several Islands, to _Hispaniola_, of which some appear desolate and
barren, others green and Woody; the small Vessels sailing close under
the Shore, and the great ones standing further off at Sea, which was
very turbulent, and beat exceedingly against the Shole Rocks. The Island
_Burichema_, _Columbus_ call’d _St. Johns_, to which belong’d some of
the Women sent forth in _Guadalupe_, who inform’d them, That _Burichema_
was well inhabited by a kind and hospitable People, who when the
_Cannibals_ landed there fought them, and if Conquerors, were so much
exasperated with their inhumane Barbarisms, that they seiz’d on them
like Mastiffs open-mouth’d, and tore them piece-meal with their Teeth;
yet themselves abhorring the Custom of eating Mens Flesh. Here the
_Spaniards_ found onely a large House, surrounded with twelve lesser
ones, all deserted; for the Inhabitants with their King _Chiasichio_
were then retir’d into the cool and more sheltring Woods, from the
mid-day Heat. All this the _Indians_ told him, which he brought back
with him from _Spain_. Coming to an Anchor at _Hispaniola_, he sent one
of the _Indians_ ashore, that he might tell what brave things he had
seen in the _Spanish_ Court; but the remaining three took the advantage
of the following Night, and leaping over-board, swam to Shore. But this
Accident he not much regarded, trusting to have a sufficient Account
from his eight and thirty _Spaniards_ which he had left in the Fort upon
the Island; and the more, because King _Guaccanarillo_’s brother, in
sign of Friendship, had presented him with two Golden Images: But all
these Conjectures fail’d him, so that hearing nothing, he landed, where
he found the _Spanish_ Garrison utterly destroy’d, and the Royal Fort
burnt down to the Ground, and lying in a heap of Ashes. Then they fired
several Guns, to give notice, that if any of them had conceal’d
themselves, and lay sculking in the Woods, or otherwise, they should
discover themselves, and come to the succour of their Friends: But all
in vain, for none came; for as they were afterwards inform’d, the
Inhabitants had slain them, because of their insupportable behavior,
insolently committing Robberies, Rapes, and Murders: Hereupon he sent
Messengers to the King _Guaccanarillo_, to inquire why they had fired
his Fort, and what they had done with his Men, who brought him this
Return, That over that mighty Island were many Princes, of which two
being provok’d by the reports of the Strangers that were entertain’d in
the Island, came marching upon them, each with their Armies; but that he
endeavor’d what he could, and came with a Power to assist the Strangers;
yet all he got for his Kindness, was a Wound in his Leg, which had been
so sore and troublesom, that forc’d him to keep his Bed, and no less
than seven Concubines to attend him, and dress the Wound: But he told
his Tale so ill, and feign’d his Lameness worse, that _Sibilius_, one of
the Messengers sent by _Columbus_, lifting up the Coverlet, saw that he
ail’d nothing, which soon confirm’d his doubt, that he was confederated
with the rest, and alike guilty of the Slaughter. At last
_Guaccanarillo_ being desir’d, came in Person to _Columbus_, in whose
presence he held a long Discourse with an _Indian_ Woman, which they had
brought from the Island of _Santa Cruz_, there Christned by the Name of
_Catharine_: At length _Guaccanarillo_ was dismiss’d, and the Night
following this _Catharine_, with seven more of the _Indian_ Women,
leap’d over-board, and swom almost a League to Shore, so going thence
directly to their King _Guaccanarillo_. This Accident gave more
suspicion to _Columbus_, who thereupon sent three hundred Men, commanded
by _Melchior_, _Hoieda_, and _Gorvalano_, to march through the Island
three several ways, and with special Commission to secure as their
Prisoner _Guaccanarillo_. _Melchior_ discover’d a wide River, full of
Reaches and winding Bays, gliding between high Hills cover’d with Woods,
resounding with the ecchoing noises of harmonious Birds, and
disemboguing his Waters, enlarg’d by two other Rivers, into the Sea, so
making a convenient Harbor for Ships. Here a hundred of the Islanders,
well Arm’d after their manner, met them, crying aloud, _We are no_
Cannibals, _but_ Taynos, that is, _a People more civil than they are
cruel_. The _Spaniards_ making Signs of Peace, the _Taynos_ approach’d,
and joyn’d their Forces in a friendly manner. Near the place of this
Meeting appear’d a House built in an Oval fashion, being thirty two
Paces in the Circumference, the Roof curiously pleited of divers
colour’d Rushes, round about which stood thirty lesser Dwellings. Mean
while, in his March _Hoieda_ discover’d a River that descended from a
high Mountain, where the Inhabitants gather’d much Gold after this
manner: They dig a Hole about two Foot deep; then taking up their left
Hand full of Sand, with their right Hand they cull out the precious
Ingots, which little accounting of, as they gather’d, they dealt away to
the _Spaniards_. Most of the Pieces were as big as Pease, yet some so
large, that they weigh’d nine Ounces. _Peter Martyr_, Councellor to the
Emperor _Charles_, tells us, That he hath seen of them in the _Spanish_
Court, that were brought over thither by _Columbus_. Moreover, _Hoieda_
was inform’d here, That this Gold-River took its Original in the
Province belonging to _Cacicus Caunaboa_, signifying, _The King of the
Golden Palace_.
[Sidenote: _Columbus_ builds a City.]
[Sidenote: Strange fruitfulness there.]
Mean time _Columbus_ selected a piece of Ground on a rising Hill, on the
North part of the Isle, where he intended to build a City, because close
by the Hill on one side rises a Mountain, pregnant with Stone and Chalk;
on the other, a Plain, so exceeding fruitful and pleasant, that the Sun
scarce shines upon a more delightful and fertile Soil, which they found
afterwards by experience. Here Melons are set and ripe in thirty six
days; Corn, in two Months; twice a Year the Trees and Plants bring forth
their several Products; the Vines come to maturity, and are loaden with
Clusters of Grapes, in two Years, and Sugar-Canes grow as thick as a
Mans Arm in fifteen days. On this pleasant Soil, accommodated with a
convenient Haven, _Columbus_ afterwards built the City _Isabella_,
fortified with Walls and Trenches against all Invasions, over which he
made his Brother _Bartholomew Columbus_ first Governor.
Mean while the Admiral _Columbus_ himself march’d up into the Countrey
with three hundred Men, in quest of the Gold Mines. Seventy two Leagues
the Valley _Cibava_ lies distant from _Isabella_, to which _Columbus_
pass’d over swift Currents and high Mountains, where he built a Fort,
which he call’d _St. Thomas_; and exchang’d with the Inhabitants Toys
and Trifles, for Pieces and Ingots of Gold, which the Inhabitants, as
before-mention’d, found in the Sand of their Rivers: And besides, they
inform’d him, That about half a days Journey further, greater Quantities
of Gold were to be found, in a browner colour’d Soil: Whereupon
_Luxanus_, one of his Officers, was sent with a sufficient Party
thither, who march’d through a delightful way, cool with shady Boughs,
and pleasant with the prospect of spacious Meadows, where they mow’d
Grass for their Horses, which in four days time grew up again higher
than our tallest Wheat.
[Sidenote: Goes to Sea to discover new Countreys.]
Mean time _Columbus_ being return’d with great Riches to his new City
_Isabella_, went soon after by Sea, with three Vessels, to discover new
Countreys more remote; which his Design fell out also successfully; for
he fell first upon _Jamaica_, where he found more stout Opposition than
elsewhere, by the Natives, at his Landing; but finding themselves
over-power’d, they came to Agreement, and accepting an amicable
Composure, presently struck up a Peace. From thence putting to Sea, he
next discover’d _Cuba_, which sailing round about, he found also to be
an Island; where Landing in a convenient Harbor, on each fenc’d with a
high and jutting Rock, he espied two little Hovels, wherein was
abundance of Fish, besides two great Snakes or Serpents, each having
eight Feet, spitted, and ready to be laid to the Fire to be roasted; but
neither Man, Woman, nor Child to be seen, they being gone with part of
the Fish they had dress’d, into the adjacent Woods; whither the
_Spaniards_ following, saw hanging by small Strings, on the Branches of
Trees, abundance of Snakes, some of which had their Mouths tied
together, others their Tongue and Teeth pull’d out. Hence marching on, a
little beyond they saw a Company of the Natives, which they judg’d to be
about seventy Men, covering the top or summit of a Hill, to whom the
_Spaniards_ made Signs, and to entice them near, shew’d several of their
gawdy Trifles; but in vain, till at last one adventur’d, descending from
the Hill, to whom one of the Natives (who in the first Voyage that the
Admiral made, was taken from the Island _Guanabaini_ near _Cuba_,
carried to _Spain_, and there Christned) call’d aloud, telling him they
need not fear, they should have no harm done them; which said, they came
down all together, and inform’d them, That they were sent by their King
to catch Fish for another King, which was with him at Dinner; and if
they had not eaten the Serpents, they gave them many thanks; for they
were provided for the second Course, and very scarce to be got, being a
greater Dainty than any Fish.
[Illustration]
[Sidenote: Discovers not without great Accidents, several New
Countreys.]
_Columbus_ from hence proceeding on further Westward, discover’d a
fruitful Coast, verging the Mouth of a River, whose Water runs boyling
hot into the Sea. Somewhat further he saw very strange Fishes,
especially the _Guaican_, not unlike an Eel, but with an extraordinary
great Head, over which hangs a Skin like a Bag. This Fish is the Natives
Fisher; for having a Line or handsom Cord fastned about him, so soon as
a Turtel, or any other of his Prey, comes above Water, they give him
Line; whereupon the _Guaican_, like an Arrow out of a Bowe, shoots
towards the other Fish, and then gathering the Mouth of the Bag on his
Head like a Purse-net holds them so fast, that he lets not loose till
hal’d up out of the Water.
Here the _Spaniards_ having Din’d on delicate Fish, went on still
Westward, and came to an uninhabited Isle, but well stor’d with Geese,
Pelicans, and ugly Dogs that could not bark. Here they came amongst so
many Shoals, that the Keels of their Ships raked upon the Ground almost
forty Leagues together, the Water thick and white like Milk. Lastly,
they came again into deep Water, and Landed at the Foot of a high
Mountain, on the Island _Cuba_; where they found two Springs of very
sweet Water. A Musqueteer going into the Woods whilst the rest fill’d
their Vessels with Water and cut Wood, he spied a tall Man in a Coat
like a white Fryer’s Frock; behind whom came two more, and soon after
thirty more follow’d, all alike Habited: the Musqueteer running away,
they beckned him to stay, but he march’d off; and informing _Columbus_
of his Adventure, he sent a Party well Arm’d to see farther into the
Countrey; but they neither saw nor heard any Men, onely found on the
other side of the Wood a great Plain, but so overgrown with deep Grass,
that it was impossible to get through: The next day he sent out twenty
five more, which found nothing else than the Prints of the Steps of
great Beasts and Lyons, and also abundance of large Grapes, which hung
on the Branches of Vines, clasping about the Bodies of the great Trees.
Hence _Columbus_ again putting to Sea, and Sailing Westerly, found a
Shore overflow’d with Water, and abounding with Pearl-Mussles, and after
that the whole Countrey full of Mountains, whose tops smoaked. By this
time the Fleet was much damnified by the Shole-water; where, as we
mention’d before, they often struck, and their Keels rak’d upon the
Ground; so that having sprung several Leaks, and their Provisions
growing mouldy with the Damp, they were forc’d to return; and Tacking
about they ran against Turtles, which lay as thick in the Sea as if they
had been sow’n.
_Columbus_ now on his return home, and Landing once more on _Cuba_,
found an antient Man stark naked, who speaking to him (_Didacus_
interpreted, the Language in some part agreeing with that of
_Hispaniola_) to this effect:
_You have to all admiration come to see this Countrey from another
World, my advice to you is, That you hurt none; for the Souls of
evil-doers go to dark places: But on the contrary, they shall enjoy the
heighth of all Pleasures that are Friends to Peace._
_Columbus_ reply’d, _That he came a Scourge for the cruel Cannibals, but
a Shield to protect the quiet and well-meaning Indians_.
[Sidenote: Great disturbance in _Hispaniola_.]
After this, returning to _Hispaniola_, much contrary to his expectation,
he found all things which he had setled there turn’d topsie-turvy: for
first the Governors at _Isabella_ jangled, and were at private
contentions amongst themselves, and the _Benedictine_ Monk _Boilus_ and
_Peter Margarites_ were return’d to _Spain_; there to make their
complaints at Court: and besides, the _Spaniards_ had dealt very
inhumanely with the Natives, by their frequent Rapes, Thefts, and
Murders; wherefore the _Indians_, not unjustly incens’d, destroy’d all
the _Spaniards_ they found stragling in any part without the Lines of
their Fortification. _Caunaboa_ also lay about the Fort _St. Thomas_,
and closely besieged _Hoieda_; but receiving intelligence of
_Columbus_’s arrival, he broke up his Siege, and march’d from thence,
but soon after was taken Prisoner by the _Spaniards_. Mean while upon
Design (a Plot none of the wisest) the Natives of _Hispaniola_ had
neither Till’d or Sow’d the Ground, or us’d Agriculture the year before,
contriving by want of Provisions (not considering themselves) to starve
out the _Spaniards_; but the mischief fell upon the Contrivers: for so
great a Famine hapned, that spreading over the whole Countrey, in a few
Moneths fifty thousand were starv’d to death; but the _Spaniards_ made a
saving, though hard shift with their own store, then, though too late,
the Islanders repented of their folly, for they saw the _Spaniards_
making an advantage of their misery, not onely built more Houses in
their City _Isabella_, but prepar’d their Weather-beaten Vessels, with
which Sailing to the Gold Mountains of _Cipangi_ on the Hill, whence
sprung several Fountains, they rais’d the Castle of the _Conception_.
Great benefit they reap’d by this Fort, to which they carry’d daily
abundance of Amber, Brimstone, mix’d Ore of Silver and Gold, and
_Brazile_-wood, besides great store of Gold: and they might have gotten
ten times more, had they not been so much inclin’d to slothfulness, and
minding other vain pleasures: yet notwithstanding all, the Fleet carry’d
that year above one thousand two hundred pound weight of Gold to
_Spain_.
[Sidenote: _Spaniards_ tyrannise there.]
In the mean while the Natives complain’d to _Columbus_ of the _Spanish_
Soldiers, which under pretence to seek for Gold, committed many
insufferable Outrages; therefore they desir’d that they might be
retain’d in their Forts, and not straggle so much abroad, and they would
willingly bring them every three Moneths a certain weight of Cotton,
Amber, _Brazile_-wood, and Gold, more than equivalent to what they
snatch’d; but _Columbus_ (whose Soldiers, notwithstanding his severity,
and using Martial Law upon some of them for their Crimes, and proud with
their success) yet prevail’d at last, that they consented thereto; but
the Inhabitants never perform’d their promise, who being almost
famish’d, had much to do to preserve themselves alive, spending their
time in picking Sallads.
[Sidenote: Their Conquest.]
Whilst the Business remain’d in this ill posture, or rather confusion,
_Cibanus_, Brother to the imprison’d _Caunaboa_, rais’d an Army of five
thousand Men: the _Spaniards_, divided into five Companies, march’d to
meet him; and their Enemies being naked, and having no other Arms than
Bowes, Arrows, and Clubs, after some little resistance, were soon
dissipated and put to flight, but overtaken by the _Spanish_ Horse, many
of them were taken Prisoners, and others forc’d to skulk and hide
themselves on the tops of Mountains.
[Sidenote: Horible Tempest.]
[Sidenote: A remarkable passage concerning _Bartholomew Columbus_.]
[Sidenote: Brave reception of a King in _Hispaniola_.]
Shortly after this Battel hapned a Huricane, mix’d with Thunder-claps,
renting great pieces from the Rocks, and the Wind blowing out of the
East, threw down Houses and Trees, some of which were carry’d a vast
heighth into the Air; three Ships that rode in the Harbor, broke their
new Cables, and split against the Rocks. The _Spaniards_ expected nought
else, but that with this excessive Tempest the Day of Judgment was at
hand. And on the other side, the Islanders ascribed this raging of
Heavens to the _Spaniards_ wickedness. This Storm past, and the Air
setled, _Columbus_ gave order for the building of two new Ships there,
with which in _March_, _Anno 1495._ he return’d to _Spain_; where in
_Medina del Campo_ he gave an account at the Court about the discover’d
Countreys; where also Sentence was pass’d on several _Spaniards_, and
chiefly concerning the _Benedictine_ Monk _Boilus_, who out of meer
malice pass’d by him at Mass with the Host, while he gave it to others,
without any distinction. Then he gave a further account, that his
Brother _Bartholomew_ had found, sixty Leagues beyond _Isabella_,
several deep Pits, the uppermost Ground of which Sifted, produced
abundance of Gold. Moreover, that he had built the Castle _Aurea_ there
in three Moneths time with little trouble: but because Provisions grew
scarce there, he found himself necessitated to remove, but left ten Men
in the Garrison, and had sent three hundred of the Islanders with their
Governors to _Spain_. He also built the Castle _Dominico_, on the
South-side of _Hispaniola_; from whence he had travell’d into the
Countrey to the River _Naiba_: where, upon this Shore the King _Beuchio
Anacauchoa_ Encamp’d himself against the _Naibans_, to bring them,
besides several other People, under his subjection. That _Bartholomew_
demanded Tribute of _Anacauchoa_, which he immediately promis’d to pay,
and disbanded his Forces, conducting _Bartholomew_ above thirty Leagues
on his Way, along a Path on both sides sown with Hemp, and planted with
Cotton-Trees, to his Palace _Xaraqua_, in the West of _Hispaniola_,
where he was received in great state: Thirty of the Kings Wives walk’d
before, carrying in their Hands Boughs of Palm-trees, and both Sung and
Danc’d very strangely; behind these came a considerable number of naked
Virgins, very handsom; at last _Bartholomew_ entring the Palace with the
King, found a Table furnish’d with all manner of Dainties, and a very
courteous Entertainment. The next day walking forth to a large Plain,
and looking about he saw two Parties that deeply engag’d in Fight behind
a Hill, with great slaughter on both sides, and had not he desir’d that
they might be parted, there had been much more Blood shed. After he had
been several days friendly entertain’d, he return’d to the Forts
_Isabella_, _Sperancia_, _Catharina_, _St. Jago_, _Turrita_,
_Conception_, and _Dominico_; where he found above three hundred
_Spaniards_ starv’d of hunger, besides many that were sick.
[Illustration]
[Illustration: ANGRA op TERCERA.]
At that time _Guarionexius_ having been oppress’d by the _Spaniards_,
and a long time watching for an opportunity, now thinking he had found
it, rais’d an Army of fifteen thousand Men, with which he was resolv’d
to try his fortune against _Columbus_; who privately receiving
intelligence thereof, fell upon him so on a sudden and unexpectedly,
that he spoil’d his Design, and took all his Commanders Prisoners: But
to oblige the Inhabitants, who begg’d for their King, _Columbus_ set him
at liberty, advising him to be careful of raising a War against him any
more. But he not being able to endure the oppressions of _Roldanus
Ximenez_, a _Spanish_ Commander, fled to the wild _Ciquano_’s, descended
from the Canibals, and living on steep Mountains: Of these he desir’d
aid against the _Spaniards_, and obtain’d not onely their Promise, but
some Men; with which he robb’d and pillag’d the Countrey round about,
and what _Spaniards_ he met with he kill’d, and with his Men did eat, as
if a Venison Feast. Mean while _Ximenez_ made himself Leader of seventy
Rebels, which like raging blood-hounds fell upon the Natives after a
terrible manner.
[Sidenote: _Columbus_ Sails the third time to _Hispaniola_.]
[Sidenote: Description of the City _Angra_.]
Whilst all things were thus in disorder at _Hispaniola_, the Admiral
_Christopher Columbus_ set Sail a third time with eight Ships from the
Haven _Barrameda_, in the Year 1498. To shun the _French_ Pyrates, which
watched for the _Indian_ Treasures, he directed his Course to _Madera_,
a fruitful Island of Corn, Wine, Sugar, Wax, and Cattel, desolate till
_Anno 1420._ Here coming to an Anchor, he sent six Ships away to
_Hispaniola_, which himself afterwards followed with the remaining two,
steering by the _Flemish_ Islands, or _Acores_, first so call’d from the
_Flemings_, the first Planters: Here he dropt Anchor before the City
_Angra_ on the Isle _Tercera_, which is sixteen Leagues in
circumference, and very Mountainous; the tops whereof are like Spires,
and abound with Grapes: the Plain Countrey produces great store of Corn,
but it will not keep above twelve Moneths. The Ground is oftentimes
terribly shaken by Earthquakes, and between several sulphurous Places,
both Flames and Smoak ascend up to the Sky. Near the City _Angra_ is a
Fountain which turns Wood into Stone. The Winds in this Place blow so
fierce and strong, that they not onely beat down Houses, but wear out
Iron, and all manner of Stone-work. In _Angra_ the chief Commander of
all the _Flemish_ Isles hath his Residence. The City, surrounded by
steep Rocks, lies towards the Sea like a Crescent, or Half-Moon; for at
both ends thereof the Mountains extend with deep Points into the Ocean.
The uppermost part towards the West stands likewise fortifi’d by a high
Rock, as also by another on the East: on both are continual Watches
kept; whereof those on the first can discover Ships fifteen Leagues off
at Sea, coming either from the _East_ or _West-Indies_; and on the
other, all those that come from _Europe_: When they see above fifteen
Sail, they put out the Kings great Flag upon the top of all the Rock.
This City of _Angra_ is divided into several Streets: the Governor and
Archbishop live each in a stately Palace; five handsom Churches are no
small ornament to it; the Sea before it abounds with Fish, but are not
to be taken in _December_, by reason of the turbulent Waves.
_Christopher Columbus_ having refresh’d at _Angra_, Sail’d along the
_African_ Coast between the _Hesperides_: under the Equinoctial he was
so miserably tormented by the Heat, that his Vessels seem’d to burn, the
Hoops sprung from the Casks, so that the Water run about the Hold; and
they could expect nothing but death from the insufferable Heat, and want
of Water: eight days they had endur’d this hardship, when they met with
a fresh Gale out of the South-East, so that they made great Way towards
the West. On the last of _July_ he discover’d three high Mountains; and
approaching near the Shore, he smelt as in a Posie, all the sweet
breathings of fragrant Flowers commix’d, and at last saw a convenient
Haven; where going ashore he found cultivated Grounds, and steps of
Beasts, but not a Man appear’d: the next day they spy’d a Boat with
twenty young Men come rowing from the Shore into the Ocean. The Admiral
hal’d them in vain to come aboard, for they made the greater hast
ashore, still looking about continually with great admiration on the
Ships: whereupon he commanded them to beat their Drums, and sound their
Trumpets, that they might by that means entice them aboard; but they
rather taking it as a sign of War, made themselves ready for resistance:
mean while the _Spaniards_ overtook the _Indian_ Boat, into which they
threw a Hat, and other trifles; the Islanders amaz’d thereat, made signs
to them to row ashore; but soon after they fled.
[Sidenote: Abundance of Pearl.]
_Columbus_ proceeding on his Journey came to _Paria_, where he found a
Fishers Pink loaden with Oysters; which opening and taking out the Meat,
were found full of Pearls, which because of their abundance were not
regarded there; for a broken Dish and a rusty Knife, the _Spaniards_ had
four long Strings of Pearl.
[Sidenote: _Columbus_ is in great danger.]
From thence anchoring in the River of _Cumana_, several naked Men came
aboard, adorn’d with Golden Armlets, and Strings of Pearl, These
inform’d him, that they gather’d their Gold from the Mountains and
Rivers, and caught their Pearl-oysters in the adjacent Seas. Some of the
_Spaniards_ were nobly entertain’d by the King and his Son, who leading
them into their Palace, placed them on Benches of Ebony-wood, curiously
wrought, and on a sudden several Servants came in with variety of
Dainties, and well-tasted Wine. But because Provisions grew scarce
amongst the Sea-men, and their Meat tainted, _Columbus_ thought it
convenient to leave the Pearl-trade till some better opportunity. Then
setting forward, the farther he went, the shallower he found the Sea,
insomuch that his Ship scarce had Water enough to swim. This
inconvenience was followed by a second; for the Sea being full of Weeds
and Grass, scarce suffer’d any Passage. A River thirty Yards deep, and
twenty Leagues broad, came rushing out betwixt two Shores into this Sea
with such force, that the Waves went high like Mountains, which made
_Columbus_ judge himself in the greatest danger imaginable, and withall
Tack about; so that he came on the eight and twentieth of _August Anno
1498._ to an Anchor before _Hispaniola_, where all things were still in
a sad confusion, as we before related.
[Sidenote: _Roldanus Ximenes_ opposes _Columbus_.]
[Sidenote: Strange _Indians_.]