In one of his later voyages at sea he met with tempestuous weather of
long continuance, in which his ships were so shattered, that with the
utmost difficulty he kept them above water, till he ran them ashore on
the island of Jamaica. By his extraordinary address, he procured from the
natives two of their largest canoes; in which two of his most faithful
friends, Mendez and Fiesco, accompanied by some of his sailors and a
few Indians, embarked for Hispaniola. After encountering the greatest
difficulties in their passage, they carried tidings of his misfortune to
Ovando, and solicited his aid. The merciless wretch detained them eight
months, without an answer; during which time, Columbus suffered the
severest hardships, from the discontent of his company, and the want of
provisions. By the hospitality of the natives, he at first received such
supplies, as they were able to spare; but the long continuance of these
guests had diminished their store, and the insolence of the mutineers
gave a check to their friendship. In this extremity, the fertile
invention of Columbus suggested an expedient which proved successful.
He knew that a total eclipse of the moon was at hand, which would be
visible in the evening. On the preceding day, he sent for the principal
Indians, to speak with them, on a matter of the utmost importance.
Being assembled, he directed his interpreter to tell them, that the
God of heaven, whom he worshipped, was angry with them, for withholding
provision from him, and would punish them with famine and pestilence;
as a token of which, the moon would, in the evening, appear of an
angry and bloody colour. Some of them received his speech with terror,
and others with indifference; but when the moon rose, and the eclipse
increased as she advanced from the horizon, they came in crowds, loaded
with provision, and begged the Admiral to intercede with his God, for
the removal of his anger. Columbus retired to his cabin; and when the
eclipse began to go off, he came out and told them, that he had prayed
to his God, and had received this answer; that if they would be good for
the future, and bring him provision as he should want, God would forgive
them; and as a token of it, the moon would put on her usual brightness.
They gave him thanks, and promised compliance; and whilst he remained on
the island there was no more want of provision.
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