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diff --git a/1492-h/1492-h.htm b/1492-h/1492-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8811d9d --- /dev/null +++ b/1492-h/1492-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,6701 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Life of Christopher Columbus, by Edward Everett Hale, + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Life of Christopher Columbus from his +own Letters and Journals, by Edward Everett Hale + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Life of Christopher Columbus from his own Letters and Journals + +Author: Edward Everett Hale + +Release Date: February 15, 2006 [EBook #1492] +Last Updated: November 7, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE OF COLUMBUS *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Keller and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE LIFE OF <br /> CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS <br /> <br /> FROM HIS OWN LETTERS + AND JOURNALS + </h1> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + AND <br /> OTHER DOCUMENTS OF HIS TIME. + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + by EDWARD EVERETT HALE, + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h4> + [This was originally done on the 400th Anniversary<br /> of 1492, as was + the great Columbian Exposition in Chicago.<br /> Interesting how our heroes + have all been de-canonized in the<br /> interest of Political Correctitude]<br /> + <br /> —Comments by Michael S. Hart + </h4> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + This book contains a life of Columbus, written with the hope of + interesting all classes of readers. + </p> + <p> + His life has often been written, and it has sometimes been well written. + The great book of our countryman, Washington Irving, is a noble model of + diligent work given to a very difficult subject. And I think every person + who has dealt with the life of Columbus since Irving’s time, has expressed + his gratitude and respect for the author. + </p> + <p> + According to the custom of biographers, in that time and since, he + includes in those volumes the whole history of the West India islands, for + the period after Columbus discovered them till his death. He also thinks + it his duty to include much of the history of Spain and of the Spanish + court. I do not myself believe that it is wise to attempt, in a book of + biography, so considerable a study of the history of the time. Whether it + be wise or not, I have not attempted it in this book. I have rather + attempted to follow closely the personal fortunes of Christopher Columbus, + and, to the history around him, I have given only such space as seemed + absolutely necessary for the illustration of those fortunes. + </p> + <p> + I have followed on the lines of his own personal narrative wherever we + have it. And where this is lost I have used the absolutely contemporary + authorities. I have also consulted the later writers, those of the next + generation and the generation which followed it. But the more one studies + the life of Columbus the more one feels sure that, after the greatness of + his discovery was really known, the accounts of the time were overlaid by + what modern criticism calls myths, which had grown up in the enthusiasm of + those who honored him, and which form no part of real history. If then the + reader fails to find some stories with which he is quite familiar in the + history, he must not suppose that they are omitted by accident, but must + give to the author of the book the credit of having used some discretion + in the choice of his authorities. + </p> + <p> + When I visited Spain in 1882, I was favored by the officers of the Spanish + government with every facility for carrying my inquiry as far as a short + visit would permit. Since that time Mr. Harrisse has published his + invaluable volumes on the life of Columbus. It certainly seems as if every + document now existing, which bears upon the history, had been collated by + him. The reader will see that I have made full use of this treasure-house. + </p> + <p> + The Congress of Americanistas, which meets every year, brings forward many + curious studies on the history of the continent, but it can scarcely be + said to have done much to advance our knowledge of the personal life of + Columbus. + </p> + <p> + The determination of the people of the United States to celebrate fitly + the great discovery which has advanced civilization and changed the face + of the world, makes it certain that a new interest has arisen in the life + of the great man to whom, in the providence of God, that discovery was + due. The author and publishers of this book offer it as their contribution + in the great celebration, with the hope that it may be of use, especially + in the direction of the studies of the young. + </p> + <p> + EDWARD E. HALE. + </p> + <p> + ROXBURY, MASS., June 1st, 1891. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_TOC"> DETAILED TABLE OF CONTENTS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> THE LIFE OF CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I.</a> + EARLY LIFE OF COLUMBUS. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. + </a> HIS PLANS FOR DISCOVERY. <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> THE GREAT VOYAGE. + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> THE + LANDING ON THE TWELFTH OF OCTOBER <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0005"> + CHAPTER V. </a> LANDING ON CUBA <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> DISCOVERY OF HAYTI OR + HISPANIOLA <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + COLUMBUS IS CALLED TO MEET THE KING AND QUEEN <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> THE SECOND + EXPEDITION SAILS <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + THE NEW COLONY <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + THE THIRD VOYAGE. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + SPAIN, 1500, 1501. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + FOURTH VOYAGE. <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + TWO SAD YEARS <br /><br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_APPEa"> APPENDIX A.</a> + <br /> <br /> <a href="#link2H_SUMM"> SUMMARY.</a> <br /> <br /> <a + href="#link2H_APPEb"> APPENDIX B.</a> <br /> <br /> <a href="#link2H_APPEc"> + APPENDIX C.</a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <a name="link2H_TOC" id="link2H_TOC"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DETAILED TABLE OF CONTENTS. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + CHAPTER 1. EARLY LIFE OF COLUMBUS. <br /> His Birth and Birth-place—His + Early Education—His <br /> experience at Sea-His Marriage and + Residence in Lisbon— <br /> His Plans for the Discovery of a + Westward <br /> Passage to the Indies <br /> <br />CHAPTER II. HIS PLANS + FOR DISCOVERY. <br /> Columbus Leaves Lisbon, and Visits Genoa—Visits + Great <br /> Spanish Dukes—For Six Years is at the Court of + Ferdinand <br /> and Isabella—The Council of Salamanca—His + <br /> Petition is at Last Granted—Squadron Made Ready <br /> <br />CHAPTER + III. THE GREAT VOYAGE. <br /> The Squadron Sails—Refits at Canary + Islands—Hopes <br /> and Fears of the Voyage—The Doubts of + the Crew— <br /> Land Discovered <br /> <br />CHAPTER IV. <br /> The + Landing on the Twelfth of October—The Natives and <br /> their + Neighbors—Search for Gold-Cuba Discovered <br /> Columbus Coasts + Along its Shores <br /> <br />CHAPTER V. <br /> Landing on Cuba—The + Cigar and Tobacco—Cipango and <br /> the Great Khan—From Cuba + to Hayti—Its Shores and <br /> Harbors <br /> <br />CHAPTER VI. <br /> + Discovery of Hayti or Hispaniola—The Search for Gold— <br /> + Hospitality and Intelligence of the Natives—Christmas <br /> Day—A + Shipwreck—Colony to be Founded—Columbus <br /> Sails East and + Meets Martin Pinzon-The Two <br /> Vessels Return to Europe—Storm—The + Azores— <br /> Portugal—Home <br /> <br />CHAPTER VII. <br /> + Columbus is Called to Meet the King and Queen—His <br /> + Magnificent Reception—Negotiations with the Pope and <br /> with + the King of Portugal—Second Expedition Ordered <br /> —Fonseca—The + Preparations at Cadiz <br /> <br />CHAPTER VIII. <br /> The Second + Expedition Sails From Cadiz—Touches at <br /> Canary Islands—Discovery + of Dominica and Guadeloupe <br /> —Skirmishes with the Caribs—Porto + Rico Discovered <br /> —Hispaniola—The Fate of the Colony at + La Navidad <br /> <br />CHAPTER IX. <br /> The New Colony—Expeditions + of Discovery—Guacanagari— <br /> Search for Gold—Mutiny + in the Colony—The <br /> Vessels Sent Home—Columbus Marches + Inland— <br /> Collection of Gold—Fortress of St. Thomas—A + New Voyage <br /> of Discovery—Jamaica Visited—The South + Shore <br /> of Cuba Explored—Return—Evangelista Discovered + <br /> —Columbus Falls Sick—Return to Isabella <br /> <br />CHAPTER + X. THE THIRD VOYAGE. <br /> Letter to the King and Queen—Discovery + of Trinidad and <br /> Paria—Curious Speculation as to the Earthly + Paradise <br /> —Arrival at San Domingo—Rebellions and + Mutinies in <br /> that Island-Roldan and His Followers—Ojeda and + <br /> His Expedition—Arrival of Bobadilla—Columbus a <br /> + Prisoner <br /> <br />CHAPTER XI. SPAIN, 1500, 1502. <br /> A Cordial + Reception in Spain—Columbus Favorably <br /> Received at Court—New + Interest in Geographical <br /> Discovery—His Plans for the + Redemption of the Holy <br /> Sepulchre—Preparations for a Fourth + Expedition <br /> <br />CHAPTER XII. FOURTH VOYAGE. <br /> The Instructions + Given for the Voyage—He is to go to <br /> the Mainland of the + Indies—A Short Passage—Ovando <br /> Forbids the Entrance of + Columbus into Harbor <br /> Bobadilla’s Squadron and Its Fate—Columbus + Sails Westward <br /> —Discovers Honduras, and Coasts Along Its + Shores <br /> —The Search for Gold—Colony Attempted and + Abandoned <br /> —The Vessels Become Unseaworthy—Refuge at + <br /> Jamaica—Mutiny Led by the Brothers Porras—Messages + <br /> to San Domingo—The Eclipse—Arrival of Relief <br /> + —Columbus Returns to San Domingo, and to Spain <br /> <br />CHAPTER + XIII. <br /> Two Sad Years—Isabella’s Death—Columbus at + Seville— <br /> His Illness—Letters to the King—journeys + to Segovia <br /> —Salamanca and Valladolid—His Suit There—Philip + <br /> and Juana—Columbus Executes His Will—Dies—His + <br /> Burial and the Removal of His Body—His Portraits— + <br /> His Character + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE LIFE OF <br /> <br /> CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. — EARLY LIFE OF COLUMBUS. + </h2> + <p> + HIS BIRTH AND BIRTH-PLACE—HIS EARLY EDUCATION—HIS EXPERIENCE + AT SEA—HIS MARRIAGE AND RESIDENCE IN LISBON—HIS PLANS FOR THE + DISCOVERY OF A WESTWARD PASSAGE TO THE INDIES. + </p> + <p> + Christopher Columbus was born in the Republic of Genoa. The honor of his + birth-place has been claimed by many villages in that Republic, and the + house in which he was born cannot be now pointed out with certainty. But + the best authorities agree that the children and the grown people of the + world have never been mistaken when they have said: “America was + discovered in 1492 by Christopher Columbus, a native of Genoa.” + </p> + <p> + His name, and that of his family, is always written Colombo, in the + Italian papers which refer to them, for more than one hundred years before + his time. In Spain it was always written Colon; in France it is written as + Colomb; while in England it has always kept its Latin form, Columbus. It + has frequently been said that he himself assumed this form, because + Columba is the Latin word for “Dove,” with a fanciful feeling that, in + carrying Christian light to the West, he had taken the mission of the + dove. Thus, he had first found land where men thought there was ocean, and + he was the messenger of the Holy Spirit to those who sat in darkness. It + has also been assumed that he took the name of Christopher, “the + Christ-bearer,” for similar reasons. But there is no doubt that he was + baptized “Christopher,” and that the family name had long been Columbo. + The coincidences of name are but two more in a calendar in which poetry + delights, and of which history is full. + </p> + <p> + Christopher Columbus was the oldest son of Dominico Colombo and Suzanna + Fontanarossa. This name means Red-fountain. He bad two brothers, + Bartholomew and Diego, whom we shall meet again. Diego is the Spanish way + of writing the name which we call James. + </p> + <p> + It seems probable that Christopher was born in the year 1436, though some + writers have said that he was older than this, and some that he was + younger. The record of his birth and that of his baptism have not been + found. + </p> + <p> + His father was not a rich man, but he was able to send Christopher, as a + boy, to the University of Pavia, and here he studied grammar, geometry, + geography and navigation, astronomy and the Latin language. But this was + as a boy studies, for in his fourteenth year he left the university and + entered, in hard work, on “the larger college of the world.” If the date + given above, of his birth, is correct, this was in the year 1450, a few + years before the Turks took Constantinople, and, in their invasion of + Europe, affected the daily life of everyone, young or old, who lived in + the Mediterranean countries. From this time, for fifteen years, it is hard + to trace along the life of Columbus. It was the life of an intelligent + young seaman, going wherever there was a voyage for him. He says himself, + “I passed twenty-three years on the sea. I have seen all the Levant, all + the western coasts, and the North. I have seen England; I have often made + the voyage from Lisbon to the Guinea coast.” This he wrote in a letter to + Ferdinand and Isabella. Again he says, “I went to sea from the most tender + age and have continued in a sea life to this day. Whoever gives himself up + to this art wants to know the secrets of Nature here below. It is more + than forty years that I have been thus engaged. Wherever any one has + sailed, there I have sailed.” + </p> + <p> + Whoever goes into the detail of the history of that century will come upon + the names of two relatives of his—Colon el Mozo (the Boy, or the + Younger) and his uncle, Francesco Colon, both celebrated sailors. The + latter of the two was a captain in the fleets of Louis XI of France, and + imaginative students may represent him as meeting Quentin Durward at + court. Christopher Columbus seems to have made several voyages under the + command of the younger of these relatives. He commanded the Genoese + galleys near Cyprus in a war which the Genoese had with the Venetians. + Between the years 1461 and 1463 the Genoese were acting as allies with + King John of Calabria, and Columbus had a command as captain in their navy + at that time. + </p> + <p> + “In 1477,” he says, in one of his letters, “in the month of February, I + sailed more than a hundred leagues beyond Tile.” By this he means Thule, + or Iceland. “Of this island the southern part is seventy-three degrees + from the equator, not sixty-three degrees, as some geographers pretend.” + But here he was wrong. The Southern part of Iceland is in the latitude of + sixty-three and a half degrees. “The English, chiefly those of Bristol, + carry their merchandise, to this island, which is as large as England. + When I was there the sea was not frozen, but the tides there are so strong + that they rise and fall twenty-six cubits.” + </p> + <p> + The order of his life, after his visit to Iceland, is better known. He was + no longer an adventurous sailor-boy, glad of any voyage which offered; he + was a man thirty years of age or more. He married in the city of Lisbon + and settled himself there. His wife was named Philippa. She was the + daughter of an Italian gentleman named Bartolomeo Muniz de Perestrello, + who was, like Columbus, a sailor, and was alive to all the new interests + which geography then presented to all inquiring minds. This was in the + year 1477, and the King of Portugal was pressing the expeditions which, + before the end of the century, resulted in the discovery of the route to + the Indies by the Cape of Good Hope. + </p> + <p> + The young couple had to live. Neither the bride nor her husband had any + fortune, and Columbus occupied himself as a draftsman, illustrating books, + making terrestrial globes, which must have been curiously inaccurate, + since they had no Cape of Good Hope and no American Continent, drawing + charts for sale, and collecting, where he could, the material for such + study. Such charts and maps were beginning to assume new importance in + those days of geographical discovery. The value attached to them may be + judged from the statement that Vespucius paid one hundred and thirty + ducats for one map. This sum would be more than five hundred dollars of + our time. + </p> + <p> + Columbus did not give up his maritime enterprises. He made voyages to the + coast of Guinea and in other directions. + </p> + <p> + It is said that he was in command of one of the vessels of his relative + Colon el Mozo, when, in the Portuguese seas, this admiral, with his + squadron, engaged four Venetian galleys returning from Flanders. A bloody + battle followed. The ship which Christopher Columbus commanded was engaged + with a Venetian vessel, to which it set fire. There was danger of an + explosion, and Columbus himself, seeing this danger, flung himself into + the sea, seized a floating oar, and thus gained the shore. He was not far + from Lisbon, and from this time made Lisbon his home for many years.(*) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (*) The critics challenge these dates, but there seems to be + good foundation for the story. +</pre> + <p> + It seems clear that, from the time when he arrived in Lisbon, for more + than twenty years, he was at work trying to interest people in his “great + design,” of western discovery. He says himself, “I was constantly + corresponding with learned men, some ecclesiastics and some laymen, some + Latin and some Greek, some Jews and some Moors.” The astronomer Toscanelli + was one of these correspondents. + </p> + <p> + We must not suppose that the idea of the roundness of the earth was + invented by Columbus. Although there were other theories about its shape, + many intelligent men well understood that the earth was a globe, and that + the Indies, though they were always reached from Europe by going to the + East, must be on the west of Europe also. There is a very funny story in + the travels of Mandeville, in which a traveler is represented as having + gone, mostly on foot, through all the countries of Asia, but finally + determines to return to Norway, his home. In his farthest eastern + investigation, he hears some people calling their cattle by a peculiar + cry, which he had never heard before. After he returned home, it was + necessary for him to take a day’s journey westward to look after some + cattle he had lost. Finding these cattle, he also heard the same cry of + people calling cattle, which he had heard in the extreme East, and now + learned, for the first time, that he had gone round the world on foot, to + turn and come back by the same route, when he was only a day’s journey + from home, Columbus was acquainted with such stories as this, and also had + the astronomical knowledge which almost made him know that the world was + round, “and, like a ball, goes spinning in the air.” The difficulty was to + persuade other people that, because of this roundness, it would be + possible to attain Asia by sailing to the West. + </p> + <p> + Now all the geographers of repute supposed that there was not nearly so + large a distance as there proved to be, in truth, between Europe and Asia. + Thus, in the geography of Ptolemy, which was the standard book at that + time, one hundred and thirty-five degrees, a little more than one-third of + the earth’s circumference, is given to the space between the extreme + eastern part of the Indies and the Canary Islands. In fact, as we now + know, the distance is one hundred and eighty degrees, half the world’s + circumference. Had Columbus believed there was any such immense distance, + he would never have undertaken his voyage. + </p> + <p> + Almost all the detailed knowledge of the Indies which the people of his + time had, was given by the explorations of Marco Polo, a Venetian traveler + of the thirteenth century, whose book had long been in the possession of + European readers. It is a very entertaining book now, and may well be + recommended to young people who like stories of adventure. Marco Polo had + visited the court of the Great Khan of Tartary at Pekin, the prince who + brought the Chinese Empire into very much the condition in which it now + is. He had, also, given accounts of Japan or Cipango, which he had himself + never visited. Columbus knew, therefore, that, well east of the Indies, + was the island of Cipango, and he aimed at that island, because he + supposed that that was the nearest point to Europe, as in fact it is. And + when finally he arrived at Cuba, as the reader will see, he thought he was + in Japan. + </p> + <p> + Columbus’s father-in-law had himself been the Portuguese governor of the + island of Porto Santo, where he had founded a colony. He, therefore, was + interested in western explorations, and probably from him Columbus + collected some of the statements which are known to have influenced him, + with regard to floating matters from the West, which are constantly borne + upon that island by the great currents of the sea. + </p> + <p> + The historians are fond of bringing together all the intimations which are + given in the Greek and Latin classics, and in later authors, with regard + to a land beyond Asia. Perhaps the most famous of them is that of Seneca, + “In the later years there shall come days in which Ocean shall loose his + chains, and a great land shall appear . . . and Thule shall not be the + last of the worlds.” + </p> + <p> + In a letter which Toscanelli wrote to Columbus in 1474, he inclosed a copy + of a letter which he had already sent to an officer of Alphonso V, the + King of Portugal. In writing to Columbus, he says, “I see that you have a + great and noble desire to go into that country (of the East) where the + spices come from, and in reply to your letter I send you a copy of that + which I addressed some years ago to my attached friend in the service of + the most serene King of Portugal. He had an order from his Highness to + write me on this subject. . . . If I had a globe in my hand, I could show + you what is needed. But I prefer to mark out the route on a chart like a + marine chart, which will be an assistance to your intelligence and + enterprise. On this chart I have myself drawn the whole extremity of our + western shore from Ireland as far down as the coast of Guinea toward the + South, with all the islands which are to be found on this route. Opposite + this (that is, the shores of Ireland and Africa) I have placed directly at + the West the beginning of the Indies with the islands and places where you + will land. You will see for yourself how many miles you must keep from the + arctic pole toward the equator, and at what distance you will arrive at + these regions so fertile and productive of spices and precious stones.” In + Toscanelli’s letter, he not only indicates Japan, but, in the middle of + the ocean, he places the island of Antilia. This old name afterwards gave + the name by which the French still call the West Indies, Les Antilles. + Toscanelli gives the exact distance which Columbus will have to sail: + “From Lisbon to the famous city of Quisay (Hang-tcheou-fou, then the + capital of China) if you take the direct route toward the West, the + distance will be thirty-nine hundred miles. And from Antilia to Japan it + will be two hundred and twenty-five leagues.” Toscanelli says again, “You + see that the voyage that you wish to attempt is much legs difficult than + would be thought. You would be sure of this if you met as many people as I + do who have been in the country of spices.” + </p> + <p> + While there were so many suggestions made that it would be possible to + cross the Atlantic, there was one man who determined to do this. This man + was Christopher Columbus. But he knew well that he could not do it alone. + He must have money enough for an expedition, he must have authority to + enlist crews for that expedition, and he must have power to govern those + crews when they should arrive in the Indies. In our times such adventures + have been conducted by mercantile corporations, but in those times no one + thought of doing any such thing without the direct assistance and support + of some monarch. + </p> + <p> + It is easy now to see and to say that Columbus himself was singularly well + fitted to take the charge of the expedition of discovery. He was an + excellent sailor and at the same time he was a learned geographer and a + good mathematician. He was living in Portugal, the kings of which country + had, for many years, fostered the exploration of the coast of Africa, and + were pushing expeditions farther and farther South. + </p> + <p> + In doing this, they were, in a fashion, making new discoveries. For Europe + was wholly ignorant of the western coast of Africa, beyond the Canaries, + when their expeditions began. But all men of learning knew that, five + hundred years before the Christian era, Hanno, a Carthaginian, had sailed + round Africa under the direction of the senate of Carthage. The efforts of + the King of Portugal were to repeat the voyage made by Hanno. In 1441, + Gonzales and Tristam sailed as far as Sierra Leone. They brought back some + blacks as slaves, and this was the beginning of the slave trade. + </p> + <p> + In 1446 the Portuguese took possession of the Azores, the most western + points of the Old World. Step by step they advanced southward, and became + familiar with the African coast. Bold navigators were eager to find the + East, and at last success came. Under the king’s orders, in August, 1477, + three caravels sailed from the Tagus, under Bartolomeo Diaz, for southern + discovery. Diaz was himself brave enough to be willing to go on to the Red + Sea, after he made the great discovery of the Cape of Good Hope, but his + crews mutinied, after he had gone much farther than his predecessors, and + compelled him to return. He passed the southern cape of Africa and went + forty miles farther. He called it the Cape of Torments, “Cabo Tormentoso,” + so terrible were the storms he met there. But when King John heard his + report he gave it that name of good omen which it has borne ever since, + the name of the “Cape of Good Hope.” + </p> + <p> + In the midst of such endeavors to reach the East Indies by the long voyage + down the coast of Africa and across an unknown ocean, Columbus was urging + all people who cared, to try the route directly west. If the world was + round, as the sun and moon were, and as so many men of learning believed, + India or the Indies must be to the west of Portugal. The value of direct + trade with the Indies would be enormous. Europe had already acquired a + taste for the spices of India and had confidence in the drugs of India. + The silks and other articles of clothing made in India, and the carpets of + India, were well known and prized. Marco Polo and others had given an + impression that there was much gold in India; and the pearls and precious + stones of India excited the imagination of all who read his travels. + </p> + <p> + The immense value of such a commerce may be estimated from one fact. When, + a generation after this time, one ship only of all the squadron of + Magellan returned to Cadiz, after the first voyage round the world, she + was loaded with spices from the Moluccas. These spices were sold by the + Spanish government for so large a sum of money that the king was + remunerated for the whole cost of the expedition, and even made a very + large profit from a transaction which had cost a great deal in its outfit. + </p> + <p> + Columbus was able, therefore, to offer mercantile adventurers the promise + of great profit in case of success; and at this time kings were willing to + take their share of such profits as might accrue. + </p> + <p> + The letter of Toscanelli, the Italian geographer, which has been spoken + of, was addressed to Alphonso V, the King of Portugal. To him and his + successor, John the Second, Columbus explained the probability of success, + and each of them, as it would seem, had confidence in it. But King John + made the great mistake of intrusting Columbus’s plan to another person for + experiment. He was selfish enough, and mean enough, to fit out a ship + privately and intrust its command to another seaman, bidding him sail west + in search of the Indies, while he pretended that he was on a voyage to the + Cape de Verde Islands. He was, in fact, to follow the route indicated by + Columbus. The vessel sailed. But, fortunately for the fame of Columbus, + she met a terrible storm, and her officers, in terror, turned from the + unknown ocean and returned to Lisbon. Columbus himself tells this story. + It was in disgust with the bad faith the king showed in this transaction + that he left Lisbon to offer his great project to the King and Queen of + Spain. + </p> + <p> + In a similar way, a generation afterward, Magellan, who was in the service + of the King of Portugal, was disgusted by insults which he received at his + court, and exiled himself to Spain. He offered to the Spanish king his + plan for sailing round the world and it was accepted. He sailed in a + Spanish fleet, and to his discoveries Spain owes the possession of the + Philippine Islands. Twice, therefore, did kings of Portugal lose for + themselves, their children and their kingdom, the fame and the recompense + which belong to such great discoveries. + </p> + <p> + The wife of Columbus had died and he was without a home. He left Lisbon + with his only son, Diego, in or near the end of the year 1484. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. — HIS PLANS FOR DISCOVERY. + </h2> + <p> + COLUMBUS LEAVES LISBON, AND VISITS GENOA—VISITS GREAT SPANISH DUKES—FOR + SIX YEARS IS AT THE COURT OF FERDINAND AND ISABELLA—THE COUNCIL OF + SALAMANCA—HIS PETITION IS AT LAST GRANTED—SQUADRON MADE READY. + </p> + <p> + It has been supposed that when Columbus left Lisbon he was oppressed by + debts. At a subsequent period, when King John wanted to recall him, he + offered to protect him against any creditors. But on the other hand, it is + thought that at this time he visited Genoa, and made some provision for + the comfort of his father, who was now an old man. Christopher Columbus, + himself, according to the usual opinion regarding his birth, was now + almost fifty years old. + </p> + <p> + It is probable that at this time he urged on his countrymen, the Genoese, + the importance of his great plan; and tried to interest them to make the + great endeavor, for the purpose of reaching the Indies by a western route. + As it proved, the discovery of the route by the Cape of Good Hope was, + commercially, a great injury to Genoa and the other maritime cities of + Italy. Before this time, the eastern trade of Europe came by the ports of + the eastern Mediterranean, and the Italian cities. Columbus’s offer to + Genoa was therefore one which, if her statesmen could have foreseen the + future, they would have considered eagerly. + </p> + <p> + But Genoa was greatly depressed at this period. In her wars with the Turks + she had been, on the whole, not successful. She had lost Caffa, her + station in the Crimea, and her possessions in the Archipelago were + threatened. The government did not accept Columbus’s proposals, and he was + obliged to return with them to Spain. He went first to distinguished + noblemen, in the South of Spain, who were of liberal and adventurous + disposition. One was the Duke of Medina Celi, and one the Duke of Medina + Sidonia. Each of these grandees entertained him at their courts, and heard + his proposals. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of Medina Celi was so much interested in them, that at one time + he proposed to give Columbus the direction of four vessels which he had in + the harbor of Cadiz. But, of a sudden, he changed his mind. The enterprise + was so vast, he said, that it should be under the direction of the crown. + And, without losing confidence in it, he gave to Columbus an introduction + to the king and queen, in which he cordially recommended him to their + patronage. + </p> + <p> + This king and queen were King Ferdinand of Aragon, and Queen Isabella of + Castile. The marriage of these two had united Spain. Their affection for + each other made the union real, and the energy, courage and wisdom of both + made their reign successful and glorious. Of all its glories the greatest, + as it has proved, was connected with the life and discoveries of the + sailor who was now to approach them. He had been disloyally treated by + Portugal, he had been dismissed by Genoa. He had not succeeded with the + great dukes. Now he was to press his adventure upon a king and queen who + were engaged in a difficult war with the Moors, who still held a + considerable part of the peninsula of Spain. + </p> + <p> + The king and queen were residing at Cordova, a rich and beautiful city, + which they had taken from the Moors. Under their rule Cordova had been the + most important seat of learning in Europe. Here Columbus tarried at the + house of Alonso de Quintinilla, who became an ardent convert to his + theory, and introduced him to important friends. By their agency, + arrangements were made, in which Columbus should present his views to the + king. The time was not such as he could have wished. All Cordova was alive + with the preparation for a great campaign against the enemy. But King + Ferdinand made arrangements to hear Columbus; it does not appear that, at + the first hearing, Isabella was present at the interview. But Ferdinand, + although in the midst of his military cares, was interested in the + proposals made by Columbus. He liked the man. He was pleased by the + modesty and dignity with which he brought forward his proposals. Columbus + spoke, as he tells us, as one specially appointed by God Himself to carry + out this discovery. The king did not, however, at once adopt the scheme, + but gave out that a council of men of learning should be called together + to consider it. + </p> + <p> + Columbus himself says that he entered the service of the sovereigns + January 26, 1486. The council to which he was referred was held in the + university city of Salamanca, in that year. It gave to him a full + opportunity to explain his theory. It consisted of a fair representation + of the learning of the time. But most of the men who met had formed their + opinions on the subjects involved, and were too old to change them. A part + of them were priests of the church, in the habit of looking to sacred + Scripture as their only authority, when the pope had given no instruction + in detail. Of these some took literally expressions in the Old Testament, + which they supposed to be fatal to the plans of Columbus. Such was the + phrase in the 104th Psalm, that God stretches out the heavens like a + curtain. The expression in the book of Hebrews, that the heavens are + extended as a tent, was also quoted, in the same view. + </p> + <p> + Quotations from the early Fathers of the church were more fatal to the new + plan than those from the Scripture. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand there were men who cordially supported Columbus’s + wishes, and there were more when the congress parted than when it met. Its + sessions occupied a considerable part of the summer, but it was not for + years that it rendered any decision. + </p> + <p> + The king, queen and court, meanwhile, were occupied in war with the Moors. + Columbus was once and again summoned to attend the court, and more than + once money was advanced to him to enable him to do so. Once he began new + negotiations with King John, and from him he received a letter inviting + him to return to Portugal. He received a similar letter from King Henry + VII of England inviting him to his court. Nothing was determined on in + Spain. To this day, the people of that country are thought to have a habit + of postponement to tomorrow of that which perplexes them. In 1489, + according to Ortiz de Zuniga, Columbus fought in battle in the king’s + army. + </p> + <p> + When, however, in the winter of 1490, it was announced that the army was + to take the field again, never to leave its camp till Grenada had fallen, + Columbus felt that he must make one last endeavor. He insisted that he + must have an answer regarding his plans of discovery. The confessor of the + queen, Fernando da Talavera, was commanded to obtain the definite answer + of the men of learning. Alas! it was fatal to Columbus’s hopes. They said + that it was not right that great princes should undertake such enterprises + on grounds as weak as those which he relied upon. + </p> + <p> + The sovereigns themselves, however, were more favorable; so was a minority + of the council of Salamanca. And the confessor was instructed to tell him + that their expenses in the war forbade them from sending him out as a + discoverer, but that, when that was well over, they had hopes that they + might commission him. This was the end of five years of solicitation, in + which he had put his trust in princes. Columbus regarded the answer, as + well he might, as only a courtly measure of refusal. And he retired in + disgust from the court at Seville. + </p> + <p> + He determined to lay his plans before the King of France. He was traveling + with this purpose, with his son, Diego, now a boy of ten or twelve years + of age, when he arrived at night at the hospitable convent of Saint Mary + of Rabida, which has been made celebrated by that incident. It is about + three miles south of what was then the seaport of Palos, one of the active + ports of commercial Spain. The convent stands on level ground high above + the sea; but a steep road runs down to the shore of the ocean. Some of its + windows and corridors look out upon the ocean on the west and south, and + the inmates still show the room in which Columbus used to write, and the + inkstand which served his purposes while he lived there. It is maintained + as a monument of history by the Spanish government. + </p> + <p> + At the door of this convent he asked for bread and water for his boy. The + prior of the convent was named Juan Perez de Marchena. He was attracted by + the appearance of Columbus, still more by his conversation, and invited + him to remain as their guest. + </p> + <p> + When he learned that his new friend was about to offer to France the + advantages of a discovery so great as that proposed, he begged him to make + one effort more at home. He sent for some friends, Fernandos, a physician + at Palos, and for the brothers Pinzon, who now appear for the first time + in a story where their part is distinguished. Together they all persuaded + Columbus to send one messenger more to wait upon their sovereigns. The man + sent was Rodriguez, a pilot of Lepe, who found access to the queen because + Juan Perez, the prior, had formerly been her confessor. She had confidence + in him, as she had, indeed, in Columbus. And in fourteen days the friendly + pilot came back from Santa Fe with a kind letter from the queen to her + friend, bidding him return at once to court. Perez de Marchena saddled his + mule at once and before midnight was on his way to see his royal mistress. + </p> + <p> + Santa Fe was half camp, half city. It had been built in what is called the + Vega, the great fruitful plain which extends for many miles to the + westward of Grenada. The court and army were here as they pressed their + attack on that city. Perez de Marchena had ready access to Queen Isabella, + and pressed his suit well. He was supported by one of her favorites, the + Marquesa de Moya. In reply to their solicitations, she asked that Columbus + should return to her, and ordered that twenty thousand maravedis should be + sent to him for his traveling expenses. + </p> + <p> + This sum was immediately sent by Perez to his friend. Columbus bought a + mule, exchanged his worn clothes for better ones, and started, as he was + bidden, for the camp. + </p> + <p> + He arrived there just after the great victory, by which the king and queen + had obtained their wish—had taken the noble city of Grenada and + ended Moorish rule in Spain. King, queen, court and army were preparing to + enter the Alhambra in triumph. Whoever tries to imagine the scene, in + which the great procession entered through the gates, so long sealed, or + of the moment when the royal banner of Spain was first flying out upon the + Tower of the Vela, must remember that Columbus, elate, at last, with hopes + for his own great discovery, saw the triumph and joined in the display. + </p> + <p> + But his success was not immediate, even now. Fernando de Talavera, who had + had the direction of the wise council of Salamanca, was now Archbishop of + Grenada, whose see had been conferred on him after the victory. He was not + the friend of Columbus. And when, at what seemed the final interview with + king and queen, he heard Columbus claim the right to one-tenth of all the + profits of the enterprise, he protested against such lavish recompense of + an adventurer. He was now the confessor of Isabella, as Juan Perez, the + friendly prior, had been before. Columbus, however, was proud and firm. He + would not yield to the terms prepared by the archbishop. He preferred to + break off the negotiation, and again retired from court. He determined, as + he had before, to lay his plans before the King of France. + </p> + <p> + Spain would have lost the honor and the reward of the great discovery, as + Portugal and Genoa had lost them, but for Luis de St. Angel, and the queen + herself. St. Angel had been the friend of Columbus. He was an important + officer, the treasurer of the church revenues of Aragon. He now insisted + upon an audience from the queen. It would seem that Ferdinand, though King + of Aragon, was not present. St. Angel spoke eloquently. The friendly + Marchioness of Moya spoke eagerly and persuasively. Isabella was at last + fired with zeal. Columbus should go, and the enterprise should be hers. + </p> + <p> + It is here that the incident belongs, represented in the statue by Mr. + Mead, and that of Miss Hosmer. The sum required for the discovery of a + world was only three thousand crowns. Two vessels were all that Columbus + asked for, with the pay of their crews. But where were three thousand + crowns? The treasury was empty, and the king was now averse to any action. + It was at this moment that Isabella said, “The enterprise is mine, for the + Crown of Castile. I pledge my jewels for the funds.” + </p> + <p> + The funds were in fact advanced by St. Angel, from the ecclesiastical + revenues under his control. They were repaid from the gold brought in the + first voyage. But, always afterward, Isabella regarded the Indies as a + Castilian possession. The most important officers in its administration, + indeed most of the emigrants, were always from Castile. + </p> + <p> + Columbus, meanwhile, was on his way back to Palos, on his mule, alone. But + at a bridge, still pointed out, a royal courier overtook him, bidding him + return. The spot has been made the scene of more than one picture, which + represents the crisis, in which the despair of one moment changed to the + glad hope which was to lead to certainty. + </p> + <p> + He returned to Isabella for the last time, before that great return in + which he came as a conqueror, to display to her the riches of the New + World. The king yielded a slow and doubtful assent. Isabella took the + enterprise in her own hands. She and Columbus agreed at once, and articles + were drawn up which gave him the place of admiral for life on all lands he + might discover; gave him one-tenth of all pearls, precious stones, gold, + silver, spices and other merchandise to be obtained in his admiralty, and + gave him the right to nominate three candidates from whom the governor of + each province should be selected by the crown. He was to be the judge of + all disputes arising from such traffic as was proposed; and he was to have + one-eighth part of the profit, and bear one-eighth part of the cost of it. + </p> + <p> + With this glad news he returned at once to Palos. The Pinzons, who had + been such loyal friends, were to take part in the enterprise. He carried + with him a royal order, commanding the people of Palos to fit out two + caravels within ten days, and to place them and their crews at the + disposal of Columbus. The third vessel proposed was to be fitted out by + him and his friends. The crews were to be paid four months’ wages in + advance, and Columbus was to have full command, to do what he chose, if he + did not interfere with the Portuguese discoveries. + </p> + <p> + On the 23rd of May, Columbus went to the church of San Giorgio in Palos, + with his friend, the prior of St. Mary’s convent, and other important + people, and the royal order was read with great solemnity: + </p> + <p> + But it excited at first only indignation or dismay. The expedition was + most unpopular. Sailors refused to enlist, and the authorities, who had + already offended the crown, so that they had to furnish these vessels, as + it were, as a fine, refused to do what they were bidden. Other orders from + Court were necessary. But it seems to have been the courage and + determination of the Pinzons which carried the preparations through. After + weeks had been lost, Martin Alonso Pinzon and his brothers said they would + go in person on the expedition. They were well-known merchants and seamen, + and were much respected. Sailors were impressed, by the royal authority, + and the needful stores were taken in the same way. It seems now strange + that so much difficulty should have surrounded an expedition in itself so + small. But the plan met then all the superstition, terror and other + prejudice of the time. + </p> + <p> + All that Columbus asked or needed was three small vessels and their stores + and crews. The largest ships engaged were little larger than the large + yachts, whose races every summer delight the people of America. The + Gallega and the Pinta were the two largest. They were called caravels, a + name then given to the smallest three-masted vessels. Columbus once uses + it for a vessel of forty tons; but it generally applied in Portuguese or + Spanish use to a vessel, ranging one hundred and twenty to one hundred and + forty Spanish “toneles.” This word represents a capacity about one-tenth + larger than that expressed by our English “ton.” + </p> + <p> + The reader should remember that most of the commerce of the time was the + coasting commerce of the Mediterranean, and that it was not well that the + ships should draw much water. The fleet of Columbus, as it sailed, + consisted of the Gallega (the Galician), of which he changed the name to + the Santa Maria, and of the Pinta and the Nina. Of these the first two + were of a tonnage which we should rate as about one hundred and thirty + tons. The Nina was much smaller, not more than fifty tons. One writer says + that they were all without full decks, that is, that such decks as they + had did not extend from stem to stern. But the other authorities speak as + if the Nina only was an open vessel, and the two larger were decked. + Columbus himself took command of the Santa Maria, Martin Alonso Pinzon of + the Pinta, and his brothers, Francis Martin and Vicente Yanez, of the + Nina. The whole company in all three ships numbered one hundred and twenty + men. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Harrisse shows that the expense to the crown amounted to 1,140,000 + maravedis. This, as he counts it, is about sixty-four thousand dollars of + our money. To this Columbus was to add one-eighth of the cost. His + friends, the Pinzons, seem to have advanced this, and to have been + afterwards repaid. Las Casas and Herrera both say that the sum thus added + was much more than one-eighth of the cost and amounted to half a million + maravedis. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. — THE GREAT VOYAGE. + </h2> + <p> + THE SQUADRON SAILS—REFITS AT CANARY ISLANDS—HOPES AND FEARS OF + THE VOYAGE—THE DOUBTS OF THE CREW—LAND DISCOVERED. + </p> + <p> + At last all was ready. That is to say, the fleet was so far ready that + Columbus was ready to start. The vessels were small, as we think of + vessels, but he was not dissatisfied. He says in the beginning of his + journal, “I armed three vessels very fit for such an enterprise.” He had + left Grenada as late as the twelfth of May. He had crossed Spain to + Palos,(*) and in less than three months had fitted out the ships and was + ready for sea. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (*) Palos is now so insignificant a place that on some + important maps of Spain it will not be found. It is on the + east side of the Tinto river; and Huelva, on the west side, + has taken its place. +</pre> + <p> + The harbor of Palos is now ruined. Mud and gravel, brought down by the + River Tinto, have filled up the bay, so that even small boats cannot + approach the shore. The traveler finds, however, the island of Saltes, + quite outside the bay, much as Columbus left it. It is a small spit of + sand, covered with shells and with a few seashore herbs. His own account + of the great voyage begins with the words: + </p> + <p> + “Friday, August 3, 1492. Set sail from the bar of Saltes at 8 o’clock, and + proceeded with a strong breeze till sunset sixty miles, or fifteen leagues + south, afterward southwest and south by west, which is in the direction of + the Canaries.” + </p> + <p> + It appears, therefore, that the great voyage, the most important and + successful ever made, began on Friday, the day which is said to be so much + disliked by sailors. Columbus never alludes to this superstition. + </p> + <p> + He had always meant to sail first for the Canaries, which were the most + western land then known in the latitude of his voyage. From Lisbon to the + famous city of “Quisay,” or “Quinsay,” in Asia, Toscanelli, his learned + correspondent, supposed the distance to be less than one thousand leagues + westward. From the Canary islands, on that supposition, the distance would + be ten degrees less. The distance to Cipango, or Japan, would be much + less. + </p> + <p> + As it proved, the squadron had to make some stay at the Canaries. The + rudder of the Pinta was disabled, and she proved leaky. It was suspected + that the owners, from whom she had been forcibly taken, had intentionally + disabled her, or that possibly the crew had injured her. But Columbus says + in his journal that Martin Alonso Pinzon, captain of the Pinta, was a man + of capacity and courage, and that this quieted his apprehensions. From the + ninth of August to the second of September, nearly four weeks were spent + by the Pinta and her crew at the Grand Canary island, and she was + repaired. She proved afterwards a serviceable vessel, the fastest of the + fleet. At the Canaries they heard stories of lands seen to the westward, + to which Columbus refers in his journal. On the sixth of September they + sailed from Gomera and on the eighth they lost sight of land. Nor did they + see land again for thirty-three days. Such was the length of the great + voyage. All the time, most naturally, they were wishing for signs, not of + land perhaps, but which might show whether this great ocean were really + different from other seas. On the whole the voyage was not a dangerous + one. + </p> + <p> + According to the Admiral’s reckoning—and in his own journal Columbus + always calls himself the Admiral—its length was one thousand and + eighty-nine leagues. This was not far from right, the real distance being, + in a direct line, three thousand one hundred and forty nautical miles, or + three thousand six hundred and twenty statute miles.(*) It would not be + considered a very long voyage for small vessels now. In general the course + was west. Sometimes, for special reasons, they sailed south of west. If + they had sailed precisely west they would have struck the shore of the + United States a little north of the spot where St. Augustine now is, about + the northern line of Florida. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (*) The computations from Santa Cruz, in the Canaries, to + San Salvador give this result, as kindly made for us by + Lieutenant Mozer, of the United States navy. +</pre> + <p> + Had the coast of Asia been, indeed, as near as Toscanelli and Columbus + supposed, this latitude of the Canary islands would have been quite near + the mouth of the Yang-tse-Kiang river, in China, which was what Columbus + was seeking. For nearly a generation afterwards he and his followers + supposed that the coast of that region was what they had found. + </p> + <p> + It was on Saturday, the eighth of September, that they lost sight of + Teneriffe. On the eleventh they saw a large piece of the mast of a ship + afloat. On the fourteenth they saw a “tropic-bird,” which the sailors + thought was never seen more than twenty-five leagues from land; but it + must be remembered, that, outside of the Mediterranean, few of the sailors + had ever been farther themselves. On the sixteenth they began to meet + “large patches of weeds, very green, which appeared to have been recently + washed away from land.” This was their first knowledge of the “Sargasso + sea,” a curious tract in mid-Atlantic which is always green with floating + seaweeds. “The continent we shall find farther on,” wrote the confident + Admiral. + </p> + <p> + An observation of the sun on the seventeenth proved what had been + suspected before, that the needles of the compasses were not pointing + precisely to the north. The variation of the needle, since that time, has + been a recognized fact. But this observation at so critical a time first + disclosed it. The crew were naturally alarmed. Here was evidence that, in + the great ocean, common laws were not to be relied upon. But they had + great respect for Columbus’s knowledge of such subjects. He told them that + it was not the north which had changed, nor the needle, which was true to + the north, but the polar star revolved, like other stars, and for the time + they were satisfied. + </p> + <p> + The same day they saw weeds which he was sure were land weeds. From them + he took a living crab, whose unintentional voyage eastward was a great + encouragement to the bolder adventurer westward. Columbus kept the crab, + saying that such were never found eighty leagues from land. In fact this + poor crab was at least nine hundred and seventy leagues from the Bahamas, + as this same journal proves. On the eighteenth the Pinta ran ahead of the + other vessels, Martin Alonso was so sure that he should reach land that + night. But it was not to come so soon. + </p> + <p> + Columbus every day announced to his crew a less distance as the result of + the day than they had really sailed. For he was afraid of their distrust, + and did not dare let them know how far they were from home. The private + journal, therefore, has such entries as this, “Sailed more than fifty-five + leagues, wrote down only forty-eight.” That is, he wrote on the daily log, + which was open to inspection, a distance some leagues less than they had + really made. + </p> + <p> + On the twentieth pelicans are spoken of, on the twenty-first “such + abundance of weeds that the ocean seemed covered with them,” “the sea + smooth as a river, and the finest air in the world. Saw a whale, an + indication of land, as they always keep near the coast.” To later times, + this note, also, shows how ignorant Columbus then was of mid-ocean. + </p> + <p> + On the twenty-second, to the Admiral’s relief, there was a head wind; for + the crew began to think that with perpetual east winds they would never + return to Spain. They had been in what are known as the trade winds. On + the twenty-third the smoother water gave place to a rough sea, and he + writes that this “was favorable to me, as it happened formerly to Moses + when he led the Jews from Egypt.” + </p> + <p> + The next day, thanks to the headwinds, their progress was less. On the + twenty-fifth, Pinzon, of the Pinta, felt sure that they were near the + outer islands of Asia as they appeared on the Toscanelli map, and at + sunset called out with joy that he saw land, claiming a reward for such + news. The crews of both vessels sang “Glory to God in the highest,” and + the crew of the little Nina were sure that the bank was land. On this + occasion they changed from a western course to the southwest. But alas! + the land was a fog-bank and the reward never came to Martin Pinzon. On the + twenty-sixth, again “the sea was like a river.” This was Wednesday. In + three days they sailed sixty-nine leagues. Saturday was calm. They saw a + bird called “‘Rabihorcado,’ which never alights at sea, nor goes twenty + leagues from land,” wrote the confident Columbus; “Nothing is wanting but + the singing of the nightingale,” he says. + </p> + <p> + Sunday, the thirtieth, brought “tropic-birds” again, “a very clear sign of + land.” Monday the journal shows them seven hundred and seven leagues from + Ferro. Tuesday a white gull was the only visitor. Wednesday they had + pardelas and great quantities of seaweed. Columbus began to be sure that + they had passed “the islands” and were nearing the continent of Asia. + Thursday they had a flock of pardelas, two pelicans, a rabihorcado and a + gull. Friday, the fifth of October, brought pardelas and flying-fishes. + </p> + <p> + We have copied these simple intimations from the journal to show how + constantly Columbus supposed that he was near the coast of Asia. On the + sixth of October Pinzon asked that the course might be changed to the + southwest. But Columbus held on. On the seventh the Nina was ahead, and + fired a gun and hoisted her flag in token that she saw land. But again + they were disappointed. Columbus gave directions to keep close order at + sunrise and sunset. The next day he did change the course to west + southwest, following flights of birds from the north which went in that + direction. On the eighth “the sea was like the river at Seville,” the + weeds were very few and they took land birds on board the ships. On the + ninth they sailed southwest five leagues, and then with a change of wind + went west by north. All night they heard the birds of passage passing. + </p> + <p> + On the tenth of October the men made remonstrance, which has been + exaggerated in history into a revolt. It is said, in books of authority, + that Columbus begged them to sail west only three days more. But in the + private journal of the tenth he says simply: “The seamen complained of the + length of the voyage. They did not wish to go any farther. The Admiral did + his best to renew their courage, and reminded them of the profits which + would come to them. He added, boldly, that no complaints would change his + purpose, that he had set out to go to the Indies, and that with the Lord’s + assistance he should keep on until he came there.” This is the only + passage in the journal which has any resemblance to the account of the + mutiny. + </p> + <p> + If it happened, as Oviedo says, three days before the discovery, it would + have been on the eighth of October. On that day the entry is, “Steered + west southwest, and sailed day and night eleven or twelve leagues—at + times, during the night, fifteen miles an hour—if the log can be + relied upon. Found the sea like the river at Seville, thanks to God. The + air was as soft as that of Seville in April, and so fragrant that it was + delicious to breathe it. The weeds appeared very fresh. Many land birds, + one of which they took, flying towards the southwest, also grajaos, ducks + and a pelican were seen.” + </p> + <p> + This is not the account of a mutiny. And the discovery of Columbus’s own + journal makes that certain, which was probable before, that the romantic + account of the despair of the crews was embroidered on the narrative after + the event, and by people who wanted to improve the story. It was, perhaps, + borrowed from a story of Diaz’s voyage. We have followed the daily record + to show how constantly they supposed, on the other hand, that they were + always nearing land. + </p> + <p> + With the eleventh of October, came certainty. The eleventh is sometimes + spoken of as the day of discovery, and sometimes the twelfth, when they + landed on the first island of the new world. + </p> + <p> + The whole original record of the discovery is this: “Oct. 11, course to + west and southwest. Heavier sea than they had known, pardelas and a green + branch near the caravel of the Admiral. From the Pinta they see a branch + of a tree, a stake and a smaller stake, which they draw in, and which + appears to have been cut with iron, and a piece of cane. Besides these, + there is a land shrub and a little bit of board. The crew of the Nina saw + other signs of land and a branch covered with thorns and flowers. With + these tokens every-one breathes again and is delighted. They sail + twenty-seven leagues on this course. + </p> + <p> + “The Admiral orders that they shall resume a westerly course at sunset. + They make twelve miles each hour; up till two hours after midnight they + made ninety miles. + </p> + <p> + “The Pinta, the best sailer of the three, was ahead. She makes signals, + already agreed upon, that she has discovered land. A sailor named Rodrigo + de Triana was the first to see this land. For the Admiral being on the + castle of the poop of the ship at ten at night really saw a light, but it + was so shut in by darkness that he did not like to say that it was a sign + of land. Still he called up Pedro Gutierrez, the king’s chamberlain, and + said to him that there seemed to be a light, and asked him to look. He did + so and saw it. He said the same to Rodrigo Sanchez of Segovia, who had + been sent by the king and queen as inspector in the fleet, but he saw + nothing, being indeed in a place where he could see nothing. + </p> + <p> + “After the Admiral spoke of it, the light was seen once or twice. It was + like a wax candle, raised and lowered, which would appear to few to be a + sign of land. But the Admiral was certain that it was a sign of land. + Therefore when they said the ‘Salve,’ which all the sailors are used to + say and sing in their fashion, the Admiral ordered them to look out well + from the forecastle, and he would give at once a silk jacket to the man + who first saw land, besides the other rewards which the sovereigns had + ordered, which were 10,000 maravedis, to be paid as an annuity forever to + the man who saw it first. + </p> + <p> + “At two hours after midnight land appeared, from which they were about two + leagues off.” + </p> + <p> + This is the one account of the discovery written at the time. It is worth + copying and reading at full in its little details, for it contrasts + curiously with the embellished accounts which appear in the next + generation. Thus the historian Oviedo says, in a dramatic way: + </p> + <p> + “One of the ship boys on the largest ship, a native of Lepe, cried ‘Fire!’ + ‘Land!’ Immediately a servant of Columbus replied, ‘The Admiral had said + that already.’ Soon after, Columbus said, ‘I said so some time ago, and + that I saw that fire on the land.’” And so indeed it happened that + Thursday, at two hours after midnight, the Admiral called a gentleman + named Escobedos, officer of the wardrobe of the king, and told him that he + saw fire. And at the break of day, at the time Columbus had predicted the + day before, they saw from the largest ship the island which the Indians + call Guanahani to the north of them. + </p> + <p> + “And the first man to see the land, when day came, was Rodrigo of Triana, + on the eleventh day of October, 1492.” Nothing is more certain than that + this was really on the twelfth. + </p> + <p> + The reward for first seeing land was eventually awarded to Columbus, and + it was regularly paid him through his life. It was the annual payment of + 10,000 maravedis. A maravedi was then a little less than six cents of our + currency. The annuity was, therefore, about six hundred dollars a year. + </p> + <p> + The worth of a maravedi varied, from time to time, so that the + calculations of the value of any number of maravedis are very confusing. + Before the coin went out of use it was worth only half a cent. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. — THE LANDING ON THE TWELFTH OF OCTOBER + </h2> + <p> + —THE NATIVES AND THEIR NEIGHBORS—SEARCH FOR GOLD—CUBA + DISCOVERED—COLUMBUS COASTS ALONG ITS SHORES. + </p> + <p> + It was on Friday, the twelfth of October, that they saw this island, which + was an island of the Lucayos group, called, says Las Casas, “in the tongue + of the Indians, Guanahani.” Soon they saw people naked, and the Admiral + went ashore in the armed boat, with Martin Alonzo Pinzon and, Vicente + Yanez, his brother, who was captain of the Nina. The Admiral unfurled the + Royal Standard, and the captain’s two standards of the Greek Cross, which + the Admiral raised on all the ships as a sign, with an F. and a Y.; over + each letter a crown; one on one side of the {“iron cross symbol”} and the + other on the other. When they were ashore they saw very green trees and + much water, and fruits of different kinds. + </p> + <p> + “The Admiral called the two captains and the others who went ashore, and + Rodrigo Descovedo, Notary of the whole fleet, and Rodrigo Sanchez of + Segovia, and he said that they must give him their faith and witness how + he took possession before all others, as in fact he did take possession of + the said island for the king and the queen, his lord and lady. . . . Soon + many people of the island assembled. These which follow are the very words + of the Admiral, in his book of his first navigation and discovery of these + Indies.” + </p> + <p> + October 11-12. “So that they may feel great friendship for us, and because + I knew that they were a people who would be better delivered and converted + to our Holy Faith by love than by force, I gave to some of them red caps + and glass bells which they put round their necks, and many other things of + little value, in which they took much pleasure, and they remained so + friendly to us that it was wonderful. + </p> + <p> + “Afterwards they came swimming to the ship’s boats where we were. And they + brought us parrots and cotton-thread in skeins, and javelins and many + other things. And they bartered them with us for other things, which we + gave them, such as little glass beads and little bells. In short, they + took everything, and gave of what they had with good will. But it seemed + to me that they were a people very destitute of everything. + </p> + <p> + “They all went as naked as their mothers bore them, and the women as well, + although I only saw one who was really young. And all the men I saw were + young, for I saw none more than thirty years of age; very well made, with + very handsome persons, and very good faces; their hair thick like the + hairs of horses’ tails, and cut short. They bring their hair above their + eyebrows, except a little behind, which they wear long, and never cut. + Some of them paint themselves blackish (and they are of the color of the + inhabitants of the Canaries, neither black nor white), and some paint + themselves white, and some red, and some with whatever they can get. And + some of them paint their faces, and some all their bodies, and some only + the eyes, and some only the nose. + </p> + <p> + “They do not bear arms nor do they know them, for I showed them swords and + they took them by the edge, and they cut themselves through ignorance. + They have no iron at all; their javelins are rods without iron, and some + of them have a fish’s tooth at the end, and some of them other things. + They are all of good stature, and good graceful appearance, well made. I + saw some who had scars of wounds in their bodies, and I made signs to them + (to ask) what that was, and they showed me how people came there from + other islands which lay around, and tried to take them captive and they + defended themselves. And I believed, and I (still) believe, that they came + there from the mainland to take them for captives. + </p> + <p> + “They would be good servants, and of good disposition, for I see that they + repeat very quickly everything which is said to them. And I believe that + they could easily be made Christians, for it seems to me that they have no + belief. I, if it please our Lord, will take six of them to your Highnesses + at the time of my departure, so that they may learn to talk. No wild + creature of any sort have I seen, except parrots, in this island.” + </p> + <p> + All these are the words of the Admiral, says Las Casas. The journal of the + next day is in these words: + </p> + <p> + Saturday, October 13. “As soon as the day broke, many of these men came to + the beach, all young, as I have said, and all of good stature, a very + handsome race. Their hair is not woolly, but straight and coarse, like + horse hair, and all with much wider foreheads and heads than any other + people I have seen up to this time. And their eyes are very fine and not + small, and they are not black at all, but of the color of the Canary + Islanders. And nothing else could be expected, since it is on one line of + latitude with the Island of Ferro, in the Canaries. + </p> + <p> + “They came to the ship with almadias,(*) which are made of the trunk of a + tree, like a long boat, and all of one piece—and made in a very + wonderful manner in the fashion of the country—and large enough for + some of them to hold forty or forty-five men. And others are smaller, down + to such as hold one man alone. They row with a shovel like a baker’s, and + it goes wonderfully well. And if it overturns, immediately they all go to + swimming and they right it, and bale it with calabashes which they carry. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (*) Arabic word for raft or float; here it means canoes. +</pre> + <p> + “They brought skeins of spun cotton, and parrots, and javelins, and other + little things which it would be wearisome to write down, and they gave + everything for whatever was given to them. + </p> + <p> + “And I strove attentively to learn whether there were gold. And I saw that + some of them had a little piece of gold hung in a hole which they have in + their noses. And by signs I was able to understand that going to the + south, or going round the island to the southward, there was a king there + who had great vessels of it, and had very much of it. I tried to persuade + them to go there; and afterward I saw that they did not understand about + going.(*) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (*) To this first found land, called by the natives + Guanahani, Columbus gave the name of San Salvador. There is, + however, great doubt whether this is the island known by + that name on the maps. Of late years the impression has + generally been that the island thus discovered is that now + known as Watling’s island. In 1860 Admiral Fox, of the + United States navy, visited all these islands, and studied + the whole question anew, visiting the islands himself and + working backwards to the account of Columbus’s subsequent + voyage, so as to fix the spot from which that voyage began. + Admiral Fox decides that the island of discovery was neither + San Salvador nor Watling’s island, but the Samana island of + the same group. The subject is so curious that we copy his + results at more length in the appendix. +</pre> + <p> + “I determined to wait till the next afternoon, and then to start for the + southwest, for many of them told me that there was land to the south and + southwest and northwest, and that those from the northwest came often to + fight with them, and so to go on to the southwest to seek gold and + precious stones. + </p> + <p> + “This island is very large and very flat and with very green trees, and + many waters, and a very large lake in the midst, without any mountain. And + all of it is green, so that it is a pleasure to see it. And these people + are so gentle, and desirous to have our articles and thinking that nothing + can be given them unless they give something and do not keep it back. They + take what they can, and at once jump (into the water) and swim (away). But + all that they have they give for whatever is given them. For they barter + even for pieces of porringus, and of broken glass cups, so that I saw + sixteen skeins of cotton given for three Portuguese centis, that is a + blanca of Castile, and there was more than twenty-five pounds of spun + cotton in them. This I shall forbid, and not let anyone take (it); but I + shall have it all taken for your Highnesses, if there is any quantity of + it. + </p> + <p> + “It grows here in this island, but for a short time I could not believe it + at all. And there is found here also the gold which they wear hanging to + their noses; but so as not to lose time I mean to go to see whether I can + reach the island of Cipango. + </p> + <p> + “Now as it was night they all went ashore with their almadias.” + </p> + <p> + Sunday, October 14. “At daybreak I had the ship’s boat and the boats of + the caravels made ready, and I sailed along the island, toward the + north-northeast, to see the other port, * * * * what there was (there), + and also to see the towns, and I soon saw two or three, and the people, + who all were coming to the shore, calling us and giving thanks to God. + Some brought us water, others things to eat. Others, when they saw that I + did not care to go ashore, threw themselves into the sea and came + swimming, and we understood that they asked us if we had come from heaven. + And an old man came into the boat, and others called all (the rest) men + and women, with a loud voice: ‘Come and see the men who have come from + heaven; bring them food and drink.’ + </p> + <p> + “There came many of them and many women, each one with something, giving + thanks to God, casting themselves on the ground, and raising their heads + toward heaven. And afterwards they called us with shouts to come ashore. + </p> + <p> + “But I feared (to do so), for I saw a great reef of rocks which encircles + all that island. And in it there is bottom and harbor for as many ships as + there are in all Christendom, and its entrance very narrow. It is true + that there are some shallows inside this ring, but the sea is no rougher + than in a well. + </p> + <p> + “And I was moved to see all this, this morning, so that I might be able to + give an account of it all to your Highnesses, and also (to find out) where + I might make a fortress. And I saw a piece of land formed like an island, + although it is not one, in which there were six houses, which could be cut + off in two days so as to become an island; although I do not see that it + is necessary, as this people is very ignorant of arms, as your Highnesses + will see from seven whom I had taken, to carry them off to learn our + speech and to bring them back again. But your Highnesses, when you direct, + can take them all to Castile, or keep them captives in this same island, + for with fifty men you can keep them all subjected, and make them do + whatever you like. + </p> + <p> + “And close to the said islet are groves of trees, the most beautiful I + have seen, and as green and full of leaves as those of Castile in the + months of April and May, and much water. + </p> + <p> + “I looked at all that harbor and then I returned to the ship and set sail, + and I saw so many islands that I could not decide to which I should go + first. And those men whom I had taken said to me by signs that there were + so very many that they were without number, and they repeated by name more + than a hundred. At last I set sail for the largest one, and there I + determined to go. And so I am doing, and it will be five leagues from the + island of San Salvador, and farther from some of the rest, nearer to + others. They all are very flat, without mountains and very fertile, and + all inhabited. And they make war upon each other although they are very + simple, and (they are) very beautifully formed.” + </p> + <p> + Monday, October 15, Columbus, on arriving at the island for which he had + set sail, went on to a cape, near which he anchored at about sunset. He + gave the island the name of Santa Maria de la Concepcion.(*) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (*) This is supposed to be Caico del Norte. +</pre> + <p> + “At about sunset I anchored near the said cape to know if there were gold + there, for the men whom I had taken at the Island of San Salvador told me + that there they wore very large rings of gold on their legs and arms. I + think that all they said was for a trick, in order to make their escape. + However, I did not wish to pass by any island without taking possession of + it. + </p> + <p> + “And I anchored, and was there till today, Tuesday, when at the break of + day I went ashore with the armed boats, and landed. + </p> + <p> + “They (the inhabitants), who were many, as naked and in the same condition + as those of San Salvador, let us land on the island, and gave us what we + asked of them. * * * + </p> + <p> + “I set out for the ship. And there was a large almadia which had come to + board the caravel Nina, and one of the men from we Island of San Salvador + threw himself into the sea, took this boat, and made off; and the night + before, at midnight, another jumped out. And the almadia went back so fast + that there never was a boat which could come up with her, although we had + a considerable advantage. It reached the shore, and they left the almadia, + and some of my company landed after them, and they all fled like hens. + </p> + <p> + “And the almadia, which they had left, we took to the caravel Nina, to + which from another headland there was coming another little almadia, with + a man who came to barter a skein of cotton. And some of the sailors threw + themselves into the sea, because he did not wish to enter the caravel, and + took him. And I, who was on the stern of the ship, and saw it all, sent + for him and gave him a red cap and some little green glass beads which I + put on his arm, and two small bells which I put at his ears, and I had his + almadia returned, * * * and sent him ashore. + </p> + <p> + “And I set sail at once to go to the other large island which I saw at the + west, and commanded the other almadia to be set adrift, which the caravel + Nina was towing astern. And then I saw on land, when the man landed, to + whom I had given the above mentioned things (and I had not consented to + take the skein of cotton, though he wished to give it to me), all the + others went to him and thought it a great wonder, and it seemed to them + that we were good people, and that the other man, who had fled, had done + us some harm, and that therefore we were carrying him off. And this was + why I treated the other man as I did, commanding him to be released, and + gave him the said things, so that they might have this opinion of us, and + so that another time, when your Highnesses send here again, they may be + well disposed. And all that I gave him was not worth four maravedis.” + </p> + <p> + Columbus had set sail at ten o’clock for a “large island” he mentions, + which he called Fernandina, where, from the tales of the Indian captives, + he expected to find gold. Half way between this island and Santa Maria, he + met with “a man alone in an almadia which was passing” (from one island to + the other), “and he was carrying a little of their bread, as big as one’s + fist, and a calabash of water and a piece of red earth made into dust, and + then kneaded, and some dry leaves, which must be a thing much valued among + them, since at San Salvador they brought them to me as a present.(*) And + he had a little basket of their sort, in which he had a string of little + glass bells and two blancas, by which I knew that he came from the Island + of San Salvador. * * * He came to the ship; I took him on board, for so he + asked, and made him put his almadia in the ship, and keep all he was + carrying. And I commanded to give him bread and honey to eat, and + something to drink. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (*) Was this perhaps tobacco? +</pre> + <p> + “And thus I will take him over to Fernandina, and I will give him all his + property so that he may give good accounts of us, so that, if it please + our Lord, when your Highnesses send there, those who come may receive + honor, and they may give us of all they have.” + </p> + <p> + Columbus continued sailing for the island he named Fernandina, now called + Inagua Chica. There was a calm all day and he did not arrive in time to + anchor safely before dark. He therefore waited till morning, and anchored + near a town. Here the man had gone, who had been picked up the day before, + and he had given such good accounts that all night long the ship had been + boarded by almadias, bringing supplies. Columbus directed some trifle to + be given to each of the islanders, and that they should be given “honey of + sugar” to eat. He sent the ship’s boat ashore for water and the + inhabitants not only pointed it out but helped to put the water-casks on + board. + </p> + <p> + “This people,” he says, “is like those of the aforesaid islands, and has + the same speech and the same customs, except that these seem to me a + somewhat more domestic race, and more intelligent. * * * And I saw also in + this island cotton cloths made like mantles. * * * + </p> + <p> + “It is a very green island and flat and very fertile, and I have no doubt + that all the year through they sow panizo (panic-grass) and harvest it, + and so with everything else. And I saw many trees, of very different form + from ours, and many of them which had branches of many sorts, and all on + one trunk. And one branch is of one sort and one of another, and so + different that it is the greatest wonder in the world. * * * One branch + has its leaves like canes, and another like the lentisk; and so on one + tree five or six of these kinds; and all so different. Nor are they + grafted, for it might be said that grafting does it, but they grow on the + mountains, nor do these people care for them. * * * + </p> + <p> + “Here the fishes are so different from ours that it is wonderful. There + are some like cocks of the finest colors in the world, blue, yellow, red + and of all colors, and others painted in a thousand ways. And the colors + are so fine that there is no man who does not wonder at them and take + great pleasure in seeing them. Also, there are whales. As for wild + creatures on shore, I saw none of any sort, except parrots and lizards; a + boy told me that he saw a great snake. Neither sheep nor goats nor any + other animal did I see; although I have been here a very short time, that + is, half a day, but if there had been any I could not have failed to see + some of them.” * * * + </p> + <p> + Wednesday, October 17. He left the town at noon and prepared to sail round + the island. He had meant to go by the south and southeast. But as Martin + Alonzo Pinzon, captain of the Pinta, had heard, from one of the Indians he + had on board, that it would be quicker to start by the northwest, and as + the wind was favorable for this course, Columbus took it. He found a fine + harbor two leagues further on, where he found some friendly Indians, and + sent a party ashore for water. “During this time,” he says, “I went (to + look at) these trees, which were the most beautiful things to see which + have been seen; there was as much verdure in the same degree as in the + month of May in Andalusia, and all the trees were as different from ours + as the day from the night. And so (were) the fruits, and the herbs, and + the stones and everything. The truth is that some trees had a resemblance + to others which there are in Castile, but there was a very great + difference. And other trees of other sorts were such that there is no one + who could * * * liken them to others of Castile. * * * + </p> + <p> + “The others who went for water told me how they had been in their houses, + and that they were very well swept and clean, and their beds and furniture + (made) of things which are like nets of cotton.(*) Their houses are all + like pavilions, and very high and good chimneys.(**) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (*) They are called Hamacas. + + (**) Las Casas says they were not meant for smoke but as a + crown, for they have no opening below for the smoke. +</pre> + <p> + “But I did not see, among many towns which I saw, any of more than twelve + or fifteen houses. * * * And there they had dogs. * * * And there they + found one man who had on his nose a piece of gold which was like half a + castellano, on which there were cut letters.(*) I blamed them for not + bargaining for it, and giving as much as was asked, to see what it was, + and whose coin it was; and they answered me that they did not dare to + barter it.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (*) A castellano was a piece of gold, money, weighing about + one-sixth of an ounce. +</pre> + <p> + He continued towards the northwest, then turned his course to the + east-southeast, east and southeast. The weather being thick and heavy, and + “threatening immediate rain. So all these days since I have been in these + Indies it has rained little or much.” + </p> + <p> + Friday, October 19. Columbus, who had not landed the day before, now sent + two caravels, one to the east and southeast and the other to the + south-southeast, while he himself, with the Santa Maria, the SHIP, as he + calls it, went to the southeast. He ordered the caravels to keep their + courses till noon, and then join him. This they did, at an island to the + east, which he named Isabella, the Indians whom he had with him calling it + Saomete. It has been supposed to be the island now called Inagua Grande. + </p> + <p> + “All this coast,” says the Admiral, “and the part of the island which I + saw, is all nearly flat, and the island the most beautiful thing I ever + saw, for if the others are very beautiful this one is more so.” He + anchored at a cape which was so beautiful that he named it Cabo Fermoso, + the Beautiful Cape, “so green and so beautiful,” he says, “like all the + other things and lands of these islands, that I do not know where to go + first, nor can I weary my eyes with seeing such beautiful verdure and so + different from ours. And I believe that there are in them many herbs and + many trees, which are of great value in Spain for dyes (or tinctures) and + for medicines of spicery. But I do not know them, which I greatly regret. + And as I came here to this cape there came such a good and sweet odor of + flowers or trees from the land that it was the sweetest thing in the + world.” + </p> + <p> + He heard that there was a king in the interior who wore clothes and much + gold, and though, as he says, the Indians had so little gold that whatever + small quantity of it the king wore it would appear large to them, he + decided to visit him the next day. He did not do so, however, as he found + the water too shallow in his immediate neighborhood, and then had not + enough wind to go on, except at night. + </p> + <p> + Sunday morning, October 21, he anchored, apparently more to the west, and + after having dined, landed. He found but one house, from which the + inhabitants were absent; he directed that nothing in it should be touched. + He speaks again of the great beauty of the island, even greater than that + of the others he had seen. “The singing of the birds,” he says, “seems as + if a man would never seek to leave this place, and the flocks of parrots + which darken the sun, and fowls and birds of so many kinds and so + different from ours that it is wonderful. And then there are trees of a + thousand sorts, and all with fruit of their kinds. And all have such an + odor that it is wonderful, so that I am the most afflicted man in the + world not to know them.” + </p> + <p> + They killed a serpent in one of the lakes upon this island, which Las + Casas says is the Guana, or what we call the Iguana. + </p> + <p> + In seeking for good water, the Spaniards found a town, from which the + inhabitants were going to fly. But some of them rallied, and one of them + approached the visitors. Columbus gave him some little bells and glass + beads, with which he was much pleased. The Admiral asked him for water, + and they brought it gladly to the shore in calabashes. + </p> + <p> + He still wished to see the king of whom the Indians had spoken, but meant + afterward to go to “another very great island, which I believe must be + Cipango, which they call Colba.” This is probably a mistake in the + manuscript for Cuba, which is what is meant. It continues, “and to that + other island which they call Bosio” (probably Bohio) “and the others which + are on the way, I will see these in passing. * * * But still, I am + determined to go to the mainland and to the city of Quisay and to give + your Highnesses’ letters to the Grand Khan, and seek a reply and come back + with it.” + </p> + <p> + He remained at this island during the twenty-second and twenty-third of + October, waiting first for the king, who did not appear, and then for a + favorable wind. “To sail round these islands,” he says, “one needs many + sorts of wind, and it does not blow as men would like.” At midnight, + between the twenty-third and twenty-fourth, he weighed anchor in order to + start for Cuba. + </p> + <p> + “I have heard these people say that it was very large and of great + traffic,” he says, “and that there were in it gold and spices, and great + ships and merchants. And they showed me that I should go to it by the + west-southwest, and I think so. For I think that if I may trust the signs + which all the Indians of these islands have made me, and those whom I am + carrying in the ships, for by the tongue I do not understand them, it + (Cuba) is the Island of Cipango,(*) of which wonderful things are told, + and on the globes which I have seen and in the painted maps, it is in this + district.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (*) This was the name the old geographers gave to Japan. +</pre> + <p> + The next day they saw seven or eight islands, which are supposed to be the + eastern and southern keys of the Grand Bank of Bahama. He anchored to the + south of them on the twenty-sixth of October, and on the next day sailed + once more for Cuba. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday, October 28, he arrived there, in what is now called the Puerto + de Nipe; he named it the Puerto de San Salvador. Here, as he went on, he + was again charmed by the beautiful country. He found palms “of another + sort,” says Las Casas, “from those of Guinea, and from ours.” He found the + island the “most beautiful which eyes have seen, full of very good ports + and deep rivers,” and that apparently the sea is never rough there, as the + grass grows down to the water’s edge. This greenness to the sea’s edge is + still observed there. “Up till that time,” says Las Casas, “he had not + experienced in all these islands that the sea was rough.” He had occasion + to learn about it later. He mentions also that the island is mountainous. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. — LANDING ON CUBA + </h2> + <p> + —THE CIGAR AND TOBACCO—CIPANGO AND THE GREAT KHAN—FROM + CUBA TO HAYTI—ITS SHORES AND HARBORS. + </p> + <p> + When Columbus landed, at some distance farther along the coast, he found + the best houses he had yet seen, very large, like pavilions, and very neat + within; not in streets but set about here and there. They were all built + of palm branches. Here were dogs which never barked (supposed to be the + almiqui), wild birds tamed in the houses and “wonderful arrangements of + nets,(*) and fish-hooks and fishing apparatus. There were also carved + masks and other images. Not a thing was touched.” The inhabitants had + fled. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (*) These were probably hammocks. +</pre> + <p> + He went on to the northwest, and saw a cape which he named Cabo de Palmas. + The Indians on board the Pinta said that beyond this cape was a river and + that at four days’ journey from this was what they called “Cuba.” Now they + had been coasting along the Island of Cuba for two or three days. But + Martin Pinzon, the captain of the Pinta, understood this Cuba to be a + city, and that this land was the mainland, running far to the north. + Columbus until he died believed that it was the mainland. + </p> + <p> + Martin Pinzon also understood that the king of that land was at war with + the Grand Khan, whom they called Cami. The Admiral determined to go to the + river the Indians mentioned, and to send to the king the letter of the + sovereigns. He meant to send with it a sailor who had been to Guinea, and + some of the Guanahani Indians. He was encouraged, probably, by the name of + Carni, in thinking that he was really near the Grand Khan. + </p> + <p> + He did not, however, send off these messengers at once, as the wind and + the nature of the coast proved unfit for his going up the river the + Indians had spoken of. He went back to the town where he had been two days + before. + </p> + <p> + Once more he found that the people had fled, but “after a good while a man + appeared,” and the Admiral sent ashore one of the Indians he had with him. + This man shouted to the Indians on shore that they must not be afraid, as + these were good people, and did harm to no man, nor did they belong to the + Grand Khan, but they gave, of what they had, in many islands where they + had been. He now jumped into the sea and swam ashore, and two of the + inhabitants took him in their arms and brought him to a house where they + asked him questions. When he had reassured them, they began to come out to + the ships in their canoes, with “spun cotton and others of their little + things.” But the Admiral commanded that nothing should be taken from them, + so that they might know that he was seeking nothing but gold, or, as they + called it, nucay. + </p> + <p> + He saw no gold here, but one of them had a piece of wrought silver hanging + to his nose. They made signs, that before three days many merchants would + come from the inland country to trade with the Spaniards, and that they + would bring news from the king, who, according to their signs, was four + days’ journey away. “And it is certain” says the Admiral, “that this is + the mainland, and that I am before Zayto and Quinsay, a hundred leagues + more or less from both of them, and this is clearly shown by the tide, + which comes in a different manner from that in which it has done up to + this time; and yesterday when I went to the northwest I found that it was + cold.” + </p> + <p> + Always supposing that he was near Japan, which they called Cipango, + Columbus continued to sail along the northern coast of Cuba and explored + about half that shore. He then returned to the east, governed by the + assurances of the natives that on an island named Babegue he would find + men who used hammers with which to beat gold into ingots. This gold, as he + understood them, was collected on the shore at night, while the people + lighted up the darkness with candles. + </p> + <p> + At the point where he turned back, he had hauled his ships up on the shore + to repair them. From this point, on the second of November, he sent two + officers inland, one of whom was a Jew, who knew Chaldee, Hebrew and a + little Arabic, in the hope that they should find some one who could speak + these languages. With them went one of the Guanahani Indians, and one from + the neighborhood. + </p> + <p> + They returned on the night between the fifth and sixth of November. Twelve + leagues off they had found a village of about fifty large houses, made in + the form of tents. This village had about a thousand inhabitants, + according to the explorers. They had received the ambassadors with cordial + kindness, believing that they had descended from heaven. + </p> + <p> + They even took them in their arms and thus carried them to the finest + house of all. They gave them seats, and then sat round them on the ground + in a circle. They kissed their feet and hands, and touched them, to make + sure whether they were really men of flesh and bone. + </p> + <p> + It was on this expedition that the first observation was made of that gift + of America to the world, which has worked its way so deep and far into + general use. They met men and women who “carried live coals, so as to draw + into their mouths the smoke of burning herbs.” This was the account of the + first observers. But Las Casas says that the dry herbs were wrapped in + another leaf as dry. He says that “they lighted one end of the little + stick thus formed, and sucked in or absorbed the smoke by the other, with + which,” he says, “they put their flesh to sleep, and it nearly intoxicates + them, and thus they say that they feel no fatigue. These mosquetes, as we + should call them, they call tobacos. I knew Spaniards on this Island of + Hispaniola who were accustomed to take them, who, on being reproved for it + as a vice, replied that it was not in their power (in their hand) to leave + off taking them. I do not know what savour or profit they found in them.” + This is clearly a cigar. + </p> + <p> + The third or fourth of November, then, 1892, with the addition of nine + days to change the style from old to new, may be taken by lovers of + tobacco as the fourth centennial of the day when Europeans first learned + the use of the cigar. + </p> + <p> + On the eleventh of November the repairs were completed. + </p> + <p> + He says that the Sunday before, November 11 it had seemed to him that it + would be good to take some persons, from those of that river, to carry to + the sovereigns, so that “they might learn our tongue, so as to know what + there is in the country, and so that when they come back they may be + tongues to the Christians, and receive our customs and the things of the + faith. Because I saw and know,” says the Admiral, “that this people has no + religion (secta) nor are they idolaters, but very mild and without knowing + what evil is, nor how to kill others, nor how to take them, and without + arms, and so timorous that from one of our men ten of them fly, although + they do sport with them, and ready to believe and knowing that there is a + God in heaven, and sure that we have come from heaven; and very ready at + any prayer which we tell them to repeat, and they make the sign of the + cross. + </p> + <p> + “So your Highnesses should determine to make them Christians, for I + believe that if they begin, in a short time they will have accomplished + converting to our holy faith a multitude of towns.” “Without doubt there + are in these lands the greatest quantities of gold, for not without cause + do these Indians whom I am bringing say that there are places in these + isles where they dig out gold and wear it on their necks, in their ears + and on their arms and legs, and the bracelets are very thick. + </p> + <p> + “And also there are stones and precious pearls, and unnumbered spices. And + in this Rio de Mares, from which I departed last night, without doubt + there is the greatest quantity of mastic, and there might be more if more + were desired. For the trees, if planted, take root, and there are many of + them and very great and they have the leaf like a lentisk, and their + fruit, except that the trees and the fruit are larger, is such as Pliny + describes, and I have seen in the Island of Chios in the Archipelago. + </p> + <p> + “And I had many of these trees tapped to see if they would send out resin, + so as to draw it out. And as it rained all the time I was at the said + river, I could not get any of it, except a very little which I am bringing + to your Highnesses. And besides, it may be that it is not the time to tap + them, for I believe that this should be done at the time when the trees + begin to leave out from the winter and seek to send out their flowers, and + now they have the fruit nearly ripe. + </p> + <p> + “And also here there might be had a great store of cotton, and I believe + that it might be sold very well here without taking it to Spain, in the + great cities of the Great Khan, which will doubtless be discovered, and + many others of other lords, who will then have to serve your Highnesses. + And here will be given them other things from Spain, from the lands of the + East, since these are ours in the West. + </p> + <p> + “And here there is also aloes everywhere, although this is not a thing to + make great account of, but the mastic should be well considered, because + it is not found except in the said island of Chios, and I believe that + they get from it quite 50,000 ducats if I remember aright. And this is the + best harbor which I have seen thus far—deep and easy of access, so + that this would be a good place for a large town.” + </p> + <p> + The notes in Columbus’s journals are of the more interest and value, + because they show his impressions at the moment when he wrote. However + mistaken those impressions, he never corrects them afterwards. Although, + while he was in Cuba, he never found the Grand Khan, he never recalls the + hopes which he has expressed. + </p> + <p> + He had discovered the island on its northern side by sailing southwest + from the Lucayos or Bahamas. From the eleventh of November until the sixth + of December he was occupied in coasting along the northern shore, + eventually returning eastward, when he crossed the channel which parts + Cuba from Hayti. + </p> + <p> + The first course was east, a quarter southeast, and on the sixteenth, they + entered Port-au-Prince, and took possession, raising a cross there. At + Port-au-Prince, to his surprise, he found on a point of rock two large + logs, mortised into each other in the shape of a cross, so “that you would + have said a carpenter could not have proportioned them better.” + </p> + <p> + On the nineteenth the course was north-northeast; on the twenty-first they + took a course south, a quarter southwest, seeking in these changes the + island of “Babeque,” which the Indians had spoken of as rich with gold. On + the day last named Pinzon left the Admiral in the Pinta, and they did not + meet again for more than a month. + </p> + <p> + Columbus touched at various points on Cuba and the neighboring islands. He + sought, without success, for pearls, and always pressed his inquiries for + gold. He was determined to find the island of Bohio, greatly to the terror + of the poor Indians, whom he had on board: they said that its natives had + but one eye, in the middle of their foreheads, and that they were well + armed and ate their prisoners. + </p> + <p> + He landed in the bay of Moa, and then, keeping near the coast, sailed + towards the Capo del Pico, now called Cape Vacz. At Puerto Santo he was + detained some days by bad weather. On the fourth of December he continued + his eastward voyage, and on the next day saw far off the mountains of + Hayti, which was the Bohio he sought for. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. — DISCOVERY OF HAYTI OR HISPANIOLA + </h2> + <p> + —THE SEARCH FOR GOLD—HOSPITALITY AND INTELLIGENCE OF THE + NATIVES—CHRISTMAS DAY—A SHIPWRECK—COLONY TO BE FOUNDED—COLUMBUS + SAILS EAST AND MEETS MARTIN PINZON—THE TWO VESSELS RETURN TO EUROPE + —STORM—THE AZORES—PORTUGAL—HOME. + </p> + <p> + On the sixth of December they crossed from the eastern cape of Cuba to the + northwestern point of the island, which we call Hayti or San Domingo. He + says he gave it this name because “the plains appeared to him almost + exactly like those of Castile, but yet more beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + He coasted eastward along the northern side of the island, hoping that it + might be the continent, and always inquiring for gold when he landed; but + the Indians, as before, referred him to yet another land, still further + south, which they still called Bohio. It was not surrounded by water, they + said. The word “caniba,” which is the origin of our word “cannibal,” and + refers to the fierce Caribs, came often into their talk. The sound of the + syllable can made Columbus more sure that he was now approaching the + dominions of the Grand Khan of eastern Asia, of whom Marco Polo had + informed Europe so fully. + </p> + <p> + On the twelfth of the month, after a landing in which a cross had been + erected, three sailors went inland, pursuing the Indians. They captured a + young woman whom they brought to the fleet. She wore a large ring of gold + in her nose. She was able to understand the other Indians whom they had on + board. Columbus dressed her, gave her some imitation pearls, rings and + other finery, and then put her on shore with three Indians and three of + his own men. + </p> + <p> + The men returned the next day without going to the Indian village. + Columbus then sent out nine men, with an Indian, who found a town of a + thousand huts about four and a half leagues from the ship. They thought + the population was three thousand. The village in Cuba is spoken of as + having twenty people to a house. Here the houses were smaller or the count + of the numbers extravagant. The people approached the explorers carefully, + and with tokens of respect. Soon they gained confidence and brought out + food for them: fish, and bread made from roots, “which tasted exactly as + if it were made of chestnuts.” + </p> + <p> + In the midst of this festival, the woman, who had been sent back from the + ship so graciously, appeared borne on the shoulders of men who were led by + her husband. + </p> + <p> + The Spaniards thought these natives of St. Domingo much whiter than those + of the other islands. Columbus says that two of the women, if dressed in + Castilian costume, would be counted to be Spaniards. He says that the heat + of the country is intense, and that if these people lived in a cooler + region they would be of lighter color. + </p> + <p> + On the fourteenth of December he continued his voyage eastward, and on the + fifteenth landed on the little island north of Hayti, which he called + Tortuga, or Turtle island. At midnight on the sixteenth he sailed, and + landed on Hispaniola again. Five hundred Indians met him, accompanied by + their king, a fine young man of about twenty years of age. He had around + him several counselors, one of whom appeared to be his tutor. To the + steady questions where gold could be found, the reply as steady was made + that it was in “the Island of Babeque.” This island, they said, was only + two days off, and they pointed out the route. The interview ended in an + offer by the king to the Admiral of all that he had. The explorers never + found this mysterious Babeque, unless, as Bishop Las Casas guessed, + Babeque and Jamaica be the same. + </p> + <p> + The king visited Columbus on his ship in the evening, and Columbus + entertained him with European food. With so cordial a beginning of + intimacy, it was natural that the visitors should spend two or three days + with these people. The king would not believe that any sovereigns of + Castile could be more powerful than the men he saw. He and those around + him all believed that they came direct from heaven. + </p> + <p> + Columbus was always asking for gold. He gave strict orders that it should + always be paid for, when it was taken. To the islanders it was merely a + matter of ornament, and they gladly exchanged it for the glass beads, the + rings or the bells, which seemed to them more ornamental. One of the + caciques or chiefs, evidently a man of distinction and authority, had + little bits of gold which he exchanged for pieces of glass. It proved that + he had clipped them off from a larger piece, and he went back into his + cabin, cut that to pieces, and then exchanged all those in trade for the + white man’s commodities. Well pleased with his bargain, he then told the + Spaniards that he would go and get much more and would come and trade with + them again. + </p> + <p> + On the eighteenth of December, the wind not serving well, they waited the + return of the chief whom they had first seen. In the afternoon he + appeared, seated in a palanquin, which was carried by four men, and + escorted by more than two hundred of his people. He was accompanied by a + counselor and preceptor who did not leave him. He came on board the ship + when Columbus was at table. He would not permit him to leave his place, + and readily took a seat at his side, when it was offered. Columbus offered + him European food and drink; he tasted of each, and then gave what was + offered to his attendants. The ceremonious Spaniards found a remarkable + dignity in his air and gestures. After the repast, one of his servants + brought a handsome belt, elegantly wrought, which he presented to + Columbus, with two small pieces of gold, also delicately wrought. + </p> + <p> + Columbus observed that this cacique looked with interest on the hangings + of his ship-bed, and made a present of them to him, in return for his + offering, with some amber beads from his own neck, some red shoes and a + flask of orange flower water. + </p> + <p> + On the nineteenth, after these agreeable hospitalities, the squadron + sailed again, and on the twentieth arrived at a harbor which Columbus + pronounced the finest he had ever seen. The reception he met here and the + impressions he formed of Hispaniola determined him to make a colony on + that island. It may be said that on this determination the course of his + after life turned. This harbor is now known as the Bay of Azul. + </p> + <p> + The men, whom he sent on shore, found a large village not far from the + shore, where they were most cordially received. The natives begged the + Europeans to stay with them, and as it proved, Columbus accepted the + invitation for a part of his crew. On the first day three different chiefs + came to visit him, in a friendly way, with their retinues. The next day + more than a hundred and twenty canoes visited the ship, bringing with them + such presents as the people thought would be acceptable. Among these were + bread from the cassava root, fish, water in earthen jars, and the seeds of + spices. These spices they would stir in with water to make a drink which + they thought healthful. + </p> + <p> + On the same day Columbus sent an embassy of six men to a large town in the + interior. The chief by giving his hand “to the secretary” pledged himself + for their safe return. + </p> + <p> + The twenty-third was Sunday. It was spent as the day before had been, in + mutual civilities. The natives would offer their presents, and say “take, + take,” in their own language. Five chiefs were among the visitors of the + day. From their accounts Columbus was satisfied that there was much gold + in the island, as indeed, to the misery and destruction of its + inhabitants, there proved to be. He thought it was larger than England. + But he was mistaken. In his journal of the next day he mentions Civao, a + land to the west, where they told him that there was gold, and again he + thought he was approaching Cipango, or Japan. + </p> + <p> + The next day he left these hospitable people, raising anchor in the + morning, and with a light land wind continued towards the west. At eleven + in the evening Columbus retired to rest. While he slept, on Christmas Day, + there occurred an accident which changed all plans for the expedition so + far as any had been formed, and from which there followed the + establishment of the ill-fated first colony. The evening was calm when + Columbus himself retired to sleep, and the master of the vessel followed + his example, entrusting the helm to one of the boys. Every person on the + ship, excepting this boy, was asleep, and he seems to have been awake to + little purpose. + </p> + <p> + The young steersman let the ship drift upon a ridge of rock, although, as + Columbus says, indignantly, there were breakers abundant to show the + danger. So soon as she struck, the boy cried out, and Columbus was the + first to wake. He says, by way of apology for himself, that for thirty-six + hours he had not slept until now. The master of the ship followed him. But + it was too late. The tide, such as there was, was ebbing, and the Santa + Maria was hopelessly aground. Columbus ordered the masts cut away, but + this did not relieve her. + </p> + <p> + He sent out his boat with directions to carry aft an anchor and cable, but + its crew escaped to the Nina with their tale of disaster. The Nina’s + people would not receive them, reproached them as traitors, and in their + own vessel came to the scene of danger. Columbus was obliged to transfer + to her the crew of the Santa Maria. + </p> + <p> + So soon as it was day, their friendly ally, Guacanagari, came on board. + With tears in his eyes, he made the kindest and most judicious offers of + assistance. He saw Columbus’s dejection, and tried to relieve him by + expressions of his sympathy. He set aside on shore two large houses to + receive the stores that were on the Santa Maria, and appointed as many + large canoes as could be used to remove these stores to the land. He + assured Columbus that not a bit of the cargo or stores should be lost, and + this loyal promise was fulfilled to the letter. + </p> + <p> + The weather continued favorable. The sea was so light that everything on + board the Santa Maria was removed safely. Then it was that Columbus, + tempted by the beauty of the place, by the friendship of the natives, and + by the evident wishes of his men, determined to leave a colony, which + should be supported by the stores of the Santa Maria, until the rest of + the party could go back to Spain and bring or send reinforcements. The + king was well pleased with this suggestion, and promised all assistance + for the plan. A vault was dug and built, in which the stores could be + placed, and on this a house was built for the home of the colonists, so + far as they cared to live within doors. + </p> + <p> + The chief sent a canoe in search of Martin Pinzon and the Pinta, to tell + them of the disaster. But the messengers returned without finding them. At + the camp, which was to be a city, all was industriously pressed, with the + assistance of the friendly natives. Columbus, having no vessel but the + little Nina left, determined to return to Europe with the news of his + discovery, and to leave nearly forty men ashore. + </p> + <p> + It would appear that the men, themselves, were eager to stay. The luxury + of the climate and the friendly overtures of the people delighted them, + They had no need to build substantial houses. So far as houses were + needed, those of the natives were sufficient. All the preparations which + Columbus thought necessary were made in the week between the twenty-sixth + of December and the second of January. On that day he expected to sail + eastward, but unfavorable winds prevented. + </p> + <p> + He landed his men again, and by the exhibition of a pretended battle with + European arms, he showed the natives the military force of their new + neighbors. He fired a shot from an arquebuse against the wreck of the + Santa Maria, so that the Indians might see the power of his artillery. The + Indian chief expressed his regret at the approaching departure, and the + Spaniards thought that one of his courtiers said that the chief had + ordered him to make a statue of pure gold as large as the Admiral. + </p> + <p> + Columbus explained to the friendly chief that with such arms as the + sovereigns of Castile commanded they could readily destroy the dreaded + Caribs. And he thought he had made such an impression that the islanders + would be the firm friends of the colonists. + </p> + <p> + “I have bidden them build a solid tower and defense, over a vault. Not + that I think this necessary against the natives, for I am satisfied that + with a handful of people I could conquer the whole island, were it + necessary, although it is, as far as I can judge, larger than Portugal, + and twice as thickly peopled.” In this cheerful estimate of the people + Columbus was wholly wrong, as the sad events proved before the year had + gone by. + </p> + <p> + He left thirty-nine men to be the garrison of this fort; and the colony + which was to discover the mine of gold. In command he placed Diego da + Arana, Pedro Gutierres and Rodrigo de Segovia. To us, who have more + experience of colonies and colonists than he had had, it does not seem to + promise well that Rodrigo was “the king’s chamberlain and an officer of + the first lord of the household.” Of these three, Diego da Arana was to be + the governor, and the other two his lieutenants. The rest were all + sailors, but among them there were Columbus’s secretary, an alguazil, or + person commissioned in the civil service at home, an “arquebusier,” who + was also a good engineer, a tailor, a ship carpenter, a cooper and a + physician. So the little colony had its share of artificers and men of + practical skill. They all staid willingly, delighted with the prospects of + their new home. + </p> + <p> + On the third of January Columbus sailed for Europe in the little Nina. + With her own crew and the addition she received from the Santa Maria, she + must have been badly crowded. Fortunately for all parties, on Sunday, the + third day of the voyage, while they were still in sight of land, the Pinta + came in sight. Martin Pinzon came on board the Nina and offered excuses + for his absence. Columbus was not really satisfied with them, but he + affected to be, as this was no moment for a quarrel. He believed that + Pinzon had left him, that, in the Pinta, he might be alone when he + discovered the rich gold-bearing island of Babeque or Baneque. Although + the determination was made to return, another week was spent in slow + coasting, or in waiting for wind. It brought frequent opportunities for + meeting the natives, in one of which they showed a desire to take some of + their visitors captive. This would only have been a return for a capture + made by Pinzon of several of their number, whom Columbus, on his meeting + Pinzon, had freed. In this encounter two of the Indians were wounded, one + by a sword, one by an arrow. It would seem that he did not show them the + power of firearms. + </p> + <p> + This was in the Bay of Samana, which Columbus called “The Bay of Arrows,” + from the skirmish or quarrel which took place there. They then sailed + sixty-four miles cast, a quarter northeast, and thought they saw the land + of the Caribs, which he was seeking. But here, at length, his authority + over his crew failed. The men were eager to go home;—did not, + perhaps, like the idea of fight with the man-eating Caribs. There was a + good western wind, and on the evening of the sixteenth of January Columbus + gave way and they bore away for home. + </p> + <p> + Columbus had satisfied himself in this week that there were many islands + east of him which he had not hit upon, and that to the easternmost of + these, from the Canaries, the distance would prove not more than four + hundred leagues. In this supposition he was wholly wrong, though a chain + of islands does extend to the southeast. + </p> + <p> + He seems to have observed the singular regularity by which the trade winds + bore him steadily westward as he came over. He had no wish to visit the + Canary Islands again, and with more wisdom than could have been expected, + from his slight knowledge of the Atlantic winds, he bore north. Until the + fourteenth of February the voyage was prosperous and uneventful. One day + the captive Indians amused the sailors by swimming. There is frequent + mention of the green growth of the Sargasso sea. But on the fourteenth all + this changed. The simple journal thus describes the terrible tempest which + endangered the two vessels, and seemed, at the moment, to cut off the hope + of their return to Europe. + </p> + <p> + “Monday, February 14.—This night the wind increased still more; the + waves were terrible. Coming from two opposite directions, they crossed + each other, and stopped the progress of the vessel, which could neither + proceed nor get out from among them; and as they began continually to + break over the ship, the Admiral caused the main-sail to be lowered. She + proceeded thus during three hours, and made twenty miles. The sea became + heavier and heavier, and the wind more and more violent. Seeing the danger + imminent, he allowed himself to drift in whatever direction the wind took + him, because he could do nothing else. Then the Pinta, of which Martin + Alonzo Pinzon was the commander, began to drift also; but she disappeared + very soon, although all through the night the Admiral made signals with + lights to her, and she answered as long as she could, till she was + prevented, probably by the force of the tempest, and by her deviation from + the course which the Admiral followed.” Columbus did not see the Pinta + again until she arrived at Palos. He was himself driven fifty-four miles + towards the northeast. + </p> + <p> + The journal continues. “After sunrise the strength of the wind increased, + and the sea became still more terrible. The Admiral all this time kept his + mainsail lowered, so that the vessel might rise from among the waves which + washed over it, and which threatened to sink it. The Admiral followed, at + first, the direction of east-northeast, and afterwards due northeast. He + sailed about six hours in this direction, and thus made seven leagues and + a half. He gave orders that every sailor should draw lots as to who should + make a pilgrimage to Santa Maria of Guadeloupe, to carry her a five-pound + wax candle. And each one took a vow that he to whom the lot fell should + make the pilgrimage. + </p> + <p> + “For this purpose, he gave orders to take as many dry peas as there were + persons in the ship, and to cut, with a knife, a cross upon one of them, + and to put them all into a cap, and to shake them up well. The first who + put his hand in was the Admiral. He drew out the dry pea marked with the + cross; so it was upon him that the lot fell, and he regarded himself, + after that, as a pilgrim, obliged to carry into effect the vow which he + had thus taken. They drew lots a second time, to select a person to go as + pilgrim to Our Lady of Lorette, which is within the boundaries of Ancona, + making a part of the States of the Church: it is a place where the Holy + Virgin has worked and continues to work many and great miracles. The lot + having fallen this time upon a sailor of the harbor of Santa Maria, named + Pedro de Villa, the Admiral promised to give him all the money necessary + for the expenses. He decided that a third pilgrim should be sent to watch + one night at Santa Clara of Moguer, and to have a mass said there. For + this purpose, they again shook up the dry peas, not forgetting that one + which was marked with the cross, and the lot fell once again to the + Admiral himself. He then took, as did all his crew, the vow that, on the + first shore which they might reach, they would go in their shirts, in a + procession, to make a prayer in some church in invocation of Our Lady.” + </p> + <p> + “Besides the general vows, or those taken by all in common, each man made + his own special vow, because nobody expected to escape. The storm which + they experienced was so terrible, that all regarded themselves as lost; + what increased the danger was the circumstance that the vessel lacked + ballast, because the consumption of food, water and wine had greatly + diminished her load. The hope of the continuance of weather as fine as + that which they had experienced in all the islands, was the reason why the + Admiral had not provided his vessel with the proper amount of ballast. + Moreover, his plan had been to ballast it in the Women’s Island, whither + he had from the first determined to go. The remedy which the Admiral + employed was to fill with sea water, as soon as possible, all the empty + barrels which had previously held either wine or fresh water. In this way + the difficulty was remedied. + </p> + <p> + “The Admiral tells here the reasons for fearing that our Saviour would + allow him to become the victim of this tempest, and other reasons which + made him hope that God would come to his assistance, and cause him to + arrive safe and sound, so that intelligence such as that which he was + conveying to the king and queen would not perish with him. The strong + desire which he had to be the bearer of intelligence so important, and to + prove the truth of all which he had said, and that all which he had tried + to discover had really been discovered, seemed to contribute precisely to + inspire him with the greatest fear that he could not succeed. He + confessed, himself, that every mosquito that passed before his eyes was + enough to annoy and trouble him. He attributed this to his little faith, + and his lack of confidence in Divine Providence. On the other hand, he was + re-animated by the favors which God had shown him in granting to him so + great a triumph as that which he had achieved, in all his discoveries, in + fulfilling all his wishes, and in granting that, after having experienced + in Castile so many rebuffs and disappointments, all his hopes should at + last be more than surpassed. In one word, as the sovereign master of the + universe, had, in the outset, distinguished him in granting all his + requests, before he had carried out his expedition for God’s greatest + glory, and before it had succeeded, he was compelled to believe now that + God would preserve him to complete the work which he had begun.” Such is + Las Casas’s abridgment of Columbus’s words. + </p> + <p> + “For which reasons he said he ought to have had no fear of the tempest + that was raging. But his weakness and anguish did not leave him a moment’s + calm. He also said that his greatest grief was the thought of leaving his + two boys orphans. They were at Cordova, at their studies. What would + become of them in a strange land, without father or mother? for the king + and queen, being ignorant of the services he had rendered them in this + voyage, and of the good news which he was bringing to them, would not be + bound by any consideration to serve as their protectors. + </p> + <p> + “Full of this thought, he sought, even in the storm, some means of + apprising their highnesses of the victory which the Lord had granted him, + in permitting him to discover in the Indies all which he had sought in his + voyage, and to let them know that these coasts were free from storms, + which is proved, he said, by the growth of herbage and trees even to the + edge of the sea. With this purpose, that, if he perished in this tempest, + the king and queen might have some news of his voyage, he took a parchment + and wrote on it all that he could of his discoveries, and urgently begged + that whoever found it would carry it to the king and queen. He rolled up + this parchment in a piece of waxed linen, closed this parcel tightly, and + tied it up securely; he had brought to him a large wooden barrel, within + which he placed it, without anybody’s knowing what it was. Everybody + thought the proceeding was some act of devotion. He then caused it to be + thrown into the sea.” (*) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (*) Within a few months, in the summer of 1890, a well known + English publisher has issued an interesting and ingenious + edition, of what pretended to be a facsimile of this + document. The reader is asked to believe that the lost + barrel has just now been found on the western coast of + England. But publishers and purchasers know alike that this + is only an amusing suggestion of what might have been. +</pre> + <p> + The sudden and heavy showers, and the squalls which followed some time + afterwards, changed the wind, which turned to the west. They had the wind + thus abaft, and he sailed thus during five hours with the foresail only, + having always the troubled sea, and made at once two leagues and a half + towards the northeast. He had lowered the main topmast lest a wave might + carry it away. + </p> + <p> + With a heavy wind astern, so that the sea frequently broke over the little + Nina, she made eastward rapidly, and at daybreak on the fifteenth they saw + land. The Admiral knew that he had made the Azores, he had been steadily + directing the course that way; some of the seamen thought they were at + Madeira, and some hopeful ones thought they saw the rock of Cintra in + Portugal. Columbus did not land till the eighteenth, when he sent some men + on shore, upon the island of Santa Maria. His news of discovery was at + first received with enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + But there followed a period of disagreeable negotiation with Castaneda, + the governor of the Azores. Pretending great courtesy and hospitality, but + really acting upon the orders of the king of Portugal, he did his best to + disable Columbus and even seized some of his crew and kept them prisoners + for some days. When Columbus once had them on board again, he gave up his + plans for taking ballast and water on these inhospitable islands, and + sailed for Europe. + </p> + <p> + He had again a stormy passage. Again they were in imminent danger. “But + God was good enough to save him. He caused the crew to draw lots to send + to Notre Dame de la Cintra, at the island of Huelva, a pilgrim who should + come there in his shirt. The lot fell upon himself. All the crew, + including the Admiral, vowed to fast on bread and water on the first + Saturday which should come after the arrival of the vessel. He had + proceeded sixty miles before the sails were torn; then they went under + masts and shrouds on account of the unusual strength of the wind, and the + roughness of the sea, which pressed them almost on all sides. They saw + indications of the nearness of the land; they were in fact, very near + Lisbon.” + </p> + <p> + At Lisbon, after a reception which was at first cordial, the Portuguese + officers showed an inhospitality like that of Castaneda at the Azores. But + the king himself showed more dignity and courtesy. He received the + storm-tossed Admiral with distinction, and permitted him to refit his + shattered vessel with all he needed. Columbus took this occasion to write + to his own sovereigns. + </p> + <p> + On the thirteenth he sailed again, and on the fifteenth entered the bay + and harbor of Palos, which he had left six months and a half before. He + had sailed on Friday. He had discovered America on Friday. And on Friday + he safely returned to his home. + </p> + <p> + His journal of the voyage ends with these words: “I see by this voyage + that God has wonderfully proved what I say, as anybody may convince + himself, by reading this narrative, by the signal wonders which he has + worked during the course of my voyage, and in favor of myself, who have + been for so long a time at the court of your Highnesses in opposition and + contrary to the opinions of so many distinguished personages of your + household, who all opposed me, treating my project as a dream, and my + undertaking as a chimera. And I hope still, nevertheless, in our Lord, + this voyage will bring the greatest honor to Christianity, although it has + been performed with so much ease.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. — COLUMBUS IS CALLED TO MEET THE KING AND QUEEN + </h2> + <p> + —HIS MAGNIFICENT RECEPTION—NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE POPE AND WITH + THE KING OF PORTUGAL—SECOND EXPEDITION ORDERED—FONSECA—THE + PREPARATIONS AT CADIZ. + </p> + <p> + The letter which Columbus sent from Lisbon to the king and queen was + everywhere published. It excited the enthusiasm first of Spain and then of + the world. This letter found in the earlier editions is now one of the + most choice curiosities of libraries. Well it may be, for it is the first + public announcement of the greatest event of modern history. + </p> + <p> + Ferdinand and Isabella directed him to wait upon them at once at court. It + happened that they were then residing at Barcelona, on the eastern coast + of Spain, so that the journey required to fulfill their wishes carried him + quite across the kingdom. It was a journey of triumph. The people came + together in throngs to meet this peaceful conqueror who brought with him + such amazing illustrations of his discovery. + </p> + <p> + The letter bearing instructions for him to proceed to Barcelona was + addressed “To Don Christopher Columbus, our Admiral of the Ocean Sea, + Viceroy and Governor of the islands discovered in the Indies.” So far was + he now raised above the rank of a poor adventurer, who had for seven years + attended the court in its movements, seeking an opportunity to explain his + proposals. + </p> + <p> + As he approached Barcelona he was met by a large company of people, + including many persons of rank. A little procession was formed of the + party of the Admiral. Six Indians of the islands who had survived the + voyage, led the way. They were painted according to their custom in + various colors, and ornamented with the fatal gold of their countries, + which had given to the discovery such interest in the eyes of those who + looked on. + </p> + <p> + Columbus had brought ten Indians away with him, but one had died on the + voyage and he had left three sick at Palos. Those whom he brought to + Barcelona, were baptized in presence of the king and queen. + </p> + <p> + After the Indians, were brought many curious objects which had come from + the islands, such as stuffed birds and beasts and living paroquets, which + perhaps spoke in the language of their own country, and rare plants, so + different from those of Spain. Ornaments of gold were displayed, which + would give the people some idea of the wealth of the islands. Last of all + came Columbus, elegantly mounted and surrounded by a brilliant cavalcade + of young Spaniards. The crowd of wondering people pressed around them. + Balconies and windows were crowded with women looking on. Even the roofs + were crowded with spectators. + </p> + <p> + The king and queen awaited Columbus in a large hall, where they were + seated on a rich dais covered with gold brocade. It was in the palace + known as the “Casa de la Deputacion” which the kings of Aragon made their + residence when they were in Barcelona. A body of the most distinguished + lords and ladies of Spain were in attendance. As Columbus entered the hall + the king and queen arose. He fell on his knee that he might kiss their + hands but they bade him rise and then sit and give an account of his + voyage. + </p> + <p> + Columbus spoke with dignity and simplicity which commanded respect, while + all listened with sympathy. He showed some of the treasures he had + brought, and spoke with certainty of the discoveries which had been made, + as only precursors of those yet to come. When his short narrative was + ended, all the company knelt and united in chanting the “Te Deum,” “We + Praise Thee, O God.” Las Casas, describing the joy and hope of that + occasion says, “it seems as if they had a foretaste of the joys of + paradise.” + </p> + <p> + It would seem as if those whose duty it is to prepare fit celebrations of + the periods of the great discovery, could hardly do better than to produce + on the twenty-fourth of April, 1893, a reproduction of the solemn pageant + in which, in Barcelona, four centuries before, the Spanish court + commemorated the great discovery. + </p> + <p> + From this time, for several weeks, a series of pageants and festivities + surrounded him. At no other period of his life were such honors paid to + him. It was at one of the banquets, at which he was present, that the + incident of the egg, so often told in connection with the great discovery, + took place. A flippant courtier—of that large class of people who + stay at home when great deeds are done, and afterwards depreciate the + doers of them—had the impertinence to ask Columbus, if the adventure + so much praised was not, after all, a very simple matter. He probably said + “a short voyage of four or five weeks; was it anything more?” Columbus + replied by giving him an egg which was on the table, and asking him if he + could stand it on one end. He said he could not, and the other guests said + that they could not. Columbus tapped it on the table so as to break the + end of the shell, and the egg stood erect. “It is easy enough,” he said, + “when any one has shown you how.” + </p> + <p> + It is well to remember, that if after years showed that the ruler of Spain + wearied in his gratitude, Columbus was, at the time, welcomed with the + enthusiasm which he deserved. From the very grains of gold brought home in + this first triumph, the queen, Isabella, had the golden illumination + wrought of a most beautiful missal-book. + </p> + <p> + Distinguished artists decorated the book, and the portraits of sovereigns + then on the throne appear as the representations of King David, King + Solomon, the Queen of Sheba and other royal personages. This book she gave + afterwards to her grandson, Charles V, of whom it has been said that + perhaps no man in modern times has done the world more harm. + </p> + <p> + This precious book, bearing on its gilded leaves the first fruits of + America, is now preserved in the Royal Library at Madrid. + </p> + <p> + The time was not occupied merely in shows and banquets. There was no + difficulty now, about funds for a second expedition. Directions were given + that it might be set forward as quickly as possible, and on an imposing + scale. For it was feared at court that King John of Portugal, the + successful rival of Spain, thus far, in maritime adventure, might + anticipate further discovery. The sovereigns at once sent an embassy to + the pope, not simply to announce the discovery, but to obtain from him a + decree confirming similar discoveries in the same direction. There was at + least one precedent for such action. A former pope had granted to Portugal + all the lands it might discover in Africa, south of Cape Bojador, and the + Spanish crown had assented by treaty to this arrangement. Ferdinand and + Isabella could now refer to this precedent, in asking for a grant to them + of their discoveries on the western side of the Atlantic. The pope now + reigning was Alexander II. He had not long filled the papal chair. He was + an ambitious and prudent sovereign—a native of Spain—and, + although he would gladly have pleased the king of Portugal, he was quite + unwilling to displease the Spanish sovereigns. The Roman court received + with respect the request made to them. The pope expressed his joy at the + hopes thrown out for the conversion of the heathen, which the Spanish + sovereigns had expressed, as Columbus had always done. And so prompt were + the Spanish requests, and so ready the pope’s answer, that as early as May + 3, 1493, a papal bull was issued to meet the wishes of Spain. + </p> + <p> + This bull determined for Spain and for Portugal, that all discoveries made + west of a meridian line one hundred leagues west of the Azores should + belong to Spain. All discoveries east of that line should belong to + Portugal. No reference was made to other maritime powers, and it does not + seem to have been supposed that other states had any rights in such + matters. The line thus arranged for the two nations was changed by their + own agreement, in 1494, for a north and south line three hundred and fifty + leagues west of the Cape de Verde Islands. The difference between the two + lines was not supposed to be important. + </p> + <p> + The decision thus made was long respected. Under a mistaken impression as + to the longitude of the Philippine Islands in the East Indies, Spain has + held those islands, under this line of division, ever since their + discovery by Magellan. She considered herself entitled to all the islands + and lands between the meridian thus drawn in the Atlantic and the similar + meridian one hundred and eighty degrees away, on exactly the other side of + the world. + </p> + <p> + Under the same line of division, Portugal held, for three centuries and + more, Brazil, which projects so far eastward into the Atlantic as to cross + this line of division. + </p> + <p> + Fearful, all the time, that neither the pope’s decree, nor any diplomacy + would prevent the king of Portugal from attempting to seize lands at the + west, the Spanish court pressed with eagerness arrangements for a second + expedition. It was to be on a large and generous scale and to take out a + thousand men. For this was the first plan, though the number afterwards + was increased to fifteen hundred. To give efficiency to all the measures + of colonization, what we should call a new department of administration + was formed, and at the head of it was placed Juan Rodriguez de Fonseca. + </p> + <p> + Fonseca held this high and responsible position for thirty years. He early + conceived a great dislike of Columbus, who, in some transactions before + this expedition sailed, appealed to the sovereigns to set aside a decision + of Fonseca’s, and succeeded. For all the period while he managed the + Indian affairs of Spain, Fonseca kept his own interests in sight more + closely than those of Spain or of the colonists; and not Columbus only, + but every other official of Spain in the West Indies, had reason to regret + the appointment. + </p> + <p> + The king of Portugal and the sovereigns of Spain began complicated and + suspicious negotiations with each other regarding the new discoveries. + Eventually, as has been said, they acceded to the pope’s proposal and + decree. But, at first, distrusting each other, and concealing their real + purposes, in the worst style of the diplomacy of that time, they attempted + treaties for the adjustment between themselves of the right to lands not + yet discovered by either. Of these negotiations, the important result was + that which has been named,—the change of the meridian of division + from that proposed by the pope. It is curious now to see that the king of + Portugal proposed a line of division, which would run east and west, so + that Spain should have the new territories north of the latitude of the + Grand Canary, and Portugal all to the south. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of negotiation, the king and queen and Columbus knew that + whoever was first on the ground of discovery would have the great + advantage. There was a rumor in Spain that Portugal had already sent out + vessels to the west. Everything was pressed with alacrity at Cadiz. The + expedition was to be under Columbus’s absolute command. Seamen of + reputation were engaged to serve under him. Seventeen vessels were to take + out a colony. Horses as well as cattle and other domestic animals were + provided. Seeds and plants of different kinds were sent out, and to this + first colonization by Spain, America owes the sugar-cane, and perhaps some + other of her tropical productions. + </p> + <p> + Columbus remained in Barcelona until the twenty-third of May. But before + that time, the important orders for the expedition had been given. He then + went to Cadiz himself, and gave his personal attention to the + preparations. Applications were eagerly pressed, from all quarters, for + permission to go. Young men of high family were eager to try the great + adventure. It was necessary to enlarge the number from that at first + proposed. The increase of expense, ordered as the plans enlarged, did not + please Fonseca. To quarrels between him and Columbus at this time have + been referred the persecutions which Columbus afterwards suffered. In this + case the king sustained Columbus in all his requisitions, and Fonseca was + obliged to answer them. + </p> + <p> + So rapidly were all these preparations made, that, in a little more than a + year from the sailing of the first expedition, the second, on a scale so + much larger, was ready for sea. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. — THE SECOND EXPEDITION SAILS + </h2> + <p> + —FROM CADIZ AT CANARY ISLANDS—DISCOVERY OF DOMINICA AND + GUADELOUPE—SKIRMISHES WITH THE CARIBS—PORTO RICO DISCOVERED—HISPANIOLA—THE + FATE OF THE COLONY AT LA NAVIDAD. + </p> + <p> + There is not in history a sharper contrast, or one more dramatic, than + that between the first voyage of Columbus and the second. In the first + voyage, three little ships left the port of Palos, most of the men of + their crews unwilling, after infinite difficulty in preparation, and in + the midst of the fears of all who stayed behind. + </p> + <p> + In the second voyage, a magnificent fleet, equipped with all that the + royal service could command, crowded with eager adventurers who are + excited by expectations of romance and of success, goes on the very same + adventure. + </p> + <p> + In the first voyage, Columbus has but just turned the corner after the + struggles and failures of eight years. He is a penniless adventurer who + has staked all his reputation on a scheme in which he has hardly any + support. In the second case, Columbus is the governor-general, for aught + he knows, of half the world, of all the countries he is to discover; and + he knows enough, and all men around him know enough, to see that his + domain may be a principality indeed. + </p> + <p> + Success brings with it its disadvantages. The world has learned since, if + it did not know it then, that one hundred and fifty sailors, used to the + hard work and deprivations of a seafaring life, would be a much more + efficient force for purposes of discovery, than a thousand and more + courtiers who have left the presence of the king and queen in the hope of + personal advancement or of romantic adventure. Those dainty people, who + would have been soldiers if there were no gunpowder, are not men to found + states; and the men who have lived in the ante-chambers of courts are not + people who co-operate sympathetically with an experienced man of affairs + like Columbus. + </p> + <p> + From this time forward this is to be but a sad history, and the sadness, + nay, the cruelty of the story, results largely from the composition of the + body of men whom Columbus took with him on this occasion. It is no longer + coopers and blacksmiths and boatswains and sailmakers who surround him. + These were officers of court, whose titles even cannot be translated into + modern language, so artificial were their habits and so conventional the + duties to which they had been accustomed. Such men it was, who made poor + Columbus endless trouble. Such men it was, who, at the last, dragged him + down from his noble position, so that he died unhonored, dispirited and + poor. To the same misfortune, probably, do we owe it that, for a history + of this voyage, we have no longer authority so charming as the simple, + gossipy journal which Columbus kept through the first voyage, of which the + greater part has happily been preserved. It may be that he was too much + pressed by his varied duties to keep up such a journal. For it is alas! an + unfortunate condition of human life, that men are most apt to write + journals when they have nothing to tell, and that in the midst of high + activity, the record of that activity is not made by the actor. In the + present case, a certain Doctor Chanca, a native of Seville, had been taken + on board Columbus’s ship, perhaps with the wish that he should be the + historian of the expedition. It may be that in the fact that his journal + was sent home is the reason why the Admiral’s, if he kept one, has never + been preserved. Doctor Chanca’s narrative is our principal contemporary + account of the voyage. From later authorities much can be added to it, but + all of them put together are not, for the purposes of history, equal to + the simple contemporaneous statement which we could have had, had + Columbus’s own journal been preserved. + </p> + <p> + The great fleet sailed from Cadiz on the twenty-fifth day of September, in + the year 1493, rather more than thirteen months after the sailing of the + little fleet from Palos of the year before. They touched at the Grand + Canary as before, but at this time their vessels were in good condition + and there was no dissatisfaction among the crews. From this time the + voyage across the ocean was short. On the third day of November, 11 the + Sunday after All Saints Day had dawned, a pilot on the ship cried out to + the captain that he saw land. “So great was the joy among the people, that + it was marvellous to hear the shouts of pleasure on all hands. And for + this there was much reason because the people were so much fatigued by the + hard life and by the water which they drank that they all hoped for land + with much desire.” + </p> + <p> + The reader will see that this is the ejaculation of a tired landsman; one + might say, of a tired scholar, who was glad that even the short voyage was + at an end. Some of the pilots supposed that the distance which they had + run was eight hundred leagues from Ferro; others thought it was seven + hundred and eighty. As the light increased, there were two islands in + sight the first was mountainous, being the island of “Dominica,” which + still retains that name, of the Sunday when it was discovered; the other, + the island of Maria Galante, is more level, but like the first, as it is + described by Dr. Chanca, it was well wooded. The island received its name + from the ship that Columbus commanded. In all, they discovered six islands + on this day. + </p> + <p> + Finding no harbor which satisfied him in Dominica, Columbus landed on the + island of Maria Galante, and took possession of it in the name of the king + and queen. Dr. Chanca expresses the amazement which everyone had felt on + the other voyage, at the immense variety of trees, of fruits and of + flowers, which to this hour is the joy of the traveller in the West + Indies. + </p> + <p> + “In this island was such thickness of forest that it was wonderful, and + such a variety of trees, unknown to anyone, that it was terrible, some + with fruit, some with flowers, so that everything was green. * * * There + were wild fruits of different sorts, which some not very wise men tried, + and, on merely tasting them, touching them with their tongues, their faces + swelled and they had such great burning and pain that they seemed to rage + (or to have hydrophobia). They were cured with cold things.” This fruit is + supposed to have been the manchireel, which is known to produce such + effects. + </p> + <p> + They found no inhabitants on this island and went on to another, now + called Guadeloupe. It received this name from its resemblance to a + province of the same name in Spain. They drew near a mountain upon it + which “seemed to be trying to reach the sky,” upon which was a beautiful + waterfall, so white with foam that at a distance some of the sailors + thought it was not water, but white rocks. The Admiral sent a light + caravel to coast along and find harbor. This vessel discovered some + houses, and the captain went ashore and found the inhabitants in them. + They fled at once, and he entered the houses. There he found that they had + taken nothing away. There was much cotton, “spun and to be spun,” and + other goods of theirs, and he took a little of everything, among other + things, two parrots, larger and different from what had been seen before. + He also took four or five bones of the legs and arms of men. This last + discovery made the Spaniards suppose that these islands were those of + Caribs, inhabited by the cannibals of whom they had heard in the first + voyage. + </p> + <p> + They went on along the coast, passing by some little villages, from which + the inhabitants fled, “as soon as they saw the sails.” The Admiral decided + to send ashore to make investigations, and next morning “certain captains” + landed. At dinnertime some of them returned, bringing with them a boy of + fourteen, who said that he was one of the captives of the people of the + island. The others divided, and one party “took a little boy and brought + him on board.” Another party took a number of women, some of them natives + of the island, and others captives, who came of their own accord. One + captain, Diego Marquez, with his men, went off from the others and lost + his way with his party. After four days he came out on the coast, and by + following that, he succeeded in coming to the fleet. Their friends + supposed them to have been killed and eaten by the Caribs, as, since some + of them were pilots and able to set their course by the pole-star, it + seemed impossible that they should lose themselves. + </p> + <p> + During the first day Columbus spent here, many men and women came to the + water’s edge, “looking at the fleet and wondering at such a new thing; and + when any boat came ashore to talk with them, saying, ‘tayno, tayno,’ which + means good. But they were all ready to run when they seemed in danger, so + that of the men only two could be taken by force or free-will. There were + taken more than twenty women of the captives, and of their free-will came + other women, born in other islands, who were stolen away and taken by + force. Certain captive boys came to us. In this harbor we were eight days + on account of the loss of the said captain.” + </p> + <p> + They found great quantities of human bones on shore, and skulls hanging + like pots or cups about the houses. They saw few men. The women said that + this was because ten canoes had gone on a robbing or kidnapping expedition + to other islands. “This people,” says Doctor Chanca, “appeared to us more + polite than those who live in the other islands we have seen, though they + all have straw houses.” But he goes on to say that these houses are better + made and provided, and that more of both men’s and women’s work appeared + in them. They had not only plenty of spun and unspun cotton, but many + cotton mantles, “so well woven that they yield in nothing (or owe nothing) + to those of our country.” + </p> + <p> + When the women, who had been found captives, were asked who the people of + the island were, they replied that they were Caribs. “When they heard that + we abhorred such people for their evil use of eating men’s flesh, they + rejoiced much.” But even in the captivity which all shared, they showed + fear of their old masters. + </p> + <p> + “The customs of this people, the Caribs,” says Dr. Chanca, “are beastly;” + and it would be difficult not to agree with him, in spite of the + “politeness” and comparative civilization he has spoken of. + </p> + <p> + They occupied three islands, and lived in harmony with each other, but + made war in their canoes on all the other islands in the neighborhood. + They used arrows in warfare, but had no iron. Some of them used + arrow-heads of tortoise shell, others sharply toothed fish-bones, which + could do a good deal of damage among unarmed men. “But for people of our + nation, they are not arms to be feared much.” + </p> + <p> + These Caribs carried off both men and women on their robbing expeditions. + They slaughtered and ate the men, and kept the women as slaves; they were, + in short, incredibly cruel. Three of the captive boys ran away and joined + the Spaniards. + </p> + <p> + They had twice sent out expeditions after the lost captain, Diego Marquez, + and another party had returned without news of him, on the very day on + which he and his men came in. They brought with them ten captives, boys + and women. They were received with great joy. “He and those that were with + him, arrived so DESTROYED BY THE MOUNTAIN, that it was pitiful to see + them. When they were asked how they had lost themselves, they said that it + was the thickness of the trees, so great that they could not see the sky, + and that some of them, who were mariners, had climbed up the trees to look + at the star (the Pole-star) and that they never could see it.” + </p> + <p> + One of the accounts of this voyage(*) relates that the captive women, who + had taken refuge with the Spaniards, were persuaded by them to entice some + of the Caribs to the beach. “But these men, when they had seen our people, + all struck by terror, or the consciousness of their evil deeds, looking at + each other, suddenly drew together, and very lightly, like a flight of + birds, fled away to the valleys of the woods. Our men then, not having + succeeded in taking any cannibals, retired to the ships and broke the + Indians’ canoes.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (*) That of Peter Martyr. +</pre> + <p> + They left Guadeloupe on Sunday, the tenth of November. They passed several + islands, but stopped at none of them, as they were in haste to arrive at + the settlement of La Navidad in Hispaniola, made on the first voyage. They + did, however, make some stay at an island which seemed well populated. + This was that of San Martin. The Admiral sent a boat ashore to ask what + people lived on the island, and to ask his way, although, as he afterwards + found, his own calculations were so correct that he did not need any help. + The boat’s crew took some captives, and as it was going back to the ships, + a canoe came up in which were four men, two women and a boy. They were so + astonished at seeing the fleet, that they remained, wondering what it + could be, “two Lombard-shot from the ship,” and did not see the boat till + it was close to them. They now tried to get off, but were so pressed by + the boat that they could not. “The Caribs, as soon as they saw that flight + did not profit them, with much boldness laid hands on their bows, the + women as well as the men. And I say with much boldness, because they were + no more than four men and two women, and ours more than twenty-five, of + whom they wounded two. To one they gave two arrow-shots in the breast, and + to the other one in the ribs. And if we had not had shields and + tablachutas, and had not come up quickly with the boat and overturned + their canoe, they would have shot the most of our men with their arrows. + And after their canoe was overturned, they remained in the water swimming, + and at times getting foothold, for there were some shallow places there. + And our men had much ado to take them, for they still kept on shooting as + they could. And with all this, not one of them could be taken, except one + badly wounded with a lance-thrust, who died, whom thus wounded they + carried to the ships.” + </p> + <p> + Another account of this fight says that the canoe was commanded by one of + the women, who seemed to be a queen, who had a son “of cruel look, robust, + with a lion’s face, who followed her.” This account represents the queen’s + son to have been wounded, as well as the man who died. “The Caribs + differed from the other Indians in having long hair; the others wore + theirs braided and a hundred thousand differences made in their heads, + with crosses and other paintings of different sorts, each one as he + desires, which they do with sharp canes.” The Indians, both the Caribs and + the others, were beardless, unless by a great exception. The Caribs, who + had been taken prisoners here, had their eyes and eyebrows blackened, + “which, it seems to me, they do as an ornament, and with that they appear + more frightful.” They heard from these prisoners of much gold at an island + called Cayre. + </p> + <p> + They left San Martin on the same day, and passed the island of Santa Cruz, + and the next day (November 15) they saw a great number of islands, which + the Admiral named Santa Ursula and the Eleven Thousand Virgins. This + seemed “a country fit for metals,” but the fleet made no stay there. They + did stop for two days at an island called Burenquen. The Admiral named it + San Juan Bautista (Saint John Baptist). It is what we now call Porto Rico. + He was not able to communicate with any of the inhabitants, as they lived + in such fear of the Caribs that they all fled. All these islands were new + to the Admiral and all “very beautiful and of very good land, but this one + seemed better than all of them.” + </p> + <p> + On Friday, the twenty-second of November, they landed at the island of + Hispaniola or Hayti which they so much desired. None of the party who had + made the first voyage were acquainted with this part of the island; but + they conjectured what it was, from what the Indian captive women told + them. + </p> + <p> + The part of the island where they arrived was called Hayti, another part + Xamana, and the third Bohio. “It is a very singular country,” says Dr. + Chanca, “where there are numberless great rivers and great mountain ridges + and great level valleys. I think the grass never dries in the whole year. + I do not think that there is any winter in this (island) nor in the + others, for at Christmas are found many birds’ nests, some with birds, and + some with eggs.” The only four-footed animals found in these islands were + what Dr. Chanca calls dogs of various colors, and one animal like a young + rabbit, which climbed trees. Many persons ate these last and said they + were very good. There were many small snakes, and few lizards, because the + Indians were so fond of eating them. “They made as much of a feast of them + as we would do of pheasants.” + </p> + <p> + “There are in this island and the others numberless birds, of those of our + country, and many others which never were seen there. Of our domestic + birds, none have ever been seen here, except that in Zuruquia there were + some ducks in the houses, most of them white as snow, and others black.” + </p> + <p> + They coasted along this island for several days, to the place where the + Admiral had left his settlement. While passing the region of Xamana, they + set ashore one of the Indians whom they had carried off on the first + voyage. They “gave him some little things which the Admiral had commanded + him to give away.” Another account adds that of the ten Indian men who had + been carried off on the first voyage, seven had already died on account of + the change of air and food. Two of the three whom the Admiral was bringing + back, swam ashore at night. “The Admiral cared for this but little, + thinking that he should have enough interpreters among those whom he had + left in the island, and whom he hoped to find there again.” It seems + certain that one Indian remained faithful to the Spaniards; he was named + Diego Colon, after the Admiral’s brother. + </p> + <p> + On the day that the captive Indian was set ashore, a Biscayan sailor died, + who had been wounded by the Caribs in the fight between the boat’s crew + and the canoe. A boat’s crew was sent ashore to bury him, and as they came + to land there came out “many Indians, of whom some wore gold at the neck + and at the ears. They sought to come with the christians to the ships, and + they did not like to bring them, because they had not had permission from + the Admiral.” The Indians then sent two of their number in a little canoe + to one of the caravels, where they were received kindly, and sent to speak + with the Admiral. + </p> + <p> + “They said, through an interpreter, that a certain king sent them to know + what people we were, and to ask that we might be kind enough to land, as + they had much gold and would give it to him, and of what they had to eat. + The Admiral commanded silken shirts and caps and other little things to be + given them, and told them that as he was going where Guacanagari was, he + could not stop, that another time he would be able to see him. And with + that, they (the Indians) went away.” + </p> + <p> + They stopped two days at a harbor which they called Monte Christi, to see + if it were a suitable place for a town, for the Admiral did not feel + altogether satisfied with the place where the settlement of La Navidad had + been made on the first voyage. This Monte Christi was near “a great river + of very good water” (the Santiago). But it is all an inundated region, and + very unfit to live in. + </p> + <p> + “As they were going along, viewing the river and land, some of our men + found, in a place close by the river, two dead men, one with: a cord + (lazo) around his neck, and the other with one around his foot. This was + the first day. On the next day following, they found two other dead men + farther on than these others. One of these was in such a position that it + could be known that he had a plentiful beard. Some of our men suspected + more ill than good, and with reason, as the Indians are all beardless, as + I have said.” + </p> + <p> + This port was not far from the port where the Spanish settlement had been + made on the first voyage, so that there was great reason for these + anxieties. They set sail once more for the settlement, and arrived + opposite the harbor of La Navidad on the twenty-seventh of November. As + they were approaching the harbor, a canoe came towards them, with five or + six Indians on board, but, as the Admiral kept on his course without + waiting for them, they went back. + </p> + <p> + The Spaniards arrived outside the port of La Navidad so late that they did + not dare to enter it that night. “The Admiral commanded two Lombards to be + fired, to see if the christians replied, who had been left with the said + Guacanagari, (this was the friendly cacique Guacanagari of the first + voyage), for they too had Lombards,” “They never replied, nor did fires + nor signs of houses appear in that place, at which the people were much + discouraged, and they had the suspicion that was natural in such a case.” + </p> + <p> + “Being thus all very sad, when four or five hours of the night had passed, + there came the same canoe which they had seen the evening before. The + Indians in it asked for the Admiral and the captain of one of the caravels + of the first voyage. They were taken to the Admiral’s ship, but would not + come on board until they had spoken with him and seen him.” They asked for + a light, and as soon as they knew him, they entered the ship. They came + from Guacanagari, and one of them was his cousin. + </p> + <p> + They brought with them golden masks, one for the Admiral and another for + one of the captains who had been with him on the first voyage, probably + Vicente Yanez Pinzon. Such masks were much valued among the Indians, and + are thought to have been meant to put upon idols, so that they were given + to the Spaniards as tokens of great respect. The Indian party remained on + board for three hours, conversing with the Admiral and apparently very + glad to see him again. When they were asked about the colonists of La + Navidad, they said that they were all well, but that some of them had died + from sickness, and that others had been killed in quarrels among + themselves. Their own cacique, Guacanagari, had been attacked by two other + chiefs, Caonabo and Mayreni. They had burned his village, and he had been + wounded in the leg, so that he could not come to meet the Spaniards that + night. As the Indians went away, however, they promised that they would + bring him to visit them the next day. So the explorers remained “consoled + for that night.” + </p> + <p> + Next day, however, events were less reassuring. None of last night’s party + came back and nothing was seen of the cacique. The Spaniards, however, + thought that the Indians might have been accidentally overturned in their + canoe, as it was a small one, and as wine had been given them several + times during their visit. + </p> + <p> + While he was still waiting for them, the Admiral sent some of his men to + the place where La Navidad had stood. They found that the strong fort with + a palisade was burned down and demolished. They also found some cloaks and + other clothes which had been carried off by the Indians, who seemed + uneasy, and at first would not come near the party. + </p> + <p> + “This did not appear well” to the Spaniards, as the Admiral had told them + how many canoes had come out to visit him in that very place on the other + voyage. They tried to make friends, however, threw out to them some bells, + beads and other presents, and finally a relation of the cacique and three + others ventured to the boat, and were taken on board ship. + </p> + <p> + These men frankly admitted that the “christians” were all dead. The + Spaniards had been told so the night before by their Indian interpreter, + but they had refused to believe him. They were now told that the King of + Canoaboa(*) and the King Mayreni had killed them and burned the village. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (*) “Canoaboa” was thought to mean “Land of Gold.” + </pre> + <p> + They said, as the others had done, that Guacanagari was wounded in the + thigh and they, like the others, said they would go and summon him. The + Spaniards made them some presents, and they, too, disappeared. + </p> + <p> + Early the next morning the Admiral himself, with a party, including Dr. + Chanca, went ashore. + </p> + <p> + “And we went where the town used to be, which we saw all burnt, and the + clothes of the christians were found on the grass there. At that time we + saw no dead body. There were among us many different opinions, some + suspecting that Guacanagari himself was (concerned) in the betrayal or + death of the christians, and to others it did not appear so, as his town + was burnt, so that the thing was very doubtful.” + </p> + <p> + The Admiral directed the whole place to be searched for gold, as he had + left orders that if any quantity of it were found, it should be buried. + While this search was being made, he and a few others went to look for a + suitable place for a new settlement. They arrived at a village of seven or + eight houses, which the inhabitants deserted at once. Here they found many + things belonging to the christians, such as stockings, pieces of cloth, + and “a very pretty mantle which had not been unfolded since it was brought + from Castile.” These, the Spaniards thought, could not have been obtained + by barter. There was also one of the anchors of the ship which had gone + ashore on the first voyage. + </p> + <p> + When they returned to the site of La Navidad they found many Indians, who + had become bold enough to come to barter gold. They had shown the place + where the bodies of eleven Spaniards lay “covered already by the grass + which had grown over them.” They all “with one voice” said that Canoaboa + and Mayreni had killed them. But as, at the same time, they complained + that some of the christians had taken three Indian wives, and some four, + it seemed likely that a just resentment on the part of the islanders had + had something to do with their death. + </p> + <p> + The next day the Admiral sent out a caravel to seek for a suitable place + for a town, and he himself went out to look for one in a different + direction. He found a secure harbor and a good place for a settlement, But + he thought it too far from the place where he expected to find a gold + mine. On his return, he found the caravel he had sent out. As it was + coasting along the island, a canoe had come out to it, with two Indians on + board, one of whom was a brother of Guacanagari. This man begged the party + to come and visit the cacique. The “principal men” accordingly went on + shore, and found him in bed, apparently suffering from his wounded thigh, + which he showed them in bandages. They judged from appearances that he was + telling them the truth. + </p> + <p> + He said to them, “by signs as best he could,” that since he was thus + wounded, they were to invite the Admiral to come to visit him. As they + were going away, he gave each of them a golden jewel, as each “appeared to + him to deserve it.” “This gold,” says Dr. Chanca, “is made in very + delicate sheets, like our gold leaf, because they use it for making masks + and to plate upon bitumen. They also wear it on the head and for earrings + and nose-rings, and therefore they beat it very thin as they only wear it + for its beauty and not for its value.” + </p> + <p> + The Admiral decided to go to the cacique on the next day. He was visited + early in the day by his brother, who hurried on the visit. + </p> + <p> + The Admiral went on shore and all the best people (gente de pro) with him, + “handsomely dressed, as would be suitable in a capital city.” They carried + presents with them, as they had already received gold from him. + </p> + <p> + “When we arrived, we found him lying in his bed, according to their + custom, hanging in the air, the bed being made of cotton like a net. He + did not rise, but from the bed made a semblance of courtesy, as best he + knew how. He showed much feeling, with tears in his eyes, at the death of + the Christians, and began to talk of it, showing, as best he could, how + some died of sickness, and how others had gone to Canoaboa to seek for the + gold mine, and that they had been killed there, and how the others had + been killed in their town.” + </p> + <p> + He presented to the Admiral some gold and precious stones. One of the + accounts says that there were eight hundred beads of a stone called ciba, + one hundred of gold, a golden coronet, and three small calabashes filled + with gold dust. Columbus, in return, made him a present. + </p> + <p> + “I and a navy surgeon were there,” says Dr. Chanca. “The Admiral now said + that we were learned in the infirmities of men, and asked if he would show + us the wound. He replied that it pleased him to do so. I said that it + would be necessary, if he could, for him to go out of the house, since + with the multitudes of people it was dark, and we could not see well. He + did it immediately, as I believe, more from timidity than from choice. The + surgeon came to him and began to take off the bandage. Then he said to the + Admiral that the injury was caused by ciba, that is, by a stone. When it + was unbandaged we managed to examine it. It is certain that he was no more + injured in that leg than in the other, although he pretended that it was + very painful.” + </p> + <p> + The Spaniards did not know what to believe. But it seemed certain that an + attack of some enemy upon these Indians had taken place, and the Admiral + determined to continue upon good terms with them. Nor did he change this + policy toward Guacanagari. How far that chief had tried to prevent the + massacre will never be known. The detail of the story was never fully + drawn from the natives. The Spaniards had been cruel and licentious in + their dealing with the Indians. They had quarrelled among themselves, and + the indignant natives, in revenge, had destroyed them all. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. — THE NEW COLONY + </h2> + <p> + —EXPEDITIONS OF DISCOVERY—GUACANAGARI—SEARCH FOR GOLD—MUTINY + IN THE COLONY—THE VESSELS SENT HOME—COLUMBUS MARCHES INLAND—COLLECTION + OF GOLD—FORTRESS OF ST. THOMAS—A NEW VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY—JAMAICA + VISITED—THE SOUTH SHORE OF CUBA EXPLORED—RETURN—EVANGELISTA + DISCOVERED—COLUMBUS FALLS SICK—RETURN TO ISABELLA. + </p> + <p> + Columbus had hoped, with reason, to send back a part of the vessels which + made up his large squadron, with gold collected in the year by the + colonists at La Navidad. In truth, when, in 1501, the system of + gold-washing-had been developed, the colony yielded twelve hundred pounds + of gold in one year. The search for gold, from the beginning, broke up all + intelligent plans for geographical discovery or for colonization. In this + case, it was almost too clear that there was nothing but bad news to send + back to Spain. Columbus went forward, however, as well as he could, with + the establishment of a new colony, and with the search for gold. + </p> + <p> + He sent out expeditions of discovery to open relations with the natives, + and to find the best places for washing and mining for gold. Melchior + Meldonado commanded three hundred men, in the first of these expeditions. + They came to a good harbor at the mouth of a river, where they saw a fine + house, which they supposed might be the home of Guacanagari. They met an + armed party of one hundred Indians; but these men put away their weapons + when signals of peace were made, and brought presents in token of + good-will. + </p> + <p> + The house to which they went was round, with a hemispherical roof or dome. + It was thirty-two paces in diameter, divided by wicker work into different + rooms. Smaller houses, for persons of rank lower than the chiefs, + surrounded it. The natives told the explorers that Guacanagari himself had + retired to the hills. + </p> + <p> + On receiving the report of these explorers Columbus sent out Ojeda with a + hundred men, and Corvalan with a similar party in different directions. + These officers, in their report, described the operation of gold-washing, + much as it is known to explorers in mining regions to-day. The natives + made a deep ditch into which the gold bearing sand should settle. For more + important work they had flat baskets in which they shook the sand and + parted it from the gold. With the left hand they dipped up sand, handled + this skilfully or “dextrously” with the right hand, so that in a few + minutes they could give grains of gold to the gratified explorers. Ojeda + brought home to Columbus one nugget which weighed nine ounces. + </p> + <p> + They also brought tidings of the King of Canoaboa, of whom they had heard + before, and he is called by the name of Caunebo himself.(*) He was + afterwards carried, as a prisoner or as a hostage, on the way to Spain; + but died on the passage. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (*) The name is spelled in many different ways. +</pre> + <p> + Columbus was able to dispatch the returning ships, with the encouraging + reports brought in by Meldonado and Ojeda, but with very little gold. But + he was obliged to ask for fresh supplies of food for the colony—even + in the midst of the plenty which he described; for he had found already + what all such leaders find, the difficulty of training men to use food to + which they were not accustomed. He sent also his Carib prisoners, begging + that they might be trained to a knowledge of the christian religion and of + the Spanish language. He saw, already, how much he should need + interpreters. The fleet sailed on the second of February, and its reports + were, on the whole, favorably received. + </p> + <p> + Columbus chose for the new city an elevation, ten leagues east of Monte + Christi, and at first gave to his colony the name of Martha. It is the + Isabella of the subsequent history. + </p> + <p> + The colonists were delighted with the fertility of the soil under the + tropical climate. Andalusia itself had not prepared them for it. They + planted seeds of peas, beans, lettuces, cabbages and other vegetables, and + declared that they grew more in eight days than they would have grown in + twenty at home. They had fresh vegetables in sixteen days after they + planted them; but for melons, pumpkins and other fruits of that sort, they + are generous enough to allow thirty days. + </p> + <p> + They had carried out roots and suckers of the sugar-cane. In fifteen days + the shoots were a cubit high. A farmer who had planted wheat in the + beginning of February had ripe grain in the beginning of April; so that + they were sure of, at least, two crops in a year. + </p> + <p> + But the fertility of the soil was the only favorable token which the + island first exhibited. The climate was enervating and sickly. The labor + on the new city was hard and discouraging. Columbus found that his + colonists were badly fitted for their duty, or not fitted for it at all. + Court gentlemen did not want to work. Priests expected to be put on better + diet than any other people. Columbus—though he lost his own + popularity—insisted on putting all on equal fare, in sharing the + supplies he had brought from Spain. It did not require a long time to + prove that the selection of the site of the colony was unfortunate. + Columbus himself gave way to the general disease. While he was ill, a + mutiny broke out which he had to suppress by strong measures. + </p> + <p> + Bornal Diaz, who ranked as comptroller of the expedition, and Fermin Cedo, + an assayer, made a plot for seizing the remaining ships and sailing for + Europe. News of the mutiny was brought to Columbus. He found a document in + the writing of Diaz, drawn as a memorial, accusing Columbus himself of + grave crimes. He confined Diaz on board a ship to be sent to Spain with + the memorial. He punished the mutineers of lower rank. He took the guns + and naval munitions from four of the vessels, and entrusted them all to a + person in whom he had absolute confidence. + </p> + <p> + On the report of the exploring parties, four names were given to as many + divisions of the island. Junna was the most western, Attibunia the most + eastern, Jachen the northern and Naiba the southern. Columbus himself, + seeing the fortifications of the city well begun, undertook, in March, an + exploration, of the island, with a force of five hundred men. + </p> + <p> + It was in the course of this exploration that one of the natives brought + in a gold-bearing stone which weighed an ounce. He was satisfied with a + little bell in exchange. He was surprised at the wonder expressed by the + Spaniards, and showing a stone as large as a pomegranate, he said that he + had nuggets of gold as large as this at his home. Other Indians brought in + gold-bearing stones which weighed more than an ounce. At their homes, + also, but not in sight, alas, was a block of gold as large as an infant’s + head. + </p> + <p> + Columbus himself thought it best to take as many men as he could into the + mountain region. He left the new city under the care of his brother, + Diego, and with all the force of healthy men which he could muster, making + a little army of nearly five hundred men, he marched away from the sickly + seaboard into the interior. The simple natives were astonished by the + display of cavalry and other men in armor. After a few days of a + delightful march, in the beauty of spring in that country, he entered upon + the long sought Cibao. He relinquished his first idea of founding another + city here, but did build a fortress called St. Thomas, in joking reference + to Cedo and others, who had asserted that these regions produced no gold. + While building this fortress, as it was proudly called, he sent a young + cavalier named Luxan for further exploration. + </p> + <p> + Luxan returned with stories even greater than they had heard of before, + but with no gold, “because he had no orders to do so.” He had found ripe + grapes. And at last they had found a region called Cipangi, cipan + signifying stone. This name recalled the memory of Cipango, or Japan. With + tidings as encouraging as this, Columbus returned to his city. He + appointed his brother and Pedro Margarita governors of the city, and left + with three ships for the further exploration of Cuba, which he had left + only partly examined in his first voyage. He believed that it was the + mainland of Asia. And as has been said, such was his belief till he died, + and that of his countrymen. Cuba was not known to be an island for many + years afterwards. He was now again in the career which pleased him, and + for which he was fitted. He was always ill at ease in administering a + colony, or ruling the men who were engaged in it. He was happy and + contented when he was discovering. He had been eager to follow the + southern coast of Cuba, as he had followed the north in his first voyage. + And now he had his opportunity. Having commissioned his brother Diego and + Margarita and appointed also a council of four other gentlemen, he sailed + to explore new coasts, on the twenty-fourth of April. + </p> + <p> + He was soon tempted from his western course that he might examine Jamaica, + of which he saw the distant lines on the south. “This island,” says the + account of the time, “is larger than Sicily. It has only one mountain, + which rises from the coast on every side, little by little, until you come + to the middle of the island and the ascent is so gradual that, whether you + rise or descend, you hardly know whether you are rising or descending.” + Columbus found the island well peopled, and from what he saw of the + natives, thought them more ingenious, and better artificers, than any + Indians he had seen before. But when he proposed to land, they generally + showed themselves prepared to resist him. He therefore deferred a full + examination of the island to his return, and, with the first favorable + wind, pressed on toward the southern coast of Cuba. He insisted on calling + this the “Golden Chersonesus” of the East. This name had been given by the + old geographers to the peninsula now known as Malacca. + </p> + <p> + Crossing the narrow channel between Jamaica and Cuba, he began coasting + that island westward. If the reader will examine the map, he will find + many small keys and islands south of Cuba, which, before any survey had + been made, seriously retarded his westward course. In every case he was + obliged to make a separate examination to be sure where the real coast of + the island was, all the time believing it was the continent of Asia. One + of the narratives says, with a pardonable exaggeration, that in all this + voyage he thus discovered seven hundred islands. His own estimate was that + he sailed two hundred and twenty-two leagues westward in the exploration + which now engaged him. + </p> + <p> + The month of May and the beginning of June were occupied with such + explorations. The natives proved friendly, as the natives of the northern + side of Cuba had proved two years before. They had, in general, heard of + the visit of the Spaniards; but their wonder and admiration seem to have + been none the less now that they saw the reality. + </p> + <p> + On one occasion the hopes of all the party, that they should find + themselves at the court of the Grand Khan, were greatly quickened. A + Spaniard had gone into a forest alone, hunting. Suddenly he saw a man + clothed in white, or thought he did, whom he supposed to be a friar of the + order of Saint Mary de Mercedes, who was with the expedition. But, almost + immediately, ten other friars dressed in the same costume, appeared, and + then as many as thirty. The Spaniard was frightened at the multiplication + of their number, it hardly appears why, as they were all men of peace, or + should have been, whatever their number. He called out to his companions, + and bade them escape. But the men in white called out to him, and waved + their hands, as if to assure him that there was no danger. He did not + trust them, however, but rushed back to the shore and the ship, as fast as + he could, to report what he had seen to the Admiral. + </p> + <p> + Here, at last, was reason for hope that they had found one of the Asiatic + missions of the Church. Columbus at once landed a party, instructing them + to go forty miles inland, if necessary, to find people. But this party + found neither path nor roadway, although the country was rich and fertile. + Another party brought back rich bunches of grapes, and other native + fruits. But neither party saw any friars of the order of Saint Mary. And + it is now supposed that the Spaniard saw a peaceful flock of white cranes. + The traveller Humboldt describes one occasion, in which the town of + Angostura was put to alarm by the appearance of a flock of cranes known as + soldados, or “soldiers,” which were, as people supposed, a band of + Indians. + </p> + <p> + In his interviews with the natives at one point and another, upon the + coast, Columbus was delighted with their simplicity, their hospitality, + and their kindly dealing with each other. On one occasion, when the Mass + was celebrated, a large number of them were present, and joined in the + service, as well as they could, with respect and devotion. An old man as + much as eighty years old, as the Spaniards thought, brought to the Admiral + a basket full of fruit, as a present. Then he said, by an interpreter: + </p> + <p> + “We have heard how you have enveloped, by your power, all these countries, + and how much afraid of you the people have been. But I have to exhort you, + and to tell you that there are two ways when men leave this body. One is + dark and dismal; it is for those who have injured the race of men. The + other is delightful and pleasant; it is for those who, while alive, have + loved peace and the repose of mankind. If, then, you remember that you are + mortal, and what these retributions are, you will do no harm to any one.” + </p> + <p> + Columbus told him in reply that he had known of the two roads after death, + and that he was well pleased to find that the natives of these lands knew + of them; for he had not expected this. He said that the king and queen of + Spain had sent him with the express mission of bringing these tidings to + them. In particular, that he was charged with the duty of punishing the + Caribs and all other men of impure life, and of rewarding and honoring all + pure and innocent men. This statement so delighted the old prophet that he + was eager to accompany Columbus on a mission so noble, and it was only by + the urgent entreaty of his wife and children that he stayed with them. He + found it hard to believe that Columbus was inferior in rank or command to + any other sovereign. + </p> + <p> + The beauty of the island and the hospitality of the natives, however, were + not enough to dispose the crews to continue this exploration further. They + were all convinced that they were on the coast of Asia. Columbus did not + mean that afterwards any one should accuse him of abandoning the discovery + of that coast too soon. Calling to their attention the distance they had + sailed, he sent round a written declaration for the signature of every + person on the ships. Every man and boy put his name to it. It expressed + their certainty that they were on the cape which made the end of the + eastern Indies, and that any one who chose could proceed thence westward + to Spain by land. This extraordinary declaration was attested officially + by a notary, and still exists. + </p> + <p> + It was executed in a bay at the extreme southwestern corner of Cuba. It + has been remarked by Munoz, that at that moment, in that place, a ship boy + at the masthead could have looked over the group of low islands and seen + the open sea, which would have shown that Cuba was an island. + </p> + <p> + The facts, which were controlling, were these, that the vessels were leaky + and the crews sick and discontented. On the thirteenth of June, Columbus + stood to the southeast. He discovered the island now known as the Island + of Pines. He called it Evangelista. He anchored here and took in water. In + an interview, not unlike that described, in which the old Cuban expressed + his desire to return with Columbus, it is said that an Evangelistan chief + made the same offer, but was withheld by the remonstrances, of his wife + and children. A similar incident is reported in the visit to Jamaica, + which soon followed. Columbus made a careful examination of that island. + Then he crossed to Hispaniola, where, from the Indians, he received such + accounts from the new town of Isabella as assured him that all was well + there. + </p> + <p> + With his own indomitable zeal, he determined now to go to the Carib + islands and administer to them the vengeance he had ready. But his own + frame was not strong enough for his will. He sank exhausted, in a sort of + lethargy. The officers of his ship, supposing he was dying, put about the + vessels and the little squadron arrived, none too soon as it proved, at + Isabella. + </p> + <p> + He was as resolute as ever in his determination to crush the Caribs, and + prevent their incursions upon those innocent islanders to whom he had made + so many promises of protection. But he fell ill, and for a short time at + least was wholly unconscious. The officers in command took occasion of his + illness, and of their right to manage the vessels, to turn back to the + city of Isabella. He arrived there “as one half dead,” and his + explorations and discoveries for this voyage were thus brought to an end. + To his great delight he found there his brother Bartholomew, whom he had + not seen for eight years. Bartholomew had accompanied Diaz in the famous + voyage in which he discovered the Cape of Good Hope. Returning to Europe + in 1488 he had gone to England, with a message from Christopher Columbus, + asking King Henry the Seventh to interest himself in the great adventure + he proposed. + </p> + <p> + The authorities differ as to the reception which Henry gave to this great + proposal. Up to the present time, no notice has been found of his visit in + the English archives. The earliest notice of America, in the papers + preserved there, is a note of a present of ten pounds “to hym that found + the new land,” who was Cabot, after his first voyage. Bartholomew Columbus + was in England on the tenth of February, 1488; how much later is not + known. Returning from England he staid in France, in the service of Madama + de Bourbon. This was either Anne of Beaujeu, or the widow of the Admiral + Louis de Bourbon. Bartholomew was living in Paris when he heard of his + brother’s great discovery. + </p> + <p> + He had now been appointed by the Spanish sovereigns to command a fleet of + three vessels, which had been sent out to provision the new colony. He had + sailed from Cadiz on the thirtieth of April, 1494, and he arrived at + Isabella on St. John’s Day of the same year. + </p> + <p> + Columbus welcomed him with delight, and immediately made him his + first-lieutenant in command of the colony. There needed a strong hand for + the management of the colony, for the quarrels which had existed before + Columbus went on his Cuban voyage had not diminished in his absence. Pedro + Margarita and Father Boil are spoken of as those who had made the most + trouble. They had come determined to make a fortune rapidly, and they did + not propose to give up such a hope to the slow processes of ordinary + colonization. Columbus knew very well that those who had returned to Spain + had carried with them complaints as to his own course. He would have been + glad on some accounts to return, himself, at once; but he did not think + that the natives of the islands were sufficiently under the power of the + new colony to be left in safety. + </p> + <p> + First of all he sent back four caravels, which had recently arrived from + Europe, with five hundred Indians whom he had taken as slaves. He + consigned them to Juan de Fonseca’s care. He was eager himself to say that + he sent them out that they might be converted, to Christianity, and that + they might learn the Spanish language and be of use as interpreters. But, + at the same time, he pointed out how easy it would be to make a source of + revenue to the Crown from such involuntary emigration. To Isabella’s + credit it is to be said, that she protested against the whole thing + immediately; and so far as appears, no further shipments were made in + exactly the same way. But these poor wretches were not sent back to the + islands, as she perhaps thought they were. Fonseca did not hesitate to + sell them, or apprentice them, to use our modern phrase, and it is said by + Bernaldez that they all died. His bitter phrase is that Fonseca took no + more care of them than if they had been wild animals. + </p> + <p> + Columbus did not recover his health, so as to take a very active part in + affairs for five months after his arrival at San Domingo. He was well + aware that the Indians were vigorously organized, with the intention of + driving his people from the island, or treating the colony as they had + treated the colony of Navidad. He called the chief of the Cipangi, named + Guarionexius, for consultation. The interpreter Didacus, who had served + them so faithfully, married the king’s sister, and it was hoped that this + would be a bond of amity between the two nations. + </p> + <p> + Columbus sent Ojeda into the gold mountains with fifty armed men to make + an alliance with Canabao. Canabao met this party with a good deal of + perplexity. He undoubtedly knew that he had given the Spaniards good + reason for doubting him. It is said that he had put to death twenty + Spaniards by treasonable means, but it is to be remembered that this is + the statement of his enemies. He, however, came to Columbus with a large + body of his people, all armed. When he was asked why he brought so large a + force with him, he said that so great a king as he, could not go anywhere + without a fitting military escort. But Ojeda did not hesitate to take him + prisoner and carry him into Isabella, bound. As has been said, he was + eventually sent to Spain, but he died on the passage. + </p> + <p> + Columbus made another fortress, or tower, on the border of King + Guarionexius’s country, between his kingdom and Cipango. He gave to this + post the name of the “Tower of the Conception,” and meant it to be a + rallying point for the miners and others, in case of any uprising of the + natives against them. This proved to be an important centre for mining + operations. From this place, what we should call a nugget of gold, which + one of the chiefs brought in, was sent to Spain. It weighed twenty ounces. + A good deal of interest attached also to the discovery of amber, one mass + of which weighed three hundred pounds. Such discoveries renewed the + interest and hope which had been excited in Spain by the first accounts of + Hispaniola. + </p> + <p> + Columbus satisfied himself that he left the island really subdued; and in + this impression he was not mistaken. Certain that his presence in Spain + was needed, if he would maintain his own character against the attacks of + the disaffected Spaniards who had gone before him, he set sail on the Nina + on the tenth of March, taking with him as a consort a caravel which had + been built at Isabella. He did not arrive in Cadiz till the eleventh of + June, having been absent from Spain two years and nine months. + </p> + <p> + His return to Spain at this time gave Isabella another opportunity to show + the firmness of her character, and the determination to which alone + belongs success. + </p> + <p> + The excitement and popularity which attended the return from the first + voyage had come to an end. Spain was in the period of reaction. The + disappointment which naturally follows undue expectations and extravagant + prophecies, was, in this instance, confirmed by the return of discontented + adventurers. Four hundred years have accustomed the world to this reflex + flow of disappointed colonists, unable or unwilling to work, who come back + from a new land to say that its resources have been exaggerated. In this + case, where everything was measured by the standard of gold, it was + certainly true that the supply of gold received from the islands was very + small as compared with the expenses of the expedition which had been sent + out. + </p> + <p> + Five hundred Indians, who came to be taught the language, entering Spain + as slaves, were but a poor return for the expenses in which the nation, + not to say individuals, had been involved. The people of Spain, therefore, + so far as they could show their feeling, were prejudiced against Columbus + and those who surrounded him. They heard with incredulity the accounts of + Cuba which he gave, and were quite indifferent to the geographical + theories by which he wanted to prove that it was a part of Asia. He + believed that the rich mines, which he had really found in Hispaniola, + were the same as those of Ophir. But after five years of waiting, the + Spanish public cared but little for such conjectures. + </p> + <p> + As he arrived in Cadiz, he found three vessels, under Nino, about to sail + with supplies. These were much needed, for the relief of the preceding + year, sent out in four vessels, had been lost by shipwreck. Columbus was + able to add a letter of his own to the governor of Isabella, begging him + to conform to the wishes expressed by the king and queen in the dispatches + taken by Nino. He recommended diligence in exploring the new mines, and + that a seaport should be founded in their neighborhood. At the same time + he received a gracious letter from the king and queen, congratulating him + on his return, and asking him to court as soon as he should recover from + his fatigue. + </p> + <p> + Columbus was encouraged by the tone of this letter. He had chosen to act + as if he were in disgrace, and dressed himself in humble garb, as if he + were a Franciscan monk, wearing his beard as the brethren of those orders + do. Perhaps this was in fulfillment of one of those vows which, as we + know, he frequently made in periods of despondency. + </p> + <p> + He went to Burgos, where Ferdinand and Isabella were residing, and on the + way made such a display of treasure as he had done on the celebrated march + to Barcelona. Canabao, the fierce cacique of Hispaniola, had died on the + voyage, but his brother and nephew still lived, and he took them to the + king and queen, glittering on state occasions with golden ornaments. One + chain of gold which the brother wore, is said to have been worth more than + three thousand dollars of our time. In the procession Columbus carried + various masks and other images, made by the Indians in fantastic shapes, + which attracted the curiosity which in all nations surrounds the idols of + a foreign creed. + </p> + <p> + The sovereigns received him cordially. No reference was made to the + complaints of the adventurers who had returned. However the sovereigns may + have been impressed by these, they were still confident in Columbus and in + his merits, and do not seem to have wished to receive the partial accounts + of his accusers. On his part, he pressed the importance of a new + expedition, in order that they might annex to their dominions the eastern + part of Asia. He wanted for this purpose eight ships. He was willing to + leave two in the island of Hispaniola, and he hoped that he might have six + for a voyage of discovery. The sovereigns assented readily to his + proposal, and at the time probably intended to carry out his wishes. + </p> + <p> + But Spain had something else to do than to annex Asia or to discover + America; and the fulfillment of the promises made so cordially in 1496, + was destined to await the exigencies of European war and diplomacy. In + fact, he did not sail upon the third expedition for nearly two years after + his arrival in Cadiz. + </p> + <p> + In the autumn of 1496, an order was given for a sum amounting to nearly a + hundred thousand dollars of our time, for the equipment of the promised + squadron. At the same time Columbus was relieved from the necessity by + which he was bound in his original contract, to furnish at least + one-eighth of the money necessary in any of these expeditions. This burden + was becoming too heavy for him to bear. It was agreed, however, that in + the event of any profit resulting to the crown, he should be entitled to + one-eighth of it for three ensuing years. This concession must be + considered as an evidence that he was still in favor. At the end of three + years both parties were to fall back upon the original contract. + </p> + <p> + But these noble promises, which must have been so encouraging to him, + could not be fulfilled, as it proved. For the exigencies of war, the + particular money which was to be advanced to Columbus was used for the + repair of a fortress upon the frontier. Instead of this, Columbus was to + receive his money from the gold brought by Nino on his return. Alas, it + proved that a report that he had returned with so much gold, meant that he + had Indian prisoners, from the sale of whom he expected to realize this + money. And poor Columbus was virtually consigned to building and fitting + out his ship from the result of a slave-trade, which was condemned by + Isabella, and which he knew was wretchedly unprofitable. + </p> + <p> + A difficulty almost equally great resulted from the unpopularity of the + expedition. People did not volunteer eagerly, as they had done, the minds + of men being poisoned by the reports of emigrants, who had gone out in + high hope, and had returned disappointed. It even became necessary to + commute the sentences of criminals who had been sentenced to banishment, + so that they might be transported into the new settlements, where they + were to work without pay. Even these expedients did not much hasten the + progress of the expedition. + </p> + <p> + Fonseca, the steady enemy of Columbus, was placed in command again at this + time. The queen was overwhelmed with affliction by the death of Prince + Juan; and it seemed to Columbus and his friends that every petty + difficulty was placed in the way of preparation. When at length six + vessels were fitted for sea, it was only after the wear and tear of + constant opposition from officials in command; and the expedition, as it + proved, was not what Columbus had hoped for, for his purposes. + </p> + <p> + On the thirtieth of May, however, in 1498, he was able to sail. As this + was the period when the Catholic church celebrates the mystery of the + Trinity, he determined and promised that the first land which he + discovered should receive that sacred name. He was well convinced of the + existence of a continent farther south than the islands among which he had + cruised, and intended to strike that continent, as in fact he did, in the + outset of his voyage. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. — THE THIRD VOYAGE. + </h2> + <p> + LETTER TO THE KING AND QUEEN—DISCOVERY OF TRINIDAD AND PARIA—CURIOUS + SPECULATION AS TO THE EARTHLY PARADISE—ARRIVAL AT SAN DOMINGO—REBELLIONS + AND MUTINIES IN THAT ISLAND—ROLDAN AND HIS FOLLOWERS—OJEDA AND + HIS EXPEDITION—ARRIVAL OF BOBADILLA—COLUMBUS A PRISONER. + </p> + <p> + For the narrative of the third voyage, we are fortunate in having once + more a contemporary account by Columbus himself. The more important part + of his expedition was partly over when he was able to write a careful + letter to the king and queen, which is still preserved. It is lighted up + by bursts of the religious enthusiasm which governed him from the + beginning. All the more does it show the character of the man, and it + impresses upon us, what is never to be forgotten, the mixture in his + motive of the enthusiasm of a discoverer, the eager religious feeling + which might have quickened a crusader, and the prospects of what we should + call business adventure, by which he tries to conciliate persons whose + views are less exalted than his own. + </p> + <p> + In addressing the king and queen, who are called “very high and very + powerful princes,” he reminds them that his undertaking to discover the + West Indies began in the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, which appointed + him as a messenger for this enterprise. He asks them to remember that he + has always addressed them as with that intention. + </p> + <p> + He reminds them of the seven or eight years in which he was urging his + cause and that it was not enough that he should have showed the religious + side of it, that he was obliged to argue for the temporal view as well. + But their decision, for which he praises them indirectly, was made, he + says, in the face of the ridicule of all, excepting the two priests, + Marcheza and the Archbishop of Segovia. “And everything will pass away + excepting the word of God, who spoke so clearly of these lands by the + voice of Isaiah in so many places, affirming that His name should be + divulged to the nations from Spain.” He goes on in a review of the earlier + voyages, and after this preface gives his account of the voyage of 1498. + </p> + <p> + They sailed from Santa Lucca the thirtieth of May, and went down to + Madeira to avoid the hostile squadron of the French who were awaiting him + at Cape St. Vincent. In the history by Herrara, of another generation, + this squadron is said to be Portuguese. From Maderia, they passed to the + Canary Islands, from which, with one ship and two caravels, he makes his + voyage, sending the other three vessels to Hispaniola. After making the + Cape de Verde Islands, he sailed southwest. He had very hot weather for + eight days, and in the hope of finding cooler weather changed his course + to the westward. + </p> + <p> + On the thirty-first of July, they made land, which proved to be the cape + now known as Galeota, the southeastern cape of the island of Trinidad. The + country was as green at this season as the orchards of Valencia in March. + Passing five leagues farther on, he lands to refit his vessels and take on + board wood and water. The next day a large canoe from the east, with + twenty-four men, well armed, appeared. + </p> + <p> + The Admiral wished to communicate with them, but they refused, although he + showed them basins and other things which he thought would attract them. + Failing in this effort, he directed some of the boys of the crew to dance + and play a tambourine on the poop of the ship. But this conciliatory + measure had as little success as the other. The natives strung their bows, + took up their shields and began to shoot the dancers. Columbus stopped the + entertainment, therefore, and ordered some balls shot at them, upon which + they left him. With the other vessel they opened more friendly + communication, but when the pilot went to Columbus and asked leave to land + with them, they went off, nor were any of them or theirs seen again. + </p> + <p> + On his arrival at Punta de Icacocos, at the southern point of Trinidad, he + observes the very strong currents which are always noticed by voyagers, + running with as much fury as the Guadalquiver in time of flood. In the + night a terrible wave came from the south, “a hill as high as a ship,” so + that even in writing of it he feels fear. But no misfortune came from it. + </p> + <p> + Sailing the next day, he found the water comparatively fresh. He is, in + fact, in the current produced by the great river Orinoco, which affects, + in a remarkable way, all the tide-flow of those seas. Sailing north, he + passes different points of the Island of Trinidad, and makes out the Punta + de la Pena and the mainland. He still observes the freshness of the water + and the severity of the currents. + </p> + <p> + As he sails farther westward, he observes fleets, and he sends his people + ashore. They find no inhabitants at first, but eventually meet people who + tell him the enemy of this country is Paria. Of these he took on board + four. The king sent him an invitation to land, and numbers of the people + came in canoes, many of whom wore gold and pearls. These pearls came to + them from the north. Columbus did not venture to land here because the + provisions of his vessels were already failing him. + </p> + <p> + He describes the people, as of much the same color as those who have been + observed before, and were ready for intercourse, and of good appearance. + Two prominent persons came to meet them, whom he thought to be father and + son. The house to which the Spaniards were led was large, with many seats. + An entertainment was brought forward, in which there were many sorts of + fruits, and wine of many kinds. It was not made from grapes, however, and + he supposed it must be made of different sorts of fruits. + </p> + <p> + A part of the entertainment was of maize, “which is a sort of corn which + grows here, with a spike like a spindle.” The Indians and their guests + parted with regret that they could not understand each other’s + conversation. All this passed in the house of the elder Indian. The + younger then took them to his house, where a similar collation was served, + and they then returned to the ship, Columbus being in haste to press on, + both on account of his want of supplies and the failure of his own health. + He says he was still suffering from diseases which he had contracted on + the last voyage, and with blindness. “That then his eyes did not give him + as much pain, nor were they bloodshot as much as they are now.” + </p> + <p> + He describes the people whom they at first visited as of fine stature, + easy bearing, with long straight hair, and wearing worked handkerchiefs on + their heads. At a little distance it seemed as if these were made of silk, + like the gauze veil with which the Spaniards were familiar, from Moorish + usage. + </p> + <p> + “Others,” he says, “wore larger handkerchiefs round their waists, like the + panete of the Spaniards.” By this phrase he means a full garment hanging + over the knees, either trousers or petticoats. These people were whiter in + color than the Indians he had seen before. They all wore something at the + neck and arms, with many pieces of gold at the neck. The canoes were much + larger than he had seen, better in build and lighter; they had a cabin in + the middle for the princes and their women. + </p> + <p> + He made many inquiries for gold, but was told he must go farther on, but + he was advised not to go there, because his men would be in danger of + being eaten. At first, Columbus supposed that this meant that the + inhabitants of the gold-bearing countries were cannibals, but he satisfied + himself afterwards that the natives meant that they would be eaten by + beasts. With regard to pearls, also, he got some information that he + should find them when he had gone farther west and farther north. + </p> + <p> + After these agreeable courtesies, the little fleet raised its anchors and + sailed west. Columbus sent one caravel to investigate the river. Finding + that he should not succeed in that direction, and that he had no available + way either north or south, he leaves by the same entrance by which he had + entered. The water is still very fresh, and he is satisfied, correctly as + we know, that these currents were caused by the entrance of the great + river of water. + </p> + <p> + On the thirteenth of August he leaves the island by what he calls the + northern mouth of the river (Boca Grande), and begins to strike salt water + again. + </p> + <p> + At this part of Columbus’s letter there is a very curious discussion of + temperature, which shows that this careful observer, even at that time, + made out the difference between what are called isothermal curves and the + curves of latitude. He observes that he cannot make any estimate of what + his temperature will be on the American coast from what he has observed on + the coast of Africa. + </p> + <p> + He begins now to doubt whether the world is spherical, and is disposed to + believe that it is shaped like a pear, and he tries to make a theory of + the difference of temperature from this suggestion. We hardly need to + follow this now. We know he was entirely wrong in his conjecture. “Pliny + and others,” he says, “thought the world spherical, because on their part + of it it was a hemisphere.” They were ignorant of the section over which + he was sailing, which he considers to be that of a pear cut in the wrong + way. His demonstration is, that in similar latitudes to the eastward it is + very hot and the people are black, while at Trinidad or on the mainland it + is comfortable and the people are a fine race of men, whiter than any + others whom he has seen in the Indies. The sun in the constellation of the + Virgin is over their heads, and all this comes from their being higher up, + nearer the air than they would have been had they been on the African + coast. + </p> + <p> + With this curious speculation he unites some inferences from Scripture, + and goes back to the account in the Book of Genesis and concludes that the + earthly Paradise was in the distant east. He says, however, that if he + could go on, on the equinoctial line, the air would grow more temperate, + with greater changes in the stars and in the water. He does not think it + possible that anyone can go to the extreme height of the mountain where + the earthly Paradise is to be found, for no one is to be permitted to + enter there but by the will of God, but he believes that in this voyage he + is approaching it. + </p> + <p> + Any reader who is interested in this curious speculation of Columbus + should refer to the “Divina Comedia” of Dante, where Dante himself held a + somewhat similar view, and describes his entrance into the terrestrial + paradise under the guidance of Beatrice. It is a rather curious fact, + which discoverers of the last three centuries have established, that the + point, on this world, which is opposite the city of Jerusalem, where all + these enthusiasts supposed the terrestrial Paradise would be found, is in + truth in the Pacific Ocean not far from Pitcairn’s Island, in the very + region where so many voyagers have thought that they found the climate and + soil which to the terrestrial Paradise belong. + </p> + <p> + Columbus expresses his dissent from the recent theory, which was that of + Dante, supposing that the earthly Paradise was at the top of a sharp + mountain. On the other hand, he supposes that this mountain rises gently, + but yet that no person can go to the top. + </p> + <p> + This is his curious “excursion,” made, perhaps, because Columbus had the + time to write it. + </p> + <p> + The journal now recurs to more earthly affairs. Passing out from the mouth + of the “Dragon,” he found the sea running westward and the wind gentle. He + notices that the waters are swept westward as the trade winds are. In this + way he accounts for there being so many islands in that part of the earth, + the mainland having been eaten away by the constant flow of the waves. He + thinks their very shape indicates this, they being narrow from north to + south and longer from east to west. Although some of the islands differ in + this, special reasons maybe given for the difference. He brings in many of + the old authorities to show, what we now know to be entirely false, that + there is much more land than water on the surface of the globe. + </p> + <p> + All this curious speculation as to the make-up of the world encourages him + to beg their Highnesses to go on with the noble work which they have + begun. He explains to them that he plants the cross on every cape and + proclaims the sovereignty of their Majesties and of the Christian + religion. He prays that this may continue. The only objection to it is the + expense, but Columbus begs their Highnesses to remember how much more + money is spent for the mere formalities of the elegancies of the court. He + begs them to consider the credit attaching to plans of discovery and + quickens their ambition by reference to the efforts of the princes of + Portugal. + </p> + <p> + This letter closes by the expression of his determination to go on with + his three ships for further discoveries. + </p> + <p> + This letter was written from San Domingo on the eighth of October. He had + already made the great discovery of the mainland of South America, though + he did not yet know that he had touched the continent. He had + intentionally gone farther south than before, and had therefore struck the + island of Trinidad, to which, as he had promised, he gave the name which + it still bears. A sailor first saw the summits of three mountains, and + gave the cry of land. As the ships approached, it was seen that these + three mountains were united at the base. Columbus was delighted by the + omen, as he regarded it, which thus connected his discovery with the vow + which he had made on Trinity Sunday. + </p> + <p> + As the reader has seen, he first passed between this great island and the + mainland. The open gulf there described is now known as the Gulf of Paria. + The observation which he made as to the freshness of the water caused by + the flow of the Orinoco, has been made by all navigators since. It may be + said that he was then really in the mouth of the Orinoco. + </p> + <p> + Young readers, at least, will be specially interested to remember that it + was in this region that Robinson Crusoe’s island was placed by Defoe; and + if they will carefully read his life they will find discussions there of + the flow of the “great River Orinoco.” Crossing this gulf, Columbus had + touched upon the coast of Paria, and thus became the first discoverer of + South America. It is determined, by careful geographers, that the + discovery of the continent of North America, had been made before this + time by the Cabots, sailing under the orders of England. + </p> + <p> + Columbus was greatly encouraged by the discovery of fine pearls among the + natives of Paria. Here he found one more proof that he was on the eastern + coast of Asia, from which coast pearls had been brought by the caravans on + which, till now, Europe had depended for its Asiatic supplies. He gave the + name “Gulf of Pearls” to the estuary which makes the mouth of the River + Paria. + </p> + <p> + He would gladly have spent more time in exploring this region; but the + sea-stores of his vessel were exhausted, he was suffering from a + difficulty with his eyes, caused by overwatching, and was also a cripple + from gout. He resisted the temptation, therefore, to make further + explorations on the coast of Paria, and passed westward and northwestward. + He made many discoveries of islands in the Caribbean Sea as he went + northwest, and he arrived at the colony of San Domingo, on the thirtieth + of August. He had hoped for rest after his difficult voyage; but he found + the island in confusion which seemed hopeless. + </p> + <p> + His brother Bartholomew, from all the accounts we have, would seem to have + administered its affairs with justice and decision; but the problem he had + in hand was one which could not be solved so as to satisfy all the + critics. Close around him he had a body of adventurers, almost all of whom + were nothing but adventurers. With the help of these adventurers, he had + to repress Indian hostilities, and to keep in order the natives who had + been insulted and injured in every conceivable way by the settlers. + </p> + <p> + He was expected to send home gold to Spain with every vessel; he knew + perfectly well that Spain was clamoring with indignation because he did + not succeed in doing so. But on the island itself he had to meet, from day + to day, conspiracies of Spaniards and what are called insurrections of + natives. These insurrections consisted simply in their assertion of such + rights as they had to the beautiful land which the Spaniards were taking + away from them. + </p> + <p> + At the moment when Columbus landed, there was an instant of tranquility. + But the natives, whom he remembered only six years ago as so happy and + cheerful and hospitable, had fled as far as they could. They showed in + every way their distrust of those who were trying to become their masters. + On the other hand, soldiers and emigrants were eager to leave the island + if they could. They were near starvation, or if they did not starve they + were using food to which they were not accustomed. The eagerness with + which, in 1493, men had wished to rush to this land of promise, was + succeeded by an equal eagerness, in 1498, to go home from it. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he arrived, Columbus issued a proclamation, approving of the + measures of his brother in his absence, and denouncing the rebels with + whom Bartholomew had been contending. He found the difficulties which + surrounded him were of the most serious character. He had not force enough + to take up arms against the rebels of different names. He offered pardon + to them in the name of the sovereigns, and that they refused. + </p> + <p> + Columbus was obliged, in order to maintain any show of authority, to + propose to the sovereigns that they should arbitrate between his brother + and Roldan, who was the chief of the rebel party. He called to the minds + of Ferdinand and Isabella his own eager desire to return to San Domingo + sooner, and ascribed the difficulties which had arisen, in large measure, + to his long delay. He said he should send home the more worthless men by + every ship. + </p> + <p> + He asked that preachers might be sent out to convert the Indians and to + reform the dissolute Spaniards. He asked for officers of revenue, and for + a learned judge. He begged at the same time that, for two years longer, + the colony might be permitted to employ the Indians as slaves, but he + promised they would only use such as they captured in war and + insurrections. + </p> + <p> + By the same vessel the rebels sent out letters charging Columbus and his + brother with the grossest oppression and injustice. All these letters came + to court by one messenger. Columbus was then left to manage as best he + could, in the months which must pass, before he could receive an answer. + </p> + <p> + He was not wholly without success. That is to say, no actual battles took + place between the parties before the answer returned. But when it + returned, it proved to be written by his worst enemy, Fonseca. It was a + genuine Spanish answer to a letter which required immediate decision. That + is to say, Columbus was simply told that the whole matter must be left in + suspense till the sovereigns could make such an investigation as they + wished. The hope, therefore, of some help from home was wholly + disappointed. + </p> + <p> + Roldan, the chief of the rebels, was encouraged by this news to take + higher ground than even he had ventured on before. He now proposed that he + should send fifteen of his company to Spain, also that those who remained + should not only be pardoned, but should have lands granted them; third, + that a public proclamation should be made that all charges against him had + been false; and fourth, that he should hold the office of chief judge, + which he had held before the rebellion. + </p> + <p> + Columbus was obliged to accede to terms as insolent as these, and the + rebels even added a stipulation, that if he should fail in fulfilling + either of these articles, they might compel him to comply, by force or any + other means. Thus was he hampered in the very position where, by the + king’s orders, and indeed, one would say, by the right of discovery, he + was the supreme master. + </p> + <p> + For himself, he determined to return with Bartholomew to Spain, and he + made some preparations to do so. But at this time he learned, from the + western part of the island, that four strange ships had arrived there. He + could not feel that it was safe to leave the colony in such a condition of + latent rebellion as he knew it to be in; he wrote again to the sovereigns, + and said directly that his capitulation with the rebels had been extorted + by force, and that he did not consider that the sovereigns, or that he + himself, were bound by it. He pressed some of the requests which he had + made before, and asked that his son Diego, who was no longer a boy, might + be sent out to him. + </p> + <p> + It proved that the ships which had arrived at the west of the island were + under the command of Ojeda, who will be remembered as a bold cavalier in + the adventures of the second voyage. Acting under a general permission + which had been given for private adventurers, Ojeda had brought out this + squadron, and, when Columbus communicated with him, was engaged in cutting + dye-woods and shipping slaves. + </p> + <p> + Columbus sent Roldan, who had been the head of the rebels, to inquire on + what ground he was there. Ojeda produced a license signed by Fonseca, + authorizing him to sail on a voyage of discovery. It proved that + Columbus’s letters describing the pearls of Paria had awakened curiosity + and enthusiasm, and, while the crown had passed them by so coldly, Ojeda + and a body of adventurers had obtained a license and had fitted out four + ships for adventure. The special interest of this voyage for us, is that + it is supposed that Vespucci, a Florentine merchant, made at this time his + first expedition to America. + </p> + <p> + Vespucci was not a professional seaman, but he was interested in + geography, and had made many voyages before this time. So soon as it was + announced that Ojeda was on the coast, the rebels of San Domingo selected + him as a new leader. He announced to Columbus, rather coolly, that he + could probably redress the grievances which these men had. He undoubtedly + knew that he had the protection of Fonseca at home. Fortunately for + Columbus, Roldan did not mean to give up his place as “leader of the + opposition;” and it may be said that the difficulty between the two was a + certain advantage to Columbus in maintaining his authority. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, all wishes on his part to continue his discoveries were futile, + while he was engaged in the almost hopeless duty of reconciling various + adventurers and conciliating people who had no interests but their own. In + Spain, his enemies were doing everything in their power to undermine his + reputation. His statements were read more and more coldly, and at last, on + the twenty-first and twenty-sixth of May, 1499, letters were written to + him instructing him to deliver into the hands of Bobadilla, a new + commandant, all the fortresses any ships, houses and other royal property + which he held, and to give faith and obedience to any instructions given + by Bobadilla. That is to say, Bobadilla was sent out as a commander who + was to take precedence of every one on the spot. He was an officer of the + royal household, probably a favorite at court, and was selected for the + difficult task of reconciling all difficulties, and bringing the new + colony into loyal allegiance to the crown. He sailed for San Domingo in + the middle of July, 1500, and arrived on the twenty-third of August. + </p> + <p> + On his arrival, he found that Columbus and his brother Bartholomew were + both absent from the city, being in fact engaged in efforts to set what + may be called the provinces in order. The young Diego Columbus was + commander in their absence. The morning after he arrived, Bobadilla + attended mass, and then, with the people assembled around the door of the + church, he directed that his commission should be read. He was to + investigate the rebellion, he was to seize the persons of delinquents and + punish them with rigor, and he was to command the Admiral to assist him in + these duties. + </p> + <p> + He then bade Diego surrender to him certain prisoners, and ordered that + their accusers should appear before him. To this Diego replied that his + brother held superior powers to any which Bobadilla could possess; he + asked for a copy of the commission, which was declined, until Columbus + himself should arrive. Bobadilla then took the oath of office, and + produced, for the first time, the order which has been described above, + ordering Columbus to deliver up all the royal property. He won the popular + favor by reading an order which directed him to pay all arrears of wages + due to all persons in the royal service. + </p> + <p> + But when he came before the fortress, he found that the commander declined + to surrender it. He said he held the fortress for the king by the command + of the Admiral, and would not deliver it until he should arrive. + Bobadilla, however, “assailed the portal;” that is to say, he broke open + the gate. No one offered any opposition, and the commander and his + first-lieutenant were taken prisoners. He went farther, taking up his + residence in Columbus’s house, and seizing his papers. So soon as Columbus + received account of Bobadilla’s arrival, he wrote to him in careful terms, + welcoming him to the island. He cautioned him against precipitate + measures, told him that he himself was on the point of going to Spain, and + that he would soon leave him in command, with everything explained. + Bobadilla gave no answer to these letters; and when Columbus received from + the sovereigns the letter of the twenty-sixth of May, he made no longer + any hesitation, but reported in person at the city of San Domingo. + </p> + <p> + He traveled without guards or retinue, but Bobadilla had made hostile + preparations, as if Columbus meant to come with military force. Columbus + preferred to show his own loyalty to the crown and to remove suspicion. + But no sooner did he arrive in the city than Bobadilla gave orders that he + should be put in irons and confined in the fortress. Up to this moment, + Bobadilla had been sustained by the popular favor of those around him; but + the indignity, of placing chains upon Columbus, seems to have made a + change in the fickle impressions of the little town. + </p> + <p> + Columbus, himself, behaved with magnanimity, and made no complaint. + Bobadilla asked him to bid his brother return to San Domingo, and he + complied. He begged his brother to submit to the authority of the + sovereigns, and Bartholomew immediately did so. On his arrival in San + Domingo he was also put in irons, as his brother Diego had been, and was + confined on board a caravel. As soon as a set of charges could be made up + to send to Spain with Columbus, the vessels, with the prisoners, set sail. + </p> + <p> + The master of the caravel, Martin, was profoundly grieved by the severe + treatment to which the great navigator was subjected. He would gladly have + taken off his irons, but Columbus would not consent. “I was commanded by + the king and queen,” he said, “to submit to whatever Bobadilla should + order in their name. He has put these chains on me by their authority. I + will wear them until the king and queen bid me take them off. I will + preserve them afterwards as relics and memorials of the reward of my + services.” His son, Fernando, who tells this story, says that he did so, + that they were always hanging in his cabinet, and that he asked that they + might be buried with him when he died. + </p> + <p> + From this expression of Fernando Columbus, there has arisen, what Mr. + Harrisse calls, a “pure legend,” that the chains were placed in the coffin + of Columbus. Mr. Harrisse shows good reason for thinking that this was not + so. “Although disposed to believe that, in a moment of just indignation, + Columbus expressed the wish that these tokens of the ingratitude of which + he had been the victim should be buried, with him, I do not believe that + they were ever placed in his coffin.” + </p> + <p> + It will thus be seen that the third voyage added to the knowledge of the + civilized world the information which Columbus had gained regarding Paria + and the island of Trinidad. For other purposes of discovery, it was + fruitless. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. — SPAIN, 1500, 1501. + </h2> + <p> + A CORDIAL RECEPTION IN SPAIN—COLUMBUS FAVORABLY RECEIVED AT COURT—NEW + INTEREST IN GEOGRAPHICAL DISCOVERY—HIS PLANS FOR THE REDEMPTION OF + THE HOLY SEPULCHRE—PREPARATIONS FOR A FOURTH EXPEDITION. + </p> + <p> + Columbus was right in insisting on wearing his chains. They became rather + an ornament than a disgrace. So soon as it was announced in Spain that the + great discoverer had been so treated by Bobadilla, a wave of popular + indignation swept through the people and reached the court. Ferdinand and + Isabella, themselves, had never intended to give such powers to their + favorite, that he should disgrace a man so much his superior. + </p> + <p> + They instantly sent orders to Cadiz that Columbus should be received with + all honor. So soon as he arrived he had been able to send, to Dona Juana + de la Torre, a lady high in favor at court, a private letter, in which he + made a proud defense of himself. This letter is still preserved, and it is + of the first interest, as showing his own character, and as showing what + were the real hardships which he had undergone. + </p> + <p> + The Lady Juana read this letter to Isabella. Her own indignation, which + probably had been kindled by the general news that Columbus had been + chained, rose to the highest. She received him, therefore, when he arrived + at court, with all the more cordiality. Ferdinand was either obliged to + pretend to join with her in her indignation, or he had really felt + distressed by the behavior of his subordinate. + </p> + <p> + They did not wait for any documents from Bobadilla. As has been said, they + wrote cordially to Columbus; they also ordered that two thousand ducats + should be paid him for his expenses, and they bade him appear at Grenada + at court. He did appear there on the seventeenth of December, attended by + an honorable retinue, and in the proper costume of a gentleman in favor + with the king and queen. + </p> + <p> + When the queen met him she was moved to tears, and Columbus, finding + himself so kindly received, threw himself upon his knees. For some time he + could not express himself except by tears and sobs. His sovereigns raised + him from the ground and encouraged him by gracious words. + </p> + <p> + So soon as he recovered his self-possession he made such an address as he + had occasion to make more than once in his life, and showed the eloquence + which is possible to a man of affairs. He could well boast of his loyalty + to the Spanish crown; and he might well say that, whether he were or were + not experienced in government, he had been surrounded by such difficulties + in administration as hardly any other man had had to go through. But + really, it was hardly necessary that he should vindicate himself. + </p> + <p> + The stupidity of his enemies, had injured their cause more than any + carelessness of Columbus could have done. The sovereigns expressed their + indignation at Bobadilla’s proceedings, and, indeed, declared at once that + he should be dismissed from command. They never took any public notice of + the charges which he had sent home; on the other hand, they received + Columbus with dignity and favor, and assured him that he should be + reinstated in all his privileges. + </p> + <p> + The time at which he arrived was, in a certain sense, favorable for his + future plans, so far as he had formed any. On the other hand, the + condition of affairs was wholly changed from what it was when he began his + great discoveries, and the changes were in some degree unfavorable. Vasco + da Gama had succeeded in the great enterprise by which he had doubled the + Cape of Good Hope, had arrived at the Indies by the route of the Indian + ocean, and his squadron had successfully returned. + </p> + <p> + This great adventure, with the commercial and other results which would + certainly follow it, had quickened the mind of all Europe, as the + discovery by Columbus had quickened it eight years before. So far, any + plan for the discoveries over which Columbus was always brooding, would be + favorably received. But, on the other hand, in eight years since the first + voyage, a large body of skillful adventurers had entered upon the career + which then no one chose to share with him. The Pinzon brothers were among + these; Ojeda, already known to the reader, was another; and Vespucci, as + the reader knows, an intelligent and wise student, had engaged himself in + such discoveries. + </p> + <p> + The rumors of the voyages of the Cabots, much farther north than those + made by Columbus, had gone through all Europe. In a word, Columbus was now + only one of several skilful pilots and voyagers, and his plans were to be + considered side by side with those which were coming forward almost every + day, for new discoveries, either by the eastern route, of which Vasco da + Gama had shown the practicability, or by the western route, which Columbus + himself had first essayed. + </p> + <p> + It is to be remembered, as well, that Columbus was now an old man, and, + whatever were his successes as a discoverer, he had not succeeded as a + commander. There might have been reasons for his failure; but failure is + failure, and men do not accord to an unsuccessful leader the honors which + they are ready to give to a successful discoverer. When, therefore, he + offered his new plans at court, he should have been well aware that they + could not be received, as if he were the only one who could make + suggestions. Probably he was aware of this. He was also obliged, whether + he would or would not, to give up the idea that he was to be the commander + of the regions which he discovered. + </p> + <p> + It had been easy enough to grant him this command before there was so much + as an inch of land known, over which it would make him the master. But now + that it was known that large islands, and probably a part of the continent + of Asia, were to be submitted to his sway if he had it, there was every + reason why the sovereigns should be unwilling to maintain for him the + broad rights which they had been willing to give when a scratch of the pen + was all that was needful to give them. + </p> + <p> + Bobadilla was recalled; so far well. But neither Ferdinand nor Isabella + chose to place Columbus again in his command. They did choose Don Nicola + Ovando, a younger man, to take the place of Bobadilla, to send him home, + and to take the charge of the colony. + </p> + <p> + From the colony itself, the worst accounts were received. If Columbus and + his brother had failed, Bobadilla had failed more disgracefully. Indeed, + he had begun by the policy of King Log, as an improvement on the policy of + King Stork. He had favored all rebels, he had pardoned them, he had even + paid them for the time which they had spent in rebellion; and the natural + result was utter disorder and license. + </p> + <p> + It does not appear that he was a bad man; he was a man wholly unused to + command; he was an imprudent man, and was weak. He had compromised the + crown by the easy terms on which he had rented and sold estates; he had + been obliged, in order to maintain the revenue, to work the natives with + more severity than ever. He knew very well that the system, under which he + was working could not last long. One of his maxims was, “Do the best with + your time,” and he was constantly sacrificing future advantages for such + present results as he could achieve. + </p> + <p> + The Indians, who had been treated badly enough before, were worse treated + now. And during his short administration, if it may be called an + administration,—during the time when he was nominally at the head of + affairs—he was reducing the island to lower and lower depths. He did + succeed in obtaining a large product of gold, but the abuses of his + government were not atoned for by such remittances. Worst of all, the + wrongs of the natives touched the sensitiveness of Isabella, and she was + eager that his successor should be appointed, and should sail, to put an + end to these calamities. + </p> + <p> + The preparations which were made for Ovando’s expedition, for the recall + of Bobadilla, and for a reform, if it were possible, in the administration + of the colony, all set back any preparations for a new expedition of + discovery on the part of Columbus. He was not forgotten; his accounts were + to be examined and any deficiencies made up to him; he was to receive the + arrears of his revenue; he was permitted to have an agent who should see + that he received his share in future. To this agency he appointed Alonzo + Sanchez de Carvajal, and the sovereigns gave orders that this agent should + be treated with respect. + </p> + <p> + Other preparations were made, so that Ovando might arrive with a strong + reinforcement for the colony. He sailed with thirty ships, the size of + these vessels ranging from one hundred and fifty Spanish toneles to one + bark of twenty-five. It will be remembered that the Spanish tonele is + larger by about ten per cent than our English ton. Twenty-five hundred + persons embarked as colonists in the vessels, and, for the first time, men + took their families with them. + </p> + <p> + Everything was done to give dignity to the appointment of Ovando, and it + was hoped that by sending out families of respectable character, who were + to be distributed in four towns, there might be a better basis given to + the settlement. This measure had been insisted upon by Columbus. + </p> + <p> + This fleet put to sea on the thirteenth of February, 1502. It met, at the + very outset, a terrible storm, and one hundred and twenty of the + passengers were lost by the foundering of a ship. The impression was at + first given in Spain that the whole fleet had been lost; but this proved + to be a mistake. The others assembled at the Canaries, and arrived in San + Domingo on the fifteenth of April. + </p> + <p> + Columbus himself never lost confidence in his own star. He was sure that + he was divinely sent, and that his mission was to open the way to the + Indies, for the religious advancement of mankind. If Vasco de Gama had + discovered a shorter way than men knew before, Christopher Columbus should + discover one shorter still, and this discovery should tend to the glory of + God. It seemed to him that the simplest way in which he could make men + understand this, was to show that the Holy Sepulchre might, now and thus, + be recovered from the infidel. + </p> + <p> + Far from urging geographical curiosity as an object, he proposed rather + the recovery of the Holy Sepulchre. That is, there was to be a new and + last crusade, and the money for this enterprise was to be furnished from + the gold of the farthest East. He was close at the door of this farthest + East; and as has been said, he believed that Cuba was the Ophir of + Solomon, and he supposed, that a very little farther voyaging would open + all the treasures which Marco Polo had described, and would bring the + territory, which had made the Great Khan so rich, into the possession of + the king of Spain. + </p> + <p> + He showed to Ferdinand and Isabella that, if they would once more let him + go forward, on the adventure which had been checked untimely by the + cruelty of Bobadilla, this time they would have wealth which would place + them at the head of the Christian sovereigns of the world. + </p> + <p> + While he was inactive at Seville, and the great squadron was being + prepared which Ovando was to command, he wrote what is known as the “Book + of Prophecies,” in which he attempted to convince the Catholic kings of + the necessity of carrying forward the enterprise which he proposed. He + urged haste, because he believed the world was only to last a hundred and + fifty-five years longer; and, with so much before them to be done, it was + necessary that they should begin. + </p> + <p> + He remembered an old vow that he had undertaken, that, within seven years + of the time of his discovery, he would furnish fifty thousand foot + soldiers and five thousand horsemen for the recovery of the Holy + Sepulchre. He now arranged in order prophecies from the Holy Scripture, + passages from the writings of the Fathers, and whatever else suggested + itself, mystical and hopeful, as to the success of an enterprise by which + the new world could be used for the conversion of the Gentiles and for the + improvement of the Christianity of the old world. + </p> + <p> + He had the assistance of a Carthusian monk, who seems to have been skilled + in literary work, and the two arranged these passages in order, + illustrated them with poetry, and collected them into a manuscript volume + which was sent to the sovereigns. + </p> + <p> + Columbus accompanied the Book of Prophecies with one of his own long + letters, written with the utmost fervor. In this letter he begins, as + Peter the Hermit might do, by urging the sovereigns to set on foot a + crusade. If they are tempted to consider his advice extravagant, he asks + them how his first scheme of discovery was treated. He shows that, as + heaven had chosen him to discover the new world, heaven has also chosen + him to discover the Holy Sepulchre. God himself had opened his eyes that + he might make the great discovery, which has reflected such honor upon + them and theirs. + </p> + <p> + “If his hopes had been answered,” says a Catholic writer, “the modern + question of holy places, which is the Gordian knot of the religious + politics of the future, would have been solved long ago by the gold of the + new world, or would have been cut by the sword of its discoverer. We + should not have seen nations which are separated from the Roman communion, + both Protestant and Pantheistic governments, coming audaciously into + contest for privileges, which, by the rights of old possession, by the + rights of martyrdom and chivalry, belong to the Holy Catholic Church, the + Apostolic Church, the Roman Church, and after her to France, her oldest + daughter.” + </p> + <p> + Columbus now supposed that the share of the western wealth which would + belong to him would be sufficient for him to equip and arm a hundred + thousand infantry and ten thousand horsemen. + </p> + <p> + At the moment when the Christian hero made this pious calculation he had + not enough of this revenue with which “to buy a cloak,” This is the remark + of the enthusiastic biographer from whom we have already quoted. + </p> + <p> + It is not literally true, but it is true that Columbus was living in the + most modest way at the time when he was pressing his ambitious schemes + upon the court. At the same time, he wrote a poem with which he undertook + to press the same great enterprise upon his readers. It was called “The + End of Man,” “Memorare novissima tua, et non peccabis in eternum.” + </p> + <p> + In his letter to the king and queen he says, “Animated as by a heavenly + fire, I came to your Highnesses; all who heard of my enterprise mocked it; + all the sciences I had acquired profited me as nothing; seven years did I + pass in your royal court, disputing the case with persons of great + authority and learned in all the arts, and in the end they decided that + all was vain. In your Highnesses alone remained faith and constancy. Who + will doubt that this light was from the Holy Scriptures, illumining you, + as well as myself, with rays of marvellous brightness.” + </p> + <p> + It is probable that the king and queen were, to a certain extent, + influenced by his enthusiasm. It is certain that they knew that something + was due to their reputation and to his success. By whatever motive led, + they encouraged him with hopes that he might be sent forward again, this + time, not as commander of a colony, but as a discoverer. Discovery was + indeed the business which he understood, and to which alone he should ever + have been commissioned. + </p> + <p> + It is to be remembered that the language of crusaders was not then a + matter of antiquity, and was not used as if it alluded to bygone affairs. + It was but a few years since the Saracens had been driven out of Spain, + and all men regarded them as being the enemies of Christianity and of + Europe, who could not be neglected. More than this, Spain was beginning to + receive very large and important revenues from the islands. + </p> + <p> + It is said that the annual revenues from Hispaniola already amounted to + twelve millions of our dollars. It was not unnatural that the king and + queen, willing to throw off the disgrace which they had incurred from + Bobadilla’s cruelty, should not only send Ovando to replace him, but + should, though in an humble fashion, give to Columbus an opportunity to + show that his plans were not chimerical. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. — FOURTH VOYAGE. + </h2> + <p> + THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN FOR THE VOYAGE—HE IS TO GO TO THE MAINLAND OF + THE INDIES—A SHORT PASSAGE—OVANDO FORBIDS THE ENTRANCE OF + COLUMBUS INTO HARBOR—BOBADILLA’S SQUADRON AND ITS FATE—COLUMBUS + SAILS WESTWARD—DISCOVERS HONDURAS, AND COASTS ALONG ITS SHORES—THE + SEARCH FOR GOLD—COLONY ATTEMPTED AND ABANDONED—THE VESSELS + BECOME UNSEAWORTHY—REFUGE AT JAMAICA—MUTINY LED BY THE + BROTHERS PORRAS—MESSAGES TO SAN DOMINGO—THE ECLIPSE—ARRIVAL + OF RELIEF—COLUMBUS RETURNS TO SAN DOMINGO, AND TO SPAIN. + </p> + <p> + It seems a pity now that, after his third voyage, Columbus did not remain + in Spain and enjoy, as an old man could, the honors which he had earned + and the respect which now waited upon him. Had this been so, the world + would have been spared the mortification which attends the thought that + the old man to whom it owes so much suffered almost everything in one last + effort, failed in that effort, and died with the mortification of failure. + But it is to be remembered that Columbus was not a man to cultivate the + love of leisure. He had no love of leisure to cultivate. His life had been + an active one. He had attempted the solution of a certain problem which he + had not solved, and every day of leisure, even every occasion of effort + and every word of flattery, must have quickened in him new wishes to take + the prize which seemed so near, and to achieve the possibility which had + thus far eluded him. + </p> + <p> + From time to time, therefore, he had addressed new memorials to the + sovereigns proposing a new expedition; and at last, by an instruction + which is dated on the fourteenth of March, in the year 1502, a fourth + voyage was set on foot at the charge of the king and queen,—an + instruction not to stop at Hispaniola, but, for the saving of time, to + pass by that island. This is a graceful way of intimating to him that he + is not to mix himself up with the rights and wrongs of the new settlement. + </p> + <p> + The letter goes on to say, that the sovereigns have communicated with the + King of Portugal, and that they have explained to him that Columbus is + pressing his discoveries at the west and will not interfere with those of + the Portuguese in the east. He is instructed to regard the Portuguese + explorers as his friends, and to make no quarrel with them. He is + instructed to take with him his sons, Fernando and Diego. This is probably + at his request. + </p> + <p> + The prime object of the instruction is still to strike the mainland of the + Indies. All the instructions are, “You will make a direct voyage, if the + weather does not prevent you, for discovering the islands and the mainland + of the Indies in that part which belongs to us.” He is to take possession + of these islands and of this mainland, and to inform the sovereigns in + regard to his discoveries, and the experience of former voyages has taught + them that great care must be taken to avoid private speculation in “gold, + silver, pearls, precious stones, spices and other things of different + quality.” For this purpose special instructions are given. + </p> + <p> + Of this voyage we have Columbus’s own official account. + </p> + <p> + There were four vessels, three of which were rated as caravels. The fourth + was very small. The chief vessel was commanded by Diego Tristan; the + second, the Santiago, by Francisco de Porras; the third, the Viscaina + (Biscayan), by Bartholomew de Fiesco; and the little Gallician by Pedro de + Torreros. None of these vessels, as the reader will see, was ever to + return to Spain. From de Porras and his brother, Columbus and the + expedition were to receive disastrous blows. + </p> + <p> + It must be observed that he is once more in his proper position of a + discoverer. He has no government or other charge of colonies entrusted to + him. His brother Bartholomew and his youngest son Fernando, sail with him. + </p> + <p> + The little squadron sailed from the bay of Cadiz on the eleventh of May, + 1502. They touched at Sicilla,—a little port on the coast of + Morocco,—to relieve its people, a Portuguese garrison, who had been + besieged by the Moors. But finding them out of danger, Columbus went at + once to the Grand Canary island, and had a favorable passage. + </p> + <p> + From the Grand Canary to the island which he calls “the first island of + the Indies,” and which he named Martinino, his voyage was only seventeen + days long. This island was either the St. Lucia or the Martinique of + today. Hence he passed to Dominica, and thence crossed to San Domingo, to + make repairs, as he said. For, as has been said, he had been especially + ordered not to interfere in the affairs of the settlement. + </p> + <p> + He did not disobey his orders. He says distinctly that he intended to pass + along the southern shore of San Domingo, and thence take a departure for + the continent. But he says, that his principal vessel sailed very ill—could + not carry much canvas, and delayed the rest of the squadron. This weakness + must have increased after the voyage across the ocean. For this reason he + hoped to exchange it for another ship at San Domingo. + </p> + <p> + But he did not enter the harbor. He sent a letter to Ovando, now the + governor, and asked his permission. He added, to the request he made, a + statement that a tempest was at hand which he did not like to meet in the + offing. Ovando, however, refused any permission to enter. He was, in fact, + just dispatching a fleet to Spain, with Bobadilla, Columbus’s old enemy, + whom Ovando had replaced in his turn. + </p> + <p> + Columbus, in an eager wish to be of use, by a returning messenger begged + Ovando to delay this fleet till the gale had passed. But the seamen + ridiculed him and his gale, and begged Ovando to send the fleet home. + </p> + <p> + He did so. Bobadilla and his fleet put to sea. In ten days a West India + hurricane struck them. The ship on which Columbus’s enemies, Bobadilla and + Roldan, sailed, was sunk with them and the gold accumulated for years. Of + the whole fleet, only one vessel, called the weakest of all, reached + Spain. This ship carried four thousand pieces of gold, which were the + property of the Admiral. Columbus’s own little squadron, meanwhile—thanks + probably to the seamanship of himself and his brother—weathered the + storm, and he found refuge in the harbor which he had himself named “the + beautiful,” El Hermoso, in the western part of San Domingo. + </p> + <p> + Another storm delayed him at a port which he called Port Brasil. The word + Brasil was the name which the Spaniards gave to the red log-wood, so + valuable in dyeing, and various places received that name, where this wood + was found. The name is derived from “Brasas,”—coals,—in + allusion, probably, to the bright red color of the dye. + </p> + <p> + Sailing from this place, on Saturday, the sixteenth of June, they made + sight of the island of Jamaica, but he pressed on without making any + examination of the country, for four days sailing west and south-west. He + then changed his course, and sailed for two days to the northwest and + again two days to the north. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday, the twenty fourth of July, they saw land. This was the key now + known as Cuyago, and they were at last close upon the mainland. After + exploring this island they sailed again on Wednesday, the twenty-seventh, + southwest and quarter southwest about ninety miles, and again they saw + land, which is supposed to be the island of Guanaja or Bonacca, near the + coast of Honduras. + </p> + <p> + The Indians on this island had some gold and some pearls. They had seen + whites before. Columbus calls them men of good stature. Sailing from this + island, he struck the mainland near Truxillo, about ten leagues from the + island of Guanaja. He soon found the harbor, which we still know as the + harbor of Truxillo, and from this point Columbus began a careful + investigation of the coast. + </p> + <p> + He observed, what all navigators have since observed, the lack of harbors. + He passed along as far as the river now known as the Tinto, where he took + possession in the name of the sovereigns, calling this river the River of + Possession. He found the natives savage, and the country of little account + for his purposes. Still passing southward, he passed what we call the + Mosquito Coast, to which he found the natives gave the name of Cariay. + </p> + <p> + These people were well disposed and willing to treat with them. They had + some cotton, they had some gold. They wore very little clothing, and they + painted their bodies, as most of the natives of the islands had done. He + saw what he thought to be pigs and large mountain cats. + </p> + <p> + Still passing southward, running into such bays or other harbors as they + found, he entered the “Admiral’s Bay,” in a country which had the name of + Cerabaro, or Zerabora. Here an Indian brought a plate of gold and some + other pieces of gold, and Columbus was, encouraged in his hopes of finding + more. + </p> + <p> + The natives told him that if he would keep on he would find another bay + which they called Arburarno, which is supposed to be the Laguna Chiriqui. + They said the people, of that country, lived in the mountains. Here + Columbus noticed the fact,—one which has given to philologists one + of their central difficulties for four hundred years since,—that as + he passed from one point to another of the American shores, the Indians + did not understand each other’s language. “Every ten or twenty leagues + they did not understand each other.” In entering the river Veragua, the + Indians appeared armed with lances and arrows, some of them having gold + also. Here, also, the people did not live upon the shore, but two or three + leagues back in the interior, and they only came to the sea by their + canoes upon the rivers. + </p> + <p> + The next province was then called Cobraba, but Columbus made no landing + for want of a proper harbor. All his courses since he struck the continent + had been in a southeasterly direction. That an expedition for westward + discovery should be sailing eastward, seemed in itself a contradiction. + What irritated the crews still more was, that the wind seemed always + against them. + </p> + <p> + From the second to the ninth of November, 1502, the little fleet lay at + anchor in the spacious harbor, which he called Puerto Bello, “the + beautiful harbor.” It is still known by that name. A considerable Spanish + city grew up there, which became well known to the world in the last + century by the attack upon it by the English in the years 1739 and 1742. + </p> + <p> + The formation of the coast compelled them to pass eastward as they went + on. But the currents of the Gulf flow in the opposite direction. Here + there were steady winds from the east and the northeast. The ships were + pierced by the teredo, which eats through thick timbers, and is so + destructive that the seamen of later times have learned to sheath the + hulls of their vessels with copper. + </p> + <p> + The seamen thought that they were under the malign influence of some + adverse spell. And after a month Columbus gave way to their remonstrances, + and abandoned his search for a channel to India. He was the more ready to + do this because he was satisfied that the land by which he lay was + connected with the coast which other Spaniards had already discovered. He + therefore sailed westward again, retracing his course to explore the gold + mines of Veragua. + </p> + <p> + But the winds could change as quickly as his purposes, and now for nearly + a fortnight they had to fight a tropical tempest. At one moment they met + with a water-spout, which seemed to advance to them directly. The sailors, + despairing of human help, shouted passages from St. John, and to their + efficacy ascribed their escape. It was not until the seventeenth that they + found themselves safely in harbor. He gave to the whole coast the name of + “the coast of contrasts,” to preserve the memory of his disappointments. + </p> + <p> + The natives proved friendly, as he had found them before; but they told + him that he would find no more gold upon the coast; that the mines were in + the country of the Veragua. It was, on the tenth day of January that, + after some delay, Columbus entered again the river of that name. + </p> + <p> + The people told him where he should find the mines, and were all ready to + send guides with his own people to point them out. He gave to this river, + the name of the River of Belen, and to the port in which he anchored he + gave the name of Santa Maria de Belen, or Bethlehem. + </p> + <p> + His men discovered the mines, so called, at a distance of eight leagues + from the port. The country between was difficult, being mountainous and + crossed by many streams. They were obliged to pass the river of Veragua + thirty-nine times. The Indians themselves were dexterous in taking out + gold. Columbus added to their number seventy-five men. + </p> + <p> + In one day’s work, they obtained “two or three castellianos” without much + difficulty. A castelliano was a gold coin of the time, and the meaning of + the text is probably that each man obtained this amount. It was one of the + “placers,” such as have since proved so productive in different parts of + the world. + </p> + <p> + Columbus satisfied himself that there was a much larger population inland. + He learned from the Indians that the cacique, as he always calls the chief + of these tribes, was a most important monarch in that region. His houses + were larger than others, built handsomely of wood, covered with palm + leaves. + </p> + <p> + The product of all the gold collected thus far is stated precisely in the + official register. There were two hundred and twenty pieces of gold, large + and small. Altogether they weighed seventy-two ounces, seven-eighths of an + ounce and one grain. Besides these were twelve pieces, great and small, of + an inferior grade of gold, which weighed fourteen ounces, three-eighths of + an ounce, and six tomienes, a tomiene weighing one-third part of our + drachm. In round numbers then, we will say that the result in gold of this + cruising would be now worth $1,500. + </p> + <p> + Columbus collected gold in this way, to make his expedition popular at + home, and he had, indeed, mortgaged the voyage, so to speak, by pledging + the pecuniary results, as a fund to bear the expense of a new crusade. + But, for himself, the prime desire was always discovery. + </p> + <p> + Eventually the Spaniards spent two months in that region, pressing their + explorations in search of gold. And so promising did the tokens seem to + him, that he determined to leave his brother, to secure the country and + work the mines, while he should return to Spain, with the gold he had + collected, and obtain reinforcements and supplies. But all these fond + hopes were disappointed. + </p> + <p> + The natives, under a leader named Quibian, rallied in large numbers, + probably intending to drive the colonists away. It was only by the boldest + measures that their plans were met. When Columbus supposed that he had + suppressed their enterprise, he took leave of his brother, as he had + intended, leaving him but one of the four vessels. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately, as it proved, the wind did not serve. He sent back a boat to + communicate with the settlement, but it fell into the hands of the + savages. Doubtful as to the issue, a seaman, named Ledesma, volunteered to + swim through the surf, and communicate with the settlement. The brave + fellow succeeded. By passing through the surf again, he brought back the + news that the little colony was closely besieged by the savages. + </p> + <p> + It seemed clear that the settlement must be abandoned, that Columbus’s + brother and his people must be taken back to Spain. This course was + adopted. With infinite difficulty, the guns and stores which had been left + with the colony were embarked on the vessels of the Admiral. The caravel + which had been left for the colony could not be taken from the river. She + was completely dismantled, and was left as the only memorial of this + unfortunate colony. + </p> + <p> + At Puerto Bello he was obliged to leave another vessel, for she had been + riddled by the teredo. The two which he had were in wretched condition. + “They were as full of holes as a honey-comb.” On the southern coast of + Cuba, Columbus was obliged to supply them with cassava bread. The leaks + increased. The ships’ pumps were insufficient, and the men bailed out the + water with buckets and kettles. On the twentieth of June, they were + thankful to put into a harbor, called Puerto Bueno, on the coast of + Jamaica, where, as it proved, they eventually left their worthless + vessels, and where they were in exile from the world of civilization for + twelve months. + </p> + <p> + Nothing in history is more pathetic than the memory that such a waste of a + year, in the closing life of such a man as Columbus, should have been + permitted by the jealousy, the cruelty, or the selfish ambition of + inferior men. + </p> + <p> + He was not far from the colony at San Domingo. As the reader will see, he + was able to send a message to his countrymen there. But those countrymen + left him to take his chances against a strong tribe of savages. Indeed, + they would not have been sorry to know that he was dead. + </p> + <p> + At first, however, he and his men welcomed the refuge of the harbor. It + was the port which he had called Santa Gloria, on his first visit there. + He was at once surrounded by Indians, ready to barter with them and bring + them provisions. The poor Spaniards were hungry enough to be glad of this + relief. + </p> + <p> + Mendez, a spirited sailor, had the oversight of this trade, and in one + negotiation, at some distance from the vessels, he bought a good canoe of + a friendly chief. For this he gave a brass basin, one of his two shirts, + and a short jacket. On this canoe turned their after fortunes. Columbus + refitted her, put on a false keel, furnished her with a mast and sail. + </p> + <p> + With six Indians, whom the chief had lent him, Diego Mendez, accompanied + by only one Spanish companion, set sail in this little craft for San + Domingo. Columbus sent by them a letter to the sovereigns, which gives the + account of the voyage which the reader has been following. + </p> + <p> + When Mendez was a hundred miles advanced on his journey, he met a band of + hostile savages. They had affected friendship until they had the + adventurers in their power, when they seized them all. But while the + savages were quarreling about the spoils, Mendez succeeded in escaping to + his canoe, and returned alone to his master after fifteen days. + </p> + <p> + It was determined that the voyage should be renewed. But this time, + another canoe was sent with that under the command of Mendez. He sailed + again, storing his boats with cassava bread and calabashes of water. + Bartholomew Columbus, with his armed band, marched along the coast, as the + two canoes sailed along the shore. + </p> + <p> + Waiting then for a clear day, Mendez struck northward, on the passage, + which was long for such frail craft, to San Domingo. It was eight months + before Columbus heard of them. Of those eight months, the history is of + dismal waiting, mutiny and civil war. It is pathetic, indeed, that a + little body of men, who had been, once and again, saved from death in the + most remarkable way, could not live on a fertile island, in a beautiful + climate, without quarrelling with each other. + </p> + <p> + Two officers of Columbus, Porras and his brother, led the sedition. They + told the rest of the crew that the Admiral’s hope of relief from Mendez + was a mere delusion. They said that he was an exile from Spain, and that + he did not dare return to Hispaniola. In such ways they sought to rouse + his people against him and his brother. As for Columbus, he was sick on + board his vessel, while the two brothers Porras were working against him + among his men. + </p> + <p> + On the second of January, 1504, Francesco de Porras broke into the cabin. + He complained bitterly that they were kept to die in that desolate place, + and accused the Admiral as if it were his fault. He told Columbus, that + they had determined to go back to Spain; and then, lifting his voice, he + shouted, “I am for Castile; who will follow me?” The mutinous crew + instantly replied that they would do so. Voices were heard which + threatened Columbus’s life. + </p> + <p> + His brother, the Adelantado, persuaded Columbus to retire from the crowd + and himself assumed the whole weight of the assault. The loyal part of the + crew, however, persuaded him to put down his weapon, and on the other + hand, entreated Porras and his companions to depart. It was clear enough + that they had the power, and they tried to carry out their plans. + </p> + <p> + They embarked in ten canoes, and thus the Admiral was abandoned by + forty-eight of his men. They followed, to the eastward, the route which + Mendez had taken. In their lawless way they robbed the Indians of their + provisions and of anything else that they needed. As Mendez had done, they + waited at the eastern extremity of Jamaica for calm weather. They knew + they could not manage the canoes, and they had several Indians to help + them. + </p> + <p> + When the sea was smooth they started; but they had hardly gone four + leagues from the land, when the waves began to rise under a contrary wind. + Immediately they turned for shore, the canoes were overfreighted, and as + the sea rose, frequently shipped water. + </p> + <p> + The frightened Spaniards threw overboard everything they could spare, + retaining their arms only, and a part of their provisions. They even + compelled the Indians to leap into the sea to lighten the boats, but, + though they were skillful swimmers, they could not pretend to make land by + swimming. They kept to the canoes, therefore, and would occasionally seize + them to recover breath. The cruel Spaniards cut off their hands and + stabbed them with their swords. Thus eighteen of their Indian comrades + died, and they had none left, but such as were of most help in managing + the canoes. Once on land, they doubted whether to make another effort or + to return to Columbus. + </p> + <p> + Eventually they waited a month, for another opportunity to go to + Hispaniola; but this failed as before, and losing all patience, they + returned westward, to the commander whom they had insulted, living on the + island “by fair means or foul,” according as they found the natives + friendly or unfriendly. + </p> + <p> + Columbus, meanwhile, with his half the crew, was waiting. He had + established as good order as he could between his men and the natives, but + he was obliged to keep a strict watch over such European food as he still + had, knowing how necessary it was for the sick men in his number. On the + other hand, the Indians, wholly unused to regular work, found it difficult + to supply the food which so many men demanded. + </p> + <p> + The supplies fell off from day to day; the natives no longer pressed down + to the harbor; the trinkets, with which food had been bought, had lost + their charm; the Spaniards began to fear that they should starve on the + shore of an island which, when Columbus discovered it, appeared to be the + abode of plenty. It was at this juncture, when the natives were becoming + more and more unfriendly, that Columbus justified himself by the tyrant’s + plea of necessity, and made use of his astronomical science, to obtain a + supernatural power over his unfriendly allies. + </p> + <p> + He sent his interpreter to summon the principal caciques to a conference. + For this conference he appointed a day when he knew that a total eclipse + of the moon would take place. The chiefs met as they were requested. He + told them that he and his followers worshipped a God who lived in the + heavens; that that God favored such as did well, but punished all who + displeased him. + </p> + <p> + He asked them to remember how this God had protected Mendez and his + companions in their voyage, because they went obedient to the orders which + had been given them by their chief. He asked them to remember that the + same God had punished Porras and his companions with all sorts of + affliction, because they were rebels. He said that now this great God was + angry with the Indians, because they refused to furnish food to his + faithful worshippers; that he proposed to chastise them with famine and + pestilence. + </p> + <p> + He said that, lest they should disbelieve the warning which he gave, a + sign would be given, in the heavens that night, of the anger of the great + God. They would see that the moon would change its color and would lose + its light. They might take this as a token of the punishment which awaited + them. + </p> + <p> + The Indians had not that confidence in Columbus which they once had. Some + derided what he said, some were alarmed, all waited with anxiety and + curiosity. When the night came they saw a dark shadow begin to steal over + the moon. As the eclipse went forward, their fears increased. At last the + mysterious darkness covered the face of the sky and of the world, when + they knew that they had a right to expect the glory of the full moon. + </p> + <p> + There were then no bounds to their terror. They, seized on all the + provisions that they had, they rushed to the ships, they threw themselves + at the feet of Columbus and begged him to intercede with his God, to + withhold the calamity which he had threatened. Columbus would not receive + them; he shut himself up in his cabin and remained there while the eclipse + increased, hearing from within, as the narrator says, the howls and + prayers of the savages. + </p> + <p> + It was not until he knew the eclipse was about to diminish, that he + condescended to come forth, and told them that he had interceded with God, + who would pardon them if they would fulfil their promises. In token of + pardon, the darkness would be withdrawn from the moon. + </p> + <p> + The Indians saw the fulfilment of the promise, as they had seen the + fulfilment of the threat. The moon reappeared in its brilliancy. They + thanked the Admiral eagerly for his intercession, and repaired to their + homes. From this time forward, having proved that he knew on earth what + was passing in the heavens, they propitiated him with their gifts. The + supplies came in regularly, and from this time there was no longer any + want of provisions. + </p> + <p> + But no tales of eclipses would keep the Spaniards quiet. Another + conspiracy was formed, as the eight remaining months of exile passed by, + among the survivors. They meant to seize the remaining canoes, and with + them make their way to Hispaniola. But, at the very point of the outbreak + of the new mutiny, a sail was seen standing toward the harbor. + </p> + <p> + The Spaniards could see that the vessel was small. She kept the offing, + but sent a boat on shore. As the boat drew near, those who waited so + eagerly recognized Escobar, who had been condemned to death, in Isabella, + when Columbus was in administration, and was pardoned by his successor + Bobadilla. To see this man approaching for their relief was not hopeful, + though he were called a Christian, and was a countryman of their own. + </p> + <p> + Escobar drew up to the ships, on which the Spaniards still lived, and gave + them a letter from Ovando, the new governor of Hispaniola, with some bacon + and a barrel of wine, which were sent as presents to the Admiral. He told + Columbus, in a private interview, that the governor had sent him to + express his concern at his misfortune, and his regret that he had not a + vessel of sufficient size to bring off all the people, but that he would + send one as soon as possible. He assured him that his concerns in + Hispaniola were attended to faithfully in his absence; he asked him to + write to the governor in reply, as he wished to return at once. + </p> + <p> + This was but scant comfort for men who had been eight months waiting to be + relieved. But Escobar was master of the position. Columbus wrote a reply + at once to Ovando, pointed out that the difficulties of his situation had + been increased by the rebellion of the brothers Porras. He, however, + expressed his reliance on his promise, and said he would remain patiently + on his ships until relief came. Escobar took the letter, returned to his + vessel, and she made sail at once, leaving the starving Spaniards in + dismay, to the same fate which hung over them before. + </p> + <p> + Columbus tried to reassure them. He professed himself satisfied with the + communications from Ovando, and told them that vessels large enough for + them would soon arrive. He said that they could see that he believed this, + because he had not himself taken passage with Escobar, preferring to share + their lot with them. He had sent back the little vessel at once, so that + no time might be lost in sending the necessary ships. + </p> + <p> + With these assurances he cheered their hearts. In truth, however, he was + very indignant at Ovando’s cool behavior. That he should have left them + for months in danger and uncertainty, with a mere tantalizing message and + a scanty present of food—all this naturally made the great leader + indignant. He believed that Ovando hoped that he might perish on the + island. + </p> + <p> + He supposed that Ovando thought that this would be favorable for his own + political prospects, and he believed that Escobar was sent merely as a + spy. This same impression is given by Las Casas, the historian, who was + then at San Domingo. He says that Escobar was chosen simply because of his + enmity to Columbus, and that he was ordered not to land, nor to hold + conversation with any of the crew, nor to receive letters from any except + the Admiral. + </p> + <p> + After Escobar’s departure, Columbus sent an embassy on shore to + communicate with the rebel party, who were living on the island. He + offered to them free pardon, kind treatment, and a passage with him in the + ships which he expected from Ovando, and, as a token of good will, he sent + them a part of the bacon which Escobar had brought them. + </p> + <p> + Francesco de Porras met these ambassadors, and replied that they had no + wish to return to the ships, but preferred living at large. They offered + to engage that they would be peaceable, if the Admiral would promise them + solemnly, that, in case two vessels arrived, they should have one to + depart in; that if only one vessel arrived they should have half of it, + and that the Admiral would now share with them the stores and articles of + traffic, which he had left in the ship. But these demands Columbus refused + to accept. + </p> + <p> + Porras had spoken for the rebels, but they were not so well satisfied with + the answer. The incident gave occasion for what was almost an outbreak + among them. Porras attempted to hold them in hand, by assuring them that + there had been no real arrival of Escobar. He told them that there had + been no vessel in port; that what had been seen was a mere phantasm + conjured up by Columbus, who was deeply versed in necromancy. + </p> + <p> + He reminded them that the vessel arrived just in the edge of the evening; + that it communicated with Columbus only, and then disappeared in the + night. Had it been a real vessel would he not have embarked, with his + brother and his son? Was it not clear that it was only a phantom, which + appeared for a moment and then vanished? + </p> + <p> + Not satisfied, however, with his control over his men, he marched them to + a point near the ships, hoping to plunder the stores and to take the + Admiral prisoner. Columbus, however, had notice of the approach of this + marauding party, and his brother and fifty followers, of whose loyalty he + was sure, armed themselves and marched to meet them. The Adelantado again + sent ambassadors, the same whom he had sent before with the offer of + pardon, but Porras and his companions would not permit them to approach. + </p> + <p> + They determined to offer battle to the fifty loyal men, thinking to attack + and kill the Adelantado himself. They rushed upon him and his party, but + at the first shock four or five of them were killed. + </p> + <p> + The Adelantado, with his own hand, killed Sanchez, one of the most + powerful men among the rebels. Porras attacked him in turn, and with his + sword cut his buckler and wounded his hand. The sword, however, was wedged + in the shield, and before Porras could withdraw it, the Adelantado closed + upon him and made him prisoner. When the rebels saw this result of the + conflict, they fled in confusion. + </p> + <p> + The Indians, meanwhile, amazed at this conflict among men who had + descended from heaven, gazed with wonder at the battle. When it was over, + they approached the field, and looked with amazement on the dead bodies of + the beings whom they had thought immortal. It is said, however, that at + the mere sound of a groan from one of the wounded they fled in dismay. + </p> + <p> + The Adelantado returned in triumph to the ships. He brought with him his + prisoners. Only two of his party had been wounded, himself and his + steward. The next day the remaining fugitives sent in a petition to the + Admiral, confessing their misdeeds and asking for pardon. + </p> + <p> + He saw that their union was broken; he granted their prayer, on the single + condition that Francesco de Porras should remain a prisoner. He did not + receive them on board the ships, but put them under the command of a loyal + officer, to whom he gave a sufficient number of articles for trade, to + purchase food of the natives. + </p> + <p> + This battle, for it was such, was the last critical incident in the long + exile of the Spaniards, for, after a year of hope and fear, two vessels + were seen standing into the harbor. One of them was a ship equipped, at + Columbus’s own expense, by the faithful Mendez; the other had been fitted + out afterwards by Ovando, but had sailed in company with the first vessel + of relief. + </p> + <p> + It would seem that the little public of Isabella had been made indignant + by Ovando’s neglect, and that he had been compelled, by public opinion to + send another vessel as a companion to that sent by Mendez. Mendez himself, + having seen the ships depart, went to Spain in the interest of the + Admiral. + </p> + <p> + With the arrival at Puerto Bueno, in Jamaica, of the two relief vessels, + Columbus’s chief sufferings and anxiety were over. The responsibility, at + least, was in other hands. But the passage to San Domingo consumed six + tedious weeks. When he arrived, however, it was to meet one of his + triumphs. He could hardly have expected it. + </p> + <p> + But his sufferings, and the sense of wrong that he had suffered, had, in + truth, awakened the regard of the people of the colony. Ovando took him as + a guest to his house. The people received him with distinction. + </p> + <p> + He found little to gratify him, however. Ovando, had ruled the poor + natives with a rod of iron, and they were wretched. Columbus’s own affairs + had been neglected, and he could gain no relief from the governor. He + spent only a month on the island, trying, as best he could, to bring some + order into the administration of his own property; and then, on the + twelfth of September, 1504, sailed for Spain. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had the ship left harbor when she was dismasted in a squall. He + was obliged to cross to another ship, under command of his brother, the + Adelantado. She also was unfortunate. Her mainmast was sprung in a storm, + and she could not go on until the mast was shortened. + </p> + <p> + In another gale the foremast was sprung, and it was only on the seventh of + November that the shattered and storm-pursued vessel arrived at San Lucar. + Columbus himself had been suffering, through the voyage, from gout and his + other maladies. The voyage was, indeed, a harsh experience for a sick man, + almost seventy years old. + </p> + <p> + He went at once to Seville, to find such rest as he might, for body and + mind. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. — TWO SAD YEARS + </h2> + <p> + —ISABELLA’S DEATH—COLUMBUS AT SEVILLE—HIS ILLNESS—LETTERS + TO THE KING—JOURNEYS TO SEGOVIA, SALAMANCA, AND VALLADOLID—HIS + SUIT THERE—PHILIP AND JUANA—COLUMBUS EXECUTES HIS WILL—DIES—HIS + BURIAL AND THE REMOVAL OF HIS BODY—HIS PORTRAITS—HIS + CHARACTER. + </p> + <p> + Columbus had been absent from Spain two years and six months. He returned + broken in health, and the remaining two years of his life are only the sad + history of his effort to relieve his name from dishonor and to leave to + his sons a fair opportunity to carry forward his work in the world. + </p> + <p> + Isabella, alas, died on the twenty-sixth day of November, only a short + time after his arrival. Ferdinand, at the least, was cold and hard toward + him, and Ferdinand was now engaged in many affairs other than those of + discovery. He was satisfied that Columbus did not know how to bring gold + home from the colonies, and the promises of the last voyage, that they + should strike the East, had not been fulfilled. + </p> + <p> + Isabella had testified her kindly memory of Columbus, even while he was in + exile at Jamaica, by making him one of the body-guard of her oldest son, + an honorary appointment which carried with it a handsome annual salary. + After the return to Spain of Diego Mendez, the loyal friend who had cared + for his interests so well in San Domingo, she had raised him to noble + rank. + </p> + <p> + It is clear, therefore, that among her last thoughts came in the wish to + do justice to him whom she had served so well. She had well done her duty + which had been given her to do. She had never forgotten the new world to + which it was her good fortune to send the discoverer, and in her death + that discoverer lost his best friend. + </p> + <p> + On his arrival in Seville, where one might say he had a right to rest + himself and do nothing else, Columbus engaged at once in efforts to see + that the seamen who had accompanied him in this last adventure should be + properly paid. Many of these men had been disloyal to him and unfaithful + to their sovereign, but Columbus, with his own magnanimity, represented + eagerly at court that they had endured great peril, that they brought + great news, and that the king ought to repay them all that they had + earned. + </p> + <p> + He says, in a letter to his son written at this period, “I have not a roof + over my head in Castile. I have no place to eat nor to sleep excepting a + tavern, and there I am often too poor to pay my scot.” This passage has + been quoted as if he were living as a beggar at this time, and the world + has been asked to believe that a man who had a tenth of the revenue of the + Indies due to him in some fashion, was actually living from hand to mouth + from day to day. But this is a mere absurdity of exaggeration. + </p> + <p> + Undoubtedly, he was frequently pressed for ready money. He says to his + son, in another letter, “I only live by borrowing.” Still he had good + credit with the Genoese bankers established in Andalusia. In writing to + his son he begs him to economize, but at the same time he acknowledges the + receipt of bills of exchange and considerable sums of money. + </p> + <p> + In the month of December, there is a single transaction in Hispaniola + which amounts to five thousand dollars of our money. We must not, + therefore, take literally his statement that he was too poor to pay for a + night’s lodging. On the other hand, it is observed in the correspondence + that, on the fifteenth of April, 1505, the king ordered that everything + which belonged to Columbus on account of his ten per cent should be + carried to the royal treasury as a security for certain debts contracted + by the Admiral. + </p> + <p> + The king had also given an order to the royal agent in Hispaniola that + everything which he owned there should be sold. All these details have + been carefully brought together by Mr. Harrisse, who says truly that we + cannot understand the last order. + </p> + <p> + When at last the official proceedings relating to the affairs in Jamaica + arrived in Europe, Columbus made an effort to go to court. A litter was + provided for him, and all the preparations for his journey made. But he + was obliged once more by his weakness to give up this plan, and he could + only write letters pressing his claim. Of such letters the misfortune is, + that the longer they are, and the more of the detail they give, the less + likely are they to be read. Columbus could only write at night; in the + daytime he could not use his hands. + </p> + <p> + He took care to show Ferdinand that his interests had not been properly + attended to in the islands. He said that Ovando had been careless as to + the king’s service, and he was not unwilling to let it be understood that + his own administration had been based on a more intelligent policy than + that of either of the men who followed him. + </p> + <p> + But he was now an old man. He was unable to go to court in person. He had + not succeeded in that which he had sailed for—a strait opening to + the Southern Sea. He had discovered new gold mines on the continent, but + he had brought home but little treasure. His answers from the court seemed + to him formal and unsatisfactory. At court, the stories of the Porras + brothers were told on the one side, while Diego Mendez and Carvajal + represented Columbus. + </p> + <p> + In this period of the fading life of Columbus, we have eleven letters + addressed by him to his son. These show that he was in Seville as late as + February, 1505. From the authority of Las Casas, we know that he left that + part of Spain to go to Segovia in the next May, and from that place he + followed the court to Salamanca and Valladolid, although he was so weak + and ill. + </p> + <p> + He was received, as he had always been, with professions of kindness; but + nothing followed important enough to show that there was anything genuine + in this cordiality. After a few days Columbus begged that some action + might be taken to indemnify him for his losses, and to confirm the + promises which had been made to him before. The king replied that he was + willing to refer all points which had been discussed between them to an + arbitration. Columbus assented, and proposed the Archbishop Diego de Deza + as an arbiter. + </p> + <p> + The reader must remember that it was he who had assisted Columbus in early + days when the inquiry was made at Salamanca. The king assented to the + arbitration, but proposed that it should include questions which Columbus + would not consider as doubtful. One of these was his restoration to his + office of viceroy. + </p> + <p> + Now on the subject of his dignities Columbus was tenacious. He regarded + everything else as unimportant in comparison. He would not admit that + there was any question that he was the viceroy of the Indies, and all this + discussion ended in the postponement of all consideration of his claims + till, after his death, it was too late for them to be considered. + </p> + <p> + All the documents, when read with the interest which we take in his + character and fortunes, are indeed pathetic; but they did not seem so to + the king, if indeed they ever met his eye. + </p> + <p> + In despair of obtaining justice for himself, Columbus asked that his son + Diego might be sent to Hispaniola in his place. The king would promise + nothing, but seems to have attempted to make Columbus exchange the + privileges which he enjoyed by the royal promise for a seignory in a + little town in the kingdom of Leon, which is named not improperly “The + Counts’ Carrion.” + </p> + <p> + It is interesting to see that one of the persons whom he employed, in + pressing his claim at the court and in the management of his affairs, was + Vespucci, the Florentine merchant, who in early life had been known as + Alberigo, but had now taken the name of Americo. + </p> + <p> + The king was still engaged in the affairs of the islands. He appointed + bishops to take charge of the churches in the colonies, but Columbus was + not so much as consulted as to the persons who should be sent. When Philip + arrived from Flanders, with his wife Juana, who was the heir of Isabella’s + fortunes and crown, Columbus wished to pay his court to them, but was too + weak to do so in person. + </p> + <p> + There is a manly letter, written with dignity and pathos, in which he + presses his claims upon them. He commissioned his brother, the Adelantado, + to take this letter, and with it he went to wait upon the young couple. + They received him most cordially, and gave flattering hopes that they + would attend favorably to the suit. But this was too late for Columbus + himself. Immediately after he had sent his brother away, his illness + increased in violence. + </p> + <p> + The time for petitions and for answers to petitions had come to an end. + His health failed steadily, and in the month of May he knew that he was + approaching his death. The king and the court had gone to Villafranca de + Valcacar. + </p> + <p> + On the nineteenth of May Columbus executed his will, which had been + prepared at Segovia a year before. In this will he directs his son and his + successors, acting as administrators, always to maintain “in the city of + Genoa, some person of our line, who shall have a house and a wife in that + place, who shall receive a sufficient income to live honorably, as being + one of our relatives, having foot and root in the said city, as a native; + since he will be able to receive from this city aid in favor of the things + of his service; because from that city I came forth and in that city I was + born.” This clause became the subject of much litigation as the century + went on. + </p> + <p> + Another clause which was much contested was his direction to his son Diego + to take care of Beatriz Enriquez, the mother of Fernando. Diego is + instructed to provide for her an honorable subsistence “as being a person + to whom I have great obligation. What I do in this matter is to relieve my + conscience, for this weighs much upon my mind. The reason of this cannot + be written here.” + </p> + <p> + The history of the litigation which followed upon this will and upon other + documents which bear upon the fortunes of Columbus is curious, but + scarcely interesting. The present representative of Columbus is Don + Cristobal Colon de la Cerda, Duke of Veragua and of La Vega, a grandee of + Spain of the first class, Marquis of Jamaica, Admiral and Seneschal Major + of the Indies, who lives at Madrid. + </p> + <p> + Two days after the authentication of the will he died, on the twenty first + of May, 1506, which was the day of Ascension. His last words were those of + his Saviour, expressed in the language of the Latin Testament, “In manus + tuas, Pater, commendo spiritum meum,”—“Father, into thy hands I + commend my spirit.” The absence of the court from Valladolid took with it, + perhaps, the historians and annalists. For this or for some other reason, + there is no mention whatever of Columbus’s funeral in any of the documents + of the time. + </p> + <p> + The body was laid in the convent of San Francisco at Valladolid. Such at + least is the supposition of Navarrete, who has collected the original + documents relating to Columbus. He supposes that the funeral services were + conducted in the church of the parish of Santa Maria de la Antigua. From + the church of Saint Francis, not many months after, the body was removed + to Seville. A new chapel had lately been built there, called Santa Maria + de las Cuevas. In this chapel was the body of Columbus entombed. In a + curious discussion of the subject, which has occupied much more space than + it is worth, it is supposed that this was in the year 1513, but Mr. + Harrisse has proved that this date is not accurate. + </p> + <p> + For at least twenty-eight years, the body was permitted to remain under + the vaults of this chapel. Then a petition was sent to Charles V, for + leave to carry the coffin and the body to San Domingo, that it might be + buried in the larger chapel of the cathedral of that city. To this the + emperor consented, in a decree signed June 2, 1537. It is not known how + soon the removal to San Domingo was really made, but it took place before + many years. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Harrisse quotes from a manuscript authority to show, that when William + Penn besieged the city of San Domingo in 1655, all the bodies buried under + the cathedral were withdrawn from view, lest the heretics should profane + them, and that “the old Admiral’s” body was treated like the rest. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Harrisse calls to mind the fact that the earthquake of the nineteenth + of May, 1673, demolished the cathedral in part, and the tombs which it + contained. He says, “the ruin of the colony, the climate, weather, and + carelessness all contributed to the loss from sight and the forgetfulness + of the bones of Columbus, mingled with the dust of his descendants”; and + Mr. Harrisse does not believe that any vestige of them was ever found + afterwards, in San Domingo or anywhere else. This remark, from the person + who has given such large attention to the subject, is interesting. For it + is generally stated and believed that the bones were afterwards removed to + Havana in the island of Cuba. The opinion of Mr. Harrisse, as it has been + quoted, is entitled to very great respect and authority. + </p> + <p> + A very curious question has arisen in later times as to the actual place + where the remains now are. On this question there is great discussion + among historians, and many reports, official and unofficial, have been + published with regard to it. + </p> + <p> + In the year 1867, the proposal was made to the Holy Father at Rome, that + Columbus should receive the honors known in the Roman Catholic Church as + the honors of beatification. In 1877, De Lorgues, the enthusiastic + biographer of Columbus, represents that the inquiry had gone so far that + these honors had been determined on. One who reads his book would be led + to suppose that Columbus had already been recognized as on the way to be + made a saint of the Church. But, in truth, though some such inquiry was + set on foot, he never received the formal honors of beatification. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + We have one account by a contemporary of the appearance of Columbus.(*) We + are told that he was a “robust man, quite tall, of florid complexion, with + a long face.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (*) In the first Decade of Peter Martyr. +</pre> + <p> + In the next generation, Oviedo says Columbus was “of good aspect, and + above the middle stature. His limbs were strong, his eyes quick, and all + the parts of his body well proportioned. His hair was decidedly reddish, + and the complexion of his face quite florid and marked with spots of red.” + </p> + <p> + Bishop Las Casas knew the admiral personally, and describes him in these + terms: “He was above the middle stature, his face was long and striking, + his nose was aquiline, his eyes clear blue, his complexion light, tending + towards a distinct florid expression, his beard and hair blonde in his + youth, but they were blanched at an early age by care.” + </p> + <p> + Las Casas says in another place, “he was rude in bearing, and careless as + to his language. He was, however, gracious when he chose to be, but he was + angry when he was annoyed.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Harrisse, who has collected these particulars from the different + writers, says that this physical type may be frequently met now in the + city and neighborhood of Genoa. He adds, “as for the portraits, whether + painted, engraved, or in sculpture, which appear in collections, in + private places, or as prints, there is not one which is authentic. They + are all purely imaginary.” + </p> + <p> + For the purpose of the illustration of this volume, we have used that + which is best known, and for many reasons most interesting. It is + preserved in the city of Florence, but neither the name of the artist nor + the date of the picture is known. It is generally spoken of as the + “Florentine portrait.” The engraving follows an excellent copy, made by + the order of Thomas Jefferson, and now in the possession of the + Massachusetts Historical Society. We are indebted to the government of + this society for permission to use it.(*) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (*) The whole subject of the portraits of Columbus is + carefully discussed in a learned paper presented to the + Wisconsin Historical Society by Dr. James Davie Butler, and + published in the Collections of that Society, Vol. IX, pp. + 79-96. +</pre> + <p> + A picture ascribed to Titian, and engraved and circulated by the + geographer, Jomard, resembles closely the portraits of Philip III. The + costume is one which Columbus never wore. + </p> + <p> + In his youth Columbus was affiliated with a religious brotherhood, that of + Saint Catherine, in Genoa. In after times, on many occasions when it would + have been supposed that he would be richly clothed, he appeared in a grave + dress which recalled the recollections of the frock of the religious order + of Saint Francis. According to Diego Columbus, he died, “dressed in the + frock of this order, to which he had always been attached.” + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + The reader who has carefully followed the fortunes of the great discoverer + understands from the history the character of the man. He would not have + succeeded in his long suit at the court of Ferdinand and Isabella, had he + not been a person of single purpose and iron will. + </p> + <p> + From the moment when he was in command of the first expedition, that + expedition went prosperously to its great success, in precisely the way + which he had foreseen and determined. True, he did not discover Asia, as + he had hoped, but this was because America was in the way. He showed in + that voyage all the attributes of a great discoverer; he deserved the + honors which were paid to him on his return. + </p> + <p> + As has been said, however, this does not mean that he was a great + organizer of cities, or that he was the right person to put in charge of a + newly founded colony. It has happened more than once in the history of + nations that a great general, who can conquer armies and can obtain peace, + has not succeeded in establishing a colony or in governing a city. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, it is fair to say that Columbus never had a chance to + show what he would have been in the direction of his colonies had they + been really left in his charge. This is true, that his heart was always on + discovery; all the time that he spent in the wretched detail of the + arrangement of a new-built town was time which really seemed to him + wasted. + </p> + <p> + The great problem was always before him, how he should connect his + discoveries with the knowledge which Europe had before of the coast of + Asia. Always it seemed to him that the dominions of the Great Khan were + within his reach. Always he was eager for that happy moment when he should + find himself in personal communication with that great monarch, who had + been so long the monarch of the East—who, as he thought, would prove + to be the monarch of the West. + </p> + <p> + Columbus died with the idea that he had come close to Asia. Even a + generation after his death, the companions of Cortes gave to the peninsula + of California that name because it was the name given in romance to the + farthest island of the eastern Indies. + </p> + <p> + Columbus met with many reverses, and died, one might almost say, a + broken-hearted man. But history has been just to him, and has placed him + in the foremost rank of the men who have set the world forward. And, + outside of the technical study of history, those who like to trace the + laws on which human progress advances have been proud and glad to see that + here is a noble example of the triumph of faith. + </p> + <p> + The life of Columbus is an illustration constantly brought forward of the + success which God gives to those who, having conceived of a great idea, + bravely determine to carry it through. + </p> + <p> + His singleness of purpose, his unselfishness, his determination to + succeed, have been cited for four centuries, and will be cited for + centuries more, among the noblest illustrations which history has given, + of success wrought out by the courage of one man. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPEa" id="link2H_APPEa"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX A. + </h2> + <p> + (The following passages, from Admiral Fox’s report, give his reasons for + believing that Samana, or Atwood’s Key, is the island where Columbus first + touched land. The interest which attaches to this subject at the moment of + the centennial, when many voyages will be made by persons following + Columbus, induces me to copy Admiral Fox’s reasonings in detail. I believe + his conclusion to be correct.) + </p> + <p> + This method of applying Columbus’s words in detail to refute each of the + alleged tracks, and the study that I gave to the subject in the winter of + 1878-79 in the Bahamas, which has been familiar cruising ground to me, has + resulted in the selection of Samana or Atwood’s Key for the first landing + place. + </p> + <p> + It is a little island 8.8 miles east and west; 1.6 extreme breadth, and + averaging 1.2 north and south. It has 8.6 square miles. The east end is in + latitude 23 degrees 5’ N.; longitude 73 degrees 37’ west of Greenwich. The + reef on which it lies is 15 by 2 1/2 miles. + </p> + <p> + On the southeast this reef stretches half a mile from the land, on the + east four miles, on the west two, along the north shore one-quarter to + one-half mile, and on the southwest scarcely one-quarter. Turk is smaller + than Samana, and Cat very much larger. + </p> + <p> + The selection of two so unlike in size show that dimension has not been + considered essential in choosing an island for the first landfall.(*) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (*) I am indebted to T. J. McLain, Esq., United States + consul at Nassau, for the following information given to him + by the captains of this port, who visit Samana or Atwood’s + Key. The sub-sketch on this chart is substantially correct: + Good water is only obtained by sinking wells. The two keys + to the east are covered with guano; white boobies hold the + larger one, and black boobies the other; neither + intermingles. +</pre> + <p> + The island is now uninhabited, but arrow heads and stone hatchets are + sometimes found; and in places there are piles of stones supposed to have + been made by the aborigines. Most of the growth is scrubby, with a few + scattered trees. + </p> + <p> + The Nassau vessels enter an opening through the reef on the south side of + the island and find a very comfortable little harbor with from two to two + and a half fathoms of water. From here they send their boats on shore to + “strip” guano, and cut satin, dye woods and bark. + </p> + <p> + When Columbus discovered Guanahani, the journal called it a “little + island.” After landing he speaks of it as “bien grande,” “very large,” + which some translate, tolerably, or pretty large. November 20, 1492 + (Navarette, first edition, p. 61), the journal refers to Isabella, a + larger island than Guanahani, as “little island,” and the fifth of January + following (p. 125) San Salvador is again called “little island.” + </p> + <p> + The Bahamas have an area of about 37,000 square miles, six per cent of + which may be land, enumerated as 36 islands, 687 keys, and 2,414 rocks. + The submarine bank upon which these rest underlies Florida also. But this + peninsula is wave-formed upon living corals, whose growth and gradual + stretch toward the south has been made known by Agassiz. + </p> + <p> + I had an unsuccessful search for a similar story of the Bahamas, to learn + whether there were any probable changes within so recent a period as four + hundred years. + </p> + <p> + The common mind can see that all the rock there is coral, none of which is + in position. The surface, the caves, the chinks, and the numerous + pot-holes are compact limestone, often quite crystalline, while beneath it + is oolitic, either friable or hard enough to be used for buildings. The + hills are sand-blown, not upheaved. On a majority of the maps of the + sixteenth century there were islands on Mouchoir, and on Silver Banks, + where now are rocks “awash;” and the Dutch and the Severn Shoals, which + lay to the east, have disappeared. + </p> + <p> + It is difficult to resist the impression that the shoal banks, and the + reefs of the Bahamas, were formerly covered with land; and that for a + geological age waste has been going on, and, perhaps, subsidence. The + coral polyp seems to be doing only desultory work, and that mostly on the + northeast or Atlantic side of the islands; everywhere else it has + abandoned the field to the erosive action of the waves. + </p> + <p> + Columbus said that Guanahani had abundance of water and a very large + lagoon in the middle of it. He used the word laguna—lagoon, not lago—lake. + His arrival in the Bahamas was at the height of the rainy season. Governor + Rawson’s Report on the Bahamas, 1864, page 92, Appendix 4, gives the + annual rainfall at Nassau for ten years, 1855—‘64, as sixty-four + inches. From May 1, to November 1 is the wet season, during which 44.7 + inches fall; the other six months 19.3 only. The most is in October, 8.5 + inches. + </p> + <p> + Andros, the largest island, 1,600 square miles, is the only one that has a + stream of water. The subdivision of the land into so many islands and + keys, the absence of mountains, the showery characteristic of the + rainfall, the porosity of the rock, and the great heat reflected from the + white coral, are the chief causes for the want of running water. During + the rainy season the “abundance of water” collects in the low places, + making ponds and lagoons, that afterward are soaked up by the rock and + evaporated by the sun. + </p> + <p> + Turk and Watling have lagoons of a more permanent condition, because they + are maintained from the ocean by permeation. The lagoon which Columbus + found at Guanahani had certainly undrinkable water, or he would have + gotten some for his vessels, instead of putting it off until he reached + the third island. + </p> + <p> + There is nothing in the journal to indicate that the lagoon at Guanahani + was aught but the flooding of the low grounds by excessive rains; and even + if it was one communicating with the ocean, its absence now may be + referred to the effect of those agencies which are working incessantly to + reshape the soft structure of the Bahamas. + </p> + <p> + Samana has a range of hills on the southwest side about one hundred feet + high, and on the northeast another, lower. Between them, and also along + the north shore, the land is low, and during the season of rains there is + a row of ponds parallel to the shore. On the south side a conspicuous + white bluff looks to the southward and eastward. + </p> + <p> + The two keys, lying respectively half a mile and three miles east of the + island, and possibly the outer breaker, which is four miles, all might + have been connected with each other, and with the island, four hundred + years ago. In that event the most convenient place for Columbus to anchor + in the strong northeast trade-wind, was where I have put an anchor on the + sub-sketch of Samana. + </p> + <p> + (In a subsequent passage Admiral Fox says:—) + </p> + <p> + There is a common belief that the first landing place is settled by one or + another of the authors cited here. Nevertheless, I trust to have shown, + paragraph by paragraph, wherein their several tracks are contrary to the + journal, inconsistent with the true cartography of the neighborhood, and + to the discredit, measurably, both of Columbus and of Las Casas. The + obscurity and the carelessness which appear in part of the diary through + the Bahamas offer no obstacle to this demonstration, provided that they do + not extend to the “log,” or nautical part. + </p> + <p> + Columbus went to sea when he was fourteen years of age, and served there + almost continuously for twenty-three years. The strain of a sea-faring + life, from so tender an age, is not conducive to literary exactness. + Still, for the very reason of this sea experience, the “log” should be + correct. + </p> + <p> + This is composed of the courses steered, distances sailed over, bearings + of islands from one another, trend of shores, etc. The recording of these + is the daily business of seamen, and here the entries were by Columbus + himself, chiefly to enable him, on his return to Spain, to construct that + nautical map, which is promised in the prologue of the first voyage. + </p> + <p> + In crossing the Atlantic the Admiral understated to the crew each day’s + run, so that they should not know how far they had gone into an unknown + ocean. Las Casas was aware of this counterfeit “log,” but his abridgment + is from that one which Columbus kept for his own use. + </p> + <p> + If the complicated courses and distances in this were originally wrong, or + if the copy of them is false, it is obvious that they cannot be “plotted” + upon a correct chart. Conversely, if they ARE made to conform to a + succession of islands among which he is known to have sailed, it is + evident that this is a genuine transcript of the authentic “log” of + Columbus, and, reciprocally, that we have the true track, the beginning of + which is the eventful landfall of October 12, 1492. + </p> + <p> + The student or critical reader, and the seaman, will have to determine + whether the writer has established this conformity. The public, probably, + desires to have the question settled, but it will hardly take any interest + in a discussion that has no practical bearing, and which, for its + elucidation, leans so much upon the jargon or the sea. + </p> + <p> + It is not flattering to the English or Spanish speaking peoples that the + four hundredth anniversary of this great event draws nigh, and is likely + to catch us still floundering, touching the first landing place. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_SUMM" id="link2H_SUMM"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SUMMARY. + </h2> + <p> + First. There is no objection to Samana in respect to size, position or + shape. That it is a little island, lying east and west, is in its favor. + The erosion at the east end, by which islets have been formed, recalls the + assertion of Columbus that there it could be cut off in two days and made + into an island. + </p> + <p> + The Nassau vessels still find a snug anchorage here during the northeast + trades. These blew half a gale of wind at the time of the landfall; yet + Navarette, Varnhagen, and Captain Becher anchored the squadron on the + windward sides of the coral reefs of their respective islands, a “lee + shore.” + </p> + <p> + The absence of permanent lagoons at Samana I have tried to explain. + </p> + <p> + Second. The course from Samana to Crooked is to the southwest, which is + the direction that the Admiral said he should steer “tomorrow evening.” + The distance given by him corresponds with the chart. + </p> + <p> + Third. The second island, Santa Maria, is described as having two sides + which made a right angle, and the length of each is given. This points + directly to Crooked and Acklin. Both form one island, so fitted to the + words of the journal as cannot be done with any other land of the Bahamas. + </p> + <p> + Fourth. The course and distance from Crooked to Long Island is that which + the Admiral gives from Santa Maria to Fernandina. + </p> + <p> + Fifth. Long Island, the third, is accurately described. The trend of the + shores, “north-northwest and south-southeast;” the “marvelous port” and + the “coast which runs east (and) west,” can nowhere be found except at the + southeast part of Long Island. + </p> + <p> + Sixth. The journal is obscure in regard to the fourth island. The best way + to find it is to “plot” the courses FORWARD from the third island and the + courses and distances BACKWARD from the fifth. These lead to Fortune for + the fourth. + </p> + <p> + Seventh. The Ragged Islands are the fifth. These he named las islas de + Arena—Sand Islands. + </p> + <p> + They lie west-southwest from the fourth, and this is the course the + Admiral adhered to. He did not “log” all the run made between these + islands; in consequence the “log” falls short of the true distance, as it + ought to. These “seven or eight islands, all extending from north to + south,” and having shoal water “six leagues to the south” of them, are + seen on the chart at a glance. + </p> + <p> + Eighth. The course and distance from these to Port Padre, in Cuba, is + reasonable. The westerly current, the depth of water at the entrance of + Padre, and the general description, are free of difficulties. The true + distance is greater than the “logged,” because Columbus again omits part + of his run. It would be awkward if the true distances from the fourth to + the fifth islands, and from the latter to Padre, had fallen short of the + “log,” since it would make the unexplainable situation which occurs in + Irving’s course and distance from Mucaras Reef to Boca de Caravela. + </p> + <p> + From end to end of the Samana track there are but three discrepancies. At + the third island, two leagues ought to be two miles. At the fourth island + twelve leagues ought to be twelve miles. The bearing between the third and + fourth islands is not quite as the chart has it, nor does it agree with + the courses he steered. These three are fairly explained, and I think that + no others can be mustered to disturb the concord between this track and + the journal. + </p> + <p> + Rev. Mr. Cronan, in his recent voyage, discovered a cave at Watling’s + island, where were many skeletons of the natives. It is thought that a + study of the bones in these skeletons will give some new ethnological + information as to the race which Columbus found, which is now, thanks to + Spanish cruelty, entirely extinct. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPEb" id="link2H_APPEb"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX B. + </h2> + <p> + The letter to the Lady Juana, which gives Columbus’s own statement of the + indignities put upon him in San Domingo, is written in his most crabbed + Spanish. He never wrote the Spanish language accurately, and the letter, + as printed from his own manuscript, is even curious in its infelicities. + It is so striking an illustration of the character of the man that we + print here an abstract of it, with some passages translated directly from + his own language. + </p> + <p> + Columbus writes, towards the end of the year 1500, to the former nurse of + Don Juan, an account of the treatment he has received. “If my complaint of + the world is new, its method of abuse is very old,” he says. “God has made + me a messenger of the new heaven and the new earth which is spoken of in + the Apocalypse by the mouth of St. John, after having been spoken of by + Isaiah, and he showed me the place where it was.” Everybody was + incredulous, but the queen alone gave the spirit of intelligence and zeal + to the undertaking. Then the people talked of obstacles and expense. + Columbus says “seven years passed in talk, and nine in executing some + noted acts which are worthy of remembrance,” but he returned reviled by + all. + </p> + <p> + “If I had stolen the Indies and had given them to the Moors I could not + have had greater enmity shown to me in Spain.” Columbus would have liked + then to give up the business if he could have come before the queen. + However he persisted, and he says he “undertook a new voyage to the new + heaven and the new earth which before had been hidden, and if it is not + appreciated in Spain as much as the other countries of India it is not + surprising, because it is all owing to my industry.” He “had believed that + the voyage to Paria would reconcile all because of the pearls and gold in + the islands of Espanola.” He says, “I caused those of our people whom I + had left there to come together and fish for pearls, and arranged that I + should return and take from them what had been collected, as I understood, + in measure a fanega (about a bushel). If I have not written this to their + Highnesses it is because I wished also to have as much of gold. But that + fled before me, as all other things; I would not have lost them and with + them my honor, if I could have busied myself with my own affairs. + </p> + <p> + “When I went to San Domingo I found almost half of the colony uprising, + and they made war upon me as a Moor, and the Indians on the other side + were no less cruel. + </p> + <p> + “Hojida came and he tried to make order, and he said that their Highnesses + had sent him with promises of gifts and grants and money. He made up a + large company, for in all Espanola there were few men who were not + vagabonds, and no one lived there who had wife or children.” Hojida + retired with threats. + </p> + <p> + “Then Vincente Ganez came with four ships. There were outbreaks and + suspicions but no damage.” He reported that six other ships under a + brother of the Alcalde would arrive, and also the death of the queen, but + these were rumors without foundation. + </p> + <p> + “Adrian (Mogica) attempted to go away as before, but our Lord did not + permit him to carry out his bad plan.” Here Columbus regrets that he was + obliged to use force or ill-treat Adrian, but says he would have done the + same had his brother wished to kill him or wrest from him the government + which the king and queen had given him to guard. + </p> + <p> + “For six months I was ready to leave to take to their Highnesses the good + news of the gold and to stop governing a dissolute people who feared + neither king nor queen, full of meanness and malice. I would have been + able to pay all the people with six hundred thousand maravedis and for + that there were more than four millions of tithes without counting the + third part of the gold.” + </p> + <p> + Columbus says that he begged before his departure that they would send + some one at his expense to take command, and yet again a subject with + letters, for he says bitterly that he has such a singular reputation that + if he “were building churches and hospitals they would say they were cells + for stolen goods.” + </p> + <p> + Then Bobadilla came to Santo Domingo while Columbus was at La Vega and the + Adelantado at Jaragua. “The second day of his arrival he declared himself + governor, created magistrates, made offices, published grants for gold and + tithes, and everything else for a term of twenty years.” He said he had + come to pay the people, and declared he would send Columbus home in irons. + Columbus was away. Letters with favors were sent to others, but none to + him. Columbus resorted to methods to gain time so that their Highnesses + could understand the state of things. But he was constantly maligned and + persecuted by those who were jealous of him. He says: + </p> + <p> + “I think that you will remember that when the tempest threw me into the + port of Lisbon, after having lost my sails, I was accused of having the + intention to give India to that country. Afterwards their Highnesses knew + to the contrary. Although I know but little, I cannot conceive that any + one would suppose me so stupid as not to know that though India might + belong to me, yet I could not keep it without the help of a prince.” + </p> + <p> + Columbus complains that he has been judged as a governor who has been sent + to a peaceful, well-regulated province. He says, “I ought to be judged as + a captain sent from Spain to the Indies to conquer a warlike people, whose + custom and religion are all opposed to ours, where the people live in the + mountains without regular houses for themselves, and where, by the will of + God, I have placed under the rule of the king and queen another world, and + by which Spain, which calls itself poor, is today the richest empire. I + ought to be judged as a captain who for many years bears arms incessantly. + </p> + <p> + “I know well that the errors that I have committed have not been with bad + intentions, and I think that their Highnesses will believe what I say; but + I know and see that they use pity for those who work against them.” + </p> + <p> + “If, nevertheless, their Highnesses order that another shall judge me, + which I hope will not be, and this ought to be on an examination made in + India, I humbly beg of them to send there two conscientious and + respectable people, at my expense, which may know easily that one finds + five marcs of gold in four hours. However that may be, it is very + necessary that they should go there.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPEc" id="link2H_APPEc"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX C. + </h2> + <p> + It would have been so natural to give the name of Columbus to the new + world which he gave to Castile and Leon, that much wonder has been + expressed that America was not called Columbia, and many efforts have been + made to give to the continent this name. The District of Columbia was so + named at a time when American writers of poetry, were determined that + “Columbia” should be the name of the continent. The ship Columbia, from + which the great river of the West takes that name, had received this name + under the same circumstances about the same time. The city of Columbia, + which is the capital of South Carolina, was named with the same wish to do + justice to the great navigator. + </p> + <p> + Side by side with the discussion as to the name, and sometimes making a + part of it, is the question whether Columbus himself was really the first + discoverer of the mainland. The reader has seen that he first saw the + mainland of South America in the beginning of August, 1498. It was on the + fifth, sixth or seventh day, according to Mr. Harrisse’s accurate study of + the letters. Was this the first discovery by a European of the mainland? + </p> + <p> + It is known that Ojeda, with whom the reader is familiar, also saw this + coast. With him, as passenger on his vessel, was Alberico Vespucci, and at + one time it was supposed that Vespucci had made some claim to be the + discoverer of the continent, on account of this voyage. But in truth Ojeda + himself says that before he sailed he had seen the map of the Gulf of + Paria which Columbus had sent home to the sovereigns after he made that + discovery. It also seems to be proved that Alberico Vespucci, as he was + then called, never made for himself any claim to the great discovery. + </p> + <p> + Another question, of a certain interest to people proud of English + maritime science, is the question whether the Cabots did not see the + mainland before Columbus. It is admitted on all hands that they did not + make their first voyage till they knew of Columbus’s first discoveries; + but it is supposed that in the first or second voyage of the Cabots, they + saw the mainland of North America. The dates of the Cabots’ voyages are + unfortunately badly entangled. One of them is as early as 1494, but this + is generally rejected. It is more probable that the king’s letters patent, + authorizing John Cabot and his three sons to go, with five vessels, under + the English flag, for the discovery of islands and countries yet unknown, + was dated the fifth of March, 1496. Whether, however, they sailed in that + year or in the next year is a question. The first record of a discovery is + in the account-book of the privy purse of Henry VII, in the words, “August + 10th, 1497. To him who discovered the new island, ten pounds.” This is + clearly not a claim on which the discovery of the mainland can be based. + </p> + <p> + A manuscript known as the Cotton Manuscript says that John Cabot had + sailed, but had not returned, at the moment when the manuscript was + written. This period was “the thirteenth year of Henry VII.” The + thirteenth year of Henry began on the twenty-second of August, 1497, and + ended in 1498. On the third of February, 1498, Henry VII granted + permission to Cabot to take six English ships “to the lands and islands + recently found by the said Cabot, in the name of the king and by his + orders.” Strictly speaking, this would mean that the mainland had then + been discovered; but it is impossible to establish the claim of England on + these terms. + </p> + <p> + What is, however, more to the point, is a letter from Pasqualigo, a + Venetian merchant, who says, writing to Venice, on the twenty-third of + August, 1497, that Cabot had discovered the mainland at seven hundred + leagues to the west, and had sailed along it for a coast of three hundred + leagues. He says the voyage was three months in length. It was made, then, + between May and August, 1497. The evidence of this letter seems to show + that the mainland of North America was really first discovered by Cabot. + The discussion, however, does not in the least detract from the merit due + to Columbus for the great discovery. Whether he saw an island or whether + he saw the mainland, was a mere matter of what has been called landfall by + the seamen. It is admitted on all hands that he was the leader in all + these enterprises, and that it was on his success in the first voyage that + all such enterprises followed. + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Life of Christopher Columbus from +his own Letters and Journals, by Edward Everett Hale + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE OF COLUMBUS *** + +***** This file should be named 1492-h.htm or 1492-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/1/4/9/1492/ + +Produced by Charles Keller and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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