Domingo, tacking as they awaited the

,t once escape

; in the foUow-
turned rebels,
circumstances
laughty insur-
away by force
were decoyed
in were about
s in their arms,
n indignation,
slaves handed
y claimed, and

was the drop
;:asas says that
of these slaves
of the eminent
; have brought
the Admiral to
ed, and at once
; of the former
had been taken
ot the Admiral
ing the Indians

this after her

idillaleft Spain
bore twenty-five
rs to take charge
ize the natives,
iravels appeared
;hey awaited the

BOBADILLA ARRIVES.

435

breeze from off the sea to bring them into the harbor.
The Admiral, that he might restore peace and order as
completely as possible, was at Fort Conception in the
midst of the thickest population and near the place
where the last move of the rebels h'ld been made. The
adelantado and Roldan were in Za-c^gua for the same
purpose. Don Diego was therefore in command at San
Domingo. He supposed these white sails, seen in the
horizon from the fortress, were bringing victuals and
ammunition from vSpain, and as the Admiral had
asked the sovereigns to send out his son Diego, might
he not also be on board ? At once a boat was i;ent out
to make inquiries. Bobadilla appeared in person on his
ship to announce himself a commissioner sent out by
the King to investigate the affairs of the late revolt,
aud to say that Diego was not on board. He then
asked the news and learned of Moxico's sequel to the
rebellion of Roldan — his punishment, and that of his
accomplices — seven rebels hanged in one week. He
also ascertained how Requelme and Guevara, now in
prison, awaited their execution. In short, he got an
epitome of the news in general. At no time in the
history of the rule of Columbus could one have found
in the Indies a state of things more calculated to con-
firm prejudice as to the cruelty so long alleged against
him. Behold those Spaniards dangling on gibbets, one
on either side of the habor — the ghastly faces familiar,
possibly, to him or to some of his men ! Was not all
this quite enough to move the blood of a man capable
of seeing but one side of a case, and that side already
pretty clear to him before he left Spain ?
The little town of San Domingo was all alive to the

^36 BOBADILLA IN THE HARBOR.

new comers A commissiouer to investigate the affairs

TheTs nd 1 Knots gathered here and there to d.s-

1 ft^r The ^niltv were in fear and trem

in frf,t thev l.ad suffered wrong-espeaally those
S:gr'-laelcof pay-aU .ere i„ lug ■ g^- for

1 W his ship, Usteuing to the "ports -^^^^^'^^

ue^^ett-Ligh^t to ^f^^^::^:^.

?t^^^ie;^;-rrfts^

arrest and punish the guilty aecordmg to the full r«o
of the law The letter being read, he ordered Don
of the law. \ ^ j; „^^r to him Reqnelme,

""oZZ^l^ToZr prisoners, with the evMenees
against them. Their accusers, and those who had
afr sted Tm. must also appear. Don D>ego replied
Aatte was a ting under the Admiral, whose powers

•7?.

te the affairs
there to dis-
ar and trem-
, those who
i^cially those
ligh glee, for
" ? A whole
ravel bearing
one wished to
ilia remained
lorts and the
1. Of course,
rho were there-
Admiral, had
y to go ashore
case.

y and in order,
owers on land-
The Admiral's
t persons in the
mt out of the
lad gathered in
■ March 21st in
I requested him
ebellion, and to
to the full rigor
le ordered Don
D him Requelme,
X\\ the evidences
those who had
n Diego replied
J, whose powers

BOBADILLA ASSERTS HIMSELF.

437

were greater tlian those of Bobadilla. If the latter
would give him a copy of the royal letter, he would for-
ward it to his brother, who alone could answer to this
demand. He had no discretionary power in the matter.
Bobadilla, with great disdain, refused to give a copy of
the letter to one ivho could do nothitig\, and closed with a
violent threat. If he had no authority as a commis-
sioner, he might have as governor. They should soon
learn that he had a right to command them all, the
Admiral not excepted.

Appearing at the church again the next morning, he
had concluded to assume al a bound that high authority
which had been implied in his commission only as a
last resort — in case of the Admiral's extreme culpa-
bility, as established after the fullest and most careful
investigation. The crowd at the door was larger than
on the day before, and they were all a-tiptoe to catch
the final word from the new magistrate. On coming
out from mass, in the presence of Don Diego and the
notables of the town, the notary read Bobad ilia's letters
of the advanced commission, given May 21st, which
appointed him governor-general of the Indies. He
then took the accustomed oath of office, and, thus
invested with the highest authority, again demanded
the prisoners in the fort. The answer given was the
same as before.

This aroused Bobadilla's wrath, especially since he
saw that Don Diego's firmness had its effect on the
people. He then produced the royal order command-
ing the Admiral and those under him to surrender the
forts, vessels, and all else pertaining to their Majesties'
service ; and that there might be nothing lacking to in-

g OPPOSITION BT MIGUEL DIAZ.

personal accounts. consequence of

This « point carned^^^^^^^^^ column

the low estate of the t«as'u-y ^^^ ^^^.^

ef arrears dtje many of "-^ /= "^,„,„„,t,atio„ of

lond shouts of ='PP'S"f•,,,,y''^„ demanded the sur-
the popular favor, Bobaddla aga m de ^^^^^

render of the F^o^''^'^"^. X"', ^^for old Castile
Appealing to the '"V; \^,f, *™risoners, he made
and their sympathy for "'^ J""" 8 l- f^^,„

his way to the fort to 'ake ,1 by fo-^;/f^„'„,,,i by all.
curiosity or a disposition to •"<>.«* p; j^e same
The fort was in the c— d of ignel^ ^^^^^^^^ .^

notable person who, l'f""g "f" ^^^^^ of the female
danger and disgrace l.d won the^heart ^^^^^_ ^^

cacique and reported '»= g° j ^ ^,,3 empty

stood on the top of the wall f ^' "^'°^J ^„d when
fort, with but a single coiiipan on a^^ ^,^^ ^^^

the call came for hmi to s«rende^ ^^_^ ^^^^^^

ground of refusal as Don Diego "a ^^^j

tas of some length, Dia. protest ng Aa^ ^^^ ^

fort nnder the high "''^'""'^"ff.t.tt^l and danger;
gainedthateo„ntryat.hecost<rfsw at toy ^ ^^^^^^

while BobadiUa reiterated ^'^ "fr,„I to make one

the royal seals. Now tj^ -^^J -J^^' every kind cl
laugh, for Bobadilla and h. e owd, ^^^^^ ^^^ ^^.^, I

e^g\rlfrarS-g:"i.-ofthousand.|

Forr
ecute
chain
turn<
Bo
hous(
fact, <
who
of th
othei
gain
the

i..*.»sae.'i**Wi*'"H

of May 30tli,
: iu the royal
uare his own

lonseqiieiice of
I long column
There were
nionstration of
anded the sur-
ifvised as before,
for old Castile
soners, he made
md, either from
followed by all.
1 Diaz, the same
le adelautado iu
rt of the female
jf Hayna. He
osed and empty
i side ; and when
- took the same
me. The parley
that he held the
Umiral, who had
, toil, and danger;
jrity and showed
ough to make one!
nth every kind of
storm and shiver
3Ut naked savages,!
lad been attacking
ison of thousands.

BOBADILLA IN COLUMBUS'S HOUSE. 439

For might not these prisoners, .ondemned to die, be ex-
ecuted any moment ? They were brought out in their
chains and, having been asked a few questions, were
turned over to an officer named Espinosa.

Bobadilla now took possession of the Admiral's
house, appropriating his wares, furniture, plate, gold— in
fact, everything, even to his most secret papers. Those
who crowded around him, claiming arrears, he paid out
of the money he found ; for it is easy to pay debts with
other people's money, especially when we can thereby
gain an immense popularity. The next great step to
the popular favor was a proclamation of liberty for
every one to gather what gold he could for the next
twenty years, paying only an eleventh part to the
crown instead of a third. Now there would be a
stampede to the mines, and it would not be long before
every one would be rich !

Rumor of what was going on soon reached Colum-
bus at Conception. He could not believe that any
such transactions were authorized by the crown.
Surely these were the acts of some private adventurer
like Ojeda. But for a stranger to proclaim himself
governor of the island, to take forcible possession of
the forts, the prisoners, and his own house, and threaten
to send him to Spain in irons — all this was too astound-
ing to take place as a mere prix^te adventure. He
would at least go to Bonao and so be a little nearer to
this confusion. Here an officer brought him a copy of
Bobadilla's letters of authority. The last letter, how-
ever, commanding the acquiescence of Columbus, was
kept back. Was the new official beginning to discover
the rashness of his procedure ?

i_.KV.*«^SWlfc*0'«^i'i*'- f"^/^

44°

COLUMBUS IN CHAINS.

To prevent this sudden overll.ow of things and
seeure a chance for reflection, Columbus songht to
gain tinte by writing a sort of t-"PO-..»| le"er to
BobadiUa, saying he would soon ''^'ve for Spatn and
he would then pass everytung over '" ^^"^f^^
He wrote also in some similar way to the Franciscans
"ho h^ just come over, and with whom he regarded
Wmself is more or less affiliated. But neither party

"1r;hli:t;ead of putting the late rebels^n trial
n. tl,e first duty implied in his commission, was using
tXZ tl the'royal seal in gathering thejr test^
mony against Columbus. The latter was about to
rZlirce his perpetual prerogatives, - ' -- -^.h
could not be revoked, when he received the final letter
Tm tic sovereigns, commanding his f mi^n a,o„8
with BobadiUa's orders to ^PP^"'" ^^f"'' /""'"' °"",
Now his duty was plain. He at once set out, almost
tiuatteiided, for San Domingo.

H found his brother Diego -l-^'lv '" ^^"^'"^ °"
one of the caravels, and BobadiUa was bustling abo it
beating up an armed force, which he supposed would
bHecisary in order to compel the A mira to co.
to terms But the latter came as quietly as a lamb
t: the slaughter;" -vbereupon BobadiUa without ^
word of explanation, put him in irons and thrust him
Is a prisoner into the grim old fort, which stiU frowns
outifpon fr.e river, and from which men still watcl,
thpproaching ships as Don Diego did the sails o
BobadiUa, Las Casas says, "He was an impudent
and shameless cook that riveted the irons on his mas-
ter's feet with the same alacrity and readiness as

THE THREE BROTHERS IN PRISON. 441

tilings, and
s sought to
ing letter to
• Spain, and
o his hands.

Franciscans

he regarded

aeither party

ebels on trial
on, was using
ng their testi-
was about to
i those which
the final letter
lUiission, along
e him at once.
;et out, almost

r in chains on
bustling about,
ipposed would
imiral to come
tly " as a lamb
11a, without a
ind thrust him
ich still frowns
nen still watch
did the sails of
s an impudent
ons on his mab-
id readiness as

though he were serving him some sa\ory dish. I
knew the wretch, and think his name was Kspinoza."
But Bobadilla was ill at ease so long as the brave
adelautado was abroad with an armed force, so he
demanded the Admir.a to advise him by letter to come
in and surrender. In compliance with this request.
Don Bartholomew was urged to submit quietly to the
authority of the sovereigns, assuring him that their
best hope of a just hearing would be in Spain. The
advice was taken, and the brave adelautado, who had
so often risked his life in the interests of the colony,
was at once loaded with irons, and confined in a cara-
vel apart by himself. Thus the three brothers were
kept entirely separate, and not only would Bobadilla
not so much as see them or in any way communicate
with them, but all others were forbidden to do so under
the severest penalties.

Having thus placed the three outraged brothers
beyond the possibility of making any self-defence, he
set himself to work to accumulate evidences against
them. Instead of investigating the late rebellions and
the heinous conduct of the many who had necessitated
severe punishments, he evidently had no sense of
duty, except to convict and displace the viceroy. To
this end he called in as witnesses the late rebels— in
fact, all malcontents and mutineers, even to the lowest
rabble of the island. Instead of these wicked men
being made to feel the sting of their own guilt, which
had caused the disorders and miseries of the com-
munity, the way was made as easy and as inviting as
possible for them to be the accusers and defamers of
the man they had so shamefully injured. The conse-

FALSE CHARGES.

nf their own covetous rapines, their hornd
qnences of tl'e>r own ^ssions of the help-

liccntiousness, and 'f " ,""^' ^^^.^^ee of the Admiral
less natives v.ere all latd ^^ ^- f ;X.al eomplauU-
and his brothers l;rom ^^^^^^^^^^d the hidalgos

,ow this ^v-x^;^Xm^^ "--1 -^--

of Sp^un to soil and blister tneir ^^^

to the latest ^--^^^T^"^ ^^^^^ authority
natives to aid him -^^^;^^^^, aptly says,
of Spain-at - -^^\^;^ ^^^J'^ •, bottomless pit must
" Satan from th depth ^J ^^^^ ,,,,,a up

l,ave grimly smucd-a^w- ^^ their

anew, without a ^^^ "But ealumny," says

lardueci ^^^^^^^J; ^i^dering the natives' eouver-
he was charged with ^^"^^^^ J' „^^^,,,,e the

n^iiic nrriisation enaDies u& tu
""."• -.rnd baseness with whieh not only the acts
audacity and baseness shamelessly

but even the motives oi Col"»™=J^ „ai„„s

distorted, falsified, ^^Jl^^tZ^^^... ravages
and guilty aspect. The '"•"■;■' Christians,

of mature age had shown a «f ' '» ^J^^^, ^^re dis-
and the missionaries, with '1 "^f '^^^^^'^^^
posed to satisfy the.r w.^tes t ^-^^'j^^^^^^.^,

wisely judging that it was an ^^^^

to bestow it W'ndb'O" 'hjfi^ comer ^^^^^^_^^^^
their baptism deferred "■"'', rri,ri«ianitv For

least in the f";'i-':'f '™t, IfJ^^ L^'t mass
the rest, in "^der to judge of tie value

of calumnies and f ^"^f."'"f ' ' '^.^^ "o the Indians,
r ^^id ttvtd atd rJs^ef thtm in order to
'urr: at Oie^roW time against the government;

-j-WtoKWiaiww*****''*

THE REBELS AS WITNESSES.

443

their horrid
; of the help-
■ the Admiral

complaint —

the hidalgos
menial toil —

to incite the
the authority
ke aptly says,
iless pit must
and served up

oppose their
ilumny," says
judcnce when
itives' couver-
, measure the
; only the acts
re shamelessly
le most odious
t some savages
ome Christians,

zeal, were dis-
ut the Admiral,
f the sacrament
er, had ordered
re instructed at
iristianity. For
; of all that mass
3Ugh to consider

to the Indians,
hem in order to
the government ;

others that he intentionally persecuted them by
tyranny and bloody wars, in order to have a pretext for
stripping them of "everything they owned and selling
them as slaves to get money/'

Bobadilla admitted " the rebels, his enemies, as wit-
nesses," says Fernando Columbus, "and publicly
favored all that came to speak ill of them (the Admiral
and his brothers), who in their depositions gave in such
villainies and incoherences that he must have been
blind who did not plainly perceive that they were
false and malicious.'" "In short," adds Mr. Fiske,
" from the day of his landing Bobadilla made common
cause with the insurgent rabble, and when they had
furnished him with a ream or so of charges against
the Admiral and his brothers it seemed safe to send
these gentlemen to Spain."

Columbus, in hi.s close confinement, was left to con-
jecture the causes of hisiarrest. No charges had been
preferred, no explan.itions given. He was spared the
humiliation of seeing the " many scandalous libels set
up at corners of streets against" him, but he could
hear the hoots and jeers of the rabble outside and the
" blowing of horns about the port." But, in the midst
of all this shameless persecution, where is the governor,
sent out to put down insurrection and rebellion ? Does
he notice James Ortez, governor of the hospital, as he
reads his>orrid libel publicly in the market-place ?
Certainly*; but instead of the word of rebuke, he has a
look of complacency. Aye, here in the cheerless prison
sits the indefatigable discoverer of the New World,
loaded with iron, stripped even of his necessary cloth-

1 Fernando Columbus, cap. 86.

444

ALONZO PE VILLEGO.

invr Nvithont inclicluKMil or trial while the most lusty
vc-i)cls and the vilest cri.nituUs are not otily acquitted
without the semhlauce of a trial, but are exalted lu the
pul)lic favor as those who dared to resist tyrauuy and

misrule. .

No doubt Bobadilla designed to be very discreet in
his choice of the mari who was to take the noted pris-
oners to Spain. Here was Alon/.o de YillcKo, who had
just come out with him. This noble youth was a
nephew of Cervantes, Fonseca's friend, and a protcK^e of
Ihi bishop's own household. He would safely deliver
the Genoese tyrants in chains, either to Lonseca or to
his uncle. But VillcRo was too just and magnanimous
to be measured by the ugly narrowness and cruelty o
Bobadilla, or to be influenced by the bitter enmity of
Fonseca " Alonzo de Villego was an hidalgo of noble
character, and my particular friend,'^ says Las Casas.

- Villego, whither are you taking me ? inquired
Columbus, startled from his sad prison reverie. ^^

" To the ship, my lord, on which we are to embark,
was the reply, in tones of respect and cordiality.

" To embark, Villego ? Is what you tell me the real
truth?" cried the Admiral, in a tone of surprise; for
he was expecting to be led to the scaffold.^^
" On my honor, my lord, it is the truth."
The Admiral's deep, expressive eye kindled with joy.
for he seemed to be stepping out of an ignominious
grave into the free light of life. The good Las Casas
gives us this affecting bit of colloquy, which he, no
doubt, received from the lips of Villego.

Early in October the caravels left the harbor, bearing,
along with the criminals, an immense bundle of accu-

-^i*«): --*i -^B!^Mflij*i*»*W*?*-^c.'

. / .^^^nii0r-^^^^«ttWi'°''i*^i'^J^'

fi^lf* •• .iV**«W»t^'

r J:*»*kMflSN*r*s^ -»*^''

THE HOMEWARD VOYAGE.

445

L« most lusty

ily acquitted

x;iltcd iu the

tyrauuy aud

y discreet in
e noted pris-
cjTo, who had
youth was a
i a prote^^e of
safely deliver
L^onseca or to
magnanimous
md cruelty of
ter enmity of
lalgo of noble
1 Las Casas.

ired

■> "

inqui

;vene.

le to embark,"

•diality.

ell me the real

f surprise ; for

ndled with joy,
u ignominious
jood Las Casas
, which he, no

larbor, bearing,
)uudle of accu-

sations in the form of legal documents and private
letters, the latter being sent by many of the colonists
iu approving attestation of the proceedings of IJobadilla.
They were barely out at sea, however, when Villcgo,
ur.l Andre/. Martin, the master of the ship, approaching
the Admiral with profound respect, offered to remove his
chains. "No," was his reply; "I appreciate your
good-will, but cannot accede to your proposal. Their
Majesties wrote to me to submit to everything Bobadilla
might command in their name. It was in their name
he loaded me with these chains, and I will carry them
till the King and Queen order them taken off. In the
future I will keep them as a token of the recompense
bestowed on my services.'"

" Ever afterwards I used to see them in his chamber,"'"'
says Fernando, " and when he was about to die he
wished them to be buried with him."

The weather was fair and the wind favorable, and in
a little more than a month the prisoners were in Spain,
having received the most kindly attention from the
gentlemen in charge. When the tall, stately figure of
the gray-haired man, reminding one of the descriptions
of the senators of ancient Rome, appeared in Spain,
loaded down with the prison chains of the vilest crimi-
nal, the reaction of public sentiment was immense, and
the outburst of indignation was so great that the sov-
ereigns soon found it necessary to disclaim all responsi-
bility in so palpable an outrage. Whatever the mis-
takes of Columbus might have been, to send him home
from the New World he had discover ed through so

I Las Casas, Hist. Ind., lib. i, cap. clxxx.
» Fernando Colombus, cap. Ixxxvi.

^^:kw«:!i^u»w

446

COLUMBUS-S LETTBJi.

•t'

„,.ch risk, hardship, andperil, loaded down 1° "^""s- *^^
"finitely too nmch for common sense and common
sympathy. Bobadilla, representing Fonseca and the
'es7of the Admiral's enemies, had shot beyond h.s

"Tn his complete humiliation, Columbus did not ««■
ture to address the sovereigns, but his deeply affecting
etter to the nurse of Prince Juan-the intimate fneud
of the Qneen-would be suificiently direct. Its bum.
hi appeals, so deeply founded in the facts of the case
"SeTnough to bring up the blush from the coldest
heirt No one can read this letter without the pro-
foundest feelings of compassion ; and if the narrative
is sometimes incoherent, as being the utterances of a
"hrowu into a tempest of emotion rather than the
studied statements of cool reason, they are only the
more affecting. In advance of all other commumcations,
Z itr was sent secretly by express to the court.
T^e mages in the picture might be somewhat broken,
but on the whole it was a faithful mirror of the pano
rrma of the late outrage and persecution. Isabel a was
veTnigh heart-broken. Even the cool, calcu atmg
^trdilfand was intensely moved. Most emphrt
d-savowing the rash and cruel proceedings of Bobadilla,
and announcing that he had gone contrary to their in-
stmctions, they did not even wait for his files of accu-
sat"n,bu; immediately ordered the P-oners> chain
stricken off and that they should be treated with he
utmost respect. A very cordial 1'"- -=;"^';:
to Columbus, expressing their "°q»»l'fi^d displeasure
at the indignities and sufferings he had endured and in
t^t ng Wm to appear at court. This invitation was

" ^^sgt^.^i^V-^iSS^^S^.8««»^*^^^'*

- ^,^,fi^,^^.^«^*H»<^<&'*««>*'^'^»«*^^

in irons, was
md common
seca and the
: beyond his

did not ven-
eply affecting
itimate friend
:t. Its burn-
s of the case,
ni the coldest
bout the pro-

the narrative
itterances of a
•ather than the
r are only the
mmunicatious,
. to the court,
ewhat broken,
)r of the pano-
. Isabella was
ol, calculating
5t emphatically
gs of Bobadilla,
ary to their in-
s files of accu-
risoners' chains
reated with the
ras then written
fied displeasure
endured, and in-
i invitation was

COLUMBUS BEFORE THE SOVEREIGNS. 447

backed up by 2,cxxd ducats, to enable him to come into
their presence in a style becoming his rank.

" He came thither on the 17th of December," says
Herrera. This meeting of the aggrieved and out-
raged Admiral with the sovereigns is one of the most
affecting scenes in history. He knelt in their presence,
his venerable, manly form shaken with the grief due
to the great wrongs which he had received in return
for his incalculable services. The King was moved ;
Isabella was in tears. The Admiral wept and sobbed
like a heart-broken child, " not being able to utter a
wed," says Herrera, " for the greatness of the concern
he had upon him. They bade him rise, and then he
made a lamentable speech, protesting that it had
always been his intention and desire to serve them
with the utmost fidelity; and that if he had been
guilty of any mistakes, they had been occasioned
through want of knowing better, having always
believed that what he did was for the best."

This was a scene over which a court might well
weep. So great a wrong to sc great a benef ctor finds
no parallel in history.

For the sovereigns the situation was exceedingly
embarrassing. How should they free themselves from
accountability in an act so outrageous as this of Boba-
dilla, their commissioner ? How might they conciliate
the common indignation ? How far they were respon-
sible the world may never know. Common sense will
always justify the words of Columbus: " I have been
wounded extremely by th- thought that a man should
have been sent out to make inquiry into my conduct
who knew that if he sent home a very aggravated

BOBADILLA DISCLAIMED.

r <

448

account of the result of his investigation he wonld
remain at the head of the government. T~ ™'^
power this, altogether, for one man, «P^/'^"y/";; "
^,an as Bobadilla. "While Fonseca l-d-" of tl^e
wisdom along with the veno.> of ''- ^^'P'' '• '^^^
Mr Fiske, " Bobadilla was simply a jackass, ana
behaved s; that in common decency the sovereigns
were obliged to disown him. They took no formal or
"b ic nofice of his written charges agamst the Ad
mral and they assured the latter that he should be
"e^mtesed for Ws losses and restored to his viceroy-

-iltv and other dignities." r ^r^^ a r,^

This promise, however, could not be fulfilled at
present The rage of the Castilians in Hispaniola
C n ■ the Admiral, if wellnigh subdued by his
triumphs alike over them and the natives ;ust before
thrrrrival of Bobadilla, had been so encouraged and
timnLted by the indiscretions of «.atofiicia that the
immediate return of the viceroy was out of the ques

"""When the two caravels that carried away the
Admiral and his brothers from Hispaniola were gone,
favs Herrera, " Francis de Bobadilla, the new governor,
made i his ;hole study to please the Spaniards, who
: re about three hundred, the Admiral having
nformed their Majesties that it was a sufficient num-
bertokeep the island in subjection, especially since
they had taught the dogs to bite, for one single Span-
td went about as safe with ^ ^^og ^ if he h^ be n
»uard.d by a hundred men. Bobadilla, in the hrst
Place speelily concluded all the proceedings about those
Sat were to have been hanged, clearing them and

^. .^-. 5^ ^.s»#ji8«^SE§¥^^Q&i'SSSya^P^^^

-■^^^^^^^^•i,^Sli**^

,.?SJ^.^fcSV^«*^^^-«*-.^***^^«^*®^'

^i^«s?i?*ft**^»j*s»*^''^"'

'M.\

BOBADILLA'S MEASURES.

449

ti he would
Too miicli
cially such a
some of the
iroeiit," says
jackass, and
e sovereigns
no formal or
Linst the Ad-
he should be
) his viceroy-

e fulfilled at
n Hispaniola
dued by his
;s just before
couraged and
fficial that the
.t of the ques-

-ied away the
•la were gone,"
; new governor,
Spaniards, who
dmiral having
sufficient num-
especially since
ae single Span-
if he had been
ila, in the first
ings about those
iring them and

Francis Roldan and all the rest that were guilty, hon-
oring and rewarding them, which was very disagreeable
to those who had behaved themselves well, who said
that if they had lived in a disorderly manner and
ruined the island they should have been rewarded.
Bobadilla having been so free in granting that the King
should have only the eleventh part of the gold that was
found, besides many other liberties, the Spaniards made
bold to ask him to give them Indians to work at it for
them and to till the ground. He advised them to join
two and two in partnership, and appointed them the
people belonging to ;he caciques, bidding them make
the best use of their time, for they knew not how long
it would last, little regarding the oppression of the
Indians ; and thus the Spaniards were better pleased
with that libertine sort of life than the discipline they
had been kept under by the Admiral."

To relieve Columbus for two years at least from the
pandemonium he would have now found in Hispaniola,
in consequence of the above mismanagement, would
se^m to have been a very kind and merciful provision.
Probably Isabella was sincere in endorsing it, but it is
more than probable that it was only a pretext with Fer-
dinand. The boundaries of the newly discovered
country had been very suggestively enlarged by the
several expeditions which had recently sailed on their
own account. Ojeda's voyage to the pearl regions of
Paria and far to the westward in 1499 was soon fol-
lowed by that of Pedro Alonzo Nifio along Cuba and
Paria, bringing back immense stones of gold and pearls,
obtained in exchange for a few cheap baubles and
trinkets. If Vicente Yanez Pinzon, who also made a

Hs«^*«^»**''*'*'*^

V-

i| .a

}

i'
u

o PERrLBXITr OP PERDtNAND .

voyage in i499, was not equally successful iu a commer-
Z\ point of 'Iw, he had reported an .mmense s rete

of dfscovery from the -^'<=™»-' f ^^ f J^l^ ''tt
the mouth of the Amazon, across the Gulf of Pana, tne
Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mex.co. Haa he not
extended the newly discovered com.' ry to -g'<^- J^^
yond the equator, where he could no longer "^ f^^
bv the polar star ? Who could conjecture what .utelh-
ince and OTofit Rodrigo de Bastidas, accompanied by
La r-osa and Vasco NuBe. Balboa, might brmg oack
h, re'turn from the voyage just undertaken ,„ order to
extend the explorations of Ojeda beyond the Bay of
Venezuela? Had not John and Sebastian Cabot mtrc
duced England to the coasts in the north ? Were not
iTngUsh slips reported as prowling about among is
newly discovered islands ? What must have been
musings on hearing from the ship which Cabral,onh,
wav to India, had sent back to report the finding of a
Terri ory to the southeast of the Gulf of Pana, extend-
das' of the Pope's line ! Ferdinand was bew. -
dered with the news of so much new country. It mus
b colonized at once by local goveniments, a^l under
the general government established at San Domingo.
Buti would never do to establish a viceroy there, wh
^L a foreigner, and who had the power to transmit all
Z prerogative and powers to his descendants for-

^Meanwhile, was there not other -Pl^^-'J";*'^
restless old Genoese mariner? He had d-scoverei
rtg currents moving to the westward, along *e
Pearl Coast, and believed there w^s a passage som
where to the west, south of Cuba, which would admit |

■^^a*ss°■>#^>^^>■ii'^--^--^>-*'^'^^"*^-^■^^^*^'^^^

i^>ilt^/:^'*^^

ND.

. in a commer-
neiise stretch
jf Brazil, past
f of Paria, the
Had he not
to regions be-
ger be guided
:e what intelli-
ccompanied by
■ ht bring back
ken in order to
nd the Bay of
an Cabot intro-
h? Were not
out among his
: have been his
h Cabral,onhis
the finding of a
f Paria, extend-
and was bewil-
nintry. It must
lents, all under
t San Domingo.
;eroy there, who
IX to transmit all
descendants for-

ployment for this
had discovered
tward, along the
a passage some-
ich would admit

NICHOLAS DE OVANDO.

451

him to some large sea about the Golden Chersonesus.
Here he might become as rich as Vasco de Gama had
proved himself on return from Calacut, in India.
Therefore, when the King proposed a fourth voyage of
discovery to the Admiral, in order that he might find
this much-desired passage, the scheme was adopted
without much hesitation. Affairs at Hispaniola were
too stormy for Columbus to be returned at once. Boba-
dilla ruust be removed as soon as possible. The per-
son :hosen to supersede him for the present was
Nich jlas de Ovando, who, according to Las Casas, had
a high character for sobriety and justice. He was in-
vested with great authority over all the newly dis-
covered territories. One-third of all the gold on hand
and half of all which should be accumulated after his
arrival was to be laid aside for the royal exchequer.
All trade should be in the monopoly of the crown. The
colonists should dwell, as much as possible, in commu-
nities. All supplies must come through the royal fac-
tor. Every effort must be made for the conversion of
the natives, who could now work the mines on wages
from the crown. As the natives were dying at an alarm-
ing rate under the exhaustive labors in the mines, the
negroes, a hardier race, might be introduced to take their
place, as slaves. Those born in Spain were preferred,
perhaps, on account of their better influence over the
natives. Would not the raw heathen recruits from
Africa be demoralizing ? Columbus might appoint an
agent to look after his affairs in Hispaniola, especially
the restitution of his property which Bobadilla had
appropriated. Alonzo Sanchez de Carvajal was chosen.
Ovando's fleet, which sailed February 13, 1502,

J !

^*1

a;^

.it

OVANDO'S FLEET.

452

was a striking display of official pomp ^f^T^'^
cence The thirty ships included a considerable num-
W heavy ton,fage, and the ^-S- people -np- d
manv cavaliers and persons of rank. The governor
Trmfant in silks and brocade, had a body-guard of
twentylo esquires, mounted and foot. There «ere
no prisolcouvicts this time, but respectable marned
Ten with their families. Humooldt has out expressc.
Se feelings of historical students in general in con-
trast ng this grand fleet of the new governor with the
jritrvluadron which was to bear away on one of tne
Ltt';erilons voyages the Admiral to whose active
enterprise, courage, and heroic suffenngs Spam was
deUed for' these new regions of —e- promise.

But it was not a mere popularity of the new gov
ernor which induced so large an embarkation. lUe
voyages of the late adventure., had brought the New
World into notoriety. The pearl-bearing coasts of
Paria were no-.v regarded as a real -^^'-^'^^^^^^^
the ^old-mines of Hayna were " pannmg out so largely
fs to re"e a new se'nsation. The colonists too^ere
becoming acclimated, and some semb ance "f "vilua
rion had obtained. People might now hope to live with
comfort in the Indies. ,,

But the gay ships were soon writhing in a ternble
gar "A large ship was immediately sunk, called
lab da, carrying one hundred -d « men ; th
rest were dispersed, throwing overboard all that «
upon deck. Two caravels also that came from h
Canaries, laden with sugar, were cast -^y.^"'' the e
drove the chests, casks, and timbc. o them on th
coast 01 0=.^:. and other parts, as well as what had

»«£«•

s.a^*i%*»«.*«-''-'«*«''*'-*'*''***" ..iA«-;-«?*^

STORM AT SEA.

453

and magnifi-
iderable tiuin-
)le comprised
Phe governor,
body-guard of
There were
:table married
1 but expresses
^neral in con-
ernor with the
r on one of the
) whose active
\ Spain was in-
ss promise,
f the new gov-
arkatiou. The
)ught the New
iring coasts of
:e of wealth, and
out" so largely
onists, too, were
ance of civiliza-
lope to live with

ng in a terrible
;ly sunk, called
^enty men; the
ird all that was

came from the
iway, and the sea

of them on the
ell as what had

been on board the ship La Rabida. Hence it was gen-
erally concluded that the whole fleet had been lost in
that tempest, and the news flew to their Majesties, who
were still at Granada, which grieved them so much that
they retired for eight days and would be seen by no-
body." ' The fleet, less one, reached San Domingo the
middle of April, 1502.

How was the active mind cf CMumbus occupied
during these years of waiting ? He was composing
his Ltbros de las Proficias, a treatise on the fulfilment of
certain prophesies, particularly in Isaiah, in which he
sees his achievements as a realization. This manu-
script, not in the handwriting of Columbus, however—
for his rheumatic hand was probably incapacitated— is
still in the Biblioteca Columbina at Seville. Certain
selections from it have been published in the famous
collection of documents by Navarrete. iT.: was still
impressed with the duty of rescuing the Holy Sepul-
chre—how could he, a son of Genoa, that victim of the
Moors and seat of the Crusades, feel otherwise?— Kud
appealed to the sovereigns for support in the under-
taking. He believed that the end of the world was
near— within some 155 years. This notion was based
on an opinion of St. Augustine, that the world would
enchire but 7,000 years, nearly all of which time,
according to the most approved methods of reckoning,
'US then passed. A letter written -to the Pope about
this time regards the suspension of his titles and
rie-hts as a device of Satan to prevent his anticipated
enterprise in respect to the Holy Sepulchre. Hum-
boldt, hnding the early career of C olumbus marked

' 4errer».

Jjjg- .rltHtf"'""*^^''

•i

-,51

TITLES AND PREROGATIVES.

454

le discover a subline faith in the unemug resttlts of

°'i::a!Xiu: "h; tin. that Colnn,hns attested before

• Q,,,5iie those documents affirming his

:itiri^a^e™;aBvr*ch a. so carefnUy pre-

"" WeSd by the Decurions of Genoa," says Mr
Rob^t D^ge " that the library of the Connt Michael
r^l"caSbiasi,a ^^^^^^^ 'X'^

Privnerii del Colombo.' The Decurions of Genoa,
r^:f lo procu- this treasure, ^fJ^^^^'^J^t:.
journed until the K'-g\-7"„t girg „f &rdinia,

taken at the solicitations of the Decnnons of Genoa

:;tXof JanuarJ.S. andsbo.^^^^^^

TaTrof cXtfrus^-^re^ ed s the^^on^
depository, and placed in an apartment m the beautitu
marble palace of the Doges ol Genoa.

^,.^^m^sim*mm^^ii'^<»^fi^^^^^'^^" ■-'O*^'

'S.

le religious
ibus became
der the in-
;o encounter,
inthusiasin."
and over all,
ng results of

ttested before
iffinning bis
arefuUy pre-

oa," says Mr.
ount Michael
[hat city, was,
for sale. Its
he ' Codice die
)ns of Genoa,
public sale ad-
;en received to
ig of Sardinia,
r wishes, order-
archives of the
y having been
rions of Genoa,
id the copy left
by Genoa on the
after a beautiful
illar surmounted
s their honored
in the beautiful

T/JB CUSTODIA.

455

" A small door of gilded
bronze, in the centre, opens
to still another door of simi-
lar materia], behind which,
in their golden receptacle, are
preserved the sacred relics.
The closet is secured by two
keys, which are kept respec-
tively as appurtenances of of-
fice by the Senator and by
the Cardinal Legate of Ge-
noa, during their terms of of-
fice. To see the relics, both
keys must be obtained on
written application to these
dignitaries.

'* The documents contained
in this monument to Colum-
bus consist of forty-four sepa-
rate charters, warrants, or-
ders, and grants of privileges,
beautifully engrossed on vel-
lum by the art of the copyist
and illuminator of that age,
and th*^ (3) autograph letters
of Columbus.

" The documents are en-
closed in,a bag of richly gilt
and embossed scarlet Spanish
leather, with a silver lock,
being the ' book of copies of
his letters and privileges,'

*1
■ 1 1

456

TRANSLATION OF LETTER.

which ill 1502, when he set off upon his fourth and last
voyage, he entrusted to the care and guardianship of
Signer Francesco de Rivarolo, to forward to his intimate
friend at Genoa, ' the most learned doctor,' as he styles
him, and ' the embassador ' Signor Nicolo Odengo, for
his safe-keeping and preservation."^

Of the nitograph letters contained in the rmtodia, two
are addressed to Oderigo, the first dated March 21,
JS02, just before the Admiral sailed on his fourth voy-
age ; the second, December 27, 1504, «°°" ^^J^'/"'
return The third letter is addressed to the Bank of S .
George in Genoa, and is given \xi facsimile on the fol-
lowing page.

The following is the translation : , „

High N0BI.K Lords : Although the body walks
about here, the heart is constantly over there. Our
Lord has conferred on me the greatest favors to any
one since David. The results of my undertaking
already appear, and would shine greatly were they
not concealed by the blindness of the government
I am going again to the Indies under the auspices ot
the Holy Trinity, soon to return ; and since I am
mortal, I leave it with my son Diego that you may
receive every year, forever, one-tenth of the entire
revenue, such as it may be, for the purpose of reduc-
ing the tax upon corn, wine, and other provisions.
If that tenth amounts to something, collect it. If not,
take at least the will for the deed. I beg of you to
entertain regard for the son I have recommended to
you Nicolo de Oderigo knows more uoout my own
affairs than I do myself, and I have sent him tran-
scripts of my privileges and letters for safe-keeping.

1 See Robert Podge's Memorials of Columbus.

**i«aBitafc«ssasSBse^«sk«ifS*«"i^*i'

Bfc^^f^SSS^WW^f^^^^**^*^*****^*******

jurtli and last
ardiansliip of
o his intimate
; as he styles
) Oderigo, for

e cusiodia^ two
;d March 2i,
is fourth voy-
oon after his
;he Bank of St.
tie on the fol-

e body walks
er there. Our
t favors to any
y undertaking
,tly were they
e government,
the auspices of
nd since I am

that you may

of the entire

irpose of reduc-

;her provisions.

llectit. If not,

I beg of you to
■ecommended to
t u'jout my own
i sent him tran-
■or safe-keeping.

lumbus.

LETTER TO HANK OF ST. GEORGE.

457

ks**^

/^ /e/. ^ w^ y,/^-.^ cT^-^w/ c^-^-ijj./ ^^

•y i X

:.i^'

iiM

TRANSLA TION OF LETTER.

^ u .M ho Lrl'id if von could see them. My Lo^ds
l^eKLnnd'ouceu endeavor to honor me more than
ver M:T tlK. Holy THnity preserve your nob e
;:sons, and increase tl:. most n^mficent hou^
(of St. George). Done m .Seville on the -d d.^
April, 1502. ^^^.^^ ^^^^^.^^^ ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^^ viceroy

and Governor-general of the islands
and continents of Asia and the Indies
of my Lords the Kitig and Qneen their
captain-general of the sea, and of then
council.

S. A. S.
X M Y
• X/'O ferens.

it-

I h r,

*.l«l^il«!«4*Aa»««,i)^'-"*^^^>*-

^^^^^^^^;S^^.^^;^*,^^8«»«iS^^

My Lords

lie more tlum

your noble

ficeiit house

he -cl iliiy of I

ceau, Viceroy
f the islands
nd the Indies!
a Queen, their
a, and of their

timm"

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

1.0

I.I

1^1^ |2.5

12.2

1.25 II 1.4 1 1.6

►

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Sciences

Corporation

23 WEST MAIN STREET

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\, '-m'

1 west

«
■

I awa]

■

^H Spai

CHAPTER XX.

COLUMBUS'vS FOURTH VOYAGE.

HE Strong current to the westward, between
South America and the larger West India

[ Islands, was not seeking an outlet in some

western channel, as Columbus supposed. It was that
equatorial current which, setting across from the
African coast, passes around at the west end of Cuba
and by the south shore of Florida, and then, bearing
away to the northeast just outside the Atlantic coast,
is known as the Gulf Stream. But the conjecture of
Columbus was about as correct as could have been
made at the time, and gave direction to this his last
voyage, which may be considered at once the most
trying and least important of them all.

As anticipated in his imagination, however, it was a
grand scheme. Locating his supposed j«!'a^5 about where
that narrow tongue of land, the Isthmus of Darien,
separates two immense oceans, the Atlantic and the
Pacific, he intended to reach the Indies, from which
Vasco de Gama' had recently brought so much treasure ;
and thus joining the country he had discovered with
the gorgeous orient of antiquity, pass over the Indian
ocean and around Africa, and return to Europe by
sailing around the globe. Had the world but been

' It would seem dear that the grand commercial and financial success of
de Gama's voyage to Calicut, HOT-HQS. and the consequent jealousy in
Spain, was the mainspring to move Columbus in search of a pass direct to
the heart of India.

■V^t-f^.^ i^i^ri, ^'T' "^■•■< ^rt-l

^6o THE VOYAGE IN FA VOR AT COURT.

true to his conception, this would certainly have been
one of the grandest voyages ever mapped out, and it
would be simply carrying out his scheme, already m
niind, when he was on the south of Cuba dunng his
second voyage. Then his men were exhausted by the
hardships of a long and tedious expedition, ^is stores
were wellnigh consumed, and his ships honeycombed by
the teredo. Now he would start out fresh, with his aim

dir'^ctly before him. .

The King and Queen were profoundly interested in
the sketch of his plan, but some in the royal counci
hesitated. Was not the treasury low ? Did they no
need their scant resources for more pressing claims ?
Besides, they had not yet received return letters from
Ovando. This official might disclose such turpitude
on the part of the Admiral in Hispaniola as would
prevent his freedom on the ocean ! But Ferdinand
was eager for the results of so promising an under-
taking, and Isabella would listen to no suggestion
which might deny the Admiral his small squadrom
How shamefullv would such ingratitude contrast with
the grand fleet and princely retinue of Ovando but now
sailing away to govern the vast territories discovered
by this same Admiral, who had just been sent home
from his country in chains ! ^ , , i.

We know that the brave Bartholomew Columbus, who
was wanted as the companion of the great discoverer,
did not take very readily to the enterprise. If his peril-
ous efforts in the past had met with so poor an appre-
ciation, what had he to hope for in the future ? Indeed it
would seem that there was finally some hesitancy on the
part of the Admiral himself. Why did the sovereigns send

him tl

yoiiri

were s

we he

you \

alway

shoul(

noble

tives

mann

whicl

contr;

to rati

son b

and f

satisf

broth

the ei

said.

partu

Colui

troub

byth

Sevil

solici

time

gest;

hund

was <

of m

URT.

y have been
L out, and it
;, already in
L during his
isted by the
n, his stores
eycorabed by
with his aim

interested in
royal council
Did they not
sing claims ?
1 letters from
ich turpitude
iola as would
It Ferdinand
ing an under-
o suggestion
lall squadron,
contrast with
ando, but now
ies discovered
;en sent home

;^olumbus, who
;at discoverer,
;. If his peril-
poor an appre-
re? Indeed, it
esitancy on the
sovereigns send

COL UMB US HESITA TES.

461

him the following significant lines ?— " Be assured that
your imprisonment was very displeasing to us, which you
were sensible of, and all men plainly saw, because as soon
we heard of it we applied the proper remedies. And
you know with how much honor and respect we have
always ordered you to be treated, which we now direct
should be done, and that you receive all worthy and
noble usage, promising that the privileges and preroga-
tives by us granted you shall be preserved in ample
manner, according to the tenor of our letters-patents,
which you and your children shall enjoy without any
contradiction, as is due in reason ; and if it be requisite
to ratify them anew we will do it, and will order that your
son be put into possession of all, for we desire to honor
and favor you in greater matters than these. And be
satisfied we will take the due care of your sons and
brothers, which shall be done when you are departed ; for
the employment shall be given to your son, as has been
said. We therefore pray you not to delay your de-
parture." " This their Majesties wrote," says Fernando
Columbus, " because the Admiral had resolved not to
trouble himself any more with the affairs of the Indies."
He adds : " The Admiral, having been well dispatched
by their Cr.tholic Majesties, set out from Granada for
Seville in the year 1501, and being there, so earnestly
solicited the fitting out of his squadron that in a small
time he had rigged and provided four ships, the big-
gest of seventy, the least of fifty tons burden, and one
hundred and forty men and boys, of which number I

was one."

With these few frail vessels and this small number
of men, the Admiral, burdened with years and the in-

4Bi&ei*«»si»feiiMi^^SS«'i«arai^2aKSs«&^

462

THE FLEET SAILS.

firmities aud diseases which his many ^^'^^^^^^ ^^^
great hardships had brought on, was about to sa round
the world. But his mind was still buoyant with hope
and enthusiasm. His expressive gray eye could still
kindle with delight at the thought of disclosing some
new part of this great world to mankind.

Fernando, then scarcely fourteen years of age, must
have been susceptible of the most vivid impressions as
one event after another made up the history of the voy-
ane " We set sail from Cadi.,'' he says, on the 9th of
May, 1502, and sailed to St. Catherine's, whence we
parted on Wednesday, the i ith of the same month, and
went to Arzilla to relieve the Portuguese, who were re
ported to be in great distress, but when we came th ther
^hlMoors had raised the siege. The Admiral, there-
fore sent his brother, D. Bartholomew Colon, and me,
with the captains of the ships, ashore to visit the gov-
Irnor of Ar. ilia, who had been wounded by the Moor
in an assault. He returned the Admiral thanks for the
visit and his offers, and to this purpose sent some gen-
tlemen to him, among whom were some relatives to
Dofia Philippa Moniz, the Admiral's wife in Portugal
The same day we set sail, and arriving at Gran Canar
on the 20th of May, cast anchor among the little
islands, and on the 24th went over to Mospalomas in th
same island, there to take in wood and water for our
voyage. The next night we set out for the Indies and
it pleased God the wind was so fair that wit^iout hand-
ling the sails, on Wednesday, the 15th of June, vre
arrived at the island Matinino with a rough sea and
wind. There, according to the custom of those that sail
from Spain to the Indies, the Admiral took in fresh

A BAD SAILING SHIP.

463

nxieties and
L to sail round
nt with hope
e could still
closing some

of age, must
mpressions as
)ry of the voy-
" on the 9th of
s, whence we
tie mouth, and
, who were re-
; came thither
admiral, there-
;^olon, and me,
visit the gov-
by the Moors
thanks for the
lent some gen-
iie relatives to
fe in Portugal.
Lt Gran Canaria
long the little
ipalomas, in the
water for our
the Indies, and
, without hand-
h of June, we
rough sea and
>f those that sail
1 took in fresh

wood and water, and made the men wash their linen,
staying till Saturday, when we stood to the westward,
and came to Dominica, ten leagues from the other. So,
running along the Caribbee Islands, we came to Santa
Cnu, and on the 24th of the same month ran aloilg the
south side of the island of St. John. Thence we took
the way for San Domingo, the Admiral having a mind to
exchange one of his ships for another, because it was a
bad sailer, and besides could carry no sail, but the side
would lie almost under water, which was a hindrance to
his voyage, because his design was to have gone directly
upon the coast of Paria and keep along that shore till
he came upon the strait, which he certainly con-
cluded was about Veragua and Nombre de Dios. But,
seeing the fault of the ship, he was forced to repair to
San Domingo to change it for a better."

But what was now the condition of this little com-
munity? Ovando had arrived on the 15th of April.
His official pomp and splendid retinue and appoint-
rneuts threw Bobadilla completely into the shade. The
late governor-general's quasi popularity, founded only
in a catering to greed for gain and an indulgence of sin
and rebellion, now forsook him utterly. He was not
sufficiently noticed to be the subject of an accusation, or
even a harsh word. He was simply nonentity.

Roldan and his accomplices did not escape so easily.
They were the subjects of a searching investigation,
and most 0/ them were ordered to Spain to answer for
their doings. But none of them seemed uneasy as to
the result. Had they not influential friends at the
court? Was not Fonseca on their side — on the side of
any one who might be hostile to Columbus ? At any

3^SSSiu»<3.s6M6«i«*SKi****-*V<*.«&J«.'«>^^

;,t, iii!5(U!«JS;Csl'3:iS»v--

464 THE ROAST PIG.

rate, the great quantity of gold they were about to take
home would cover '* a multitude of sins."

The returniug ships of Ovando's fleet were also to
take back the idle, dissolute, and good-for-nothing fel-
lows who, strolling over the island, were the occasion
of nearly all the disturbances. The flag-ship was to
carry Bobadilla and his vast quantity of gold, amassed
by cruelly oppressing the natives. This he confidently
hoped would be an ample makeweight against all charges
which might be brought against him. Roldan would
make him company ; and somewhere in the same ship
was stored away the kind-hearted and patient Guarionex,
who had been a prisoner in Fort Conception ever since
the Higuayan war. He was now to appear in Spain
a captive, in chains. In this same ship was placed
that famous nugget of gold which had been acci-
dentally raked out of a brook by an Indian girl. It was
estimated at 1,350,000 maravedis, or about two thou-
sand dollars. This remarkable find had been celebrated
by a grand dinner of roast pig, served on the enormous
mass of precious metal as a platter. What king had
dined off a plate like this ! But where was the poor
Indian girl at this time ? Las Casas thinks she was
lucky if she got a taste of the pig \

In the poorest ship of the fleet sailed Carvajal, in
charge of four thousand pieces of gold belonging to
Columbus. Some of it was revenue recently collected,
and some was that which Bobadilla had been com-
pelled to restore.

The splendid fleet was all ready to sail on the 29th
of June, when the little squadron of Columbus ap-
peared. Pedro de Jerreros, one of his captains, was

THE COMING TEMPEST.

465

bout to take

A^ere also to
nothing fel-
he occasion
ship was to
)ld, amassed

confidently
tall charges
ildan would
e same ship
t Guarionex,
n ever since
iar in Spain

was placed
I been acci-
girl. It was
t two thou-
n celebrated
le enormous
tiat king had
vas the poor
nks she was

Carvajal, in
elonging to
:ly collected,
id been com-

on the 29th
)lumbus ap-
aptains, was

sent at once to ask for the vessel needed in the place
of the one so extremely faulty, and to entreat permis-
sion to shelter the ships in the harbor during a com-
ing storm, of which the Admiral was exceedingly
apprehensive. Both these requests were denied.

If Columbus was refused shelter from the approach-
ing hurricane, he would do what he could to prevent
the destruction of the fleet about to sail. Immediately,
therefore, he sent back the officer to the governor, to
entreat him not to leave the harbor under eight days,
as there were unmistakable signs of a tempest just
at hand.

The sky was so clear, the air so calm, and the water
so smooth that the whole face of nature seemed to
contradict this prognostication. The pilots in the
harbor made a loud jest of the Admiral. Surely he
wag a false prophet ! But the practised eye of the old
seaman was not to be hoodwinked. Whether from
" the porpoises and other such like fishes playing upon
the surface of the water," or any " other such observa-
tions," ^ he could afford to act on his own prophesies.
His crews murmured at being under a man so out of
favor that they could not be allowed that privilege
of shelter which any stranger might claim. What
would they do in these far-off and dangerous waters if
any calamity should befall them in this coming
tempest ? " And though the Admiral was concerned
on the same account," says Fernando Columbus,
" yet it more vexed him to behold the baseness and
ingratitude used towards him in that country he had
given to the honor and benefit of Spain, being refused

1 Herrera, Dec. i, book v, chap. i.

®>*«ii^fe^SiSg^i^aj«gte»4sa«^®«saWM«iMi«^^

466

THE ADMIRAL'S SHIPS.

to shelter his life in it. Yet his prudence and ludg-
ment seenred his ships till the next day ; the tempest
increasing, and the night coming on very dark, three
ships broke from him, every one its own way ; the
men aboard each of them, though all of them in great
danger, concluded the others were lost ; but they thai
suffered most were those aboard the ship called
Santo, who, to save their boat which had been ashore
with the captain, Jerreros, dragged it astern, where
it overset, and were at last forced to let it go to save
themselves. But the caravel Bermuda was in much
more danger, which, running out to sea was alinost
covered with it, by which it appeared the Admiral had
reason to endeavor to change it ; and all men con-
cluded that, under God, the Admiral's brother was
the saving of her by his wisdom and resolution, tor,
as has been said above, there was not at that time a
more expert sailor than he. So that after they had
all suffered very much, except the Admiral, it pleased
God they met again upon Sunday following in the
port of Azua, on the south side of Hispaniola, where,
every one giving an account of his misfortunes, it
appeared that Bartholomew Colon had weathered so
great a storm by flying from land like an able sailor,
and that the Admiral was out of danger by lying close
to the shore like a cunning astrologer, who kne^v
whence the danger must come. Well might his
enemies blame him, therefore, saying he l^ad raised
that storm by art magic, to be revenged on Bobadilla
and the rest of his enemies that were with him, seeing
that none of his four ships perished, and that of
eighteen ' which set outjvvith Bobadina,^lyoPe, called

T^i;7ni;;„b^H^^n as twenty-eighrbT^th^ writer..

THE HURRICANE.

467

:nce and iudg-
; the tempest
ry dark, three
own way ; the
them in great
but they that
,ie ship called
d been ashore
astern, where
et it go to save
; was in much
ea, was almost
A Admiral had
L all men con-
's brother was
resolution, for,
at that time a
L after they had
niral, it pleased
ollowing in the
spaniola, where,
misfortunes, it
id weathered so
e an able sailor,
:r by lying close
iger, who knew
Well might his
r he had raised
red on Bobadilla
with him, seeing
ed, and that of
,, only one, called

other writers.

I.a Ai^Hj'a, or the IVcrd/r, the worst of them all, held
on its course for vSpain, where it arrived safe, having
on board four thousand pesos in gold, worth eight
shillings a peso, belonging to the Admiral, the other
three that escaped returning to San Domingo, shat-
tered and in a distressed condition."

With flying colors, with songs and music, the
j^rand fleet of Bobadilla swelled its sails for the home-
ward vo3-age, but they had scarcely reached the
eastern end of the island when the fury of the hurri-
cane burst upon them. The midnight darkness, the
howling tempest, the electric blaze and thunder crash,
w ith an ocean lashed into wild fury — an inconceivable,
indescribable catastrophe, almost as sudden as an
earthquake, engulphed twenty-six ships. Bobadilla,
Roldan and his accomplices, and poor Guarionex
anticipated the tribunals of Spain. The fabulous
quantities of gold wrung from the suffering toils of
the oppressed natives, including the two-thousand-
dollar nugget, went down into the ocean's abyss with
them.

Las Casas, who was in Hispaniola at the time, says :
" We will not inquire now into this remarkable divine
judgment, for at the last day of the world it will be
made quite clear to us." To affirm divine judgment
is at any time a great assumption. Who may draw
the line between mere fortuity in the forces of nature
and a special exercise of the divine will ? But it is
safe to say that the noted catastrophe referred to
appears as much like a divine visitation as anything
we could conceive ; and whoever believes in prov-
idence — and who does not ? — will be likely to regard
it as such.

.44.'»*W>*ftiV»Fl 1

468

yi litiEATlllNC, srElJ..

" The Admiral, in the port of A/ua, ^ave his men a
breathing time after the storm," says Fernando
Columbus, who was in the fleet, " and it being one ot
the diversions used at sea to fish when there is nothing
else to do, I will mention two sorts of fish among the
rest which I remember were taken there ; the one of
them was pleasant, the other wonderful. The first
was a fish called saavina, as big as half an ordinary
bell, which, lying asleep above the water, was struck
with a harping iron from the boat of the ship liiscrina.
and held so fast that it coiild not break loose ; but
being tied with a long rope to the boat, drew it after it
as swift as an arrow, so that those aboard the ship,
seeing the boat scud about, and not knowing the occa-
sion, were astonished it should do so without the help
of the oars, till at last the fish sunk, and being drawn
to the ship's side, was then hauled up with the tackle.
The other fish was taken after another manner ; the
Indians call it manatee, and there are none of the sort
in Europe; it is as big as a calf, nothing differing
from it in the color and taste of the flesh, but that
perhaps it is better and fatter ; wherefore those that
affirm there are all sorts of creatures in the sea will
have it that these fishes are real calves, since within
they have nothing like a fish, and feed only on the
grass they find along the banks."^

After encountering another storm, they put out again
on the 14th of July, but the wind was so light that
they were carried away by the currents, first to some
islands near Jamaica, and to the Queen's. Gardens,
then on the south of Cuba. On th e 27 th, the wi nd

» The Manatus americanus, closely related to the Cetaceans.

UNDER SAIL AGAIN.

469

ve his ineti ;i
•s Fernanda
beinj; one of
re is iiothinj,^
h uinon^ the
; ; the one of
1. The first

an ordinary
r, was struck
ship ni&tciuiu
,k loose ; but
rew it after it
ard the ship,
,ing the occa-
hout the help
. being drawn
ith the tackle.

manner ; the
»ne of the sort
hing differing
lesh, but that
jre those that
11 the sea will
;, since within
d only on the

^ put out again
; so light that
;, first to some
;en's. Gardens,
27th, the wind

le Cetaceans.

favoring, they sailed to the southwest, and on the 30th
reached the island Guanaja, now Honacca, some 30
miles from the coast of Honduras. The second in size
of the Haj'' Islands, it is .some 1 2 miles long and from one
to three miles wide, and rises i ,200 feet. The crews were
impressed with its fertility and verdure, especially its
lofty pines. The inhabitants were similar to those
found elsewhere in these parts, excepting their low
foreheads.

Notice that stately canoe, coming as if from a dis-
tance, probably from Yucatan ! Long as a galley and
eight feet wide, it has an elegant awning of palm
leaves over the centre, not unlike the cabin of a Vene-
tian gondola. Under this cozily sits a cacique with
his wives and children, protected alike from sun and
rain. Twenty-five Indians drive their strong paddles.
Strangely enough, they have no fear of the Spaniards,
but push right up to the side of the Admiral's caravel.
This canoe must be on a journey, for it is fairly filled
up with a great variety of manufactured articles and
with the various products of the locality — a sort of
voluntary exhibition of the things to be found here.
And are not some of these weapons superior to any
seen in these parts heretofore ? Those hatchets are
not of stone, but of copper ! Here are wooden swords
with double edges firmly set with sharp flints tied into
grooves with the dried intestines of fishes ; such swords
were afterwards found in Mexico. Here are bells, and
also other articles, made of copper, with the rude
crucible in which that metal was melted, and vessels
of clay and of marble, and utensils made of hard
wood. The provisions, too, are worth noticing — the

S^^liJ«afc4^i!s®f®«fe^f*aiB«ias*^^*MS#w;s^ «.> .aiiVi i«**v

. -o A NEW STYLE OF NA TIVES.

cacao, used both as food and as money ; a sort of beer
made from maize; also bread made from the same arti-
cle, and some made from roots. The women wear fine
cotton mantles, richly worked in gay colors, and the
men have cotton cloths about the loins. Both sexes
have a particular sense of modesty for Indians, which
is especially noticed bv the. boy Fernando when they
are hauled over the side of the ship as captured per

sons.

"I must add," h- says, " that we ought

admire their modesty ; for it falling out that, in getting
them aboard, some were taken by the clouts they had
before their privities, they would immediately clap
their hands to cover them ; and the women would hide
their faces, and wrap themselves up, as we said the
Moorish women do at Granada. This moved the
Admiral to use them well, to restore their canoe, and
give them some things in exchange for those that had
been taken from them. Nor did he keep any one of
them but an old man, whose name was Giumba, who
seemed to be the wisest and chief of them, to learn
something of him concerning the country, and that he
might draw others to converse with the Christians,
which he did very readily and faithfully all the while
we sailed where his language was understood. There-
fore, as a reward for his services, when we came where
he was not understood, the Admiral gave him some
things, and sent him home very well pleased."

Those Indians in the canoe at the island had
endeavored, by signs, to tell something of the richness,
industry, and cultivation of their country to the west-
ward, and urged Columbus to steer in that direction.
As soon as they perceived that he was in search of

VES.

r ; a sort of beer
m the same arti-
vomen wear fine

colors, and the
ns. Both sexes
• Indians, which
mdo when they
as captured per-
at we ought to
It that, in getting

clouts they had
tnniediately clap
omen would hide
, as we said the
This moved the

their canoe, and
3r those that had

keep any one of
/as Giumba, who
of them, to learn
Lutry, and that he

I the Christians,
iiUy all the while
derstood. There-
in we came where

II gave him some
, pleased."

, the island had
ig of the richness,
untry to the west-
in that direction,
was in search of

WESTWARD OR EASTWARD?

47^

gold, they gave him to understand that in their coun-
try the people wore heavy crowns made of it, and great
rings on their arras and legs ; that their chairs, tables,
and chests were covered with it, and even their cloths
were woven with it. When coral was shown them
Uiey intimated that their women wore it profusely as
ornaments, hanging from the head down the back.
They also claimed to have plenty of pepper, and to
have ships, cannon, bows and arrows, swords, and all
kinds of armor. This was true Indian style, and there
may have been little or nothing in it ; but if Columbus
had gone westward and discovered Yucatan and
Mexico, who may conjecture how it might have
improved his fortunes !

" Upon the information given by that old Indian,"*
says Herrera, " the Admiral forbore proceeding to the
westward, which would have carried him to Yucatan
and New Spain, and, steering to the eastward,' the first
land he saw was a point, which he called de Casinas,
because there were many trees on it, the fruit whereof
is a sort of little apples, good to eat, in his language
called casinas, as the Admiral said. The natives that

1 This old Indian could draw a rude chart of the coast, and probably con-
founding the isthmus with the Admiral's notion of a pass— for they could
communicate only by signs— completely gained his confidence as a guide to
the riches of the interior of India.

- 'Chat Columbus came eastward against the westward current, which sug-
Rested his pass to India, has always been a mystery. Eut if Vespuccius's
fust voyage, 1497 -1498 -which must have been known to the Admiral— was
westwardlilong the Honduras coast, and around Yucatan, the Gulf of Mexico,
and Florida, as Varnhagen has clearly shown, it is but in accordance with
Columbus's usual good sense that he should have tried a new route in search
of his desired pass, especially since his experienced Indian guide assured him
th:U such pass was in this direction. He must have learned by this time that
Cuba was an island, and that all along and around to the west and north
was a continuous pontinent.

^*S«Sr>*48S«SB»'.

.-i.^lis«A*5*^ViltiNw-fl**-A;-jM'i'

.-2 CHICKENS AND BEANS.

lived nearest to that point wore jackets of fine colors,
like the short shirts above spoken of, and small clouts
to cover their nakedness. On vSunday, the 14th of
August, the adelantado went ashore with many of the
men to hear mass, as they generally used to do when
they had an opportunity ; and the Wednesday follow-
ing he went again to take possession for their Catholic
Majesties, at which time he found above one hundred
of the natives on the shore, loaded with provisions, as
maize, fowl,^ venison, fish, and fruit. When they came
up to the adelantado, the Indians fell back without
speaking one word, and he ordered they should give
them looking-glasses, hawk's bells, pins, and the like ;
and the next day above two hundred men appeared in
the same place, loaded with such victuals, and several
sorts of lupines,- like beans, and other fruit, for the
country is very fertile, green, and beautiful, where there
was an infinite multitude of pine trees, oaks, six or
seven sorts of palms, and many mirabolan-trees, bear-
ing a pleasant and odoriferous fruit. They understood
that there were leopards, and might have been informed
that there were many tigers. Those people had not
great foreheads, like the islanders, spoke several lan-
guages ; some of them were quite naked, others only
covered their privities, and others wore jackets without
sleeves, that reached not below their navels. Their
bodies were wrought with fire, like the Moors, some
having lions, others stags, or such like creatures drawn
on them; instead of caps, they wore on their heads
cotton clouts, white and red, and some of them had tufts
of hair on their foreheads like fringes.

~ Fernando Columbus says the fowls were large white hens and geese.
» Like red aud white Hidney-beans. Fernando says.

COAST OF THE EAR.

473

■ fine colors,
small clouts
the 14th of
many of the
1 to do when
esday foUow-
lieir Catholic
one hundred
provisions, as
en they came
back without
7 should give
and the like ;

I appeared in
;, and several
fruit, for the
il, where there

oaks, six or
an-trees, bear-
ey understood
been informed
eople had not
e several lan-
d, others only
ackets without
avels. Their
; Moors, some
reatures drawn

II their heads
them had tufts

hens and geese.

" When they were fine for their festivals, some colored
their faces black, others red, others streaked with several
colors, others painted their chins and noses, and others
made their eyes very black, all which were looked upon
as great ornaments.^ And because there were others
along that coast who made such great holes in their
cars that an egg might pass through them, he called
that part la Cosla dc la Orrja, or the Coast of the
Ear."

We must now foUow the little fleet to the eastward,
along the Honduras coast, stemming the current which
here runs westward like a mighty river, and beating
against contrary winds. To quote the Admiral's own
huiguage to the so\ ei"eigns : " Hence, as opportunity
afforded, I pushed on for terra firma in spite of the wind
and a fearful contrary current, against which I con-
tended for sixty days, and during that time only made
.se\enty leagues. All this time I was unable to get
into harbor, nor was there any cessation of the tempest,
which was one continuation of rain, thunder and light-
ning; indeed, it seemed as if it were the end of the world.
I at length reached the Cape of Gracios a Dios, and
after that the Lord granted me fair wind and tide ; this
was on the twelfth of September. Eightj'-eight days
did this fearful tempest continue, during which I was at
sea, and saw neither sun nor stars ; my ships lay ex-
posed, with sails torn, and anchors, rigging, cables, boats,
and a great quantity of provisions lost ; my people were
very weak and humbled in spirit, many of them prom-
ising to lead a religious life, and all making vows and
promising to perform pilgrimages, while some of them

' To the boy Fernando Columbus they looked like devils.

,^^gg^^iajft!«,g;(aaite«a^«ti-*i*s»ii*t=«>Ji*.*-^^

::^>t<*fi^t*j'T'-''»'^vii < *• oVv,-

474

THE TEMPEST.

I
I

would frequently go to their messmates to make con-
fession Other tempests have been experienced, but
never of so long a duration or so fearful as this ; many
whom we looked upon as brave men on several occasions
showed considerable trepidation ; but the distress of my
son who was with me grieved me to the soul, and the
more when I considered his tendei age, for he was but
thirteen years old, and he enduring so much toil for so
long a time. Our Lord, however, gave him strength
even to enable him to encourage tl.e rest, and he
worked as if he had been eighty years at sea, and all
this was a consolation to me. I myself had fallen sick,
and was many times at the point of death, but from a
little cabin that I had caused to be constructed on deck
I directed our course. My brother was m the ship that
was in the worst condition and the most exposed to
danger; and my grief on this account was the greater
that I brought him with me against his will."

An inexpressible relief it must have been to Colum-
bus and his crews when the ships rounded the cape to
SO south along what is now known as the Mosquito
Coast The eastern wind, against which they had sailed
with so much toil and hardship for nearly two months,
was now on the beam, and wafted them on delightfully.
In pious recognition of the relief, Columbus named the
cape Gracios a Dios-Thanks to God. The coast land-
scape along which they sailed was greatly varied. Here
a bold promontory, rugged and craggy, stretched out into
the sea • there a fertile vale, with verdant banks laved
by charming rivers, delighted the eye. At the month
of this river grew immense reed s, large as a man s leg ,

» Major's Select Letters.

^•■«vW<t|feg lM i Wfi r.«»»*wgi"**^^^J-'^''

.i>---*«<giv's*»s*-*'''e»*'««^'?''***^''**'***^*'"

LA HUERTA—THE GARDEN.

475

» make coti-
;rienced, but
this ; many
ral occasions
istress of my
soul, and the
• he was but
ch toil for so
lim strength
rest, and he
sea, and all
ad fallen sick,
:h, but from a
icted on deck
the ship that
5t exposed to
IS the greater
ill." '

!en to Colum-
d the cape to
the Mosquito
hey had sailed
y two months,
1 delightfully.
)us named the
*he coast land-
varied. Here
etched out into
it banks laved
At the mouth
Ls a man's leg ;

the outlet of another swarmed with fishes, tortoises, and
alligators. That cluster of twelve small islands near
the coast bore a fruit resembling the lemon.

Having sailed some sixty-two leagues in this direc-
tion, and being much in need of wood and water, on the
1 6th of September the boats were sent up a deep river,
l)ut as they returned a strong wind from off the sea
brought the waves with such force against the current
of the river that one of the boats was engulfed, and all
on board were lost. This calamity cast a gloom over
the weary crews, and the Admiral himself was so im-
pressed with melancholy that he named this river El
Rio del Disastrc.

On the 25th of September they reached an inviting
place of anchorage, in the mouth of a river, opposite
which was a most enchanting island, covered with
luxuriant groves of palms. Plere was also the graceful
banana, with its curious blossoms and fruit at the same
time ; the cocoanut tree, and a most fragrant and
hiscious fruit which the Admiral mistook for the
mirabolane of the East Indies. So odoriferous and
strikingly beautiful were the flowers and shrubs on
this island that he called it La Huerta — The Garden.

vScarcely a league away was an Indian town named
Cariari, finely located on a river. The country in
every direction was charmingly diversified with hill
and dale, and most luxuriant fonests of such height
that, as Las Casas says, they seemed to reach the sky.

The natives, alarmed at the unwonted appearance
of the ships, rushed to the shores, some armed " with
bows and arrows, others with staves of palm-tree, as
black as a coal and hard as horn, pointed with the

:[>ft>l'tf '^ -f— -i»J'-B»

-■^i^^i&:^^.^0^a^deti'iJi.v^ith>mi '

.- ls!^^V**te*u'«W»'i'«>*-*<

476

WEAPONS OF WAR.

ill

bones of fishes, others with clubs."^ The men, with
hair braided and wrapped around their heads, and the
women, with hair trimmed short, were all alike intent
on the defence of their country. The Spaniards,
however, made no attempt to land, but for two days
remained on their ships, quietly resting or looking
after their damaged provisions and their ships, already
the worse for the voyage. The natives, seeing no
signs of war on the part of the strangers, were
inclined to be friendly. Being partially clothed, they
take off their mantles and wave them like banners,
thus inviting the Spaniards to land. They even swim
to the ships, bringing their rude arms, " cotton jerkins
and large pieces like sheets, and guaninics, which is
pale gold they wear about their necks." But the
Admiral will not trade. He will only make presents,
for he wants the savages to know how generous these

white men are !

The natives grow more earnest when they discover
the strangers are not disposed to laud, and beckon to
them still more emphatically. " At last," says Fer-
nando Columbus, "perceiving nobody went ashore,
they took all the things that had been given them,
without reserving any, and tying them together, left
them in the same place where the boats first went
ashore, and where our men found them on the Wed-
nesday following, when they landed. The Indians
about this place, believing that the Christians did not
confide in them, they sent an ancient man of an awful
presence with a flag upon a staff, and two girls, the
one about eight, the other about fourteen years of age,

» Fernando Columbus, chapter xci.

J ip i if M w * tf"' BiiS

TIVO INDIAN GIRLS.

477

E men, with
ads, and the
alike iutent
; Spaniards,
for two days
\ or looking
liips, already
s, seeing no
ngers, were
:lothed, they
ike banners,
:y even swim
otton jerkins
lies., which is
5." But the
ake presents,
;nerous these

they discover

id beckon to

;t," says Fer-

went ashore,

given them,

together, left

Its first went

on the Wed-

The Indians

stians did not

n of an awful

two girls, the

years of age.

who, putting them into the boat, made signs that the
Christians might safely land. Upon their request they
went ashore to take in water, the Indians taking great
care not to do anything that might fright the Chris-
tians, and when they saw them return to their ships
they made signs to them to take along with them the
young girls with their gnaninies about their necks,
and at the request of the old man that conducted
them they complied and carried them aboard."

These young hostages manifested no fear whatever,
but deported themselves in the most amiable and
modest manner. This won upon the Admiral, who
treated them most generously — feasting them, clothing
them, and afterwards sending them ashore, where they
were received with marked satisfaction. In the evening
the Spaniards, going ashore again, met the girls, sur-
rounded by a multitude of their friends. All the
presents were returned. If the gifts of these savages
could not be accepted, they were too proud to be put
uuder obligations by receiving those of the strangers.
This surely was a remarkable trait of independence
which one cannot fail to respect.

Everything was done by the Indians to win the
Spaniards. The adelantado going ashore the next day,
two of the principal persons, wading out into the water
to meet him, lifted him out of his boat in their arms,
carried him to land, and in the mo,st reverential man-
ner seated him on a grass plot. Thinking this was
the time to draw out information from them as to the
country, he began to ask them questions, and ordered a
notary to take down their statements. The Indians
looked with surprise on the pen, ink, and paper, and

»A > W Stf t>. « i.r >-M3:^*P»^g^

1
I

si'*'

.yg r//^ INDIANS TAKE FRIGHT.

mistaking the act of writing for the exercise of some
necromatic art, fled in terror. Returning by and by
they .scattered a sweet-smelling powder in the air, and
burnt some of it in such a way as to cause the smoke to
go towards the Christians, as if they were trying to

counteract some evil spell. , , . , i

Before the ships left, the Admiral ordered his brother
to go ashore, along with a number of others, and learn
what he could of the nature of the country and the
habits of the people. Though he did not find pure
gold, he saw some quite extraordinary sights. In a
great wooden palace covered with canes were " several
tombs, in one of which there was a dead body dried up
and embalmed; in another, two bodies wrapped up in
cotton sheets, without any ill scent ; and over each tomb
was a board with the figures of beasts carved on it, and
on some of them the effigies of the person buried there,
adorned with guaninics, beads, and other things they
most value. These being the most civilized Indians in
those parts, the Admiral ordered one to be taken and
learn of him the secrets of the country; and of seven
that were taken, two of the chiefest were picked out
and the rest sent away with some gifts and civil enter-
tainment, that the country might not be left in an up-
roar, telling them they were to serve as guides upon
that coast, and then be set at liberty. But they believ-
ing they were taken out of covetousness, that they
might ransom themselves with their goods and things of
value, the next day abundance of them came down to
the shore and sent four aboard the Admiral as their
embassadors, to treat about the ransom, offering some
things, and freely giving two hogs of the country, which,

t,*««ia««Mfr*««»aw^

gpBS Bt aa ^ l iftifeS l iei is arAg - aWiS ffeBfc^^^

NT.

srcise of some
ig by and by,
11 the air, and
e the smoke to
,'ere trying to

red his brother
ers, and learn
mtry and the
not find pure
sights. In :i
were " sevei"al
body dried up
wrapped up in
over each tomb
Tved on it, and
m buried there,
er things they
ized Indians in
be taken and
; and of seven
ere picked oiit
and civil enter-
e left in an up-
as guides upon
But they believ-
ness, that they
•ds and things of
Qi came down to
dmiral as their
a, offering some
I country, which,

A BEAUTIFUL PAT.

479

though small, are very wild. The Admiral, therefore,
observing the policy of the people, was more desirous
to be acquainted with them, and would not depart till
he had learned something of them, but would not give
ear to their offers. He therefore ordered some trifles
lo be given to the messengers, that they might not
jro away dissatisfied, and that they should be paid
for their hogs.'"

On the 5th of October the Admiral was again under
way. Passing along what is now called Costa Rica,
or Rich Coast, after sailing some twenty-two leagues,
he entered a magnificent bay, six leagues in length
and three in breadth. There were three or four en-
trances, and it was full of the most enchanting islands,
laden with fruits and flowers, and the channels be-
tween them being so deep and clear that they seemed
like the canal streets of a city. As the vessels passed
along, " the boughs of the trees touched the shrouds
and rigging." Having cast anchor, the boats landed
on one of these charming islands. Here were twenty
canoes, the people being near by, among the trees.
Their timidity, if they had any, was soon removed by
the encouraging words of the Indian guides from
Cariari, and they approached the Spaniards for barter.
Here was the first pure gold found along these coasts.
The natives had large plates of this precious metal
hung to their necks by cotton C9rds. Some of the
guanin or poor gold, also, in the shape of eagles, they
had. So unconscious were these natives of the value
of pure gold that one of them exchanged a large plate
of it, weighing ten ducats, for three hawk's bells.

> Fernando Columbus, chapter xci.

*:,^^Ji^,^4BiMArip^S^4l^^^*■tt*■■A^:«*A^ai*^X■-&^i^^^

480

INDIA N ORNA ME NTS,

Not far away, on the continent, there was plenty of it,

they said.

The next day the boats went to the mainland at
the lower end of the bay. The shores were abrupt
and hilly, the houses being grouped in villages about
the highest points of the landscape. Behold the
Indians in those ten canoes, their heads adorned with
flowers and rude coronets made of beasts' claws and
birds' quills 1 Nearly all of them have plates of gold
about their necks, but they will not part with them.
How the Spaniards covet one of those plates, worth
fourteen ducats, and that eagle worth twenty-two
ducats! But plenty of this metal can be obtained
along the coast— particularly at Veragua, some
twenty-five leagues distant. So say the natives. But
the Admiral will not be delayed by barter, for he is
in haste to find that strait mapped out in his head
for so long a time.

But the Spaniards cannot leave till they have
caught some of those fishes of which there are abun-
dant shoals in this bay. They also hunt the wild
animals along the shore, and examine the roots used
as food, and the grain and flowers. " The men, who
are painted all over, face and body, of several colors,
as red, black, and white, go naked, only covering
their privities with a narrow cotton cloth. "^

From this bay, called Caravaro, they put out on the
17th, and enter the river Guaig, some twelve leagues
farther on. On attempting to land, they encounter
two hundred Indians, armed with clubs and wooden
swords and lances. They rush in to the water up to

> Fernando Columbus, chapter xcii.

^i».ia,*i,,g,.aiiB*ai«w*e«'i»«(i*^^

INDIAN THREATS.

481

J plenty of it,

\ mainland at

3 were abrupt

villages about

Behold the

adorned with
sts' claws and
plates of gold
rt with them.

plates, worth
h twenty-two
n be obtained
eragua, some

natives. But
arter, for he is
t in his head

[ill they have
there are abun-
hunt the wild
the roots used
The men, who
several colors,
only covering

put out on the
twelve leagues
they encounter
lbs and wooden
the water up to

their middle, brandish their weapons, blow their conch-
shells, beat their wooden drums, throw salt-water at
the strangers, and squirt at them the juice of the
herbs they are chewing — tobacco, perhaps. But the
Spaniards beckoned to them in a cordial manner, and
the native interpreters spoke goodly words for them,
and these savages were .soon showing themselves
friendly by trading away for a few trinkets seventeen
plates ofj^o/d^ worth one hundred and fifty ducats.

The next day, the Spaniards came ashore again to
renew their trade. They found the Indians sitting
along the shore, in a sort of booths they had extempo-
rized during the night, and were afraid to land. They
called to them, but none would come. Presently the
Indians blew their conchs, beat their drums, gave
their war-whoop as they ran into the water almost up
to the boats, and threatened to hurl their darts if the
strangers did not go away. This was a little too
much for the Spaniards. They shot a cross-bow and
wounded one in the arm, then fired a cannon ; and the
Indians, " thinking that the sky was falling upon
them, took to their heels, striving who should be
foremost." Now they were in a mood for trade.^ Four
of the Spaniards landed, " and calling them back, they
came very peaceably, leaving their arms behind
them, and exchanged three plates of gold, saying they
had no more, because they did ngt come prepared to
trade, but to fight."

Fully in the conviction that the supremely desired/a«
is in this direction, the Admiral continues along the
coast, and they soon anchor in the mouth of a river
called Cotiba. Here. ^Isp, the Indians are up in

ayiNriitf'^^*»c^ir.^^>»'fi"i^-'^^^a*feg^''^^''^^saB -■^.s^ft*^ fc-tM^^^

1 i;
i 'i

^R2 liMi'lElilNC. WITH THE INDIANS.

arms. The forests echo to the sound of conchs aiid
druius— the people arc beiiiK called out iti dcfeiuc
a^aiust the strauKcrs. Now a canoe with two Indians
conies off from the shore, and inquires who these
stran^a^ beings 'ire and what they want. I':xclianKniK
a few words with the interpreters from Cariari, they
are conciliated, and come on board the AdniiraVs ship
in the most cordial manner, trading the roUI plates
suspended from their necks for trinkets. vSatisfied as
to the peaceable intention of the strangers, they k"
ashore to report the same to their cacique. Now tlicte
comes another canoe with three Indiav.s. They also
barter the gold plates from their necks. " Amity
thus settled, our men went ashore, where they found
abundance of people, with their king, who differed in
nothing from the rest but that he was covered with
one leaf of a tree, because at that time it rained hard ;
and to give his subjects a good example he exchanged
a plate of the precious metal and bade them barter for
theirs, which in all were nineteen ducats of pure

gold."'

The signs of civilization were surely encouraging,

for here was a solid structure of stone and mortar.

But it would not do to tarry. Before a fresh breeze,

they ran past some five towns, where, the interpreters

said, there was plenty of gold. Here, indeed, in Vera-

gua, which name afterwards spread over the whole

region, the plates of gold were made which they had

seen along the coast. The next day, as they came to

a town called Ciibiga, the natives affirmed that they

had reached the end of the gol d coast. But this go H

J Fernando Colunibus.

a-aaB^6a»^«*i'^^«^^^^^*KB^^t^w^^*'^''*'*' '

lANS.

)f conclis an<l
lit in defcMU'i.'
li two Indians
;s who iIk'si'

ExcluinKi"K
Cariari, tlicv
UhniraVs ship
le gokl plates
. vSatisfied as
ijrcrs, they k"
c. Now thcie
IS. They also
:ks. " Amity
:re they found
,vho differed in
s covered witii
t rained hard ;
he exchanged
iheni barter for
iucats of pure

y encouraging,
ne and morlar.
a fresh brec/e,
he interpreters
ndeed, in Vera-
jver the whole
which they had
as they came to
rmed that they
But this gold

T/fi: sr/xwrn

4«3

region they were thus leaving behind could l^e
explored at any time. The grand desiderjitum now
was the .v//y///— alias Malacca. All un\^'ittingly, tlie
iiulians were helping to form a great delusion in the
mind of the Admiral. The narrow place they spoke of—
just at hand — between the two seas was not " /ui/row
li'iitct;'' as he understood them, but " tuirnnv land'''
Hut the mere language of gestures on the part of
these savages was too awkward to be discriminating
to the prejudiced mind of Columbus, so on they
went for the " ,s7;v///." Somewhere just the other side
of this promising terra jirma he would find all the
wealth of India.' Alas 1 the rich country the natives
wore describing to him was as delusive as the strait ; for
they, in all probability, simply had vague conceptions

' The vision which now allured Coliimbufi cnn best be given in h in own
wouls to the Hoverei^jns concornin« this voyage, written from yamaica:
•As I hud founil everything true that had been told me in the diflTerent
pliuis which 1 had vinited, I felt satisfied it would be the same with respect
tn Ciijuare, which, according to their account, is nine days' journey across
tlic country westward ; they tell me there is a great quantity of gold there,
aiul that the inhabitants wear coral ornami'nt* on their heads, «nd very
i;ir;,'i- coral bracelets and anklets, with which article also they adorn and
■ml.iy their seats, boxes, and tables. They also said that the women there
wore necklaces hanginj,' down to their shoulde»8. All the people agree in
the report I now repeat, and their account is so favorable that I should be
content with the tithe of the advantages that their description holds out.
TIkv are .ill likewise acquainted with the pepper-plant. According to the
acKuint of these people, the inhabitantH of Ciguare are accustomed to hold
fairs and markets for carrying on their commerce, and they showed me also
the mode and form ill which they transact their various exchanges; others
assert that their ships carry guns, and that the men go clothed and use bows
and arrows, swords, and cuirasses, and that on shore they have horses,
which they use in battle, and that they wear rich clothes and have most
excellent houses. They also say that the sea surrounds Ciguare, and that
at ten days' journey from thence is the river Ganges; these lands appear to
liold the same relation to Veragua as Tortosa to Fontarabia, or Pisa to
Venice."

i^aftt^^w^vJW'^-j ■••"' ■

ijsiris».-*«i*'«B!i*#«i««i«a««>

«.jii«»rtri.a^«>«*lK'»**t»K<W***** **^''^''^~'®'^ *"^

I'-

lis

5fc

-ft:

484

PUERTO BELLO.

of the wealthy and semi-civilized nations of Central or

South America.

On the 2d of November the squadron entered a
larP-e and charming harbor. In every direction, the
elevated kndscape had the aspect of high cultivation.
The houses, about a stone's throw or bow-shot from
each other, were in the midst of fruit-trees, graceful
groves of palm, corn-fields, and gardens abounding m
vegetables and pineapples. This delightsome spot
Columbus named Puerto Bello— Port Beautiful. A
whole week of storm shut them in here. But the
scene was enlivened by the native canoes: going and
coming constantly, with fruits, vegetables, and balls
of cotton finely spun, " which they gave for some
trifles, such as points and pins." Gold there was
none, except the simal plates hanging from the noses
of the cacique and his seven principal men. The
naked bodies of these people were painted red, and by
way of contrast the cacique was black.

On the 9th of November the fleet went to a point
since called Nombre de Dios, eight leagues farther on;
but the next day they were forced back one-half that
distance by stress of weather, and took refuge behind
a group of islands. In every direction, on the islands
and on the mainland, fields of Indian corn and fruit
and vegetable gardens greeted the eye ; so the Ad-
miral called this place Puerto de Bastimentos— Port oi

Provisions.

Here they remained about two weeks, repairing their
leaky vessels, which the teredos of these tropical seas
had thoroughly riddled. During this stay they had
at least one amusing incident. A boat well manned

"*^ ^ "-M S w B Bi^n^^ ijfe^^^^^

S;te»»s8»SW«Wi«»Shtoffl'«!*M^^

■S»i«aawi>~*N M K g i«wiajaiwgM»^<^f''' "

EL REIRETE.

485

)ns of Central or

idroii entered a
ry direction, the
high cultivation.
)r bow-shot from
lit-trees, graceful
;ns abounding in
lelightsome spot
rt Beautiful. A

here. But the
canoes: going and
:tables, and balls
^ gave for some

Gold there was
g from the noses
cipal men. The
.inted red, and by
k.

et went to a point
lagues farther on ;
ack one-half that
00k refuge behind
on. on the islands
ian corn and fruit
» eve ; so the Ad-
stimentos — Port ot

;ks, repairing their
these tropical seas
his stay they had
boat well manned

went in pursuit of a canoe, and the Indians, taking
fright as they came within a stone's throw, plunged
into the water to try their chances of escape by swim-
ming. The Spaniards pulled the oars with all their
might for a mile and a half, but could not overtake
one of them ; for as they approached an Indian he
would " dive like a duck, and come up a bow-shot or
two from the place." The boy Fernando enjoyed this
chase exceedingly, and seemed pleased to see the
boat return without so much as an Indian, after such
strenuous and exhaustive exertions.

November 23d they sailed farther on, and stopped

at a place called Guiga, where they found some three

hundred natives ready to trade away provisions and

small gold ornaments in their noses and ears for the

usual trinkets. Again they hoisted sail. On the

24th boisterous weather drove the squadron into a

small harbor, which the Admiral named El Retrete,

'' that is. Retired Place, because it could not contain

above five or six ships together, and the mouth of it

was not above fifteen or twenty paces over, and on

both sides of it rocks appearing above the water as

sharp as diamonds, and the channel between them

was so deep that they found no bottom, though if the

ships inclined never so little to either side the men

might leap ashore.'" Both Las Casas and Fernando

Columbus think that the Admiral was duped into

this retreat by the desire on the part of his men sent

to examine the place to communicate slyly with the

natives. As the water was so deep that the vessels

could not anchor, except near the bank, the sailors

> Life of Columbus by his son, chapter xciiu

S*tt-i ■JtS(lte»ff-''*"«^«'

. ;.;5iniy(a^-«A=bBl*A.'f-*-WrV;s**"Vti «jrt- l^ V.s(*.-w*.

:>,s

486 TllI"^ INDIANS DEFT THE SPANIARDS.

used to get away among the natives at night without
permission. At first they were entertained with the
usual hospitality, but their conduct was so outrageously
covetous and licentious that their hosts soon sought
revenge. Every night there were brawls, and before
long there was bloodshed on both sides. Now the
nearness of the ships to the shore was as convenient
for an attack from the enraged Indians as it had been
for the nightly escapes of the sailors. The Admiral
was obliged to resort to his guns. But the mere noisy
discharges of powder failed to terrify them. The sav-
age throngs had become skeptical of the divine nature
of these beings, worse than human, and they responded
to the noise and smoke with shrieks and yells, and
threshing the trees with their clubs and lances. This
would never do. The ships were too near the shore
to risk being boarded in an instant by this infuriated
mob of savages. The guns were loaded with balls,
and aimed at a hillock on which the natives were clus-
tered. Now the general havoc " made them sensible
there was a thunderbolt as well as thunder," and they
fled in terror once and for all.

We must not leave this close retreat without look-
ing about on the shore. All around the land is low
and level, the grass being thin, and the trees scattered
here and there— the whole having the effect of a sort
of open park. Sec those alligators which crawl out
here in vast numbers to sun themselves on the beach .
The air is impregnated with their odor, " as if all the
musk in the world were together." The Indians say
that they will drag a sleeping man into the water ; but
tney seem quite timorous, and hustle into the sea like
frightened seals when attacked.

mu
of

TAIiDS.

ght without
ed with the
Dutrageously
soon sought
s, and before
;. Now the
s convenient
s it had been
rhe Admiral
lie mere noisy
m. The sav-
divine nature
ley responded
nd yells, and
lances. This
ear the shore
his infuriated
sd with balls,
ives were clus-
them sensible
ler," and they

without look-
e land is low
trees scattered
effect of a sort
hich crawl out
s on the beach !
"as if all the
he Indians say
the water; but
nto the sea like

THE CRE WS ARE IMPA TIE NT. 487

There was yet another phase to this weather-bound
life of two weeks in El Retrete, among savages and
alligators. The crews were becoming exceeding im-
patient to turn back. " That strait "—what was the use
of running after that strait ? What would they carry
back from it ? Better return to the gold coast they had
been passing. Who could tell how much wealth they
lni^rht take home from thence? Many of the more
ignorant and superstitious believed ^hat the strong east
and northeast winds shutting them in were the result
of sorcery on the part of the Indians. And what
defence could there be against such witchcraft?
The officers cried out against the crazy, worm-eaten
ships. In the tempests which threatened them these
^vould be crushed like mere shells. Even the Admiral
himself might well be wondering why he did not reach
the much-desired strait, and would surely become con-
vinced of the folly of increasing the distance from
home with such mutinous crews and unsafe crafts. He
would go back 'to Veragua and lay in a store of gold,
which might more than compensate for his failure in
finding the " strait," and thus silence the cavillings
of his enemies.*

" Here, then," says Irving, " ended the lofty anticipa-
tions which had elevated Columbus above all mercenary
inierests, which had made him regardless o f hard ship^

"T"Bastida8, in hU recent voyage, had reached this point. Whether thi.
was known to Columbus is not certain. On his way out, as he touched at
San Domingo, where that navigator then was, he may have gained such in-
telli-ence, or the natives around Veragua may have advised him. At any
rate it must now have been pretty clear to the Admiral that the coast was
•practically discovered from Trinidad to Guanaja. and that between these
two islands is a shore-line of continent unbroken by any strait."-/^. H.
BancrofCs History of Central America, vol. I, p. ai?-

M H'MM S iiffia seiWBie^

U«.i.f * » «-*(*^ T

1
I

4.SS

HEAD WINDS.

■A

• l|

and perils and had given an heroic character to the
early part of this voyage. It is true, he had been in
pursuit of a mere chimera, but it was the chimera of a
splendid imagination and a penetrating judgment. If
he was disappointed in his expectation of finding a
strait through the Isthmus of Darien, it was because
nature herself had been disappointed, for she appears
to have attempted to make one, but to have attempted it

in vain."

On the 5th of December the squadron put out from
El Retrete, and sailing ten leagues westward anchored
at night in Puerto Bello. They had barely passed into
the open sea the next day when the wind shifted to the
west. For three months he had hoped in vain for a
wind in this direction. It seemed as if the wind was
bound to be against him. Should he turn back and re-
new his search for the strait ^ A west wind never lasted
long in that region, at least at that time of year.
Probably it would soon change.

The wind increased and shifted about so from point
to point that the sailors were completely baffled. Again
they headed for Puerto Bello, but when, after great effort
in getting back, they awaited a favorable wind to enter,
it suddenly blew furiously off shore, driving the vessels
out to sea. The sky was darkened, the clouds were
heavily charged with electricity, and a most unparalleled
tempest arose. " Never," says Columbus, " was the sea
so high, so terrific, and so covered with foam ; not only
did the wind oppose our proceeding onward, but it also
rendered it highly dangerous to run in for any head-
land, and kept me in that sea, which seemed to me as a
sea of blood, seething like a cauldron on a mighty fire.

\m0>fi'^^^ii^^»3smxmmmmssi(i^

icter to the
had been iu
:himera of a
dgnient. If
)f finding a
was because
she appears
attempted it

rat out from
ird ancliored
y passed into
shifted to the
n vain for a
he wind was
back and re-
i never lasted
ime of year.

;o from point
ffled. Again
er great effort
vind to enter,
ig the vessels
clouds were
t unparalleled
" was the sea
im ; not only
rd, but it also
for any head-
led to me as a
a mighty fire.

A TEMPEST. 489

Never did the sky look more fearful ; during one day
and one night it burned like a furnace, and every in-
stant I looked to see if my masts and my sails were not
destroyed, for the lightnings^flashed with such alarm-
ing fury that we all thought 'the ships must have been
consumed. All this time the waters from heaven never
ceased descending, not to say that it, rained, for it was
like a repetition of the deluge. The meti were at this
time so crushed in spirit that they longed for death as
a deliverance from so many martyrdoms. Twice already
had the ships suffered loss in boats, anchors, and rig-
gings, and were now lying bare without sails." Fer-
nando says, " When we were most in hopes to get into
port we were quite beat off again, and sometimes with
such thunder and lightning that the men durst not
open their eyes. The ships seemed to be just sinking, and
the sky to come down. Sometimes the thunder was .so
continued that it was concluded some ship fired its can-
non to desire assistance. Another time there would fall
such storms of rain that it would last violently for two
or three days, insomuch that it looked like another
universal deluge. This perplexed all the men and
made them almost despair, seeing they could not get
half an hour's rest, being continually wet, turning some-
times one way and sometimes- another, struggling
against all the elements, and dreading them all ; for in
such dreadful storms they dread the fire in flashes of
lightning, the air for its fury, the water for the terrific
waves, and the earth for the hidden rocks and sands."
But the storm reached its climax on Tuesday, the 13th,
when a great whirling cone rose out of the waves, and
mounting towards the heavens met a like cone, which

!tos«as^««ia»i5''*~

490

A WATER-SPOUT.

whirled downwards from the inky clouds, and the two,
joining in an angrv column connecting sea and sky,
moved furiously toward the ships. Every face was
ghastly white and shrieks of despair arose. The Ad-
miral was stretched on his couch on deck, helpless with
a raging fever. Alarmed by the cries of the sailors, he
sprang up to behold the writhing column almost upon
him. Did ever man face a more stupendous peril ? In
the helplessness of the moment he began to recite the
gospel of St. John, describing a cross in the air with
his sword. The whirling, dancing column, uniting the
ocean beneath and the clouds above, passed between the
ships and on out of sight, causing no harm beyond
making the water to boil and toss in every direction.

" The ships being now almost shattered to pieces with
the tempest," says Fernando Columbus, "and the men
quite spent with labor, a day or two's calm gave them
some respite, and brought such multitudes of sharks
about the ships that they were dreadful to behold,
especially for such as are superstitious, because, as it
is reported that ravens at a great distance smell out
dead bodies, so some think these sharks do, which if
they lay hold of a man's arm or leg cut it off like a
razor for they have two rows of teeth in the nature of
a saw. Such a multitude of these were killed with the
hook and chain that, being able to destroy no more,
they lay swimming about the water, and they are so
greedy that they do not only bite at carrion, but may
be taken with a red rag upon the hook. I have seen a
tortoise taken out of the belly of one of these sharks,
and it after^vards lived aboard the ship ; but out of an-
other was taken the whole head of one of his own kind.

'**«««iiiMic^Me9£«ss^«e%b't««i

S//A/fA'S.

491

,11 d the two,
a and sky,
y face was
. The Ad-
elpless with
e sailors, he
ihiiost upon
5 peril ? In
to recite the
he air with

uniting the
between the
irm beyond

direction.
3 pieces with
ind the men
11 gave them
es of sharks
I to behold,
>ecause, as it
ce smell out

do, which if

it off like a
the nature of
illed with the
oy no more,
. they are so
ion, but may
[ have seen a

these sharks,
lut out of an-
his own kind.

we having cut it off and thrown it into the water, as not
good to eat, no more than they are themselves, and
that shark had swallowed it, and to us it seemed con-
trar}' to reason that one creature should swallow the
head of another of its own bigness, which is not to be
admired,^ because their mouth reaches almost to their
belly, and the head is shaped like an olive. Though
some looked upon them to forbode mischief, and others
thought them bad fish, yet we all made much of them
by reason of the want we were in, having been now
above eight months at sea, so that we had consumed
all the fish and flesh brought from Spain ; and that,
with the heat and moisture of the sea, the biscuit was
so full of maggots that, as God shall help mc, I saw
many that staid till night to eat the pottage or
brewis made of it, that they might not see the mag-
gots ; and others were so used to eat them that they
did not mind to throw them away when the}'^ saw
them, because they might lose their supper if they
were so very curious.

"Upon Saturday, the 17th, the Admiral put into a
port three leagues east of Pennon, which the Indians
called Huiva. It was like a great bay, where we
rested three days, and going ashore saw the inhabi-
tants dwell upon the tops of trees, like birds, laying
sticks across from bough to bough, and building huts
upon them rather than houses. Though we knew not
the reason of this strange custom, yet we guessed
it was done for fear of the griffons there are in that
country, or of enemies ; for all along that coast the

• Or wondered at.

^^2 T//B COAST OF CONTJiASTS.

people at every league's distance are great enemies to

one another."* ,

Storms and shifting winds continue. Now they
put out to sea, but again the wind changes to their
disadvantage, or becomes so boisterous that they are
obliged to run into the nearest harbor. Well, indeed
may the Admiral name this the " Coast of Contrasts.
Having spent nearly a month in beating his way from
Puerto Bello to Veragua, some thirty leagues, he
sounded the river Yebra, which he named Belen or
Bethlehem, and the Veragua. As the former was the
deeper, notwithstanding its bar at the mouth, they
entered it by means of the boats and found a village
on its banks. Here they were confronted by a well-
developed and brave people, who were disposed to con-
test their landing, but were soon conciliated. Being
questioned as to the gold-mines, they were at first
inclined to be reticent or equivocal, finally they
gave the impression that they were to be found about
the Veragua. To that river, therefore, the boats are
sent the next day. These people must be of Carib
origin. How else do they come to be so brave ? A
whole fleet of canoes comes out to meet the Spaniards,
and the shores are lined with men on defence. But
the interpreter intercedes, saying that these peculiar
strangers have come only to barter, and this soothes
them and induces them to trade twenty plates of gold,
several tubes filled with the precious dust, as well as
masses of the crude ore, for trinkets and gewgaws as
usual They said the precious metal was obtained m
the neighboring mou ntains. Whe n they went in

1 Fernando Columbus, chapter xciv.

^mimmfm^mm^mmimmamm^mmmmmmmmm^i^^-

'-rm^'S!^

THE ^U IB IAN.

493

enemies to

Now they
ges to their
lat they are
/"ell, indeed,
Contrasts."
is way from
leagues, he
ed Belen or
mer was the
mouth, they
md a village
id by a well-
30sed to con-
ited. Being
,vere at first
Finally they

found about
be boats are
be of Carib
10 brave ? A
le Spaniards,
lefence. But
lese peculiar
[ this soothes
)lates of gold,
ist, as well as
I gewgaws as
IS obtained in
hey went in

search of it they fasted for twenty days and left their
women at home.

These reports are so flattering that the Admiral
concludes to sojourn in the vicinity. Belen being the
deeper river, the two smaller caravels cross the bar
January 9th, and the other two follow at flood-tide the
next day. Now the natives become exceedingly
cordial, and bring great quantities of fish, with which
this river abounds ; also a variety of gold ornaments
for trafiic, but it all comes from Veragua.

To the Veragua, then, the adelantado will go with
boats well armed. Having ascended half a league,
he meets the Quibian,* or chieftain, tall, powerful,
and of a warlike aspect. He is very amiable, and
seems perfectly at ease amidst the canoes in which
his subjects are attending him. He takes off his gold
ornaments and gives them to the adelantado, highly
gratified over the trinkets and what-nots received in
return. This powerful chief,^ with many chiefs under
hira, is shrewd enough to see that he has met men of
force and influence, such as he has not known
hitherto.

The next day he calls on the Admiral, and is well
entertained. Impressive, indeed, it must have been to
see these fine specimens of the human race, each from

' This is now regarded as a title rather than a name.

' " On the wliole, the Qiiibian is as fine a spetimen of his race as the ade-
lantado is of his And thus they are fairly met, the men of Europe and the
men of North America; and as in the gladiatorial combat, which opens with
a smiling salutation, this four-century struggle begins with friendly greet-
ing's. Pity it is they are outwardly not more evenly matched; pity it is
that the European with his superior civilization, his saltpetre and blood-
hounds, liis steel weapons and strange diseases, should be allowed to do his
robbery so easily."—/^. H. Bancroft, Hist. Central America, vol. I, p. 320.

-i-fli^NWE"^"

491

THE STORM DEMONS.

the opposite side of the ^lobc, trying to comniunieatc
^vith each other by grimaces and gestures. 1 he
Ouibian is - taciturn and cautious," exchanges some
presents with the Admiral, and, after an hour, takes
his leave. Meanwhile his attendant;) have " trucked
gold for gewgaws. .

But the ships are scarcely more secure here in the
river than they were outside in the sea. If Neptuivo
failed to swamp them in the latter, the storm demons
will open the floods upon the mountains in order that
the rivers may run mad. The vessels are wrenched
from their anchorage and hurled against each othcr.
and the foremast of the' Admiral's ship is carriea
away. Neither can they run out to sea, on account
of the breakers on the bar at Beleu's mouth.

The storm having once more abated, on the 6th of
February the adelantaflo takes sixty-eight well-armed
men, who push the boats up the Veragua in search of
the reputed gold-mines. About a league and a half
up the river they come upon the home of Uie Quibian,
with the dwellings of his people arranged about him.
The chieftain comes to meet them. He is surrounded
by his subjects, but they are all unarmed. All the
signs and signals are for peace. This on the outside,
like the bright daubs of paint on his naked body, but
at heart there are no doubt many misgivings. One of
his attendants fishes a big stone out of the river, and,
washing it thoroughly, rolls it up as a throne for his
chieftain, who deports himself with great respect in
the commanding presence of Don Bartholomew. He
furnishes the latter with guides to the gold regions of
the interior, the mines being in the mountains, which

iT*?^"'

GOLD!

495

communicate
sturcs. The
jhauges some
Lti hour, takes
ve "trucked"

ire here in the
. If Neptune
storm demons

in order that
; are wrenched
[ist each other-
hip is carried
ea, on account
mth.

L, on the 6th of
ght well-armed
ua in search of
.jruc and a half
3f ine Quibian,
sred about him.
; is surrounded
rmed. All the
on the outside,
laked body, but
Lvings. One of

the river, and,
a throne for his
rreat respect in
•tholomew. He

gold regions of
ountains, which

begin to rise some six leagues distant and reach above
the clouds. All the way, about the roots of the trees
and everywhere, the earth sparkles with golden
grains. The adelantado returns greatly elated. Al-
ready he sees wealthy Spanish cities in the plains and
on the hills. " Wliich seeing, the Quibian grimly
smiled that they should deem their work already done,
liimself subdued, the land their own, and he smiled to
think how he had sent them round and away from his
own rich mines to the poorer and more distant fields
of llrirJl, his ancient enemy. Then the adelantado
explored westward, and came to the town and river of
this Uriril, and to the towns of Dururi, Cobraba, and
Cotiba, where he obtained gold and provisions.'"

This delightsome country, laden with the most
fragrant and luscious fruits, with rich fields of maize
six leagues in extent, a territory of twenty days'
journey, so abounding in gold that one had only to
turn up the stones and pick it up— pick it up in such
abundance that a man of good-will might easily
obtain in ten days as much as a boy could carry !—
was not this the place above all others to found a
colony ? Hispaniola was indeed wonderful, but bore
no comparison to this. If among the natives there
one occasionally espied a small nose-ornament of gold,
here nearly every one had a golden mirror hung by a
cotton cord to his neck. Indeed, he had seen more
signs of gold here in tzuo days than in Hispaniola in
four years. Again the Admiral turns to the sacred
scriptures and to the writings of divines, ancient and
modern, and is well satisfied that this is th e "Golden

» H. H. Bancroft's Hist. Central Am., vol. i, p. 231.

««?'■

^.>'

496

A CO/. OAT.

I' I

Clicrsoiu'sus." Here he would fmincl an empire which
should iutludc :ill these rich koU^-"""^'-'^ >" ^'>^' ^^'^"■
torics of the different chiefs in the ueiKhborhood.
Thus HisiKUiiohi, so disiippointiu^' to all and so ill-
fated from every point of view, would he completely
eclipsed. The adelautado was of the same miud as
his brother, and agreed to remain in charKC of the
colony, which should include the greater part of the
people in the scjuadron, and through them he would
develop the gold-mines. The Admiral, meanwhile,
would return to vSjjain for reinforcements.

The plan adopted, everything moved with energy.
The eighty men who were to remain were divided
into parties of ten each, and on a pretty rise of ground
bordering a creek, near the mouth of the Belen, they
built a picturesque village. The houses could not
have been large. We simply know that they were
built of wood and thatched with palm leaves. Aye 1
one was large, designed as a warehouse and magazine.
But the main depository was one of the ships, which
was to remain in the harbor. In this the provisions
might be most securely stored, and it might serve the
adelantado in case of an emergency. The store of pro-
visions was small indeed— a little wine, oil, vinegar,
biscuit, cheese, etc., but the country around abounded
in maize, cocoanuts, bananas, pineapples, and various
kinds of wines and beers. Then there was almost no
limit to the great variety of fish in these parts ; the
shoals w ;re so thick along the river-banks sometimes
that the :ould be dipped out with little nets, or they
even lei. >ed out of the water onto the dry land and
could be picked up. The Admiral wduld conciliate

■^-««iiai*Baj«*'-'- -*'ft«*J^(fiSMSM»3««i*te*

'm't^im'

SllVr VV IN TtlE lilVEHS.

407

empire wliicli
•s in thf Icrri-
ncighborliood.
all and so ill-
be completely
same mind as
char)^'^e of the
!r part of tlu-
hem he wonkl
al, meanwhile,
s.

I with energy.
1 were divided
rise of gronnd
he Belen, they
ises could not
that they were
leaves. Aye !
and magazine.
e ships, v^'hich
the provisions
uight serve the
r.he store of pro-
ne, oil, vinegar,
ound abounded
es, and various
; was almost no
lese parts ; the
inks sometimes
le nets, or they
e dry land and
^(iuld conciliate

the natives by kind words and presents. These would
then render the infant colcMiy what aid they could.

"All things were now se lied for the Chri.stian col-
ony," says Fernando Columbus, " and ten or twelve
houses built and thatched, and the Admiral ready to
sail for vSpain, when he fell into greater danger for
want of water than he had been before by the iunn-
clalion ; for, the great rains of January being over, the
mouth of the river was so choked up with sand that
whereas when they came in there was about ten feet
of water, which was scant enough, when we would
have gone out there were not two feet, so that we were
shut up without any help, it being impossible to get
the ships over the sand ; and though there had been
such a contrivance, the sea was so boisterous that the least
wave which beat upon the shore was enough to break
the ships in pieces, especially ours, which were at this
time like a honeycomb, being all worm-eaten through
and through.'"

Meanwhile, the Quibian of Veragua had no intention
of allowing himself to be robbed of this rich territory
by the strangers thus attempting to plant themselves.
Under the pretence of making war with a neighboring
enemy, he assembled about a thousand of his painted
warriors. He had never yet smelt gunpowder nor felt
the keen edge of that product of civilization — steel.
Blindly he hoped to rout these intruders with a single

stroke. .

But Diego Mendez, a stout-hearted, sharp-eyed com-
panion of Columbus in his four voyages, noticed so
many Indians passing on the way to the Quibian's

* Fernando Columbus, chapter xcvii.

said»^&i**as«"'

-VI-

498

SPYING OUT THE CAMP.

#
I

headquarters that his suspicions were aroused. The
very impersonation of fidelity to his master, he volun-
teered his service for an investigation. Starting with
a few comrades for the Indian camp, he met the warrior
host on their way to the Belen. Springing ashore
alone from his boat, he began to communicate cor-
dially with them. They gave him to understand that
they were going against a neighboring tribe, and he
offered to go with them and aid in the fight. This
they declined, and, seeing that they were watched, re-
turned to Veragua. Diego Mendez reported his sus-
picions to the Admiral, but he was unwilling to make
the first attack on the savages and so awaken the bit-
ter enmities of warfare.

The bold Mendez will once more spy out the camp
of these painted warriors, then, taking with him a
single companion. Rodrigo de Escobar accompanies
him and thej- follow the coast afoot to the Quibian s
camp. At the mouth of the Veragua they meet two
canoes from another part, who do not hesitate to say
that the warriors had been on their way for the de-
struction of the colony, and had turned back because
they thought themselves suspected. Very soon they
would be on their way again with a stronger force.
Mendez will go to the bottom of the matter. Will not
these canoes take him to the Quibian's headquarters?
Oh no; this would be sure death ! Mendez insists;
he 'will make them a present. They will go, then,
wherever he wishes.

The Indian village was scattered along the nver-
bank, amidst trees and groves, the Quibian's house
being on the commanding site of a little hill. On every

^^i>0tS6S&i^^ii'

\MP.

-e aroused. The
master, he voluii-
11. Starting with
le met the warrior
Springing ashore
communicate cor-
understand that
ing tribe, and he
the fight. This
were watched, re-
reported his sus-
unwilling to make
so awaken the bit-
spy out the camp
aking with him a
cobar accompanies
t to the Quibian's
yua they meet two
not hesitate to say
eir way for the de-
rned back because
L. Very soon they
li a stronger force,
e matter. Will not
ian's headquarters?
! Mendez insists;
Phey will go, then,

ed along the river-
le Quibian's house
ittle hill. On every

A PERILOUS SITUATION.

499

hand round about, armed warriors frowned on the two
white men, who passed on fearlessly among them. As
they were about to climb the hill to the Quibian's house,
the Indians opposed them. The chieftain had been
wounded in a recent battle, they said, and could not
see them. But for that very reason Mendez must see
him, for he is a surgeon and can cure him. Beiu-g a
surgeon, and handing out a few preseuts, he may pass.
Around the large space in front of the Quibian's house
were the trophies of recent warfare — three hundred
ghastly human heads were impaled on stakes in the
most orderly manner. All undismayed, the two brave
whites passed on to the door, when a crowd of gaping
women and children there assembled shrieked and
screamed and fled in terror. At this alarm a brawny
son of the chieftain sallied forth and dealt Mendez a
blow that sent him backward several steps, who, recov-
ering himself, showed a box of ointment and urged
his services as a surgeon, all to no purpose. The
youth was in a rage and pushed him back. Mean-
while a crowd of enraged Indians were rushing to the
spot. Mendez jerked out of his pocket a comb and a
pair of scissors, and giving them to Escobar urged him
to cut and trim his hair. The superstitious savages
held their breath at the novel sight. Without loss of
time, Mendez gave the chief's son a looking-glass, in
which he, with great surprise, beheld for the first time
his own face. Escobar cut and combed his hair also.
Now Mendez gave comb, brush, and looking-glass to
the savage, and asked for something to eat and drink.
The request was granted and all became friends.
Mendez returned, fully convinced that the Indians
were on the war-path.

,00 THE ^Uin IAN IS CAPTURED

This was soon confirmed by a native of the vicinity,
who had become strongly attached to the white men
and had gained clew to the intentions of his country-
men. The Qnibian was planning to burn the ships
and houses' at dead of night, massacring all the
Spaniards. Houses and ships were at once put under
a strong guard, and a council of war was held. There
WIS '-0 time to lose.

With the rapidity of a Napoleon Bonaparte, the
adelantado has taken his resolution and is on the way
for carrying it out. He will take seventy-four well-
armed men, Mendez and the Indian interpreter included,
and, on the 30th of March, go as rapidly as possible
to the chieftain's camp.

The Qnibian sees the crowd coming and sends a
messenger warning them away from the house, more
from jealousy of his women, however, than from fear
of war. The adelantado goes on alone, having cau-
tiously disposed his men. Another messenger meets
him and requests him not to enter the house. The
Quibian will come out, sick though he be. They meet
at the door. The adelantado is very affable and con-
verses cordially through his trembling interpreter.
They talk about this fine country. But that wound !-
the adelantado will examine it—so softly— strokes it
gently. Now the chieftain is completely oflf his guard.
This stranger, all alone, is so friendly ; and he has
full fifty people in his house and many hundreds just
outside. Don Bartholomew tightens his grasp, and
his faithful Mendez, on the sharp lookout, fires his
arquebus, while four Spaniards near by rush forward.
The Quibian, somewhat, s^cakened by his wound, strug-

f the vicinity,
he white men
■ his country-
lurn the ships
cring all the
mcc put under
3 held. There

Bonaparte, the
is on the way
enty-four well-
Dreter included,
ily as possible

^ and sends a
tie house, more
than from fear
ne, having can-
essenger meets
le house. The
be. They meet
affable and con-
ing interpreter,
t that wound !—
>ftly — strokes it
;ly oflF his guard,
ily; and he has
y hundreds just
, his grasp, and
ookout, fires his
by rush forward,
his wound, strug-

AND CONSIGNED TO SANCHEZ.

501

gles in the tremendous grasp of the adelantado. But
all the Spaniards are upon him. He and his house-
liold— some fifty persons, big and small— are all bound
and hurried off without shedding a drop of blood.

But hear those poor savages ! They rend the air

uith their lamentations, for their hearts are breaking

at seeing their chief a captive. They plead for his

release, offering for his ransom an immense treasure

which they say is in the woods near by. But the

adelantado is inexorable. This dangerous chieftain

and his household must be held as hostages for the

peaceable behavior of the rest. They are sent to the

ships for safe-keeping, while the adelantado and the

main body of his force are to scour the surrounding

country for those who have escaped.

Who shall take charge of this redoubtable chieftain
and conduct him to the ships this dark night ? Juan
vSanchez, chief pilot of the squadron, an honest, brave
sailor, volunteers his services. The Quibian is bound
tightly hand and foot and fastened firmly to the seat
of\he boat. " Look well to your charges," urges the
adelantado. " Pluck out my beard hair by hair if I
let him escape," replied Sanchez as he pushed off his
boat from the bank. Every muscle of the Quibian's
face is calm, but a fierce fire burns within. He and
his household are captives— made so in the twinkling
of an eye ! What next ? The river runs fast— so does
time. Juan Sanchez's honest face beams self-com-
placently, kindly, in the light of the torch. The
shrewd savage makes an appeal. These cords are so
tight— hurt badly ! Sanchez rows on. But by the
time they approach the mouth of the river his heart is

502

THE 9UIBIAN ESCAPES.

m
I

touched, for, beneath the rough surface, the sailor
has a tender spot. He loosens the cords, unties the
captive from the bench, and holds the rope's end in his
firm grasp. The Quibian seems cool and motionless
and emotionless as a statue, but his eyes are on the
pilot. Sanchez turns hie eyes away and hears some-
thing like a rock splash in the water— the boat tips
and he is well-nigh precipitated into the river ! The
rope is out of his hand and the Indian is gone. Look
out ! Others of the captives may follow. In the
darkness and bustle, they have all they can do to keep
guard over the rest. In the inky river the Quibian,
shackles and all, has made good his escape. Juan
Sanchez may make his report to the Admiral and pull

out his beard !

" The next day," says Fernando, " the lieutenant
perceiving the country was very mountainous and
woody, and that there ^\;ere no regular towns, but one
house here and another at a great distance, and that
it would be very difiicult to pursue the Indians from
place to place, he resolved to return to the ships with
his men, not one of them being either killed or
wounded. He presented the Admiral with the plunder
of Quibian's house, worth about 300 ducats in gold
plates, little eagles, and small quills which they string
and wear about their arms and legs, and in gold twists
which they put about their head in the nature of a
coronet. All which things, deducting only the fifth
part for their Catholic Majesties, he divided among
those that went upon the expedition; and to the
lieutenant, in token of victory, was given one of those
crowns or coronets above mentioned."

;, the sailor
s, unties the
e's end in his
d motionless
s are on the
hears some-
the boat tips
river ! The
gone. Look
ow. In the
an do to keep
the Qnibian,
scape. Juan
uiral and pnll

he lieutenant
mtainous and
owns, but one
nice, and that

Indians from
he ships with
her killed or
ith the plunder
iucats in gold
ich they string
i in gold twists
le nature of a

only the fifth
divided among
i; and to the
zn one of those

TNE SPANIARDS ARE SUR PRISED. 503

Columbus now flattered himself that the colony
might be left in security. The Qnibian had indeed
escaped ; but how could he, with hands and feet tied,
ha^e ever reached the shore? And even if he were
living, would not the detention of his family on the
ships compel him to keep the peace ? But this savage
chieftain, having reached the shore in safety, was a
genuine hero, who instead of being subdued by what
he had suffered was only thereby rendered the more
determined and fierce. Gathering a great number of
his warriors, they stole upon the frail cabins of the
little colony, under cover of the dense forest and
with the noiseless step of the Indian on a still hunt.
The Spaniards, thinking their enemies subdued, were
completely off their guard. Some were in their cabins,
some in the Galle^ro in the harbor, and the greater
number were on the beach gazing wistfully after the
Admiral's ships, about to depart. Startled almost out
of their wits by the wild and deafening yells sent up
by the infuriated savages as they broke from the forest
directly upon them, there was no protection to the
little cabins covered with palm-leaves. The dense
shower of arrows riddled them completely and wounded
those within. The Spaniards rushed for their arms.
The adelantado and some seven of his comrades seized
their lances and targets, and calling on the rest to
follow rushed upon the Indians as -they emerged from
the woods. In all there were about twenty to bear up
under the shock ; but their shields protected them
while the naked bodies of the savages were exposed
not only to the sword and the lance, but to the fangs
of an infuriated bloodhound. The Indians fell back

504

DIEGO TRISTAN.

into the forest, sending showers of arrows from behind
the trees, and ever and anon rushing out into close
conflict with their wooden lances. After three hours
of this warfare, amidst deafening yells, and in which
all the Spaniards on the spot fought desperately, they
had one killed and seven wounded, among which latter
was the adelantado, who was pierced in the breast by a
lance. The savages fled to the forest, leaving quite a
number dead on the field.

Diego Tristan, one of the Admiral's captains,
arrived with a boat during the conflict, having been
sent up the river for a supply of fresh water. He
looked on, but took no part in the fight, saying that
if he should approach the shore the terrified Spaniards
might rush in and swamp his boat. The skirmish
over, he proceeded up the river amidst the lurking
Indians. When warned of his danger, he replied that
he should perform the duty for which he had been

sent.

The deep river was walled up on both sides by a
forest so dense that it was about impossible to land,
except where the path of the fisherman came out, or
the constant hauling up of the canoes had made an
opening. When the boat had advanced about a league
above the settlement, to where the river was narrow
and full and the tall spreading trees on each bank
formed a magnificent arcade, the Spaniards were sud-
denly surprised by the terrfic yells and horrid conch-
blasts of the savages, who burst upon them in every
direction. From the shadowy nooks and from under
the overhanging bows numberless canoes darted forth,
each moved by a single paddle, while several warriors

TRISTAN IS SLAIN.

505

; from behind
•ut into close
three hours
and in which
perately, they
r which latter
le breast by a
aving quite a

il's captains,
, having been
h water. He
;, saying that
fied Spaniards
The skirmish
t the lurking
le replied that
he had been

ith sides by a
jsible to land,
I came out, or
had made an
about a league
er was narrow
on each bank
irds were sud-
horrid conch-
them in every
id from under
;s darted forth,
veral warriors

standing in ;it shot arrows and hurled lances. All
this must be met by eight sailors and three soldiers,
who, completely terrified by the deafening noise and
overwhelmed by numbers, lost all presence of mind,
and, dropping both oars and firearms, simply tried to
cover themselves with their shields. Tristan fought
bravely, notwithstanding a number of wounds received,
and was doing his utmost to animate his men when a
swift Indian javelin pierced his right eye and he expired.
The canoes closed in upon the boat and massacred the
Spaniards to a man. Juan de Noj-a, who had been
knocked overboard during the conflict, swam under
water, landed under the overhanging thicket, and
reached the Spanish encampment, to terrify them with
an account of the sickening scene.

The intelligence created a complete panic. How
could their reduced numbers withstand these fierce
hordes ? If the Admiral should sail away without
tliem, they would either star\^e to death — for they dared
not venture out for food — or they would be massacred
by infuriated savages. They would at once board the
caravel in the harbor and escape. The adelantado
remonstrated, but in vain ; they would abandon the
place.

But the escape was not so easy as they imagined.
The swollen river having subsided, the surf had again
banked up the sand at the mouth and rendered the bar
impassable. They attempted to go out to the Ad-
miral in a boat, but were prevented by the wind and
the breakers. Thus shut in to the mercy of the
savages, they were still further horrified by the disfig-
ured corpses of Tristan and his men floating down

->»»»a>s»aJ^ia»MiWW»Jai**itfi^^^

5o6

AN A PA L L ING SITU A TION.

stream amidst hungry fishes, and stranding on the

beach as food for vultures. Did not this portend their

own fate but near at hand? Meanwhile the natives

had grown jubilant over their successes. Their horrid

yells and the thunder of their conchs and wooden drums

made the thick forests frightful in every direction.

Abandoning the settlement, the adelantado raised a

bulwark around an open place on the bank of the

river. Here, sheltered by chests, casks, and the boat

of the caravel, they plied two small cannon through

openings in the barricade, and thus kept the savages

at a safe distance. But what could they do when their

ammunition became exhausted?

On board the Admiral's ships matters were scarcely
less appalling. Ten days had passed since Tristan
left. Why did he not return ? What if their ships'
cables should part in this rough sea ? Those clumsy
caravels would Surely be swamped. Then those
Indians '.—the Quibian's family, confined in the hold
of the Admiral's ship— they seemed to be enthused
with the spirit of the chief himself. One night while
the guards were sleeping on the hatch— it being so
high up that it was not thought necessary to chain it
down— they collected boxes, casks, and the stones
used for ballast, and, piling them up, mounted them,
and with one tremendous lift shoulder to shoulder in
concert they tossed the sleeping guard hither and
thither, and springing out and into the sea they made
their escape. Those kept back and chained down
under the hatch were found dead the next morning.
Some had hung themselves from the roof of their
dungeon, and those who could not secure this conven-

iditig on the
portend their
e the natives
Their horrid
wooden drums
ery direction,
tado raised a
bank of the
and the boat
nnon through
Dt the savages
do when their

s were scarcely
since Tristan
if their ships'
Those chimsy
Then those
:d in the hold
o be enthused
ne night while
h — it being so
ary to chain it
nd the stones
mounted them,
to shoulder in
rd hither and
sea they made
chained down
next morning.
; roof of their
ire this conven-

r//E FEAT OF LEDESMA.

507

ience strangled themselves by fastening one end of the
cord to the foot.

Communication with those on the shore was now
absolutely necessary, Colonization at present was not
to be thought of. When the natives should learn the
fate of this royal family, " they would move the very
rocks to revenge." But what boat might pass that
raging surf? Now Pedro Ledesma, a pilot from Seville,
steps forward and offers to swim through it if some one
will row him up to the breakers. If those savages
could swim a league to save their lives, he might pass
through the surf for the relief of so many companions.
The perilous feat was accomplished. Ledesma crawled
up tlie beach from the merciless waves lO listen
to the shocking fate of Tristan, and the determi-
nation of the colony to leave the place. They were
simply desperate. They were busy digging out canoes
to carry them to the ships outside the bar as soon as the
storm should abate. Ledesma must importune the Ad-
miral for them that he might not sail away and leave
them on this savage coast. Should he refuse to take
them they would drag the caravel across the bar when
tlie storm was over, and take their chances at sea for
Spain.

Again Ledesma braved the breakers, and entering the
boat in waiting for him bore to the Acfiniral the sad
tidings of the colony. Throughout this entire voyage
the Admiral had been simply a suffering invalid. This
seemed the crisis of his hopes. He had been unjustly
deprived of his authority at Hispaniola. Now he had
hoped to reinstate himself in a still better country.
Must he fail again ? But he could not leave his brother

J*^J&<feS.'<«««»*»*>«S*l«**«A«l<i*'^

5o8

THE AinfTRArS VISION.

in a luutiuoiis colony, among savages. He would gladly
have remained himself, but who then might convey the
intelligence of this important discovery to the sov-
ereigns > For the present his enterprise of coloniza-
tion must be abandoned, but by and by it might be
undertaken, perhaps.

Meanwhile his worm-eaten ships, on a lee shore, in a
storm, were in imminent peril. A small addition of force
to the present storm might drive them into the breakers
What wonder if, in these days of constant worry of
mind and nights of sleepless anxiety, this aged spirit,
broken by hardships, disappointments, and outrage,
should fall into delirium— happily a religious delirium .
He says: " At length, groaning with exhaustion,! fell
asleep and heard a compassionate voice address me
thus • ' O fool, and slow to believe and serve thy God,
the God of all ; what did He do more for Moses, or for
David, his servant, than He has done for thee ? From
thine infancy He has kept thee under His constant and
watchful care. When He saw thee arrived at an age
which suited His designs respecting thee, He brought
wonderful renown to thy name throughout all the land.
He gave thee for thine own the Indies, which form so
rich a portion of the world, and thou hast divided them
as it pleased thee, for He gave thee power to do so. He
gave thee the keys of those barriers of the ocean-sea
vvdiich were closed with such mighty chains, and thou
wast obeyed through many lauds and gained an honor-
able fame throughout Christendom. What more did the
Most High do for the people of Israel when He brought
them out of Egypt ; or for David, whom, a shepherd. He
made to be a King in Judca? Turn to Him and ac-

THE APMIliA/.'S VIS /OX.

5^^9

2 would gladly
jht convey the
y' to the sov-
5e of coloniza-
y it might be

lee shoi-e, in a
ddition of force
to the breakers,
stant worry of
lis aged spirit,
, and outrage,
gious delirium !
chaustion,! fell
ice address me
serve thy God,
or Moses, or for
r thee? From
[is constant and
rived at an age
ee, He brought
out all the land.
, which form so
ist divided them
er to do so. He
)f the ocean-sea
liains, and thou
rained an honor-
hat more did the
dien He brought
, a shepherd. He
to Him and ac-

knowledge thine error— His mercy is infinite. Thine
old age shall not prevent thee from accomplishing any
grent" undertaking. He holds under His sway the
greatest possessions. Abraham had exceeded a huiulred
years of age when he begat Isaac ; nor was Sarah
young. Thou criest out for uncertain help ; answer, who
has afflicted thee so much and so often, Ciod or the
world? The privileges promised by God He never
fails in bestowing; nor does He ever declare, after a
service has been rendered Him, that such was not
agreeable with His intention, or that He had regarded
the matter in another light; nor does He inflict suffer-
ing in order to give effect to the manifestation of His
power. His acts answer to His words, and it is His
custom to perform all His promises with interest. Thus
I have told you what the Creator has done for thee, and
what He does for all men. Even now He partially
shows thee the reward of so many toils and dangers in-
curred by thee in the service of others.'

" I heard all of this as it were in a trance ; but I had
no answer to give in definite words, and could but weep
for my errors. He who spoke to me, whoever it was,
concluded by saying : * Fear not, trust ; all these tribu-
lations are recorded on marble, and not without cause.

Critics and scoffers have exercised themselves greatly
at the expense of this " vision " of Columbus. The
more credulous have seen in it a- divine disclosure. To
us it seems exceedingly natural that this devout man
broken down with age and extreme hardships, tortured
with physical sufferings and borne down with anxiety,
should f^il into just this sort of reverie '^}'l^'^^\f
thought is simply a reflex of the facts of his life in the

^^^mi^sm^f^'i'^^"^^'*^^^^^'^**^^*'^^*^^^^^'*^

P ^_-„*-*J'i^-K!i*«'X'^*'«^SJ'ViJ*-*-w'*;.' •■■•»— -'^

^j„ THE COLONY IS lUiOK EX Vl\

light of a true Christian faith slightly tinged with the
snpcrstitions of the time. If it were a dream, it was
most natnral, and aceording to the crcdulousness of the
time might easily be mistaken for a vision. If it were
a divine dl.sclosure, it would readily fall into line with
other widely accepted facts on the divine side of human
history. In the final elucidation of all things, .stranger
facts may be discovered than that Colnmbus was cho.sen
(if Cod for a special purpose ; that he was providentially
fitted and divinely inspired for the main points of his
great achievement.

It had now become clear to all that the maintenance
of the colony was impossible. As soon as the protracted
storm subsided a vigorous effort gathered all together
for the homeward voyage. As the caravel OV/Z/^'v'
could not be brought out from the river, she was emptied
and dismantled. This work was put in charge of the
energetic Diego Mende/.. Out of the sails of the caravel
he made sacks for carrying the biscuit ; the spars were
lashed across two large canoes, and on these a platform
was laid, thus making a safe raft. On this was placed
provisions, arms, ammunition, the furniture of the car-
avel, etc., which was then towed out to the ships by
means of row-boats. The wine, oil, and vinegar casks
were thrown into the water and drawn after by means
of ropes. As all were anxious to get away from this
dangerous coast, every one worked with a will, and in
two days, by means of seven trips, everything had been
transported to the ships awaiting the return. The mere
hull of the Gallego, thoroughly riddled by the tereco,
remained in the river. The faithful Mendez, having
worked day and night, was the last to leave the shore.

jr.

^cd with the
I ream, it was
jusncss of the
II. If it were
Into line with
dde of human
ings, stranger
us was chosen
provivlentially
points of his

: maintenance
the protracted
d all together
travel (ial/cj^o
le was emptied

charge of the
3 of the caravel
the spars were
ese a platform
his was placed
.ire of the car-
3 the ships by

vinegar casks
after by means
iway from this
L a will, and in
thing had been
irn. The mere

by the terec.o,
lendez, having
eave the shore.

77//r SfflPS LEA Vli.

No language could portray the delight of these
sailors on once more finding themselves all together
and on board the ships for home. Gladly would they
meet the perils of the sea on their homeward voyage
if they might thus put the ocean between them and that
land of death. In recognition of the faithful .services
„f Diego Mende/. in getting to sea, Columbus gave him
charge of the ship vacated by the death of Diego

Tristan.

'\'hc squadron sailed from Veragua in the last days
of April. The worm-eaten, weather-worn ships, the
weary, enervated crews, and the scanty supply of
])rovisions forbade their course to vSpain. They must
find their haven in Hispaniola. But why did the Ad-
miral go coasting along to the eastward ? Why did
he not strike out due north to the point in view ?
Surely he must be sailing directly for Spain. So
thought the piolots ; and they were much annoyed at
such presumption, with almost nothing in the larder,
and the water almost pouring in through worm-holes
nearly the bigness of a finger. But the Admiral
and his lieutenant were too well versed in the
knowledge of these seas to start directly north, and be
carried far west out of their course by the current setting
in so firmly from the east. Then, why should the
former give the results of his work away ? Behold
how many were ready waiting -to follow in the wake
of his discoveries, and gather the results and profits
of his toils and suflferings ! Let the route be as
obscure as possible. So he even took the charts from

his sailors.

At Puerto Bello he was obliged to abandon one of

ia**«*ai«asS^M*«*ww<'»- •

,<Mi8Ka««»»WW«a»»i'-'»<'w*'*^^** ■'

«l.1l^^>

,,^;"-.^,.J.-^'

rilE^ SAIL FOR msPANIOLA.

his ships, the Bhcaina, as she could no longer be kept
afloat and the other two were so worm-eaten that it
was all the men could do to pump and bail the water
out as fast as it came in. Still the ships stood to the
east past Port Retretc, the Mulatos, and Point Bios
to" the Gulf of Darien. This large sheet of water
making in beyond the horizon was so suggestive of
the much-sought-for "5/r.7/V" that the Admiral was
strongly tempted to continue in search of it ; but on
holding a council with his officers he found then-
opposition on account of the condition of the ships
and the supplies so forcible that he turned the prows
northward for Hispaniola. This was ^lay ist and
they were ten leagues farther east than they had been

before. ^ , . _,

Not only the currents but also the winds were
strong from the east, and the Admiral bore up close
to the wind. This annoyed his men, who declared
they were running to the east of the Caribbees but
he doubted if they would even reach Hispaniola, which
fear proved to be true, for on the loth he approached
the Cayman Islands, west of Jamaica. Passing by the
tortoises which fairly swarmed and looked like little
rocks in these parts, the ships reached the Queen s
Gardens, south of Cuba, May 30th. Here they cast
anchor some ten leagues from the main island. Ihe
crews were fairly exhausted, and the provisions reduced
to a few biscuit and a little oil and vinegar— poor diet
for men laboring incessantly at the pumps. A fear-
ful tempest arose ; three anchors were lost. The bow
of the Bermuda was driven fiercely into the stern ot
the Admiral's ship, which now had but one anchor.

I I OLA.

lO longer be kept
orm-eaten that it
d bail the water
hips stood to the
, and Point Bios
I sheet of water

so suggestive of
the Admiral was
:h of it; but on

he found their
on of the ships
turned the prows
,vas INIay ist, and
an they had been

the winds were
•al bore up close
nen, wlio declared
he Caribbees, but
Hispaniola, which
3th he approached
a. Passing by the
I looked like little
iched the Queen's
. Here they cast
main island. The
provisions reduced
/inegar — poor diet
le pumps. A fear-
ere lost. The bow
into the stern of
ad but one anchor.

THE SHIPS ARE STRANDED.

513

At daylight the cable was nearly parted. One hour
more of darkness and he would have been driven
onto the rocks.

The storm having lasted nearly a week, Columbus
weighed anchor for Hispaniola, his " people dismayed
and downhearted, almost all his anchors lost, and his
vessels bored as full of holes as a honeycomb."
Laboring against wind and current, he finally reached
Cape Cruz.

Having obtained cassava-bread from the Indians,
and waited on the wind a few days, he tried again to
buffet the winds and currents to Hispaniola, but all
in vain. The scene is most disheartening. The ill-
fed and worn-out sailors ply the pumps and bail with
buckets and kettles, but still the water gains on them.
Even the Admiral gives up and makes for the north
side of Jamaica, for the vessels are in danger of sink-
ing even before they reach that shore. On the 24th
of June they run the ships aground, side by side,
about a '' bow-shot " from the land. Here they shore
them up and build pavilions on the decks, for the
holds of tt- vessels are almost filled with water.
Everything is put in the best possible state of defence,
and the men are not allowed to go ashore lest they
should commit some outrage against the natives, and
so prevent commerce or bring on an attack. Two
persons are appointed to carry on the trade, and a
careful distribution of supplies is made every evening.
The Indians soon swarmed about the harbor, and
were quite inclined to trade. Fernando says they
" sold two utias^ which are little creatures like rabbits,
for a bit of tin, and cakes of bread they call zabi for

h?it^<<M»» > » tf i

MJttfa'iii^tiW»lii<g'MI**t''^fa*'***"'''

^j. A PERPLEXING SITUATION.

two or three red or yellow glass beads ; and when they
brought a quantity of anything, they had a hawk's
bell, and sometimes we gave a cacique or great man
a little looking-glass or red cap or a pair of scissors
to please them. This good order kept the men plenti-
fully supplied with provisions, and the Indians were
well pleased with our company."

Still the provisions were often inadequate, and as
the Indians kept no great supply on hand the colony
might at any time be reduced to want. It was evident
something must be done to communicate with His-
paniola. Should they try to build a ship for that
purpose ? Alas ! they had neither tools nor workmen
to construct anything which might stem the head-
winds and the currents. Was there any hope that
some ship might pass that way ? Scarcely. After
many councils held by the Admiral with his men.
there was but one plan to be commended— that some
one should go to Hispaniola in a canoe.

Diego Mendez went on an excursion through a
great part of the island, purchased and shipped pro-
visions for the crews, and had cultivated such friend-
ships with the different caciques that they had agreed
to trade regularly with an agent sent out by the
Admiral. With knives, combs, beads, hawk's bells,
and fish-hooks he might purchase utias, fish, and
cassava-bread. Having sent back his men one by one
loaded with provisions, he continued on with two
Indians, one to carry his provisions and the other his
hammock, till he came to the eastern extremity of the
island. Here the cacique, one of the most powerful
in Jamaica, was completely won by the spirited

i.'

IN.

iiid when they
had a hawk's
or great man
air of scissors
tie men plenti-
i Indians were

equate, and as
ind the colony

It was evident
icate with His-
a ship for that
5 nor workmen
tem the head-
any hope that
carcely. After

with his men,
led — that some

lion through a
id shipped pro-
ted such friend-
h&y had agreed
ent out by the
3, hawk's bells,
utias, fish, and
men one by one
d on with two
tid the other his
extremity of the
; most powerful
)y the spirited

DIE G O MENDE Z IS INTER VIE WED. 5 1 5

address and taking manners of Mendez, and became
so friendly as to exchange names in token of brother-
hood. The cacique was readily pledged to furnish
provisions for the ships, and for a brass helmet, a
shirt, and a short frock sold Mendez an excellent
canoe, which forthwith came back laden with pro-
visions. Loud were the acclamations of his comrades
on his return, and the Admiral embraced him most
cordially. The Spaniards had been literally fasting.
*' There was not a loaf left in the ships," says Mendez.
Henceforth provisions came regularly.

" Ten days after this," says Mendez, " the Admiral
called me aside and spoke to me of the great peril he
was in, addressing me as follows : ' Diego Mendez, my
son, noc one of those whom I have here with me has
any idea of the great danger in which we stand, except
myself and you, jo we are but few in number, and
these wild Indir . ; numerous and very fickle and
capricious, and w •- ..ever they may take it in their
heads to come and burn us in our two ships, which
we have made into straw-thatched cabins, they may
easily do so by setting fire to them on the land side,
and so destroy us all. The arrangements which you
have made with them for the supply of food, to which
they agreed with such good-will, may soon prove dis-
agreeable to them, and it would not be surprising if,
on the morrow, they were not to bring us anything at
all ; in such case we are not in a position to take it by
main force, but shall be compelled to accede to tlieir
terms. I have thought of a remedy, if you consider
it advisable, which is that some one should go out
in the canoe that you have purchased, and make his

5i6

HIS NOBLE ANSWER.

way in it to Espaflola, to purchase a vessel with

which we may escape from the extremely dangerous

position in which we now are. Tell me your opinion.

To which I answered: 'My lord, I distinctly see the

danger in which we stand, which is much greater than

would be readily imagined. With respect to the

passage from this island to Espanola m so small a

vessel as a canoe, I look upon it not merely as

difficult, but impossible, for I know not who would

venture to encounter so terrific a danger as to cross a

gulf of forty leagues of sea, and amongst islands

where the sea is most impetuous and scarcely ever at

""^ " His lordship did not agree with the opinion that
I expressed, but adduced strong arguments to show
that I was the person to undertake the enterprise.
To which I replied: 'My lord, I have many times
put my life in danger to save yours and the lives ot
all those who are with you, and God has marvellously
preserved me; in consequence of this, there have not
been wanting murmurers who have said that your
lordship entrusts every honorable undertaking to me,
while there are others amongst them who would per-
form them as well as I. My opinion is, therefore, that
your lordship would do well to summon all the men
and lay this business before them, to see if, amongst
them all, there is one who will volunteer to take it,
which I certainly doubt, and if all refuse I will nsk
my life in your service, as I have done many times

^ '''On the following day his lordship caused all the
men to appear together before him, and then opened

^ ^ ^,j. ..-^J.,- ^. .^■ ^■Yl--.M«iWI

HIS PREPARATION.

517

1 vessel with
:ly dangerous
your opinion.'
inctly see the
h greater than
sspect to the
in so small a
lot merely as
ot who would
;r as to cross a
longst islands
carcely ever at

he opinion that
tnents to show
the enterprise,
i^e many times
Lud the lives of
IS marvellously
there have not
said that your
ertaking to me,
who would per-
;, therefore, that
ion all the men,
> see if, amongst
nteer to take it,
;fuse I will risk
lone many times

ip caused all the
and then opened

the matter to them in the same manner as he had
done to me. When they heard it they were all silent,
until some said that it was out of the question to
speak of such a thing, for it was impossible, in so
small a craft, to cross a boisterous and perilous gulf
of forty leagues breadth, and to pass between those
two islands, where very strong vessels had been lost
in going to make discoveries, not being able to
encounter the force and fury of the currents. I then
arose and said: 'My lord, I have but one life, and I
am willing to hazard it in the service of your lordship
and for the welfare of all those who are here with us ;
for I trust in God that, in consideration of the motive
which actuates me, He will give me deliverance, as He
has already done on many other occasions.' When
the Admiral heard my determination he arose and
embraced me, and, kissing me on the cheek, said :
' Well did I know that there was no one here but
yourself who would dare to undertake this enterprise;
I trust in God, our Lord, that you will come out of it
victoriously, as you have done in the others which
you have undertaken.'

" On the following day I drew my canoe onto the
shore, fixed a false keel on it, and pitched and greased
it. I then nailed some boards upon the poop and
prow to prevent the sea from coming in, as it was
liable to do from the lowness o£ the gunwales ; I also
fixed a mast in it, set up a sail, and laid in the neces-
sary provisions for myself, one Spaniard, and six
Indians, making eight in all, which was as many as
the canoe would hold. I then bade farewell to his
lordship and all others, and proceeded along the

5i8

HIS CAPTURE.

coast of Jamaica, up to the extremity of the island,
which was thirty-five leagues from the point whence

we started."

Here thev went ashore, and, waiting for the sea to be-
come smooth, were wandering about rather uncircum-
spectly, when a crowd of savages falling upon them
took them prisoners and hurried them away into the
woods. Here it was decided to put the Spaniards to
death, but a quarrel having sprung up respecting a
division of the spoils, while the question was being
settled by some game of chance, Mendez got into his
canoe and made his escape. Aided by the rapid cur-
rent, he was back again in the presence of the Ad-
miral just fifteen days after leaving.

Nothing daunted, he was ready to start again, pro-
vided a sufficient guard of men might accompany hiiii
to the extremity of the island and protect him till he
could get away. The number in this adventure was
now doubled. In addition to the six Spaniards and
ten Indians in the canoe commanded by Mendez,
another canoe manned in like manner was assigned
to Bartholomew Fiesco, a brave Genoese, who had com-
manded the Biscaiua. When these brave men reached
Hispaniola, Fiesco was to return to Jamaica with
intelligence of their safe arrival, while Mendez was to
proceed to Spain bearing the Admiral's messages to

the sovereigns.

Very cheerfully, indeed, did the little company
embark, the Indians laying in their frugal supply of
cassava-bread, roots, and calabashes filled with water
To this simple fare the Spaniards added some meat ot
the utia, and took their swords and bucklers. The

.j ii uH l i"^ -. --.^~^»«*i

tm i tawF W tf fg^^ ' "«> '^

HIS ADVENTURE.

5^9

of the island,
2 point whence

r the sea to be-
[her uncircnni-
tig upon them
1 away into the
le Spaniards to
Lip respecting a
tion was being
dez got into his
the rapid cnr-
ence of the Ad-
tart again, pro-
accompany him
itect him till he
adventure was
Spaniards and
ed by Mendez,
;r was assigned
36, who had com-
ave men reached
o Jamaica with
i Mendez was to
il's messages to

little company
frugal supply of
"illed with water,
led some meat of
. bucklers. The

adelantado went along the shore with seventy well-
armed men. Three days they waited at the eastern
end of the island for the sea to become calm. After
they had launched, the adelantado waited till night,
uk! watched the canoes till they disappeared m the
horizon. Frail barks, these, for such a sea I When
thcv were loaded they were not a span above the
water ' Awkward white men, dressed and m armor,
micrht well dread them in a storm; but the naked
Indians were so like fishes in the water that th-y
could easily right a capsi/.ed canoe, bail it out with
their calabashes, and go on as if nothing had hap-
pened. .J

The first day at sea there was neither wind nor
cloud, but the burning rays of the sun reflected by the
water were well-nigh insufferable. Every now and
then the Indians would jump into the water, and,
swimming abreast of the canoes, would cool and
refresh themselves. Then the Spaniards would
encoura're them to row as fast as they could. The
Indian had a deft hand at the paddle. All day long
the canoes had fairly skipped over the water. At
night there was simply sky and water m sight, ihe
crews were divided into watches ; one-half slept while
the other half worked, the Indians at the paddles and
the white men keeping guard with weapon in hand.

The temperature did not fall, much with the dark-
ness. All night long it was sultry and oppressive, so
that the morning found the crews greatly exhausted.
The captains now gave a rest and refreshments, and
encouraged the Indians by tryin g their own hand s at

1 Fernando Columbus, chapter ci.

toW ii y 'li U llW MT i f f W' i T I '"""

■'^ss^wo«i?wiwiwii'°^i^W^ii'

g-jjj. .>^j^j:-^ flit '^'■'—^ wt?. »jitS'*t?^^^"*t«"*®<«»

520 SUFFERING OF THE ADVENTURERS.

the paddles. But the Indians had brought on a
calamity. In the labor and heat of the day before,
they had drank up oil their water, so that there was
now not a drop to moisten their parched lips. By noon
they were completely exhausted. Now the captains
discovered two small kegs of water which they seem
to have reserved for such emergency. Mouthful by
mouthful the precious draughts are administered,
especially to the suffering, toiling Indians. These
were, moreover, encouraged by the assurance that they
would soon reach the little island Navasa, which lay
directly in their course, eight leagues this side of
Hispaniola. Slowly and wearily the day passed away,
and when the sun sank into the ocean there was still
no sight of land, nor yet so much as a cloud in the
horizon to delude them. According to the reckoning
kept by the captains, the island should now have been
in sight. Could it be that they were out of their
course and might even miss Hispaniola? As the
night closed about them they despaired of touching at
Navasa. An island so small and low could only be
met by chance in the darkness. And the gloom
thickened when one of the suffering and exhausted
Indians died and was dropped into the sea. Others,
faint and gasping, lay stretched out on the canoe-
bottoms, and those who continued their toiling were
so consumed by thirst that they would even sip the
brine from the sea. , . , r .t.

Finally, the last drop had been drained from the
casks The night was far advanced, but even those
whose turn entitled them to rest could not sleep for
anxiety and thirst. One by one the paddles ceased.

■ML wtt' -~\n-r\rt^'~"^

URERS.

Drought on a
le day before,
lat there was
iips. By noon
' the captains
ich they seem
Mouthful by

administered,
dians. These
ranee that they
asa, which lay
;s this side of
y passed away,
there was still
a cloud in the

the reckoning
now have been
•e out of their
liola? As the
[ of touching at

could only be
Lnd the gloom
and exhausted
e sea. Others,

on the canoe-
:ir toiling were
d even sip the

rained from the

but even those

Id not sleep for

paddles ceased.

77/i5" MOON AND NA VASA.

531

AH had given up in despair of reaching Hispaniola.
Meudez stood watching the horizon, in which the com-
ing moon glimmered faintly. As the silver edge
emerged it defined a small rocky landscape. " Land !"
he cried, and the sound brought life to every heart.
There was Navasa ! — but such a mere bit of land-line
against the sky that, had it not been on the bright
face of the moon, no eye could have detected it. The
weariness of the rowers and the strength of the cur-
rent had thrown the captains off their reckoning.

Hope brought new strength to every muscle. Again
the canoes are pushed against the current, and in the
gray dawn the crews leap on shore and give thanks to
God. They hurry about over the island, about a mile
and a half in circuit. There is not a tree, nor a bush,
nor even a bit of grass. All is rock, unbroken by stream
or spring. But in the hollows of the rock is an abun-
dance of rain-water, partially cooled by the night. Dip-
ping it up with their calabashes, they drank to their
peril. The Spaniards restrain themselves with some-
thing of reason, but the poor famished Indians simply
abandon themselves to the momentary relief, some of
them dying on the spot and others falling painfully ill.
Oviedo says that not far from this island there
gushes up in the midst of the sea a fountain of pure,
fresh water, so copious as to sweeten the surface all
around. But the poor famished- boatmen knew it not
Their thirst assuaged, they look for food. Along the
shore-line, among the weeds, they find some shell-fish
thrown up by the tide. Kindling a fire with the drift-
wood picked up here and there, they roast and eat them
with the keen relish of fatigue and hunger. Then they

^ 2 2 FAITHFUL NESS OF MENDE Z.

rest on the rocks and feast their eyes on the beatific
vision of Hispaniola, its pnrple mountains and exu-
berant reaches of landscape stretching along the horr/on,
eight leagues away.

Ill the cool of the e\ cuing they again comunt them-
selves to the sea and reach the western end of Hispan-
iola the next dav, the fourth since leaving Jamaica.
Here on the banks of the beautiful river and abun-
dantly refreshed by the kindly natives, they rest and
recuperate for two days. The faithful Fiesco would
have returned at once to Jamaica, according to the Ad-
miral's directions, but both Spaniards and natives were
so horrified by the toils and sufferings of the passage
that they could not be induced to accompany him.
Mendex,, though suffering from a fever, taking six
Indians, set out in his canoe for San Domingo, a dis-
tance of one hundred and thirty leagues.

Having toiled against the currents for eighty leagues,
he learned that Ovando, the governor, was in Xaragua
fifty miles in the interior. Abandoning his canoe and
going alone on foot through forests and over mountains,
he arrived at Xaragua, '^ achieving one of the most
perilous expeditions," says Irving, '' ever undertaken
by a devoted follower for the safety of his commander.

Now that such an herculean effort has been made to
bring the tidings of the disaster of the Admiral at Ja-
maica to the governor's ears, what is the result?
Surely he will move heaven and earth to bring relief to
the acute sufferings and imminent perils of one who
has been rendering the most important services to his
nation and to the worid. Certainly, Ovando professes
great concern at the sad plight of Columbus, and makes

\s\

iwafa^ji- iiiii I J iLMiiimiwwiiiaw^wtfiw

iZ.

1 the beatific
ins and exu-

1 the horizon,

:omniit them-
id of Hispan-
•iug Jamaica.
er and abun-
they rest and
Fiesco would
ng to the Ad-
:l natives were
jf the passage
company him.
:r, taking six
lomiugo, a dis-

;ighty leagues,

is in Xaragua,

his canoe and

ver mountains,

2 of the most
'er undertaken
s commander."
i been made to
Admiral at Ja-
is the result?
) bring relief to
ils of one who
services to his
/ando professes
ibus, and makes

CRUEL SCHEME OF O VAN DO.

523

all sorts of promises of sending immediate relief, but
the days, the weeks, and the months pass, and nothing
uliatevcr in the way of relief is attempted. Mcnde/
gives us to understand that the governor was at this
very time busving himself with slaughtering the beau-
tiful and hospitable natives of Xaragua— massacring
chiefs, people, men, women, and children, in the most
indiscriminate manner.

Of the debauched classes of Spanish grandees— to
a great extent associates of RokUin in his rebellion—
wlu) had settled in that lovely part of the island, and
taxed the natives to till their soil and carry them on their
liacks, some had told Ovando that a rebellion was being
concocted by Anacaona and her caciques. No proofs of
the said rebellion ever became tangible, but the gov-
ernor was completely taken by the insinuations, and
forthwith set himself to cure it in the most summary
manner. With three hundred foot-soldiers, bearing
swords, cross-bows, and arquebuses, and seventy horse-
men, well protected by cuirass, lance, and buckler, he is
going into Xaragua! Strangely enough, he is thus
going to visit the Queen Anacaona, who since the death
of her brother, Behechio, has been recognized as ruler
over the natives in this lovely province. Meanwhile he
will adjust the tribute in these parts. Anacaona, not-
withstanding all she has suffered from these intruding
white men, will still make the mt)st of them. Having
notified all her subordinate chiefs and principal subjects
to assemble, she goes out to meet Ovando and his army.
It is a truly spirited and beautiful procession, accord-
ing to the custom of showing homage by this generous
people. Here are not only scores of chiefs and strong

BiiW5««!.**Mii*rteS««i*aa«"*-»i'*^-"

524

SUNDA r AMrSEMENTS.

-■■1'

ana lmnds(mic men jrencrally, but beautiful women and
nKude.is, moviuK^ in the most spirited and graceful man-
ner, as tliey sing their areytos, or national ballads^
The maidens are waving their palm branches and
dancing as charmingly as when they first met the
Spaniards led by Don Bartholomew.

When the procession enters Anacaona's town, she
assigns the governor her largest house, and comfort-
ably quarters his men in other houses around him
For days they are feasted on all the good things of
the province. The games, the songs, and the dances
go on for their amusement. Surely there is nothing
like rebellion in all this, nor have historians ever
discovered any evidences of it. But unprincipled
would-be informants are still credited, and without
any proper investigation Ovando proceeds upon the
worst possible suppositions, and that in the most
treacherous manner conceivable. He will now take
his tuni and amuse and entertain these natives, who
have fairly outdone themselves for his pleasure.
What could be more fitting for this purpose than that
chivalrous joust with reeds, learned from the Moors of
Granada by the Spaniards ? One Sunday afternoon,
on the public square and in front of the house
assigned Ovando in this Indian town, the Spanish
cavalrymen assemble. They are remarkable for their
skilful manoeuvres and the gay trappings of their
fine horses. Aye, there is one steed which can so
prance and curvet as to literally keep time to the
viol ! But these horsemen have also other weapons,
sharper than reeds, and the footmen, ostensibly mere
spectators, are also to be well armed, and all must act
at a concerted signal.

MMWWEMMMW"

»Wt*MW«!W»«l!»«<l««t«M«»<««^

(3jl,j^,,,,i,^,l^5(a,ae<«.,.,,«fc^^

THE DBA DL r SIGNAL.

525

ul woiucii and
graceful nian-
tioiial ballads,
branches and
first met the

na's town, she
r, and comfort-
around him.
ood things of
md the dances
lere is nothing
listorians ever
unprincipled,
, and without
;eeds upon the
in the most
will now take
se natives, who
his pleasure,
rpose than that
m the Moors of
iday afternoon,
. of the house
1, the Spanish
.rkable for their
ppings of their
d which can so
ep time to the
1 other weapons,
ostensibly mere
md all must act

The hour appointed arrives, and the square is
crowded with natives on tiptoe curiosity to see the
■ runics. The caciques arc crowded into Ovando s
house, which overlooks the square. Unsuspecting
innocents ! Not one of them is armed. Not one has an
evil thought. Ovando, who will appear as harmless
as a little child, is playing with some of his principal
ofticers at quoits.

The cavalry is prancing on the square. Everything
is waiting. The caciques beg the governor to begin
the games. Anacaona, too, and her beautiful daughter
and beautiful female attendants, all join in the
request. Ovando will be obliging, leaves his game
and comes forward to a conspicuous place and gives
the deadly signal— took hold of a piece of gold hang-
ing from his neck, some say ; or, as others say, laid
his hand on the Alcantaron cross embroidered on his
tine clothes. The trumpet sounds. The soldiers
under regular command, at once surround the house
in which are Anacaona and the chiefs. These latter
are all tied to the posts supporting the roof, while the
queen is led out a prisoner. Hark ! the caciques are
shrieking under the most terrible tortures ! At the
very extremity of anguish, they are betrayed into a
false accusation of the queen and of themselves as to

the supposed plot. _ ,

This is enough. No regular examination is needed.
\ torch is put to the inflammable structure, and the
cries of the unhappy chiefs rise above the raging
flames. Meanwhile, a most shocking massacre is
going on among the people. The horsemen are
rushing through the crowds of shrieking men, women,

!^«^^.*«>MStt-

■ ■' ^ '^►5!a*5a^rie9#:to&i ia»43sp»ff'*a^^

526

THE SLAUGHTER.

and children— defenceless and naked. Swords are
hacking and cntting right and left, the spears are
transfixing the strong, the infirm, and the little
innocent, while steel-clad hoofs trample down indis-
criminately. If perchance a Spaniard, more humane
than the rest, catch up a little innocent, which appeals
to his heart, and is about to bear it away, some one
more demoniacal thrusts a lance through it.

Turning pale with dismay at such butchering, v.-
should refuse credence if we were not compelled to ac-
cept the testimony of such a venerable personage as
Las Casas, who was on the scene of action at the time.
Diego Mendez, who was then in Xaragua, and probably
a witness of the scene, says incidentally in his will that
the number of caciques either burnt or hanged was
eighty-four. Las Casas gives eighty as the number in
the house. The slaughter of the people was general
and well-nigh complete. The few who escaped— some
of them in canoes to a neighboring island-were brought
back and condemned to slavery. The beautiful and
generous Anacaona was taken to San Domingo iii
chains, and, on the strength of the confession enforced
by the most terrific tortures, was pubhcly hanged like
the vilest criminal. Such was the final reward of this
beautiful and highly accomplished native princess by
those she had always befriended in the most remarkable
and even unaccountable manner.

This shocking massacre was not enough to satisfy the
bloodthirstiness of Ovando and his minions. For six
months the governor's horse and foot continued to scour
the forests and mountains in search of those who tried t-
escape When the poor terrified creatures were found

iSieBiS,js3M*9i«w«i«»«*»*««****'

DISSA TISFA CTION.

527

ed. Swords are
t, the spears are
, and the little
nple down indis-
rd, more humane
:nt, which appeals
it away, some one
)ugh it.

:h butchering, \>°
)t compelled to ac-
ible personage as
action at the time,
igua, and probably
lly in his will that
at or hanged was
r as the number in
sople was general
,'ho escaped — some
and — were brought
The beautiful and

San Domingo in
confession enforced
iblicly hanged like
inal reward of this

native princess by
he most remarkable

nough to satisfy the
minions. For six
•t continued to scour
of those who tried t"
features were found

secreted in dens of the mountains they were dragged
forth and hanged in the most summary manner as in-
corrigible rebels. In commemoration of this great
s\mg\\.\&x— ostensibly a victory— Os2.vAo founded a town
called St. Mary of the True Peace ! That such deeds
of cruelty could have been perpetrated in the sincerity
of good faith seems incredible. Such was the wise
and humane government which succeeded that of the

Admiral.

While all this innocent blood was being shed, which
continued through the greater part of a year, Columbus
might lie on his back beneath the palm-leaf canopy on
his worm-eaten ships, sweltering under a tropical sun,
twinging with the gout, half starved, and harassed by
the most unreasonable and cruel rebellions !

The last word of the previous paragraph is the key-
note to the next incident in the experience of Colum-
bus at Jamaica— the rebellion of the Porras brothers.
It must be borne in mind that no tidings whatever
had arrived as to the canoe-voyage of Mendez and
Fiesco to Hispaniola. Meanwhile, many of those on
the thatched wrecks fell sick, some in consequence of
the unparalleled hardships of the voyage, and some
because of the lack of their wonted provisions,
especially wine and flesh ; for the Spaniards could not
readily adapt themselves to the light vegetable diet
of the Indians. Then, too, the depression of mmd
incident to their deplorable situation must have told
heavily on the nerves and tissues of the healthiest
bodies. And what could have been more favorable to
the development of a mutinous spirit than the un-
interrupted idleness necessitated by the situation?

.4i-'

528

MURMURING.

Very soon mutterings arose here and there. " The
Admiral would return into Spain no more, because
their Catholic Majesties had turned him off, nor much
less to Hispaniola, where he had been refused admit-
tance at his coming from Spain, and that he had sent
those in the canoes into Spain to solicit his own
affairs, and not to bring ships or other succors, and
that he designed, whilst they were soliciting Jheir
Catholic Majesties, to stay there to fulfil his banish-
ment, for otherwise Bartholomew Fiesco had been
come back by this time, as was given out he was to
do. Besides, they knew not whether he and James
Mendez were drowned by the way, which, if it had
happened, they should never be relieved if they did
not take care for it themselves, since the Admiral did
not seem to look to it for the reasons aforesaid, and
because of the gout, which had so seized all his limbs
that he could scarce stir in his bed, much less undergo
the fatigue and danger of going over to Hispaniola m
canoes."' Then, too, they would better come to a
resolution in this matter while they were well. They
might fall sick at any time, and then there would be
no such thing as getting away. Nor could the Ad-
miral in his present state of prostration bar their
departure. At Hispaniola, where he had so many
enemies, they could not fail to be well received,
especially since they could report him in so helpless a
condition. Once in Spain, Fonseca would make their
case good, as would also " Morales, who kept for his
mistress the sister of those Porrases, the ringleaders
of the mutineers and chief fomenters of the sedition,

» Fernando Columbus, chapter cii.

' ..^.jji^aumit^if^Aiaiammfmi^am^mitf^mt-'i

,.9^as«i^»««!MMjMMa«>'^M,'^K»'^

REBELLION.

529

. there. " The
more, because
1 off, nor much
refused adrait-
at he had sent
solicit his own
er succors, and
joliciting Jheir
[fil his banish-
esco had been
n out he was to
he and James
hich, if it had
;ved if they did
;he Admiral did
s aforesaid, and
;ed all his limbs
ch less undergo
;o Hispaniola in
;tter come to a
2re well. They

1 there would be
)r could the Ad-
ration bar their

2 had so many
; well received,

in so helpless a
ould make their
who kept for his
, the ringleaders
i of the sedition,

:u.

who did not doubt but they should be well received by
their Catholic Majesties, before whom all the fault
would be laid upon the Admiral, as had been done m
the affairs of Hispaniola with Roldan ; and ther
Majesties would the rather seize him and take all he
had than be obliged to perform all that was agreed
upon between them and him."^

These Porras brothers, Francisco and Diego, the
former made captain of one of the ships, and the
latter notary and accountant-general by Columbus,
who had been induced to favor them by Morales, the
royal treasurer, had been treated like relatives, even
when they had proved themselves incapable of filling
their several offices. It would seem that those whom
the Admiral favored most were most susceptible of
ingratitude. On the 2d of January a completely
organized mutiny discovered itself. Francisco de Por-
ras came rudely into the cabin on the stern of the
caravel, where Columbus lay, a complete cripple from

the gout. . . J J

''My lord," said he, in a highly irritated mood,
"what is the meaning that you will not go into
Spain, and will keep us all here perishing ? "

" I do not see how we can get away till those who
have gone to Hispaniola in the canoes send us a ship,"
said Columbus. " No ma^ can be more desirous of
getting away from this place than I am, as well for
my own interests as for the good of you all, and I fully
realize how accountable I am for the welfare of each
one of you. If you have anything to propose, I will
readily call the officers together in consultation, as I
have more than once done heretofore."

~~^ 1 Fernando Columbus, chapter cii.

•"wmaMMiWI^eNtKiNW*'

530

REBELLION.

" It is no time to talk," replied Porras, bruskly,
" but a time to act, and to act promptly, or we may
stay here forever."

And turning his back on the Admiral he said in
a loud and defiant voice, " I am for Spain with those
who will follow me." At once his followers began to
cry out here and there, "We will go with you,"
"We will go with you." Running about, they
"possessed themselves of the forecastle, poop, and
roundtops, all in confusion, and crying, ' Let them
die ; ' others, ' For Spain,' ' For Spain,' and others,
' What shall we do, captain ? ' Though the Admiral
was then in bed, so lame of the gout that he could not
stand, yet he could not forbear rising and stumbling
out at this noise. But two or three worthy persons,
his servants, laid hold of him and with labor laid him
on his bed that the mutineers might not murder him.
Then they ran to his brother, who was courageously
come out with a half pike in his hand, and, wrest-
ing it out of his hands, put him in to his brother,
desiring Captain Porras to go about his business and
not do some mischief they might all suffer for ; that he
might be satisfied they did not oppose his going ; but
if he should kill the Admiral, he could not expect but
to be severely punished, without hopes of any benefit.
"The tumult being somewhat appeased, the con-
spirators took ten canoes that were by the ship's side,
and which the Admiral had bought all about the
island, and went aboard them as joyfully as if they
had been in some part of Spain. Upon this, many
more, who had no hand in the plot, in despair to
see themselves, as they thought, forsaken, taking what

waawaawisaai

MISCHIEF.

531

)rras, bruskly,
tly, or we may

iral he said in
lain with those
:>wers began to
ro with you,"
g about, they
stle, poop, and
g, ' Let them
I,' and others,
h the Admiral
at he could not
and stumbling
I'orthy persons,
labor laid him
ot murder him.
LS courageously
nd, and, wrest-
to his brother,
s business and
Fer for ; that he
his going ; but
I not expect but
of any benefit,
eased, the con-
the ship's side,
: all about the
illy as if they
pon this, many
t, in despair to
en, taking what

they could along with them, went aboard the canoes
with them, to the great sorrow and affliction of those
few faithful servants who remained with the Admiral,
and of all the sick, who thought themselves lost for-
ever and without hope of ever getting oflf. And it is
certain that had the people been well, not twenty men
had remained with the Admiral, who went out to comfort
his men with the best words the posture of his aflfairs
would suggest ; and the mutineers, with their captain,
Francisco de Porras, in their canoes, went away to the
east point of the island."^

On their way they did as much mischief as possible.
They insulted the natives, taking by force provisions
or anything else they wanted, and telling them to go
to the Admiral for their pay. If he would not pay
them thev might put him to deaLh, which, indeed, was
the best thing they could do. Was he not hated by
the Christians ? Had he not been the cause of all the
ills suffered by the Indians of Hay ti ? He would soon
treat them in like manner if they did not put him out
of the way, for that was his design in staying there.

Having reached the eastern extremity of Jamaica,
they set out for Hispaniola as soon as there was a calm,
taking Indians to paddle the canoes. But they had
miscalculated the weather. Their canoes, too heavily
loaded, made poor headway in a rough sea with wind
ahead ; they therefore resolved to turn back before they
had made four leagues at sea. Then they were not skil-
ful in managing their canoes, and the water coming m
over the sides they threw everyt hing ove rboard but

1 The above quotation, are from Fernando Columbu.'s Life of the Admi-
ral. They are the words of an eye-witness. Chapter cii.

W^~ 'v*^W i« i| lW ^ (jtorjS fl l|rr i fr. i| rttf i g i *« T«W aiW-a^ "-•»*'»»■>"•=>

532

CRUELTl.

their arms and the provisions needed on the way back.
As the wind became stronger their fears increased,
and they resolved to murder the Indians and throw
them overboard. When they had killed some of these
poor natives, others became so terrified that they
sprang overboard, trusting to their skill in swimming
as a means of escape. But when they became so
weary that they caught hold of the sides of the canoes
in order to recover their breath, their hands were
chopped off and their bodies otherwise wounded. Hav-
ing thus butchered eighteen, they spared a few to
guide the canoes which they themselves could not
handle. Such was their treatment of these timorous
beings whom they had overpersuaded and coaxed into
this perilous voyage.

Having made their way back to Jamaica, they were
much divided in opinion as to what it might be best to
do. Some were for running over to Cuba and thence
putting across to Hispaniola ; others proposed going
back and making such terms of peace as they could
with the Admiral, or, perhaps, taking away from him
by force such provisions and arms as he still had,
while others preferred to stay where they were till
another calm, when they might renew their attempt
for a voyage to Hispaniola. This last advice prevail-
ing, they foraged about the neighborhood a month
waiting for fair weather ; but after two attempts with-
out success, "they set out towards the west from one
town to another, with an ill-will, without canoes or any
comfort, sometimes eating what they found, and taking
it where they could by force, according to their

mill I « i m i MW ' W|iW*i'' 'r fiM iliolHMW t' ' I f 1f*W"V**"'

DEPRESSION OF COLUMBUS.

533

I the way back,
iars increased,
ms and throw
1 some of these
ied that they
1 in swimming
ley became so
iS of the canoes
;ir hands were
mounded. Hav-
)ared a few to
Ives could not
these timorous
ind coaxed into

laica, they were
night be best to
uba and thence
proposed going
e as they could
away from him
is he still had,
: they were till
yvr their attempt
advice prevail-
)rhood a month
o attempts with-
e west from one
ut canoes or any
mnd, and taking
ording to their

strength and that of the caciques through whose
territories they passed."*

To return to Columbus : on his worm-eaten, stranded
ships, forsaken by nearly all the healthy and available
part of his crews, and racked by the pains of exhaustion
and acute disease, his most incorrigible and pitiless
enemy could scarcely have conceived anything worse
for him. What heart could fail to be moved by the
wailing utterances he recorded to his sovereigns while
ill Jamaica ? " Hitherto," he says, " I have wept over
others • may Heaven now have mercy upon me, and
may the earth weep for me. With regard to temporal
things, I have not even a blanca for an offering ; and
in spiritual things, I have ceased here in the Indies
from observing the prescribed forms of religion. Sol-
itary in my trouble, sick, and in daily expectation of
death, surrounded by millions of hostile savages full
of cruelty, and thus separated from the blessed sacra-
ments of our holy church, how will my soul be for-
gotten if it be separated from the body in this foreign
land? Weep for me, whoever has charity, truth, and

^''buT afflictions and trials did not deter the Admiral
from present duty. The sick were so devotedly cared
for that they soon became convalescent, and the Indians
were so conciliated by kind treatment that they con-
tinued to bring provisions in exchange for tnnkets and
European commodities. " But they being a people that
take little pains in sowing," says Fernando Columbus,
" and we eating more in one day than they did in twenty,
besides having no longer any inclination^ toour^m-

» Fernando Columbus, chapter cii.

48itf<M»sMtiMtai»rv

i
t

'■■V.

534

WANT OF FOOD.

modities and making little account of them, they began

in some measure to take the advice of the mutineers,

since they saw so great a part of our men against us,

and therefore brought not such plenty of provisions as

we stood in need of This brought us to great distress ;

for if we would have taken it by force, the greatest part

of us must have gone ashore in warlike manner and

have left the Admiral aboard in great danger, he being

very ill of the gout; and if we expected they should

bring it of their own accord, we must live in misery,

and give ten times as much for it as we did at first, they

knowing how to make their bargains, as being sensible

of the advantages they had over us."

But the Admiral was a great sailor even on dry
land, and was about as expert in managing a com-
munity of savage chieftains as in controlmg mu-
tinous sailors. Even the most striking phenomena
of nature must be utilized in directing human thought
and action. In three days there would be an eclipse
of the moon. An interpreter was sent out to summon
all the principal Indians on the island, for he wished
to talk with them concerning a matter of great im-
portance. They arrived the day before the echpse,
and the interpreter was instructed to tell them that
the God in whom these Christians believed took
care of the good and punished the wicked," hence
those Spaniards who h.d rebelled had not been
permitted to reach Hispaniola, as Mendez and Fiesco
had but had wandered about miserably, as all the
islanders knew, and this great God was angry with
the Indians because they neglected to bring the
Christians food in exchange for their commodities.

i,gmm^»»t'^'^^>^

THE ECLIPSE.

535

;m, they began
the mutineers,
len against us,
if provisions as
) great distress ;
lie greatest part
:e manner and
anger, he being
ted they should
live in misery,
did at first, they
s being sensible

or even on dry
1 an aging a com-
controling mn-
ing phenomena
human thought
lid be an eclipse
; out to summon
d, for he wished
tter of great im-
fore the eclipse,
o tell them that
believed "took
wicked," hence
had not been
;ndez and Fiesco
ably, as all the
was angry with
d to bring the
leir commodities.

Plasue and famine would, therefore come -"^ ^ ,P "

, ,raent upon the island, and, lest they shon d donbt

there would be a sign given them in the heavens^

That very night they would behold the moon " n e

:,lgrya',dof a'bloody hue," in token of the judgments

'vbout to fall upon them.

The Indians went away, some of them more or less
terrified, and some of them regarding the matter
merely as an " idle tale." When the tttoon arose, the
dark shadow began to advanee upon her, .ncreas.ng
she aseended The Indians were on the lookout
fo. it and were so terrified that they came running
in, all'directions, loaded down with provisions crying
Id lamenting," and beseeching the Admiral " by al
™llrto intLede with God for them that he mlgh
not make them feel the effects of his v"'''''. "f
promising for the future carefully to bring him all he

"The^Admiral promised to speak with God for them,
and to this end, shut himself up during the remainder
o? the eclipse, the Indians meanwhile keeping up
the r cries Znd entreaties for help. When the eclipse
began to recede and the moon became bright he came
on! of his cabin, "saying he had prayed to God for
them and promised him in their names they would be
good for the future and use the Christians wel brtng-
L them provisions and other necessanes, and that
therefor^ God forgave them, and as a token of ,t they
Ihould see the angriness and bloody color of the moon
gooff"'

1 pernandoColumbtu, chapter ciii.

' Ibid.

ii.iiiiiiiMiii'i in —

536

^UEIU

^¥r

While he was speaking the change mentioned took
place ; so the natives, overjoyed at the sight, con-
tinued to thank the Admiral and to praise God till the
moon was quite restored to them. " From that time
forward," says Fernando Columbus, "they always
took care to provide all that was necessary, ever
praising the God of the Christians, for they believed
the eclipses they had seen at other times had denoted
mischief to befall them; and being ignorant of the
cause of them and that they happened at certain
times, not believing it possible to know on earth what
was to happen in the heavens, they certainly con-
cluded the God of the Christians had revealed it to
the Admiral."

Eight months had passed since Mendez and Fiesco
had launched their canoes for Hispaniola, and yet no
word of any kind had come back. The men still
remaining with Columbus, especially those having
recovered from their sickness, were becoming very
impatient. Some thought that the above-named
comrades had been lost at sea, others feared they had
been killed by the Indians on landing at Hispaniola,
while others conjectured that they might have fallen
victims to the hardships they must have encountered
along the south side of Hispaniola, in the hundred
leagues of rough and mountainous coast washed by
a strong westward current, before they could reach
San Domingo. Their suspicions were still further
increased by a report from the Indians of an upturned
canoe which they had seen floating on the beach-
one which the mutineers may have sent adrift for the
very purpose of creating an alarm. Concluding,

""""mim mit^m ^m'tsii^,

ESCOIiAR'S CALL.

537

entioned took
le sight, con-
e God till the
rom that time
' they always
;ccssary, ever

they believed
!S had denoted
tiorant of the
id at certain
on earth what
:ertainly con-

reveale'd it to

lez and Fiesco
a, and yet no
rhe men still
those having
ecoming very
above-named
;ared they had
at Hispaniola,
fht have fallen
je. encountered
L the hundred
.St washed by
y could reach
; still further
jf an upturned
11 the beach —
t adrift for the
Concluding,

therefore, that no relief would ever come to tliem,
another mutiny, consisting mostly of those who had
i)een too sick to get away on the former occasion, was
iibout to break out, when fortunately one afternoon,
near night, the novel sight of a sail in the distance
brought a quietus.

The craft, sent out by Ovando, cast anchor near the
stranded caravels, and the captain, Diego dc Escobar,
known as one of the most active coadjutors of Rol-
dan's rebellion and condemned to death by Columbus,
but pardoned by Bobadilla, entered a boat and ap-
proached the wrecks. He came near enough to
deliver a letter from Ovando, and also a cask of wine
and some bacon ; then, moving away quite a distance,
he told Columbus that he had been sent by the
governor to express his deep regrets at his mis-
fortunes, that he unfortunately had no vessel large
enough to bring away him and his crews, but that
he hoped soon t6 accommodate him. The Admiral's
affairs, too, at Hispaniola were being faithfully looked
after. If he wished to send a letter to the governor,
would he prepare it quickly, as he must return at once.
All this was truly an enigma. Columbus wrote
hastily to Ovando in the most friendly manner,
depicting his deplorable situation, the late rebellion,
and his dependence upon the good offices of the
governor; moreover, he especially commended Men-
dez and Fiesco to his favor, assuring him that they
had set out on their perilous voyage simply as the
messengers of his distressed condition. On receiving
the letter, Escobar returned immediately to his craft
and set sail in the gloom of the coming night.

538

EX PLANA TION AND ^IZ/tU Y.

As the disappointed crews watched the retreating sail,
they were still more and more perplexed at the cool-
ness and sndden departnre of these niessenji^ers,
who had not heen allowed to interconnnnnicatc with
them. Colnnibus, reading their gloomy disappointment
in their faces, assnred them that he was satisfied with
the message, and Ijclieved that relief wcmld soon come.
Did it seem strange to them that he had not retnrned
with Kscobar ? He preferred to remain and share their
lot till a ship large enongh to take them all away might
arrive. Hope revived, and the heart went out ot the

conspiracy.

But as Columbus reflected he found much ground f( r
query in this strange and hasty call from one of his
most malicious enemies. Since Mendez had performed
his mission so faithfully and in so short a time, why
had not this much at least been done before? And
why now was the relief so scanty— barely enough to tanta-
lize them ? Was Ovando afraid to have him returned to
Spain, lest he should be reinstated in his viceroyalty,
and so displace him; or did he hope by this long
delay to insure his death on this lonely island, among
savages ? Was the unfriendly Escobar merely a spy,
sent out to ascertain something as to these possibilities ?
To this very hour impartial students of history have
continued to ask these same questions, but no answer
has ever suggested itself which does not imply the
most culpable and shameful neglect of a noble and most
serviceable man, whom the world still delights to honor.
Should we not believe Ovando guilty of some dark
and sinister purpose, the fact still remains that he was
at least unmindful of the keen sufferings incident to so

-'•»*«aeiteai«i**Biefc«»-if .**«sas«i***fe*«*i*«^s*y***^^

'.-aJWHJW*' '

retre.'itinjij sail,
d at the cool-
messeiij^ers,
inutiicatc with
isappointmcnt
satisfied with
lid soon come.
I not returned
md share their
ill away might
;nt out of the

uch ground fit r
*om one of his

had performed
rt a time, why

before ? And
monghtotanta-
liini returned to
iis viceroyalty,
: by this long
' island, among

merely a spy,
56 possibilities ?
of histor}' have
, but no answer

not imply the

noble and most
flights to honor.
y of some dark
ins that he was
rs incident to so

O VANDO'S A/)M/y/ST/fA 770\.

539

jrreat a calamity, and that is still further nggravatal m
that he was at this very time, as it would appear, com-
pletely absorbed in the most shameless and cruel per-
secution of the natives. The exterminating wars, in
which the aged, the infirm, and those in helpless in-
fancy w^^-c alike subjected to tlie most iudiscnmuuite
slaughter ; the manner in which captives were gil)bctcd,
hacked in pieces, wrapped in dry straw and set on fire,
„r were sent away with their hands cut off, that the l)leed-
ing stumps of their arms might be a warning to those
disposed to rebel against Spanish tyranny; how others
were nuide to slave in the mines, long distances from
their homes, for a mere pittance of pay which mocked
the pangs of hunger ; how many of the oppressed
natives resorted to suicide as an escape from the most
cruel outrages ; how others died from exhaustion on their
way home from the mines— all this and immeasurably
more even to the extermination of millions of the once
happy aborigines of these elysian isles in a few decades,
all is told by the saintly Las Casas, who was an eye-
witness of the sho/ -ig scenes and spent his life in
trying to alleviate i miseries of the poor unfortu-

' Such was the administration of Ovando, who had been
sent to Hispaniola to correct the supposed misrule of Co-
lumbus, and especially in respect to his so-called cruel
treatment of the natives. In no .way does the govern-
ment of the Admiral appear so favorable, particularly in
rpspect to the natives, as when contrasted with the hor-
rors of the rule of Bobadilla and Ovando, whose exter-
minating oppression of the Indian servants and slaves
finds its explanation in their determination to gain favor

"yiJiW"*"'

.Q OVERTURES TO THE REBELS.

with the Spanish so-ereigus by swelling their coffers
with the much-coveted gold from the Indies. Indeed,
the entire scheme of their management was a carefully
studied and well-organized plan to this particular end,
without any apparent regard for justice or human
rights Las Casas, whose detailed account of the
cruelties of the Spaniards to the natives is so sickening
as to be well-nigh unreadable, says, " All these things
and others revolting to human nature my own eyes
beheld ; and now I almost fear to repeat them, scarce
believing myself, or whether 1 have not dreamt them.

But to return to the Admiral on his worm-eaten ships,
we find the whole aspect of things changed by Esco-
bar's short and mysterious call. Hope had returned to
every heart, and a vantage-ground had been gained for
treating with the rebels, with whom, now that it was
clear how safely and successfully Mendez and Fiesco
had made their voyage and ultimately accomp ished
their purpose, and that the services of the Admiral
would be acknowledged and he treated with favor at
court, it was thought fit to make overtures. Two ot tne
most noted men in the crews, therefore, were sent, car-
rving along with them some of the newly arrived
bacon as proof positive that a ship had really arrived.
The main item of the proposition was an offer of pardon
to all, irrespective of the past, and free passage with the
Admiral to Spain in the ships expected in case they
would return at once to their allegiance. _

Porras came out to meet the messengers, keeping his
men back lest they should be moved by the propositions
which might be made. Bu^the ears of his men were

1 Lib. ii., cap. 17, MS.

3 ELS.

ig their coffers
ndies. Indeed,

was a carfifully

particular end,
jtice or human
account of the
3 is so sickening
yi these things
e my own eyes
sat them, scarce
t dreamt them.'"
orm-eaten ships,
langed by Esco-
: had returned to

been gained for
now that it was
ndez and Fiesco
ily accomplished

of the Admiral
;ed with favor at
ires. Two of the
•e, were sent, car-
e newly arrived
lad really arrived,
an offer of pardon
: passage with the
ted in case they
ce.

igers, keeping his
)y the propositions
\ of his men were

AUDACITY OF THE REBELS.

541

sharp; they readily caught the intelligence of the
arrival of the caravel, the good health c^ those with the
Admiral, and the overtures he was making. After
several consultations on the part of the leading muti-
neers, it was resolved not to accept the Admiral's offers,
uor to regard the general proffer of pardon he had sent.
If two ships should arrive for his conveyance, and he
would allow them one, they would go peaceably to Plis-
paniola. Should there be but one ship, he might assign
them half of it. And since they had lost their clothing
and commodities for trade in their ill-fated attempts to
leave the island, he must share what he had with them.
When the messengers pronounced these proposal! un-
reasonable they had the audacity to say if* these terms
^vere not granted them " by fair means," they would
take them " by force."

When Porras and his associate leaders reported
themselves to the rank and file of the mutineers they
discovered that they were not sustained in their
decision. A general amnesty I a free and honorable
return to Spain ! — these were items not to be thrown
away as trifles. Besides, the magnitude of the pros-
trate, suffering Admiral rose before them in such
proportions that they dared not continue obnoxious
to his power. But the deceitful eloquence of Porras
rose equal to the emergency. It would not do to
risk dissension in this hour of danger. They must
beware of this bait, he insinuated, for the Admiral
was naturally cruel and vindictive, and would make
them smart when they came into his power. As for
themselves — the Porras brothers — they had influence
at court, and therefore had nothing to fear. Had not

.':^»ja5S!6ytfcj(^B>-i«"5w>*'-*^"***''*'''^

342 INCORRIGIBILITY OF THE MUTINEERS.

Roldau and his company rejected all Columbus's offers,
and persisted in their rebellion, and yet came out to
great advantage in the end, even sending the Admiral
home in chains? As for that phantom ship just
reported, it was a mere illusion of the twilight, con-
jured up by art magiq in which Columbus was known
to be a great adept. If it had been a real caravel, why
did net its crew communicate with those on the wrecks ?
Why did it stay so short a time ? Why did not the
Admiral, with his brother and son, embark on its home-
ward voyage ? This harangue, so shrewdly put, had the
desired effect. The men concluded to remain iu
rebellion, and, going at once with Porras to the ships,
take by force what they wanted, and capture the
Admiral.

The mutineers approached within about a mile of
the ships, but Columbus was informed of them, and
sent out Don Bartholomew with fifty men well armed.
He was first to use " good words," but, if the offenders
proved incorrigible, he was to be ready for the worst.
He and his men took their stand on a little hill about
a bow-shot from the rebels, and sent to them as mes-
sengers the same two men who had made overtures to
them before. But Porras, whose force was quite as
numerous as that of the adelantado, was in no mood
for a peaceful conference. The rebels were all able
seamen, well hardened by their outdoor strolling,
while those with Don Bartholomew were weak through
sickness and confiuement on the wreck — indeed, were
only gentlemen and pale-faced civilians — and would
not dare to fight.

Deluded by these words, the rebels refused to listen

to an
of sw
stron
in tl
the J
well
six o
beinj
who

comi
extr:
furtl
pun;
ther
sim]
to a

proi
fata
thei
mei

TINEERS.

tnbus's offers,
t came out to
the Admiral
tn ship just
twilight, con-
is was known

caravel, why
1 the wrecks ?
ly did not the
c on its home-
y put, had the
a remain in
3 to the ships,

capture the

out a mile of

of them, and
n well armed.

the offenders
or the worst,
ttle hill about
I them as mes-
le overtures to

was quite as
IS in no mood

were all able
.oor strolling,
weak through
—indeed, were
s — and would

fused to listen

THE SKIRMISH.

543

to any overtures for peace, but presenting a solid rank
of swords and lances, cried, " Kill ! kill 1 " Six of their
strongest men resolved, under oath, to stand together
in the attack till they had slain the adelantado. Of
the rest they made no account. " But they were so
well received," says Fernando Columbus, " that five or
six of them dropped at the first charge, most of them
being of those of them that aimed at the lieutenant,
who fell upon his enemies in such manner that, in a
very short time, Juan Sanchez, from whom Quibian
made his escape, was killed, as was Juan Barber, the
first I saw draw his sword when they ran into rebellion,
and some others fell very much wounded, and Francisco
de Porras, their captain, was taken. Seeing them-
selves so roughly handled, like base, rebellious people,
they turned their backs and fled as fast as they could."
The adelantado, whose hand had been wounded by
the sword which Francisco de Porras had thrust
through his buckler, and who, with the aid of his
comrades, had captured the rebel leader before he could
extricate himself, wished to pursue the rebels still
further; but his men dissuaded him, spying that
punishment must not be carried too far. Besides,
there was a body of the natives in arms near by,
simply looking on, indeed, but they might be tempted
to attack if they saw the Spaniards scattering in the
pursuit of their own men.

The skirmish over, the Indians, led by curiosity,
prowled around to examine the wounds which the
fatal weapons of the white men had made in those of
their own flesh, with some such feelings, probably, as
men might look on a battle-field of the gods. " Peter

^'^■i'~'!\«.*g^^";fa.^i''"'i*^^'^*^"'^-t^"-^^-^''*-'

544

LEDESMA'S WOUNDS.

de Ledesma, that pilot we mentioned above," says
Fernando Colu.nbus, " who went with Vincent Yanez
to Honduras, and swam ashore at Belen, fell down
certain rocks, and lay hid that day and the next till
the evening, nobody assisting him or knowing where
he was except the Indians, who with amazement, rot
knowing how our swords would cut, with little sticks
opened his woundt;, one of which was in his head,
and his brains were seen through it ; another in his
shoulder, so large that his arm hung as it were loose ;
and the calf of one leg almost cut off, so that it hung
down to his ankle ; and one foot, as if it had a slipper
on it, being sliced from the heel to the toes. Notwith-
standing all which desperate hurts, when the Indians
disturbed him he would say, ' Let me alone, for if I get
up,' etc.,' and they, at these words, would fly in great
consternation. This being known aboard the ships,
he was carried into a thatched house hard by, where
the dampness and gnats were enough to have killed
him. . Here, instead of turpentine, they dressed his
wounds with oil, and he had so many besides those,
already mentioned that the surgeon who dressed them
swore that for the first eight days he still found out
new ones, and yet at last he recovered, the gentleman
of the chamber dying, in whom he apprehended no
danger.^ The next day, being the 20th of May, all
those that had escaped sent a petition to the Admiral
humbly begging he would be merciful to them, for
they repented them of what was past, and were ready
to submit themselves to him. The Admiral granted

1 It is said tliat his voice was particularly deep and impressive.
« This man had only been wounded slightly in the hip.

above," says
/iiicent Yanez
en, fell down
d the next till
nowing where
luazement, rot
th little sticks

in his head,
another in his
it were loose ;
10 that it hung
t had a slipper
<5es. Notwith-
en the Indians
me, for if I get
lid fly in great
ard the ships,
liard by, where

to have killed
:y dressed his
J besides those,

dressed them
still found out
the gentleman
pprehended no
th of May, all
to the Admiral

1 to them, for
and were ready
dmiral granted

id impressive. '
he hip.

INDIGNA TION AT O VANDO.

545

their request, and passed a general pardon upon condi-
tion the captain should continue a prisoner as he was,
that he might not raise another mutiny."^

After a year of weary waiting, the inmates of the
ships stranded on this island of srvages were overjoyed
at the sight of two vessels making for the harbor. One
of them had been hired and fitted out by the ever-
faithful Mendez. Stimulated by this example, the
other had been sen by Ovando,in command of the Ad-
miral's agent at c an Domingo.

According to Lcs Casas, the flagrant delay of Ovando
to send relief to Columbus in his sufi"erings had
awakened such universal indignation that even the
pulpits gave their voice against it. The governor was
therefore pressed into the sending relief in this eleventh
hour in order to escape the universal condemnation.
The common sympathy of mankind must ever be with
the sufi"ering. In the case of Columbus, notwithstand-
ing all the efibrts to rob him of the proper acknowl-
edgment of his merits, it could not fail to be seen
how poorly the treatment he received compared with
his incalculable services.

When Columbus and his crews left the miserable
wrecks, on the 28th of June, 1504, their joy might be
more readily imagined than expressed. On the whole,
the impressions which had been made upon the gener-
ous-hearted natives must have been favorable, for
Oviedo says they wept when the Spaniards left.

Since Mendez and Fiesco had reached Hispaniola in
their canoes in four days, we might fancy a mere sail
of a week at most for these ships bearing back the Ad-

» Fernando Columbus, chapter cvii.

■■*-j*j^i»s«a(SWiW#a*%K«--»'"»«;fe*i--ft--J'Wi-!*j*-

546

COLUMBUS AND O VAN DO.

miral to San Domingo ; but such was the opposition of
winds and currents that only on the 15th of August
did they reach that harbor. The aged shipwrecked
mariner, a mere suffering wreck of humanity, was
hailed with a universal sense of kindly favor. Says
Irving, "What had been denied to his merits was
granted to his misfortunes ; and even the envious, ap-
peased by his present reverses, seemed to forgive him
for having once been so triumphant." The governor
and all the grandees of the place came to meet him,
and he was treated with the utmost courtesy, as a guest
of Ovando's house. But, with all this external cordiality,
it was felt by Columbus and his friends that at heart
Ovando was cool and suspicious. As an evidence of
this, they saw Porras, a traitor-prisoner, on his way to
Spain for trial, now set free. Indeed, the governor even
talked of punishing those who had taken up arms
against the mutineers in the Admiral's defence. Here
at once arose a collision between the two of&cials, as to
the proper jurisdiction over these Jamaica criminals.
Ovando finally yielded the point and sent them to Spain

for trial.

There was nothing here in Hispaniola which could
yield Columbus any particular delectation. The
island was wholly changed. The happy, kind-hearted
natives, the smoke of whose camp-fires had once en-
livened the forests, and whose canoes had been made to
glide so cheerfully about the harbors, had been utterly
broken in spirit and almost annihilated. Where was the
cheerful service and the Christian civilization he had
hoped would obtain among them ?

Just here it will be pertinet^^ t^ glance at the govern-

OVANDO;S COLONY.

547

>ppositiou of
I of August
shipwrecked
nanity, was
favor. Says

merits was
envious, ap-
forgive him
he governor
3 meet him,
3y, as a guest
lal cordiality,
hat at heart

evidence of
n his way to
governor even
en itp arms
fence. Here
a£&cials, as to
ca criminals,
hem to Spain

which could
ation. The

kind-hearted
had once en-
been made to

been utterly
Vhere was the
;ation he had

at the govern-

ment of Ovando in respect to affairs in general and in
respect to the natives in particular. It will be remem-
bered that he had been sent out to repair the damaging
effects of Columbus's administration. Let us see how
this ruling knight of Alcantara, noted for his wisdom
and his high moral qualities, compares with the Admiral,
so universally spoken against. With the change of
governors, a new impulse had been given to the affairs
of the Indies. The old illusion as to inexhaustible
treasures of wealth to be picked up in the new country
revived, for no one seemed to suspect that the causes of
disaster to the colony were to be found in the nature of
things— in the fact that a crowd of adventurers, demor-
alized soldiers, and prison-convicts, expecting to appro-
priate the civilized wealth of the Indies, could not
thrive in a wilderness, among savages— in a part of the
world, indeed, which no one even suspected to exist.
The one man who governed was supposed to be the
wheel upon ivhich the fortunes of all who emigrated
would turn. The appointment of Ovando inspired a
new confidence, and there was about the same scramble
of adventurers for his magnificent fleet of thirty sail
as there had been when Columbus started on his second

voyage.

Las Casas, an eye-witness, gives a vivid description
of affairs when these adventurers arrived in the new
country. Scarcely had they stepped ashore when the
roads to the gold-mines were thronged. Even the
proud hidalgo was carrying his bag of biscuit and
miner's tools, envying the lucky fellow who could
make the journey on horseback, and thereby bring
back the greatei load of g©14 Each one &uove to be

548

THEIR DISAPPOINTMENT.

the first iu tlic mines of the mouutaius, where they
expected to gather gold like fruit from the trees. How-
great was their surprise, on reaching the spot, tc find
that they must dig laboriously, and that it required an
experienced e3'e to detect the veins of gold, which must
be searched out with the utmost perseverance and
patience ; and that, after the most exhaustive efforts,
they not infrequently failed to find the precious ore.
And while many thus failed utterly, many others
accomplished so little that they were soon obliged to
look upon their efforts as exceedingly unprofitable ;
so that, in a short time, there straggled over the
highways and byways a lot of miserable, disappointed
wretches, who had consumed their provisions, worn
themselves out with useless toil, and were now
returning in utmost chagrin and disappointment over
the tracks made outward in the highest anticipations
of hope. San Domingo was thronged with moneyless,
hopeless, forlorn wretches, ready to sink into the most
squalid misery. Some there were who were compelled
to sell even the clothes from their backs to save them-
selves from starvation ; and while a few gained employ-
ment from the older settlers, such was the generally
reduced condition of the colony that the greater
number could find no occupation whatever, and, be-
coming the suppliants of public charity, were the vic-
tims alike of hunger and shame. This union of
physical want and mental torture in an uncultivated
country of tropical climate soon brought on burning
fevers and wasting consumptions, and in an incredibly
short time over one thousand inhabited the newly
made grave-yards of San Domingo and vicinity.

'taZtjfc-rweG^^sg'Sisrs&Si i'i= -?^

OPPRESSION OF THE NATIVES.

549

, where they
trees. How-
spot, to find
t required an
, which must
vcrance and
istive efforts,
precious ore.
iiauy others
on obliged to
unprofitable ;
ed over the
disappointed
/isions, worn
I were now
(intment over
anticipations
h moneyless,
ato the most
re compelled
to save them-
lined employ-
the generally
the greater
iver, and, be-
were the vic-
tiis union of
I uncultivated
it on burning
an incredibly
i the newly
nnity.

No one thought of attributing this fearful mortality
to a maladministration on the part of Ovando, as they
no doubt would have done in the case of Columbus ;
on the other hand, his treatment of the Spaniards was
considered wise and discreet. The same cannot be
said, however, as to his management of the natives.
To them he was simply a sure and swift destruction.

It will be remembered that Columbus, under the
severe pressure of Ri^Ulan's rebellion, had granted
nparlhnientos of the natixes ; that is, he had ordered
the caciques to furnish certain numbers of their sub-
jects as laborers for the different Spaniards, and the
service thus rendered was to be accepted instead of the
original tax in gold-dust, cotton, etc. Under a con-
siderate and humane management, the system might
have resulted well, teaching the natives regular
methods of industry, and bringing them in contact
with civilization and Christianity. Under Bobadilla
the system had been abused to the utmost. When his in-
dulgence of the self-willed and depraved Spaniards had
placed them in a state of riot run mad., and therefore
entirely beyond his control, the chief result was the un-
mitigated sufferings of the helpless natives. Did he
teach that the sovereigns of Spain did not care to enrich
themselves by meann of the new country, and so sell
the lands and estates of the crown at the lowest possible
figure, and did he reserve only one.-eleventh instead of
one-third of the gold for the crown ? With ordinary
working of the mines this small proportion would have
fallen to a mere nothing, and the natives must, there-
fore, be subjected to the highest possible pressure of
labor and toil in order to swell the eleventh of the gold

550

OPPRESSION OF THE NA Tl VES.

'^'^'^'^■'•ti^M '

to as much and even more than one-third of it used to
be. Moreover, the immense tracts of land, almost jnveii
away, must be ameliorated, cultivated, and rendered
productive of sugar-cane, cotton, and tropical fruits
In order to carry out the two departments of labor as
thoroughly as possible, two Spaniards would unite
their interests, one superintending the working of the
mines, and the other taking charge of the cultivation
of the land. Special attention was given to the
accumulation of gold. " Make the most of your time,"
was Bobadilla's oft reiterated advice; "there is no
telling how long it will last." The Spaniards were
only too ready to carry out his advice to the full, and
so mercilessly forced the Indians to their utmost
capacity of labor that c.ie eleventh part of the gold
yielded a greater revenue than did one-third under

Columbus.

The picture of the scenes which followed are por-
trayed in a startling manner by that most humane
and faithful eye-witness, Las Casas. In his old age,
many years after the events had transpired, he
recalled them as in a painful reverie. The light
vegetable and frugivorous diet of the natives and
their easy, pleasure-taking style of life from time
immemorial had fixed a characteristic weakness of
constitution which positively incapacitated them for
the hardships of slavery. In addition to the failure
of strength incident to excessive labor was the ener-
vating eflfects of the most atrocious punishments,
inflicted for the slightest offences. Behold that
wretched criminal just escaped from the galleys of
Castile or from the bloody hands of the executioner
by the special grace of the sovereigns ! He puts on

VBS.

. of it used to
, almost jnveii
and rendered
ropical fruits
;s of labor as

would unite
orking of the
;he cultivation
given to the
of your time,"
" there is no
ipaniards were
o the full, and

their utmost
rt of the gold
le-third under

llow^ed are por-
most humane
In his old age,
transpired, he
J. The light
.e natives and
ife from time
: weakness of
tated them for
n to the failure
r was the ener-
j punishments.
Behold that
. the galleys of
;he executioner
5 ! He puts on

orrREsswN of run natives. 551

;ill the airs of a grand cavalict, is attended by an
immense train of servants, and keeps a whole harem
of young girls. Nor is he satisfied with the common
Indian girls, but seeks out women of birth and rank
—sisters and daughters of chioftains, who, from time
out of mind, had been regarded with the most sacred
feelings of veneration. Now, trembling and in tears,
they are forced to minister to the pa.ssions of the
vik'st felons, who, but for the discover3 of a new
world, would have long since been haiigii k^ on
gibbets. Is this luxurious Spaniard about to travel ?
He will disdain the back of a horse or a mule, and
stretch himself out daintily on a hammock or litter,
to be borne gently on the shoulders of the Indians.
Others, following along, must hold the leaves of some
gigantic palm over his head to shield from the sun
a face bronzed not many years since in the expo: ure
of the galleys; others, still, wave before that face a
grerit feather fan to ward off the inconvenience of a
burning atmosphere. Las Casas could recall the sore
and bleeding shoulders of the Indians who bad thus
carried their tyrannical masters through long journeys.
When one of these newly made specimens of
gentility reaches an Indian village, he seizes the stores
of provisions in the most wasteful and wanton manner,
and having been well feasted, orders the cacique and
his subjects to dance and sing, for his amusement.
If he speaks to them, it is in the most haughty
language, and the slightest sign of resentment or the
least offence whatever brings down the lash or the
cudgel, possibly even to the death of the offender. If
any of the better class of Spaniards took exception to

'^f-'^^f.-MUS^^^i^'^f- '^'^i'^--^-^-'^------

553

THE NATIVES MADE FKFE.

sk\q\\ vile despotism, they might appeal in vain to the
fiir more numerous class of bad people recently liberated
from their penal life in Spain, or, sending distressing
accounts to Spain on the other side of the globe, wait
for a possible but slow and imperfect redress.

The fabulous quantities of gold amass»:d b;' Boba-
dilla did not close the eyes of the Spanish sovereigns
to vhe atrocity of his method;, and when it was re-
solve*.! thai Ovando should succeed him every precau-
tion was takt-u to remedy the evi Is brought about by his
administration. Many and salutary in themselves were
the new regulations made by the sovereip^ns. Among
others, it was resolved that the natives, v. ho had suflFered
so severely under the oppressions of Bo:; idilla, should
be free. But under th:"s new regime they refused to
labor in the i nines.

Ovando at once reported to the sovereigns the evils
of this state of things, saying that tribute could not be
collected, nor vice repressed, nor any regular industry
be secured among the lazy and improvident Indians,
unless they were compelled to work ; nor could they
be brought under the influence of Christianity while in
a state of freedom, for they then kept entirely aloof
from the Spaniards. On the strength of these sugges-
tions new regulations were made. The sovereigns
wrote to Ovando, saying that he should exact moderate
labor from the natives ; but authority must be enforced
in the most kindly manner, the laborers must be paid
regularly and fairly, and must be instructed in religion
on certain days of the week.

This was enough. Ovando made the uttermost of
these instructions in distributing the Indians as laborers

Mft^l'*- ■^--.*-,'vi»!lrs

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(716)I73-4S03

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THE NATIVES AGAIN ENSLAVED. 553

among the Spaniards. Requisitions were made on the
different caciques for regular appointments of their
subjects to each Castilian, according to his supposed
needs. These laborers were to be paid, and instructed
in the Catholic faith ; but the pay was a mere apology
for wages, and the instruction was limited in most
cases to a few drops of water administered in baptism.
The term of labor was at first limited to six months,
but was soon increased to eight months, and before
long the whole system became more intolerably cruel
than were the worst days of the former administration.
Often set to work at a distance of several days' journey
from their families, and confined to the unsubstantial
cassava-bread, with a mere scrap of pork occasionally
to each, they were forced, under the lash, to the utmost
capacity of their ability to toil. See those Spaniards
who superintend the mines taking their dinner ! The
famished Indians scramble under the table like dogs
for any bone that may be dropped. See how they
.t,niavv and suck it, and then pounding it between stones,
mix it with their cassava-bread ! But the miners are
more fortunate than those toiling in the fields, for they
never taste " flesh or fish," but are obliged to keep up
on a little cassava-bread and a few roots. And these
poorly-fed Indians, all unused to work, were compelled
lo a degree of exertion sufficient to break down the
strongest well-fed man. Do any of these poor mortals,
fainting under a scorching sun, flee from this exces-
sive toil and these severe lashes, and seek refuge in the
mountains ? They are hunted with bloodhounds like
wild beasts, are scourged like slaves of the barbarous
; ages, and loaded down with chains to prevent a second

554

HUNGER! HUNGER!

escape. Many dropped and died in the fields and in
the mines. Others, who survived their six or eight
months of labor, were so far from their homes — forty,
sixty, or eighty leagues — with only a little cassava-
bread, a few roots, or a few agi peppers to support life
by the way, that their frail constitutions gave out, and
they sank down and died. " I have found many dead
in the road," says the good Las Casas ; " others were
gasping under the trees, and others in the pangs of
death faintly cried, ' Hunger ! hunger !' " Did any reach
their homes ? In most cases, during the long and weary
months, the wives and children had wandered away or
perished. The little hovel or wigwam called home,
with its rude garden possibly, was overgrown with
weeds, and the poor exhausted wretch crept up to his
door, only to lie down and die in despair. Under these
intolerable hardships the weakly race was fast passing
away. In the wild delirium of despair many committed
suicide; mothers destroyed their infants, that they
might thus be spared a life so intolerably wretched.
Though scarcely twelve years had passed since the
discovery of Hispaniola, hundreds of thousands of the
once happy natives had perished under the relentless
hand of the licentious, avaricious white man. The
shameful massacre at Xaragua and the sad fate of
Anacaona under the direction of Ovando are related
elsewhere. The war with Higuay and the ruthless de-
struction of the natives we must pass over with a mere
mention.

There were originally five Indian sovereignties in
Hispaniola. Four of these had already been subdued,
and their caciques had come to a miserable end. The

dow

"•4

fields and in
six or eight
ionics — forty,
ittle cassava-
) support life
gave out, and
id many dead
" others were
the pangs of
Did any reach
ng and weary
lered away or
called home,
irgrown with
ept up to his
Under these
s fast passing
ny committed
its, that they
bly wretched,
sed since the
lusands of the
:he relentless
;e man. The
; sad fate of
do are related
le ruthless de-
er with a mere

vereignties in
been subdued,
3le end. The

OC/TJ^A GE A GAINST A CA CI^ UE. 555

downfall of the fifth invited the relentless hand of
Ovando. The people of this kingdom of Higuay , which
comprised the east end of the island, were in closer
proximky to the Caribs than were the other Icingdoms
on the island, and had, consequently, been trained into
a more warlike temper and habit. Their chieftain,
Cotabanama, was a notable giant, measuring a yard
from shoulder to shoulder, and being otherwise m good
proportion. The natives of Higuay came into collision
with the Spaniards as follows : Some Spaniards had
wantonly set a dog on a cacique, who was thus shame-
fully mangled, and died in consequence soon after.
Again and again the Higuayans had sought redress,
but to no purpose. By and by they surprised a shallop
carrying eight Spaniards near the island Saona, and
slaughtered the crew as a retaliation. Now there was
an uprising of the whole kingdom, and Ovando sent out
Juan de Esquibel with four hundred men to quell the
insurrection and administer suitable punishment for

the massacre.

Cotabanama, having assembled his warriors, was
ready for a stout resistance. Never did savages show
a braver or more determined spirit. From time imme-
morial they had contended successfully against the
cruel Caribs, and they would now test their arms and
their valor to the utmost in resisting the encroachments
of the detested white men. As .the Spanish warriors
ascended the beautiful and cultivated plateaus of this
mountain region they were contested every step of the
way in the most spirited manner; but the Spanish
implements of war and their discipline in tactics proved,
as usual, too much for naked savages. The Higuayan

556

EXTREME CRUELTY.

forces were soon scattered, and sought refuge in the
recesses of mountain rocks and in the thick forests.
Women and children and the aged and infirm wer-
hidden away in the darkest caves and deepest recesses
of the mountains. When the Spaniards came upon
them they slaughtered them in the most indiscriminate
and cruel manner. The island of Saona was treated
with special revenge. vSonie six or seven hundred
natives, seeking refuge in one large enclosure, were all
put to the sword without mercy. The few who escaped
were made slaves, and the island was a desolation.

As no extent of bravery could enable these naked
Indians to hold their own against the steel-clad war-
riors of Spain, they sued for peace, and were promised
protection if they would cultivate a large tract of their
beautiful table-lands in the mountains, and thus produce
every year an immense quantity of bread. Cotabanama,
the giant cacique, was so magnanimous in forgiving
and forgetting the cruel wrongs suffered by him and
his people that he joined in the most sacred friendship
with Esquibel, even to the exchange of names with
him as a symbol of a perpetual heart-union.

But the peace did not last long. About the time
when Columbus was leaving the wreck at Jamaica a
nev/ revolt broke out ' among the Higuayans. The
Spaniards had exceeded the bounds of their treaty in
requiring the Indians not only to raise the grain stipu-
lated, but to carry it on their backs to San Domingo.
Then, too, after their usual manner, the Spaniards had
outraged the sisters, daughters, and even the wives of
the natives. There was a general rebellion. The
Higuayans burnt a large wooden fortress built by the
Spaniards, and put many of them to death.

BRA VERT OF THE NATIVES.

557

;fuge in the
hick forests.

infirm werr*
pest recesses
I came upon
idiscriminate
L was treated
ven hundred
sure, were all
' who escaped
isolation.

these naked
teel-clad war-
^ere promised

tract of their
. thus produce
Cotabanama,

in forgiving
I by him and
red friendship
names with
on.
bout the time

at Jamaica a
layans. The
heir treaty in
le grain stipu-
5an Domingo.
Spaniards had
n the wives of
lellion. The
5 built by the
th.

Ovando gave orders to carry fire and sword into
Higuay. The romantic heroism of the former war was
re-enacted, and many were the incidents of the most
impressive bravery. It is said that some of the
wounded, into whose flesh the swift arrows from the
cross-bows had sunk to the feather, drew them out,
broke them with their teeth, and, hurling them at the
vSpaniard.'j in helpless fury, fell dead in their tracks.

When any of the Indians were found they were
subjected to the most excruciating tortures in order to
force them into a betrayal of their concealed country-
men. When they found aged men, women, and help-
less children hid away among the rocks and caves of
the mountains they ran their swords through them,
and hacked them in pieces in the most atrocious man-
ner. One fearful battle ensued, lasting from two
o'clock in the afternoon till night-fall, in which the
poor naked Indians fought in defence of their country
and their homeS with extreme energy to the last.
When their weak bows and slender arrows failed them
they hurled showers of stones from their rocky heights,
and were only the more infuriated at seeing the blood
and the mangled corpses of their countrymen. They
were completely routed, however, by the keen-edged
steel and the gunpowder of the Spaniards. The next
morning they were nowhere to be seen. The Span-
iards, now breaking up into small parties, went in every
direction, hunting them as if they had been wild
beasts. They sought especially after the caciques,
particularly Cotabanama. The Indians kept up their
retreat with great caution, a whole line of twenty
or more treading in the same tracks, leaving a footprint

.mummiummaav^^ii*"

558

THE Hi SVFFE li ING S.

like that of a single man, and scarcely displacing a
branch or leaf of the forest.

Hut the vSpaniards had become exceedingly sharp in
trailing out their victims. The displacing of a few
withered leaves would give them the clew, even amidst
the confusing tracks of animals. With the keen nose
of a hound, they could scent from afar the smoke ot
Indian fires. Not only did they continue to torture the
straying victims of their search, and massacre ^« niassf
the multitudes of the helpless taking refuge secretly
in the mountains, but to inspire the most overwhelming
terror they would cut ofif the hands of such as they
found roaming at large, and send them as a warning,
to intimidate their friends into a surrender. ' Num-
berless were those," says Las Casas, " whose hands
were cut ofif in this manner, and many of them fainted
and died by the way, from pain and loss of blood.
The cruel, persecuting white men became ingenious m
the invention of new and unheard-of cruelties. Be-
hold that row of miserable victims on a long line of
gibbets, so low down that the feet of the sufferers
dangle on the ground, in order that death might be
as lingering as possible 1 There is even a blasphemous
play upon a sacred number in history, and thirteen are
hung together, in honor of Christ and his twelve apostles
Not content with seeingtheir tortured victims struggle
in the air, the soldiers test the strength and execution
of their swords by hacking and hewing them in pieces.
Some they wrap in dry straw, which they set on fire,
terminating life in the most intense agony. The
caciques were broiled to death on gridirons over slow
fires, and when their groans and cries annoyed the

COTABANAMA.

559

• displacing a

ugly sharp iu
ciiig of a few
V, even amidst
the keen nose
the smoke of
; to torture the
isacre en masse
efuge secretly
overwhelming
such as they
as a warning,
nder. " Num-
" whose hands
3f them fainted
loss of blood."
le ingenious in
cruelties. Be-
a long line of
f the sufferers
leath might be
L a blasphemous
ind thirteen are
twelve apostle:^
/ictims struggle
1 and execution
them in pieces.
;hey set on fire,
; agony. The
[irons over slow
es annoyed the

vSpanish off.cers their mouths were crammed with chips
iu order to gag them. " All these things, and others
revolting to human nature, my own eyes beheld," says
Las Casas, who in old age recalled these shocking
scenes of his youth, saying, " and now I almost fear to
repeat them, scarcely believing my own recollections,
and wondering if I have not dreamt them."

But the capture of Cotabanama was the great desid-
eratum with Esquibel. Without it, Higuay would
never completely surrender. The chieftain, with his
wife and children, had taken refuge in a cave in the
midst of a labyrinth of rocky forest, in the centre of
the island Saona. Esquibel, with .some fifty men, em-
barked in a caravel at night, and, sailing along the
shadowy side of the island, landed his men on an ob-
scure part of the coast at the dawn of day, before Co-
tabanama's spies had taken their stations. Presently
two of these spies were brought to Esquibel, who soon
drewl^o^^t of them the fact that the chief was in the
island. He thrust a poniard through one of these un-
fortunates in order to inspire terror in the other, whom
he bound and compelled to act as a guide.

Evidently the cacique was not far away, so every
Spaniard was on the alert to be his captor. They soon
discovered a point at which the main path forked. Only
Juan Lopez took the path to the left. With a bravery
and an intuition on the track of- the savage peculiar to
himself, he threaded his way around hills so dense
with thicket and forest that he could scarce see half
a bow-shot ahead. Entering a gorge among the rocks,
where the excess of vegetation and the deep cut in the
mountain almost shut out the light, he found himself

56o

TIIF. V,IA\T IS CAPTURE n.

lace to face with some dozen Indian warriors, in single
file. How easily they might have pierced this solitary
enemy with their arrows ; bnt they were petrified with
surprise, having depended on their spies to guard the
island, and now all suddenly suspecting a host of white
men to be just at hand. Lopez understood human
nature, and followed up this first surprise by boldly
advancing and calling for Cotabanama. Tremblingly
they replied that he was just behind them, and let him
pass on to the rear. The giant cacique grasped his
bow ; but before he could draw the string Lopez had
struck him with his sword, and the Indians about him
had fled in a panic. Terrified at the blood gushing
from his wound, Cotabanama cried out, " I am Juau
de Esquibel," thinking his former change of names
might be a guarantee of safety. Instantly Lopez
seized him by the long hair of his head with his left
hand, and with his right hand was about to plunge his
sword into his body, but the cacique warded off the
thrust with his huge arm, and clinching the Spaniard,
huried him to the ground. The struggle was long
and fierce between these two powerful athletes; and
the bleeding cacique, being on top of his adversary,
was not only likely to crush him with his great weight,
but was just grasping him by the throat to strangle
him, when the Spaniards on the other path, being
attracted by the noise, came to the rescue of Lopez.
The poor cacique, giant though he was, could avail
nothing against so many. In the large cavern near
by, from which the cacique's wife and children had
already fled, they found a huge chain which some
Indian prisoners, once bound with it, had carried away.

iors, ill single
d this solitary

petrified with
s to guard the
I host of white
rstood huniati
rise by boldly

Treinbliugly
111, and let him
le grasped his
ing Lopez had
aiis about him
blood gushing
, " I am Juau
Liige of names
stantly Lopez
id with his left

to plunge his
warded off the
I the Spaniard,
ggle was long

athletes; and

his adversary,
is great weight,
roat to strangle
ler path, being
scue of Lopez,
as, could avail
rge cavern near
i children had
n which some
id carried away.

HIS CIWEI. FATE.

561

With this they secured the cacique's immense hands,
;vnd led him, all bleeding, to a village near by. In the
village square the Spaniards arranged trunks of trees
like a huge gridiron, on which they proposed to broil
the giant ; but on a second thought they concluded to
make a greater exhibition of their trophy, and so sent
him on board a caravel, in chains, to San Domingo.
Here he was a curiosity, and as he was paraded along
the streets the crowds thronged him from every
direction, gazing on this huge blood-stained image of
despair, already become the mere shadow of himself.
In these more humane days, so grand a specimen of
the human race, guilty of no greater crime than an
heroic defence of his outraged country, would be
entitled to some kindly, or even magnanimous, treat-
ment; but Ovando simply adjudged him to the fate of
the vilest criminal, and hanged him ignominiously on

the public square. , . r .

Thus ended the struggle of the last native chieftain
against the cruel encroachments of the white man.
The mere remnant— perhaps one-sixth— of the once
numerous and happy population of the island now
succumbed to the hardships and sufferings incident to
the conquests of the steel-clad foreigners, and, broken
alike in spirit and in that physical endurance which is
born of hope, they gradually disappeared.

Such was the unhappy Hayti to which Columbus
returned near the middle of August, 1504, from his
long and trying confinement on the Jamaica wrecks.
Ovando received him with formal politeness and an
affected cordiality ; but his inclination to let the Porras
rebels go free, and to dispute the jurisdiction of the

■5aS^m^^,«$,*(^S^^a3*iPA5jSfe«f?*l****-i**:'

563

COLUMBUS'S FINANCES.

Admiral over his men even in his tryinp situation on
the hmely ishuid of Jamaica, soon caused the latter to
feel ill at home, and induced a return to Spain as soon
possible.

Notwithstanding; the efforts of the ever-faithful Car-
vajal as agent, the financial resources of Columbus
were sadly demoralized at San Domingo. For this
Ovando would seem to be the subject of just blame.
The Admiral collected what funds he could, repaired
the ship in which he had sailed from Jamaica, and pui
her in the command of the adelantado for the convey-
ance of those who wished to return with him to
Spain, many of the companions of his late voyage pre-
ferring to remain in Hispaniola. As these latter were
in poverty and rags almost to nakedness, he made for
them what provision he could out of his slender
purse, wholly regardless of their recent unkindness to
liim. Chartering another vessel for the convenience
of himself, his son, and his more intimate and faithful
friends, the little squadron sailed September 12, 1504.
They were barely out at sea, when a gale carried
away the mast of the Admiral's caravel, and she was
obliged to consign her crew and passengers to the other
vessel and put back to San Domingo. The solitary
craft now sailed on with fine weather for over a month,
when, October i8th, a severe storm burst upon her.
Then, after a short calm, a tempestuous whirlwind
splintered the mainmast into four pieces, and it re-
quired all the adelantado's resources, along with the
counsel of the sick Admiral stretched helplessly on
his couch, to raise the yard, and tying planks on all
sides of it, thus extemporize a mast. A few days later

HOME AGAIN.

563

\ situation on
\ the latter to
vSpaiii as soon

ir-faithful Car-
of Colunibtis
go. For this
of just blame,
ould, repaired
uaica. and pui
or the convey-
vvith him to
te voyage prc-
ese latter were
s, he made for
f his .slender
uukindness to
e convenience
Lte and faithful
mber 12, 1504.
I gale carried
I, and she was
ers to the other
The solitary
rover a month,
urst upon her.
ous whirlwind
ices, and it re-
along with the
1 helplessly on
5 planks on all
L few days later

still another storm sprung the foremast, and in this
crippled and toggled-up plight they entered the port
„t San Lucas on the 7th of November. We shall now
see what rest and comfort awaited the tempest-tossed
.\diuiral, aged, infirm, and racked with pain.

k^_' ^gic^iaji^gSas^^"^*^^^!*'*'^--"-"*^"-'^'^'^**^^^--'--^^ ^vJ«i-a*-^&'i*.

CHAPTER XXI.

THE LAST VOYAGE.

[rOM San Lucas, Columbus was borne to Se-
ville, where he remained till May of the fol-
,__^^ lowing year. He had hoped to go immedi-
ately to court, thereto present his claims for his heavy
financial arrears which had reduced him to posi-
tive want, and for the restoration of his privileges so
ruthlessly taken from him ; but his intense physical
sufferings, aggravated by the most severe winter ni
Spain within the memory of man, made the plan im-
practicable.

Financial embarrassment is hard enough at any
time, and has done much to break down many a
stout-hearted man ; but when it comes in old age and
infirmity, aye, even in exhaustive illness, and is the re-
sult of the most flagrant injustice, its trials can scarcely
be estimated. Columbus states in the most solemn
manner, in a letter to his son, that his annual income
at this time should not have been less than 10,000,000
maravedis. Without attempting any estimate, it is self-
evident that it should at least have been a sufficient
competency. Having appropriated all he could collect
at San Domingo for the comfort of his crews and for
the homeward voyage, he was obliged to live on
borrowed money as soon as he reached Spain, and to
live in the most frugal manner.

While the weary months of suffering dragged by,
his chief occupation was the writing of letters, as lie

— *?.w*»w^..M*<* "^

LETTERS OF THE ADMIRAL.

565

IS borne to Se-
May of the fol-
to go immedi-
s for his heavy
him to posi-
is privileges so
iteiise physical
vere winter in
ie the plan ini-

:nough at any
down many a
in old age and
5S, and is the re-
als can scarcely
le most solemn
annual income
than 10,000,000
3timate, it is self-
een a sufficient
he could collect
s crews and for
ged to live on
d Spain, and to

ng dragged by,
of letters, as la-

ky almost helpless on his couch, and for this he was
physically so incapacitated that the stiffness and pain
in his hands would allow him the use of his pen only
;it night. He wrote to Diego de Deza, his old, trusty
friend, now high in ecclesiastical honors ; to Morales,
the King's treasurer ; to the council of the famous
Casa de Contratacion, instituted during his last voyage ;
lie wrote indirectly to the Bank of St. George in
(ienoa, through his trusty friend Oderigo ; to Gorricio,
to the Pope, and to the King ; but most of his letters
were to his son Diego. They alone would make a fair-
sized book. He wrote not only concerning his own
personal matters, but in behalf of the deplorable state
of affairs in the Indies, concerning the needy, ragged,
and almost starving men who had sailed with him in
his last voyage, and who were now beseeching the
officers of the crown in vain for their pay, and he gave
an almost endless category of good advice to Diego,

his son.

About this time he had become so thoroughly con-
vinced of the fact that he could elicit no reply by means
of his letters that he determined to be carried to the
court, even at the risk of his life. He applied to the
canons of Seville for the new mortuary litter, which
had recently been used to carry Cardinal Mendoza to
his grave. He might have it, they said, if Pinedo,
treasurer of the navy, would be .security for its return
in good condition! High appreciation there was in
those days for the man who had staked all on the dis-
covery of a new world. The litter was secured, but his
health was so precarious and the weather so cold that
his friends dissuaded him from an undertaking so
perilous to the life of one in his condition.

iMlilUiS«>t^U!^e«&^'--

,-aS«^^Ai,-^^>-ii 'UiVK--*- ■»-.'^i-*.t^;.»^-«.s«<a'"''^^^'»*i'^-

566

MESSENGERS GO TO COURT.

November 26, 1504, Isabella, worn out with dis-
ease contracted during the Moorish war, and over-
whelmed by a series of the severest family afflictions,
passed away. This was a most crushing bereavement
to Columbus-the finishing stroke in the long series of
his calamities. No doubt he comprehended his situa-

'°His failure to be carried to court, and the sad intel-
ligence of the death of the Queen, induced him to send
his brother Bartholomew, his son Fernando, and Car-
vajal to plead his cause with the King before his ene-
mies could have time to prejudice the royal mmd and
so secure a final determination of affairs against him^
The bitteriy severe winter had passed away, and the
balmy days of spring so cheered the invalid that he de-
termined to be carried to the court, then at Segovia.
He arrived in May, well-nigh exhausted. Where are
now the fawning courtiers whoa few years ago, at
Barcelona, would have waited for hours to touch his
hand? Ah, they are still here, but they worship the

rising, not the setting sun 1 . • t. *

And the King ! He smiles-on the surface-withou
enthusiasm, or even warmth. He listens to the recital
of this perilous fourth voyage, but has very little to
sav Nor is he at all moved by the portrayal of the
golden wealth of Veragua, or the detailed account of
the cruel rebellion of Porras and his associates. :Noj
Columbus becomes fully conscious of the wintry cold-
ness of that court without the presence and influence

of Isabella. , Tr •

A few days later Columbus wrote to the King, pre-
senting his grave claims respectfully, but most ear-

out with dis-
var, and over-
ily afflictions,
g bereavement
e long series of
tided his situa-

1 the sad intel-
;ed him to send
ando, and Car-
before his ene-
oyal mind and
s against him.
d away, and the
valid that he de-
len at Segovia,
ed. Where are
V years ago, at
urs to touch his
ley worship the

lurface — without
;ns to the recital
IS very little to

portrayal of the
ailed account of
issociates. Now

the wintry cold-
ice and influence

to the King, pre-
y, but most ear-

AN ARBITRA TION SVG GESTED. 567

nestly. The reply was characteristic of Ferdinand's
wily treacherousness. He knew how much vSpain
owed to Columbus ; but-but, there was so much im-
plied in his claim— titles, governments, rights, ac-
counts, indemnifications, and how many other points !
—it would be necessary to submit the matter to the
judgment of some very prudent and competent person.
WIk) should this arbitrator be but Father Deza ? asked
Columbus. Was he not a favorite of the King, and
also his friend ? But in this arbitration the Admiral
will have it explicitly understood that he submits only
his rights and revenues, not his titles and prerogatives ;
these had been fixed by royal decree, and confirmed—
liow many times ? Nothing more is known about the
arbitration. The points to be submitted by the Ad-
miral did not suit the King. Again and again the
claims were pressed, and as often did the King smile,
and acknowledge, and compliment, and promise to look
into the matter ; '* but as to doing anything," says Las
Casas, " not only did he show Columbus no tokens of
favor, but, on the other hand, placed every obstacle in
his way, and at the same time was never remiss in
complimentary expressions."

The aged, suffering Admiral is disheartened with
pleading his rights on the grounds of justice ; he will
leave all to the King's sense of fairness— his generosity,
if you please. He will accept just what the King
chooses to give him, regardless of the facts and figures
in the case ; only he begs that the matter may be at-
tended to promptly, that he may retire to some quiet
corner for rest. Now Ferdinand waxes eloquent in
acknowledgments. He knows but too well that he

*K:-V.!.H««BI(»»«W«e»:''-««S«»«««»«*«» »■

^j:4r^J«»»»i***--<*»»«*""**^'"'*'*-'''*'''*'**''''''®''''''"'

568

HY//1 T MORE ?

owes the Indies to Columbus, and he would not deprive
him of the just dues for his services. He will not only
bestow upon him the rightful revenues coming to him,
he will do more — will even compensate him out of the
estates of the crown.

What more than this could any one ask ? What
more can the Admiral say, after so out-and-out a prom-
ise ? What can he do but be carried around after the
court on a litter, simply waiting for the fulfilment ?
For months he follows and waits, but gets nothing be-
yond " fine words " and " great regards." Finally the
matter is referred to the tribunal of the dead Queen,
and they know the mind of the King so well that they
can simply hesitate and demur. " If Ferdinand could
have done so with a quiet conscience and without
disgracing his name, he would have utterly disregarded
every privilege which he and the Queen had granted
the Admiral, and which had been so justly merited."
So thought Las Casas and others of his time.

It is true, the outlook had immeasurably changed
since the granting of the privileges of Columbus.
Then, through a narrow loophole, the largest faith and
the most intense enthusiasm might anticipate uncer-
tain islands, and possibly pieces of continents. Now
there were islands and continents, the richest and
grandest — no one might conjecture to what extent ;
at any rate, Spain was a mere patch compared with
them. Would it be wise to relegate such incalculable
territories to a foreigner and his descendants forever ?
This surely was too much for a penurious, ambitious
soul like that of Ferdinand to give away. In this
case, at least, it was no mere matter of keeping one's

''^«*=Ae xi^^ i »XSI &S''s^- ^'^^ '^ * ^fi^ !^^^* *^*

Mmmi m i rtl fcir rta ii tttiTJ Mg tw '^^*^^'^''^'^^^^

HOPE DEFERRED.

569

,d not deprive

will not only

ming to him,

im out of the

ask ? What
id-out a prom-
lund after the
e fulfilment?
s nothing be-
Finally the

dead Queen,
veil that they
rdinand could
and without
[y disregarded

had granted
5tly merited."
time.

rably changed
of Columbus,
rgest faith and
icipate uncer-
tinents. Now
e richest and

what extent;
:ompared with
li incalculable
lants forever?
ous, ambitious
way. In this

keeping one's

Nvord, like him " who sweareth to his own hurt and
chaugeth not." But O heavens, and O earth ! could
not wmething have been done ? Must this greatest
benefactor of Spain and of the world— this begetter of a
new era in the world's history— drag out his days
a mere mendicant on a litter, and die a pauper? Can
the King of Spain do nothing whatever to save him-
self from the foulest perjury and the blackest ingrati-
tude ?

This anxious waiting and sore disappointment were
telling heavily on the suffering Admiral. Helpless
;ind hopeless, he sank upon a 'sick-bed at Valladolid.
" It is a matter that concerns my honor," he wrote to
the King ; " your Majesty may do as you think proper
with all the rest ; give or take, as may appear for your
advantage, and I shall be satisfied. I believe that the
worry caused by the delay of my suit is the main
cause of my ill-health."

Columbus finally gave up his own personal claims,
and simply interceded with the King, along with his
son, for the rights of the family. " The more they
appealed to him the more favorably he replied," says
Las Casas, " but he always continued his system of
putting them off, in the hope of tiring out their
patience, and making them renounce their privileges
and accept titles andlestates in Castile in compensation
for them." In fact, some such offer was made, but
Columbus was never a man to be bought off from his
clearly conceived or explicitly stipulated rights.
- 1 have done all that I can do," he wrote pitifully to
Dezal; ;" I leave the rest to God. He has always sus-
tained me in extremities."

57«

A STRANGE DECREE.

I
I*

During the last winter of the Admiral's life Ferdi-
nand issued the following decree :

" The King : As I am informed that you, Chris.
Colon, the Admiral, are in poor bodily health, owing
to certain diseases which you have had or have, and
that you cannot ride on horseback without great
injury to your health ; therefore, conceding this to
vour advanced age, I, by these presents, grant you
license to ride on a mule, saddled and bridled, through
whatever parts of these kingdoms or realms you wish
and choose, notwithstanding the law which I issued
in regard thereto ; and command the justices of all
parts of these kingdoms and realms not to offer you
any impediment, or allow any to be offered to you,
under penalty of ten thousand maravedis in behalf of
the treasury (m whoever does the contrary.
"Given in the city of Toro, Feb. 23rd, 1505."
This enactment is at once an indication of the infirm
condition of Columbus and of the peculiarly tyran-
nical laws of the time, which, finding horses too scarce
in Spain for the emergencies of war, had laid restric-
tions on the domestic uses of the mule, hoping thereby
to increase the number of horses.

During the very last days of the Admiral there was
a gleam of hope. The Infanta Juana, with her hus-
band, the Archduke Philip, had arrived from Flanders
to take possession of the kingdom of Castile. Might
there not be found in the daughter some likeness to
the great soul of her mother ? When the King and
all the court went to Laredo to meet the new Queen,
Columbus was unable to gratify his heart's strongest
wish to accompany them, for a violent relapse had

<S'

l«Na«m*i4MMMI>MMM>H<M«

THE S'EW ^^I'EEX.

571

I's life Ferdi-

t you, Chris,
lealth, owing
or have, and
'ithout great
sding this to
Ls, grant you
died, through
ilms you wish
hich I issued
justices of all
3t to offer you
ffered to you,
is in behalf of

1505-"
Li of the infirm

luliarly tyran-

rses too scarce

ad laid restric-

loping thereby

iiral there was
, with her hus-
froni Flanders
Castile. Might
)nie likeness to
I the King and
he new Queen,
eart's strongest
It relapse had

laid him lower than ever. His brother Bartholomew
was sent to represent him, with a letter of regret from
him at not being able to congratulate the new
sovereigns in person, and asking to be counted among
their most faithful subjects. Though now in such great
suffering, he still cherished the hope oP rendering
them some signal .service. Moreover, he hoped by
Ihem to be restored to his honors and estates, which
had been so unfairly taken from him.

On the 7th of May the sovereigns arrived, and in a
fews days received Don Bartholomew with great kind-
ness. The claims of the Admiral were well considered,
and once more fair promises were made. But the
adelantado had scarcely left him when it became
evident that he was nearing his end— was about to •
make his last voyage. He accordingly addressed him-
self to the last duties of life. The codicil to his will,
found in 1779, and dated May 4, ^506, written on the
blank page of a breviary given to him by Pope Alex-
ander VI, a great comfort to him in battles, captivities,
and misfortunes, is probably apocryphal.

May 19th he ratified his will, formally drawn up in
his own hand .some time before. Diego was made his
heir. If he failed of heirship, the estate was to vest
in Fernando, who, in default of heirs, should be suc-
ceeded by the adelantado. If these all failed of male
descendants, the inheritance was to pass to the female
Hue in similar succession. He had continued loyal to
the Spanish sovereigns through all the wrongs he had
suffered, and now he enjoined upon his descend-
ants the utmost fidelity. They must relieve all dis-
tressed relatives and others in poverty. Some one of

572

(iff A TITUDE.

his lineage must represent the family in Genoa.
Diego- must have special regard for the needs of his
brotheV and uncle. When the resources of the estate
would admit, he must erect a chapel in the Vega
Real of Hispaniola, where masses may be maintained
for- his repose and that of the souls of other mem-
ber's of the family. The crusade for the recovery of
the Holy Sepulchre was also remembered, and Dona
Beatrix Knriquez. It will be seen at once that this is,
to all intents and purposes, the will of 1496-

After signing the codicil of his will, duly witnessed,
he showed his fine sense of gratitude by noting m
his own hand small sums which his heirs were to pay
to the various persons who, at different times in his
life, had rendered him small services. ^ , . ,.. ,

Having thus fulfilled the final duties of this life, he
sought the consolations of religion. With the calm-
ness and resignation of hope, he awaited the grea
transition from this world to the unknown His last
words were those of Christ on the cross- Into thy
hands O Lord, I commend my spirit." Thus ended
the most eventful life this side of the Christian era,

^Tiir'commonly received opinion, that the Admiral
was first entombed in the Franciscan convent in
Valladolid, may be regarded as probable, but is with-
out any certain evidence ; and according to the will of
his son Diego, 1509, it would seem that his fathe
remains had already been deposited in the vault of the
Carthusians in the Las Cuevas convent of Sevil e
It seems to have been the conviction of the Columbu
family that the Admiral had a preference for Hayti as

•'*'■•<»

UttlllllH 1 1 HIM'

THE ADMIRAL'S REMAINS.

573

y in Genoa.
: needs of his

of the estate

in the Vega
le maintained

other mem-
LC recovery of
ed, and Dona
:e that this is,
96.
ily witnessed,

by noting in
rs were to pay
t times in his

of this life, he
^ith the calm-
ted the great
3wn. His last
ss — "Into thy
Thus ended
Christian era,

It the Admiral
an convent in
jle, but is with-
r to the will of
hat his father's
he vault of the
ent of Seville.
■ the Columbus
ice for Hayti as

his final resting-place, and his remains were removed
there, probably, about 1 541, soon after the completion
of the cathedral. As early, however, as 1536, the
records of the convent show them to have been given
up for transportation, though it is only on June 2,
1537, that the first royal order was given for their
removal. Strange to say, that order was repeated on
the 22d of August, i539> and again on the 5th of
November, 1540. As to where the remains could have
been from 1536 till 1 541, or after, we have no informa-
tion.

There is no record, made at the time, to show the
exact placing of the body of Columbus in the San
Domingo cathedral. In 1676 some one recorded that
it had been deposited on the right of the altar ; and in
1683 the recollections of aged people were quoted to
that effect. About a century later, when certain re-
pairs were being made, a vault was found on the " gos-
pel " or left side of the chancel, traditionally held to
contain the remains of the Admiral, while another was
found on the *' epistle " or right side, supposed to con-
tain those of his brother Bartholomew.

In 1795, when the treaty of Basle gave the San Dom-
ingo half of the island to the French, the Spanish au-
thorities, along with the Duke of Veragua as the lineal
descendant of Columbus, concluded to remove the re-
mains to Havana ; and the vault on the left hand or
" gospel " side was opened, according to the above tra-
dition, but contrary to the first known record. " Within
were found the fragments of a leaden coffin, a number
of bones, and a quantity of mould, evidently the re-
mains of a human body. These were carefully col-

574

THE ADMIRALS HEMAiyS.

Icctt'd and put in a case of j^ildcd lead, about half an
ell in k-niLrlli and breadth, and a third in heiK'ht."'
With indescribable poni}) and ceremony, the remains
were conveyed to Havana. It is now claimed, liowever.
that these remains were not those of the .-Vdniiral, but

of Diej^o, his son.

" In 1877, in niakin^^ some changes about the chan-
cel, on the right of the altar, the workmen opened a
vault, and found a leaden case containing human bones,
with an inscription showing them to be those of Luis,
the grandson. This led to a search on the opposite or
' gospel side ' of the chancel, where they found an empty
vault, supposed to be the one from which the remains
were taken to Havana. Between this and the side wall
of the building, and separated from the empty vault
by a six-inch wall, was found another cavity, and in it
a"leaden case. There seem to have been suitable pre-
cautions taken to avoid occasion for imputations of de-
ceit, and with witnesses the case was examined. In it
were found some bones and dust, a leaden bullet, two
iron screws, which fitted the holes in a small silver
plate found beneath the mould in the bottom of the
case. This casket bore on the outside, on the front
and two ends— one letter on each surface— the letters
C. C. A."- An inscription on the top is supposed to
mean '' Discoverer of America, first Admiral." On the
under side of the lid was a legend, translated, " Illus-
trious and renowned man, Christopher Columbus."
An inscription on the silver plate is rendered, " A part
of the remains of the first Admiral, Don Christopher
Columbus, discoverer,"

' lrving'8 Life and Voyages of CoUinnbus.

s N."irrative and Critical History of America, vol. J, p. 81.

.bout half an
in height."'
'. the rcMnains
nicd, however,
: Admiral, but

bout the chan-
nen opened a
; human bones,
those of Luis,
the opposite or
ound an empty
li the remains
d the side wall
c empty vault
ivity, and in it
n suitable pre-
lutations of de-
amined. In it
^en bullet, two
1 a small silver
bottom of the
2, on the front
ce — the letters
is supposed to
niral." On the
iislated, " lUus-
er Columbus."'
idered, " A part
an Christopher

vol. i, p. 8i.

T///i A DM IRA A ' S li li MA /XS.

.S7.S

A discussion followed, which it would be useless to
attempt to describe within our limits. The Spaniards
are well convinced that they have the remains of the
famous Admiral in Havana, but a careful examination
of the disclosures of 1S77, at the Cathedral of San
Domingo, can leave but little doubt as to the renfhins
,.f the great Admiral being still there. Indeed, the
last shadow of doubt would seem to be removed by the
painstaking investigations nuide by that famous
('.erman explorer, Cronau, at San Domingo in 1S90.
He believes the much-debated inscriptions on the
casket in question to have been cut in the sixteenth
century, and is conclusive in his conviction that the
remains of Columbus are still at San Domingo. The
corroded musket-ball found in the casket, he
regards as a marked evidence of identity in respect
to the remains. We have no account, indeed, of the
Admiral being wounded, but in a letter from Jamaica
U) the sovereigns he speaks of his wound breaking
out afresh. On the whole it would seem that as in
Columbus's lifetime the Spaniards had tried to get
rid of him and his claims without accomplishing their
aim, so now, after trying in the most signal manner
to retain the prestige of the last and least remains
of his dead body, they have probably incurred an
equally ignominious failure.

It is well known that the ch^ns in which Columbus
was sent to Spain by Bobadilla he kept as a memorial
of his wrongs, and intended they should go with him into
his coffin ; but as no such chains, not even in the form
of oxide of iron, have been in any of the supposed
caskets, may it not be that his veritable remains are

576

I//S MONV\fF^'T.

vet to be identified? But ul. rever the spot ftmv be.
of which in respect to the Rrcat Adnural we may say.
" Dust to dust, and ashes to ashes.' ihe New Wofkl
that is, one-half the ^lobe-is his monuim-nt.

SunnniuK up the question of the possession of the
renfains of Columbus, we feel at liberty to disclose
at this time and in this place, two facts winch may
anticipate and conclude future action m the prem-
ises We have been infor:ned by eonlrolluig it nut

TH« HOUSE IN WHICH COLUMBUS DIED.

It . .

actually official parties in the management of the
Columbian Exposition at Chicago that only a proper
and legitimate appropriation of sufficent fnnds was
Teedel to accomplish the transfer of the allegec
remains of Columbus from San Dommgo to Chicago
Wrhave also had assurance of the significant fact
that the chains which Columbus's son describes in h,s
memoirs of his father, and which he says were kept

MllMMKXrs AXl) /.'/i.»/.lAV-^'-

577

? spot fflflV ^H'.

■al we \n^y say,
: New Wofld
iiticnt.

sscssioii of the
.Tty to disclose,
"acts which may
,n in the prem-
MitroUing it* nut

,,„„j;i„« i„ his bca-cl.a,nbcr, arc sl.ll preserved .,.
aia'to be, if we are not u.istake,,, ■„ the ha.u s n^ .
,„rtv in C.enoa, fr..n> wh-nn they ea,. be ob a,nu
:,^ like e„n.li.i«ns as tlu. n-nniinents an. alle, d

f.,rthcc,minK, they will pr-baWy !.■ 'f^t- "^'f •

a.pions body of relies to be »l».bUed in the rcpl ca ot
Convenf of La Rabida, now in course "f ™»3t"-
a„„ „n the shores of Lake Mielngan, dnr.ng the
present celebration.

DIED.

nagemcnt of the
hat only a proper
ftcient funds was
of the alleged
uingo to Chicago,
tie significant fact
)n describes in his
he says were kept

. raSS»(»«««i««IIM**»i*^«

INDEX.

Pagb.

Aguado, Juan 306. 3«0' 3"

Alexander VI '7«

AllVagamis •• 35

Alhambra o^- '75

All Saints, Convent of. 3'

Alligators 254, 486

Alphonso, King 27, 37

Amazons 3'7

Anacaona 283,353, 354. 363

her treasures 3°4. 3"S

her melancholy fate 5235-7

Arana, Diego de I37. >9S

Arana, Pedro de 329

Archives of Milan 293

of Venice 29

Aristotle 36. 43

Astrolabe 47

Augustine, St 59

Azores 26,44, '53- 156

Babeque I19. '25, 126, 243

Bacon, Roger 43

Balboa ••• 45°

Ballester, Miguel .389, 396, 397

Bank of St. George, letter to,

456. 457

Barcelona "64. '66, 319

Bastidas 45°

Behaim, Martin 35. 47

Behechio 353. 354. 362, 3^3

Belvis, Pablo 309

Benjamin, Rabbi 47

Beradi '75

Bernalde*., Andres 3. °

frequently cited.

Blood-hounds 245, 282, 503

Bobadilla 428, 431-446. 448-45°.

463. 552

Bojador 25, 26

Breviesco Ximeno 326, 327, 427

Brazil 34

Bristol, Englaud 291

Brown, Rawdon 29

Bull, Father. 203, 274, 305, 306, 319

Butterflies 257

Cabot, John 291, 297

Cabot. Sebastian.. 292, 298, 300, 303

Cabral 34.45°

Cadiz 176, 3'8, 452

Calzadilla 48,5°

Pack.
Canary Islands.. 82 84, 178,329,462

Canoe. Roval 265

Caonabo 193. '95. 233- 236. 27,?,

277- 278. 315. 3'7. 3'8- 320

Cape Good Hope 27

Cape Nam 24

Cape Not •• 25

Cape de Verde Islands. ...26, 50, 280

Carvajal 329. 387, 388, 39'- 395;

396, 398, 402, 404. 45'- 566

Cassaneuva '8

Catalina 3'4

Cedo, Firmin 221, 222, 309

Ceuta 49. 50

Chanca, Dr '77

frequently cited.

Cibao '29. '3°

Cipango 82, 130

Columbus, Bartholomew 18, 30,

63,65, 271, 272, 279, 282, 290,
3'o,3". 3'4.3'8, 323. 350.351.
355. 358. 366-374. 378-384. 460
Columbus, Christopher :

his portrait 7"9

birthplace '3

date of birth H-'o

parentage '7. '8

education 20-22

early life 22.23

on the bridge of pines 75

his privileges 75-77*

his humiliation 431-446

death 572

remains 573 '576

Columbus, Diego, the brother... 18,
177. 223. 273. 274. 280, 3C«. 35'.
366^369
Columbus, Diego, the son. ...31, 32,
33. 65-67. 456. 56s
Columbus, Diego, the Indian in-
terpreter 191.37'

Columbus, Fernando 4.5. 27.63

frequently cited.

Coiom.ho, Juan Antonio 329

Code Diplomaticus...... 5

Compass 47

Cordova 5°

Corn "6

Coronal 372-375

Si«i<l«li«*e***-»*^"

58o ^^'^^

Correo, Pedro 3^ I

Curtis, Win. Elory 7 1

U'Ailly, Cardinal 43

same as lliacc ^

Darieii. Istliinus of 35- 4°**

Decurions of Genoa 4>4

Deza, Diego ^"- 5'>5

Diaz, Bartholomew "3' -7*

Diaz, Bernal 221-223

Diaz, Miguel 3'3 |

Dominica '°3 i

Eclipse 534-536 j

Emanuel, Victor •■•454

Enriquez, Beatrix "3. "4 !

Escobar, Diego de 4'6- 537- 53* :

Esquibel 555 5<« I

Eugenius IV, Pope 37^4"

Ferdinand, King. ...56, 61. 164 167,
169, 170, 173. 427. 428. 44<>- 449

Fernandez, Garcia 55- °7

Ferrar, Javmt ; 3^0

Fiesco, Bartholomew. .518. 522, 545 1

Fire and Faggot 359

Fish catch fish J49-250 !

Fiske, 1ohn...7, 51. 54- 44^- 443- 448 ,
Fonsec^..i74. «7S. S-ifi- 405. 4i2- 4«3; :
427- 444. 44"

Gama, Vascode 45'- 459 |

Genoa.. 12, 30, S3. .54 \

Geraldini brothers 57 I

Gibraltar, Straits of ^°

Giovio, Paolo 9

Giustiniani'. "^

Gold, famous nugget ot •••*"'♦ I

Golden Chersone8us...257, 25b, 451 j

Good Hope. Cape of o3 |

Goodrich, Aaron " 1

Gorbolan 2«2- "'

GracioR a Dios, Cape 473 |

Granada surrenders "9 I

Grand Khan 40- 47 j

Guacanagari.128. 131 '39. '9' >95. i
197 205, 27s. 276. .S82, 288, 289

Gundaloupe *°?

Guanahani ......90

Guarionex....276, 277. 35'. 3S8-.3o^.
370. 375 384

Guevara 418-421,435.430

Guinea 4o

Harrisse...!, 13, 14, «9. 43- 55- ^9'.

300 304

Hayna 318, 335- 35«. .357

HaS-ti "9

Helps, Sir Arthur 5»

cited.

Henry VII 64, 65, 37«' 290

Herons, great white ^54

Herrera '*'

frequently cited.

.V.

Paok.

Hibernia ^94

Higuay 555 ,5<>'

Hispaniola 'y'^l^

Holv Sepulchre 02,63

Honduras, coast of 269, 473

Humboldt 2. 3<>, i73

cited.

Hurricane or furicane .....312

Hurricane 4o5 407

Iceland, Columbus's voyage to. .33

Iceland ^95

Iguana ^4'

Imago Mundi ^

Indies, wealth of. •■—••-/^

Isabella, (.^iiein. ...56, 61, 63, 67, 6S,
74, 164, 167, 175. 176, 4"; 4.34
446, 566

lamaica 344 246, 513 545

■John II. ...52. 63. 156. 159. '62. 17.3

Joseph 40

Juan, Prince 3". 3^6

Juana, Princess 3^2

KublaiKhan 36, u^. "3

Lactantius 59

La Cosa, Jnan de 177. 4«3. 45°

LaNavidad 136. J92-I95

La Rabida 5«. 55. 65-68

Las Casas 3- 4. 8

frequently cited.

Madeira •• '°

Maiohanex 147.375-384-409.

418 421

Maize "^'

Major, R H ^

cited.

Malacca ^57

Mandeville •• 3°

Manicaotex 282, 283

Manacles -7°

Mangi 35. -5'

Mangon ■ '5'

Marchina. Antonio 55

Margarita 273, 274, 305

Margarita of Austria 322

Margarite....230, 233, 236, 273. 274.

Marinus of Tyre 34

Martin, Andres 445

Martyr, Peter 3

' often cited.

! Mateo, Juan 35*

1 Mastic "•'

j Medina Celi, Duke of &4

Meteor on outward voyage 87

Mendez, Diego... -445. 497-Soo. 510,
I 511,514522.54s

: Mendoza, Cardinal 57- 169, >7o

Mermaids '44

INDEX.

581

Pack.
J94

555 Sf>'

>'9

62,63

of 269. 473

2.36- 173

ricane 3'^

46s 467

bus's voyage to. .33

295

241

3f. 58

....56,61,63.67,68,

h •75- >76, 4^8, 434
446, 566

344 246, 513 545

33. '56. 159- '62. 173

3"' 326

i 3"

36. Hi. "3

de 177' 413. 450

136. 192-195

5«. 55.65-68

3. 4.8

cited.
26

.....147. 375-384-409.
418 421

116

■.■/. 6

257

282, 283

278

".. 35. 251

25'

Uonio 55

273, 274,305

Austria 322

30, 233, 236, 273. 274,
3'9

vre 34

•es 445

• 3

:d.

3S«

11^

Duke of 64

itward voyage 87

go.... 445. 497-500, 5«o.
511, 514 522, 545

irdinal 57- 169, 170

»44

Mexico ■■•■••

MooiH. conquest ol..

Pack

\(V' 47>

...56 58

.406, 418 422

v......... 90

I'Ar.n.

Roldan, Franci....3f'6.368 .370. 374_
385 410, 4" 4«7- 418 422, 41.^

Moxica

Muftoz

Mutiny

Navarrete

• ^'^'"*' 79. 140. «5". 'f'S ;

S-no.'Pedro" AVonzo...322. 352. 449

No variation, line of •"•- ^-

Ocean currenlfi 34 ••>n^ ,

oderigo, N'*^" "•••••«; v;vv,';-2V7,

ojeaa %%:\\\:ll^:\',9 \

OP- •"- :::-t''::^ :

Orinoco...... ■••• • j^8-4^o ,

Ovando. Nicholas de ■* ._3

Oviedo •" j

...f^**- 6568.77.163

I'aria, Gulf of 337

I'asqualigo.... ■•• "• g

Pear-shape of earth 347^34=

Pearls •. ^4 i«

Perestello, Captain ■>

Perestello, Filipa •"••(iMi8,'77

Sip.^ArchduWeofAu^\na 322

?S.^r^^83:8;:;37^..:.g

Pinzon, Vicente Yanez -79. 38o,

I'l'"/"-; '.".".".'.".'.. 36

Pola, Marco j^_

Ponce de Leon ,79;"28o

K brothersV.":.'527' 533. 540-S43

Porto Rico 26 Vi,45

Porto Santo ^a r, 61

Portugal ^^'V^\%

Potato ^4

Puerto Bello •^'^

5ji\'uf;iVla;Aionzode;:s7;^,70.74
ctuibian.the 494. 495. 497- 504

Raimondo
Rastelo...
Rebellion in Vega.

146

351

■ioi , 50-

3M. .?5.3

328, 54^

506, 507

293

...158. «59
...283

Repartimientos y.l'l'fc' 1^)

Kequelme 409. 4-o. 43.S. 43*^

Rock, the great
Rodrigo.

Salamnnci .••

louncil of

Samana •

San Christoval

Sanchez, Juan

San Domingo

San l.ucar

San Salvador...... /•.S7-74 ■

Santangel, Louis de 66,7- 74

Santa V6 -„

Santa Maria .■.^30132

wrecked 'J gg

Saragossa Sea ..■.'.'."...54

Savona gj

Sea of Darkness —•^g

Seneca '.,

Seneca, the Poft^..- --'I't

Sidonia, Duke of 64.175

Sierra Leone ,«!:

Slavery of the Natives. 217-220. 280.

' St. Elmo's lights '^

\ s^'-'**"' ::":""M8ri59

Tagus V" ^c-i

Tails, Men with "-L::"^ ^o

Talavera • 57-59.69.7°

Talking Metal ■(^-ei'u,' ^^

• Tarducci 60,01, 04, .^-t^

; ?:Snonndians::::::::::2^:285

Teneiiffe J^

\ Tongue cut ,^g

i Kr.::::::::::::":::"v::::::2^,-3^6

i Tortugas.. ::;3'6 42. 89

Toscanelli ^ ■♦ gg

i Trade-winds ■ ■■■".

1 Triana, Rodrigo de l^^^',^

! Trinidad 332.334.337.339

i Tristan, Diego ^°*- ^^2

1 Valladolid ra «7

Variation of Compass. .^..^^S6,J7

Vega Real ^\\ ^i

\ Venice applied to 5.5. ^^

Water Spcut

VVatling

Winsor, Justin

c't^*'- ...469

Y"'-"*^^" .;;.:;:: ::.v.23o, 359

Zemi

490

jf;0tfitt

>'V.

l iWl i tWir I I ' l ' ""''"-"™"""""'" * * ' " "m™*"" * "*""- ' •gs?S^S'.::^5f«W-

vrajaaB g Bfe^swM J jftJSteaa sigssgs:^