Relates how, by reason of a strong wind from the N.W., the sea ran
across the track of the ships, and how they sighted a high island.
With great regret at the loss of the three best natives, though the
one that remained was more free (being the same the Captain pointed out
with his finger when they were seized), we proceeded on a S.E. course,
with a fresh N.W. breeze, until the following day. The wind increased
in force with thick weather, with flights of birds, and the night
approaching, so we struck the topmasts and hove to until the 24th
of April. On that day the sun was taken, and it was found that we
were in 14°, the ship having drifted 20 leagues. In the afternoon,
the weather having cleared up, the Captain ordered sail to be made,
and when he was asked what the course was to be, he answered: "Put the
ships' heads where they like, for God will guide them as may be right;"
and as it was S.W., he said it might continue so. So on that course,
with little sail, we steered during the night. Before sunrise on the
following day, a sailor of the Capitana named Francisco Rodriguez
went to the mast-head, and cried in a cheerful voice: "Very high land
ahead!" We all wanted to see it, and all looked at it together with
great contentment. Much greater was their satisfaction when they came
close, and saw smoke, and natives calling to the launch to come nearer.
This island was calculated to be 1,700 leagues from Lima. It is 7
or 8 leagues in circumference, forms a round hill, abrupt near the
sea, the highest and best-formed I have seen. Its shape is that of a
sugar-loaf with the crown cut off. It is cut like a saddle, whence
a good stream of water falls into the sea. We saw crops growing,
plantains, palms, and other trees. The inhabitants appeared to be
of a good colour, and well made. The people were on the N.W. side,
where, at a short distance from the shore, there is a bare rock. The
latitude of this land is 14°, and it was named San Marcos, [99]
because it was discovered on that Saint's day.