In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

Because, O most Christian, and very high, very excellent, and puissant

Princes, King and Queen of the Spains and of the islands of the Sea, our

Lords, in this present year of 1492, after your Highnesses had given an

end to the war with the Moors who reigned in Europe, and had finished it

in the very great city of Granada, where in this present year, on the

second day of the month of January, by force of arms, I saw the royal

banners of your Highnesses placed on the towers of Alfambra,[89-1] which

is the fortress of that city, and I saw the Moorish King come forth from

the gates of the city and kiss the royal hands of your Highnesses, and of

the Prince my Lord, and presently in that same month, acting on the

information that I had given to your Highnesses touching the lands of

India, and respecting a Prince who is called Gran Can, which means in our

language King of Kings, how he and his ancestors had sent to Rome many

times to ask for learned men[89-2] of our holy faith to teach him, and

how the Holy Father had never complied, insomuch that many people

believing in idolatries were lost by receiving doctrine of perdition:

YOUR HIGHNESSES, as Catholic Christians and Princes who love the holy

Christian faith, and the propagation of it, and who are enemies to the

sect of Mahoma and to all idolatries and heresies, resolved to send me,

Cristobal Colon, to the said parts of India to see the said princes, and

the cities and lands, and their disposition, with a view that they might

be converted to our holy faith;[90-1] and ordered that I should not go by

land to the eastward, as had been customary, but that I should go by way

of the west, whither up to this day, we do not know for certain that any

one has gone.

Thus, after having turned out all the Jews from all your kingdoms and

lordships, in the same month of January,[90-2] your Highnesses gave

orders to me that with a sufficient fleet I should go to the said parts

of India, and for this they made great concessions to me, and ennobled

me, so that henceforward I should be called Don, and should be Chief

Admiral of the Ocean Sea, perpetual Viceroy and Governor of all the

islands and continents that I should discover and gain, and that I might

hereafter discover and gain in the Ocean Sea, and that my eldest son

should succeed, and so on from generation to generation for ever.

I left the city of Granada on the 12th day of May, in the same year of

1492, being Saturday, and came to the town of Palos, which is a seaport;

where I equipped three vessels well suited for such service; and departed

from that port, well supplied with provisions and with many sailors, on

the 3d day of August of the same year, being Friday, half an hour before

sunrise, taking the route to the islands of Canaria, belonging to your

Highnesses, which are in the said Ocean Sea, that I might thence take my

departure for navigating until I should arrive at the Indies, and give

the letters of your Highnesses to those princes, so as to comply with my

orders. As part of my duty I thought it well to write an account of all

the voyage very punctually, noting from day to day all that I should do

and see, and that should happen, as will be seen further on. Also, Lords

Princes, I resolved to describe each night what passed in the day, and to

note each day how I navigated at night. I propose to construct a new

chart for navigating, on which I shall delineate all the sea and lands of

the Ocean in their proper positions under their bearings; and further, I

propose to prepare a book, and to put down all as it were in a picture,

by latitude from the equator, and western longitude. Above all, I shall

have accomplished much, for I shall forget sleep, and shall work at the

business of navigation, that so the service may be performed; all which

will entail great labor.

_Friday, 3d of August_

We departed on Friday, the 3d of August, in the year 1492, from the bar

of Saltes, at 8 o'clock, and proceeded with a strong sea breeze until

sunset, towards the south, for 60 miles, equal to 15 leagues;[91-1]

afterwards S.W. and W.S.W., which was the course for the Canaries.

_Saturday, 4th of August_

They steered S.W. 1/4 S.

_Sunday, 5th of August_

They continued their course day and night more than 40 leagues.

_Monday, 6th of August_

The rudder of the caravel _Pinta_ became unshipped, and Martin Alonso

Pinzon, who was in command, believed or suspected that it was by

contrivance of Gomes Rascon and Cristobal Quintero, to whom the caravel

belonged, for they dreaded to go on that voyage. The Admiral says that,

before they sailed, these men had been displaying a certain backwardness,

so to speak. The Admiral was much disturbed at not being able to help the

said caravel without danger, and he says that he was eased of some

anxiety when he reflected that Martin Alonso Pinzon was a man of energy

and ingenuity. They made, during the day and night, 29 leagues.

_Tuesday, 7th of August_

The rudder of the _Pinta_ was shipped and secured, and they proceeded on

a course for the island of Lanzarote, one of the Canaries. They made,

during the day and night, 25 leagues.

_Wednesday, 8th of August_

Opinions respecting their position varied among the pilots of the three

caravels; but that of the Admiral proved to be nearer the truth. He

wished to go to Gran Canaria, to leave the caravel _Pinta_, because she

was disabled by the faulty hanging of her rudder, and was making water.

He intended to obtain another there if one could be found. They could not

reach the place that day.

_Thursday, 9th of August_

The Admiral was not able to reach Gomera until the night of Sunday, while

Martin Alonso remained on that coast of Gran Canaria by order of the

Admiral, because his vessel could not be navigated. Afterwards the

Admiral took her to Canaria, and they repaired the _Pinta_ very

thoroughly through the pains and labor of the Admiral, of Martin Alonso,

and of the rest. Finally they came to Gomera. They saw a great fire issue

from the mountain of the island of Tenerife, which is of great height.

They rigged the _Pinta_ with square sails, for she was lateen rigged; and

the Admiral reached Gomera on Sunday, the 2nd of September, with the

_Pinta_ repaired.

The Admiral says that many honorable Spanish gentlemen who were at Gomera

with Dona Ines Peraza, mother of Guillen Peraza (who was afterwards the

first Count of Gomera), and who were natives of the island of Hierro,

declared that every year they saw land to the west of the Canaries; and

others, natives of Gomera, affirmed the same on oath. The Admiral here

says that he remembers, when in Portugal in the year 1484, a man came to

the King from the island of Madeira, to beg for a caravel to go to this

land that was seen, who swore that it could be seen every year, and

always in the same way.[93-1] He also says that he recollects the same

thing being affirmed in the islands of the Azores; and all these lands

were described as in the same direction, and as being like each other,

and of the same size. Having taken in water, wood, and meat, and all else

that the men had who were left at Gomera by the Admiral when he went to

the island of Canaria to repair the caravel _Pinta_, he finally made sail

from the said island of Gomera, with his three caravels, on Thursday, the

6th day of September.

_Thursday, 6th of September_

He departed on that day from the port of Gomera in the morning, and

shaped a course to go on his voyage; having received tidings from a

caravel that came from the island of Hierro that three Portuguese

caravels were off that island with the object of taking him. (This must

have been the result of the King's annoyance that Colon should have gone

to Castile.) There was a calm all that day and night, and in the morning

he found himself between Gomera and Tenerife.

_Friday, 7th of September_

The calm continued all Friday and Saturday, until the third hour of the

night.

_Saturday, 8th of September_

At the third hour of Saturday night[94-1] it began to blow from the N.E.,

and the Admiral shaped a course to the west. He took in much sea over the

bows, which retarded progress, and 9 leagues were made in that day and

night.

_Sunday, 9th of September_

This day the Admiral made 19 leagues, and he arranged to reckon less than

the number run, because if the voyage was of long duration, the people

would not be so terrified and disheartened. In the night he made 120

miles, at the rate of 12 miles an hour, which are 30 leagues. The sailors

steered badly, letting the ship fall off to N.E., and even more,

respecting which the Admiral complained many times.[94-2]

_Monday, 10th of September_

In this day and night he made 60 leagues, at the rate of 10 miles an

hour, which are 2-1/2 leagues; but he only counted 48 leagues, that the

people might not be alarmed if the voyage should be long.

_Tuesday, 11th of September_

That day they sailed on their course, which was west, and made 20 leagues

and more. They saw a large piece of the mast of a ship of 120 tons, but

were unable to get it. In the night they made nearly 20 leagues, but only

counted 16, for the reason already given.

_Wednesday, 12th of September_

That day, steering their course, they made 33 leagues during the day and

night, counting less.

_Thursday, 13th of September_

That day and night, steering their course, which was west, they made 33

leagues, counting 3 or 4 less. The currents were against them. On this

day, at the commencement of the night, the needles turned a half point to

north-west, and in the morning they turned somewhat more

north-west.[95-1]

_Friday, 14th of September_

That day they navigated, on their westerly course, day and night, 20

leagues, counting a little less. Here those of the caravel _Nina_

reported that they had seen a tern[96-1] and a boatswain bird,[96-2] and

these birds never go more than 25 leagues from the land.[96-3]

_Saturday, 15th of September_

That day and night they made 27 leagues and rather more on their west

course; and in the early part of the night there fell from heaven into

the sea a marvellous flame of fire, at a distance of about 4 or 5 leagues

from them.

_Sunday, 16th of September_

That day and night they steered their course west, making 39 leagues, but

the Admiral only counted 36. There were some clouds and small rain. The

Admiral says that on that day, and ever afterwards, they met with very

temperate breezes, so that there was great pleasure in enjoying the

mornings, nothing being wanted but the song of nightingales. He says that

the weather was like April in Andalusia. Here they began to see many

tufts of grass which were very green, and appeared to have been quite

recently torn from the land. From this they judged that they were near

some island, but not the main land, according to the Admiral, "because,"

as he says, "I make the main land to be more distant."

_Monday, 17th of September_

They proceeded on their west course, and made over 50 leagues in the day

and night, but the Admiral only counted 47. They were aided by the

current. They saw much very fine grass and herbs from rocks, which came

from the west. They, therefore, considered that they were near land. The

pilots observed the north point, and found that the needles turned a full

point to the west of north. So the mariners were alarmed and dejected,

and did not give their reason. But the Admiral knew, and ordered that the

north should be again observed at dawn. They then found that the needles

were true. The cause was that the star makes the movement, and not the

needles. At dawn, on that Monday, they saw much more weed appearing, like

herbs from rivers, in which they found a live crab, which the Admiral

kept. He says that these crabs are certain signs of land. The sea-water

was found to be less salt than it had been since leaving the Canaries.

The breezes were always soft. Every one was pleased, and the best sailors

went ahead to sight the first land. They saw many tunny-fish, and the

crew of the _Nina_ killed one. The Admiral here says that these signs of

land came from the west, "in which direction I trust in that high God in

whose hands are all victories that very soon we shall sight land." In

that morning he says that a white bird was seen which has not the habit

of sleeping on the sea, called _rabo de junco_ (boatswain-bird).[97-1]

_Tuesday, 18th of September_

This day and night they made over 55 leagues, the Admiral only counting

48. In all these days the sea was very smooth, like the river at Seville.

This day Martin Alonso, with the _Pinta_ which was a fast sailer, did not

wait, for he said to the Admiral, from his caravel, that he had seen a

great multitude of birds flying westward, that he hoped to see land that

night, and that he therefore pressed onward. A great cloud appeared in

the north, which is a sign of the proximity of land.

_Wednesday, 19th of September_

The Admiral continued on his course, and during the day and night he made

but 25 leagues because it was calm. He counted 22. This day, at 10

o'clock, a booby[98-1] came to the ship, and in the afternoon another

arrived, these birds not generally going more than 20 leagues from the

land. There was also some drizzling rain without wind, which is a sure

sign of land. The Admiral did not wish to cause delay by beating to

windward to ascertain whether land was near, but he considered it certain

that there were islands both to the north and south of his position, (as

indeed there were, and he was passing through the middle of them). For

his desire was to press onwards to the Indies, the weather being fine.

For on his return, God willing, he could see all. These are his own

words. Here the pilots found their positions. He of the _Nina_ made the

Canaries 440 leagues distant, the _Pinta_ 420. The pilot of the Admiral's

ship made the distance exactly 400 leagues.

_Thursday, 20th of September_

This day the course was W. b. N., and as her head was all round the

compass owing to the calm that prevailed,[98-2] the ship made only 7 or 8

leagues. Two boobies came to the ship, and afterwards another, a sign of

the proximity of land. They saw much weed, although none was seen on the

previous day. They caught a bird with the hand, which was like a tern.

But it was a river-bird, not a sea-bird, the feet being like those of a

gull. At dawn two or three land-birds came singing to the ship, and they

disappeared before sunset. Afterwards a booby came from W.N.W., and flew

to the S.W., which was a sign that it left land in the W.N.W.; for these

birds sleep on shore, and go to sea in the mornings in search of food,

not extending their flight more than 20 leagues from the land.

_Friday, 21st September_

Most of the day it was calm, and later there was a little wind. During

the day and night they did not make good more than 13 leagues. At dawn

they saw so much weed that the sea appeared to be covered with it, and it

came from the west. A booby was seen. The sea was very smooth, like a

river, and the air the best in the world. They saw a whale, which is a

sign that they were near land, because they always keep near the shore.

_Saturday, 22nd of September_

They shaped a course W.N.W. more or less, her head turning from one to

the other point, and made 30 leagues. Scarcely any weed was seen. They

saw some sandpipers and another bird. Here the Admiral says: "This

contrary wind was very necessary for me, because my people were much

excited at the thought that in these seas no wind ever blew in the

direction of Spain." Part of the day there was no weed, and later it was

very thick.

_Sunday, 23rd of September_

They shaped a course N.W., and at times more northerly; occasionally they

were on their course, which was west, and they made about 22 leagues.

They saw a dove and a booby, another river-bird, and some white birds.

There was a great deal of weed, and they found crabs in it. The sea,

being smooth and calm, the crew began to murmur, saying that here there

was no great sea, and that the wind would never blow so that they could

return to Spain. Afterwards the sea rose very much, without wind, which

astonished them. The Admiral here says: "Thus the high sea was very

necessary to me, such as had not appeared but in the time of the Jews

when they went out of Egypt and murmured against Moses who delivered them

out of captivity."[100-1]

_Monday, 24th of September_

The Admiral went on his west course all day and night, making 14 leagues.

He counted 12. A booby came to the ship, and many sandpipers.[100-2]

_Tuesday, 25th of September_

This day began with a calm, and afterwards there was wind. They were on

their west course until night. The Admiral conversed with Martin Alonso

Pinzon, captain of the other caravel _Pinta_, respecting a chart which he

had sent to the caravel three days before, on which, as it would appear,

the Admiral had certainis lands[TN-1] depicted in that sea.[101-1] Martin

Alonso said that the ships were in the position on which the islands were

placed, and the Admiral replied that so it appeared to him: but it might

be that they had not fallen in with them, owing to the currents which had

always set the ships to the N.E., and that they had not made so much as

the pilots reported. The Admiral then asked for the chart to be returned,

and it was sent back on a line.[101-2] The Admiral then began to plot

the position on it, with the pilot and mariners. At sunset Martin Alonso

went up on the poop of his ship, and with much joy called to the Admiral,

claiming the reward as he had sighted land. When the Admiral heard this

positively declared, he says that he gave thanks to the Lord on his knees

while Martin Alonso said the _Gloria in excelsis_ with his people. The

Admiral's crew did the same. Those of the _Nina_ all went up on the mast

and into the rigging, and declared that it was land. It so seemed to the

Admiral, and that it was distant 25 leagues. They all continued to

declare it was land until night. The Admiral ordered the course to be

altered from W. to S.W., in which direction the land had appeared. That

day they made 4 leagues on a west course, and 17 S.W. during the night,

in all 21; but the people were told that 13 was the distance made good:

for it was always feigned to them that the distances were less, so that

the voyage might not appear so long. Thus two reckonings were kept on

this voyage, the shorter being feigned, and the longer being the true

one. The sea was very smooth, so that many sailors bathed alongside. They

saw many _dorados_[102-1] and other fish.

_Wednesday, 26th of September_

The Admiral continued on the west course until afternoon. Then he altered

course to S.W., until he made out that what had been said to be land was

only clouds. Day and night they made 31 leagues, counting 24 for the

people. The sea was like a river, the air pleasant and very mild.

_Thursday, 27th of September_

The course west, and distance made good during day and night 24 leagues,

20 being counted for the people. Many _dorados_ came. One was killed. A

boatswain-bird came.

_Friday, 28th of September_

The course was west, and the distance, owing to calms, only 14 leagues in

day and night, 13 leagues being counted. They met with little weed; but

caught two _dorados_, and more in the other ships.

_Saturday, 29th of September_

The course was west, and they made 24 leagues, counting 21 for the

people. Owing to calms, the distance made good during day and night was

not much. They saw a bird called _rabiforcado_[103-1] (man-o'-war bird),

which makes the boobies vomit what they have swallowed, and eats it,

maintaining itself on nothing else. It is a sea-bird, but does not sleep

on the sea, and does not go more than 20 leagues from the land. There are

many of them at the Cape Verde Islands. Afterwards they saw two boobies.

The air was very mild and agreeable, and the Admiral says that nothing

was wanting but to hear the nightingale. The sea smooth as a river.

Later, three boobies and a man-o'-war bird were seen three times. There

was much weed.

_Sunday, 30th of September_

The western course was steered, and during the day and night, owing to

calms, only 14 leagues were made, 11 being counted. Four boatswain-birds

came to the ship, which is a great sign of land, for so many birds of

this kind together is a sign that they are not straying or lost. They

also twice saw four boobies. There was much weed. _Note_ that the stars

which are called _Las Guardias_ (the Pointers[103-2]), when night comes

on, are near the western point, and when dawn breaks they are near the

N.E. point; so that, during the whole night, they do not appear to move

more than three lines or 9 hours, and this on each night. The Admiral

says this, and also that at nightfall the needles vary a point westerly,

while at dawn they agree exactly with the star. From this it would appear

that the north star has a movement like the other stars, while the

needles always point correctly.

_Monday, 1st of October_

Course west, and 25 leagues made good, counted for the crew as 20

leagues. There was a heavy shower of rain. At dawn the Admiral's pilot

made the distance from Hierro 578 leagues to the west. The reduced

reckoning which the Admiral showed to the crew made it 584 leagues; but

the truth which the Admiral observed and kept secret was 707.

_Tuesday, 2nd of October_

Course west, and during the day and night 39 leagues were made good,

counted for the crew as 30. The sea always smooth. Many thanks be given

to God, says the Admiral, that the weed is coming from east to west,

contrary to its usual course. Many fish were seen, and one was killed. A

white bird was also seen that appeared to be a gull.

_Wednesday, 3rd of October_

They navigated on the usual course, and made good 47 leagues, counted as

40. Sandpipers appeared, and much weed, some of it very old and some

quite fresh and having fruit. They saw no birds. The Admiral, therefore,

thought that they had left the islands behind them which were depicted

on the charts. The Admiral here says that he did not wish to keep the

ships beating about during the last week, and in the last few days when

there were so many signs of land, although he had information of certain

islands in this region. For he wished to avoid delay, his object being to

reach the Indies. He says that to delay would not be wise.[105-1]

_Thursday, 4th of October_

Course west, and 63 leagues made good during the day and night, counted

as 46. More than forty sandpipers came to the ship in a flock, and two

boobies, and a ship's boy hit one with a stone. There also came a

man-o'-war bird and a white bird like a gull.

_Friday, 5th of October_

The Admiral steered his course, going 11 miles an hour, and during the

day and night they made good 57 leagues, as the wind increased somewhat

during the night: 45 were counted. The sea was smooth and quiet. "To

God," he says, "be many thanks given, the air being pleasant and

temperate, with no weed, many sandpipers, and flying-fish coming on the

deck in numbers."

_Saturday, 6th of October_

The Admiral continued his west course, and during day and night they made

good 40 leagues, 33 being counted. This night Martin Alonso said that it

would be well to steer south of west,[106-1] and it appeared to the

Admiral that Martin Alonso did not say this with respect to the island of

Cipango.[106-2] He saw that if an error was made the land would not be

reached so quickly, and that consequently it would be better to go at

once to the continent and afterwards to the islands.

_Sunday, 7th of October_

The west course was continued; for two hours they went at the rate of 12

miles an hour, and afterwards 8 miles an hour. They made good 23 leagues,

counting 18 for the people. This day, at sunrise, the caravel _Nina_,

which went ahead, being the best sailer, and pushed forward as much as

possible to sight the land first, so as to enjoy the reward which the

Sovereigns had promised to whoever should see it first, hoisted a flag at

the mast-head and fired a gun, as a signal that she had sighted land, for

such was the Admiral's order. He had also ordered that, at sunrise and

sunset, all the ships should join him; because those two times are most

proper for seeing the greatest distance, the haze clearing away. No land

was seen during the afternoon, as reported by the caravel _Nina_, and

they passed a great number of birds flying from N. to S.W. This gave rise

to the belief that the birds were either going to sleep on land, or were

flying from the winter which might be supposed to be near in the land

whence they were coming. The Admiral was aware that most of the islands

held by the Portuguese were discovered by the flight of birds. For this

reason he resolved to give up the west course, and to shape a course

W.S.W. for the two following days.[107-1] He began the new course one

hour before sunset. They made good, during the night, about 5 leagues,

and 23 in the day, altogether 28 leagues.

_Monday, 8th of October_

The course was W.S.W., and 11-1/2 or 12 leagues were made good in the day

and night; and at times it appears that they went at the rate of 15 miles

an hour during the night (if the handwriting is not deceptive).[107-2]

The sea was like the river at Seville. "Thanks be to God," says the

Admiral, "the air is very soft like the April at Seville; and it is a

pleasure to be here, so balmy are the breezes." The weed seemed to be

very fresh. There were many land-birds, and they took one that was flying

to the S.W. Terns,[107-3] ducks, and a booby were also seen.

_Tuesday, 9th of October_

The course was S.W., and they made 5 leagues. The wind then changed, and

the Admiral steered W. by N. 4 leagues. Altogether, in day and night,

they made 11 leagues by day and 20-1/2 leagues by night; counted as 17

leagues altogether. Throughout the night birds were heard passing.

_Wednesday, 10th of October_

The course was W.S.W., and they went at the rate of 10 miles an hour,

occasionally 12 miles, and sometimes 7. During the day and night they

made 59 leagues, counted as no more than 44. Here the people could endure

no longer. They complained of the length of the voyage. But the Admiral

cheered them up in the best way he could, giving them good hopes of the

advantages they might gain from it. He added that, however much they

might complain, he had to go to the Indies, and that he would go on until

he found them, with the help of our Lord.[108-1]

_Thursday, 11th of October_

The course was W.S.W., and there was more sea than there had been during

the whole of the voyage. They saw sandpipers, and a green reed near the

ship. Those of the caravel _Pinta_ saw a cane and a pole, and they took

up another small pole which appeared to have been worked with iron; also

another bit of cane, a land-plant, and a small board. The crew of the

caravel _Nina_ also saw signs of land, and a small branch covered with

berries.[108-2] Every one breathed afresh and rejoiced at these signs.

The run until sunset was 27 leagues.

After sunset the Admiral returned to his original west course, and they

went along at the rate of 12 miles an hour. Up to two hours after

midnight they had gone 90 miles, equal to 22-1/2 leagues. As the caravel

_Pinta_ was a better sailer, and went ahead of the Admiral, she found the

land, and made the signals ordered by the Admiral. The land was first

seen by a sailor named Rodrigo de Triana.[109-1] But the Admiral, at ten

o'clock, being on the castle of the poop,[109-2] saw a light, though it

was so uncertain that he could not affirm it was land. He called Pero

Gutierrez, a gentleman of the King's bed-chamber, and said that there

seemed to be a light, and that he should look at it. He did so, and saw

it.[109-3] The Admiral said the same to Rodrigo Sanchez of Segovia, whom

the King and Queen had sent with the fleet as inspector, but he could see

nothing, because he was not in a place whence anything could be seen.

After the Admiral had spoken he saw the light once or twice, and it was

like a wax candle rising and falling. It seemed to few to be an

indication of land; but the Admiral made certain that land was close.

When they said the _Salve_, which all the sailors were accustomed to sing

in their way, the Admiral asked and admonished the men to keep a good

look-out on the forecastle, and to watch well for land; and to him who

should first cry out that he saw land, he would give a silk doublet,

besides the other rewards promised by the Sovereigns, which were 10,000

maravedis to him who should first see it.[109-4] At two hours after

midnight the land was sighted at a distance of two leagues. They

shortened sail, and lay by under the mainsail without the bonnets.

[_Friday, 12th of October_]

The vessels were hove to, waiting for daylight; and on Friday they

arrived at a small island of the Lucayos, called in the language of the

Indians, Guanahani.[110-1] Presently they saw naked people. The Admiral

went on shore in the armed boat, and Martin Alonso Pinzon, and Vicente

Yanez, his brother, who was captain of the _Nina_. The Admiral took the

royal standard, and the captains went with two banners of the green

cross, which the Admiral took in all the ships as a sign, with an F and a

Y[110-2] and a crown over each letter, one on one side of the cross and

the other on the other. Having landed, they saw trees very green, and

much water, and fruits of diverse kinds. The Admiral called to the two

captains, and to the others who leaped on shore, and to Rodrigo Escovedo,

secretary of the whole fleet, and to Rodrigo Sanchez of Segovia,[110-3]

and said that they should bear faithful testimony that he, in presence of

all, had taken, as he now took, possession of the said island[110-4] for

the King and for the Queen his Lords, making the declarations that are

required, as is now largely set forth in the testimonies which were then

made in writing.

Presently many inhabitants of the island assembled. What follows is in

the actual words of the Admiral in his book of the first navigation and

discovery of the Indies.[110-5] "I," he says, "that we might form great

friendship, for I knew that they were a people who could be more easily

freed and converted to our holy faith by love than by force, gave to

some of them red caps, and glass beads to put round their necks, and

many other things of little value, which gave them great pleasure, and

made them so much our friends that it was a marvel to see. They

afterwards came to the ship's boats where we were, swimming and bringing

us parrots, cotton threads in skeins, darts, and many other things; and

we exchanged them for other things that we gave them, such as glass beads

and small bells. In fine, they took all, and gave what they had with good

will. It appeared to me to be a race of people very poor in everything.

They go as naked as when their mothers bore them, and so do the women,

although I did not see more than one young girl. All I saw were youths,

none more than thirty years of age. They are very well made, with very

handsome bodies, and very good countenances. Their hair is short and

coarse, almost like the hairs of a horse's tail. They wear the hairs

brought down to the eyebrows, except a few locks behind, which they wear

long and never cut. They paint themselves black, and they are the color

of the Canarians, neither black nor white. Some paint themselves white,

others red, and others of what color they find. Some paint their faces,

others the whole body, some only round the eyes, others only on the nose.

They neither carry nor know anything of arms, for I showed them swords,

and they took them by the blade and cut themselves through ignorance.

They have no iron, their darts being wands without iron, some of them

having a fish's tooth at the end, and others being pointed in various

ways. They are all of fair stature and size, with good faces, and well

made. I saw some with marks of wounds on their bodies, and I made signs

to ask what it was, and they gave me to understand that people from other

adjacent islands came with the intention of seizing them, and that they

defended themselves. I believed, and still believe, that they come here

from the mainland to take them prisoners. They should be good servants

and intelligent, for I observed that they quickly took in what was said

to them, and I believe that they would easily be made Christians, as it

appeared to me that they had no religion. I, our Lord being pleased,

will take hence, at the time of my departure, six natives for your

Highnesses, that they may learn to speak. I saw no beast of any kind

except parrots, on this island." The above is in the words of the

Admiral.

_Saturday, 13th of October_

"As soon as dawn broke many of these people came to the beach, all

youths, as I have said, and all of good stature, a very handsome people.

Their hair is not curly, but loose and coarse, like horse hair. In all

the forehead is broad, more so than in any other people I have hitherto

seen. Their eyes are very beautiful and not small, and themselves far

from black, but the color of the Canarians. Nor should anything else be

expected, as this island is in a line east and west from the island of

Hierro in the Canaries. Their legs are very straight, all in one line,

and no belly, but very well formed. They came to the ship in small

canoes, made out of the trunk of a tree like a long boat, and all of one

piece, and wonderfully worked, considering the country. They are large,

some of them holding 40 to 45 men, others smaller, and some only large

enough to hold one man. They are propelled with a paddle like a baker's

shovel, and go at a marvellous rate. If the canoe capsizes, they all

promptly begin to swim, and to bale it out with calabashes that they take

with them. They brought skeins of cotton thread, parrots, darts, and

other small things which it would be tedious to recount, and they give

all in exchange for anything that may be given to them. I was attentive,

and took trouble to ascertain if there was gold. I saw that some of them

had a small piece fastened in a hole they have in the nose, and by signs

I was able to make out that to the south, or going from the island to the

south, there was a king who had great cups full, and who possessed a

great quantity. I tried to get them to go there, but afterwards I saw

that they had no inclination. I resolved to wait until to-morrow in the

afternoon and then to depart, shaping a course to the S.W., for,

according to what many of them told me, there was land to the S., to the

S.W., and N.W., and that the natives from the N.W. often came to attack

them, and went on to the S.W. in search of gold and precious stones.

"This island is rather large and very flat, with bright green trees, much

water, and a very large lake in the centre, without any mountain, and the

whole land so green that it is a pleasure to look on it. The people are

very docile, and for the longing to possess our things, and not having

anything to give in return, they take what they can get, and presently

swim away. Still, they give away all they have got, for whatever may be

given to them, down to broken bits of crockery and glass. I saw one give

16 skeins of cotton for three _ceotis_[113-1] of Portugal, equal to one

_blanca_ of Spain, the skeins being as much as an _arroba_ of cotton

thread. I shall keep it, and shall allow no one to take it, preserving it

all for your Highnesses, for it may be obtained in abundance. It is grown

in this island, though the short time did not admit of my ascertaining

this for a certainty. Here also is found the gold they wear fastened in

their noses. But, in order not to lose time, I intend to go and see if I

can find the island of Cipango.[113-2] Now, as it is night, all the

natives have gone on shore with their canoes."

_Sunday, 14th of October_

"At dawn I ordered the ship's boat and the boats of the caravels to be

got ready, and I went along the coast of the island and to the N.N.E., to

see the other side, which was on the other side to the east, and also to

see the villages. Presently I saw two or three, and the people all came

to the shore, calling out and giving thanks to God. Some of them brought

us water, others came with food, and when they saw that I did want to

land, they got into the sea, and came swimming to us. We understood that

they asked us if we had come from heaven. One old man came into the boat,

and others cried out, in loud voices, to all the men and women, to come

and see the men who had come from heaven, and to bring them to eat and

drink. Many came, including women, each bringing something, giving thanks

to God, throwing themselves on the ground and shouting to us to come on

shore. But I was afraid to land, seeing an extensive reef of rocks which

surrounded the island, with deep water between it and the shore forming a

port large enough for as many ships as there are in Christendom, but with

a very narrow entrance. It is true that within this reef there are some

sunken rocks, but the sea has no more motion than the water in a well. In

order to see all this I went this morning, that I might be able to give a

full account to your Highnesses, and also where a fortress might be

established. I saw a piece of land which appeared like an island,

although it is not one, and on it there were six houses. It might be

converted into an island in two days, though I do not see that it would

be necessary, for these people are very simple as regards the use of

arms, as your Highnesses will see from the seven that I caused to be

taken, to bring home and learn our language and return; unless your

Highnesses should order them all to be brought to Castile, or to be kept

as captives on the same island; for with fifty men they can all be

subjugated and made to do what is required of them. Close to the above

peninsula there are gardens of the most beautiful trees I ever saw, and

with leaves as green as those of Castile in the month of April and May,

and much water. I examined all that port, and afterwards I returned to

the ship and made sail. I saw so many islands that I hardly knew how to

determine to which I should go first. Those natives I had with me said,

by signs, that there were so many that they could not be numbered, and

they gave the names of more than a hundred. At last I looked out for the

largest, and resolved to shape a course for it, and so I did. It will be

distant five leagues from this of _San Salvador_, and the others some

more, some less. All are very flat, and all are inhabited. The natives

make war on each other, although these are very simple-minded and

handsomely-formed people."

_Monday, 15th of October_

"I had laid by during the night, with the fear of reaching the land to

anchor before daylight,[115-1] not knowing whether the coast was clear of

rocks, and at dawn I made sail. As the island was more than 5 leagues

distant and nearer 7, and the tide checked my way, it was noon when we

arrived at the said island. I found that side facing towards the island

of San Salvador trended north and south with a length of 5 leagues, and

the other which I followed ran east and west for more than 10

leagues.[115-2] As from this island I saw another larger one to the west,

I clued up[115-3] the sails, after having run all that day until night,

otherwise I could not have reached the western cape. I gave the name of

Santa Maria de la Concepcion[115-4] to the island, and almost as the sun

set I anchored near the said cape to ascertain if it contained gold. For

the people I had taken from the island of San Salvador told me that here

they wore very large rings of gold on their arms and legs. I really

believed that all they said was nonsense, invented that they might

escape. My desire was not to pass any island without taking possession,

so that, one having been taken, the same may be said of all. I anchored,

and remained until to-day, Tuesday, when I went to the shore with the

boats armed, and landed. The people, who were numerous, went naked, and

were like those of the other island of San Salvador. They let us go over

the island, and gave us what we required. As the wind changed to the

S.E., I did not like to stay, and returned to the ship. A large canoe was

alongside the _Nina_, and one of the men of the island of San Salvador,

who was on board, jumped into the sea and got into the canoe. In the

middle of the night before, another swam away behind the canoe, which

fled, for there never was boat that could have overtaken her, seeing that

in speed they have a great advantage.[116-1] So they reached the land and

left the canoe. Some of my people went on shore in chase of them, but

they all fled like fowls and the canoe they had left was brought

alongside the caravel _Nina_, whither, from another direction, another

small canoe came, with a man who wished to barter with skeins of cotton.

Some sailors jumped into the sea, because he would not come on board the

caravel, and seized him. I was on the poop of my ship, and saw

everything. So I sent for the man, gave him a red cap, some small beads

of green glass, which I put on his arms, and small bells, which I put in

his ears, and ordered his canoe, which was also on board, to be returned

to him. I sent him on shore, and presently made sail to go to the other

large island which was in sight to the westward. I also ordered the other

large canoe, which the caravel _Nina_ was towing astern, to be cast

adrift; and I soon saw that it reached the land at the same time as the

man to whom I had given the above things. I had not wished to take the

skein of cotton that he offered me. All the others came round him and

seemed astonished, for it appeared clear to them that we were good

people. The other man who had fled might do us some harm, because we had

carried him off, and for that reason I ordered this man to be set free

and gave him the above things, that he might think well of us, otherwise,

when your Highnesses again send an expedition, they might not be

friendly. All the presents I gave were not worth four maravedis. At 10 we

departed with the wind S.W., and made for the south, to reach that other

island, which is very large, and respecting which all the men that I

bring from San Salvador make signs that there is much gold, and that they

wear it as bracelets on the arms, on the legs, in the ears and nose, and

round the neck. The distance of this island from that of Santa Maria is

9 leagues on a course east to west. All this part of the island trends

N.W. and S.E., and it appeared that this coast must have length of 28

leagues. It is very flat, without any mountain, like San Salvador and

Santa Maria, all being beach without rocks, except that there are some

sunken rocks near the land, whence it is necessary to keep a good lookout

when it is desired to anchor, and not to come to very near the land; but

the water is always very clear, and the bottom is visible. At a distance

of two shots of a lombard, there is, off all these islands, such a depth

that the bottom cannot be reached. These islands are very green and

fertile, the climate very mild. They may contain many things of which I

have no knowledge, for I do not wish to stop, in discovering and visiting

many islands, to find gold. These people make signs that it is worn on

the arms and legs; and it must be gold, for they point to some pieces

that I have. I cannot err, with the help of our Lord, in finding out

where this gold has its origin. Being in the middle of the channel

between these two islands, that is to say, that of Santa Maria and this

large one, to which I give the name of Fernandina,[117-1] I came upon a

man alone in a canoe going from Santa Maria to Fernandina. He had a

little of their bread, about the size of a fist, a calabash of water, a

piece of brown earth powdered and then kneaded, and some dried leaves,

which must be a thing highly valued by them,[117-2] for they bartered

with it at San Salvador. He also had with him a native basket with a

string of glass beads, and two _blancas_, by which I knew that he had

come from the island of San Salvador, and had been to Santa Maria, and

thence to Fernandina. He came alongside the ship, and I made him come on

board as he desired, also getting the canoe inboard, after taking care of

all his property. I ordered him to be given to eat bread and treacle, and

also to drink: and so I shall take him on to Fernandina, where I shall

return everything to him, order that he may give a good account of us,

that, our Lord pleasing, when your Highnesses shall send here, those who

come may receive honor, and that the natives may give them all they

require."

_Tuesday, 16th of October_

"I sailed from the island of Santa Maria de la Concepcion at about noon,

to go to Fernandina Island, which appeared very large to the westward,

and I navigated all that day with light winds. I could not arrive in time

to be able to see the bottom, so as to drop the anchor on a clear place,

for it is necessary to be very careful not to lose the anchors. So I

stood off and on all that night until day, when I came to an inhabited

place where I anchored, and whence that man had come that I found

yesterday in the canoe in mid channel. He had given such a good report of

us that there was no want of canoes alongside the ship all that night,

which brought us water and what they had to offer. I ordered each one to

be given something, such as a few beads, ten or twelve of those made of

glass on a thread, some timbrels made of brass such as are worth a

maravedi in Spain, and some straps, all which they looked upon as most

excellent. I also ordered them to be given treacle to eat when they came

on board. At three o'clock[118-1] I sent the ship's boat on shore for

water, and the natives with good will showed my people where the water

was, and they themselves brought the full casks down to the boat, and did

all they could to please us.

"This island is very large, and I have determined to sail round it,

because, so far as I can understand, there is a mine in or near it. The

island is eight leagues from Santa Maria, nearly east and west; and this

point I had reached, as well as all the coast, trends N.N.W. and S.S.E. I

saw at least 20 leagues of it, and then it had not ended. Now, as I am

writing this, I made sail with the wind at the south, to sail round the

island, and to navigate until I find Samaot, which is the island or city

where there is gold, as all the natives say who are on board, and as

those of San Salvador and Santa Maria told us. These people resemble

those of the said islands, with the same language and customs, except

that these appear to me a rather more domestic and tractable people, yet

also more subtle. For I observed that those who brought cotton and other

trifles to the ship, knew better than the others how to make a bargain.

In this island I saw cotton cloths made like mantles. The people were

better disposed, and the women wore in front of their bodies a small

piece of cotton which scarcely covered them.

"It is a very green island, level and very fertile, and I have no doubt

that they sow and gather corn[119-1] all the year round, as well as other

things. I saw many trees very unlike those of our country. Many of them

have their branches growing in different ways and all from one trunk, and

one twig is one form, and another in a different shape, and so unlike

that it is the greatest wonder in the world to see the great diversity;

thus one branch has leaves like those of a cane, and others like those of

a mastick tree: and on a single tree there are five or six different

kinds. Nor are these grafted, for it may be said that grafting is

unknown, the trees being wild, and untended by these people. They do not

know any religion, and I believe they could easily be converted to

Christianity, for they are very intelligent. Here the fish are so unlike

ours that it is wonderful. Some are the shape of dories, and of the

finest colors in the world, blue, yellow, red, and other tints, all

painted in various ways, and the colors are so bright that there is not a

man who would not be astonished, and would not take great delight in

seeing them. There are also whales. I saw no beasts on the land of any

kind, except parrots and lizards. A boy told me that he saw a large

serpent. I saw neither sheep, nor goats, nor any other quadruped. It is

true I have been here a short time, since noon,[120-1] yet I could not

have failed to see some if there had been any. I will write respecting

the circuit of this island after I have been round it."

_Wednesday, 17th of October_

"At noon I departed from the village off which I was anchored, and where

I took in water, to sail round this island of Fernandina. The wind was

S.W. and South. My wish was to follow the coast of this island to the

S.E., from where I was, the whole coast trending N.N.W. and S.S.E.;

because all the Indians I bring with me, and others, made signs to this

southern quarter, as the direction of the island they call Samoet, where

the gold is. Martin Alonso Pinzon, captain of the caravel _Pinta_, on

board of which I had three of the Indians, came to me and said that one

of them had given him to understand very positively that the island might

be sailed round much quicker by shaping a N.N.W. course. I saw that the

wind would not help me to take the course I desired, and that it was fair

for the other, so I made sail to the N.N.W. When I was two leagues from

the cape of the island, I discovered a very wonderful harbor.[120-2] It

has one mouth, or, rather, it may be said to have two, for there is an

islet in the middle. Both are very narrow, and within it is wide enough

for a hundred ships, if there was depth and a clean bottom, and the

entrance was deep enough. It seemed desirable to explore it and take

soundings, so I anchored outside, and went in with all the ship's boats,

when we saw there was insufficient depth. As I thought, when I first saw

it, that it was the mouth of some river, I ordered the water-casks to be

brought. On shore I found eight or ten men, who presently came to us and

showed us the village, whither I sent the people for water, some with

arms, and others with the casks; and, as it was some little distance, I

waited two hours for them.

"During that time I walked among the trees, which was the most beautiful

thing I had ever seen, beholding as much verdure as in the month of May

in Andalusia. The trees are unlike ours as night from day, as are the

fruits, the herbs, the stones, and everything. It is true that some of

the trees bore some resemblance to those in Castile, but most of them are

very different, and some were so unlike that no one could compare them to

anything in Castile. The people were all like those already mentioned:

like them naked, and the same size. They give what they possess in

exchange for anything that may be given to them. I here saw some of the

ship's boys bartering broken bits of glass and crockery for darts. The

men who went for water told me that they had been in the houses of the

natives, and that they were very plain and clean inside. Their beds and

bags for holding things[121-1] were like nets of cotton.[121-2] The

houses are like booths, and very high, with good chimneys.[121-3] But,

among many villages that I saw, there was none that consisted of more

than from twelve to fifteen houses. Here they found that the married

women wore clouts of cotton, but not the young girls, except a few who

were over eighteen years of age. They had dogs, mastiffs, and

hounds;[121-4] and here they found a man who had a piece of gold in his

nose, the size of half a _castellano_,[121-5] on which they saw letters.

I quarrelled with these people because they would not exchange or give

what was required; as I wished to see what and whose this money was; and

they replied that they were not accustomed to barter.

"After the water was taken I returned to the ship, made sail, and shaped

a course N.W., until I had discovered all the part of the coast of the

island which trends east to west. Then all the Indians turned round and

said that this island was smaller than Samoet, and that it would be well

to return back so as to reach it sooner. The wind presently went down and

then sprang up from W.N.W., which was contrary for us to continue on the

previous course. So I turned back, and navigated all that night to

E.S.E., sometimes to east and to S.E. This course was steered to keep me

clear of the land, for there were very heavy clouds and thick weather,

which did not admit of my approaching the land to anchor. On that night

it rained very heavily from midnight until nearly dawn, and even

afterwards the clouds threatened rain. We found ourselves at the S.W. end

of the island, where I hoped to anchor until it cleared up, so as to see

the other island whither I have to go. On all these days, since I arrived

in these Indies, it has rained more or less. Your Highnesses may believe

that this land is the best and most fertile, and with a good climate,

level, and as good as there is in the world."

_Thursday, 18th of October_

"After it had cleared up I went before the wind, approaching the island

as near as I could, and anchored when it was no longer light enough to

keep under sail. But I did not go on shore, and made sail at dawn...."

_Friday, 19th of October_

"I weighed the anchors at daylight, sending the caravel _Pinta_ on an

E.S.E. course, the caravel _Nina_ S.S.E., while I shaped a S.E. course,

giving orders that these courses were to be steered until noon, and that

then the two caravels should alter course so as to join company with me.

Before we had sailed for three hours we saw an island to the east, for

which we steered, and all three vessels arrived at the north point before

noon. Here there is an islet, and a reef of rocks to seaward of it,

besides one between the islet and the large island. The men of San

Salvador, whom I bring with me, called it Saomete, and I gave it the name

of Isabella.[123-1] The wind was north and the said islet bore from the

island of Fernandina, whence I had taken my departure, east and west.

Afterwards we ran along the coast of the island, westward from the islet,

and found its length to be 12 leagues as far as a cape, which I named

Cabo Hermoso, at the western end. The island is beautiful, and the coast

very deep, without sunken rocks off it. Outside the shore is rocky, but

further in there is a sandy beach, and here I anchored on that Friday

night until morning. This coast and the part of the island I saw is

almost flat, and the island is very beautiful; for if the other islands

are lovely, this is more so. It has many very green trees, which are very

large. The land is higher than in the other islands, and in it there are

some hills, which cannot be called mountains: and it appears that there

is much water inland. From this point to the N.E. the coast makes a great

angle, and there are many thick and extensive groves. I wanted to go and

anchor there, so as to go on shore and see so much beauty; but the water

was shallow, and we could only anchor at a distance from the land. The

wind also was fair for going to this cape, where I am now anchored, to

which I gave the name of Cabo Hermoso,[123-2] because it is so. Thus it

was that I do not anchor in that angle, but as I saw this cape so green

and so beautiful, like all the other lands of these islands, I scarcely

knew which to visit first; for I can never tire my eyes in looking at

such lovely vegetation, so different from ours. I believe that there are

many herbs and many trees that are worth much in Europe for dyes and for

medicines; but I do not know them, and this causes me great sorrow.

Arriving at this cape, I found the smell of the trees sand flowers so

delicious that it seemed the pleasantest thing in the world. To-morrow,

before I leave this place, I shall go on shore to see what there is at

this cape. There are no people, but there are villages in the interior,

where, the Indians I bring with me say, there is a king who has much

gold. To-morrow I intend to go so far inland as to find the village, and

see and have some speech with this king, who, according to the signs they

make, rules over all the neighboring islands, goes about clothed, and

wears much gold on his person. I do not give much faith to what they say,

as well because I do not understand them well as because they are so poor

in gold that even a little that this king may have would appear much to

them. This cape, to which I have given the name of Cabo Fermoso, is, I

believe, on an island separated from Saometo, and there is another small

islet between them. I did not try to examine them in detail, because it

could not be done in 50 years. For my desire is to see and discover as

much as I can before returning to your Highnesses, our Lord willing, in

April. It is true that in the event of finding places where there is gold

or spices in quantity I should stop until I had collected as much as I

could. I, therefore, proceed in the hope of coming across such places."

_Saturday, 20th of October_

"To-day, at sunrise, I weighed the anchors from where I was with the

ship, and anchored off the S.W. point of the island of Saometo, to which

I gave the name of Cabo de la Laguna, and to the island Isabella. My

intention was to navigate to the north-east and east from the south-east

and south, where, I understood from the Indians I brought with me, was

the village of the king. I found the sea so shallow that I could not

enter nor navigate in it, and I saw that to follow a route by the

south-east would be a great round. So I determined to return by the route

that I had taken from the N.N.E. to the western part, and to sail round

this island to [reconnoitre it].

"I had so little wind that I never could sail along the coast, except

during the night. As it was dangerous to anchor off these islands except

in the day, when one can see where to let the anchor, for the bottom is

all in patches, some clear and some rocky, I lay to all this Sunday

night. The caravels anchored because they found themselves near the

shore, and they thought that, owing to the signals that they were in the

habit of making, I would come to anchor, but I did not wish to do so."

_Sunday, 21st of October_

"At ten o'clock I arrived here, off this islet, and anchored, as well as

the caravels. After breakfast I went on shore, and found only one house,

in which there was no one, and I supposed they had fled from fear,

because all their property was left in the house. I would not allow

anything to be touched, but set out with the captains and people to

explore the island. If the others already seen are very beautiful, green,

and fertile, this is much more so, with large trees and very green. Here

there are large lagoons with wonderful vegetation on their banks.

Throughout the island all is green, and the herbage like April in

Andalusia. The songs of the birds were so pleasant that it seemed as if a

man could never wish to leave the place. The flocks of parrots concealed

the sun; and the birds were so numerous, and of so many different kinds,

that it was wonderful. There are trees of a thousand sorts, and all have

their several fruits; and I feel the most unhappy man in the world not to

know them, for I am well assured that they are all valuable. I bring home

specimens of them, and also of the land. Thus walking along round one of

the lakes I saw a serpent, which we killed, and I bring home the skin for

your Highnesses. As soon as it saw us it went into the lagoon, and we

followed, as the water was not very deep, until we killed it with lances.

It is 7 spans long, and I believe that there are many like it in these

lagoons.[125-1] Here I came upon some aloes, and I have determined to

take ten quintals on board to-morrow, for they tell me that they are

worth a good deal. Also, while in search of good water, we came to a

village about half a league from our anchorage. The people, as soon as

they heard us, all fled and left their houses, hiding their property in

the wood. I would not allow a thing to be touched, even the value of a

pin. Presently some men among them came to us, and one came quite close.

I gave him some bells and glass beads, which made him very content and

happy. That our friendship might be further increased, I resolved to ask

him for something; I requested him to get some water. After I had gone on

board, the natives came to the beach with calabashes full of water, and

they delighted much in giving it to us. I ordered another string of glass

beads to be presented to them, and they said they would come again

to-morrow. I wished to fill up all the ships with water at this place,

and, if there should be time, I intended to search the island until I had

had speech with the king, and seen whether he had the gold of which I had

heard. I shall then shape a course for another much larger island, which

I believe to be Cipango, judging from the signs made by the Indians I

bring with me. They call it Cuba, and they say that there are ships and

many skilful sailors there. Beyond this island there is another called

Bosio,[126-1] which they also say is very large, and others we shall see

as we pass, lying between. According as I obtain tidings of gold or

spices I shall settle what should be done. I am still resolved to go to

the mainland and the city of Guisay,[126-2] and to deliver the letters of

your Highnesses to the Gran Can, requesting a reply and returning with

it."

_Monday, 22nd of October_

"All last night and to-day I was here, waiting to see if the king or

other person would bring gold or anything of value. Many of these people

came, like those of the other islands, equally naked, and equally

painted, some white, some red, some black, and others in many ways. They

brought darts and skeins of cotton to barter, which they exchanged with

the sailors for bits of glass, broken crockery, and pieces of

earthenware. Some of them had pieces of gold fastened in their noses,

which they willingly gave for a hawk's bell and glass beads. But there

was so little that it counts for nothing. It is true that they looked

upon any little thing that I gave them as a wonder, and they held our

arrival to be a great marvel, believing that we came from heaven. We got

water for the ships from a lagoon which is near the Cabo del Isleo (Cape

of the Islet), as we named it. In the said lagoon Martin Alonso Pinzon,

captain of the _Pinta_, killed another serpent 7 _spans_ long, like the

one we got yesterday. I made them gather here as much of the aloe as they

could find."

_Tuesday, 23rd of October_

"I desired to set out to-day for the island of Cuba, which I think must

be Cipango, according to the signs these people make, indicative of its

size and riches, and I did not delay any more here nor [attempt to sail]

...[127-1] round this island to the residence of this king or lord, and

have speech with him, as I had intended. This would cause me much delay,

and I see that there is no gold mine here. To sail round would need

several winds, for it does not blow here as men may wish. It is better to

go where there is great entertainment, so I say that it is not reasonable

to wait, but rather to continue the voyage and inspect much land, until

some very profitable country is reached, my belief being that it will be

rich in spices. That I have no personal knowledge of these products

causes me the greatest sorrow in the world, for I see a thousand kinds of

trees, each one with its own special fruit, all green now as in Spain

during the months of May and June, as well as a thousand kinds of herbs

with their flowers; yet I know none of them except this aloe, of which I

ordered a quantity to be brought on board to bring to your Highnesses. I

have not made sail for Cuba because there is no wind, but a dead calm

with much rain. It rained a great deal yesterday without causing any

cold. On the contrary, the days are hot and the nights cool, like May in

Andalusia."

_Wednesday, 24th of October_

"At midnight I weighed the anchors and left the anchorage at Cabo del

Isleo, in the island of Isabella.[128-1] From the northern side, where I

was, I intended to go to the island of Cuba, where I heard of the people

who were very great, and had gold, spices, merchandise, and large ships.

They showed me that the course thither would be W.S.W., and so I hold.

For I believe that it is so, as all the Indians of these islands, as well

as those I brought with me in the ships, told me by signs. I cannot

understand their language, but I believe that it is of the island of

Cipango that they recount these wonders.[128-2] On the spheres I saw, and

on the delineations of the map of the world,[128-3] Cipango is in this

region. So I shaped a course W.S.W. until daylight, but at dawn it fell

calm and began to rain, and went on nearly all night. I remained thus,

with little wind, until the afternoon, when it began to blow fresh. I

set all the sails in the ship, the mainsail with two bonnets, the

foresail, spritsail, mizzen, main topsail, and the boat's sail on the

poop. So I proceeded until nightfall, when the Cabo Verde of the island

of Fernandina, which is at the S.W. end, bore N.W. distant 7 leagues. As

it was now blowing hard, and I did not know how far it was to this island

of Cuba, I resolved not to go in search of it during the night; all these

islands being very steep-to, with no bottom round them for a distance of

two shots of a lombard. The bottom is all in patches, one bit of sand and

another of rock, and for this reason it is not safe to anchor without

inspection with the eye. So I determined to take in all the sails except

the foresail, and to go on under that reduced canvas. Soon the wind

increased, while the route was doubtful, and there was very thick

weather, with rain. I ordered the foresail to be furled, and we did not

make two leagues during that night."

_Thursday, 25th of October_

"I steered W.S.W. from after sunset until 9 o'clock, making 5 leagues.

Afterwards I altered course to west, and went 8 miles an hour until one

in the afternoon; and from that time until three made good 44 miles. Then

land was sighted, consisting of 7 or 8 islands, the group running north

and south, distant from us 5 leagues."

_Friday, 26th of October_

"The ship was on the south side of the islands, which were all low,

distant 5 or 6 leagues. I anchored there. The Indians[129-1] on board

said that thence to Cuba was a voyage in their canoes of a day and a

half; these being small dug-outs without a sail. Such are their canoes. I

departed thence for Cuba, for by the signs the Indians made of its

greatness, and of its gold and pearls, I thought that it must be

Cipango."

_Saturday, 27th of October_

"I weighed from these islands at sunrise, and gave them the name of Las

Islas de Arena, owing to the little depth the sea had for a distance of 6

leagues to the southward of them. We went 8 miles an hour on a S.S.W.

course until one o'clock having made 40 miles. Until night we had run 28

miles on the same course, and before dark the land was sighted. At night

there was much rain. The vessels, on Saturday until sunset, made 17

leagues on a S.S.W. course."

_Sunday, 28th of October_

"I went thence in search of the island of Cuba on a S.S.W. course, making

for the nearest point of it, and entered a very beautiful river without

danger of sunken rocks or other impediments. All the coast was clear of

dangers up to the shore. The mouth of the river was 12 _brazas_ across,

and it is wide enough for a vessel to beat in.[130-1] I anchored about a

lombard-shot inside." The Admiral says that "he never beheld such a

beautiful place, with trees bordering the river, handsome, green, and

different from ours, having fruits and flowers each one according to its

nature. There are many birds, which sing very sweetly. There are a great

number of palm trees of a different kind from those in Guinea and from

ours, of a middling height, the trunks without that covering, and the

leaves very large, with which they thatch their houses. The country is

very level." The Admiral jumped into his boat and went on shore. He came

to two houses, which he believed to belong to fishermen who had fled from

fear. In one of them he found a kind of dog that never barks, and in both

there were nets of palm-fibre and cordage, as well as horn fish-hooks,

bone harpoons, and other apparatus "for fishing, and several hearths. He

believed that many people lived together in one house. He gave orders

that nothing in the houses should be touched, and so it was done." The

herbage was as thick as in Andalusia during April and May. He found much

purslane and wild amaranth.[131-1] He returned to the boat and went up

the river for some distance, and he says it was great pleasure to see the

bright verdure, and the birds, which he could not leave to go back. He

says that this island is the most beautiful that eyes have seen, full of

good harbors and deep rivers, and the sea appeared as if it never rose;

for the herbage on the beach nearly reached the waves, which does not

happen where the sea is rough. (Up to that time they had not experienced

a rough sea among all those islands.) He says that the island is full of

very beautiful mountains, although they are not very extensive as regards

length, but high; and all the country is high like Sicily. It is

abundantly supplied with water, as they gathered from the Indians they

had taken with them from the island of Guanahani. These said by signs

that there are ten great rivers, and that they cannot go round the island

in twenty days. When they came near land with the ships, two canoes came

out; and, when they saw the sailors get into a boat and row about to find

the depth of the river where they could anchor, the canoes fled. The

Indians say that in this island there are gold mines and pearls, and the

Admiral saw a likely place for them and mussel-shells, which are signs of

them. He understood that large ships of the Gran Can came here, and that

from here to the mainland was a voyage of ten days.[131-2] The Admiral

called this river and harbor San Salvador.[131-3]

_Monday, 29th of October_

The Admiral weighed anchor from this port and sailed to the westward, to

go to the city, where, as it seemed, the Indians said that there was a

king. They doubled a point six leagues to the N.W.,[132-1] and then

another point,[132-2] then east ten leagues. After another league he saw

a river with no very large entrance, to which he gave the name of Rio de

la Luna.[132-3] He went on until the hour of vespers. He saw another

river much larger than the others, as the Indians told him by signs, and

near he saw goodly villages of houses. He called the river Rio de

Mares.[132-4] He sent two boats on shore to a village to communicate, and

one of the Indians he had brought with him, for now they understood a

little, and show themselves content with Christians. All the men, women,

and children fled, abandoning their houses with all they contained. The

Admiral gave orders that nothing should be touched. The houses were

better than those he had seen before, and he believed that the houses

would improve as he approached the mainland. They were made like booths,

very large, and looking like tents in a camp without regular streets, but

one here and another there. Within they were clean and well swept, with

the furniture well made. All are of palm branches beautifully

constructed. They found many images in the shape of women, and many heads

like masks,[132-5] very well carved. It was not known whether these were

used as ornaments, or to be worshipped. They had dogs which never bark,

and wild birds tamed in their houses. There was a wonderful supply of

nets and other fishing implements, but nothing was touched. He believed

that all the people on the coast were fishermen, who took the fish

inland, for this island is very large, and so beautiful, that he is never

tired of praising it. He says that he found trees and fruits of very

marvellous taste; and adds that they must have cows or other cattle, for

he saw skulls which were like those of cows.[133-1] The songs of the

birds and the chirping of crickets throughout the night lulled everyone

to rest, while the air was soft and healthy, and the nights neither hot

nor cold. On the voyage through the other islands there was great heat

but here it is tempered like the month of May. He attributed the heat of

the other islands to their flatness, and to the wind coming from the

east, which is hot. The water of the rivers was salt at the mouth, and

they did not know whence the natives got their drinking-water, though

they have sweet water in their houses. Ships are able to turn in this

river, both entering and coming out, and there are very good

leading-marks. He says that all this sea appears to be constantly smooth,

like the river at Seville, and the water suitable for the growth of

pearls. He found large shells unlike those of Spain. Remarking on the

position of the river and port, to which he gave the name of San

Salvador,[133-2] he describes its mountains as lofty and beautiful, like

the Pena de las Enamoradas,[133-3] and one of them has another little

hill on its summit, like a graceful mosque. The other river and port, in

which he now was,[133-4] has two round mountains to the S.W., and a fine

low cape running out to the W.S.W.

_Tuesday, 30th of October_

He left the Rio de Mares and steered N.W., seeing a cape covered with

palm trees, to which he gave the name of Cabo de Palmas,[133-5] after

having made good 15 leagues. The Indians on board the caravel _Pinta_

said that beyond that cape there was a river,[134-1] and that from the

river to Cuba it was four days' journey. The captain of the _Pinta_

reported that he understood from that, that this Cuba was a city, and

that the land was a great continent trending far to the north. The king

of that country, he gathered, was at war with the Gran Can, whom they

called Cami, and his land or city Fava, with many other names. The

Admiral resolved to proceed to that river, and to send a present, with

the letter of the Sovereigns,[134-2] to the king of that land. For this

service there was a sailor who had been to Guinea, and some of the

Indians of Guanahani wished to go with him, and afterwards to return to

their homes. The Admiral calculated that he was forty-two degrees to the

north of the equinoctial line (but the handwriting is here

illegible).[134-3] He says that he must attempt to reach the Gran Can,

who he thought was here or at the city of Cathay,[134-4] which belongs to

him, and is very grand, as he was informed before leaving Spain. All this

land, he adds, is low and beautiful, and the sea deep.

_Wednesday, 31st of October_

All Tuesday night he was beating to windward, and he saw a river, but

could not enter it because the entrance was narrow. The Indians fancied

that the ships could enter wherever their canoes could go. Navigating

onwards, he came to a cape running out very far, and surrounded by sunken

rocks,[134-5] and he saw a bay where small vessels might take shelter.

He could not proceed because the wind had come round to the north, and

all the coast runs N.W. and S.E. Another cape further on ran out still

more.[135-1] For these reasons, and because the sky showed signs of a

gale, he had to return to the Rio de Mares.

_Thursday, November the 1st_

At sunrise the Admiral sent the boats on shore to the houses that were

there, and they found that all the people had fled. After some time a man

made his appearance. The Admiral ordered that he should be left to

himself, and the sailors returned to the boats. After dinner, one of the

Indians on board was sent on shore. He called out from a distance that

there was nothing to fear, because the strangers were good people and

would do no harm to anyone, nor were they people of the Gran Can, but

they had given away their things in many islands where they had been. The

Indian then swam on shore, and two of the natives took him by the arms

and brought him to a house, where they heard what he had to say. When

they were certain that no harm would be done to them they were reassured,

and presently more than sixteen canoes came to the ships with

cotton-thread and other trifles. The Admiral ordered that nothing should

be taken from them, that they might understand that he sought for nothing

but gold, which they call _nucay_.[135-2] Thus they went to and fro

between the ships and the shore all day, and they came to the Christians

on shore with confidence. The Admiral saw no gold whatever among them,

but he says that he saw one of them with a piece of worked silver

fastened to his nose. They said, by signs, that within three days many

merchants from inland would come to buy the things brought by the

Christians, and would give information respecting the king of that land.

So far as could be understood from their signs, he resided at a distance

of four days' journey. They had sent many messengers in all directions,

with news of the arrival of the Admiral. "These people," says the

Admiral, "are of the same appearance and have the same customs as those

of the other islands, without any religion so far as I know, for up to

this day I have never seen the Indians on board say any prayer; though

they repeat the _Salve_ and _Ave Maria_ with their hands raised to

heaven, and they make the sign of the cross. The language is also the

same, and they are all friends; but I believe that all these islands are

at war with the Gran Can, whom they called Cavila, and his province

Bafan. They all go naked like the others." This is what the Admiral says.

"The river," he adds, "is very deep, and the ships can enter the mouth,

going close to the shore. The sweet water does not come within a league

of the mouth. It is certain," says the Admiral, "that this is the

mainland, and that I am in front of Zayto and Guinsay, a hundred leagues,

a little more or less, distant the one from the other.[136-1] It is very

clear that no one before has been so far as this by sea. Yesterday, with

wind from the N.W., I found it cold."

_Friday, 2nd of November_

The Admiral decided upon sending two Spaniards, one named Rodrigo de

Jerez, who lived in Ayamonte, and the other Luis de Torres, who had

served in the household of the Adelantado of Murcia, and had been a Jew,

knowing Hebrew, Chaldee, and even some Arabic. With these men he sent two

Indians, one from among those he had brought from Guanahani and another a

native of the houses by the river-side. He gave them strings of beads

with which to buy food if they should be in need, and ordered them to

return in six days. He gave them specimens of spices, to see if any were

to be found. Their instructions were to ask for the king of that land,

and they were told what to say on the part of the Sovereigns of Castile,

how they had sent the Admiral with letters and a present, to inquire

after his health and establish friendship, favoring him in what he might

desire from them. They were to collect information respecting certain

provinces, ports, and rivers of which the Admiral had notice, and to

ascertain their distances from where he was.

This night the Admiral took an altitude with a quadrant, and found that

the distance from the equinoctial line was 42 degrees.[137-1] He says

that, by his reckoning, he finds that he has gone over 1142 leagues from

the island of Hierro.[137-2] He still believes that he has reached the

mainland.

_Saturday, 3rd of November_

In the morning the Admiral got into the boat, and, as the river is like a

great lake at the mouth, forming a very excellent port, very deep, and

clear of rocks, with a good beach for careening ships, and plenty of

fuel, he explored it until he came to fresh water at a distance of two

leagues from the mouth. He ascended a small mountain to obtain a view of

the surrounding country, but could see nothing, owing to the dense

foliage of the trees, which were very fresh and odoriferous, so that he

felt no doubt that there were aromatic herbs among them. He said that all

he saw was so beautiful that his eyes could never tire of gazing upon

such loveliness, nor his ears of listening to the songs of birds. That

day many canoes came to the ships, to barter with cotton threads and

with the nets in which they sleep, called _hamacas_.

_Sunday, 4th of November_

At sunrise the Admiral again went away in the boat, and landed to hunt

the birds he had seen the day before. After a time, Martin Alonso Pinzon

came to him with two pieces of cinnamon, and said that a Portuguese, who

was one of his crew, had seen an Indian carrying two very large bundles

of it; but he had not bartered for it, because of the penalty imposed by

the Admiral on any one who bartered. He further said that this Indian

carried some brown things like nutmegs. The master[138-1] of the _Pinta_

said that he had found the cinnamon trees. The Admiral went to the place,

and found that they were not cinnamon trees. The Admiral showed the

Indians some specimens of cinnamon and pepper he had brought from

Castile, and they knew it, and said, by signs, that there was plenty in

the vicinity, pointing to the S.E. He also showed them gold and pearls,

on which certain old men said that there was an infinite quantity in a

place called _Bohio_,[138-2] and that the people wore it on their necks,

ears, arms, and legs, as well as pearls. He further understood them to

say that there were great ships and much merchandise, all to the S.E. He

also understood that, far away, there were men with one eye, and others

with dogs' noses[138-3] who were cannibals, and that when they captured

an enemy, they beheaded him and drank his blood, and cut off his private

parts.

The Admiral then determined to return to the ship and wait the return of

the two men he had sent, intending to depart and seek for those lands, if

his envoys brought some good news touching what he desired. The Admiral

further says: "These people are very gentle and timid; they go naked, as

I have said without arms and without law. The country is very fertile.

The people have plenty of _mames_ which are like carrots and have the

flavor of chestnuts; and they have _faxones_ and beans of kinds very

different from ours.[139-1] They also have much cotton, which they do not

sow, as it is wild in the mountains, and I believe they collect it

throughout the year, because I saw pods empty, others full, and flowers

all on one tree. There are a thousand other kinds of fruits, which it is

impossible for me to write about, and all must be profitable." All this

the Admiral says.

_Monday, 5th of November_

This morning the Admiral ordered the ship to be careened, afterwards the

other vessels, but not all at the same time. Two were always to be at the

anchorage, as a precaution; although he says that these people were very

safe, and that without fear all the vessels might have been careened at

the same time. Things being in this state, the master[139-2] of the

_Nina_ came to claim a reward from the Admiral because he had found

mastic, but he did not bring the specimen, as he had dropped it. The

Admiral promised him a reward, and sent Rodrigo Sanchez and master Diego

to the trees. They collected some, which was kept to present to the

Sovereigns, as well as the tree. The Admiral says that he knew it was

mastic, though it ought to be gathered at the proper season. There is

enough in that district for a yield of 1000 _quintals_ every year. The

Admiral also found here a great deal of the plant called aloe. He further

says that the _Puerto de Mares_ is the best in the world, with the finest

climate and the most gentle people. As it has a high, rocky cape, a

fortress might be built, so that, in the event of the place becoming rich

and important, the merchants would be safe from any other nations. He

adds: "The Lord, in whose hands are all victories, will ordain all things

for his service. An Indian said by signs that the mastic was good for

pains in the stomach."

_Tuesday, 6th of November_

Yesterday, at night, says the Admiral, the two men came back who had been

sent to explore the interior. They said that after walking 12 leagues

they came to a village of 50 houses, where there were a thousand

inhabitants, for many live in one house. These houses are like very large

booths. They said that they were received with great solemnity, according

to custom, and all, both men and women, came out to see them. They were

lodged in the best houses, and the people touched them, kissing their

hands and feet, marvelling and believing that they came from heaven, and

so they gave them to understand. They gave them to eat of what they had.

When they arrived, the chief people conducted them by the arms to the

principal house, gave them two chairs on which to sit, and all the

natives sat round them on the ground. The Indian who came with them

described the manner of living of the Christians, and said that they were

good people. Presently the men went out, and the women came sitting round

them in the same way, kissing their hands and feet, and looking to see if

they were of flesh and bones like themselves. They begged the Spaniards

to remain with them at least five days. The Spaniards showed the natives

specimens of cinnamon, pepper and other spices which the Admiral had

given them, and they said, by signs, that there was plenty at a short

distance from thence to S.E., but that there they did not know whether

there was any.[141-1] Finding that they had no information respecting

cities, the Spaniards returned; and if they had desired to take those who

wished to accompany them, more than 500 men and women would have come,

because they thought the Spaniards were returning to heaven. There came,

however, a principal man of the village and his son, with a servant. The

Admiral conversed with them, and showed them much honor. They made signs

respecting many lands and islands in those parts. The Admiral thought of

bringing them to the Sovereigns. He says that he knew not what fancy took

them; either from fear, or owing to the dark night, they wanted to land.

The ship was at the time high and dry, but, not wishing to make them

angry, he let them go on their saying that they would return at dawn, but

they never came back. The two Christians met with many people on the road

going home, men and women with a half-burnt weed in their hands, being

the herbs they are accustomed to smoke.[141-2] They did not find

villages on the road of more than five houses all receiving them with the

same reverence. They saw many kinds of trees, herbs, and sweet-smelling

flowers; and birds of many different kinds, unlike those of Spain, except

the partridges, geese, of which there are many, and singing nightingales.

They saw no quadrupeds except the dogs that do not bark.[142-1] The land

is very fertile, and is cultivated with yams and several kinds of beans

different from ours, as well as corn.[142-2] There were great quantities

of cotton gathered, spun, and worked up. In a single house they saw more

than 500 _arrobas_,[142-3] and as much as 4000 _quintals_ could be

yielded every year. The Admiral said that "it did not appear to be

cultivated, and that it bore all the year round. It is very fine, and has

a large boll. All that was possessed by these people they gave at a very

low price, and a great bundle of cotton was exchanged for the point of a

needle or other trifle. They are a people," says the Admiral, "guileless

and unwarlike. Men and women go as naked as when their mothers bore them.

It is true that the women wear a very small piece of cotton-cloth which

covers their private parts and no more, and they are of very good

appearance, not very dark, less so than the Canarians. I hold, most

serene Princes, that if devout religious persons were here, knowing the

language, they would all turn Christians. I trust in our Lord that your

Highnesses will resolve upon this with much diligence, to bring so many

great nations within the Church, and to convert them; as you have

destroyed those who would not confess the Father, the Son, and the Holy

Ghost. And after your days, all of us being mortal, may your kingdoms

remain in peace, and free from heresy and evil, and may you be well

received before the eternal Creator, to whom I pray that you may have

long life and great increase of kingdoms and lordships, with the will and

disposition to increase the holy Christian religion as you have done

hitherto. Amen!"

"To-day I got the ship afloat, and prepared to depart on Thursday, in the

name of God, and to steer S.E. in search of gold and spices, and to

discover land."

These are the words of the Admiral, who intended to depart on Thursday,

but, the wind being contrary, he could not go until the 12th of November.

_Monday, 12th of November_

The Admiral left the port and river of Mares before dawn to visit the

island called Babeque, so much talked of by the Indians on board, where,

according to their signs, the people gather the gold on the beach at

night with candles, and afterwards beat it into bars with hammers.[143-1]

To go thither it was necessary to shape a course E. b. S. After having

made 8 leagues along the coast, a river was sighted, and another 4

leagues brought them to another river, which appeared to be of great

volume, and larger than any they had yet seen. The Admiral did not wish

to stop nor to enter any of these rivers, for two reasons: the first and

principal one being that wind and weather were favorable for going in

search of the said island of Babeque; the other, that, if there was a

populous and famous city near the sea, it would be visible, while, to go

up the rivers, small vessels are necessary, which those of the expedition

were not. Much time would thus be lost; moreover, exploration of such

rivers is a separate enterprise, that coast was peopled near the river,

to which the name of Rio del Sol was given.

The Admiral says that, on the previous Sunday, the 11th of November, it

seemed good to take some persons from amongst those at Rio de Mares, to

bring to the Sovereigns, that they might learn our language, so as to be

able to tell us what there is in their lands. Returning, they would be

the mouthpieces of the Christians, and would adopt our customs and the

things of the faith. "I saw and knew" (says the Admiral) "that these

people are without any religion, not idolaters, but very gentle, not

knowing what is evil, nor the sins of murder and theft, being without

arms, and so timid that a hundred would fly before one Spaniard, although

they joke with them.[144-1] They, however, believe and know that there is

a God in heaven and say that we have come from Heaven. At any prayer that

we say, they repeat, and make the sign of the cross. Thus your Highnesses

should resolve to make them Christians, for I believe that, if the work

was begun, in a little time a multitude of nations would be converted to

our faith, with the acquisition of great lordships, peoples, and riches

for Spain. Without doubt, there is in these lands a vast quantity of

gold, and the Indians I have on board do not speak without reason when

they say that in these islands there are places where they dig out gold,

and wear it on their necks, ears, arms, and legs, the rings being very

large. There are also precious stones, pearls, and an infinity of spices.

In this river of Mares, whence we departed to-night, there is undoubtedly

a great quantity of mastic, and much more could be raised, because the

trees may be planted, and will yield abundantly. The leaf and fruit are

like the mastic, but the tree and leaf are larger. As Pliny describes it,

I have seen it on the island of Chios in the Archipelago. I ordered many

of these trees to be tapped, to see if any of them would yield resin;

but, as it rained all the time I was in that river, I could not get any,

except a very little, which I am bringing to your Highnesses. It may not

be the right season for tapping, which is, I believe, when the trees come

forth after winter and begin to flower. But when I was there the fruit

was nearly ripe. Here also there is a great quantity of cotton, and I

believe it would have a good sale here without sending it to Spain, but

to the great cities of the Gran Can,[145-1] which will be discovered

without doubt, and many others ruled over by other lords, who will be

pleased to serve our Highnesses, and whither will be brought other

commodities of Spain and of the Eastern lands; but these are to the west

as regards us. There is also here a great yield of aloes,[145-2] though

this is not a commodity that will yield great profit. The mastic,

however, is important, for it is only obtained from the said island of

Chios, and I believe the harvest is worth 50,000 ducats, if I remember

right.[145-3] There is here, in the mouth of the river, the best port I

have seen up to this time, wide, deep, and clear of rocks. It is an

excellent site for a town and fort, for any ship could come close up to

the walls; the land is high, with a temperate climate, and very good

water.

"Yesterday a canoe came alongside the ship, with six youths in it. Five

came on board, and I ordered them to be detained. They are now here. I

afterwards sent to a house on the western side of the river, and seized

seven women, old and young, and three children. I did this because the

men would behave better in Spain if they had women of their own land,

than without them. For on many occasions the men of Guinea have been

brought to learn the language in Portugal, and afterwards, when they

returned, and it was expected that they would be useful in their land,

owing to the good company they had enjoyed and the gifts they had

received, they never appeared after arriving. Others may not act thus.

But having women, they have the wish to perform what they are required to

do; besides, the women would teach our people their language, which is

the same in all these islands, so that those who make voyages in their

canoes are understood everywhere. On the other hand, there are a thousand

different languages in Guinea, and one native does not understand

another.