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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