Relates how they came in sight of two great and lofty lands;
how they went in search of one of them, and discovered a bay,
and a port in it.
This day one Melchor de los Reyes was looking out at the mast-head,
when, at three in the afternoon, he saw at a distance of 12 leagues
to the S.W. and S., more or less, an extensive land. For this, and
because the eye could not turn to a point that was not all land,
the day was the most joyful and the most celebrated day of the whole
voyage. We went on towards the land, and next day found ourselves near
a coast running to the west. The name of Cardona [103] was given to
this land in memory of the Duke of Sesa, who had taken so deep an
interest in the voyage, as well at Rome as at the Court of Spain,
and because the Captain felt very grateful.
When we set out for the said land there was seen, far away to the S.E.,
a massive and very lofty chain of mountains, covered with thick masses
of white clouds in the middle and on the heights, while the bases
were clear. It seemed from aloft that the coasts of these two lands
approached to form one. The Captain gave the name of "La Clementina"
to this range of mountains. It seemed to be in about 17°. [104]
Having come to the land, an opening was seen in it, and, as it
appeared to be a port, the Captain sent an officer in a boat, with
soldiers and rowers, to examine it. In the afternoon he returned,
reporting that the opening formed a narrow island 6 leagues long,
running N. and S., rather high, inhabited, and well wooded; and where
it is sheltered to the E. and N.E., there was bottom at 30 fathoms,
and a strong current. The Captain gave it the name of "San Raimundo."
Coasting along this island to the W., there came out on the beach many
tawny men, very tall, with bows in their hands, calling loudly to our
people. As we would not approach, they threw a great bundle of capons'
feathers into the sea, intending with this, and by sending out boys,
to induce us to come within shot. Then they shot off their arrows,
which we returned with muskets. Further on they saw many natives of
fine make and good colour, and away to S. and S.E. three and four
ranges of very high mountains, which seemed to join on to the other
ranges that had been seen to the S.E.
With such good news that the land was inhabited, we sailed onwards
on a westward course; and at a distance of 6 leagues, on the 1st of
May, we entered a great bay, where we passed the night. Next day,
the Captain sent the Admiral away in a boat to look for a port. Two
canoes came out to the ships, with men in them, having their bows
ready. They stopped for an interval and rowed for another. They spoke
loudly, and looked at us and at the shore, showing themselves to be
troubled. Those in the launch fired off a piece to astonish them,
which it did, for they took to flight, rowing as hard as they could.
The Admiral returned in the afternoon very well satisfied, and those
who accompanied him were equally pleased, and could not hold back
the joyful news that they had found a good port; for this is what
we had hitherto failed to find, though we had sought for one with
anxious wishes to succeed. Without a port, the discovery would be of
little importance. Next day, being the 3rd of May, the three vessels
anchored in the port with great joy, giving many thanks to God.