Gives an account of the departure from this port, and of the return
to it; also of what happened, at that time, with the natives by
reason of the three boys.
As it was arranged that the ships should leave the port, understanding
that the sickness was not very bad, they made sail on the following
day, the 28th of May. In the afternoon the sick were so helpless
that the Captain ordered the Pilots to keep the ships within the
mouth of the bay until the condition of the people was seen next
day. They were all in such a state that the Captain gave orders for
the ships to return to port, where, the wind being fair, they were
easily anchored. Then steps were taken to confess and take care of
the sick, and they all got well in a short time.
On the day after we anchored a number of natives were seen on the
beach, playing on their shells. To find out what it was about, the
Captain ordered the Master of the Camp to go with a party of men
in the two boats to learn what they wanted. When our people were
near them, they vainly shot off their arrows to the sound of their
instruments. From the boats four musket-shots were fired in the air,
and they returned to the ships.
Soon afterwards the Captain ordered them to return to the shore,
taking the three boys, that the natives might see them, and be
assured that no harm had been done to them, the fear of which was
supposed to be the cause of all this disturbance. When they arrived,
the boys called to their fathers, who, though they heard them, did not
know their sons by the voices or by sight, because they were dressed
in silk. The boats came nearer, that they might get a better view;
and, when the boys were known, two natives waded into the water up to
their breasts, showing by this, and by their joy during all the time
the sweet discourse lasted, that they were the fathers of the boys.
The natives were given to understand that the muskets were fired
because they fired the arrows. To this they answered that it was not
them, but others of a different tribe; and that, as they were friends,
they should be given the three boys. They said they would bring fowls,
pigs, and fruit, and present them. They were told, by pointing to the
sun, that they were to return at noon. They went away, and the boats
went back to the ships. At the time arranged the natives sounded two
shells, and the boats went back with the three boys, whose fathers,
when they saw and spoke to them, did not show less joy than at the
first interview. They gave us a pig, and asked for the boys. They said
they would bring many on the next day, which accordingly they did,
sounding the shells.
The boats again went to the shore, taking a he- and a she-goat,
to leave there to breed; also taking the boys as a decoy to induce
the natives to come, so as to take them to the ships, and let them
return. They found two pigs on the beach; and, when they were delivered
up, our people gave the goats in exchange, which the natives looked
at cautiously, with much talking among themselves.
The fathers begged for their sons; and, because we would not comply,
they said they would bring more pigs, and that we were to come back for
them when they gave the signal. In the afternoon the same signal was
made, and the boats returned to the shore. But they only saw the goats
tied up, and two natives near them, who said that they would go to seek
for others, as they did not want the goats. Thinking that this looked
bad, a careful observation was made, and many natives were seen among
the trees with bows and arrows. Understanding that this was a plan
for seizing some of our men, or for some other bad object, the muskets
were fired off, and the natives hastily fled with loud shouts. Our men
recovered the goats, and returned to the ships. Then the biggest boy,
who was afterwards named Pablo, said to the Captain, not only once,
but many times, with signs of great affliction, "Teatali"; which was
supposed to mean that he wanted to go on shore. The Captain replied:
"Silence, child! you know not what you ask. Greater good awaits you
than the sight and the communion with heathen parents and friends."
It is to be noted that a cross, which had been left on the banks
of the river Salvador, was found raised in its place, and that the
natives had put branches and flowers round it.
There was not wanting one who said to the Captain that, as he had
before him a land with so many rivers and ravines, he should make
tests to ascertain whether they contained the metal called gold,
so acceptable in the eyes of men. The Captain replied to this that
he had only come to discover lands and people; and that, as God had
been pleased to show him what he sought, it would be neither just
nor reasonable to risk the whole for a part; that, if it could be
done, understanding that this might have the colour of an excuse,
he would have done it without the interference of another; and that
it will be for the settlers who may come to these lands to undertake,
with proper security, these and other cares. The man replied to this
that the time was now full for such work; that if it was not known
that there was gold and silver, there would not be the incentive to
come and settle. To put an end to the argument, the Captain answered
that the cause was that of God; and when the hour chosen by the Divine
Majesty arrived, there would be given for this his estate, overseers,
and workers, not only for gold, but for the saving of souls.