.i) -u -^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS mm^ i.-f-^i iftvjtvy 0f §onfixt^^. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. -^ I fe I'aac 3l ir.&.%,M s y iu)M ejxmmmsMM smT&MT. /./lustrut'.'ii mi/: "P?]Er^\V=X€)TR]K:,.. 18 2. <^. TALKS' FROM AMERICAN HISTORY; CONTAINING THE PRINCIPAL FACTS IN THS LIFE OF CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. FOR THE USE OF YOUNG PERSONS, AND SCHOOLS. AUTHOR OF AMERICAN POPULAR LESSONS. F ^ 1 Z.XX "R o hjb^-n S The man I speak of cannot in the world Be singly counterpoised. — Shahspeare, PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM BURG£SJ«i, JUVENILE EMPORIUM, 97 FULTON-STREET, 1830, U6 Southern District of New-York^ ss. BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the 4th day of February, A. D. 1830, in the fifty-fourth year of the Independence of the United States of America, William Burgess, of the same District, hath deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as Proprietor, in the words following, to wit : " Tales from American History ; containing the Principal Facts in the Life of Christopher Columbus. For the use of Young Persons, and Schools. By the Author of American Popular Lessons. The man I speak of cannot in the world Be singly counterpoised. — Shakspeare.''^ In conformity to the Act of Congress of the United States, entitled "An Act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such capies, during the time therein mentioned." And also to an Act, entitled "An Act supplementary to an Act, entitled an Act for the encouragement of Learning, b}' securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned, and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints." FRED. J. BETTS, Clerk of the Southern District of New-York. /r^ PREFACE. The following abstract of the life of Columbus, is part of a design similar in its purpose to the Tales of a Grandfather. It was intended that this volume of Tales from American History, should contain several biographical notices of the first discoverers of the Western Continent, but the history of the principal of those intrepid men, could not, without diminishing its interest, be condensed in a briefer manner than this. Mr. Irving's Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus, Edwards' History of the West Indies, Robertson's America, and Miss Emily Taylor's Letters on Maritime Discovery, afford abundant authorities, and I have availed myself of them. I trust that what I have written may interest children in a history, which, it must be allowed, com- bines more remarkably than any other the excellency of truth with the attractiveness of fiction, and, in effect, with the charm of poetry, for what is more poetical than devotion, enthusiasm, and heroism, in action 1 — Nor can the miniature representation of this history impair the splendour and magnificence of its higher pretensions and more appropriate form. The infant that loves the toy may become the man who shall admire the statue ; and I hope, even by this small effort, to bear my part in forming the in- tellectual and moral taste, which, in its maturity, may enjoy with ample gratification, the sublime character, IV PREFACE. and extraordinary adventures of Columbus, cele- brated by the beautiful genius and eloquent pen of Irving. A second edition of Tales from American History has been called for, and it has been introduced into schools. To give it a more convenient form, at the desire of instructors, questions have been added to every chapter. Its present form is more correct and more convenient than that of the former edition. — It is the hope of the author, that those who find any utility in this publication, will remember that it is one of a series of books especially written for the use of schools, which are, severally, Popular Lessons, a Sequel to Popular Lessons, and Poetry for Schools. To these elementary books will be added others upon the subject of American History, and all with one design, and one mode of execution — that of adaptation to young, and, consequently, uninformed minds. CONTEI^TS. CHAPTER I. Page- The ancient world — Navigation and commerce of the Phoenicians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans — Constantinople and Venice 11 CHAPTER II. The middle ages — Popery — Printing — Revival of Learning — The Magnet — Heraldry — Armorial bearings — Prince Henry of Portugal — Discove- ries of the Portuguese. 21 CHAPTER III. Christopher Columbus — His industry, piety, and desire of knowledge — Rights of men better understood in modern than in ancient times — • Columbus lays plans for Discoveries before John II. of Portugal 30 CHAPTER IV. Columbus at the convent of La Rabidad — Isabella queen of Spain — Columbus at the court of. Spain — Council of learned men meet at Sala- manca to discuss the project of Columbus — The Moors surrender the city of Grenada — Co- lumbus appointed admiral and viceroy. . . 36 CHAPTER V. Columbus sails from Palos — touches at the Cana lies — discovers St. Salvador. ... 44 CHAPTER VI. The Bahama Islands — The landing of Columbus — The natives of the Island — their persons and arms — food and ornaments — Islands of Feman- dina and Isabella 54 CO^'TENTS. CHAPTER VII. Page Cuba— Indian Villages— Haj^i, or Hispaniola dis- covered—Indian Women — The natives gene- rous and amiable 59 CHAPTER Vin. The cacique Guacanagari— The Caribs — One of the ships, the Pinta, deserts the squadron of Columbus— Fortress of La Navidad— Colum- bus returns to Europe 68 CHAPTER IX. Reception of Columbus — In Portugal — At the court of Spain — Public rejoicings — Duplicity of Martin Alonzo Pinzon — His death. . » 82 CHAPTER X. The king and queen of Spain encourage Colum- bus to undertake a second voyage — He sails from the Bay of Cadiz — Discovers the Carib- bees and Porto Rico — Arrives at Hispaniola — Finds the garrison of La Navidad destroyed — The Indian chief Caonabo 95 CHAPTER XI. Columbus lays the foundation of the city of Isa- bella — The Royal Vega — The Island in part explored — Mountains of Cibao — Fables of the Indians — Their songs and dances — Fort St. Thomas erected — Jamaica discovered — Inter- esting young Indian — Columbus goes to Cuba — ^Venerable old man meets the Spaniards and admonishes them — Natural Religion. . . 108 CHAPTER XII. Columbus circumnavigates Jamaica — Cacique and his family — Columbus arrives at Isabella —meets his brother Bartholomev^^ — Five do- mains of Hispaniola — Misconduct and discon- tent of the Spaniards — Adventures of Ojeda — The chief Caonaba made prisoner. . . 135 CONTENTS. Va CHAPTER XIII. Page Indians treated with cruelty by the Spaniards — Their sufferings — Death of Guacanagari. . 150 CHAPTER XIV. Eneniies of Columbus conriplain to the king and queen of Spain of his administration — Aguado appointed to inquire into the atfairs of the colo- ny at Hispaniola — Mines of gold discovered — Columbus embarks for Spain, March, 1496 — Entrusts the government of the colony to his brother Bartholomew — Columbus received with indifference in !Spain — Furnislied with six ships for a new enterprise — Discovers the Islands of Trinidad and Margarita, and the coast of Paria. 154 CHAPTER XV. City of St. Domingo — Province of Xaragua and its chief, Behechio — Female cacique, Anacaona — Guarionex, cacique of the Vega — The Adel- antado takes tribute from Behechio — Revolt ofRoldan. ........ ,165 CHAPTER XVI. Roldan refuses to submit to the Adelantado — The Indians take part in the insurrection — Don Bar- tholomew marches against them into the prov- ince of Ciguay — The caciques, Magobanex and Guarionex taken — Roldan in the province of Xaragua — Columbus makes peace with Roldan — Ojeda appears in Hispaniola, and heads a party of rebels — Roldan, at the command of Columbus, crushes this Rebellion — Guevara — Insurgent attempt of Adrian de Moxico, — Salu- tary severity of Columbus. . . . . .175 CHAPTER XVn. Misrepresentations of the administration of Co- lumbus by his enemies in Spain — Bobadilla ap- pointed to supersede Columbus — His unworthy treatment of Columbus — Columbus sent in Viii CONTENTS. Page chains to Spain — Columbus arrives at Cadiz — Queen Isabella commands him to appear at court — She receives him graciously — Ovando suc- ceeds Bobadilla as governor of the Spanish colonies. . . , 18' CHAPTER XVm. Columbus engages in his fourth and last voyage — Arrives off St. Domingo — Ovando refuses to allow hira to enter the harbour — Bobadilla, Rol- dan, and the chief Guarionex are lost at sea — Columbus discovers the coast of Honduras — Cape Gracias a Dios, &c. — The rivers Veragua and Belen — Commences a settlement in the vi- cinity — The Indians conspire against the Span- iards — The Spaniards seize the family of the cacique Quibia — I'he Indians attack the Span- iards at the settlement— They Idll Diego Tristan. 1 97 CHAPTER XIX. Columbus takes off the Spaniards from the settle- ment, and sails from the coast of Veragua — He arrives at the coast of Jamaica, forced to remain there — Sends to Hispaniola — Rebelhon of the brothers Porras — Stratagem of Columbus to procure supphes from the Indians. . . . 211 CHAPTER XX. Adventures of Diego Mendez — The Adelantado defeats Porras — Columbus and his men taken off the w^recks — Arrive at St. Domingo — Return to Spain — Administration of Ovando — Fate of Ana- caona — The king of Spain disregards the claims of Columbus — Death of Isabella — Her charac- ter — Columbus dies — Brief character of Co- lumbus — Diego Columbus — Fernando Colum- bus — Amerigo Vespucci 221 DEDICATION. TO EDWARD LYMAN, JAMES HOWE, AND JOHN REVERE. Because I love you, and am interested in yout improvement, I have written this book ; but though it was written more especially for your instruction and entertainment, if it can be useful to you, it may be useful to other children. When I was no older than you are, your grandmother used to relate to me the histories of Mary, Queen of Scots ; of her grandson Charles I. King of England ; and his unfortunate minister, Wentworth, Earl of Stafford. I took in- finite pleasure in listening to these pathetic narra- tives, and I learned from them what I hope I have never forgotten — veneration for those who suffer in any calamity with patience and dignity ; and com- passion for the afflicted, whoever they are, whether they are of the highest or lowest station in the world. 1 wish I may be able to inform your minds with the same skill, and with greater effect. Marcus Antonius, one of the wisest and best of Roman Emperors, recorded in writing the names of persons who had taught him any just sentiment, or good rule of conduct, or who had benefited him by good examples. His grateful regard for the benefactors of his mind, is one of the most beautiful DEDICATION. and edifying traits of his character, and is truly wor- thy of imitation by the young of all posterity. To leave such honourable and affecting recollections in the minds of young persons, is all 1 wish. I am de- sirous of no better reputation and happiness, than that of the friend of children. I wish to make them happy, by providing their minds with rational employ- ments and gratifications ; to make them wise, by set- ting good examples of virtuous men before them ; and to make them good, by showing them, that. There surely is some guiding power That rightly suffers wrong ; Gives vice to bloom its little hour, But virtue late and long. I hope you will understand and like to read Tales from American History. I have given you but one volume, but if you like it, and other children like it, and their parents approve it, you shall have more stories from Your affectionate Aunt. JVew-York, March 16, 1329. TALES AMERICAN HISTORY. CHAPTER I. I KNOW, my dear little boys, that you have read Sir Walter Scott's <' Tales of a Grandfather," and have been entertained and instructed by his inter- esting stories of Scottish kings and queens. I think the history of your own country may also furnish you with stories which you will read with pleasure. The first discoverer of the American continent was one of the greatest men that ever lived, and his ad- ventures will interest you as much as those of any hero of any nation. I am sure you will admire his noble character when you become acquainted with it, and I hope, when you grow to be men, you will possess the same virtues. I will write for you some short histories of Columbus, and other eminent men, who are distinguished in the annals, that is, in the written history of your native country, and I hope that you may be made wiser and better by their example. The boys in ancient Greece and Rome were ac- customed to hear and read of the great actions and 12 GREEKS AND ROMANS, generous sentiments of the patriots and wise men of their respective countries ; and the histories in which they were instructed, are written, and, at the present time, are studied by boys of our country. The great men of antiquity ought to be remembered and honoured ; but those who are taught to reverence the justice of Aristides, the generosity of Cimon, and the moral wisdom of Socrates ; those who ad- mire the simphcity of Cincinnatus, the eloquence of Cicero, and the hardihood and enterprise of Julius Caesar, should also be taught to revere the virtues of their own national benefactors^-the courageous and disinterested men who encountered a thousand dan- gers, and performed unnumbered services for the benefit of those who should live after them. You perceive, my dear children, that I presume you are somewhat acquainted with the great men of Greece and Rome, I have written a little book, " Sequel to Popular Lessons," which gives a brief history of some of the most distinguished of the Greeks and Romans ; and if you have read that, you are acquainted with those great men, even if you have not studied their thoughts and actions in Greek and Latin books, I presume you will be glad of another book written by your aunt, and will like it the better because it describes persons who have served and done honour to your native country. The most extraordmary event in modern history- is the discovery of America; but you cannot un- derstand its importance unless you attend very pa- tiently to what I shall tell you of the state of the world previous to that discovery. You must have heard of the old and the neiv world, and it is neces- sary that you should perfectly understand what these phrases signify. In the first chapter of Genesis ar AGE OF THE WORLD. VS account is given of the creation of the material uni' verse — that is, of the globe we inhabit, its animals and vegetables, the sun and other heavenly bodies which afford heat and light, and the human beings who became the parents of all mankind. According to the belief of Christians, the crea- tion happened four thousand years before the birth of Christ, — eighteen hundred years and a little more, have elapsed since that time. The period from the creation to the birth of Christ comprehends forty centuries. The period from the birth of Christ to the present time comprehends eighteen centuries. Those two periods, — the presumed age of the world,- — make nearly six thousand years. According to the Bible, the whole human race, except Noah and his family, perished in the deluge, or flood, sixteen hundred and fifty-six years after the creation. The inhabitants of the world, there- fore, who have existed since the deluge, are all dC" scendants of Noah, and all that has happened to them, previous to the advent., or coming of our Saviour, is comprehended in twenty-three centu- ries. I have endeavoured to give you clear notions of time in respect to the history of mankind. I will now point out to you those parts of the globe which have been the abode of the most intelligent, inge- nious, and happy of the great family of man. You know what is meant by the civilized and savage states of society. You have been taught from your iittle books that men v/ho have comfortable habita- tions and clothing, who possess books and the arts of reading and writing, and whose business is car* ried on by means of coined money, are civilized ; while those who subsist by the chase of wild ani« 2 14 CIVILIZATION. mals, who live in rude huts, dress in the skins of beasts, and who have no letters, are savage* Large tracts of the earth are now in this state, and still larger portions of it were formerly occupied in this manner. If you look at the map of the world, as it is known at the present time, you will see the coasts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, distinctly marked out ; but if you examine a map of the an- cient world, you will see clearly delineated only the coasts of the Mediterranean, the southern countries of Europe, the western parts of Asia, and the north of Africa. These parts of the globe were inhabited by civilized men p*'evious to the year 1492, and so much of it is called the old world, because, until that time, only so much of the globe was known to civilized men. In 1492 Columbus crossed the Atlantic Ocean and discovered the West Indies ; he afterward went to the continent of South America, and, in time, other navigators explored the coasts of North and South America, and ascertained the fact, that the whole tract formed a vast continent in the west- ern hemisphere. Europeans afterward emigrated to America, and their descendants now form nume- rous and different states on this continents After' the discovery of America, the people of Europe called it the new world, and the eastern hemisphere was called the old world. Miss Edgeworth relates that a little boy, for want of the explanation I have given you, imagined these were two separate worlds, and that the new world was created after the old world. You are not liable to this mistake if you pay attention to what I have told you* The inhabitants of the different parts of the okl THE HEBREWS, 15 world became known to each other by means of navigation and commerce, and afterward by wars. You will remember that the civilized portion of the old world, in ancient times, surrounded the Mediter- ranean. The people on the coasts learned by de- grees to make vessels, in which they crossed that sea, and passing from one country to another, be- came acquainted. The most remarkable people of antiquity were the Hebrews, whose history is re- lated in the Bible. They lived at the head of the Mediterranean, but their country lay a little inland — in one place approaching the sea, but for the most part being bounded west by the territory of the Phcenicians. The Hebrews were a warlike and agricultural nation, but not distinguished by their foreAgn trade. Foreign trade means the exchange of goods for money between men of different countries. This trade is carried on by ships. I have said that the Hebrews were not a commercial people ; but in the reign of the wisest of their kings, Solomon, who lived ten centuries before Christy the Hebrews carried on a considerable traffic with the Tyrians, and probably with the neighbouring states of Egypt and Assyria. Egypt, from time mmemona/, that is, from a time of which the beginning is not known, was the most scientific and powerful of ancient nations. Fifteen centuries before Christ, Moses, the Hebrew legisla- tor, was instructed in '' the learning of the Egyp- tians." The ruin of ancient edifices still remain- ing in Egypt exhibit proofs of immense wealth and industry in the former inhabitants, and the circum- stance that Joseph's brothers went down into Egypt to buy corn, and that the Romans, many years after, considered that country the granary of 16 ^oxrr. Rome, and imported large quantities of bread stuff, (as we in America call the substance that make bread,) are all facts which show that the knowledge, the architecture, the agriculture, and the trade of Egypt, were of a high order for that age, and pecu- liar to an intelligent race of men ; but the power of the Egyptians does not appear to have been that of conquerors abroad— it was the honourable distinc- tion of mind employed for the most part upon useflil arts, and tending to make the nation happy at home. From a time previous to any tradition, Assyria, Persia, and India, afforded different articles of luxury. Silks, fine leather, carpets, spices, and perfumes, were severally to be obtained from these countries. These articles became desirable to the Greeks after their defeat of the Persians, (nearly five centuries before Christ,) for the Persian inva- ders of Greece first made the inhabitants of that country acquainted with the luxuries of the east. You do not, perhaps, understand the difference be- tween the necessaries and luxuries of life. JYeces- sarits are those articles of food and clothing, the shelter of a rude dwelling place, and the warmth of fire, without which we could not live at all : luxuries are rich food, elegant houses and carriages, pictures and statues, and ornamental apparel. Every coun- try furnishes the necessaries of life to its inhabitants, but the productions of warm climates, and the manufactures of rich and ingenious people, furnish luxuries ; and ships and beasts of burthen must convey these luxuries from the people who possess to those that want them. Curiosity, or the desire of seeing what we have not seen, or knowing what we have not known, in- duces men to wish to go to different countries, TYRE, SIDON, AND CARTHAGE. 17 where they have never been. The Phoenicians, a people who inhabited a small country at the head of the Mediterranean, north and west of Judea, in- vented ships and the art of navigation. They were the most enterprising and commercial nation of antiquity ; built the cities of Tyre and Sidon ; sent ships with their manufactures to the ports of the Mediterranean ; planted colonies in Greece, and founded the city of Carthage, in Africa. The foundation of Carthage v/as laid eight hundred years before Christ ; and that city, like the parent country, was famous, during many centuries, for its trade. The Romans first learned the art of ship building from the Carthaginians. A Carthaginian vessel was wrecked on the coast of Italy, and the Ro- mans, by imitating the construction of this vessel, obtained a navy of their own. You have been told that the Greeks did not be- come acquainted with the luxuries obtained by an extended commerce, till they had gained them by the defeat of the rich Persians ; but after that time they carried on a great trade from Gaul to Thrace. Massilia, the modern Marseilles, was a Greek co- lony originally : and Byzantium, now Constantino^ pie, was also colonized by Greeks. The whole coast, from one to the other of these cities, where- ever the country was cultivated, and the people were disposed to commerce, interchanged their commo- dities with the Greeks. Corinth, the most commercial of the Greek cities, exhibited the different productions of all the civilized parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. A writer describing Corinth as she was three centu- ries before Christ, says, " We saw the shore co- vered with reams of paper, (made of papyrus,) and 9* IS CORINTH* sail-cloth from Egypt, ivory from Lybia, the leather of Cyrene, incense from Syria, Phoenician dates, Carthaginian carpets, corn and cheese from Syra- cuse, pears and apples from Euboea, and Phrygian and Thessalian slaves ; not to mention a multitude of other articles which arrive daily at Corinth." This brief sketch of the trade of Greece is inserted in your Popular Lessons. I repeat it here that I may bring into one view, or show you at once, the commerce and geography of the civilized world previous to modern discoveries. Rome, you will remember, was founded sevt# '- and a half centuries before Christ. One hundred" and forty-six years before the existence of our Sa?' viour on earth, Corinth and Carthage became subl ject to Rome ; and not long after. Western AsIk and Egypt were included in the Roman empire f so that the trade of all nations was controlled b) Roman laws, and tributary to Rom.an power. The Phcenicians, (sometimes called the Tyrians from their city of Tyi-e,) not only navigated the Mediterranean, but made themselves masters ol^ harbours on the Arabian Gulf, or Red Sea. li) you examine a map you will see Egypt on the west,!; Arabia on the east, and the country bordering on* Judea on the north of the Red Sea. Phoenician vessels sailed from the harbours of these countries p to the coasts of India and the Persian Gulf. Some of the articles which these merchantmen trafficked in were brought down the Indus, and others were transported by the Euphrates to the Persian Gulf, where they were taken up by the Tyrians and con- veyed to their different ports of the Red Sea. At these ports the vessels were unloaded, and the goods j conveyed over land to the ports of the Mediterra- ^ ANCIENT COMMERCE. 19 nean, where they were again shipped and sent to the cities of Europe. The over-land conveyance was laborious, slow, and dangerous. The caravans, or travelling com- panies, were exposed to the hardships of a hot cli- mate, and to the attacks of robbers ; and when they had arrived at the place of destination, the price of their labour was to be added to the price of their merchandise ; thus the treasures of India, when they were distributed through Italy, Greece, -ind the Roman states in Africa, could only be pro- cured at immense cost. You will observe upon he map that the course thus taken by water and and was the shortest distance from India to Europe ; but you must remember that a continued water passage of much greater length might be ef- fected v/ith less difficulty and less expense. Alexander, of Macedon. was one of the men who are permitted by divine Providence to change the face of human affairs. He besieged and took the wealthy city of Tyre, which he entirely de- stroyed, and founded another city, which, like Tyre, became the seat of the most flourishing com- merce then carried on in the world. Tyre was de- stroyed three hundred and thirty-two years before Christ, and the foundation of Alexandria was laid four years after. The city was placed near one of the mouths of the river Nile, and became celebratetl not only for its extensive trade, and its great wealth, but for schools of philosophy, for learned men, and vast collections of books. The Saracens after- ward took Alexandria, and destroyed its noble in- stitutions. Its site still remains, and it is interest- ing on account of its departed glory. Alexandria was taken A. D. 640. For nearly a thousand 2D ALEXANDRIA AND BYZANTIUM. years it had been the greatest commercial city in the world. After the taking of Alexandria by the Mahome- dans, Constantinople became the great emporium, or principal seat of India trade. Constantinople was then the capital of the Eastern Empire. You know the Roman Empire, in the time of our Saviour, comprehended all the countries round the Mediter- ranean, and at that time Augustus Caesar was its master. Three centuries after, this vast extent of territory was thought by its emperor to be too large for one empire, and it was divided into the Eastern and Western Empires. Constantinople, before called Byzantium, became the capital of the Past- ern Empire, after Christ 364, and Rome continued to be the capital of the Western Empire, till barba- rians from the north of Europe took possession of that part of the world, and afterward divided it into kingdoms, known in modern geography as Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal, Venice, at the head of the Adriatic Gulf, some time after, succeeded to the trade of Constantino- ple. The Venetian merchants contrived to obtain the transmission of India goods directly from Con- stantinople, and enriched themselves immensely by selling them to traders from the different coun- tries of Southern Europe. The Venetians having monopolized, or taken the whole of the India trade into their own hands, put an enormous price upon India goods, and excited much discontent in other European cities, whose inhabitants wished to pro- cure these goods at a cheaper rate ; and people began to reflect upon means of getting to India by some other course than over land from the Medi- terranean to the Red Sea, or from Constantinople COLUMBUS. 21 by means of the Black Sea, the rivers, and the Caspian, and thence over land to the Persian Gulf. If a passage could be found by the Atlantic Ocean, it would, perhaps, afford a free and easy course to European nations, and give to all enterprising and trading states the power of procuring at an easy rate whatever Southern Asia afforded. I have now told you, my little boys, the reason why Europeans desired to find a new passage from Europe to India — in another chapter I will show you how they were enabled to attempt it ; and I will afterwards relate to you some interesting facts concerning the greatest man who engaged in this undertaking, and the extraordinary discovery which was made in consequence of pursuing it. CHAPTER II. I HOPE, my young friends, that you had patience to read the preceding chapter, and to find upon the map the places mentioned in it. I promised to give you some account of the great navigator, Co- lumbus, but you cannot understand his history un- less you know something more than you now know in respect to the state of the world when Columbus lived. You must remember to have heard that barba- rians from the north of Europe ravaged Italy, and the western provinces of the Roman Empire, in the fifth century after Christ. The barbarians de- stroyed almost every thing beautiful and valuable that could be found in these fine countries. A few 22 THE DARK AGES. of the ancient books were hidden in convents, or left in neglected places ; but these ignorant con- querors did not cultivate the art of reading, or permit their followers to do so, so that all literature and science was forgotten, and many hundred years passed away in which the people of Europe lived in such extreme ignorance, that the thousand years which elapsed from the fifth to the fifteenth century have been called the Dark Ao-es. The Eastern division of the Roman Empire ex- isted, and cherished learning, and was governed by the Roman laws long after the destruction of the Western Empire ; but the provinces of this empire fell into wars with one another. The barbarians of the north, and the warlike tribes of middle Asia and Arabia, at last desolated this empire also, and Constantinople submitted to the ignorant Turks about a thousand 3^ears after the fall of Rome. About the middle of the fifteenth century Printing was invented, books were printed, the Europeans began to read, to study the laws of nature, to cul- tivate science, to travel, and to found schools ; and kings and governors began to think it a duty to do good to their subjects, and to encourage wise, men. Six centuries after Christ the ignorant people of Europe, and their sovereigns, made a governor for all states and princes of the bishop of Rome, afterward known as the Pope. [You have read in the Tales of a Grandfather, and in other books, how this power of the Pope was conferred upon him. ] One pope after another was elected, and the popes believed, or pretended to believe, that their power was conferred by God himself. Popery kept the people of Europe in ignorance, for it forbade persons REVIVAL OF LEARNING. 2B to inquire into their duties, and commanded them to believe whatever priests should tell them. It was for the interest of priests that the people should be ignorant, because the people, who did not know better, would work for the priests, support large numbers of them in idleness, build them houses, and give them part of all they possessed. After printing was invented, people began to in- quire what was true in every thing, and to wish to extend knowledge in all ways. This memorable change in the state of men's minds in Europe is call- ed in history the Revival of Learning. The neglected and forgotten books, written in Greek and I^atinj were brought out of the convents, many of them Were printed and studied, and original books were also published and read. At this period the spirit of maritime discovert) was awakened. By the spirit of maritime discovery, I mean the desire to find countries previously unknown to the discoverers^ I have shown you that the spirit of commerce, which is in fact the desire of wealth, had turned the atten- tion of Europeans to the means of increasing thei? property by trade, and to the easy acquisition of foreign luxuries* I must now tell you how they succeeded. About the year 1302 it was discovered that sL needle, or small iron rod, maIA. to Diaz, he should at last find the long wished for passage. Ten years afterwards, (1497,) Vasques de Ga- ma, with a Portuguese fleet, following the track which Prince Henry's navigators had begun to ex- plore, doubled the Cape of Good Hope, sailed to India, and opened to Europe the desired commu- nication with Asia ; and, from this period, " Por- tugal, from being one of the least among nations, became one of the most important." You will think, children, that I have forgotten America, and its great men, but indeed I have not ; you would not understand all that I wish to inform you of, unless I should give you some elementary knowledge, by which I mean information of cir- cumstances that relate to the persons and events whose history I would relate. I will, in the next chapter, introduce you to the illustrious Christopher Columbus. CHAPTER III. I HAVE told you, in my last chapter, that in the fifteenth century, the Portuguese, of all the nations of Europe, prosecuted maritime discovery with the greatest eagerness ; but it was reserved to their neighbours, the Spanish, to promote the greatest of all discoveries, that of the continent of America. The chief honour of this achievement, however, belongs to the individual who accomplished it. COLUMBUS. 31 Christopher Columbus was born of a humble and worthy family in the city of Genoa. His father was a wool-comber of the name of Colombo — his illustrious son adopted the Latin termination of Columbus. The Latin language, at the time when Columbus lived, was that in which statesmen and princes wrote their letters, and every person in a public station of importance, wrote his name in conformity to this usage. Columbus had a son named Fernando, who, after his death, wrote a history of his father's life, and this son despised the pride then very common in Europe of being de- scended from noble ancestors, but he felt the true honour of his distinguished parent. Mr. Irving gives the words of Fernando Columbus thus, " I should derive less dignity from any nobility of an- cestry, than from being the son of such a father." Columbus was the eldest of four children, three sons and a daughter. His brothers Bartholomew^ and Diego are mentioned in his history. It appears that his parents, though poor, were sensible of the value of knowledge, and bestowed upon their chil- dren such instruction as could be obtained for them, and that Columbus improved his opportunities to the utmost advantage. He was taught reading, writing, arithmetic, drawing, and painting ; and all that he learned he acquired such skill in using, that by any branch of his knowledge, said one of his contemporaries, "he might gain a livelihood." — Columbus was also sent for a short time to Pavia, a city of Lombardy, the most celebrated of any at that time in Italy, for its schools of learning. Here he was made acquainted with the Latin tongue, but his chief attention was given to mathematics, to geography and astronomy — then called astrology. 32 COLUMBUS. It is not uncommon to meet with boys who have a strong inclination to follow the sea, as they call it — to leave their homes, and their native country, to see something more wonderf^il and magnificent than the groves and valleys, or the streets and houses to which they are accustomed. A feeling like this animated the young Columbus ; but he added to it the noble and praiseworthy desire to benefit mankind. In the present age of the world, the curiosity of the young mariner is directed to some well known shore ; but the hopes and wishes of Columbus embraced the "great globe itself." He longed to go forth and penetrate the thick dark- ness which was upon the face of the deep ; to find some good land never seen by European eyes ; and it was the labour of his life to accomplish this mighty enterprise. How Columbus passed his early years is not precisely known, but it is supposed that from the age of fifteen to thirty-five, he spent the greater part of his time on the Mediterranean, sometimes engaged in merchant vessels, and sometimes in warlike enterprises. At that period the Barbary States sent out their corsairs, or piratical vessels, to intercept the merchantmen of Southern Europe, and the states of Italy kept up wars with one another ; so that the hardihood of the soldier was essen- tial to the character of the sailor ; and the defence of life and property was as necessary to the trader as to the vessel expressly sent out to fight. Columbus was induced to go to Lisbon by the attention paid there to navigation, and by the socie- ty of learned men, who studied geography and mathematics — his chief studies resembled theirs, and he lived always in hope to be permitted by COLUMBUS. 33 Providence to prosecute some great discovery. — Columbus was persuaded that one third of the globe remained unknown to the inhabitants of the old world, and he beUeved that it was fertile and inhabited. Voyagers, who had sailed west of the Azores, reported that they had seen land plants floating on the ocean ; that pieces of wood, carved in a manner different from the workmanship of Europe, had also been found ; and the dead bodies of two men, of a different complexion from Euro- peans, had been cast upon one of the western islands. Columbus considered these circumstances as proofs that his theory was true. Columbus was eminently a devout man. He thanked God sincerely, that from a child his taste and his studies were directed to navigation, and he thought himself appointed by God to bring men of distant regions together; to make them acquainted with each other; and to instruct Pagans in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour. The dignity of his mind, and the sublimity of his designs, made him feel himself upon an equality with princes. He proposed to discover empires, and to present them to the European sovereign who should aid him in his project ; so that, though he was a poor man, he did not esteem himself the less, but felt that his mind raised him above the inferior considerations of rank and fortune. Columbus was too poor to fit out vessels for the expedition which he meditated in search of the new- world ; and he also thought it necessary that some prince should take part in his enterprise, because such a person only could govern the territory he might discover ; and which, according to the ideas >yhich men in that aga entertained of property, he 34 COLUMBUS. conceived would belong to the king whose subjects might discover it. You must remember that the pope gave away all Africa to Prince Henry of Por- tugal, and Columbus had the same notions which Prince Henry had, respecting the authority of princes. At the present time no such opinions prevail, and civilized men have more just conceptions of the rights of savages. Perhaps you have read of the discoveries of Captain Cook and other navigators in the Pacific Ocean. In 1778 Captain Cook dis- covered the Sandwich Islands — ^just fifty years ago, (1828.) He was in the service of the king of Great Britain, but Captain Cook did not therefore imagine that the Sandwich Islands belonged to the king of England, nor did that king ever take the islands ; he left them in possession of the natives ; and, instead of injuring the islanders, British ships go to the islands, and English merchants send goods thither, and buy whatever the islanders have to sell. Besides carrying on a peaceful trade with the men of the South Sea, the English send out to them missionaries on purpose to instruct those ignorant people, in reading and in the Gospel ; and also to teach them to build comfortable houses, to cultivate the fields, and to make decent garments. I have told you this that you may know that nations act with more good sense and humanity in this age of the world than they did three hundred years ago. When you come to read the treatment of the Euro- peans to the natives of the Western Continent, after the former people had discovered it, you will understand how nations, at the present time, have improved in philanthrophy, or love to mankind. In 1484 Columbus presented the plan of a voyage COLUMBUS. 35 across the Western Ocean to John II. of Portugal, and the king laid it before a council of bishops and nobles, for their approbation. The council decided that the scheme of Columbus could not end in any acquisition of importance ; but some of the king's counsellors proposed a treacherous ex-periment to ascertain the truth of Columbus's theory, and, if possible, to deprive him of the honour of his under- taking. To this unworthy suggestion the king gave ear, and consented to the mean and dishonest measures which I will relate to yoii. King John required Columbus to give him in writing a plan of his intended voyage, to which the unsuspecting petitioner readily consented. When the king had learned the course which Columbus intended to pursue, he despatched a vessel upon the route pointed out by Columbus, pretending she was sent with provisions to the inhabitants of the Cape de Verd Islands^ The captain sent upon this ex- pedition had neither perseverance nor skill. He departed secretly from Portugal, but was soon in- timidated by stormy weather and returned, and those who had promoted his voyage afterwards ridiculed the designs of Columbus. While Columbus resided in Portugal, he married, and had a son called Diego. The ungenerous treatment he received wounded his noble spirit, and having lost his wife, he resolved to quit Portugal, and, not discouraged, to seek out the favour of some wiser government. Towards the end of 1484, he departed from liisbon, taking with him his son Diego. It is uncertain whither Columbus went immediately on his departure from Lisbon. Some writers say that he went to his native city of Genoa, to solicit aid from that Republic ; others S COLUMBUS. assert that his visit to Genoa was made to his father, and that having made some arrangements for his comfort he again repaired to foreign courts. Now I will leave Columbus. We will next follow Co-, lumbus into Spain. CHAPTER IV. I PROMISED to return to Columbus on his arrival in Spain. I will give you an account of his first appearance in that country in the words of his Ame- rican Biographer, Mr. Washington Irving, who has taken this part of his history from the report of one of Columbus's contemporaries, Garcia Fernandez, ;i physician resident in the little sea-port of Palos de Maquez, in Andalusia. *' About half a league from that town stood, and stands at the present day, an ancient convent of Franciscan friars, dedicated to Santa Maria de Rabidad. — A stranger, on foot, accompanied by a small boy, stopped one day at the gate of the convent, and asked of the porter a little bread and water for his child. " While receiving this refreshment, the prior of the convent. Friar Juan Perez de Marchena, hap- pening to pass by, was struck with the appearance of the stranger, and observing from his air and accent that he was a foreigner, entered into conver- sation with him, and soon learnt the particulars of his history. That stranger was Columbus, accom- panied by his young son Diego. Where he had come from does not clearly appear ; that he was in COLUMBUS. 37 destitute circumstances is evident from the mode of his wayfaring. He was on his way to the neigh- bouring town of Huelon, to seek his brother-in-law, who had married a sister of his deceased wife." A convent is a house whore religious persons, men or women of the Roman Catholic persuasion, reside together — men in a house by themselves, and women, by themselves. The principal priest, or governor of the convent, is sometimes called a prior. It is considered the duty of the male residents in convents to show kindness and hospitality to wayfaring and destitute persons ; so it was quite proper, and according to custom, for Columbus, when his little boy Diego stood in need of suste- nance, to ask it at the gate of a convent. The most learned men at that time in Europe were some of the priests, or ecclesiastics. The good prior of La Rabidad not only read and thought much, but had conversed with naviga- tors, and loved the science of geography. He was delighted with Columbus, persuaded him to remain a short time in the convent, and sent for a friend of his, the physician Garcia Fernandez, to come and converse with his guest. To these persons Colum- bus related his misfortunes and his plans — they perceived that he was indeed a great man, and that the voyage he proposed to make might be of the utmost consequence ; therefore, Friar Juan Perez gladly assisted him. The prior had a friend, Fer- nando de Talevera, who was confessor to Isabella, queen of Spain. The office of confessor is that of a Roman Cath- olio priest, who takes care of the spiritual ivelfare of other persons, that is, he instructs them in what is right and wrong, and that if they are sorry for 4 38 THE QUEEN OF SPAIN. their sins God will forgive them. The penitent goes to the priest, who hears the man or woman relate his or her thoughts; and actions, and then gives the person who has confessed, absolution — an assurance that his sins are pardoned, and will not be punished by God. If you should ask how a priest dares to forgive men's sins, I will tell you that God promises to forgive those who have done wrong, if they are determined to do right in future ; and a good priest will only declare this to a true penitent, who is a person sincerely sorry for his sins, whatever they are, and resolved to amend, or be- come better. Queen Isabella was a Catholic, and a very pious woman : she respected her confessor highly, and he could easily persuade her to do what he thought would be for the benefit of Spain. In 1486, the court, which is a king's family, was fixed at the city of Cordova, and thither Columbus repaired, bear- ing a letter from Prior Juan Perez to Fernando de Talevera. This letter recommended Columbus to the confessor, explained his plans, and urged Ta- levera to make the king and queen acquainted with him and his projects. At the same time Prior Juan Perez offered to maintain and educate Diego Co- lumbus, so his father left him at La Rabidad, and departed for the court of Ferdinand and Isabella. You must have read of the Moorish conquest of Spain. The Goths established themselves in Spain, and were themselves subdued by an irrup- tion of the Moors, who remained for seven hundred years in the peninsula. The Moors went over to Spain from the country of Morocco — they were originally Arabs, were an active, ingenious, and scientific people, though they were Mahomedans, THE MOORS. 39 They introduced, into Spain the Saracenic archi- tecture, and many useful arts ; but during the seven centuries of their continuance in Spain, they were never sole masters of the country. Spain was divided into provinces, several of which was governed by its own king ; and in the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella, all the provinces fell under their government, except the kingdom of Granada, to which the Moors retreated, and whence the sovereigns of Spain resolved to expel them. — Ferdinand and his queen believed that they were rendering a service to God in punishing injfidels, as the Mahomedans are called by the Catholics. When Columbus made his first application for assistance to the court of Spain, the sovereigns were engaged in a war with the Moors, and had no leisure to attend to his petition, nor money to spare to fit out a fleet for him. Queen Isabella was one of the most lovely and virtuous women in the world. She loved her people, was truly .religious, and delighted to encourage learning, and to reward learned men. Her dispo- sition to do good was enough to inspire hope in the persevering Columbus. He arrived at Cordova in the year 1486, but he could not immediately obtain a hearing. The queen's confessor did not consider his plan practicable, and paid little attention to him. Mr. Irving supposes that the humble garb and low fortunes of Columbus made the courtiers regard him with contempt, for a Spanish historian said of him, " Because he was a stranger, and went but in simple apparel, not otherwise credited but by the letter of a gray friar, they believed him not, neither gave ear to his words." From all his history it appears that he was very poor, and it is a melan- 40 COLU3IBUS AT ST. STEPHEN S. choly fact that he was forced to " beg his way from court to court, to offer princes the discovery of a world." In every trial the future discoverer of America had confidence in his final success, and though he had little encouragement, he remained about the court designing maps for support, and making himself intimate with great men, who were freely admitted to the king and queen. Of these his best friend was Mendoza, archbishop of Toledo, and grand cardinal of Spain. This prelate was satis- fied that Columbus deserved a hearing from the sovereigns, and at his request they gave him an audience, after which they ordered an assembly of learned men to examine his plans, and report their opinion of them. This consultation took place in the convent of St. Stephen, which belonged to the college of Salamanca, and after much discourse Columbus was dismissed without any encourage- ment, though some candid and generous minds in the assembly werie convinced that he had advanced a rational theory, and merited aid ; and from that time the sovereigns granted money for his main- tenance, though they furnished none for liis voy- age. Columbus continued his suit till 1491, when Fer- nando de Talevera was commissioned by the sovereigns to inform him that until the war should be ended, they could not engage in his enterprise, and that they then should interest themselves in it. Grieved and disappointed at this delay on the part of the king and queen, Columbus hoped that the king of France might afford him prompt assist- ance, and determined to go to Paris, and present himself at court. Previously to his intended de- COLUMBUS AT GRENADA. 41 parture from Spain, he repaired to La Rabidad, in order to remove his son JJiego to Cordova, and to take leave of Friar Juan Perez. That good priest saw with regret his friend return poor and unsuc- cessful ; but when he heard the story of his weary- attendance and vain solicitation at the court, he comforted him ; and, v»'ith the advice of Garcia Fernandez, and of Martin Piuzon, a rich citizen of Palos, wrote a letter to Queen Isabella, entreating her to befriend his undertaking. The queen immediately summoned Juan 'Perez to her presence, and, as soon as he received her command, he mounted his mule, and, journeying through the countries lately conquered from the Moors, soon arrived at Santa Fe, near Grenada, where the queen was with the army. Juan Perez easily convinced that beneficent princess of the merit of Columbus, and of the possibility that he might confer important benefits upon her people. No sooner was Isabella persuaded of this, than she sent to La Rabidad for Columbus, ordering for his use a sum of money, equal to two hundred and sixteen dollars at the present time. Columbus readily obeyed her majesty. He ar- rived at Grenada at the time when the Moors sur- rendered their last hold, the city of Grenada, to the king and queen. I mention this memorable circumstance to you, because it is an important date in Spanish history. Mr. Irving has given a splendid description of the rejoicings upon this occasion. Speaking of Columbus, he says, "He beheld Boabdil, the last of the Moorish kings, sally forth from the Alhambra, and yield up the keys of that favourite seat of the Moorish power, while the king and queen, with all the chivalrv, and 4* 42 SUniiENDER OF THE MOORS. rank and magnificence of Spain, moved forward in proud and solemn procession, to receive this token of submission. " It was one of the most brilliant triumphs in Spanish history. After near eight hundred years of painful struggle, the crescent was completely cast down, the cross exalted in its place, and the standard of Spain was seen floating on the highest tower of the Alhambra. The whole court and army was abandoned to jubilee. The air resounded with shouts of joy, with songs of triumph, and hymns of thanksgiving. On every side were be- held military rejoicings and religious oblations. The king and queen moved in the midst, in more than common magnificence, while every eye re- garded them as more than mortal. The court was thronged with the most illustrious of that warlike country ; by the flower of its nobility ; by the most dignified of its prelacy ; by bards and minstrels. There was nothing but the glittering of arms, the rustling of robes, the sound of music, and fes- tivity." I suppose you understand, that to cast down the crescent and exalt the cross^ is a figurative expres- sion, which signifies, that when the crescent, the badge or sign of the Mahomedan religion, was re- moved, and the cross put in its place, the followers of Mahomet were expelled, and the Christian re- ligion, which is indicated by the sign of the cross, became triumphant. ^ This is quite plain, dear aunt, I think I hear you say, but when will Columbus get to sea, if we stop so long with the conquerors of the Moors ? We must leave them in possession of their Moorish palace, the Alhambra, and all the fine buildings which the Moors left behind them ia GENEROSITY OF ISABELLA. 43 Spain, and follow our noble Genoese over the wide ocean. Isabella was now at leisure to listen with atten- tion to Columbus, but at first she was not so liberal as he desired. He proposed to be made admiral and viceroy of the coimtries he should discover, and to take for his own, one tenth of the riches he might gain, giving the rest to the king's disposal. The office of viceroy is that of a civil governor, who has the authority of a king in some province belonging to an absent prince. Isabella for a while thought Columbus demanded too much, but he would yield nothing, and Luis St. Angel, one of his friends, pleaded in his behalf. The high- minded Isabella did not long hesitate, but having disposed of all the money she could command to defray the expenses of the last war, she offered to pledge her jewels to procure funds for the use of Columbus. St. Angel assured her that this was not necessary, as he would supply the money, and the queen accepted his offer. Three thousand crowns was the sum needed, besides two vessels. All that Columbus had asked was granted by the king and queen, though their subjects were unwil- ling to furnish vessels, or to engage with Columbus as mariners. The commission, or writing which em- powered Columbus to commence his operations, was dated at Grenada, April 30th, 1492, and signed by Ferdinand and Isabella. Columbus added a third vessel, which the Pinzons, rich men of Palos, ena- bled him to do, and on this account he was to have one eighth of the profits of his voyage. The queen, as a particular mark of respect to Columbus, ap- pointed his son Diego page to her son. Prince Juan, with an allowance of money for his support. For 44 DEPARTURE FROM SPAIN. eighteen years Coliimbus had persevered under every discouragement, and though he was now fifty- six years old, he joyfully entered upon the grandest undertaking ever devised by man. I will soon commence the detail of his voyage, and you will be interested with his success as much as you have been in his prolonged anxieties and mortifications. -^ »»>© ® ©«♦(««— CHAPTER V. To resume the history of Columbus. On Fri- day, the 3d of August, 1492, he set sail on his first voyage of discovery. His largest ship, the Santa Maria, v/as commanded by the admiral. The se- cond, thePinta, was commanded by Alonzo Martin Pinzon, and the third, the Nina, by his brother, Vin- cente Yanez Pinzon. The whole number of ofti- cers, adventurers and m-ariners, on board these ships, was a hundred and twenty. The squadron being ready for sea. Columbus and the men under his command solemnly committed themselves to divine Providence, and departed from Palos with the prayers and blessings of their friends and rela- tives. You must remember that their return was much more doubtful than a voyage of discovery undertaken at the present time, for the ships were not larger than the vessels which navigate our rivers, and the most distressing fears agitated the hearts of those who saw their friends embark upon an un- known and boundless ocean. PEAK OF TENERIFFE. 45 In nine days Columbus reached the Canaries, and sailing among these islands his ship passed the famous Peak of TenerifTe, which " was sending out volumes of flame and smoke." The ignorant sailors considered this as a " disastrous portent," or bad sign^ as we sometimes say. The admiral took pains to relieve their false and superstitious fears, by instructing them that this volcano resem- bled Mount Etna and other volcanoes, and intima- ted no misfortune to them. The fleet had been detained for the repair of one of the ships, the Pinta, three weeks at the island of Gomera, and it was not till five weeks after the departure from Spain that they lost sight of the Island of Ferro, one of the Canaries. At this moment the courage of the crew failed. They seemed to have departed from the known world, from those they loved, and from all familiar things : they despaired of ever again seeing their homes, and while some melted into tears, others broke out into loud lamentations. Now I must tell you that Columbus rather ex- pected to find a short way to Asia than to discover a new continent. One Marco Polo, a Venetian traveller, had written an account of his travels in Tartary and Eastern Asia, and had conjectured that an island of the Japanese empire, which he called Cipango, extended much farther to the east than any island of Japan really does extend ; and he had given splendid accounts of the riches of these Asiatic countries. Columbus, therefore, expected to approach them by keeping a westerly course from Europe ; he also expected that he should partici- pate in their treasures of gold and silver, and that for " this meat that perisheth," as the scripture calls riches, he should give them the knowledge of the 46 , SIGNS or LAND, Christian religion, which then existed in the Roman Catholic faith. To calm and comfort his terrified sailors, " He described to them the magnificent countries to which he was about to conduct them ; the islands of the Indian seas teeming with gold and precious stones ; the regions of Mangi and Cathay, with their cities of unrivalled wealth and splendour." Nor were these promises made only to encourage his crew ; " Columbus," says Mr. Irving, *' cer- tainly believed that he should realize them all." By the middle of September, still keeping a westerly course, they met masses of floating ve- getables. Some of these weeds were such as grov/ about rocks, others such as are produced m rivers. This was naturally considered as a proof that land lay not far distant ; and, besides these appearances, '* They saw also a white tropical bird, of a kind which never sleeps upon the sea." A delicious atmosphere, soft, temperate, and refreshing, per- vaded the waters over which they were now gently but speedily wafted. On the 18th of September a steady breeze from the east filled every sail, while, to use the words of Columbus, "the sea was as calm as the Guadalquiver at Seville." Alonzo Pinzon on that day imagined that he descried distant land at the north ; but Columbus did not believe in the appearance, and in despite of the wishes of those under his command, to steer in that direction, he persevered in the westward course. Still a vast sea expanded itself without limits. The sailors began to despair of reaching the land, and to com- plain loudly of their wretched lot, which they be- lieved would be to perish in these " shoreless wa- DESPAIR OF THE SAILORS. 47 ters," as they considered them ; but their com- mander, trusting that God had appointed and re- served him for a great work, ever cherished hopes which raised him above such melancholy antici- pations. The disaffected sailors, in their despair of ever returning to Spain, resolved, if the admiral should refuse to return, that they would throw him into the sea, and then steer for Spain, where they would represent that Columbus had accidentally fallen overboard. " Columbus was not ignorant of these mutinous intentions ; but he kept a serene and steady countenance, soothing some with gentle words, and menacing the most refractory with sig- nal punishment." A pension of thirty crowns had been offered by the Spanish government, to him who should first discover land, and many reports of " land ! land !" claimed, without deserving that reward. On the 17th of October Columbus had sailed seven hundred and fifty-six leagues westward of the Canaries, and was arrivefd at the distance at which he expected to find the ideal Cipango, but no land was discernable ; and, to gratify his fol- lowers, he bent his course farther south. " It is worthy of remark," says Mr. Irving, " that on the evening of the seventh of October, before Co- lumbus changed his course to the southwest, he was, according to modern calculators, sailing along the twenty-sixth degree of north latitude, nearly due west. This would have taken him, by the in- fluence of the gulf stream, to the eastern coast of Florida. The whole course of Spanish discovery might have taken a direction, along the Atlantic shores of North America, and a Spanish popula- 48 FEARS E,EL1LVED. tion have been given to the present territories of the United States." On Thursday, October 11th, revolt was silent — mute messengers from land announced that a haven for the weary mariners was near ; a branch of thorn, with berries on it, and recently separated from a tree, a reed, a small board, a staff, artificially car- ved, floated towards them, and all said, we come from the surface of the earth, we are made for the convenience of man — his habitations are near. His food, and the vv'ork of his hands, invite you to for- get all fear, to proceed to his dwelling place, and to partake of his comforts. These objects relieved the minds of the anx- ious crew, and they now eagerly watched for the first sight of the desired shore. I cannot describe to you the joyful event of the discovery in any language more plain, and in none so beautiful, as Mr. Irving's. I will, then, give you parts of his narrative. *' In the evening, when, according to invariable custom on board of the admiral's ship, the mari- ner's had sung the Salve Regina, or vesper hymn to the Virgin, he made an impressive address to his crew. He pointed out the goodness of God in thus conducting them by such soft and favour- ing breezes across a tranquil ocean ; cheering their hopes continually with fresh signs ; thus leading and guiding them to a promised land. He thought it probable, they should make land that very night ; he ordered therefore, a vigilant look out to be kept, promising, to whomsoever should make the dis- covery, a doublet of velvet, in addition to the pen- sion to be given by the sovereigns." During this day they made great proi^rcss, the THE DISCOVERY. 49 Pinta taking the lead, on account of her sailing more rapidly than the other vessels. The crew were too happy for sleep at night, and the admiral was constantly on the watch. About ten o'clock, he thought he beheld a light at a great distance. — He called two gentlemen to look in the same direc- tion, and they also perceived the light — again and again it appeared and disappeared, " as if it were a torch in the bark of a fisherman, rising and sinking with the waves ; or, in the hand of some person on shore, borne up and down as he walked from house to house." At two in the morning, the Pinta fired a gun, the joyful signal of land. It was first de- scried by a mariner, named Roderiquez de Frianon ; but the reward was afterward bestowed upon the admiral, who had before perceived the light. From that hour, to the dawn of day, the admi- ral's thoughts must have been employed in conjec- tures concerning this new region. The moving light had shown, that it was the residence of man. *' But what were its inhabitants 1 Were they like those of the other parts of the globe 'i Had he come upon some wild island of the Indian Sea, or was this the famed Cipango itself 1" Would morn- ing display a savage wilderness, or the spires of some busy and populous city ? Daylight revealed a beautiful and interesting scene. But I will leave that for another chapter, and finish this by repeating a description of the discovery in the verses of Mr. Rogers, who wrote a poem called the *' Voyage of Columbus." " The sails were furl'd ; with many a melting close Solemn and slow the evening anthem rose, Rose to the Virgin. 'Twas the hour of day, When setting suns o'er summer seas display ■ 5 50 THE LANDING. A path of glory opening in the west To golden climes, and islands of the blest, And human voices, on the silent air, Went o'er the waves in songs of gladness there ! " Chosen of men ! 'twas thine at noon of night, First from the prow to hail the glimmering Hght. • Pedro ! Rodrigo ! there, mothought it shone ! There, in the west ! and now, alas, 'tis gone ! 'Twas all a dream ! we gaze and gaze in vain ! But, mark and speak not, there, it comes again ! It moves ! what form unseen, what being there, With torch-like lustre fires the murky air ! His instincts, passions, say, how like our own ! Oh ! when will day reveal a world unknown V *' CHAPTER VI. The island on which Columbus first landed was one of the cluster now called the Bahamas, which extended northwest and southeast from the coast of Florida to Hispaniola. The natives called it Guanahani. It now bears the name, which the admiral gave it, San Salvador. On the morning of Friday, 12th October, 1492, this island first presented itself to the eyes of Europeans. The view of it was beautiful, the level surface of the ground being covered with herbage of the freshest green, overshadowed with stately trees. There was no appearance upon the soil of much cultiva- tion, but it evidently aflTorded sustenance to man, for multitudes were seen running from the woods to the shore, and gazing mth wonder at the ships. OATH OP ALLEGIANCE. 61 These people were all naked, and exhibited the utmost astonishment at the objects before them. Columbus caused his ships to cast anchor, and filled the boats with armed men. A boat belong- ing to each of the vessels, was commanded by the respective captains. These boats bore a banner on which was emblazoned a green cross, having on each side the initials F. and Y. surmounted by a crown. These were to indicate the names of the king and queen of Spain, Ferdinand and Ysabel. Columbus, in his own boat, took the lead — the rich- ness of his dress, and the dignity of his manner, pointed him out as the chief. The devout heart of the admiral, always penetra- ted with the majesty and goodness of God, was at this moment exalted by the highest emotions of gra- titude. The moment he had set his foot upon the land he threw himself upon his knees, kissed the earth, and with uplifted eyes and hands returned thanks to the divine Being. Those who surrounded him followed his example. After this expression of thankfulness, Columbus displayed the royal standard of Spain, and taking solemn possession in the name of the Spanish sovereigns, named the island, San Salvador. Upon the conclusion of this ceremony he called upon all present to take the oath of alle- giance to him, as admiral and viceroy, representing the persons of the sovereigns. You may not exactly understand the oath of alk' giance. — It is a solemn vow made to God, by the subject of a monarchy, to honour and defend the monarch's person and authority, and to obey all laws of the realm or kingdom under the govern- ment of the monarch mentioned. It is required to take this oath when men enter into new offices^ 52 NATIVES OF THE BAHAMAS. and duties of a public nature. To represent a king's 'person is for a man to command others as a king would do if he were present. In a republic no oath of allegiance to a king can be enforced, but in many cases the citizens of a state are required to swear that they acknowledge and will defend the constitu- tion or laws. The followers of Columbus, who had considered him as their betrayer, now regarded him as the be- stower of riches and honours ; and while some acknowledged their faults, begging the admiral's pardon for the trouble they had given him, others promised obedience in future, and asked favours as if he already possessed the treasures which they presumed might be found in the new world. It is curious to read the account which Mr. Irving gives of the astonishment of the natives of San Salvador at the sight of the strangers. The ships were different from any object they had ever seen. Their little canoes had no sails, and could contain only a few men. The Spanish vessels were sup- posed by the natives to be monsters of the ocean, of which the sails were wings. The wonder of the natives became terror, when they clearly saw the men on board — some dressed in bright colours, and others in glittering steel — which you will re- member was the armour then worn by distinguished officers. Perceiving those figures to resemble human beings, but of a colour and deportment which they had never seen, they fled affrighted, and hid themselves in the woods. As the white men did not pursue nor attempt to injure them, the savages returned to the coast, but with awe and reverence toward the strangers, pros- trating themselves before them, and making signs of THEIR PERSONS AND ARMS. 53 worship. The notion, that Europeans were supe- rior beings, descended from heaven, was for a long time entertained by the aboris^ines of America. Columbus, at the period you are now reading of, was the chief object of their homage. His appear- ance, and the respect paid to him by his followers, commanded more admiration from them than any other individual. The admiral, on his part, was in- terested by their simplicity, their growing confi- dence, and their curiosity ; and he suffered them to approach and examine the persons who appeared to them at once so formidable and attractive. The Spaniards were equally curious concerning the Indians, as all the natives of the iVmerican con- tinent and islands have since been called. You re- collect that Columbus was in search of India, and presumed that the first land which he found was part of the eastern continent— then generally called India by the people of Europe. Believing thus, the Spaniards, properly enough, gave the name In- dians to the natives of the whole western world. The Indians exhibited nothing to induce the Spaniards to believe that they possessed any wealth. They were naked, and painted with various col- ours. Their skin is usually described as copper coloured, and their hair straight and black ; more, says a writer who has described them, like a horse's mane, than any other thing. Their hair was long, hanging over their shoulders. " Their features, though obscured and disfigured by paint, were agreeable ; they had lofty foreheads, and remark- ably fine eyes. They were of a moderate stature, and well shaped." These islanders were gentle in their demeanour, and exhibited kind, benevolent dispositions. Their 5* 54 FOOD AND ORNAMENTS. only arms were spears or lances, with a sharp flmt, tooth, or fish bone, inserted at one end. They had no iron among them, and were so ignorant of its properties, that they took a sword by the edge. — They were delighted with glass beads, and similar trifles. The Portuguese navigators had found the negroes of Africa fond of such baubles, and Co- lumbus was provided with them. He readily dis- tributed them among the Indians, who hung them about their necks, and considered them of super- natural value^ as the gift of their heaven-descended visiters. In return, the Indians presented to the white men balls of cotton yarn, parrots, and cassava bread. This cassava bread was prepared from a root called Yuca, which grows in the West Indies. The admiral, afterwards, with the boats of the ships, coasted the island, passing several villages, whose inhabitants exhibited the same admiration for white men, which their countrymen at first expressed. The island, though sufficiently productive to supply the wants of the natives, contained nothing of value to the discoverers. Columbus, therefore, after having taken in wood and water, set sail in prosecution of further discoveries, carrying seven of the natives, who were to be taught the Spanish language, and to serve as interpreters between the Spaniards, and such natives of the regions they might discover, as should be acquainted with the speech of these Indians. Gold was the principal thing which the Spaniards were desirous to find. But, in search of this pre- cious metal, they explored the Bahama islands in vain. The natives adorned their persons with small pieces of unwrought gold, which they willingly ex- GENEROSITY OF THE SAVAGES. 55 changed for toys and glass trinkets, but the Span- iards wished for mines. They understood, by signs made by the natives, that it abounded in a country which lay to the south. In consequence of this in- formation, Columbus steered from the Bahamas in the direction which had been pointed out. Though these islands were destitute of gold, they were the abode of innocent and happy people, and afforded all the pleasures and comforts of a delicious cli- mate, and a soil producing the necessaries of life, with abundance of fruits, flowers, and beautiful tropical birds. The inhabitants of all the islands felt the same reverence for the Spaniards, and freely gave them whatever they possessed. " When the Spaniards landed in search of water, they took them to the coolest springs, the sweetest and freshest runs, fill- ing their casks, rolling them to the boats, and seek- ing, in every way, to gratify their celestial visiters." These favours were conferred with the purest gen- erosity, but the avaricious Spaniards were continu- ally disappointed by want of gold. Columbus was sensible that these poor people deserved the same kindness themselves which they showed to others, and he uniformly treated them with the utmost benevolence. Mr. Irving relates two instances, in particular, of the admiral's goodness to them. When Columbus was about to depart from the second island at which he touched, one of the na- tives, who was on board of the Nina, perceiving the strangers were taking him far from his home, threw himself into the water, and swam to a canoe filled with Indians. The boat of the Nina pursued the fugitive ; the Indians rowed their light canoe with such velocity, that they reached the shore, and 56 GENEROSITY OF THE ADMIRAL. fled to the woods, leaving the canoe to their pursu- ers. Soon after, a small canoe, with a single In- dian in it, approached one of the ships, offering a ball of cotton in exchange for hawk's bells. As he came near the vessel, he manifested some fear of the Spaniards, and several sailors threw them- selves into the sea, and made him prisoner. The admiral saw the whole proceeding, and ordered the Indian to be brought to him. The poor man was led trembling towards him, and offered him the ball of cotton. " The admiral received him with the utmost be- nignity, and, declining his offering, put a coloured cap on his head, strings of green beads around his arms, and hawk's bells in his ears ; then ordering him and his ball of cotton to be replaced in the canoe, dismissed him astonished and overjoyed. He ordered that the other canoe, also, which was fastened to the Nina, should be cast loose to be regained by its proprietors. When the Indians reached the shore, Columbus could see his country- men thronging round him, examining his finery, and listening to his account of the kind treatment he had experienced." To the second island which Columbus disco- vered, he gave the name of Santa Maria de la Con- ception. The third, at present Exuma, he named in honour of the king of Spain, Fernandina. I will give you, in Mr. Irving's words, the other instance mentioned of Columbus's friendly treatment of the islanders. As he was sailing from Conception to Fernandina, about midway, " they overtook a single Indian in a canoe. He had a mere morsel of cas- sava bread, and a calabash of water for his sea stores, and a little red paint, like dragon's blood. ISLAND OP FERNANDINA. 67 for his personal decoration when he should land. They found, also, a string of glass beads upon him, such as they had given to the natives of San Sal- vador, which showed that he had come from thence, and was probably then passing from island to island, to give notice of the arrival of the ships. Columbus admired the hardihood of this simple navigator, making such an extensive voyage in so frail a bark. A.s the island was still distant, he or- dered that the Indian and his canoe should be taken on board, where he treated him with the greatest kindness, giving him bread and honey to eat, and wine to drink." When the ships had nearly reached Fernandina, the Indian voyager's canoe was let down to the sea, his little treasure restored, and he sent joyfully to the shore to acquaint the islanders of the approach of the ships. ' *' It was then too dark for the vessel to make the shore ; but the next day the report of the Indian who had been sent to the island, was found to have inspired its inhabitants with cordiality and confi- dence toward the Spaniards. They surrounded the ship- bringing fruits, and roots, and pure water from the springs," The inhabitants of the other islands appeared without clothing. The females of Fer- nandina were attired in scant garments of cotton. " Their habitations were very simple, being in the form of a pavilion or high circular tent, constructed of branches of trees, of reeds and palm leaves. They were kept very clean and neat, and sheltered under beautiful and spreading trees. For beds, they had nets of cotton, extending from two posts, which they called hamacs." Sailors' beds on board ships are constructed in this manner, and they are called by this Indian name. 58 ISLAND OF ISABELLA. The next island of the Bahama cluster which Columbus discovered, he called for his royal pa- troness, Isabella. Before they departed from Fer- nandina, the Spaniards understood from signs made by the Indians, that in the island to which they intended to steer, there " was a mine of gold, and a king who dwelt in a large city and possessed great treasures, wearing rich clothing, and jewels of gold, and being sovereign of all the surrounding islands. They found the island, but neither the monarch nor the mine." Isabella resembled the other islands in its climate and productions, but Columbus esteemed it to be the most delightful off them all. No animals were seen in these islands except I lizards, dumb dogs, the coney, a kind of rabbit, and i guanas, a species of harmless snake, which the Indians were accustomed to eat. The Spaniards' thirst for gold was not yet gratified. In answer to all inquiries concerning this metal, the natives still I pointed south, and mentioned Cuba as the place which afforded it. Towards Cuba, then, the ad- miral directed his course. We will now leave the ■ Bahamas. CUBA. 59 CHAPTER VII, Columbus now only made himself acquainted with the eastern part of that island ; and, as he never explored the whole of it, he always presumed that it was the eastern extremity of a continent. Cuba was its Indian name. It was not ascertained to be an island till 1508, when a captain named Se- bastian sailed round it. Three years after the Spaniards settled at the port, since called St. Jago, I and established themselves as masters of Cuba, which they have ever since retained. Steering southwest three days from Isabella, on the 28th of October Columbus reached Cuba, land- ed and took possession of the country, and gave it the name of Juana, in honour of Prince Juan. In succeeding times it has been known by the original name. On the arrival of the ships two canoes put off from the shore: but when the islanders saw some of the Spaniards approaching in a small boat, j they retreated through fear, and concealed them- i selves. After the ceremony of taking possession j was finished, the admiral entered two cabins which had been abandoned by their affrighted inmates. They contained but few articles : — Nets made of the fibres of the palm tree, fishing hooks, and har- poons of bone, and one of that species of dog that never barks. You perceive that this faithful ani- mal is the constant companion of man both in his wild and cultivated state, and is, in all countries that you read of, the sharer of his toils and his com- forts. Mr. Irving's description of the climate and na- ' tural productions of Cuba, is taken from the report 60 BIRDS AND INSECTS. r ' " ' -— ta of Columbus, who kept a journal of all that he saw and felt for the information of the king and queea of Spain. Whenever you can understand the style of Mr. Irving, I choose to make you acquainted, with it, for its grace and elegance ; so I will give you his words in that description. Of Cuba he says, " The verdure of the groves and the colour of the flowers, derive a vividness to the eye from the transparent purity of the air, and the deep se- renity of the azure heavens. The forests, too, are full of life, swarming with birds of brilliant plu- mage. Painted varieties of parrots and wood- peckers create a glitter amidst the verdure of the grove, and humming birds rove from flower to flow- er, resembling as has been well said, animated par- ticles of a rainbow. The scarlet flamingoes, seen ; sometimes through an opening of a forest, in a dis- tant savannah, have the appearance of soldiers drawn , up in battalion, with an advanced scout on the alert.^ I to give notice of approaching danger. Nor is the •' least beautiful part of animated nature the various j tribes of insects that people every plant, displaying f brilliant coats of mail, which sparkle to the eye like I precious gems."* It is asserted by other writers, that the insects of these tropical countries, are so exceedingly lustrous, that they diffuse light to a considerable distance ; and it is said that these living gems serve for orna- « ments to the ladies of Havana, who wear them on j their hair, on festal occasions. They exhibit the i colours and brilliancy of rubies, sapphires and dia- monds. Columbus now believed that he had arrived at Cipango, and resolved to pursue a western course. * See Abbott's letters from Cuba. INDIAN VILLAGES. 61 till he should reach the magnificent city of its king, concerning whom Marco Polo had written. In the course of his voyage, he landed at several places and visited the nearest villages. " The houses were neatly built of branches of palm trees, in the shape of pavilions ; not laid out in any regular streets, but scattered here and there, among the groves, and un- der the shade of broad spreading trees, like tents in : a camp ; as is still the case in many of the Spanish settlements, and in the villages of the interior of Cuba. At sight of the strangers, the inhabitants fled to the mountains, or hid themselves in the woods. The houses were better built than those the Spaniards had hitherto seen, and kept extremely clean. They found in them rude statues and wooden masks, carved with considerable ingenuity." Three Indians, natives of San Salvador, who jwere on board of the Pinta, informed Pinzon, the I commander, that four days' journey from the place in which they were, was a place called Cubanacan, which abounded in gold. Pinzon thought they spoke of Cublai Khan, a Tartar prince mentioned by Mar- co Polo. He also understood them that Cuba was not an island, but part of a continent, extending to a vast distance north, and that the king who reigned in this vicinity, was at war with the khan of Tartary. Upon receiving this misconceived information, Co- lumbus ceased to believe himself in Cipango, but be- heved he was at the eastern extremity of the grand khan's dominions. He therefore resolved to send an embassy to the king, with a present, and to despatch men in search of the gold. On the first of November, he sent some of the Spaniards on shore, to visit the natives, but they in- stantly concealed themselves through fear. Colum- 6 62 THE INTERPRETER. ■' ■ ' ■ ■ ■ — » bus then ordered one of the Indians, whom he had brought with him, to assure the natives of his peace- able intentions, and he succeeded in gaining their confidence. Before night, sixteen canoes surrounded the ships, bringing cotton yarn, and other articles, from the islanders ; but among them there was no gold. Columbus, anxious to know more of the country, sent two Spaniards, Rodrigo de Jerez and Luis de Torris, accompanied by two Indian guides, into the interior, upon an embassy to the imaginary king. They were furnished with strings of beads, and other trinkets. On the 6th of November, Jerez and his companions returned, and every one crowded about them to hear tidings of their adventure. It was no more than this» After travelling thirty six miles they came to a village containing about a thousand inhabit- ants. The strangers were received with solemnity, and conducted to the best house. When they were refreshed by food and rest, the natives requested to know what they had to say, and the Bahama, or Lu- . cayan Indian served them for an interpreter. " He made a regular speech after the Indian man- ner, in which he extolled the power, wealth, and mu- nificence of the white men. When he had finished, the Indians crowded round these wonderful beings, whom, as usual, they considered more than human ; some touched them, examining their skins and rai- ment ; others kissed their hands and feet in token of submission, or adoration. In a little while the men withdrew, and were succeeded by the women, and the same ceremonies were repeated. Some of the women had a slight covering of netted cotton round the middle ; but most of the inhabitants, of botli sexes were entirely naked." POTATO AND TOBACCO. 63 Neither king nor gold was to be found ; the en- voys, therefore, proposed to return. The natives urged them to remain among them for a few days ; but seeing the Spaniards resolved to quit them, they were anxious to go along with them, fancying they came from heaven, and would conduct them thither. They took with them only one of the chief men, at- tended by his son and a servant. I should have told you, that a few days before this, Columbus, or some of his followers had found the potato^ until that time unknown to Europeans, but a more valuable acqui- sition than that fatal gold which they so ardently co- veted. The envoys, as they returned to the ships, first saw the plant now called tobacco. The natives made rolls of it, in a dry state, like cigars, and smo- ked them. The rolls were called tobacco, from which the whole plant has received its name. You know that men of Europe, and the United States, have adopted the Indian fashion of smoking this plant in a dry state- The return of the envoys undeceived Columbus in respect to the king and the treasures of the coun- try ; but while they were gone the Indians informed the admiral, by signs, of a place to the eastward, wh^re the people found gold on the banks of a river, and wrought it into bars with hammers. Columbus understood the Indians to call this place Babeque. He now became anxious to return to Spain ; and, if possible to cany with him some productions of the new world, more valuable than any he had found. He did not know that a new hemisphere for Euro- peans to inhabit, with a delicious climate, a fertile soil, and abundance of vegetables, suitable for food and manufactures, was a better gift to them than all +he gold and gems of the earth. 64 HAYTI. The ships now lay at anchor at the mouth of a rivei called at present Savannah le Mar. When he departed from this place he took with him several native men and women, with the intention of carrying them to Spain, where they were to be instructed in the Span- ish language, and in the doctrines of the Catholic faith. From the 1 2th of November to the 5th of De- cember, Columbus, with some delays and interrup- tions, proceeded from the river to the eastern ex- tremity of Cuba. While he was at this place, and deliberating what course to take, land was descried on the southeast. It proved to be Hayti, afterwards Hispaniola. I have omitted to mention to you that once in this voyage, when the wind was blowing directly against him, and Columbus would have ordered the ships back again to Cuba, he discovered that Pinzon had abandoned him. Pinzon had heard from the Indians of a region at the east abounding in gold, and he re- solved to go in search of it, and to take as much as he could find for himself The Pinta was the fastest sailer, and all pursuit of her was useless, so Colum- bus retained only the Santa Maria, and the Nina un- der his command. In the evening of the 6th of December, Columbus entered a spacious harbour at the western extremity of Hayti, which he called St. Nicholas, the name it still bears. After remaining here two days, he coast- ed along the northern side of the island, which from the resemblance it bore to Spain, the admiral named Hispaniola. Wherever they stopped, the natives fled. The country appeared to be populous and cultivated. On the 12th of December, at a place which Co- lumbus called Port Conception, he erected a cross, the sign of the Catholic faith, and of the authority ADVENTURE OF SAILORS. 63 of the king of Spain. " As three sailors were ram- bling about the vicinity, they beheld a large number of the natives, who immediately took to flight ; but the sailors pursued them, and with great difficulty suc- ceeded in overtaking a young and beautiful female. They brought their wild beauty in triumph to the ships. She was perfectly naked — but an ornament of gold which she wore in her nose gave hopes that the precious metals were to be found in the island. The admiral soon soothed her terrors by his kind- ness. He had her clothed, and made her presents of beads, brass rings, and other trinkets, and sent her on shore, accompanied by several of the crew, and three of the Indian interpreters." So pleased was the woman with this kind treatment that she would gladly have remained with the Indian woman on board the ships. The woman's village was eighteen miles from the shore ; and, on the next day after she had been brought on board, Columbus despatched nine well armed men to obtain some intelligence from it. An interpreter accompanied them. The natives disco- vered the utmost alarm at the sight of the white men, and many fled and concealed themselves ; but the interpreter quieted those who remained, by the assur- ance that the strangers came from the skies, and went about the world making beautiful presents. Getting intelligence of this, the natives returned, and, to the number of two thousand, approached the Spaniards, with their hands on their heads in token of respect. While the Spaniards were conversing with them, an- other company came up, bearing on their shoulders the woman who had been entertained on board the ship, attended by her husband. Thev invited the Spaniards to their village, which 6* 66 CONDITION OF THE ISLANDERS. contained two thousand houses. There they set before them roots, fruit, cassava bread, and fish ; offering them parrots, and part of whatever they possessed. At this time this simple people appear to have enjoyed every blessing which liberty and a beautiful and productive country can afford ; at a subsequent period they were deprived of all, by their rapacious conquerors. Their amiable dispo- sitions, and the happy state they were in, previously to this unfortunate change, are thus represented by Columbus, in a letter to his friend Luis de St. An- gel. *' True it is," he observes '' that after they felt confidence, and lost their fear of us, they were so liberal with what they possessed, that it would not be believed by those who had not seen it. If any thing was asked of them they never said no ; but rather gave it cheerfully, and showed as much amity as if they gave their very hearts ; and whether the thing were of value or of little price, they were content with whatever was given in return. In all these islands it appears to me that the men are all content with one wife, but they give twenty to their chieftain or king." An old writer, Peter Martyr, who resided as a Catholic missionary to the Indians in the West In- dies, describes them in similar terms. " They are content," says he " with so little, that in so large a country they have rather superfluity than scarce- ness ; so that they seem to live in the golden world, without toil, living in open gardens not entrenched with dykes, divided with hedges, or defended with walls. They deal truly one with another, without laws, without books, and without judges. They take him for an evil and mischievous man, who taketh pleasure in doing hurt to another." — The TWO RACES OF INDIANS. 67 government of these innocent people was what is termed the patriarchal. Their princes or kings were called caciques. The West India islands were at that time inhabited by two very distinct races. The mild, confidino-, generous character, which Columbus and Peter Mar- tyr gave to one of them, does not apply to the other. The natives of the larger islands appear to have been amiable and benevolent ; while those of some of the other islands, the Caribs, are memorable for their ferocity, their warlike habits, and the horrid practice of cannibalism. I think you must now have become interested in the fate of the poor Indians, and the further successes of the discoverer of America. In another chapter we will follow his eventful fortunes still further. By what you have been told of his humanity to the na- tives of the western world, you must be led to admire his wisdom and generosity. I wish it were in my power to show you that his virtues were recom- pensed as they deserved. Late posterity honours his memory, but his contemporaries exhibited towards him little of the justice or benevolence which is the proper reward of disinterested services to mankind. 68 YOUNG CACIQUE. tJHAPTER VIII. In the last chapter, I intimated to you, that the Spaniards requited the kindness of the Indians with cruelty; but while they were few in number, and under the control of Columbus, this unworthy con- duct was not permitted. The timidity of the Indians was soon encouraged by kindness, and they all re- garded the strangers with cordiality, and treated them as superior beings. The dignity and state of their princes, as well as their liberal feelings, is evinced by the following relation. " While detained by contrary winds at Port Con- ception, Columbus was visited by a young cacique, of apparently great importance. He was borne by four men on a sort of litter, and attended by two hundred of his subjects. The admiral being at din- ner when he arrived, the young chieftain ordered his followers to remain without, and, entering the cabin, took his seat beside Columbus, not permitting him to rise, or use any ceremony. Only two old men entered with him, who appeared to be his counsellors, and seated themselves at his feet. If any thing was given him to eat and drink, he merely tasted it, and sent it to his followers, maintaining an air of great gravity and dignity. He spoke but little, his two counsellors watching his lips, and catching and com- municating his ideas. " After dinner, he presented the admiral with a belt, curiously ^vrought, and two pieces of gold. Colum- bws gave him a piece of cloth, several amber beads, coloured shoes, and a flask of orange-flower water. guacaNagari. 69 ! — He showed him Spanish coin, on which were the likenesses of the Idng and queen, and endeavoured to explain to him the power and greatness of those sovereigns. The cacique could not be made to be- lieve that there was a region on earth which produced these wonderful people and wonderful things ; he joined in the common idea, that the Spaniards were more than mortal, and that the country and I sovereigns they talked of, must exist somewhere in the skies." In the evening, this prince departed in the style in which he had come. Near him were his son and i brother ; the former borne along, and attended like I his father ; the latter on foot with two attendants. t The gifts of the admiral to these courtly personages, were carried before the procession with becoming I state. ' Columbus continued to explore the northern coast of Hayti, and, on the 20th of December, anchored at a place at present called the Bay of Acul. The inhabitants came out to the ships in canoes, bringing with them delicious fruits, and readily giving the Spaniards small ornaments of gold. Among the visiters, were caciques of different villages, who invited the Spaniards to accompany them to their homes, where they were hospitably entertained. On the 22d of December, a grand cacique, named Guacanagari, who governed that part of the island, sent a mission to invite the admiral to visit him ; at the same time, presenting him with a wrought belt, and a wooden mask, of which, the eyes, nose, and tongue, were of gold. It was not convenient for the , admiral to comply immediately with this invitation, but he sent several of his men to make the desired visit. The town in which Guacanagari resided, was 70 THE SHIPWRECK. larger and better built than any they had yet seen. , The cacique received the Spaniards in a pubhc square, , which had been swept and put in order to receive the • honoured strangers. Here, as on every similar occa- sion, presents were made by the Indians to their guests. The night of the 24th was very unfortunate for Columbus. He, in general, kept a vigilant observa- ■ tion wherever there was any possible danger. On i the previous morning, he had set sail for the harbour ', of Guacanagari, and had nearly reached it on Christ- ■ mas eve. The sea was calm, and the vessel scarcely ■ moved. Columbus had slept little the night before, ,. and, feeling himself safe in the man who held the ; helm^ (that part of the vessel which directs its course,) ^ he went to rest. But the unfaithful steersman, against ;. the admiral's regulations, gave the helm in charge to a careless and ignorant boy, and betook himself to ■. his bed. The rest of the mariners, who, for the , security of the ship, were set upon the watch, fol- lowed his example. In consequence of this care- , , lessness, the ship was forced upon a sand bank, from which it was found impossible to remove her, and, . had not the winds and waters been uncommonly calm, she would have been destroyed, and all her crew would have perished. Fortunately, they were favoured , by the weather, and enabled to take refuge on board the Nina. ,i When this misfortune was reported to Guacana-,: gari, he shed tears of commiseration, and immediately .* . sent out his people with all the canoes they could ^ muster, to unload the vessel. When this was done, ^ all the articles taken from the ship, were safely de- j posited near the dwelling of the cacique, without j injury, or the loss of the least of them. On the 26t}\> ( COLUMBUS VISITS THE CACIQUE. *3f December, the cacique paid the admiral a visit on )oard the Nina, and consoled him by every expression 3f kindness. "WTien Columbus returned this visit, he was received )y the cacique with such courtesy and gracefulness, hat he appeared to the admiral with a dignity be- coming the majesty of a prince, born and educated n a European country. The fish, flesh, roots, and ruits of the country, were offered to the Spaniards is a refreshment. The manners of Guacanagari vere singularly refined and decorous in respect to his ating. He was slow, and moderate in the indulgence f his appetite, and when he had satisfied himself, vashed his hands, and rubbed them with odoriferous- lerbs. After the entertainment, Columbus was conducted the gro\es which surrounded the habitation of the hief. There were about a thousand Indians, all aked ; these were ordered by the cacique to perform heir national games and dances, for the entertainment f the admiral and his attendants, Columbus, in his am, exhibited to them the novel spectacle of Moorish ows and arrows, and European firearms. The cacique told the admiral, that the Caribs, the nemies of his countrymen, made descents upon fiem, armed with weapons similar to his bows and rrows. When the Indians heard the report of a annon, and an arquebuse, and perceived that the rees were shivered by them as with lightning, they 3II to the ground in astonishment and dismay. But leir fears were removed by the assurance, that the Ipaniards would be their protectors, and only employ lese destructive engines in their defence against tlie !5aribs. The friendliness of the cacique, the mild manners- 72 WARM COUNTRIES. of his people, and quantities of gold which were daily exchanged for the poorest trifles, together with reports that gold abounded in the interior of the country, all contributed to console the admiral for his misfortune. The shipwrecked crew were delighted with the indo- lence and ease with which they were peraiitted to live, and began to prefer the habits of savages to those of civilized man. In a warm country, the people have no need of the various garments, or expensive houses, which in cold climates, are an indispensable protection from the elements ; and their simple food of fruits and fish, is procured without the industry and fatigue which our agriculture requires. We must labour for our com- forts. By the sweat of man's brow, among us, he must be fed, sheltered, and clothed ; but in tropical countries, the desire of every living thing is imme- diately satisfied by the spontaneous growth of the soil, and a very little effort to apply its uses. The light trunks of their trees, placed at proper distances, and covered with the interweaving of their ample leaves, form a comfortable dwelling ; clothing is not wanted in their soft atmosphere, and earth yields her increase to them with unsparing bounty, without their care ; so that they can eat, drink, and live, without the toils of seed time and harvest, and without concern how they shall be warmed and sustained. The Spaniards loved this lazy luxury, and many of the seamen entreated the admiral, that, when he should return to Spain, they might be permitted to remain on the island. Perhaps you would like to know how the cacique obtained his power, and how he exercised it. I will tell you. The sovereignty was hereditary. On the decease of a cacique his son succeeded him : but if PATRIARCHAL GOVERNMENT 73 he left no son, his sister^s son succeeded. This mode of succession seems to be peculiar to these islands, or only known among them. The form of govern- ment was completely despotic. The people had no letters, and, consequently, no wTitten laws ; nor had they any law but the will of the cacique. He might take their property or their lives, if he chose to do so ; and he ordered all rehgious ceremonies among them. If he had been tyrannical and cruel, an excessive lover of property, as the Turkish governors, who are equally despotic, are ; then the subjects of a cacique would have lived in constant fear — calling nothing they had their own, and in danger of losing their heads, when- ever it might please the humour of a hard-hearted chief. But it appears from their liistory, that the caciques, among these savages, exercised a kind authority over them, like that of a father and a friend, and that they were made very happy under this pa- triarchal government. The anxiety of many of liis people, and the friendly .dispositions of the natives, induced Columbus to listen to their request. He thought, if they should continue on the island, while he carried home the report of his discoveries, they might explore the country, and collect gold, in his absence. To make their abode perfectly secure, he resolved to construct a fortress for their residence. A fortress is a strong edifice, erected in a place somewhat difficult to approach from without, and made so strong by walls and iron bars, and so de- fended by firearms, that it cannot be entered without the consent of those within : the occupants, at the same time, having the power to injure or kill those who may come within a certain distance of them- The wrought planks, the iron which composed th© 7 74 HOSPITALITY. wreck of the Santa Maria, and the cannon which were designed for her defence, would all serve for the intended fort, and of these materials it was expe- ditiously built. Columbus was much disturbed by the desertion of the Pinta. It might be that Pinzon had returned to Spain, would impute the discovery of the new world to himself, and obtain the praises and honours which Columbus felt were liis due ; or, it was possible, that the Pinta was lost, and her crew had perished. No vessel now remained to the admiral but the Nina, and with her alone he must return to Europe. This pros- pect was discouraging ; for if the Pinta was lost, and the Nina should also perish, the new world would still be unknown to the old, and the nations might for cen- turies, perhaps for ever, remain in ignorance of the event of his expedition. To determine the result, the admiral hastened his preparations for a return to Spain. Again I will make use of the narrative of Mr, Irving, in giving you this history. " While the for- tress was building, the admiral continued to receive new proofs of the amity and kindness of Guacana- gari. Whenever he went on shore to superintend the ; works, he was entertained in the most hospitable man- ■ ner by that chieftain. He had the largest house in the place prepared for his reception, strewed or carpeted with palm leaves, and furnished with low stools of a black and shining wood, which looked like jet. When he received the admiral, it was always in a style of princely generosity, hanging, around his neck jewels of gold, or making him some< present of similar value. " On one occasion the cacique came to meet Columbus on landing, attended by five tributary f caciques, each wearing a coronet of gold. Thev MUTUAL KINDNESS. 75 < onducted him with great deference to the house aheady mentioned, where, seating him on one of the chairs, Guacanagari took off his own coronet of gold and placed it upon the admiral's head. Columbus, in return, took from his neck a collar of fine coloured beads, which he put round that of the cacique ; he then invested him in a mantle of fine cloth, gave him a pair of coloured boots, and put on his finger a large silver ring ; upon which metal the Indians set a great value, it not being found in their island. Such were the acts of amity and kindness continually interchanged between Columbus and this warm-hearted and open- handed cacique." From the information which Columbus obtained from the signs of the natives — a very imperfect sort of communication, you know — he fancied that im- mense quantities of gold might be found in the island. In that case, he, being entitled to one-eighth of all the treasure that should be acquired, would become very rich, and the king and queen of Spain would gain wealth enough to send out a crusade against the Turks, and take from them the holy sepulchre — that is, the tomb of Christ, which is at Jerusalem. Wars against Turks, in Palestine, had been carried on long before the time of Columbus, by Catholic Christians. This desire that Christians should hold the tomb of Christ is a superstition. Nevertheless, this venera- tion for his religion in the breast of Columbus, was more honourable to him, (Joy he meant to devote his fortune to the enterprise that might be undertaken against the Turks,) than the more selfish love of money, which is the low and degrading passion of avarice. By the industry of the Spaniards, and the assist- ance of the Indians, the fortress was soon completed, and named by the admiral. La Navidad, or The 76 AVARICE OF PINZON. Nativity, in memorial of their having been shipwTecked ' on Christmas day. Columbus selected thirty-nine , individuals, the most able-bodied, and of the most '' discreet conduct, to form a garrison. Among them was a ship-carpenter, a caulker, a cooper, a tailor, and a gunner, each expert in his art. Columbus then exhorted them to keep together during his absence, to avoid contention, and to treat the savages with the gentleness and justice due to them. On the 4th of January, 1493, Columbus took leave of his friends, and set sail for Spain. Guaca- nagari was deeply moved when he bade the admiral farewell ; and the Spaniards who were left behind, when they saw their countrymen depart for their homes, were deeply afflicted ; but having once crossed the ocean in safety, they looked forward with bright hopes to the day when they should again behold them return with augmented numbers, and good tidings from Spain. Two days after the departure from the harbour of Nativity, a sailor, who was looking our for rocks from the mast-head, espied the Pinta at a distance. The news was instantly told, and the crew were overjoyed to hear it. In a short time Martin Alonzo Pinzon came up to the admiral's ship. The wind at that time was directly ahead, so that both vessels were forced to anchor at a harbour of the island of Hayti, called by Columbus Monti Christi. Pinzon had deserted Columbus, because he sailed under his command, and had no right to any portion of the riches that might be found, except such as the sovereigns of Spain should allot him. He was ex- cessively avaricious, and unwilling to depend upon the justice or munificence of the king. He had heard from the Indians of some imaginary island abounding in gold, and went in pursuit of it, that he might enrich COAST OF SAMANA. himself without delay. He did not, of course, find the island he sought, but he touched at various places, on the coast of Hispaniola, east of the harbour where Columbus was stationed, remaining the longest time in a river forty-five miles from La Navidad. Here he collected a considerable quantity of gold, one-half of which he kept for himself, and the other half he distributed among his men as a bribe — that is, pay- ment for connivance with him in his treacherous conduct, and for secresy, or concealment of his dis- honesty. Pinzon pretended to Columbus, that his vessel had been driven away from his company by some acci- dent. Columbus understood the deceit and sordid- ness of this man, but he would not quarrel with him. He forbore to reproach him, and heard his excuses without reply. This instance of prudence and for- bearance in the admiral is worthy of remark and imitation. It is necessary to conceal one's contempt and indignation against mean and wicked persons, when they are incapable of shame, and we are unable to make them do right. To preserve peace when contention does no good is equally safe and wise. The great example of Columbus is not only admira- ble, because he was independent, courageous, and persevering, but because he was patient of injuries, and, as the Christian religion instructs all men to do, left the punishment of his enemies to justice. Pinzon, during the period of his desertion, had taken four Indian men and two girls, with the inten- tion to carry them to Spain ; but Columbus forced him to restore them to their friends, much against his will. If you have a map of the West India islands, you will see, not far from the eastern extremity of His- paniola, the peninsula of Samana, which terminates 7* 78 THE CTGL-AYANS. in Cape Samana, and has for its eastern boundary the Bay of Samana, which is about three leagues in breadth. On the coast of this bay Cohimbus land- ed, and found a people quite different from the sub- jects of Guacanagari, or any Indians he had seen. I will give you Mr. Irving's description of them. " They were hideously painted, and wore their hair long and tied beliind, and decorated with the feathers of parrots, and other birds of gaudy plu- mage. They were armed with bows and arrows, war clubs and swords of a formidable kind. Their bows were of the length of those used by the English archers ; their arrows were of reeds, point- ed with hard wood, and sometimes tipped with bone, or with the tooth of a fish. Their swords were of palm wood, as hard and as heavy as iron ; they were not sharp, but broad, nearly of the thickness of two lingers, and capable, with one blow, of cleav- ing through a helmet to the very brains." These warlike Indians manifested no fear of the Spaniards, neither did they offer any violence to them. Soon after the landing they sold the latter two bows and several arrows, and one of the natives went on board the admiral's ship. This visiter was returned to the shore in a boat, accompanied by several Spaniards, who offered to purchase some of the Indian weapons, in order to take them to Spain as a curiosity. The Indians at first consented to part with some bows, but in the midst of the trans- action they suspected that the Spaniards had a de- sign against them, and immediately attempted to seize and bind them. The Spaniards instantly attacked the Indians, wounded two, and put the rest to flight. This was " the first time that native blood had been shed by the white men in the new world." " These were of the tribe of the Ciguayans, a bold THE CiGUAYANS. 79 and hardy race of Indians, inhabiting a mountainous district, extending five and twenty leagues along the coast, and several leagues into the interior." The day after the skirmish the admiral sent a large party, well armed, to the shore ; but the fearless nation came out to meet them, as if nothing had happened. The cacique who ruled over the neighbouring country, was on the shore. He sent off to the boat, a string of beads, made of the hard part of shells. The meaning of this offering was not then under- stood by the Europeans, but it was a token of peace — the wampum belt., which it is now known that all the Indian tribes olTer to express amicable intentions. The chieftain followed soon after, and with only tliree attendants was conveyed to the admiral's vessel. Columbus received the cacique with cordiality, had the best food set before him, showed him the ship, made presents to him and his attendants, and sent them back to land highly pleased with their en- tertainment. The residence of the chief was among the mountains — too far from the coast to permit him to repeat his visit immediately ; but he sent the ad- miral a coronet of gold. From four young natives who came on board his ship, Columbus received such accounts of islands lying to the east, that he formed a resolution to visit them, and prevailed on the young men to remain with him as guides. On the 16th of January he set sail from the Gulf of Samana. At first he took the route pointed out to him by the Indians, and had he pursued that course would soon have arrived at Porto Rico. The sailors per- ceiving that his course was not direct for Spain, be- came sad, and averse to proceeding, so Columbus altered his plan and steered for Europe. The wind was adverse from the 1st, but the weather continued calm till the 12th of February, when a violent storm 80 A STORM. commenced, which raged with unabated fury for several days. During this storm Columbus lost sight of the Pinta. I will now give you instances of the superstition of the Catholics in that age. You have already learn- ed that Columbus, though truly and eminently pious, had some of that rel'gious enthusiasin that leads men to acts which are intended as services to God, with- out being such as reason approves, or the Gospel enjoins. Vows, pilgrimages, and penances, are of this sort. Columbus believed that such observances were acceptable to God, and that when he is offen- ded at the sins of his creatures his anger may be turned away by worship offered to dead saints. The following are examples of this fact. While the storm threatened the destruction of the ship and all in it, Columbus thought to obtain de- liverance by solemn vows. He caused a number of beans, equal to the number of persons on board, to be put into a cup, on one of which was cut the sign of the cross. Each of the crew made a vow that should the lot fall to him, he would make a pilgrim- age to the shrine of Santa Maria of Guadaloupe, bearing a wax taper of five pounds weight. A . shrine is a place in which the image of some holy person is kept, to which superstitious persons repair to offer prayers, or make presents to the saint, i A journey made to the shrine, from reverence to the * saint, is a pilgrimaii'e. The first lot was drav/n by Cohunbus. Two other lots, drawn from the same | cup, appointed two other pilgrimages. But all this •■' did not still the storm. ! " The tempest still raging with unabating violence, . the admiral and all the mariners made a vow, that if: they were spared to reach the land, wiicrever they first went on shore they would go in procession^ ARRIVAL AT ST MARY's. 81 barefooted, and in their shirts, to offer up prayers and thanlisgiving at his favourite shrine. Such has al- ways been the custom with mariners of Catholic countries, in times of tempest and peril. — The heavens, however, seemed deaf to their pious vows ; the storm grew still more wild and frightful, and each man gave himself up for lost." During this storm Columbus suffered the most torturing anxiety, for his own life, and the lives of his companions, and from the fear that the know- ledge of his achievement should be lost to Europe, and especially that his two sons, left at school at Cordova, should be left destitute. It was possible that a narrative of his voyage might survive, even should he and his crew perish. In order to pre- serve the fact of his discovery, he wrote a brief ac- count of his voyage, addressed to Ferdinand and Isabella, wrapped it in a wax cloth, which he enclo- sed in the center of a cake of wax, and putting the whole into a barrel, threw it into the sea. Enclosed svith this document was a promise of a thousand iucats to whomsoever should find and deliver this racket unopened. Soon after this precaution had )een taken, a streak of clear sky appeared in the vest, and the weather became favourable. On the 15th, land appeared in view. At this mo- nent, " The transports of the crewat once moregain- ng sight of the old world, were almost equal to what hey had experienced on first beholding the new." There was, at first, some uncertainty concerning he land. One thought it was Madeira ; another he rock of Cintra, near Lisbon ; and more believed t might be Spain. It proved to be St. Mary's, the aost southern of the Azore islands, a possession of he Portuguese. 82 THANKSGIVING. CHAPTER IX. The reception of Columbus in Europe must inter- est you. I will detain you with him a little among the Portuguese, and then we will proceed to the court of Spain. Columbus, as soon as his vessel approached the land, sent some of his men to learn what was the place where they were, and where was the safest har- bour for the ship to anchor. The inhabitants, when they beheld the caravel, were astonished that she had been able to live throui:h the gale. When they heard, moreover, that she had brought tidings from a land of the I'ar-distant west, they were filled with wonder, and persuaded three of the mariners, who j had come ashore in the boat, to remain. | The governor of the island, Juan de Castinada, sent off fowls, bread, and various kinds of food, to ■ the admiral, with a promise to visit him the next day. This message was entrusted to three men, who re- mained on board the admiraPs ship all night. On tlie following morning Columbus reminded his peo- ple of their vow to make a pious procession wherever they should first land. Near the shore v/as a small chapel, or hermitage, dedicated to the virgin, conve niently situated for the performance of the vow, "When the governor's three messengers returned to the island, they sent a priest to the penitents, to as- sist them in their solemn service, and " one half of the crew landing, walked in procession, barefooted,^ and in their shirts, to the chapel ; while the admiral: awaited their return, to perform the same ceremony] with the remainder of his men." " An ungenerous reception, however, awaited the poor tempest-tost mariners, on their fu'st return to the ; AN ARREST. 83 abode of civilized man, far distant from the sympathy and hospitality they had experienced among the sa- vages of the new world. Scarcely had they begun their prayers and thanksgivings, when the whole rab- ble of the village, horse and foot, headed by the governor, surrounded the hermitage, and took them all prisoners." Columbus, after a reasonable time had elapsed, was alarmed at the prolonged absence of his men. He feared the boat might have been lost in returning. He could not see the chapel from where his vessel lay ; and in order to satisfy himself, steered to a place in view of the hermitage. From hence he beheld a number of armed men, with the governor at their head, enter a boat, and row towards his vessel. Castinada kept at a safe distance ; but Columbus reproached him for his perfidy, declaring that his conduct was a dishonour to his master, the king of Portugal, and an insult to the Spanish sovereigns ; at the same time showing him the commission which he held from the king and queen of Spain. Castinada replied contemptuously, that all he had done was in obedience to the authority of his sovereign. John II. of Portugal. Columbus did not comprehend this declaration. He did not know why the king of Por- tugal should form a hostile design against him, and suspected that war had been declared between Spain and Portugal. But in a few days the mystery was explained. After a storm of two days continuance, which drove Columbus from his anchorage at St. Mary's to the neighbouring island of St. Michael's, he was enabled to return to the former. Two priests and a 'notary then came out to his ship, to bring a friendly message from Castinada, who pretended that here- 84 INJUSTICE OF CASTINADA. tofore he had not beUeved that Columbus sailed t under a commission from the Spanish sovereigns. . He now declared, if the priests should examine the writing which expressed his privileges, and the pro- tection of the Spanish monarchs, and find it to be a true document, he should regard the admiral as a i servant of the crown of Spain, and treat him accor- dingly. The frank and honest nature of Columbus^ , abhorred the artifice and deceit of this wily and hypo- critical governor, but he restrained his indignation, , made a respectful reply to the priests, and showed them his commission, with the royal seal affixed to it. The next day, the boat and mariners were liber- ated. The men, who had been detained at St. Mary's had learned the cause of Castinada's con- duct. You will remember, that I told you in a former chapter, that the Portuguese had made discoveries on the west coast of Africa, as far south as Guinea, and that the pope had made a gift of the whole con- tinent of Africa to the king of Portugal, whenever his captains should have navigated its shores. It was an express article in the commission of Columbus that his discoveries should not interfere in any way with those included in the pope's grant to the Portuguese. But when the king of Portugal heard of the expedition of Columbus, he either believed, or pretended to believe, that the latter might explore the coast of Africa, and therefore he sent orders to the commanders of islands, and of distant posts, to seize and detain him, wherever he might be met with. Castinada's dishonourable treatment of the admiral's people, was an act of comphance witii the king's commands. Columbus set sail from St. Mary's on the 24th of February. On the 4th of March, he found himself ARRIVAL IN PORTUGAL. 85 off the rock of Cintra, at the mouth of the Tagus. A terrible storm, in which the weary voyagers were once more in imminent peril, had driven them thither for shelter. Finding themselves safe, the crew, on this Occasion, returned hearty thanks to God, who had mercifully delivered them from so many dangers. The ship anchored opposite to the small town of Ras- tello, the inhabitants of which had seen the ship in her extremity, watching her with anxiety, and putting up prayers for her preservation. These people came off to congratulate Columbus upon his escape, declar- ring it was almost a miracle that he had not been lost. Columbus immediately dispatched a courier, (an over-land messenger, who is required to be as expe- ditious as possible,) to the king and queen of Spain, announcing his discovery. He also wrote to the king of Portugal, requesting permission to go to Lisbon, as his vicinity to Rastello was unsafe. The people of that place were poor, and sordid, and would not hesitate to commit any violence, by which they could get money. A report prevailed among them, that the admiral's vessel was laden with gold, and Co- lumbus believed they would ravage his ship, whenever they could find an opportunity. In his letter to the king of Portugal, Columbus assured that monarch, that he had not during his voyage, approached the African coast, or in any way interfered with the pope's grant. The next day, Don Alonzo de Acana, the captain of a large vessel stationed hear the admiral's ship, being informed of the extraordinary voyage he had made, paid his respects to Columbus, bringing with him a band of martial music, drums, fifes, and trum- pets, and paying those honours to the discoverer of the new world, which one honourable man owes to aftother> 8 86 HONOURS. There was no city in the world, where maiitime discovery was thought of so much importance as at Lisbon. As soon as the inhabitants heard of the arrival of Columbus, and that he had brought with him some of the natives of the new world, the people of Lisbon flocked in crowds to his ship. " For seve- ral days, the Tagus presented a gay and moving picture, covered with barges and boats of every kind swarming round the caravel. From morning till night, the vessel was thronged with visiters, among whom were cavaliers of high distinction, and various officers of the crown." All these listened with admiration to the accounts given by Columbus and his crew, of the events of their voyage ; and saw with delight the curi- osities they had brought back to Europe. The Indians, in particular, were objects of wonder, so dif- ferent were they from any race of men previously known in Europe. On the 8th of March, a cavalier, known by the name of Don Martin de Norona, came with a letter from king John, congratulating Colum- bus, and inviting him to the Portuguese court, then held at Valparaiso, about twenty-seven miles from Lisbon. The king, at the same time, ordered that every thing which the admiral might want for himself and his crew, should be abundantly furnished for them, without any expense to themselves. Colum- bus did not accept the king's invitation with much pleasure ; he remembered the treatment he had re- ceived, by his order, at the island of St. Mary's. On the present occasion, however, Columbus, with his usual prudence, concealed his distrust of the i king, and set off for Valparaiso, on the veiy day that i he received the invitation. The first night he slept { at Sacamben, where preparations had been made for e liis entertainment. The next dav it rained, and ho ie MALEVOLENT DESIGNS. 87 did not reach Valparaiso until night. " His recep- tion by the monarch, was worthy of an enlightened prince. He ordered him to seat himself in his pre- sence, an honour only accorded to persons of royal dignity ; and after many congratulations on the glo- rious result of his enterprise, assured him that every thing in his kingdom, that could be of service to his sovereigns or himself, was at his command." Columbus at the king's request, gave an account of his voyage and discoveries. The king listened to him with apparent pleasure, but with secret mor- tification. He recollected that he had been first solicited to aid this splendid enterprise, and had refused ; and he now reflected, with regret, that the honours and riches which would have been awarded to him as the patron of Columbus, now appertained to the sovereigns of Spain. Soon after, he pretended tobeheve, that the newly discovered countries be- longed to him, because he said the papal bull granted to tlie crown of Portugal, all lands from Cape Non to India. The king's counsellors^ perceiving that he was en- vious of the good fortune of Spain, and willing to take her new dominion as his own, proposed to him to have Columbus assassinated, that he might not persist in declaring the rights of the Spanish sovereigns. John, though he loved power and extent of dominion, was too good a man to adopt this treacherous advice. Others of the king's council, intimat , that he should permit Columbus to return to Spain, and, while he was there, fit out an expedition, which might be guid- ed by two Portuguese mariners, who had sailed with Columbus, and, v^ith a sufficient military force, take possession of the western world. This counsel suit- ed the king's ambition, and he fixed upon Don Fran- cisca de Almeida, one of the most distinguished 88 ' CONGRATULATION. captains of the age, to command the intended ex- pedition. Columbus in the mean time was treated with ex- traordinary attention, and was escorted back to his ship by Don Martin de Norona, and a numerous train of Portuguese nobles. A mule was provided for the admiral, and another for his pilot. On his way, Columbus stopped at the monastery of St. An- tonio, at Villa Franca, to visit the queen. He found her attended by her favourite ladies, and experienced a flattering reception. Her majesty made him re- late the most remarkable circumstances of his voy- age, and she and her ladies hstened with the hveliest pleasure to his narrative. On his return to Lisbon, he found the weather favourable. Putting to sea on the 13th of March, he arrived in safety at the harbour of Palos, on the 15th, having been absent seven months and a half. You must recollect that when Columbus left Spain, he took the chief of his crew from the little port of Palos, and its vicinity. You were told, that parents, wives, and children took leave of those they loved with prayers and tears. During seven months, these anxious friends had received no intelligence from the absent objects of their affection, and had often lamented them as lost in the fathomless ocean. When it was announced in Palos, that one of the ships was coming into the harbour, all the people of „ the town burst out into transports of joy. The bells were rung, the shops shut, and all business was sus- pended. For a time, all was hurry and confusion ; every one pressing forward to learn something of a relative or friend. "When Columbus landed, the multitude thronged to see and welcome him, and a grand procession was formed to the principal churchy to return thanks to God for so singular a discovery DEATH OF riNZON. made by the people of that place." The king and queen were then at Barcelona. Columbus imme- diately informed them of his arrival. He soon after departed for Seville, to await their orders, and took with him six of the Indians/. I suppose you have not forgotten Martin Alonzo Pinzon and the Pinta. That vessel was thought to be lost, but she entered the harbour of Palos on the evening of the day in which Columbus had ar- rived there. After the Pinta had been separated by the storm from the admiral's vessel, she had been driven into the Bay of Biscay, and reached the port of Bayorlne. Pinzon thought it probable that Columbus had perished, and resolved, in that case, to take to J himself the honours and rewards of his discovery. iFrom Bayonne, Pinzon wrote to the sovereigns that he was arrived, and sent the intelligence of his dis- covery, as he called it, to their majesties. He then [proceeded to Palos, anticipating a triumphant recep- tion in his native town. On entering the harbour of Palos, Pinzon was equally surprised and mortified at sight of the ad- miral's vessel. He was afraid to meet Columbus, land ashamed to see his townsmen. He feared that Co- lumbus would expose his desertion at Cuba, and that the selfishness and meanness of his conduct would draw upon him the contempt of every one. When he saw the admiral's ship, Pinzon took to his boat, and landed privately, keeping himself out of sight till the admiral's departure from Palos. The praises bestowed upon Columbus, seemed to Pinzon so many reproaches to himself ; and, when at length he received an angry reply to the letter he had written to the sovereigns, his mind sunk under the weight jf shame and conscious guilt, and in a few days hq iied. 8* 90 LETTER OF THE SOVEREIGNS. The blot of meanness which stains his character, affords a melancholy proof, that men of noble quali- ties may lose all the honours and advantages of their virtues, by a single unworthy action. Mr. Ir- ving, who is a writer of the most candid and dis- criminating judgment, regards the character of Pin- zon as entitled to respect. " He was a man of great spirit and enterprise, and one of the ablest seamen of the age. He had encouraged Columbus when he was poor and unknown ; had furnished him with money ; had induced men, who were umviUing to take a part in his undertaking, to engage in it ; and, lastly, he and his brother, by his persuasion, had courageously faced the dangers of a precarious and hazardous voyage. The deep shame and remorse which he felt for his fault, proves that liis better na- ture was not corrupted, and that self reproach is a sting wiiich a generous spirit cannot bear." Shortly after he had arrived at Seville, Columbus received a letter from the king and queen, expressing their satisfaction at his success, and requesting him to repair immediately to court, where arrangements for a second expedition should be made. This let-' ter was addressed to him by the title of " Don Chris- topher Columbus, our admiral of the ocean sea, and viceroy and governor of the islands discovered in the Indies." Upon receiving this command, Co lumbus, taking with him the six Indians, and the va- rious curiosities and productions which he had brought from the new world, set out for Barcelona, The news of his discovery had been told all ove Spain : therefore, as he passed from Seville to Bar^ celona, Columbus was every where received wi wonder and delight. " Wherever he passed, the surrounding country poured forth its inhabitants, who lined the road aiuJ TRIUMPH OF COLUMBUS. 91 thronged the villages. In the large towns, the streets, windows, and balconies, were filled with eager spec- tators, who rent the air with acclamations. His journey was continually impeded by the multitude pressing to gain a sight of him, and of the Indians, who were regarded with as much admiration as it they had been natives of another planet." Columbus arrived at Barcelona about the middle of April. As he drew near the place, many young noblemen, and a vast crowd of people, came forth to meet and welcome him. His entrance into this noble city has been compared with the triumph, or ovation, which the Romans decreed to their conquer- ing generals ; but, in my mind, the spectacle of Co- lumbus at Barcelona, is infinitely more glorious than that of d Roman triumph. If you have read Plutarch's account of the triumph of Paulus JEmil- ius, you will remember that he rode in a splendid car ; that treasures forcibly taken from their former possessors, were borne before him, and that a sad procession of captive princes walked in his train, drawing tears from every compassionate heart. Tears and regrets made no part of the triumph of Columbus ; as yet, his discovery had done no evil, had destroyed no happiness. He meant to confer blessings on his fellow men ; he trusted he had done so ; he believed that he was appointed by. Providence to render still higher services to man- kind. As Columbus passed through the streets of Barcelona, to the royal residence, the Indians were paraded first in the procession, " painted according to their savage fashion, and decorated with tropical feathers, and with their national ornaments of gold ; ifter these were borne various kinds of live parrots, together with stuffed birds and animals of unknown species, and rare plants, supposed toi^e of precious 92 RECEPTIOIC AT COURT. qualities ; while great care was taken to make a conspicuous display of coronets, bracelets, and other decorations of gold. " After these followed Columbus, on horseback, surrounded by a brilliant cavalcade of Spanish chivalry. The streets were almost impassable, from the countless multitude ; the windows and balconies were crowded with the fair ; and the very roofs were covered with spectators." To receive him with suitable pomp and distinction, the sovereigns had ordered their throne to be placed in pubUc, un- der a rich canopy of brocade of gold, in a vast and splendid saloon.- Here the king and queen, with Prince Juan beside them, and attended by the chief nobility of the kingdom, awaited the admiral's ar- rival. ; At length Columbus entered the hall. His com- manding person, and his countenance, rendered venerable by gray hairs, gave him the appearance of a Roman senator. As Columbus approached, the sovereigns rose to receive him, and he stooped to kiss their hands ; but they raised him from the attitude of lowliness and ordered him to seat him- self — which was esteemed an act of great condescen- sion. You, who live in a republican country, which does not require any citizen to stand in the presence of a magistrate, however dignified, except on par- ticular occasions, do not understand, perhaps, that to be seated in the presence of the Spanish sover- eigns, was only the privilege of a great favourite. Columbus related his history, and displayed his curiosities to their majesties. The Indians, and the specimens of gold, were the most interesting objects exhibited ; and Columbus asserted that the world he had discovered opened inexhaustible .sources of wealth, and offered multitudes of human 1 HOPES AND EXPECTATIONS. 93 beings, who might be converted to the CathoUc faith. Columbus was heard with profound attention. When he had finished the sovereigns fell upon their knees, and with eyes filled with tears, and hands raised to heaven, poured forth thanks and praises to God, for so great a providence. The whole assem- bly followed their example ; and, at that solemn mo- ment, an anthem, chanted by the musicians in the royal service, rose up in the midst, " bearing up, as it were, the feelings and thoughts of the auditors to heaven." Such was the pious manner in which the Spanish court celebrated the discovery of Colum- bus. The joy occasioned by this discovery in Spain was participated by all Europe. Every one re- joiced in it as opening a wide scope for navigation, and unbounded stores of wealth. Learned men so rejoiced in the benefits it promised to science, and the prospect of human happiness which it held out, that one of them, Peter Martyr, declared, the thought of it was " like an accession of wealth to a miser." Notwithstanding this exultation, no one was yet aware of the existence of a western conti- [lent. Only a few of the Bahama islands, parts of Cuba and Hispaniola, had been visited. Cuba was regarded as the eastern extremity of Asia, and the )ther islands were believed to be in the Indian ocean. While Columbus remained at Barcelona, the jovereigns continued to bestow on him every mark )f their esteem ; and the queen, particularly, istened with dehght to his conversation. The king ippeared occasionally on horseback, with Prince jFuan on one side, and Columbus on the other. It s necessary that you should reccollect what I told |fOu concerning coats of arms and mottoes, if you 94 GRAND CARDINAL. ■ » ■ would understand the expression of respect offered i by the sovereigns to Columbus. They had already ennobled Columbus, that is, had given him the title of Don, together with the high office of admiral, during his life, and to his heirs and successors for ever. They added to his dignity the gift of the royal I arms of Spain, which was the figure of a castle and I a lion. The castle signifying, perhaps, the strong: foundation and security of the regal power ; audi the lion intimating the ability to defend that power,, should it be assailed. In addition to the castle and] the lion, Columbus was presented with a group ofl islands, surrounded with waves — a clear representa- tion of his discovery. These arms bore the motto : " For Castile and Leon Columbus found a new world." Besides the king and queen, many eminent indi*- viduals befriended Columbus ; among them was Pedro Gonzalez de Mendoza, the grand cardinal of Spain — a man who was distinguished as much for his piety^ and learning as for his high station. He invited Co- lumbus to a banquet, where he gave him the highest seat at table, and had him served with marked re- spect. At this banquet is said to have occured a circumstance, ofVen related ; but it must be new to you, and you shall have it in the words of Mr Irving. " A shallow courtier present, impatient of the honours paid to Columbus, and meanly jealous oi him as a foreigner, abruptly asked him, whether he thought that, in case he had not discovered the In- dies, there were not other men in Spain, who woulc have been capable of the enterprise ? To this Co- lumbus made no immediate reply, but, taking at BREAKING THE EGG. 95 egg, invited the company to make it stand on one end. Every one attempted it, but in vain ; where- upon he struck it upon the table so as to break the end, and left it standing on the broken part ; illustra- ting, in this simple manner, that when he had once shown the way to the new world, nothing was easier than to follow it." For a time Columbus was "honoured by the sovereigns, coiu-ted by the great, and idolized by the people ;" — yet he was the same individual who had been neglected and despised by many of his present followers. He knew that his own worth was always the same, and except for the excellent queen, Isa- bella, and the worthy friends of his humble state, Diego de Deza, and the prior of La Rabidad, he felt little esteem for the multitude of his admirers. — ••w^@04«<" CHAPTER X. Jesus Christ, when he was upon earth, said, " My kingdom is not of this world." Six centuries after the death of Christ, the bishops of Rome declared that they ruled upon earth as representatives of Christ's authority. Christ said, " Who made me a judge and a divider ?" and refused to determine a dispute which was referred to him — nevertheless his pretended representatives made themselves judges of princes, and dividers of the whole earth. Catholic princes agreed together that they ought to 'take for their own, all territories, and other property, belonging to ignorant and heathen nations, and then teach them to be Christians. 96 THE POPE. This doctrine made Ferdinand and Isabella be- lieve that the countries discovered by Columbus, and the people dwelling in them, were subject to them. But to make other nations agree to this, and to prevent them from taking possession of the coun- tries, the sovereigns of Spain thought proper to ob- tain a declaration from the pope that these countries belonged to Spain only, and no other Christian power had any right to them. In order to establish their right to the countries which had been, or which might be discovered by Columbus, Ferdinand and Isabella despatched am- bassadors to the court of Rome, that is, to the pope, Alexander VI, who was a native of Spain. The ambassador reminded the pope that the discoveries of Columbus did not interfere with those of Portugal, and he supplicated his holiness to issue a bull to se- cure the possession of the countries in question to the Spanish crown. The pope, in compliance with his petition, decreed that all discoveries made by naviga- tors in the service of Spain, lying west of a boundary line, one hundred leagues west of the Azores, should belong to Spain ; and all future discoveries to the east of this line, to Portugal.. The sovereigns were anxious to prosecute the discoveries which had been begun, and to effect this, ordered a second expedition under Columbus to be fitted out. These preparations and the disburse- ment of all money to be employed in the western voyages that might be undertaken, were entrusted to Juan Rodrigues de Fonseca, archdeacon of Seville. This man, though an ecclesiastic, was em- ployed in secular offices by the king and queen, and possessed great power during thirty years. It must be lamented that Fonseca was not good and wise a*' well as powerful. Possessing the public money. FONSECA. 97 and having the right to employ it as he thought best, he contrived to " heap wrongs and sorrows upon the most illustrious of the early discoverers." On what occasions you will learn, as you advance in the history of Columbus. According to the regulations made by the sover- eigns, no person was to be permitted to go to the newly discovered lands without a license, that is, a Written permission from the sovereigns, from Colum- bus, or from Fonseca, under a heavy penalhj — that is, without being punished, by paying a fne or in some other way. Columbus and Fonseca were fallowed to buy any vessel that they should want ; and if the owner of such vessel should not be willing to sell it, they had permission to take it by force. They might also exact the services of any captain, pilot, or sailor they should choose. I mention this that you may understand how much better it is for you that you are born under a free go- vernment, than if you were the subject of an arbitrary one. In our country the government never can take man's property without his consent. We are obliged to pay taxes for the support of civil order, and the defence of the country ; and to render personal services in case of a war ; but persons are not com- pelled, among us, to give their labour or their property to any enterprises similar to those of Columbus. " When the second expedition of Columbus was Ifitting out, great care was taken to furnish instructors to convert the Indians to the Catholic faith. Twelve priests were appointed for the purpose. Among these the most distinguished vv' as Bernard Boyle, a Bene- dictine monk, — a man more cunning than pious, who afterwards caused much trouble to Columbus. Queen Isabel enjoined Columbus to punish all Spaniards who should injure any of her Indian subjects, and 9 98 OJEUA. especially ordered that they should be instructed in her religion. As a beginning to the good work cf initiating pagans in Christianity the six Indians whom Columbus had brought to Spain were baptized with great ceremony. By the exertions of Fonseca, and his assistants in office, Columbus, upon his second expedition, pro^ cured a fleet of seventeen ships, and was accompanied by fifteen hundred persons. Some were officers and mariners, and others were adventurers^whowenttQ the new world from the want of something to do, or to find gold and precious stones, that might afterwards be sold in Europe and make them rich without further trouble, Among these adventurers was a young cavalier of good family, of the name of Don Alonzo de Ojeda. Mr. Irving describes him thus, " He was of a small size, but vigorous make, well proportioned, dark complex- ioned, of handsome animated countenance, and incredible strength and agility, accomplished in all manly and v/arlike exercises, and an admirable horseman, — fierce in fight, quick in brawl, but ready to forgive, and prone to forget an injury ; he was for a long time the idol of the rash and roving youth who engaged in the early expeditions to the new world, and has been made the hero of many wonderful tales." An anecdote of the hardihood of Ojeda, which may amuse you, is taken from a Spanish historian, " Queen Isabella being in the tower of the principal church of Seville, Ojeda, to entertain her majesty, and to give proofs of his courage and agility, mounted on a great beam which projected in the air, twenty feet from the tower, at such an imm.ense height from the ground that the people below looked like dwarfs, and it was enough to make one's flesh creep to look down. Along the beam he walked briskly, and with as much confidence as though he had been pacing hi* SECOND VOYAGE OF COLUMBUS. 99 chamber. When arrived at the end, he stood on one leg, hfting the other in the air ; then turning nimbly round he returned in the same way to the tower, un- affected by the giddy height, from whence the least false step would have precipitated him, and dashed him to pieces. He afterwards stood with one foot on the beam, and placing the other against the wall of the building, threw an orange to the summit of the tower. You probably recollect that when Columbus was in Portugal, king John determined to send out a secret expedition to take possession of the temtories discovered by him. I must tell you that this design never was executed. A treaty of amity, that is, a mutual agreement between the two kings, to preserve peace and good will between their respective nations, already subsisted, and Ferdinand kept a good look- out upon the king of Portugal, so that the latter could not have sent out his ships without the know- ledge of the former ; and king John did not choose to commence a war, as he must have done, had he persevered in supplanting the Spanish claim to the new world. On the 25th of September, at the dawn of day, the fleet of Columbus sailed from the Bay of Cadiz. On his first departure, the whole town of Palos was in tears. Columbus was regarded as a desperate adventurer, and his followers as men devoted to death. On the present occasion " every tongue praised, and blessed him, and his followers were looked upon as favoured mortals, destined to golden regions, and happy climes, where nothing but wealth and wonders, and delights awaited them." Columbus reached the Canary islands on the 5th of October, and there took in calves, goats, sheep, hogs and domestic fowls, together with seeds of oranges, 100 CARIBBEES. lemons, melons, and orchard fruits. Such of thes^ anl^nai ; and fruits as now remain in the West Indies originated from this stock. The voyage was favourable, and on the 2d of No- vember, 14^3, a lofty island was descried," at the sight of which there were shouts of joy throughout the fleet." Columbus gave the island the name of Dominica, from its having been discovered on a Sun- day. Domini, you know, is the Latin for Lord. Sun- day is called the Lord's day ; so you perceive why the island was called Dominica. Other islands, in its vicinity, were discovered soon after. Look on the map now. You will see the Caribbees, extending from Porto Rico to the gulf of Paria, in latitude ten degi-ees. The crew were assembled to return thanks to God for their preservation, and this happy discover)'. " Such was the pious manner in which Columbus celebrated all his discoveries, and which in fact, was generally observed by the Spanish and Portuguese voyagers. It certainly presents a solemn and beau- i tiful picture to the mind ; this congregation of ships, ' uniting, as it were, on a Sabbath jubilee, on the tran- quil bosom of the deep, and sending up swelling an- thems of praise to heaven, for the fair land that was rising to their view." The second island at which Columbus touched, he called Marigalante ; the third he named Gauda- loupe. On the first two he saw no inhabitants. At Gaudaloupe, some of the adventurers landed on the 4th of November ; but the inhabitants fled, except a few children. These the Spaniards caressed, and made them presents of hawk's bells and other trifles, to win the good will of their parents. The Indians were always very fond of these little bells. They used to attach them to their persons, and in their CANNIBALS. lOl dances their tingling sound would throw them into ecstasies. The houses at Gaudaloupe were square, and not circular, like those of Hispaniola. The neit day Columbus proceeded to examine the coast, and wherever they entered the houses perceived human bones, and other fragments, which showed that the people of the island were cannibals. I would gladly believe that no such practice as cannibalism ever prevailed ; but Mr. Irving thinks that the reports of voyagers but too certainly establinh the melancholy fact of its existence. The persons whom Columbus sent ashore to explore the island re- turned, bringing with them a boy and several women. Some of these were natives, and others captives taken in war. From the report of the captives, Columbus was persuaded that the islanders were Caribs. He was told that they made incursions upon other islands at the distance of three hundred and fifty leagues. *' Their arms were bows and arrows, pointed with the bones of fishes, or shells of tortoises, and poisoned with the juice of a certain herb. They made descents upon the islands, ravaged the villages, carried off the youngest and handsomest of the women, whom they retained as servants or companions, and made prisoners of the men, to be killed and eaten." After hearing these accounts, the admiral was dis- tressed at finding that Diego Marque, one of his cap- tains, and eight men with him, were missing. They had gone on shore early in the morning, without per- mission, and had not since been seen or heard of. The next day they continued absent, and all search for them was in vain. Trumpets were sounded and guns discharged, by those who went in quest of them, but no reply was made, and it was generally feared that they had been lost in the woods, and had fallen a prev to the savages. 102 DIEGO MARaL'E. The natives of the island fled before the Spaniards, but some captive Indians, taking advantage of the circumstance, came to the Spaniards for protection. From these the admiral learnt that the king of the island, with ten canoes and three hundred warriors, had gone onsi predatonj cruise — gone to take prisoners and whatever else they could find, that belonged to the people who should be so unfortunate as to fall into their hands. The Carib women, when left at home, in the absence of their husbands, were almost as warlike as they, and able to defend their property in case of an attack. Columbus was anxious to proceed to Hispaniola, and learn the fate of his garrison at La Navidad ; but his concern for Marque and his companions, de- termined him to pursue the search for them. Alonzo de Oieda volunteered to explore the woods, and the admiral accepted of his offer. Ojeda was not more successful than the rest ; but he was delighted with the beauty of the island. Columbus now gave up the stragglers for lost, and was just about to sail, when Marque and his sailors appeared in sight. When they gave an account of themselves, they related, that having gone into the forest, without any path to guide them, they had lost their way ; and, instead of returning to the ships, they had wandered farther and farther from them. They had clambered rocks, waded rivers, and struggled through briers and thickets. The foliage of the trees prevented them from seeing the stars, and they expected to perish with hunger in the wilderness, when they suddenly came in view of the sea, and by keeping along the shore came in sight of the ships. Columbus was rejoiced to recover the men ; but he thought it his duty to punish them for this irregu- larity. They had left the ship without leave, and it CARIBS. 103 was necessary, for naval discipline, that the most uniform obedience should be observed. The cap- tain was put into confinement for a short time, and the men were put on a shorter allowance of food. On the 10th of November, Columbus steered to the northwest. You may trace his passage from Guadaloupe to Porto Rico, and see the islands he must have passed. He landed at Santa Cruz, to which he gave name. Here five-and-twenty men were sent ashore. This island was also inhabited by Caribs. As the boat, containing the Spaniards, was returning to the ship, it encountered a canoe with a tew Indians, two of whom were females. These came suddenly in sight of the ships. While they were gazing on them with inexpressible astonishment, the Spaniards stole close upon them, without being perceived ; but as soon as they were discovered the natives darted away. The Spaniards pursued them more rapidly than they could escape, and contrived to get between the canoe and the land. When the Indians saw themselves intercepted, they boldly faced the Spaniards, and discharged their arrows. The women fought as well as the men. One of them appeared to assume some authority, and to be regarded as a queen. To avoid the arrows, the Spaniards ran violently upon the canoe, and over- turned it. The Indians, however, did not sink. They fought in the water, though the skill of the Spaniards at length prevailed, and they v»'ere made prisoners. These prisoners were afterwards taken to Spain, and used to make people afraid of them, by the " frowning brow," and " air of de/iance," which they exhibited. The Caribs were a more intelligent and enter- prising, as well as a more warlike people, than the other natives of the West Indies. "As soon as 104 LA NAVIDAB. they could walk, their Amazonian mothers put into their hands the bow and arrow, and prepared them to take an early part in the hardy enterprises of their fathers. Their distant roaming by sea had made them conversant and intelligent. The natives of the other islands only knew how to divide time by day and night, by the sun and moon, whereas these had acquired some knowledge of the stars, by which to calculate times and seasons." On the 22d of November, the admiral's fleet ar- rived at the eastern extremity of Hispaniola. Here, a Biscayan sailor, who had died of the wound of an arrow, which had been aimed at him by one of the Caribs, in the late skirmish, was buried. During the funeral ceremony, several of the natives came off to his ship, V, ith a message to the admiral, from a cacique of the neighbouring country, inviting him to land, and promising him gold. Columbus declined these offers, because he v, as anxious to learn the condition of his garrison at La Navidad. On the 27th, Columbus arrived in the evening off the harbour of La Navidad. It was too dark to distinguish any object. The admiral ordered two cannon to be fired. " The report echoed along the shore, but there was no reply from the fort. Every , eye was now directed to catch the gleam of some signal light ; every ear listened to hear some friendly shout ; but there was neither light, nor shout, nor any) other sign of life : All was darkness and death-lika, silence." About midnight, a canoe approached the vessel. Thb Indians would not venture on board until they saw the admiral ; they then entered his ship without hesitation. One of them was a cousin of the cacique Guacanagari ; he brought a present of two masks ornamented with gold. Columbus immediately CONJECTURES. 106 inquired about the Spaniards, who had remained on the island. There was only one Indian on board the vessel, who served for an interpreter, but he was a native of one of the Bahamas, and not well ac- quainted with the language of Ilayti. All that Columbus could learn concerning La Navidad, was, that several of the Spaniards had died of sickness ; some had fallen in quarrels which had occurred among themselves, and others had removed to a distant part of the island. That Guacanagari had been attacked by Caonabo, the cacique of the mountains of Cibao, who had wounded him, and burnt his village. Guacanagari lay ill of his wound near Hayti, and was unable to welcome the return of the admiral personally. The Indians were enter- tained, and went ashore before morning, promising to return the next day, and bring along with them the chief Guacanagari. The next day passed away without any intelligence of the Indians. During the residence of Columbus it this place, the whole vicinity was animated by the Indians enjoying themselves in their canoes upon the vvater, collected in groups under their shady trees, or wimming off to the vessel. Now, there were no signs of life ; no smoke rising among the groves, nor single dusky form gliding in and out of sight. To explain this appearance of desertion, and to elieve himself from the state of suspense in regard this strange change, Columbus sent a boat to the hore. On landing, his men hastened to the place Inhere the fortress had been erected. On this spot was only a ruin. War and fire had een there. A few wretched remains of its occu- ants, were spread over the ground ; tattered gar- lents, broken chests, and spoiled provisions. Here nd there some Indians were seen skulking among 106 MISCO.NDUCT OF THE SPA>'IARDS. the trees, but they shunned all communication with the white men. The latter soon returned to the admiral, with the melancholy story of what they had seen. The following morning, Columbus w^ent on shore, further to investigate the mysterious fate of Arana and his men. For some time, he only saw the same sad objects which his men had found. On further examination, the bodies of eleven men, known to bet' Europeans by their clothing, were discovered, over»«i ij!;rown by the grass. At length, some of the Indians, appeared, and timidly approached the admiral. They| were soon induced, by small presents, to speak as freely as they could, and succeeded in making intelli- gible, that what the Indians, who first visited Colum- bus, had told, was partly true. The factsj as wa« afterwards ascertained, were these* Don Diego de Arana, the commander, and one or two others of the garrison, were respectable, prudenti men ; the rest were low and disorderly. Several of) them were sailors, who conducted themselves properly enough while under command on board a ship, bui were utterly lawless ashore, and despised the authoritj. of Arana. No sooner was the admiral out of sightt' than they forgot his instructions. Few as they were and surrounded by multitudes of the natives, th< foolish Spaniards abused the confidence of thcMi savages in manifold ways— -forcibly taking from then iJi[ their wives and daughters, their ornaments, and othe property. Fierce quarrels arose among themselves, and thi injunction of the admhal, that they would remaii together, was disregarded, like the rest of his com mands. Arana vainly attempted to govern thes'|fic. worthless men. Pedro Gutierrez, and Rodrigo d' ad Kscobedo, whom Columbus had left to assist Aran' m CAONABO. 107 in his government, soon attempted to take the chief control, but the people refused to obey them, and they withdrew from the fortress, with nine other misguided persons, Havmg heard wonderful stories of the mines of Cibao, and the golden sands of its rivers, they all set off for that district. Cibao was in the province of Maquana, in the interior of the island. Maquana was ruled by Caonabo, called by the Spaniards, the lord of the golden house. Caonabo was a Carib. He had come among these simple and peaceable people, and they had submitted themselves to his control so com- pletely, that he was become the most powerful of their caciques ; and the subjects of the other caciques stood in fear of him, because he was a Carib. As 60on as Caonabo heard of the white men, and their irearms, and their wonderful powers, he thought if ;hey should attempt to take part with the islanders, hat he should have no chance to conquer and govern hem. When Caonabo heard that Columbus had left the sland, and that the white men who remained were ilways quarrelling,, and were detested by the natives, le hoped that they would be no more in the way of lis plans. No sooner did Gutierrez and Escobedo snter his dominions, than this mountain chief put hem to death. Immediately after the death of the Spaniards, Caonabo concerted measures with the ihief of Marien, a district in his vicinit} , to attack he fortress. But ten nien remained in it with Arana ; tje rest lived in houses without, and they had so little ear of the natives that they kept no guard. In the dead of thq night, when they were all asleep J careless security, Caonabo and his warriors, v^^ho ad been concealed in the neighbourhood without feing discovered, rushed, with horrid veil:*, upon fh^ 108 GUACANAGARI. unsuspecting Spaniards, and took possession of the fortress. They next set fire to the houses, in which the rest of the white men were. Eight of the men fled to the sea-side, and rushing into the waves were drowned ; the others were killed by the Indians. Guacanagari fought faithfully to defend the Spaniards ; but he was wounded in the hand by Caonabo, and his village burnt to the ground. This is a sad conclusion to a chapter. I wish I could promise you something more pleasant for the next ; but the history of Southern America is one of the most sad I am acquainted with. Still the character of Columbus, so grand and ele- vated among men, is enteresting enough to requite one for all the painful feelings excited by the cruel, selfish, ignorant Spaniards, \vith whom he was as- sociated. CHAPTER XI. Soon after Columbus had received this melancholy information, he paid a visit to Guacanagari. Many of the Spaniards did not believe what the Indians had told concerning the destruction of the fortress ; they suspected that Guacanagari had fallen upon their countrymen and murdered them in some ungarded moment ; and that now, being in fear of Columbus, and the men under his control, he dared not acknow- ledge the truth, but threw the blame of his own treachery upon the mountain Indians. Columbus visited the cacique with a numerous train of his principal officers, all richly dressed in glittering armour. Guacanagari was reclining upon a hamac TIMIDITV OF THE HAITIANS. 109 of cotton net. He received Columbus in an affec- tionate manner, and shed many tears, as he related the misfortune which had befallen the garrison, at the same time exhibiting the v/ounds he and several cf his subjects had received in defending the Spaniards. After tinishing this sad detail, an exchange of presents between the cacique and Columbus took place. Articles of gold on the part of Guacanagari, were given for beads, hawk's bells, and things of like value. The Indian being highly satisfied with what he received. When Guacanagari shovved his wound it served to confirm the suspicions of the Spaniards. There was no external Rurt. His leg had been bruised by a stone. However, he still complained of pain in the part, and moved with difiiculty. IVhatever was the fact, Guacanagari was able to return the visit of Columbus that very evening. If he had been asto- nished by the power and grandeur of the white men at sight of two small vessels, and their equipments, what must he have thought of their riches and prowess, when he beheld the fleet and the multitude of men attached to it? The chief circumstance which exalted his ideas of the irresistible daring and force of the Spaniards, was the display cf their cap- tives, the Caribs, whom they held in chains. So great was the dread of the timid Haytians of these terrible savages, that they dared not even encounter their fierce looks. Though the Caribs were in chains, the Haytians turned their eyes involuntarily away from their fearful and menacing frowns. The cacique was struck with admiration at the sight of European animals, particularly the horses, which were on board the admiral's ship — their strength, docility, and noble appearance, so different [from the powers of any animal known to him. served 10 110 CATALINA. to fix his belief that the managers and masters ot these extraordinary creatures were more than men. On board of the admiral's ship were ten women, who had been dehvered from the Caribs ; but who were now, in fact, prisoners of the Spaniards. They were chiefly natives of Boriquen, or Porto Rico. The languages of the different islands were somewhat different ; but the islanders were generally able to make themselves mutually understood. Among the Boriquen prisoners was a beautiful female, whom the Spaniards called Catalina. The cacique observed this woman, pitied, and perhaps Joved her, for he spoke to her with a tone of gentleness and compas- sion. During the whole of the cacique's visit the admiral treated him with respect ; but others on board the ship looked upon him with dislike and suspicion. Looks of kindness, or of ill-will, are understood by every body, child or man, savage or civilized : we perceive in a moment, by another's countenance, if he doubts our goodness, and hates our presence. Guacanagari had not been told that the Spaniards said he was a dishonest man ; but he saw that they thought so, and he wished to be away from them. He was accustomed, formerly, to be received among them with confidence and triendship. Now the ceremony was respectful, but their manner towards him was not affectionate, so he was uncomfortable among them, and begged to get ashore. The next day the brother of Guacanagari came on board the admiral's ship. He pretended that he had come to exchange gold for some European trinkets, but, in reality, he went to concert a plan with Catalina for her deliverance. The cacique had determined upon this, when he saw her the day before. He thought he should like her for a wife. The ships lay ]-Lu;nT or c.vtalina. Ill three miles from the shore, and the sea was rough. Catahna and l\er companions had no way to escape but by swimming. These island women were used to buffeting the waves. At midnight, when the crew were asleep, they let themselves down from the ship, and trusting to their strength, committed themselves to the sea.' They were heard by the watch. The boat was instantly manned, and they were pursued to the shore. Four of the women were taken, hut Catahna, and the rest of her companions, escaped to the woods. The next day Columbus sent to Guacanagari to demand the Boriquen women, or, if they were not with him, to request that he would cause search to be made for them, and return them to his vessel. The messengers of Columbus could neither find the cacique nor the fugitives. Having lost respect for the Spaniards on account of the bad conduct of the garrison of La Navidad, Guacanagari wished to be out of their power ; and immediately after leaving the admiral's ship, he and all his household took refuge in the mountains. Columbus intended to lay the foundation of a city in the island of Hispaniola ; but the situation of La Navidad was found to be unhealthy, and he fixed upon another place, ten miles from the harbour of Monte Christi. The animals on board the ships had suffered from confinement, and the men had become uneasy for want of occupation. When they were finally disembarked there was " a general joy at escaping from the loathsome prison of the ships, and once more treading the firm green earth, and breathing the sweetness of the fields." A plan for the new city was laid out, and the men speedily went to work. A church, a public store-house, and a house of stone, for the admiral, were soon constructed. Pwellings 112 ■ CITY or ISABELLA. for th3 colonists were made of wood, plaister and reeds. But hard labour, exposure to the open air, and salt provisions, did not suit the constitution of these Spaniards. They could not relish the food eaten by the natives, and could not grow rich at once. They were not intelligent and virtuous men. .They soon l)ecame sickly, quarrelsome, and unhappy. The destruction of the fortress was a great disappointment to Columbus. He had hoped that the men would have collected gold, which he might send to Spain, and now he had nothing to send in the ships. He feared that the Spanish sovereigns would not believe his promises, that his discovery would afford great riches to Spain. It was necessary that the ships should return, and Columbus resolved, if possible, to fmd something which should keep up the reputation of his new territory. All the Indians declared there were gold mines in the interior, and that they lay but three or four days' journey iVom that place. Columbus, in order to ascertain this fact, sent an expedition to the moun- tains. Don Alonzo de Ojeda was chosen for this enterprise, and he engaged in it the more eagerly because it was dangerous ; he was to penetrate into the dominions of the mountain cacique, Caonabo. For two days the march was through a country for- saken by its inhabitants, for they had heard of the Spaniards, and were afraid of them. On the second night the Spaniards slept upon the summit of a high mountain, which they had ascended. The next day they looked from this height on a delightful plain which lay beneath them. When Columbus visited this spot, some time after^vards, he gave to the plain the name of Vega Real, or Royal Plain. The prospect was beautiful. The country INDIAN SLAVES. 113 exhibited the finest t'oatiire of any landscape — signs of human hfe and enjoyment. Ilouses, poor com- pared with ours, but suitable to that climate and people ; trees for shelter and shade; and fields under the rude culture of their owners. Ojeda and his companions boldly descended into the villages, and were kindly received. They had expected to find some of the cities described by Marco Polo, for they had not coasted the whole island, and still presumed that it was part of the continent of Asia. But these people had no cities, and were naked and uncivilized, like the other islanders. Caonabo did not appear. Gold, the favourite object of their wishes, was found among the mountains, and in the sands of the rivers, and Ojeda, having seen the country, returned with tidings of its riches. Garvalan, another cavalier, was sent on a different route, and came back to Columbus with specimens of gold. The admiral was encouraged by these reports, and thought this a proper time to send twelve of the ships to Spain, with an account of the colony. He had about one thousand persons on the island, and these stood in need of provisions, of medicine, of clothing, and of arms. Columbus, when the ships sailed, wrote to their majesties for these supplies. In these ships he sent the men, women, and children, taken in the Caribbee islands. He trusted, that when these people should be instructed in the knowledge of the Cathohc faith, and should learn the habits of civilized man, they would return to their own islands, and teach what they had been taught in Spain. Columbus also suggested a plan, that the colonists should seize the Caribs, and send them to Spain for slaves, where they would be taught the Christian religion; and that the merchants should 10* 114 CON3PIRACV give for • them horses and other animals. By this means, he thought the peaceable islanders would be delivered fiom their enemies, and the Caribs would learn the way to heaven. The sovereigns did not approve this scheme. They thought it best to con- vert the Caribs, if possible, without making slavey of them. The new city was called by Columbus, for his royal patroness, Isabella. On the 6th of February, 1494, high mass was celebrated in the new church. Father Boyle, and the other priests, performed the cere- mony. Columbus at that time was ill, but he medi- tated an expedition to the mountains of Cibao. In this he v/as painfully interrupted. Two of the Spaniards, Bernal Diaz de Piza, and Fermin Cedo, together with numbers more of their comrades, became discontented. When they saw the departure of the ships, the thought of Spain made them hate the new world, and they ardently longed to return. Bernal Diaz, therefore, taking advantage of the indisposition of Columbus, agreed with the other disaffected persons, to seize upon the ships and go back to Spain. If they had done this without some good reason, they would have been severely punished on their ar- rival in Spain, so they invented a story to justify themselves. It was, that Hispaniola did not con- tain mines of gold, and that the specimens which Columbus had sent home, had long been in posses- sion of the natives ; that the country was unhealthy ; and that Columbus was a tyrannical governor. This was intended to be told when they should return to Spain. But these mutineers did not succeed. They were detected before they could get away, and pun- ished as the admiral thought proper. This punish- ment, which was due to the treacherv of Bernal ISLAND EXPLORED. 115 Diaz and Fermin Cedo, made the Spaniards hate Cokimbus, and afflict him by their persecutions as lon^ as he Uved. When Columbus had put an end to the mutiny, he left his new city of Isabella, and his ships, in charge of his brother, Don Diego, and departed for the gold mines of Cibao. In order to work these mines, he took with him workmen and implements. On the 12th of March, Columbus set out with four hundred men, well armed and equipped, with shining helmets, swords, and crossbows, and followed by a train of Indians. " They salhed forth from the citv in battle array, with banners flying, and sound of trumpet and drum," and as many as could pro- cure horses were mounted on those animals. There was nothing but an Indian foot path, wmd- ing through rocks and precipices, or through brakes and thickets, to guide them on their way, and they were forced to construct a road as they proceeded. This road was the first made in the new world. The little army of Columbus toiled up the mountain over which Ojeda had preceded him, and, descending it, entered upon the Vega Real. " When the Indians beheld this shining band of warriors, glittering in steel, emerging from the mountains, with prancing steeds and flaunting banners, and heard, for the first time, their rocks and forests echoing to the din of drum and trumpet, they might well have been taken for something supernatural." It is said that the natives supposed the horse and his rider to be one animal, and at the sight of them fled in great fear, and took refuge in their houses. As a defence against the formidable strangers, they hastily put up a frame of reeds before their doors. Columbus commanded his men not to break through these slight fortifications. The fears of the Indians 116 MOUNTAINS OF CIBAO. were soon removed, and they freely gave whatever they had to the Spaniards. After a march of fif- teen miles across the plain, they came to the banks of a beautiful river, called by the natives the Yagui, but Columbus called it the river of reeds. On the evening of the second day they arrived at the gold- en mountains of Cibao, the summits of which over- , look the Vega. This plain, in the midst of the island of Hispaniola, is two hundred and forty miles in length, and from sixty to ninety in breadth. The natives recollected the visit of Ojeda, and were acquainted with the avidity of the Spaniards for gold. The streams which watered this region brought down particles of gold dust, and the natives collected and offered them to the Spaniards. One old man brought two pieces of pure gold, of an ounce weight each. Columbus presumed, that if these mountains should be opened, they would be found to contain immense quantities of this precious metal. He thought that it was not expedient to search farther for gold until this experiment was made ; so he determined to erect a fort at a conve- nient place, to leave men in it to work the mines, , and to have the country explored by another party. The fortress was placed on an eminence ; at the ; foot of which lay one of those verdant plains, called i by the natives, savannas. The fortress was called I St. Thomas. Columbus left in it a garrison of fifty- six men, commanded by one Pedro Margarite. He then set out for Isabella, which was distant about y fifty-five miles. While the admiral remained among K the mountains, he sent a yoimg cavalier, Juan de '21 Luxan, to explore the country. From him Colum- k bus learned much of the character and customs ffi of the natives. I will briefly inform you of somcjii facts which he observed in respect to these people. ' fii RELIGION OF THE NATIVES. 117 No savage nation, totally destitute of religion, has ever been discovered by civilized men. The Indians of these islands beheved in the Supreme Deity ; one G od, the father and maker of all. They never addressed prayers directly to God, but used little idols, called zemes, as messengers, or me- diators. They believed that these offered their wor- ship to God. Each cacique had his own particular zemi, whom he would pretend to consult, as the Greeks used to consult oracles, when he wished to know whether it were well to begin, or to refrain from any undertaking. This idol was of an ugly shape, and made of clay or cotton ; something like a doll, or rag baby. The cacique's zemi had a house consecrated^ or made holy for his abode, like the temples of the ancients. Every family, and every individual has its zemi. You have read of the Lares and Penates, the house- iiold gods of the Romans. In this particular, their 'eligion, and that of the Indians, were alike. The igure of a zemi was often carved upon their furni- ure, or houses, and sometimes carried about the Person as a charm, or protection from injury. You nay have read of talismans and amulets, and have leard of relics and luckij bones. Talismans and imulets are certain words written, or figures engraved ^pon something ; or, they are stones kept by a per- on to prevent sickness, or danger. The Mahome- ans use them. Relics are something which once elonged to a holy person, now dead. The Roman Jatholics now use these, as the Indians did their iemes. — An American gentleman once told me, that, eing forced to travel through a long, uninhabited •act in Mexico, a Spanish lady gave him an alliga- >r's tooth, which some priest had blessed, as a pro- 118 DEITIES AND PRIESTS. tions of ignorant people of all nations, how far apart soever, are alike. The Indians believed, that every tree, and river, had its zeni, just as the Greeks beheved that the Dryads and Satyrs lived in their woods, and Naiads and Nereids in the waters. The Indians supposed, that their zemes saved them from being hurt in their battles ; that they gave them rich harvests, and good hick, or success, in hunting aAd fishing. They also believed, that when they were offended, they caused violent storms, and brought upon them any affliction. The natives had priests, called butios, who some- times drank the infusion of a certain herb, and were intoxicated by it, as the priestess of Apollo among the Greeks used to bewilder, or make herself de- lirious ; and the butios, like the Pythia, would pre- tend to foretel future events. The butios were physicians as well as priests, and gave medicines with many ceremonies, pretending to exorcise, or turn out the malady. These butios often assisted the caciques to deceive their people, by speaking through the mouth of the zemes, and ordering the men tc follow their chief to battle, by promising them what they desired, or threatening to punish them if they refused obedience to the cacique. You may read, in the mythology, some accountf of the worship of Pan and Bacchus among th( Greeks. The Indians had a religious ceremony somewhat like those of the Greeks. This cere mony is thus described by Mr. Irving. " The ca cique proclaimed a day, when a kind of festival wa to be held in honour of his zemes. His subject assembled from all parts, and formed a solemn pre cession; the married men and women, decorate with their most precious ornaments ; the youn UEMGIOUS FESTIVAL. 119 females entirely naked. The cacique, or the prin- cipal personage, marched at the head, beating a kind of drum. " In this way, they proceeded to the consecrated house, or temple, in which were set up the images of the zemes. Arrived at the door, the cacique seated himself on the outside, continuing to beat his drum, while the procession entered ; the females carrying baskets of cakes, ornamented with flowers, and singing as they advanced. Their offerings were received by the butios with loud cries, or rather howhngs. They broke the cakes after they had offered to the zemes, and distributed the morsels to heads of families, who preserved them carefully throughout the year, as preventives of all adverse accidents. This done, at a signal, the females danced, singing songs, in honour of the zemes, or in praise of the heroic actions of their ancient caciques. The whole ceremony finished by in- voking the zemes to watch over and protect the nation." The Haytian Indians had strange notions con- cerning the beginning of this world. There is a liarge cavern about twenty miles from Cape Frangois. t is about one hundred and fifty feet in depth, and receives light from a hole in the roof. The Indians relieved that from this hole the sun and moon came brth at creation. This cavern was held in great eneration by the natives. Its entrance was adorned kvith green branches ; and when there was want of •ain they made pilgrimages and processions to it, A^ith songs and dances, bearing offerings of fruits md flowers. You will be amused when I tell you two of their ables. One concerning the origin of mankind, and he other concerning the deluge. They believed 120 FABLE OF CREATION. that besides the cavern of the sun and moon, there was another, from which men first proceeded. This cavern had two openings, a larger and a smaller. According to their belief^ large men came from the large aperture, and small men from the small one. The men were for a long time without women, but one day as they were near a small lake the men saw some strange animals on the branches of a tree.' The men tried to catch these animals, but found them so slippery that they glided like eels from their hands. Afterwards they employed men who had very rough hands, to catch these slippery creatures. Four of them were taken. The animals proved to be women; and from these were descended all mankind. Their fable of the deluge is quite as curious. " They said there once lived in the island a mighty cacique, whose only son conspiring against him, he slew him. He afterwards collected and cleaned his bones, and preserved them in a gourd, as was the custom of the natives with the relics of their friends. On a subsequent day the cacique and his wife opened the gourd to contemplate the bones of their son, when, to their astonishment, several fish, great and small, leaped out. Upon this the cacique closed the gourd, and placed it on the top of his house, boasting that he had the sea shut up within it, and could have fish whenever he pleased. Four brothers, however, born at the same birth, and curious intermeddlers, hearing of this gourd, came, during the absence of the cacique, to peep into it. In their carelessness they suffered it to fall to the ground, when it was dashed to pieces, and thence issued forth a mighty flood, with dolphins, and sharks, and great tumbhng whales ; and the water spread until it overflowed the earth, and formed the ocean, leaving only the tops TREATMENT OP THE DEAD. 121 of the mountains uncovered, and these formed the islands." When a cacique was sick, they would, if he were likely to die, strangle him out of respect. Common people were left alone to die in solitude. Some- times the body of a cacique was dried and preserved. The bodies of the common people were sometimes buried, and sometimes burned. They had an idea of a happy place, where the souls of dead men joined the souls of others who had gone before them. The Indian paradise resembled that of Mahomet. Shady bowers, delicious fruits, and beautiful females, form the happiness of departed spirits, according to the notions both of Mahomedans and Indians. The Indian dances were representations of their history — of their hunting, and of their battles. The dances harmonized with the metre of certain songs which rehearsed the deeds of their ancestors. These ballads were called areytos. They had also songs of love and of grief. This is a short sketch of the religion and the customs of these islanders ; of a people now vanished from the earth. Where they enjoyed the luxuries of nature, a delicious climate, and a productive soil, in ease and repose, the white man has set his foot, and raised his habitation, and the toil and bondage of the slave has succeeded to the indolence and liberty of the savage. Still indus- try and civiUzation are better than sloth, ignorance, and barbarism. If you do not understand me now you will when you are older, and have learned to think, and are become acquainted with the history of many nations. On the 29th of March, 1494, Columbus arrived at Isabella, and found that all the seeds committed to the ground had begun to vegetate ; and many plants, sugar-cane, melons, and wheat, and several 11 122 MELANCHOLY CHANGES. other species had grown rapidly. But the provisions brought from Europe were nearly consumed, and the Spaniards daily became more sickly and more dis- satisfied. Very soon after his return, Columbus heard that the men at St. Thomas had quarrelled with the natives. This garrison, as well as that of La Navidad, as soon as the authority of Columbus was withdrawn, began to insult and oppress the islanders, who, in their turn, quarrelled with the intruders. The climate proved to be so unfavourable to the Spaniards that many of them died at Isabella, and many more were too ill to work. AH the labour of cooking, gi-inding wheat, (for they had no mills,) cul- tivating the soil, and tending the sick, fell upon those who were well. To prevent famine before supplies could be obtained from Spain, the whole colony was put on a hmited allowance of food, and every man, of high or low rank, was required to labour for the benefit of the whole. Men of old families, who had not been accus- tomed to labour, and who had come to the new world only to get rich, were very angry at Columbus that he made them, as well as the rest, work hard, and fare sparingly. Friar Boyle was more offended than any body. These proud Spaniards, imaccustomed to labour, felt it to be painful as well as disgraceful, and from this time they began to persecute C olum- bus, who they thought imposed these toils and hard- ships upon them. In order to turn the minds of his follov/ers from their distresses and discontents at Isabella, Colum- bus proposed to detach considerable numbers from that place. Some for a new voyage of discovery which he would command in his own person, and others in an expedition to explore the island. This^ INLAND EXPEDITION. 123 expedition was to be commanded by Pedro Margarite, the commander of Fort St. Thomas. That fort was to be entrusted to Ojeda. On the 9th of April, Ojeda who was to head the exploring party till they should reach the fort, set out on his adventure at the head of four hundred men — officers and soldiers. Sixteen of this number were mounted on horses, and the rest pro- ceeded on foot, all armed, and in military array. Columbus laid the strictest orders on these men to observe certain regulations in their conduct. The principal directions were to refrain from all insult or deception towards the Indians, to treat them with kindness and justice, and to purchase from them such provisions as they should need. They were never to take any article of property forcibly or secretly from the natives ; and if the latter should steal any tiling belonging to the Spaniards, they were to be punished for their dishonesty. The natives do not appear to have been ignorant of the rights of pro- perhj — that is, every man's privilege to keep to him- self, or to do what he chooses with his own. None of these wise and benevolent regulations were adhered too by Margarite, and the conse- quences were, that the Spaniards were disgraced, the Indians destroyed, and an unjust censure brought upon the generous and honourable Columbus. Ojeda, on his arrival at the Vega, learned that three Spaniards coming from the fortress of St. Thomas, had been robbed by five Indians, and that when complaint for this outrage had been made to the cacique he had justified the thieves and shared their booty. Ojeda upon hearing this, sought for the thieves, and having caught one, ordered his ears to be cut oifin the public square of one of the villages ; he then sent the cacique with his son and nephew in chains to Columbus. 124 COAST OF CUBA. The prisoners were accompanied to Isabella by another cacique, who went, hoping to prevail on Columbus to forgive them. Columbus thought it best to make these men an example, so he seemed to disregard the entreaties of the cacique, and ordered the prisoners to be taken to the public square with their hands tied behind them, and there to have their heads struck off. At the place of execution the friendly cacique once more wept, and prayed, and earnestly supplicated Columbus to spare the offend- ers, promising at the same time that the Indians should never again rob the Spaniards. Columbus yielded to these entreaties, and pardoned his captives. At the moment of their dismission, a horseman arrived from St. Thomas, who, in passing the village of the captive cacique, had found five Spaniards de- tained by the Indians. The Indians had always mani- fested great terror at the sight of a horse ; and this single horseman so intimidated those who held the Spaniards in captivity, that they all, to the number of four hundred, fled at his approach. Perceiving their timidity, the horseman pursued, wounded several of them witli his lance, and brought off his countrymen in triumph. These instances served to convince Columbus that the Indians would never be formidable enemies, but might easily be governed. After the departure of Ojeda, Columbus organized a plan for the govern- ment of the island during liis absence. The chief magistrate was Don Diego Columbus. Father Boyle, and three others, were appointed to be his counsellors or advisers. Columbus sailed with a small squadron from Isa- bella, on the 24th of April, with the intention of exploring the south coast of Cuba. He proceeded for some days along this shore, and wherever he JAMAICA. 125 landed, found natives of the same character as those he had known at other parts of the island. At first timid, but easily attracted towards white men, and, as soon as they had ceased to fear, confiding, gene- rous, and hospitable. Gold, as usual, was de- manded by the Spaniards, and the Indians pointed always to a south country as the land which afforded it. This intimation induced Columbus to abandon Cuba for a season. On the 3d of May, he turned directly south in quest of the promised land. Columbus had not sailed far before he came in sight of the beautiful island of Jamaica. The natives crowded to the shore at his approach, and seventy canoes, filled with natives gayly painted, and armed with lances of pointed wood, came towards the admiral's ship. This armament were neither curious nor courteous. They assumed a menacing attitude, and uttered yells of defiance ; but Columbus knew how to conciliate them by mild manners, and such little presents as had never failed to gain the aflfection of the savages. They accepted the gift of beads and other baubles, and suffered the admiral to con- tinue his course. The next day, the admiral anchored at a place now called St. Ann's Bay. It was found necessary to repair one of the vessels, which leaked, and here Columbus prepared to land, but the Indians en- deavoured to prevent him. These Indians, unlike those of Cuba and Kayti, exhibited the warhke character of the Caribs, " hurling their javelins at the ships, find making the shores resound with their yells and war-whoops." The admiral, though he was most kindly disposed towards the savages, persevered in his design to land, to procure fresh water, and to repair his vessel. In order to accomphsh this, it was necessary to convince the Indians that the force of 11* 126 ST. ANN'S BAY. the white men was altogether superior to theirs. He caused armed men to row in the boats directly to the shore, and to pour a volley of arrows upon the natives — thus several Indians were wounded and the rest fled in confusion. The Spaniards were not content with this, but when they had set foot on land set dogs upon the runaways. This was the first time that dogs were employed to hunt men ; afterwards, the blood-hound, a most ferocious and sanguinary animal, was frequently employed to hunt the unhappy Indians ; and even to the present time, fugitive negroes in the West Indies are sought out for their hard masters by this cruel expedient. When Columbus landed, he took possession of the island, and gave it the Spanish name of Santiago. This name has been dropped, and the original Indian name, Jamaica, restored. The day following the landing, the natives returned to the shore, and brought presents from their chieftains to the admiral. The products of Jamaica resembled those o-f the other islands, but were of a superior quality. During three days, the ships were detained at St, Ann's Bay, then called by Columbus, Santa Gloria, from the very splendid scenery which surrounded! it. The natives appeared to be more ingenious, as well as more warlike, than those of Cuba and Hayti. " Their canoes were better constructed ; being ornamented with carving and painting at the bow and stern. Many were of great size, though formed from the trunks of single trees ; often from a species of the maliogany. Columbus measured one, which v/as ninety-sLx feet long, and eight broad, hollowed out of one of those magnificent trees, whict rise like verdant towers amidst the rich forests of thf tropics. Every cacique prided himself on possessing , a large canoe of the kind, which he seemed to regan '• INDIAN ADVENTURER. 127 as his ship of slate.^' This ship of state signifies a ship proper to be used by a man of high rank upon some particularly important occasion. Finding no gold, and getting no intelligence where any could be found at Jamaica, Columbus thought it best to return to the coast of Cuba. He wished to learn whether or not that island was part of a conti- nent. An interesting fact in respect to a young Indian, is mentioned by the biographer of Columbus, at this period of his history. When the admiral was about to depart from Jamaica, a young Indian came off to the ship, and entreated that he might be permitted to go with the Spaniards to their country. He was followed by his relatives and friends, who appeared to love him dearly, and appeared to be grieved and distressed that he should desire to leave them. They supph- cated him to remain at home, and he seemed to feel unwilling to afflict them. He listened at one moment with concern to their persuasions, and the next looked longingly at the wonderful strangers. Curiosity, and the love of adventure, are strong passions in young minds. The desire of beholding another portion of the globe — the land of the white men, was stronger in this youth than the love of his country and his friends. Still he could not bear to afflict his sisters and others, who shed tears because he persevered in his resolution to quit them ; so he tore himself away, and hid himself in a part of the ship where they could not follow him. Columbus loved the enterprising and confiding spirit of this young Indian, He resembled the admiral in his desire to increase his knowledge of mankind, and perhaps in his disposition to do good. Whether he acquired any useful knowledge in Spain, whether he was happy in Europe, or whether h© 128 SOUTH SHORE OF CUBA. returned to his friends, is not told by the Spanish historians ; but his imperfect history is interesting, as an exhibition of Indian character. On the 18th of May, Cohimbus arrived once more at the coast of Cuba, and went on shore. Here he inquired of the natives concerning the extent of their country, and whether it was part of a continent. They replied, that it was an island, but of vast size, ' for no one had seen the end of it. This vague in- formation did not satisfy the admiral, and he resolved u to pursue his examination of the coast till he should as- • certain whether it really was the eastern limit of Asia. . But as the squadron advanced in a westerly direct- • ion the navigation became difficult, from the multi- ■ tude of small islands lying near each other, imme- - diately south of this part of Cuba. These little?, islands are sometimes called keys, from the Spanish i word, cayos — in Enghsh, rocks. To a cluster off the least rocky and more fertile of these islands, Co-^t-i lumbus gave the name of the Queen's Garden. i Mr. Irving describes this part of the voyage withi, singular beauty. "Columbus pursued his voyage ^^ v/ith a prosperous breeze along the supposed conti- - nent of Asia. He was now nearly opposite to that t; part of the southern side of Cuba, where for nearly \ thirty-five leagues the navigation is unembarrassed by barflis and islands. To his left was the broad and i open sea — to his right extended the richly wooded i| province of Ornafay ; the verdant coast watered by innumerable streams, and studded with Indian villages. " The appearance of the ships spread wonder and i joy along the seaboard. The natives hailed with acclamations the arrival on their shores of these ; v/onderful beings, whose fame had circulated more or less throughout the island, and who brought with them the blessings of the skies. They came off HAPPINESS OF THE PEOPLE. 129 swimming, or in their canoes,7roi7S"e7fdtr^! productions of fhe Innd, and reajarded the white men almost with adoration. After the usual evenin- shower, when the breeze blew from the shore, and brought off the sweetness of the land, it bore with it also the distant songs of the natives, and the sound of their rude music, as tliey were probably celebra- ting, with their national chants, and dances, the ar- hval ot the white men." At the present time, this part of Cuba exhibits a melancholy scene. It is the same which may be ound on the map extending westward of the city of rrmidad, along the gulf of Xagua. The Spaniards, ;Vho afterwards colonized Cuba, and their descend- mts, who have since inhabited and governed that sland, have taken the lands, and by their unjust and ^ruel treatment of the savages, have put an end to Ueir existence as a people ; and this territory, once o animated and happy, is become a desert and a oiitary place. Humboldt, a very enlightened and perseverintr •aveller, who, about twenty years ago, explored thes? hores speaks thus of them : « I passed a great art of the night upon the deck. What deserted oasts ! not a light to announce the cabin of a fish- rman. From Batabano to Trinidad there does not xist a village. Yet in the time of Columbus this ^nd was mhabited even along the margin of the sea. /hen pits are dug in the soil, or the torrents plough 3en the surface of the earth, there are often found itchets of stone, and vessels of copper— relics of e ancient inhabitants of the island." Columbus persisted in his westerly course for some lys, and encountered various difficulties from keys, md banks, and narrow channels, or passages among llands whore the ships had not room to turn." At 130 HOSPITALITY OF THE NATIVES. one time they came to where the sea was almost covered with tortoises ; at another flights of cormo- rants and wood pigeons darkened the sun ; and one day the whole air was filled with gaudy clouds of J butterflies, until dispelled by the evening shower." ^ The condition of the ships, the poorness of their provisions, and the fatigues of navigation, dispirited the crew, and induced them to remonstrate against, proceeding, and Columbus yielded to their entreaties. ' On the 13th of June, he turned his course to the' southeast, at a place from which, in three days' sail-I ing to the westward, he would have reached the ex- tremity of Cuba. Thus he would have proved that Cuba was an island; but he never ascertained that and died in the belief that it was part of Asia. No memorable incident occurred in the return ot Columbus till the 7th of July. On that day the squadron anchored in a convenient harbour, m thr mouth of a fine river, to allow the crews a seasor of rest and refreshment. The cacique of the neighl bouring country immediately welcomed the arriva of the strangers, and, as was usual to the savages offered them abundance of fruits, cassava bread| fish, and pigeons. ' You will remember that Christians, at that timci considered the territories of all nations, uninstructe^ in Christianity, as their lawful property; and ths^ Catholics, when they took possession of heathe' countries, erected a cross and performed an act o> worsliip, to express that they were Christians, an were about to establish the religion of Christ in the part of the world. Columbus having landed, ordered a large cros of wood to be erected on the bank of the rive; This ceremony was performed on a Sunday morr ing, with great solemnity, being attended with th= CELEBRATION - OF MASS. 13X .before, now I will explain it The mass is a religious service of the CathoHc church. The prl7tsZ. rounded by vvorshippers, offer prayers and pm Les oAh.u,hty God; and, at the saL time, a^ ' "b stance called tnccnse, which emits a sweet odour is ^urnt : and tapers of wax are also kept burn hli rhe bannng of mcense was part of L Je^fh worship, as you read in the Old Testament. The iflJinT fh f ^'"^'"i.' '' " ^^"^"^'^ expression, sig- fymg that praise from a sincere heart ascends to e throne of God, and is accepted by him, in the \TL"lTr "' '^' i""""' "^ "^^^^^^^ rises towards ie^visible heavens. Let us now return to Colum- ns preparations were making for the mass, the r Pf^'^^!^'^? by their countenances and manner at the Spaniards were in a religious frame of mind' Id were about to attend a suitable service. Upon IS occasion, the cacique, and a venerable Indian urscore years of age, and the cacique's principal purite, met Columbus. This old man presented him a string of beads, and some fine fruit, as an pression of good will ; and after he had accepted 1 gitts, the aged man took one of the admiral's lids and the cacique the other, and all three pro- ided m that affectionate manner to the grove where I mass was to be celebrated. They were follow- ,by a multitude of the natives, who regarded the emony which ensued with silent attention and erence. iVhen the service was ended, the old man ap. • ached Columbus, and addressed to him a short jourse, which the Lucayan interpreter repeated Jpanish, and which is thus recorded by Mr. Irving his which thou hast been doin'z," said the vene- 132 A VENERABLE OLD MAN. rable man, " is well ; for it appears to be thy manner of giving thanks to God. I am told, that thou hast lately come to these lands with a mighty force, and hast subdued many countries, spreadmg great fear amono- the people ; but be not, therefore, vam glo- rious ° Know, that, according to our belief, the souls of men have two journeys to perform after they have departed from the body; one to a place dismal and foul, and covered with darkness, prepared for tnose who have been unjust to their fellow men ; the other pleasant and full of delight, for such as have pro-i moted peace on earth. If, then, thou art mortal, and dost expect to die, and dost believe that each shall be rewarded according to his deeds, beware that thou wrongfully hurt no man, nor do harm to those who do no harm to thee." This beautiful oration touched the admn*al's heart- He replied, he had conceived that no religious faitll of the kind, which the Indian had expressed, existet among his countrymen, and he rejoiced to hear sue! doctrines from one of them. He continued, that hi had been sent by his sovereigns, to teach them thl true religion ; and to protect them against their cru€ enemies, the Caribs. That, therefore, all peaceabl and good men might look upon him as a protectc and friend. The old man appeared to be overjoyed at 1* admiral's words, and the interpreter surprised hk by the assurance, that Columbus was not a king, bi a subject ; and he was still more astonished by tli account, which the interpreter proceeded to give, i • his visit to Spain. " The splendid cities ; the va churches ; the troops of horsemen ; the great anima of various kinds ; the pompous festivals and toum ments of the court; the glittering armies; a» above all, the bull-fights," DKJRESSION. 133 The Indians all listened in amazement, but the old man was, above all, interested. He was, himself, a great traveller, according to his own notions of the world. He had visited Hispaniola, Jamaica, and the remote parts of Cuba, and now, old as he was, lie would have gladly embarked with Columbus to behold Europe, but his wife and children prevailed with him to abandon such an undertaking. In the whole history of Columbus, my dear children, there is not, according to my feelings, a more inter- esting passage than that I have just related to you. Think about it ; employ your imaginations to con- ceive the shady trees that overshadowed the worship- pers of God, where no building was erected to his honour. Imagine Christians offering prayers to the father and preserver of all men, and the poor, un- taught savages, beholding the solemnity, with awe and devotion of heart. Then represent to your- selves, the aged man, acknowledging and inculcating that great truth of God's government — retributive jus- tice, — which is, punishment to the wicked, and grace, mercy, and peace, to those who promote the happiness of their fellow-creatures. The worship of God, in the open air, is beautiful. Read these hnes : The groves were God's first temples. Ere man learned To hew the shaft, and lay. the architrave, And spread the roof above them — ere he framed The lofty vault, to gather and roll back The sound of anthems ; in the darkling wood, Amidst the cool and silence, he knelt down And offered to the Mightiest, solemn thanks And supplication. For his simple heart ]MiffIu not resist the sacred influences, 12 134 NATURAL RELIGION. That, from the stilly twilight of tlie place, And from the gray old trunks tliat high in heaven Mingled their mossy tops, stole over him, and bowed His spirit with the thousfht of boundless power And inaccessible majesty. The preceding verses were v/ritten by a poet* of| our own country ; I hope you will one day be well acquainted with all that he has written, and that the heavenly and devotional spirit which breathes in his serious poetry will elevate your young hearts also. The different religions of the Spaniards, and of all Christians ; and that of the Indians, and all heathens, are, by way of distinction, called revealed and natural religion. When you read your Bible, you know that Moses and the prophets, before Christ, and the apos- tles after him, were instructed by God in what they should teach mankind. These instructions from God, are revealed religion. But those who have never received such instructions, and only believe that a wise and good Being made and governs all things, only enjoy natural religion. St. Paul speaks of natural religion, where he says of God, " he is clearly seen in the things that are made." It may be that Adam, N^oah, and other patriarchs, left God's first revelations to their descendants, and this primitive revelation being related from father to son, has com- municated a belief in the existence of God, and some notions of his government, successively to all men, thus forming what is generally called natural religion ; while the later and more particular revela- tions of Moses, Christ, and the apostles, have been bestowed upon a more favoured portion of mankind. You know that Christ says, the wicked shall go into everlasting punishment, and the righteous into * W, C. Brvant. ANALOGY. 135 the blessedness of his Father, in another Ufe. The Indian doctrine of two journeys, two destinations of departed souls, exhibits the same moral fact, or reli- gious truth, as the Christian recompense of good and bad conduct. Such a resemblance is one of the analogies or similar principles of natural and revealed religion. I should not have made this digression, should not have turned from the narrative of Columbus's history, had I been writing for men, but I write for your instruction, as well as amusement, my little boys, and when I find, in the course of a history, a suitable occasion to give you information, which is associated with something previously known to you, and which I know, that at your age, you cannot have received, I choose to tell you what may be of service to you, whenever you shall read other books, or listen to the conversation of persons who are older and better instructed than a child can be. CHAPT m Til. Contrary winds prevented Columbus from re- turning directly to Hispaniola, so he steered to the south, and completed the circumnavigation of Jamai- ca. For a whole month he was advancing from the west to the east along its southern coast. Columbus was delighted with this beautiful island, though he could not leave his crazy ships, and their disorderly €rews, to survey it ; but he anchored at different harbours, and the natives came ofl' in canoes to the ^hhrri. offering provisions to the Spaniards, and cou- 136 A TA.MILY OF JAMAICA. versing with them by means of the liucyan interpre- ter. This Indian never failed to relate the wondev- of Spain to the dehghted savages, and many of then;, like the old man whom I formerly mentioned to you, became desirous to join the Spaniards. One instance is recorded of a whole family who solicited the privilege of placing themselves under the govern- ment and protection of the admiral. One morning as the ships were gliding gently along near the coast, three canoes were seen approaching them in regular order. One larger than the others took the lead ; it was handsomely carved and painted. The two smaller canoes seemed to be in attendance upon the larger. In the large canoe were seated the cacique of the neighbouring province, his wife, two sons, two daughters, and five brothers. The elder daughter was about eighteen years of age ; her sis- ter was somewhat younger. These females, accord- ing to the custom of their countiy, were without clothes ; but of a modest deportment. In the prow of the canoe stood a standard-bearer, holding aloft a jEluttering white banner — he v/as clad in a mantle made of feathers, and wore in his hair a tuft of gay plumes. " Two Indians, with caps or helmets of feathers of a similar form and colour, and their faces painted in a similar manner, beat upon tabors ; two others, with hats curiously wrought of green feathers, held trumpets of a fine black wood, ingeniously carved ; and there were six others, with large hats of white feathers, who appeared to l)e guards to the cacique. " This gallant little armada having arrived along side of the admiral's ship, the cacique entered on board with all his train. He appeared in all his regalia'^ — in the ornaments which belonged to him as a prince, and which are only worn upon great occa- STATE AND DECORATIONS. 137 sions. " Around his head was a band of small stones of various colours, but principally green, symmetrically arranged, with large white stones at intervals, and connected in front by a large jewel of gold. Two plates of gold were suspended to his ears by rings of very small green stones. To a necklace of white beads, of a kind deemed precious by them, was suspended a large plate in the form of a fleur de lis, of guanin, an inferior species of gold ; and a girdle of variegated stones, similar to those round his head, completed his regal deco- rations. His wife was adorned in a similar man- ner, having also a very small apron of cotton, and bands of the same round her arms and legs. The daughters were without ornaments, except the eld- est and handsomest, who had a girdle of small black stones, from which was suspended a tablet, the size of an ivy leaf, composed of various coloured stones, embroidered on network of cotton. " When the cacique entered on board the ship, he distributed presents, of the productions of his island, among the officers and men. The admiral was at this time in his cabin, engaged in his morning de- votions. When he appeared on deck, the chieftain hastened to meet him with an animated countenance. " My friend," said he, " I have determined to leave my country, and to accompany thee. I have heard from these Indians who are with thee, of the irresis- tible power of thy sovereigns, and of the many na- tions thou hast subdued in their name. Whoever refuses obedience to thee, is sure to suffer. Thou hast destroyed the canoes and dwellings of the Ca- ribs, slaying their warriors, and carrying into enp- tivity their wives and children. All the islands are in dread of thee ; for who can withstand thee now that thou knowest the secrets of the land, and the weak 12* 138 COMPASSION OF COLUMBUe!. ness of the people. Rather, therefore, than thou shouldst take away my dominions, I will embark, with all my household, in thy ships, and will go to do homage to thy king and queen, and to behold their marvellous country, of which thy Indians relate such wonders." "When this speech was explained to Columbus, and he beheld the wife, the sons, and daughters of the cacique, and thought upon the ills to which their ignorance and simplicity would be exposed, he was touched with compassion, and determined not to take them from their native land. He replied to the cacique, therefore, that he received him under his protection, as a vassal of his sovereigns ; but, hav- ing many lands yet to visit, before he returned to his country, he would call another time, and fulfil his . desire. Then taking leave, with many expressions of amity, the cacique, with his wife and daughters, and all his retinue, re-embarked in the canoes, re- turning reluctantly to their island, and the ships con- tinued on their course." On the 4th of September, the squadron of Co- lumbus entered the harbour of Isabella, and was welcomed with joy by such of the inhabitants as re- mained faithful. You will remember that Columbus left Isabella on the 24th of April. During four months and more, the friends whom he had left had heard nothing of him, and began to fear that he had perished in some of the tempests which are so violent ' in the tropical seas, and which, in fact he experienced, though I have not mentioned them as often as they are noticed in the history of Columbus. You have not forgotten, I presume, how much the Spaniards desired to find gold, nor that the imagina- tion of Columbus was filled with pictures of splen- did oriental cities, which Marco Polo had described, BARTI10L031EW COLU3VUUS. \'S9 and which he expected to find in his voyage, and per- haps to take possession of, in the name of their majesties, the Catholic Sovereigns of Spain. You perceive nothing of this was accomphshed in this voyage of four months — nothing was achieved hut the complete discovery of Jamaica, and a more thorough examination of the coast of Cuha. These were indeed important accessions of knowledge and power for Europeans ; but the full value of knowledge is not often known amidst the difficulties of acquiring it. The men who accompanied Colum- bus in this expedition, were disappointed in its result. Columbus knew that the Spanish nation expected more splendid discoveries than he had made, and the thought that he might be censured, with fatigue and anxiety together, made him so ill, that when the squadron arrived at Isabella, he was almost insen- sible. Columbus was roused from this almost lifeless state by the presence of a dear brother ; this was Bartholo- mew Columbus. The brothers had been separated many years, and were rejoiced to meet once more. When Columbus had unsuccessfully sought assist- ance from thfe king of Portugal, and was about to quit that country, he sent his brother to England to obtain the patronage of Henry VII., then king. Misfortunes prevented Bartholomew Columbus from proceeding directly to England ; but when at last he was enabled to go and offer his petition, Henry offered to aid the enterprise, and Bartholomew Columbus returned to Spain to find his brother. At Paris, he learned what the Spanish sovereigns had done, — that the discovery was accomplished, and the admiral had just departed from Spain on a second expedition. The discovery of a new continent, as you have been told, called forth the admiration of all Europej 140 THE ADELANTATiO. When Charles VIII., then king of France, heard that a brother of the great Columbus was in his capital, and almost without money, that monarch regarded the stranger in an honourable manner, as the near relative of an individual who was the benefactor of nations, and belonging to mankind. This sentiment of respect disposed the king of France to offer Bar- tholomew Columbus one hundred crowns to defray the expenses of his journey to Spain. Bartholomew Columbus was graciously received by Ferdinand and Isabella. He was, soon after his arrival in Spain, intrusted by them with three ships stored with sup- plies for the colonies, and sent out to aid his brother in his enterprises. Bartholomew Columbus was a good seaman- wise, generous, and honourable as a man ; active in' business ; and capable of governing others. These qualities rendered his services very desirable to the admiral, who made him second in command to him- self, under the title of adelantado — an office which is the same as that of a lieutenant-governor. Colum- bus conceived that the commission which he had! received from the Spanish sovereigns, empowering: him to order the whole government q^ the colonies^ jHs he might judge to be best, entitled him to bestowv that office upon his brother, who could not aid himn without such a rank and title as the proud Spaniards = would respect. When the king of Spain heard of I this appointment, he was offended at Columbus : her considered it an encroachment upon his prerogative. A king's prerogative is his right to command or pre- vent certain acts of others, his subjects, and when '^ a subject acts in particular cases without the king's authority, he disregards the king's prerogative. It was mentioned that Columbus, before departing for liis voyage, gave the command of a military force DOMAINS OF HAYTI. 141 to Don Pedro Margarite,'^s^ith"^i^7o make a tour of the island ; and commanding this army to treat the natives with justice and kindness. Ilayti was then divided into five domains. Each district had Its separate cacique, and each cacique had in sub- jection inferior caciques. The first domain was the middle part of the Royal Vega. It was partly covered with forests, and partly inhabited and culti- vated in the Indian manner. Some of the rivers of this district contained gold dust brought down from the mountains of Cibao by torrents. The name of the cacique was Guarionex— his ancestors had lono- ruled this province. ° Marien was the second. It extended from Cape San Nicholas in the west to the river Yagui. The chief of Marien was Guacanagari : on ''its coast Columbus was wrecked in his first voyage. The third domain was Maquana : the cacique of this territory was Caonabo, the Carib, and the sworn enemy of the white men. In Maquana were the ?old mines of Cibao. The fourth, was Xaragua, he most populous and extensive of all. It comprised he whole western coast, and extended to the southern side of the island. The natives of this province were i)f more graceful manners and more eloquent speech ban those of the other districts. The sovereign was Jehechio : his sister, Anacaona, the most beautiful ,nd attractive female in Cuba, was the favourite wife tf Caonabo. Higuey, the fifth domain, was the astern part of the island. The chief was Cotuba- .ama. His subjects were the most warlike of the eople of Hayti. It is supposed that Hayti, at the ime of the discovery, contained nearly a million of ihabitants. ; During the absence of Columbus, misconduct jnd discontents prevailed in the colony. Margarite 142 DESERTION OF MARGARITE. and his soldiers disobeyed the admiral's commands. They neglected his orders to survey the country peaceably, but quartered themselves on the inhabit- ants ; took forcibly from them the productions of their soil, and insulted and oppressed them. When complaints of these injuries were laid before Diego Columbus at Isabella, and he demanded of Margarita to obey his orders, the latter derided his authority, and, with others as unjust as himself, disputed the power of Columbus, or his representative, to enforce the regulations enjoined. The friar. Father Boyle, took part v/ith these revolters. He and Margarite seized one of the ships which lay at Isabella, and returned to Spain, with the design to represent to thef king and queen that the colony was in great disorder, and that they had abandoned their enterprise on ac* count of the tyranny of the rulers. The departure of Margarite left his army without a head, and they soon dispersed themselves, eithei singly, or in small bands over the island, committing: all manner of abuses upon the poor Indians. The natives in their turn, neglected no opportunity o: retaliation ; and, though they dared not oppose themo selves to any considerable number of well-armec Spaniards, they set fire to houses containing the sick! and put to death without mercy such stragglers a: fell in their way. Caonabo, the Carib chief o Maquana, was the most formidable enemy of th Spaniards. He saw with indignation that they wer establishing themselves in the island, making them selves masters of its territory, and oppressing it inhabitants. The fortress of St. Thomas was erected in th very centre of Caonabo's dominions, and after th departure of Margarite, its garrison of fifty mer commanded by Alonzo de Ojeda, was the onlv mil THE VIRGIN MARY. 143 tary power in that province. Caonabo, as you have not forgotten, destroyed La Navidad; and he resolved in the same manner to wreak his vengeance upon St. Thomas. Ojeda was a commander differ- ent from Arana. He was not only bold and skilful in battle, but he had an excessive confidence in his own powers — this confidence was derived from his superstition. I have told you, Roman Catholics believe that holy men, or saints, as they call them, after death offer the prayers of living men to Almighty God, and entreat the divine mercy for those who ask their me- diation. The Virgin Mary, the mother of Christ, according to their faith, is the chief mediator, and in her supplications for them, they place their chief reliance. The image, or picture of the virgin, serves them for a " religious talisman." They bear this about their persons, and invoke , or address themselves to it in danger, or in the com- mencement of any undertaking, calling Mary the " mother of God," and " the blessed virgin." It is on account of this superstition that Catholic artists have made so many beautiful pictures of the virgin. Ojeda always, " in the camp, the city or the field," carried with him a small Flemish painting of " Our Lady," as the virgin is often called, and trusted with- out measure in her protection and help. " In a word," says Mr. Irving, " he swore by the virgin ; invoked the virgin, whether in brawl or battle, and un- der favour of the virgin, he was ready for any enter- prise or adventure, and the more hazardous or extravagant the better. Such was this Alonzo de Qjeda, bigoted in his devotion, reckless iii his life, fearless in his spirit, like many of the roving Span- ish cavahers of those days." 144 GExNEROSITY OF OJEDA. Resolved to demolish St. Thomas, and expel the Spaniards from his province, Caonabo assembled ten thousand warriors armed with bows and arrows, and lances hardened in the fire. They approached the fortress in silence, and thought to take Ojeda by surprise. However, he was upon guard, being within his tower on a high place, and possessed of those fire-arms against which the naked Indians had no defence. Caonabo, finding he could not take the fort, endeavoured to starve the besieged Spaniards. During thirty days the Indians surrounded the fortress, but Ojeda contrived to support his small garrison. Mr. Irving relates the following circumstance as having occurred during this siege. " At a time when the garrison was sore oppressed by famine, an Indian gained access to the fort, bringing a couple of wood- pigeons for the table of the commander. The latter was in a chamber of the tower, surrounded by seve- ral of his officers. Seeing them regard the birds with the wistful eyes of famishing men : ' It is a pity,' said he, ' that here is not enough to afford us all a meal : I cannot consent to feast while the rest of you are starving ;' so saying, he turned loose the pigeons from a window of the tower." I hope you will not forget this anecdote. The= [' companions of Ojeda w^ould not have been more ^ hungry, had the commander satisfied his appetite ;i but men are so constituted, that v»^e cannot avoid feeling our own privations more severely when we compare them with the gratifications of others To save his men from this painful feeling, Ojeda denied himself.— There is in this action, small as it is, the delicate humanity and disinterestedness which evince a just and generous spirit. Remem- ber, children, whether you <eing interrupted, and yielding this fonnidable CAONABO A CAPTIVE. 149 prisoner to his provoked countrymen. But this was accompUshed, the adventurers suffering greatly from fatigue, hunger, and watchfulness ; encountering many perils, fording and swimming the numerous rivers of the plains, toihng through the deep tangled forests, and clambering over the high and rocky mountains. Caonabo made no submission to his conquerors. He admired the hardihood and profound artifice of his enemy, Ojeda, because it resembled the daring and deep design of an Indian warrior, and he always showed respect to him. Columbus thought proper to send this princely captive to Spain, but, till a suitable opportunity occurred, kept him a close prisoner in his own house. Columbus, as admiral and viceroy, commanded great personal respect. Whenever he entered the apartment where Caonabo was, all present rose and paid him reverence. Caonabo only paid no attention to him, though he always saluted Ojeda with marked honour. On being asked the reason of this, he replied, that the admiral had never dared to come to his house and seize him ; but that he was indebted to the valour of Ojeda that he was his prisoner. " To Ojeda, therefore, he owed reverence, not to the admiral." The captivity of Caonabo enraged his subjects, and one of his brothers, assembling seven thousand natives, attempted an attack upon St. Thomas ; but Ojeda, at the head of a small, but powerful troop of horse, killed some, made prisoners of others, and ptU the rest to flight. Among the prisoners was th« brother of Caonabo. 13* 150 COLONISTS ARKIVE- CHAPTER XIII. Neither fighting nor seeking for gold, produces any thing for people to eat, so the Spanish colonists were sadly in want of provisions, when four ships arrived from Spain, bringing a supply of necessaries, and a number of useful persons — mechanics, hus- bandmen, millers, and gardeners. Letters from the king and queen, dated August, 1494, were also received ; one was addressed to Columbus and another to the colonists. The former expressed the approbation of their majesties in regard to the conduct of Columbus ; the latter enjoined absolute obedience to the viceroy, on the part of the people. The date of these letters was previous to the arrival in Spain of Margarite and Father Boyle. Columbus knew that they were his enemies, and would calum- niate him to the king and queen. In order to counteract their malevolence, he fitted out the ships immediately to return, and sent home his brother Diego, faithfully to represent his administration to the Spanish sovereigns. Columbus, at this time, sent to Spain as much gold as he could collect, and like- wise five hundred Indians, to be sold as slaves at Seville. Before we proceed any further in this history, it is necessary that I should give you some information respecting slavery. A slave, you know, is a human bemg, who is the property of another, his master or mistress ; and the children of slaves are the property of the master of their parents. In the Bible, we read of bondmen and bondwomen among the Hebrews ; and, in all Asia, the state of slavery still exists. In SLAVERY IN EUROPE. 151 ancient Greece and Rome, a large part of the population were slaves, and, in modern Europe, the vassalage of the lower orders, much resembled the bondage of patriarchal times. Slavery, in any country of Europe, has never been annihilated by acts of sudden emancipation, but by a gradual change in the opinion of the people — who, by degrees, educated the lower orders, gave them trades, and enabled them to acquire property ; and, at length, political regulations gave personal liberty, and certain independent rights to all people. One is grieved to learn, that so great a benefactor of mankind as Columbus, should not have better understood the rights of man, than to suppose himself justified in tearing the poor Indians from their country, their families, and all the objects of their affections, and causing them to be sold to the service of strangers. But the custom of employing African slaves, wliich had existed in Spain and Portugal, from the time that Guinea was discovered, was a precedent, or example ; and, though it is not right to follow any practice which is not just to our fellow- creatures, because our own or any other country permits it, Columbus, doubtless, encouraged this traffick in men, because it was an established trade. The teachers of religion in that age, as you have already been told, declared that all persons unin- structed in Christianity, were proper subjects of captivity and slavery. Ferdinand of Spain, made a practical use of tliis license, for, in his wars with the Moors, multitudes of the Moorish peasantry of Spain, men, women, and children, were sold as slaves at the market of Seville, and in other populous towns ; and, after the capture of Malaga, eleven thousand of the inhabitants, many of refined habits, were sold to the lowest servitude. The public sentiment of Spain in 152 TRIBUTE EXACiKi». this matter, must have misled the natural humanity of Columbus. The alliance of the caciques still subsisted, though the head of it was a prisoner, and these exasperated chiefs still retained their hostile intentions towards the Spaniards. Their number was great, and they trusted that the many could expel the few, and that they should once more, unmolested, " sit under their own vine and fig-tree." This happiness was not reserved for them, for in no long time they were entirely subjugated. The manner in which Columbus exercised the power of a conqueror, was neither wise nor kind. In order to satisfy the expectations of the Spanish sovereigns and people, he required an exorbitant tribute from the Indians. In all the region of the mines, each individual above the age of fourteen years, was compelled to pay in gold dust, the value of twenty dollars of our money annually ; and, as money was then of three times its present value, the tribute was equivalent to sixty dollars. The tribute demanded of the caciques was equivalent to three thousand dollars annually. In those districts, where there was no gold, large quantities of cotton were periodically exacted, and, in defect of payment, punishments were inflicted. To enforce these regula- tions, Columbus estabhshed military stations in different parts of the island. The collecting of the gold, and the cultivation of the cotton, was labour too severe for human patience to endure. The effect of this treatment upon the Indians, is thus described by Mr. Irving. " Deep despair now fell upon the natives, when they found a perpetual task inflicted upon them, enforced at stated and frequently recurring periods. Weak and indolent bv nature, unused to labour of AFrLICTIONS OF THE NATIVES. 153 any kind, and brought up in the untasked idleness ot* their soft climate, and their fruitful groves, death itself seemed preferable to a life of toil and anxiety. They saw no end to this harassing evil, which had so suddenly fallen upon them. The pleasant life of the island was at an end ; the dream in the shade by day, the slumber during the sultry noontide heat by the fountain or the stream, or under the spreading palm-tree ; and the song, the dance, and the game, in the mellow evening, when summoned to their simple amusements by the rude Indian drum. *' They were now obliged to grope, day by day, M'ith bending body and anxious eye, along the borders of their rivers, sifting the sands for the grains of gold which every day grew more scanty ; or to labour in their fields, beneath the fervour of a tropical sun, to raise food for their task-masters, or to produce the vegetable tribute imposed upon them. They sunk to sleep weary and exhausted at night, with the certainty that the next day was but to be a repetition of the same toil and suffering ; or, if they occasionally indulged in their national dances, the ballads to which they kept time, were of a melancholy and plaintive character. *' They spoke of the times that were past, before the white men had introduced sorrow and slavery, and weary labour among them : and they rehearsed pretended prophecies, handed down from their ances- tors, foretelling the invasion of the Spaniards ; that strangers should come to their island, clothed in apparel, with swords capable of cleaving a man asunder, at a blow, under whose yoke their posterity should be subdued. These ballads, or areytos, they sang with mournful tunes, and doleful voices, bewailing the loss of their liberty, and their painful i^ervitnde." 154 DEATH OF GUACANAGARI. Among these sufferers, one deserves particular mention — the unhappy Guacanagari. His friendship for the Spaniards made him an object of contempt to his countrymen. The Spaniards forgot their obhga- tions to him, and treated him as oppressively as any other of their victims. Columbus, who knew his worth, was in Europe, and could not befriend him, when, worn out with care, toil, and poverty, this WTctched man fled to the mountains, where he died in misery and obscurity. At the present time, only a few descendants of the primitive islanders remain, and these are poor and degenerate. Other races of men have succeeded to their inheritance, and pity for their fate, and indignation for their injuries, are the sad tribute which generous minds must pay to the memory of a people now exterminated from the face of the earth. — »»»f8©^«*'* CHAPTER XIV. Margarite and Father Boyle, when they were returned to Spain, complained of the government of Columbus, and excited the resentment of many respectable persons against him, by representing that he had treated some of the gentlemen under his command in a manner unsuitable to their dignity. They said nothing about the idleness and rapacity of the Spaniards, and of the necessity there was that they should submit to labour, and to a limited share of the scant provisions to which the colonists were sometimes reduced. The misrepresentations of Father Bovle and his associates, determined their LKTTEll OF ISABELLA. 165 majesties to send out to Hispaniola a suitable person, who should take a supply of necessary articles for the colonists, and make inquiries, into the administra- tion of the government. Before this was done, ships from Isabella arrived ill Spain, bearing accounts from Columbus of his late voyage and his return to Hispaniola. These ships carried specimens of gold, and other productions of the islands, together with five hundred Indians, who were destined to slavery. Queen Isabella would not permit these unfortunate people to be sold. She ordered them back to their native country, and in a letter to Columbus, enjoined that the islanders should be treated with humanity. Her interposition was too late ; the system of violence and extortion was already in operation, and nothing could check its unhappy progress. Towards the end of August, 1495, Juan Aguado set sail from Spain with four vessels stored with provisions, and with a commission to examine and report the condition of the colonies. Columbus, when Aguado arrived in Hispaniola, was in the in- terior of the island, employed in regulating affairs. Aguado took advantage of the admiral's absence, and boasting of a commission from the sovereigns to administer justice in the colony, it was reported that a new admiral was appointed ; and the people of Isabella, complaining loudly of Columbus, connived with an audacious intruder to annul his authority. Columbus got intelligence of these transactions, and immediately returned to Isabella. Offended and injured as he was, the admiral thought it prudent to conceal his contempt of Aguado, treating him as a man honoured by the sovereigns of Spain, but still asserting his own rights as viceroy and admiral. The Indians having heard of the arrival of Agua- 160 GOLD MINES. do, hoped for some alleviation of their distresses and assembling together made a formal complaint of Columbus, as the author of their grievances. The discontents of the Spaniards, and the remonstrances of the natives against the admiral, fvu'nished Aguado with all -that he required to ruin Columbus and his brothers, and he prepared to return to Spain with : intelligence of the mal-administration of government i in the colony. Columbus also determined to present 1 himself to their majesties, and to vindicate iiis own i conduct. About this time the most violent storm ever Imown ; in the island occurred. It lasted three hours, and I never, in the memory of the oldest native, had their island been visited by so tremendous a tornado. The Indians " believed that the Deity had sent thi!=! fearful tempest to punish the crimes and cruelties of the white men ; and declared that this people had moved the very air, the water, and the earth, to dis- turb their tranquil life, and lay their island desolate." The vessels of Aguado were destroyed by the tem- pest, and not one remained in the harbour but the Nina, and she required some repairs, before she could be ready for sea. While these repairs were making, and a new vessel building, an interesting- piece of inteUigence arrived at Isabella. It was the discovery of some valuable gold mines on the south side of Cuba. The stofy of this discovery was this : Miguel Diaz, a young Arragonian, in the service of the adelantado, had a quarrel with another Span- iard, fought with him, and wounded him dangerous- ly. Afraid of being punished, Diaz withdrew from his comrades, accompanied by some friends of his. They concealed themselves for a while, and wander- ed to the south side of the island, to a district border- im on the river Oiema. The village in which thev MIGUEL DIAZ, 15"/ af last took refuge was governed by a female cacique. The young Arragonian pleased her, and they married. For a short time Diaz was happy with his Indian bride ; but he soon found that (he society of his friends, and the advantages of civiUzed hfe, afforded higher enjoyments than the wild liberty, and compar- atively low pleasures of the savage state. His wife perceived him to be unhappy, and understood the cause of his dejection. To comfort him, she told him that her country was more healthful and beautiful than Isa- bella and its vicinity, and that it afforded abundance of gold. She urged him to persuade his country- men to settle upon the banks of the Ojema, promis- ing that they should be well treated by the natives. Diaz knew that intelligence of gold would be more likely to procure pardon for him than any medi- ation. Accordingly, he availed himself of such a presumption, and set out to announce the discovery of mines, and to reinstate himself in the favour of the adelantado. Isabella lay one hundred and fifty miles to the north ; but Diaz took Indian guides to find the settlement. He arrived there in due time, and in safety. He found the man living, whom he had wounded, and obtained ready forgiveness from the adelantado. The admiral was rejoiced at the intelligence brought by Diaz, and the adelantado set out in person to ascertain if the report was true. He was accompanied by a skilful metallurgist, and a number of men well armed. They travelled near- ly south from Isabella till they came to a great river called Hayna, and running into this river they disco- vered streams, bringing down gold dust, and mines abounding in the precious metal. ' Columbus immediately ordered a fortress to be ' erected on the banks of the Hayna, and the mines to be diligently worked. Fancying himself near 138 AMAZONS. m Asia, Columbus supposed this island was the Opl of Scripture. It is not now known from what place " the gold of Ophir," mentioned in the Old Testament, was obtained — it certainly was not Hayti. I suppose you will be pleased to learn that Miguel Diaz conducted himself honourably ; was employ- ed in important business in the island ; and lived happily with his Indian wife, who was baptized by the Spanish name of Catalina. On the 10th of March, 1496, two vessels, the Nina and the Santa Cruz, set sail for Spain. Co- lumbus embarked in one, and Aguado in the other vessel, and with them two hundred and twenty-five passengers. There were thirty Indians on board these ships, and among them the once formidable Caonabo. The navigation of the tropical seas was not then understood, and adverse winds kept the ves- sels more than a month among the Caribbee islands. At the most important of these, Guadaloupe, the Spaniards were detained several days. As they ap- proached the land a large number of female war- riors, armed with bows and arrows, and ornamented with plumes in their hair, rushed out of the \^oods to oppose a descent upon their shores. The Indians explained to these women that the Spaniards only wanted food and water, and would give somethinoj valuable for it. The Amazons ac- cordingly referred them to their husbands, who were a little way off. I call these women Amazons, be- cause in ancient fables it is related that somewhere in western Asia lived a nation of warlike women called Amazons, who expelled men from their terri- tory and defended themselves like the Carib women. Perhaps the Amazons of antiquity, like the Carib women, had husbands, who went out to hunt and COLUMBUS AT CADIZ. 159 employ themselves abroad, and obliged their wives to protect their homes against savage neighbours. The report of fire-arms terrified even the Caribs, and they no sooner heard it than they fled to the woods, leaving their habitations deserted. Columbus sent forty men, well armed, to explore the island ; they returned the next day, bringing with them ten women und three boys, whom they had taken. The women were large and strong, and wore their hair flowing. One of them was the wife of a cacique. Columbus soon after dismissed these prisoners ; but the female cacique chose to remain on board the ships with the natives of Hispaniola. The ships did not reach Cadiz ti-1 the llth of June, after a voyage of three months. By the beginning of June, so great was the scarcity of provisions, that some of the Spaniards proposed to kill and eat the Indians, or to throw them into the sea, as so many expensive and useless mouths. In the course of this voyage died the unhappy Caonabo. On arriving at Cadiz, Columbus found three ves- sels in the harbour, ready to sail witl supplies for the colony. The commander was Pedro Alonzo Nino. By this opportunity, Columbus wrote to the adelan- tado, urging him to endeavour to keep peace in the island, and to make the country as productive as possible. It was quite apparent that the Spanish nation had become indifferent to the acquisition of the new world, and dissatisfied with Columbus ; but the sovereigns welcomed him on his arrival with a gracious letter ; and, in despite of the calumnies of Maigarite and Father Boyle, gave him a favourable reception at Burgos, and promised to aid him in the prosecution of more extensive discoveries. For this purpose Columbus asked eight ships ; two to carry supplies to Hispaniola, and six to go on an 160 DECEPTION OF NINO. exploring voyage. The sovereigns granted his request, and in the autumn of 1496, ordered a sum equivalent to eighty-seven thousand dollars to be advanced for such an appropriation. Just as the sum was about to be paid to Columbus, Nino arrived at Cadiz, and made a public declaration that he had brought with him a large amount of gold. The king of Spain needed the money which had been granted to Colum- bus to repair the fort of Salza, and expended it for that object, at the same time giving Columbus an order upon Nino for the same amount. In the month of December following, it was dis<- covered that Nino had no gold. His pretence for saying so, was a number of Indians he had brought with him, whom he presumed might be sold for large sums. Columbus was grievously disappointed at this miserable deception, and hardly knew where to look for assistance. The resources of ?pain were often so foolishly expended, that no money for use- ful purposes could be afforded. An eminent instance of this prodigality was exhibited at this very time. While Columbus was vainly suing for a few thousands, a magnificent armada of upwards of a hundred ships, having on board twenty thousand persons, was despatched to convoy the princess Juana to Flanders to be married to Philip, archduke of Austria, and to bring back his sister Margarita, the destined bride of Prince Juan. In the spring of 1497, the queen of Spain, for the king was much less engaged in his behalf, procured an ample grant of money to aid the projects of Columbus. It was also ordered that three hundred and thirty persons, some gentlemen and others labourers, should accompany him to the colony, and be paid for their services out of the royal treasury. So unpopular, however, had Columbus become in THIRD VOVAGE OP COLUMBUS. 161 Spain, that he was forced to carry malefactors out to the colony, and forcibly to take ships and men for this service. The custom of that age permitting the public authorities to seize vessels for public uses, and to pay for them what should be thought right. Various delays, besides the difficulty of obtaining ships and men, hindered Columbus from proceeding on his intended voyage ; these were the opposition of the bishop Fonseca, and persons engaged in his service. Fonseca had the charge of money to be expended in foreio;n enterprises ; but detesting Co- lumbus, he could hinder him from proceeding in his business, by keeping money a long time from his use. He did so, and Columbus was forced to bear this unworthy treatment. Before Columbus departed on his third voyage, he was allowed the right of establishing an hereditary succession to his titles and estates, and he shortly after made a testament, or will, securing his property to his descendants, enioining upon his representative always to sign himself " The \dmiral." All the dignities conferred upon the adelantado by his brother, were confirmed by the Spanish sovereigns. On the 30th of May, 1498, Columbus set sail from Spain with his squadron of six vessels, taking a course farther to the south than the latitude of Hispaniola. On the 21st of June, being at the island of Gomera, Columbus divided his ships, send- ing three with provisions to the colony, and retaining the other three to prosecute a voyage of discover}'. Proceeding to the southwest, on the 13th of July, he found himself in what are called the calm latitudes — the region extending eight or ten degrees on both sides of the equator. The trade winds from the southeast and northeast meet and destroy the force of each other, so that a profound calmness of air and water 14* 1G2 TROPIC SEA prevails. " The whole sea is like a mirror, and ves- sels remain almost motionless, with flapping sails, the crew panting under the heat of a vertical sun, unmitigated by any refreshing breeze. Weeks are sometimes expended in crossing this torpid tract of the ocean. "The weather, for some time past, had been cloudy and oppressive ; but on the 13th, there was a bright and burning sun. The wind suddenly fell, and a dead, sultry calm commenced, which lasted for eight days. The air was like a furnace ; the tar melted ; the seams of the ships yawned ; the salt meat became putrid ; the wheat was parched as if with fire ; the hoops shrunk from the water and wine casks, some of which leaked and others burst ; while the heat in the holds of the vessels was so suffocating, that no one could remain below a sufficient time to prevent the damage that was taking place. The mariners lost all strength and spirits, and sunk under oppressive heat." Read Mr. Coleridge's description of this region from the "Ancient Mariner;" — " The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew, The furrow streamed off free ; We were the first that ever burst Into that silent sea! Down dropt the breeze, the sails dropt down, 'Twas sad as sad could be ; And we did only speak to break The silence of the sea ! All in a hot and copper sky, The bloody sun, at noon, — Right up the mast, the sun did stand No h'lgger than the moon ! TRINIDAD. 163 Day after day, day after day, We felt, nor breath nor motion — As idle as a painted ship Upon a painted ocean ! Water, water, every where, And all the boards did shrink ! Water, water, every where, And not a drop to drink !" From a state like this, "the ships all at once emerged into a genial region, and a pleasant cooling breeze came creeping over the sea and gently filled the sails." The provisions on board being spoiled, and the water nearly spent, the admiral and his crews looked anxiously for land, which, on the 31st of July, they were rejoiced to discern. Three lofty eminences lifted themselves above the horizon, the base of which proved to be an island. This island lies near one of the mouths of the Orinoco, at the entrance of the Gulf of Paria. Columbus called it Trinidad, in English, Trinity. Two capes on the west side of Trinidad approach near to the continent, since called South America, and the island is separated from the continent by two straits ; one to the northwest, called by Columbus the Dragon's Mouth, and the other to the south, the Serpent's Mouth. On the first approach to Trinidad, Columbus found it difficult to obtain any acquaintance with the natives, but on Monday, the 6th of August, some of them were allured to the ships, and treated with the admiral's usual benignity. " They were tall of stature, finely formed, and free and graceful in their movements. Their hair was long and straight ; some wore it cut short, but none of them braided it, as was the custom of the natives of Hispaniola. They were armed with bows, arrows, and targets. The men wore cotton cloths about their heads and loins, beautifully wrought 164 PEARL FISHERY. with various colours, so as at a distance to look like silk, but the women were entirely naked." These people, like all the savages of the new world, gave abundantly of the productions of their soil to the Spaniards. These savages appeared to judge of every thing by the odour of it : when they approached a boat, they smelt to it, and then to the people. When some of the Spaniards went ashore, the islanders, headed by the cacique and his son, wel- comed, and almost worshipped them. They were^ conducted to a large house, the dwelling of the ca- cique, and were banqueted with delicious fruits, and a beverage resembling beer. It does not appear, that any intoxicating liquor originated with the natives of the new world. At the banquet at the cacique's house, the men collected at one end of the building and the women at the other. No pure gold was to be seen at Trinidad. Among these people, the Spaniards chiefly coveted the strings of pearls, which encircled their arms. A considerable quantity of pearls was obtained from them, and sent to the king and queen. The natives said they were obtained from the immediate vicinity of a coast to the northwest. Passing out of the Dragon's Mouth, and sailing westward along the north west coast of Paria, on the 15th of August Columbus discovered the island of Margarita. Near Margarita the natives were fishing for pearls, and they were easily persuaded to exchange some for articles of no real value. In one instance, a plate of coarse Valencia porcelain was broken up, and the pieces exchanged for beautiful pearls. By such bargains several pounds' weight were obtained, and sent to Spain as specimens. Columbus would gladly have pursued his discoveries along this coast, but the state of his health compelled him to return to A CONTINENT. 165 Hispaniola. If you look upon the map, westward from the island of Trinidad, you will perceive that Columbus was in the Caribbean Sea, near the north coast of South America. The existence of that continent was not then ascertained, but Columbus presumed that it was a continent, and not an island, from this circumstance : The water of the Gulf of Paria was not salt like the ocean, and appeared to receive a vast influx of fresh water from the South. Columbus conceived, that this fresh water was the outpouring of some great river. As rivers are collections of many smaller streams into one, which contains the whole of the tributary or original waters, all flowing from springs in the earth, and from mountains ; Columbus knew that a small tract of land can only supply small streams of water, and that a large body of fresh, or river water, must proceed from a large extent of land. This large extent of land is a continent. He, there- fore, believed, that the coast of Paria was part of a continent, and he was right. The water which flowed into the Gulf of Paria, proceeded from the river Orinoco, which you know is the northernmost of the three great rivers of South America. CHAPTER XV. Columbus had sailed from Hispaniola, March 1st, 1496 : after his third voyage he arrived at the mouth of the Ojema, August 30, 1498. Two years and a half had elapsed in his absence, and he was greeted on bis return, with the sincerest pleasure and warmest l-Be EEHECHIO. affection, by his brother, Don Bartholomew. The adelantado had put into execution the orders he had received, to work the mines, collect the tribute, and commence a settlement on the south side of ths island. This settlement, at first called Fort St. Domingo, gradually increased to the city, at present known as St. Domingo. To effect the security of the Spanish power in the island, Don Bartholomew caused five militarij posts to be established between Isabella and Fort St. Domingo, and placed in them a sufficient number of men for the defence of each station. As the Spaniards did not employ themselves to any extent in husbandry, they were, at this time, often in want of food; for the provisions brought out by IVino, had been injured in the transportation. The Indians no longer gave freely from their stores, and the adelantado was forced to reside for a month in the Vega, with four hundred men, to collect tribute, and obtain food from Guarionex, the cacique of that country. Xaragua, which comprehended the penin- sula of Tiburon, and the whole coast at the west of the island, had not yet been visited by the conquerors. It was governed by the cacique Behechio, who lived i peaceably and happily in his dominions, undisturbed I by the exactions of the Spaniards. The adelantado knew the fertility of this province, and determined to participate in its resources. In order to take measures for obtaining tribute he paid a visit to Behechio. In passing through those parts of the island which the Europeans had not visited, the adelantado took care to strike the minds of the natives with awe and admiration. The horsemen advanced first, and the whole progress of the Spaniards was attended by /lying banners, and the sound of the drum and ANACAONA. 1&7 trumpet. Behechio met the adelantado. He was attended with a great army of his subjects, armed in the manner of the country. If Behechio had received intelHgence of Don Bartholomew's en- trance into his dominions, and had intended to resist his advance, the sight of the Spanish troops at once daunted his resohition, and he met the adelan- tado respectfully. The latter informed the cacique that he had come into his domain to pass a little time with him in friendly intercourse, and the cacique made him welcome, dismissed his army, sent forward intelligence to his subjects of the adelantado's approach, and proceeded with him to the place of his residence. The adelantado was cordially received by the cacique's sister, Anacaona, the widow of Caonabo. This native princess, was one of the most beautiful and intelligent women of the new world, her name, in the Indian language, signified I'lower of Gold. She possessed a superior genius, and judgment ; was skilled in the composition of the areytos, or ballads, which the natives chanted to the measure of their national dances, and, discerning the superiority of civilized over savage men, admired the Spaniards, notwithstanding they had injured her countrymen. Anacaona counselled ber brother to take warning from the fate of Caonabo, and to cultivate their friendship. Caonabo's hostility to them, had brought their vengeance upon him, and the most dreadful misfortunes in consequence : a prudent and peace- able conduct would be the proper means to avoid similar disasters. Anacaona prepared to receive her brother and his guests in a suitable manner. " As they ap- proached the place, thirty females of the cacique's {louychold, came forth to meet them, singing their 168 INDIAN FEAST. areytos, dancing, and waving palm-branches. The married females wore aprons of embroidered cotton, reaching half way to the knees ; the young women were entirely naked, with merely a fillet round the forehead, their hair falling on their shoulders. They were beautifully proportioned, their skin smooth and delicate, and their complexion of a clear and agreeable brown. The Spaniards, when they beheld them issuing forth from their green woods, almost imagined they heheld the fabled dryads, or native nymphs and fairies of the fountains, sung by the ancient poets. "^^ hen they came before Don Bartholomew, they knelt, and gracefully presented him the green branches. " After these, came the female cacique, Anacaona, reclining on a kind of light litter, borne by six. Indians. Like the other females, she had no other covering than an apron of various coloured cotton. . She wore round her head a fragrant garland of red :ind white flowers, and wreaths of the same round lier neck and arms. She received the adelantado and his followers with that natural grace and courtesy for which she was celebrated ; manifesting no hos- tility towards them for the fate her husband had received at their hands." This reception was follow- ed by a fea.^t as liberal as the country could afford,]! and, for two days, Behechio ordered every thing to be j( offered to the Spaniards for their accommodation and amusement. One of the exhibitions of the Indians, was a mockl fight. Two squadrons, naked, but armed, appeared in the public square, and comencing a skirmish in sport, ended it in blood. Four of their number were slain, and more might have fallen, but the adelanta- do, and other cavaliers, interfered, and put a stop to this game. When the festivities had ceased, the GlTAIlIOiNEX. 169 . I lelantado informed the cacique and his sister, that ; ;^ brother the admiral, and himself, had been ; ^pointed by the sovereigns of Spain to govern the t land, and to protect and defend its princes ; that he had come into Xaragua to take that province under his care, and that he required such a share of its pro- ductions, as was paid by the other caciques. Behc- chio declared, that he had no gold — his subjects hardly knew it — but that cotton and other products of the soil, were at the command of the Spanish viceroy, and should be ready for his acceptance at regular times. So cheerfully and meekly did this unfortunate race submit to the will of their invaders, when that will was announced with even the show of humanity. When Don Bartholomew returned to the settle- ment, he found his people, as usual, discontented, and not long after, an open insurrection broke out among the Indians. With Father Boyle came from Spain two friars, who were more anxious to make proselytes than their principal — these remained in the island after Father Boyle had returned. They were parti- cularly desirous to convert Guarionex, the cacique of the Vega, and succeeded so far as to make him and his whole family repeat the Pater noster (Lord's prayer) and creed daily. The neighbouring caciques derided Guarionex for this mean conformity, as they consi- dered it, to the customs of strangers. At the same time, some of the Spaniards took away the cacique's wife. Guarionex felt that these intruders had brought upon him the contempt of his countrymen, and the ruin of his family, and he indignantly returned to the religion of his ancestors, detesting the Catholic faith as a rehgion of wicked men. The missionaries find- ing they could make no converts in the Vega, remov- ed to another territory, taking with them one Indian 15 il'O SACRILEGE AND HERESY, convert, who had been baptized by the name of Juan Mateo. Before their depeirtiire, the missionaries caused to be erected a small chapel furnished with an altar, a crucifix, and images for the use of the fami- ly of Mateo. They were scarcely gone, when several Indians broke into the chapel, seized the images, trampled them under foot, and buried them in a neighbour- ing field. According to the notions of the Catholics, any disrespect to images used as objects of religious worship, is a crime called sacrilege, and deserves nothing less than death. To disbelieve the Catholic faith, they called heresy, and they considered heresy a crime of the same magnitude as sacrilege. At this period Mr. Irving says — " In Spain, all heresies in religion, all recantations from the faith, and all acts of sacrilege, either by Moor or Jew, were punished with fire and faggot. Such was the fate of the poor ignorant Indians, convicted of this outrage on the church." This means that they were surrounded with lighted faggots and burned to death. This manner of expressing zeal for our faith, is directly against the teacliing of the Gospel, and the example of Christ and his apostles. Guarionex was bitterly incensed against the Spaniards, for this treatment of his subjects, and being counselled by the neighbouring chiefs to revenge it, he conspired with them to rise upon the Spaniards, and massacre them on the day appointed for them to pay tribute. By some means, information of this conspiracy was conveyed to Fort Concep- tion, the Spanish fortress in the Vega, and information of it sent to the adelantado. You will be diverted at the expedient which the Spaniards devised to communicate their danger to their country- men at St. Domingo. They employed an Indie- ;^ INDIAN MESSENGER. 171 messenger whom they could trust ; but it was most probable that he would be stopped by some of the natives on his way, and, if a letter should be found in his possession, they would suspect him of aiding a treacherous plan of their enemies, for the natives had discovered, that those letters had a won- derful power of communicating intelligence — they fancied they could talk. The letter was, therefore, enclosed in a reed, which you know is hollow, and the Indian used it as a staff. The messenger was indeed stopped on the way, but affected to be dumb and lame. He spoke only by signs, intimating that he was returning to his home, and, leaning on his staff, limped along with extreme difficulty. He was suffered to depart, and dragged himself feebly forward imtil out of sight, when he resumed his speed, and I) ore the letter safely and expeditiously to St. Domingo. As soon as the adelantado got this information, he set out with a body of troops for the Vega. The Indians, to the amount of many thousands, were as- sembled under their respective caciques, waiting for an appointed moment to seize Fort Conception, and massacre the garrison. The adelantado learned from some of the Spaniards at Fort Conception, in what manner the caciques had disposed of their forces, and where each chief was stationed. Guarionex, and the other caciques, not dreading the approach of an enemy, lay down to sleep. At midnight, the Spaniards, being directed how to proceed by the adelantado, surprised and made the caciques prison- ers, without any effusion of blood. Guarionex was taken by the adelantado in person. Don Bartholo- mew thought it his duty to make examples of two of the chiefs, and caused them to be put to death ; but lio forgnve Gnarione:>{: and the rest of the insurgent 172 PEACE RESTORED. chiefs. Guarionex was so affected by the generosity of the adelantado, that he exhorted his countrymen cheerfully to submit themselves to the Spanish power. So well were they pleased with their chief's discourse on this occasion, that they took him up with transport on their shoulders, bore him to his habitation with songs and shouts of joy, and, for some time, tlie tranquillity of the Vega was restored. Don Bartholomew had caused two vessels to be built for the use of the colony. At a proper time he sent one of these vessels to the province of Xaragua, to take in tribute, Behechio having in- formed him, that the cotton, and other articles, agreed upon, were ready for his acceptance. The adelantado, accompanied by a numerous train, set out by land for Xaragua, and were very cordially received by Behechio and Anacaona. Thirty-two inferior caciques were waiting to offer their re- spective portions of the tribute. Anacaona pro- posed to her brother, that they should go to behold the great canoe of the white men. On their way to the coast, the adelantado was lodged at the house where Anacaona treasured up all those articles, which she esteemed most valuable. The treasures of Anacaona consisted of various manufactures of cotton, curiously wrought ; of chairs, tables, and other articles of furniture, formed of ebony and other kinds of wood, carved withi figures and devices ; and of household utensils, some^ of clay, others of wood, all evincing great skill and ingenuity in a people who had no iron tools to work with. Such were the simple treasures of this Indian princess, of which she generously made numerous presents to her guests." Anacaona was infinitely delighted with the ship, and, though terrified when the cannon fired a salute, the adelantado soon satis-l'^ ROLDAN. 173 tied her and her attendants, that they were in no dan- oer. Having loaded the ship, and sent her off, Don Bartholomew and his troops returned by land to Isa- bella, first taking an affectionate leave of Behechio, and his sister, and making them many presents. Anacaona was afflicted at the adelantado's departure, and drew from him a promise, that he would again visit Xaragua. When the adelantado arrived at Isabella, he found that settlement in confusion. In the absence of his brother, Don Diego Columbus was at the head of affairs, but the Spaniards never submitted themselves willingly to the authority of any of this family. The brothers, you know, were natives of Genoa, and the Spaniards ever considered them as intrusive foreigners. When the admiral arranged the civil order, as it was to subsist during his absence in Spain, one Francisco Roldan was made alcalde mayor, or chief judge of the island. Roldan was not satisfied with this honourable station, and longed, if it were practi- cable, to excite a general revolt against Don Barthol- omew and Don Diego. Roldan had been employed as a superintendent of p\iblic works, and had become acquainted with the lowest class of the colonists. These complained of the labours they were forced to undergo, and Roldan easily persuaded them that their toil was unnecessary, and inflicted upon them by the admiral and his brothers, who, he said, consi- dered the Spaniards as so many slaves, born to build houses and fortresses for their accommodation and defence, while they went about the island enriching themselves at the expense of the natives. Roldan, at the same time, represented, that if the adelantado could be removed, all the evils of which the Spaniards complained, would cease, and each 15* 174 ROLDAN. man might do what should be right in his own eyes. Roldan, however, intended to become their master, and to enrich himself. He was disappointed in a plan which he laid to take the life of Don Bartholomew, but he thought the time of his absence at Xaragua, afforded a convenient opportunity for him to deprive Don Diego of his authority, and to take it upon him- self. He meant to excite a public disturbance, and, at that time, to assume the direction of the colony. When the vessel which brought tribute from Xaragua had her cargo taken out, Don Diego order- ed her to be drawn up on the land, to remain till she should be required in the public service. Roldan told the colonists that Don Diego ordered the ship into this situation, because he was fearful that some of the people might take possession of her, and go off to Spain, in order to give information there of the oppressive government of the brothers. The people believed this false suggestion, and demanded the ship, that she might be sent to Europe for provisions. Don Diego told them she was not titted for so long a voyage, and refused to let them take her ; Roldan then instructed them to seize her, and to refuse all submission to the will of Don Diego. Don Diego thought it best to remove Roldan, and sent him with forty soldiers I to punish some Indians who had refused to pay: tribute. Roldan, instead of establishing the autho- rity of government, attached the Indians to his interests. While things were in this state the adel- antado returned from Xaragua roldan's hypocrisy. 175 CHAPTER XVI. KoLDAN did not think it prudent to contend with the adelantado : but having seventy able and fear- less men under his command, believed it to be practicable to seize Fort Conception, in the Vega. The caciques of the interior, whose tribute he promised to remit, offered their assistance to liis operations. Fort Conception was commanded by a loyal and able soldier, Miguel Ballester, who resisted his forces, and wrote to the adelantado for assistance. Don Bartholomew immediately re- paired to the fort, while Roldan and his men were at a village six miles distant. Don Bartholomew summoned Roldan to appear before him ; but the latter, though he attended the summons, made no accommodation with the adelan- tado. Finding himself unable to turn the better part of the settlers from their allegiance to the appointed authorities, Roldan proposed to his fol- lowers to establish themselves in the province of Xaragua ; but before he went thither he committed various outrages at Isabella, in the absence of Don Bartholomew, breaking into the royal store house, and taking ammunition, clothing, and whatever he and his rapacious associates wanted. In all this defiance of law and subordination, Roldan pretended to be " a redresser of grievances, and a champion of the injured." He professed to feel indignant that his countrymen should be subject to foreigners, and that the natives should suffer from the same oppressors. The latter, deceived by his hypocrisy, regarded him as a benefactor, and actually gave him more gold than was demanded afs tribute. 176 ASSISTANCE FRO?.I SPAIN. The disaffection of the colonists, and the open enmity of the caciques, had reduced Don Bartholo- jiiew to a desperate state, when Pero Fernandez Coronal arrived at the port of St. Domingo, with two ships from Spain, bringing with him suppUes of all kinds, and a strong reinforcement of troops, Nothing could have been more fortunate. Roldan repaired to St. Domingo to gain adherents among those who were newly arrived, but the adelantado was before him. Coronal was an honourable man, and those who had come out under his charge, were enjoined to submit themselves entirely to the adelantado. As soon as the latter had secured this new force, his generous nature meditated reconciliation with Roldan. Hearing that Roldan was only fifteen miles from St. Domingo with his band, the adelantado sent Coronal to exhort him to obedience, promising him, that his rebellious conduct should be forgiven. This generous offer was made in vain. Roldan pretended, that he would submit to the admiral, when he should arrive, but that he would never yield to his brother. Soon after he had made this declaration, Roldan with his adherents withdrew into the province of Xaragua. The Indians of the Vega had imbibed the enmity of Roldan against Don Bartholomew, and conspired together to expel him from their territory. In order to do this effectu- ally, they agreed to rise at an appointed time — the, season of the full moon, and put to death the garrison at Fort Conception, and all other Spaniards in the province. The Indians did not know how to count more than ten. They could not say, — in twenty days from this tlay, we will meet at a certain place, or begin a cer- tain undertaking, — they were obliged to fix on a time IGNORANCE OF THE INDIANS. of the mooii which would be visible to all, as the neio moon, or the full moon. When they wanted to express a precise number of men, or things, they had neither words nor figures, but they took grains of corn, and made one or more grains represent one or more individual object. I hope you understand this. One of the caciques, who did not excel any more in his observation of the heavens than in counting, did not exactly know when the moon was full, but mistaking the night, took up arms too soon, and act- ing without concert with the other Indians, did nothing but alarm the Spaniards, and put them upon the watch. The Indian who had deceived himself, on discovering his mistake, fled to Guarionex for pro- tection, but that chief, indignant at the stupidity of his confederate, killed him on the spot. The adelantado, hearing of this insurrection, pro- ceeded with a body of troops to the Vega. Guario- nex was informed of his approach, and feeling that the wliite men were too powerful for his wretched countrymen, abandoned his subjects and his fertile soil, and, taking his family with him, sought refuge in the mountains of Ciguay, which lay between the V^ega and the sea. The Ciguayans were a more warlike race of men than those of the plain. Their chief, Magobanex, received the fugitives with kind- ness, and promised to defend the unfortunate Gua- rionex, and to revenge his injuries. Aided by this ally and his hardy Ciguayans, Guarionex made several decents into the plain, and cut off some straggling parties of Spaniards. But this partial success was all. In the spring of 1498, the adelantado set forth with a body of ninety men, a few cavalry, and a body of Indians, to penetrate the fastnesses of the Ciguay mountains. As- vis-nal in such engagements, the num* 178 THE CHIEF MaGOBANKX bers of the Indians was of little avail against the supe- rior skill of a few Europeans. When the Spaniards encountered the Indians, they were " hideously paint- ed, and looking more like fiends than men, burst from tbeir concealment. The forest rang with their yells and bowlings. They discharged showers of arrows and lances," But, though some among the white men were terrified, others wounded, and a few killed, all this was but the last and unprofitable effort of a perishing race. The adelantado, having taken several prisoners in this campaign, made an offer of protection and friend- ship to Magobanex, if he would surrender the cacique of the Vega, " but threatening, in case of refusal, to lay waste his territory with fire and sword. The cacique listened attentively to the messenger. When he had finished, ' Tell the Spaniards,' said he, * that they are bad men, cruel and tyrannical, usurpers of the territories of others, and shedders of innocent blood ! I have no desire of the friendship of such men. Guarionex is a good man, he is my guest, he has fled to me for refuge, I have promised to protect him, and I will keep my word.' " The adelantado now pursued his plan of securing his power, by making all resistance from the natives impossible in future. He set fire to a few villages, and threatened others with a similar destruction. The unhappy Ciguayans entreated their chief to surrender Guarionex, but he was firm in his purpose of pro- tecting hun. Don Bartholomew was not less perse- vering, and proceeded with all his force to Cabron, where Magobanex and all his army were quartered. His subjects deserted Magobanex, and he fled with his family into a secret place in the mountains. Guarionex wandered about alone in the most desolate places, and concealed himself from the Cisuavans, TAKEN PRISONER. 179 some of whom considering him as the cause of their misfortunes, sought him in order to deliver him up to the enemy. The unfortunate caciques did not long remain in concealment. Two Spaniards, hunting that species of rabbits called utias, encountered two of the fol- lowers of I\Iagobanex, who were on their way to a. distant village in search of bread for the sustenance of the chief and his family. The Spaniards arrested the Indians, and delivered them to the adelantado. He compelled them to tell where the cacique had secreted himself, and to act as guides to the place. Twelve Spaniards accompanied them. These strip- ped themselves, stained and painted their bodies s© as to look like Indians, and wrapped their swords in palm leaves. Magobanex did not suspect himself to be in danger. He was found in his retreat sur- rounded by his wife and children, and a few faithful adherents : they were all conveyed to the adelantado. Soon afterwards Guarionex was taken. Guarionex expected nothing from the adelantadi> but death. Don Bartholomew thought it a sufficient security for the peace of the colony, that the two chiefs should be detained as prisoners, — and he gava their followers their freedom on condition that they would in future submit themselves to the Spanish government. Among the prisoners taken with Ma- gobanex was his sister, the wife of another cacique. This atlectionate woman had followed her ill-fated brother, leaving her own dominions, which the Spaniards had not yet penetrated, to wander among rocks and precipices that she might comfort him in his exile and affliction. When the husband of this woman heard that she was in captivity, " he was dis- tracted with grief, and hastening to the adelantado, • offered to submit himself and all his possessions to ISO EOLDAN. his sway, if his wife might be restored to him." The adelantado accepted his offer, and the cacique kept his word. This pacification was just accompUshed when Columbus returned to the colony. The state of the island was indeed distressing. A country which the admiral had discovered but four years before, populous, peaceful, and happy, was now involved in bloodshed and ruin, among the natives ; and with the usurpers of their rights there was neither prosperity nor virtue. In the prosecution of hostili- ties, the culture of the fields, the working of the mines, and the completion of public works, were abandoned. Hope, good faith, and public confidence were nowhere to be seen either in the countenances or the conduct of the Spaniards. The three vessels which Columbus had separated from hi^ squadron to convey provisions to the colony, were carried by the current west of the harbour of »St. Domingo, and at length driven to the coast of Xaragua. Roldan and his associates applied to the captains of the ships for such things as they stood in need of, swords, lances, and various other articles, and were furnished with them. You must remember that the people on board the ships, who were destined 5is labourers for the colony, were many of them criminals who had been taken from public punish- ment. Roldan found among them many ready to join him, and it was not till the third day after his arrival at Xaragua, that one of the captains, Alonzo de Caravajal, discovered that Roldan was a rebel, and that he was enticing the servants of the colony to sedition. This he did effectually, though Caravajal exhorted him to submit himself to the regular government. The admiral was alarmed when he became ac- quainted with the proceedings of Roldan, and to prevent any more of the disorderlv colonists from I LETTER OF COLUMBUS. 181 joining him, gave all, who were disposed, leave to return to Spain in five vessels then nearly ready to sail. The next intelligence of Roldan, was, that he had gone into the Vega. Columbus, on hearing this, commanded Ballester, the commander of Fort Conception, to be on his guard ; he, moreover, re- quested Ballester to meet Roldan, and assure him of his forgiveness, if he would abandon his treasonable designs. Roldan, and his party, stationed themselves at the village of Bonao, about sixty miles from St. Domingo. When Miguel Ballester heard that Roldan was in. the Vega, he went to remonstrate with him. Roldan would make no conditions with Ballester, but offered to treat with Caravajal. Columbus was now con- vinced that his situation was unsafe, and ordered the men at St. Domingo to appear under arms. Not above seventy obeyed this order; not more than forty were honestly attached to the admiral, and ready to defend his person and authority. Some pretended to be lame, and others sick, and some said they had friends in the service of Roldan, whom they would not fight against. On the 18th of October, the five vessels put to sea, and Columbus wrote to their majesties an ac- count of the rebellion. Roldan pretended, that he had only taken up arms to resist the oppressions of the adelantado ; the latter, therefore, entreated that Roldan might be summoned to Spain, to give an ac- count of himself. Columbus particularly requested, that ecclesiastics might be sent out to convert the Indians, and reform the Spaniards ; that a man ac- quainted with the laws, should be appointed judge in the island ; and that he might be permitted to send to Spain such disorderly persons as should disturb the peace of the community. 16 182 INDIAN SLAVES. It would neither interest nor entertain you, to be told all the embarrassments and mortifications which Columbus experienced in his protracted conflicts with Roldan. Open hostility between the contending par- ties, ended at length in a compulsory accommoda- tion. Columbus chose rather to establish peace in the colony than to contend for personal power. Roldan demanded a certificate of good conduct ; to be reinstated as chief judge ; and that to himself and his followers certain lands should be apportioned. Columbus granted all this, taking care to distribute the chief proprietors of these lands at convenient distances from each other. Those who received land also had the privilege of employing the Indians in cultivating it. It was per- mitted to the caciques, instead of paying tribute, to furnish their subjects to labour upon the soil for the benefit of the owners. These distributions of so many Indians to a certain extent of ground, werei called, in Spanish, repartimientos. The abuse which the Indians suffered from the cruel landholders, when ' there was no kind heart to pity, nor any law to re- dress their injuries, hastened their extermination. Columbus would now have returned to Spain, tol give a faithful account of the rebellion, and the com- pliances he had been forced to make, but he did not ' feel that all was safe. Two vessels sailed in October, and in them some of the followers of Roldan. Co- lumbus knew that these were enemies and false wit- nesses, and he feared they would misrepresent his conduct during the late difficulties. To prevent them from prejudicing their majesties, by the same conveyance he sent to court two of his friends, Miguel Ballester, and Garcia de Barrantes, and in- trusted them with the defence of his measures, an(i \fit\i a letter to the sovereigns. This letter request*e< li OJjaOA's EXPEDITION. 183 that suitable persons might be sent to the colony, to assist him in the government ; and tliat his son, Diego, still a page in the royal household, might also come out to him, as an aid and comforter, " as he felt liimself much broken and infirm." Columbus, about this time, the autumn of 1499, was disturbed by information, that four ships had arrived at the western part of the island. These, as was afterwards proved, were commanded by the famous Ojeda. It was not according to established regulations, that vessels should come to the island, and carry on any traffic, without reporting themselves to the admiral. When Columbus heard that Ojeda was in the island, without paying any respect to his authority, he thought proper to call him to account for his presumption. Roldan was appointed to this service. On the 29th of September, he arrived at the place where Ojeda's vessels lay, and found, that that daring adventurer was on shore, forty-five miles from his ships, and that he was attended by only fif- teen men, who were employed in making cassava bread. Roldan, with five and twenty resolute followers, intercepted Ojeda's return to the ships. The latter met him fearlessly. Roldan demanded why he had come to the island without reporting himself? Ojeda answered, that he had received a license from Fon- seca, the superintendent of Indian affairs, to prose- cute a voyage of discovery, and, his vessels being in distress, he had been compelled to put into harbour in order to repair his ships, and obtain provisions. It appeared, that when Columbus sent intelligence to Spain of his discovery of the coast of Paria, and, with it, specimens of pearls, the news inflamed the desires of many adventurers. Ojeda then applied to Fonseca for a Hcense to undertake a voyage oa his 184 AMERICO VE3PUC10. own account, and the superintendent readily granted it, though it stipulated, that he should not land upon any territory discovered by Columbus, prior to 1495. This condition left open to Ojeda the coast of Paria. The ships were fitted out at the cost of the adventur- ers, who were to pay a share of profits to the crown. Among the persons who accompanied Ojeda, was Americo Vespucio, whose name was afterwards given to the western continent. Ojeda's vessels sailed along the coast of South America, from the mouth of the Orinoco to the Gulf of Venezuela, and from thence to Hispaniola. This was then the most ex- tensive voyage that had ever been made. Roldan returned to St. Domingo, to inform the admiral of the result of his interview with Ojeda, and Ojeda navigated the coast of Xaragua, and landed in that province. Many of those who had been attached to Roldan, in his insurgent character, remained in this province, and represented to Ojeda, that the admiral owed them money, which he refused to pay. Ojeda had heard in Spain, from the enemies of Columbus, that he and his brother had oppressed the colonists. In consequence of such information, he believed what he now heard, and took part with these malcon- tents. He proposed to put himself at their head, to inarch with them to St. Domingo, and obtain redress for their grievances. These quarrelsome fellows, however, would not agree, but fell to blows among themselves. In the midst of their discord, Roldan appeared in the province, attended by a force from the admiral. Oje- da, though a brave man, did not choose to fight with- out any probable advantage, and, at this juncture, withdrew himself from the contest, made up a caval- gada, or . drove of Indian slaves, at some other dis- GUEVARA. IS5 trict of Hispaniola, or at Porto Rico, and, returning safely to Spain, sold the unhappy creatures at Cadiz. One circumstance which occurred to Roldan in this enterprise, deserves notice. When some of his former followers were apprised, that he had come into the province of Xaragua with an intention to frustrate their rebellious purposes, they laid a plan to waylay and kill him, but he disappointed them by taking care of himself. How wicked and selfish must their adherence to him have been, when they could turn from his service and become his mur- derers ! I have related to you the conspiracy of Roldan, and the insurgent attempt of Ojeda, but these were not the only oppositions to his authority, which dis- turbed the_ peace of Columbus. One of Roldan's late confederates, was Adrian de Moxica. This man had a cousin named Don Hernando Guevara. Guevara's conduct was so disorderly, that Columbus banished him from the island, and, after receiving sentence, he repaired to Xaragua, in order to embark with Ojeda for Spain. Ojeda had just sailed, when Guevara arrived there, consequently he was forced to remain. Guevara resided in the neighbourhood of Anacaona. That princess had a daughter called Higuaniota, with whom Guevara became acquainted, and whom he offered to marry. Anacaona, always an admirer of the Spaniards, agreed that her daugh- ter should wed Guevara. Roldan forbade the young man to form this connexion, and Guevara, against the orders of Roldan, repaired to the house of Ana- caona, and concealed himself there. In conse- quence of Roldan's opposition to his attachment, Guevara became his violent enemy. After Roldan and Columbus were reconciled, the followers of Roldan detested their late leader ; many 16* 186 CONSPIRACY AGAINST ROLDAN. of them remained in Xaragua, and were ready to listen to Guevara, and to take part in his quarrels. These wretches agreed to assist Guevara in liis revenge upon Roldari. They concerted to rise sud- denly upon him, and either to kill him, or to put out his eyes. Roldan was apprised of this project in time, — and seizing Guevara and his accomplices, sent intelligence to Columbus of the whole transac- tion. Moxica learning that his cousin was a prisoner, and awaited punishment from the admiral, took fire at the thought ; and, attaching to his service men as desperate as himself, " meditated not merely the rescue of his cousin, but the deaths of Roldan and the admiral." Columbus was at Fort Conception, when a deserter from the conspirators brought him intelligence of their designs. Prior to this, he had been all forbear- ance and lenity to his enemies ; but the time was come, when lenity would have been folly and pusil* lanimity, Columbus instantly armed himself and a few trusty servants, and friends, and proceeded to the place where the leaders of the conspiracy were. These guilty men, unsuspicious of their danger, were not in a state of defence, and were seized with- out delay, and carried to Fort Conception as prison-^ ers. Moxica was immediately put to death, and his accomplices kept in confinement. Those of the conspirators who were not taken, fled to Xaragua, but thither the adelantado pursued them, and some were taken and executed, while the rest were effec- tually dispersed. This was a necessary severity. If the lives of men who meditate the destruction of the military power or civil government under which they live, are spared, and they continue to reside in the country, the government is in danger. It may, sometimes, bo COMPLAINTS. 187 right to refuse obedience to unjust and tyi'annical laws and magistrates ; but those who rebel must always expect to become objects of severe treatment, and to exact submissions, or inflict punishments upon those who resist them. The exemplary justice of Columbus produced the best effects in the colony. The Spaniards began diligently to cultivate their lands, assisted by the labours of the natives, and every thing gave assurance of settled and regular prosperity. Columbus had desired ever since his return to Hispaniola to explore the regions of Paria, and to establish a fishery in the gulf, which he called the Gulf of Pearls. It is melancholy to learn, that at the very time when he appeared to have baffled his enemies, and had established a rightful and salutary authority in the island, he was destined to suffer the bitterest disappointments, and the most cruel indig- nities. CHAPTER XVII. The disaffected persons who had returned from the colony to Spain, were but too successful in pre- judicing the king against Columbus. His advocates, Ballester and Barrantes, had no weight against the representations of his enemies. The letters which Columbus addressed to the sovereigns, detailed little but rebellion and disorder in the public affairs ; and, as you have been told, the people had neglected the mines and the land, so that the expense of supporting the colony was derived in great part from Spain. Many persons had gone out to the island on condition Ik 188 COMPLAINTS. of being paid for certain services, and Columbus could not obtain money to satisfy their demands. Some of these disappointed men went home to Spain, where they clamoured loudly for their pay. These were generally people of the lowest class. " They found their way to the court at Grenada. They followed the king when he rode out, filling the air with their complaints. At one time, about fifty of these vagabonds found their way into the inner court of the Alhambra, under the royal apartments, holding up bunches of grapes as the meager diet left them by their poverty, and railing aloud at the deceits of Columbus, and the cruel neglect of the government. The two sons of Columbus happening to pass by, who were pages to the queen, they followed them with imprecations, exclaiming, ' There go the sons of the admiral, the whelps of him who discovered the land of vanity and delusion, the grave of Spanish Ai- dalgosP " — gentlemen of Spain. All these circumstances disposed the sovereigns to believe that Columbus and his brothers did not ad- minister the government intrusted to them, wisely and justly. Columbus had requested that a judge, learned in the law, should be sent out to settle differ- ences, though he desired that such an officer's duties and privileges should in no way encroach upon his own authority as viceroy. Ferdinand, in March, 1494, appointed an officer who should inquire into the disturbances at Hispaniola, and if he should ^nd Columbus and his brothers culpable, might take upoii himself the government, and send them to Spain. You have, I presume, good sense enough, young as you are, to know that none but a very generous and disinterested man would treat these suspected per- sons with justice, and respect ; and refrain from making himself their master, when he had a commis- THE NEW GOVERNOR. 189 sion to do so, if he chose. Absolute power is a trust ihw men can bear without abusing it. Don Francisco de Bobadilla, was thus appointed governor, and arrived at St. Domingo, August 23d, 1500. Columbus was in the Vega, regulating the confusion which remained after the suppression of Moxica's rebellion ; the adelantado was in the province of Xaragua ; and Don Diego remained at St. Domingo, as governor in the admiral's absence. As Bobadilla entered the harbour, he beheld on the shore, gibbets with dead bodies hanging upon them ; and before he landed, he learned that seven Spaniards had, that week, been hanged, and five more were awaiting the same fate. Intelligence that a redresser of wrongs had arrived from Spain spread every where, and all disaffected persons eagerly flocked to the new governor to complain, and magnify their discontents. The next day Bobadilla attended mass, and met at the church Don Diego, and other honourable men, as well as the principal part of the residents of St. Domingo. When the service was ended, Bobadilla caused his commission to be read. It authorized him to take the persons and property of whomsoevei he should think guilty of any misdemeanor, and to imprison or send to Spain any such real or imputed criminal. Bobadilla next demanded of Don Diego, the rebels whom he held in confinement. The latter replied it would be necessary to consult the admiral, and to transmit to him, then at Fort Conception, a copy of Bobadilla's instructions. Bobadilla re- fused to deliver such copy, and proceeded to read to the people other documents. One " ordering Columbus and his brothers to deliver up all fortresses, \ ships, and other royal property ; and another, appoint- ing him to demand of Columbus the payment of all 190 REMONSTRANCE. debts due to the colonists." The last brought over every one to ready submission. Bobadilla having thus established his claim to paramount authority, and set aside Don Diego, again demanded the prisoners. These rebels had been committed to the fortress of St. Domingo. This post was commanded by that Miguel Diaz, whose wife Catalina once governed in that place, and who had communicated to the adelantado the first knowledge he obtained of this region, of its mines, and its supe- rior advantages over the north side of the island. Diaz did not readily surrender the fort to Bobadilla, He had received his command, he said, from his lord, the admiral, and when he should return to St. Do- mingo, he would obey his orders. Bobadilla paid little attention to the denial of Miguel Diaz, but assailing the frail fortress with a rabble of low people, took possession of it, and committed the prisoners to the charge of an alguazil — in English, a constable — one Juan de Espinosa. Bobadilla took up his residence in the house of the admiral, and seized his arms, gold, plate, jewels, horses, books, and letters. To win the favour of the people he proclaimed a general license, for the term of twenty years, to seek for gold, requiring but one eleventh, instead of one third, which had been re- quired as due to government. At the same time,. Bobadilla declared that Columbus and his brothers should be deprived of all authority, and the admiral sent home in chains. When Columbus got intelligence of these transac- tions, he conceived Bobadilla to be acting under a limited commission from the sovereigns, which he was transgressing on account of his absence. He therefore wrote to Bobadilla, that he would soon re- turn to St. Domingo, and should shortly go to Spain, Fa,y,' J^>I COLUMBUS IN CHAINS. 191 and that all matters of dispute should be settled in due time, requesting Bobadilla to refrain from all ar- bitrary measures, till they could accommodate their respective functions. Still Columbus was dissatis- fied by this extraordinary assumption of power, but soon ascertained that it was authorized by their majesties, for he received a summons from Bobadilla that he should appear before him ; — with this sum- mons was delivered a brief letter from the sovereigns commanding him to submit implicitly to Bobadilla. Columbus did not hesitate to obey the royal man- date, and " departed almost alone and unattended to St. Domingo." No sooner did Bobadilla hear of his arrival, than he gave orders to have Columbus put in irons, and imprisoned. '* This outrage to a person of such dignified and venerable appearance, and such emi- nent merit, seemed for a time to shock even his enemies. When the irons were brought, every one shrunk from the task of putting them on him." — To fill the measure of ingratitude meted out to him, the person who at length clasped the manacles, was one of his own domestics. In this trial, Columbus manifested the sublimity of his character, by his exemplary patience, and his disdain of remonstra- ting with his persecutors. He looked calmly and confidently to the time when he should appear before the king and queen of Spain, and vindicate himself from all the slanderous charges which had been brought against him. The principal accusations were, that Columbus had resolved to cast off* the allegiance of Spain, and make himself sovereign of the countries he had discovered ; that he had inflicted unnecessary tasks and cruel punishments upon the Spaniards ; had granted short allowances of food, and kept back 192 ALONZO DE VILLEJO. their dues ; that he had waged unjust wars with the natives ; and had secreted pearls and other precious articles. His brothers were arrested and confined as accomplices with the admiral. It was an aggra- vation of their common misfortunes, that the three brothers were imprisoned separately, and not per- mitted to enjoy any intercourse. Bobadilla soon determined to send Columbus and his brothers to Spain ; but while they were in confinement, the common people in St. Domingo were allowed to express such noisy and indecent triumph at their downfall, that Columbus apprehended they would take his life, and that his name would go down to posterity dishonoured, and without vindica- tion. Vessels being in readiness, Alonzo de Villejo, an honourable man, was appointed to take charge of the prisoners, and conduct them to Spain. Bo- badilla instructed Yillejo, when he should arrive, to deliver Columbus and his brothers to Fonseca. Villejo, attended by a guard, went to the prison witii a design to convey the admiral to the ship. When Columbus beheld the officer and his attendant?; enter, "he thought it was to conduct him to the scaffold. * Villejo,' said he mournfully, ' whither are you taking me V ' To the ship, your excellency, to embark,' replied the other. ' To embark !' repeated the admiral earnestly ; ' Villejo ! do you speak the truth V ' By the life of your excellency,' replied the honest officer, * it is true.' With these words the admiral was comforted, and as one restored from death to life. " The caravels set sail early in October, bearing^ off Columbus, shackled like the vilest of culprits, amidst the hoots, and scoffs, and shouts of a mis- creant rabble, who took a brutal joy in heaping insults on his venerable head, and, as it were, sent FERNANDO COLUMBUS. 193 curses after him from the shores of the island he had so recently given to mankind. Fortunately the voyage was favourable and of but moderate duration, and was rendered less disagreeable by the conduct of those to whom he was given in custody. The worthy Tillejo, though in the service of Fonseca, felt deeply moved at the unworthy treatment of Columbus. The mas- ter of the caravel, Andreas Martin, was equally grieved ; they both treated the admiral with profound respect and assiduous attention. They would have taken off his irons, but to this he would not consent. * No,' said he proudly, ' their majesties commanded me by letter to submit to whatever Bobadilla should order in their name ; by their authority he has put upon me these chains ; I will wear them until they shall order them to be taken off, and I will preserve them afterward as relics and memorials of the reward of my services.' " ' He did so,' adds his son Fernando, * I saw them always hanging in his cabinet, and he requested that when he died they might be buried with him.' " When it was known in Cadiz, that Columbus had arrived there, a prisoner, and in chains, the people of that city, and of Seville, were roused to indignation at the treatment he had received. Columbus and his brothers, on their arrival, were placed under a magistrate of Seville, till the will of their ma.jesties concerning them should be made known. Bobadilla had collected a multitude of unfair documents con- cerning the prisoners, and sent them to the sove- reigns. 4.S soon as he was permitted, Columbus despatched a private letter from himself to a lady of the court, Donna Juana de la Torre. This letter contained a statement of the wrongs he had suffered, and from it the sovereigns first learned how much he had been injured. 17 194 COLUMBUS AT GRANADA. Isabella's generous heart was roused to indigna* tion against the enemies of Columbus, and melted with pity for his sufferings. Bobadilla's statement was not yet delivered, but without waiting for it, the king and queen wrote to Columbus, inviting him to court, and ordering a sum, equivalent to $8,538 of our money, to be advanced to defray his expenses. On the ITth of December, 1500, Columbus appear- ed at the court in the city of G ranada, " not as a man ruined and disgraced, but richly dressed and attend- ed by an honourable retinue. He was graciously received by their majesties." When the queen be- lield this venerable man approach, and thought on all he had deserved, and all he had suffered, she was moved to tears. Columbus finding himself thus kindly received by his sovereigns, and beholding the tears in the benign eyes of Isabella, was unable to restrain his long suppressed feelings ; — He threw himself upon his knees, and for some time could not utter a word for the violence of his tears and sobbing. The sovereigns expressed their displeasure at Bo- badilla's proceedings, and took no notice of the papers he sent to them in relation to the admiral. Columbus, after this favourable reception, trusted that he should not only be vindicated to the world, but restored to his viceroyalty, and that he should be en- abled to return in triumph to St. Domingo ; in this ! hope he was destined to disappointment. In 1495, the king of Spain granted a general license to private adventurers, to undertake voyages of discovery at their own expense. Besides Ojeda, Pedro Alonzo Nino, who has been mentioned before in this history, and Vincente Pinzon, who command- ed the Nina, in the first voyage of Columbus, made more extensive voyages to the new world, than DISCOVERIES EXTENDED. 195 Columbus had yet done, Pinzon discovered the Maragnon, since called the river of Amazons. There were, besides these, other navigators who followed the same course, and one, Pedro Alvarez de Cabral, a Portuguese, discovered the country of Brazil, which, since then, has belonged to Portugal. In 1497, Vasquez de Gama doubled the Cape of Good Hope ; and Sebastian Cabot, in the EngUsh service, discovered the northern section of the west- ern continent from Newfoundland to Florida. It is worthy of remark, that Cabral's destination was Ca- licut, and that in endeavouring to steer west of the calms, on the cOast of Guinea, he came in sight of Brazil. The Spanish navigators all brought home some of the productions of the respective countries to which they went, and splendid accounts likewise of their wonderful beauty and productiveness. These countries formed new dominions for the sovereigns of Spain ; and over all of them Ferdinand intend- ed to establish a general government, of which St. Domingo was to be the metropolis. This govern- ment was that of which Columbus had been dis- possessed. Ferdinand, though he admitted that Columbus was an injured man, and recalled Boba- dilla, thought proper to send out another individual to regulate colonial affairs, before Columbus should be reinstated : but he promised the admiral that after two years his government should be restored to him. You know that Bobadilla-s administration com- menced in rashness and violence — in disregard to the rights and happiness of good men, and in favour and indulgence to the evil and selfish passions of bad men. Selfish men never can obtain all they desire ; numbers wish for the same thing, and they quarrel to get possession of the thing they want, and hate the 196 OVANDO APPOINTED. individual who denies them what he has not to give. Such were the consequences of Bobadilla's misrule. But the quarrels of the Spaniards among themselves, and their ill-will to Bobadilla, were not the worst result of that governor's folly and imprudence. — The privilege which he gave to the Spaniards to search for gold, and to employ the natives to assist them, was sadly abused. Some of the Spanish colonists were convicts taken out of prison ; such persons were very unfit masters for the timid and simple islanders. These wretches exercised the most cruel tyranny. They insisted upon being attended by trains of servants. When they travelled, instead of using horses and mules, they obliged the natives to transport them upon their shoulders in hamacs, with others alongside, to bear umbrellas of palm leaves, to keep off the sun, and fans of feathers to cool them. Intelligence of all this soon reached Spain ; and the benevolent queen, moved at the wrongs of her Indian subjects, earnest- ly desired to recall Bobadilla. To supersede him, one Nicholas de Ovando was appointed governor of Hispaniola, and all other territories of those seas which had been claimed by the Spanish navigators. The commission of Ovando, instructed him to send home Bobadilla, to punish all offenders against the laws and against humanity, to enforce good order, and to promote the religious instruction of the natives. About this time, negro slavery in the West India islands commenced. After the west coast of Africa was made known to the Spanish and Por- tuguese, the natives of Africa sold their prisoners, taken in war, to the Spaniards and Portuguese. These brought home the negroes, and sold them iis slaves. When it was found to be necessary, that the Spaniards, in their mining operations, and PROJECT OF COLUMBUS. 197 in the culture of the soil, should have many la- bourers to assist them, it was permitted by the sovereigns of Spain, that the children of slaves, born in Africa, should be sent out as slaves to the colo- nists. From that time, the nations of Europe began to buy or steal natives of Africa, and take them in ship loads to the West Indies, to South America, and, at a later period, to the southern parts of our United States. •'-»h9@044««*' CHAPTER XVIII. OvANDo was attended to Hispaniola by seventy- Ihree married men, with their families, all of respec- table character ; and he was ordered to send away the idle and dissolute from the settlement. With this new population were carried arms, live stock, and whatever was necessary to supply the wants of the people. One ship of the fleet of Ovando was lost in a storm, the others arrived safely in St. Do- mingo on the 15th of April, 1502. Columbus re- mained in the city of Grenada for many months, but he was not fitted for an idle life. He heard of the riches brought home from India to Europe by the Portuguese, since the passage round the Cape had been accomplished, and he longed to procure similar benefits for Spain. He had observed a current of the Caribbean Sea to flow towards the west, and he believed that if he should follow its course, he should find the Indian Ocean in a direction contrary to that which Vasquez de Gama had taken. When Columbus laid his plan before the sove* 17* 398 LAST VOYAGE. reigns, they regarded it favourably. However they might doubt his abihties as a civil governor, they could not undervalue him as the greatest navigator of the age, and they readily provided for this fourth voyage. In this expedition, Columbus was permit- ted to take with him his brother, the adelantado, and his younger son, Fernando, then fourteen years of age. Just before his departure the sovereigns wrote him a letter, promising him, that all the benefits and privileges which had been ceded to himself and his descendants, in consequence of his discoveries, should be faithfully secured to them. "Besides which, they expressed their disposition to bestow far- ther honours upon himself, his brothers, and his chil- dren." On the 9th of May, 1502, Columbus sailed from Cadiz, on his fourth and last voyage of discovery. His squadron consisted of four small vessels. The crews amounted, in all, to one hundred and fifty men. He expected to find a passage from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean. He supposed there was a strait near where the isthmus of Darien actually exists. Supposing the globe to be much smaller than it is, and A.sia to extend much farther to the east than it does, he did not presume upon the existence of the Pacific Ocean. If this passage could have been found, Columbus designed nothing less than the cir- cumnavigation of the globe. He was now about sixty-six years old. Columbus, in the instructions which he received from the sovereigns, in respect to his voyage, had been forbidden to touch at Hispaniola ; but, the con- dition of his principal vessel made it desirable for him to exchange her for a better. Such a one he presumed might be obtained from the fleet which had attended Ovando. You ought to be informed in what eobadilla's return. 199 manner that governor had been received at Hispan- iola. Ovando vvas respectfully treated by Bobadilla, and the chief men of St. Domingo. His commission was soon made known, and his authority acknow- ledged in the colony, and Bobadilla made ready to return to Spain, with the fleet of Ovando. The lat- ter was to be accompanied by Roldan, and some of the disorderly persons who had so actively disturbed the peace of the colony. Among those who were to sail in the principal ship, was the unfortunate Guari- onex, the once powerful cacique of the Vega. He was now a captive and in chains. Bobadilla had collected an immense amount of gold for the Spanish government, which was to be shipped in the fleet ; and other adventurers had amassed great quantities of the same metal, obtain- ed by the sufferings of the unhappy natives. The fleet was ready for sea, when, on the 28th of June, the squadron of Columbus arrived off St. Domingo. The admiral immediately requested of Ovando a vessel to supply the place of a defective one in his possession. Ovando refused to grant this request. Columbus then desired permission to remain a short time with his squadron in the harbour, as he foresaw one of the violent storms, common to those latitudes. Ovando refused this favour also. It was grievous to Columbus, and his followers, to be denied shelter from the elements, in a part of the world which the former might almost call his own. Columbus, himself repulsed from a secure haven, took a generous interest in the preservation of his enemies. Though the weather was fine, he knew the signs of an impending tempest, and sent a mes- sage to the governor, entreating him to detain the fleet until the storm should be over. The seamen and pilots derided this caution, and the fleet of Bo- 200 GUANAJA ISLAND. badilla ventured to sea. Within two days, the predic- tions of Columbus were verified. The storm was terrible. Many of the ships were lost ; some re- turned to St. Domingo ; and only one continued her voyage to Europe. Bobadilla, Koldan, and Guari- onex, perished, and, with them, were swallowed up the ill-gotten treasures gained by the miseries of the Indians. The squadron of Columbus did not es- cape unhurt, but no lives were lost, and, at length, they arrived safe at Port Hermoso, west of St. Do- mingo. The weather becoming favourable, Columbus steered to the southwest, and, on the 30th of July, he discovered the small island of Guanaja, one of a group east of the Gulf of Honduras. ♦' The ade- lantado, with two launches full of people, landed on the principal island, which was extremely verdant and fertile. The inhabitants resembled those of the other islands, excepting that their foreheads were narrower. While the adelantado was on shore, he beheld a great canoe arriving as from a distant and important voyage. He was struck with its magnitude and contents. It , was eight feet wide, and as long as a galley, though formed of the trunk of a single tree. In the centre was a kind of awning or cabin of palm leaves, after the manner of those in the gondolas of Venice, and sufficiently close to exclude both sun and rain. Under i this sit a cacique with his wives and children. Twenty- | five Indians rowed the canoe, and it was filled with all | kinds of articles of the manufacture and natural pro- duction of the adjacent countries. It is supposed that this bark came from the province of Yucatan, which is about forty leagues distant from this island. *' The Indians in the canoe appeared to have no fear of the Spaniards, and readily went alongside of the admiral's caraveU Columbus was overjoyed at NATIVES OF YUCATAN. 201 thus having brought to him at once, without trouble or danger, a collection, as it were, of specimens of all the important articles of this part of the new world. He examined with great curiosity and interest the contents of the canoe. Among various utensils and weapons similar to those already found among the natives, ho perceived others of a much superior kind. There were hatchets for cutting wood, formed not of stone, but copper ; wooden swords, with channels on each side of the blade, in which sharp flints were firmly fixed by cords made of the intestines of fishes ; being the same kind of sword afterwards found among the Mexicans. There were copper bells, and other articles of the same metal, together with a rude kind of crucible in which to melt it ; various vessels and utensils, neatly formed of clay, of marble, and of hard wood ; sheets and mantles of cotton, worked and dyed with various colours ; great quantities of cacao, a fruit as yet unknown to the Spaniards, but which, as they soon found, the natives held in great estimation ; using it both as food and money. " There was a beverage, also, extracted from maize, or Indian corn, resembling beer. Their pro- visions consisted of bread made from maize, and roots of various kinds, similar to those of Hispaniola. From among these articles, Columbus selected such as were important to send as specimens to Spain, giving the natives European trinkets in exchange, with which they were highly satisfied. They appeared to manifest neither astonishment, nor alai'm, when, on board of the vessels, and surrounded by people who must have been so strange and wonderful to them. The women wore mantles, with which they wrapped themselves, hke the female Moors of Gra- nada, and the men had cloths of cotton around thei? loins." 202 CAPE GRACIAS A BIOS. I have told you, that the place where Columbus expected to discover a strait, was where the isthmus of Darien was afterwards discovered. This lies southeast of the island of Guanaja. Thither he directed his course. At one place on the coast of Honduras, the adelantado landed, and took posses- sion in the name of their Catholic majesties. But, during forty days, the squadron was often in imminent danger, from a succession of violent storms. They arrived on the 14th of September, at a cape where a favourable change in the weather occurred, and the admiral, to commemorate this sudden relief from toil and peril, gave to the cape the name of Gracias a Dios, or Thanks to God. After doubhng the cape, Columbus sailed directly south, along what is now called the Musquito Shore Finding his ships much injured by the recent storms Columbus cast anchor between an island and the main land, immediately opposite to an Indian village, named Cariari, situated on the bank of a beautiful river. The inhabitants of this place, at first sight of the Europeans, appeared to be afraid of them, and prepared to defend themselves with bows, arrows, and war-clubs. But gifts from the admiral soob disarmed them, and they became perfectly assured and friendly. " For several days, the squadron remained at thif place ; during which time, the ships were examinee and repaired, and the crews enjoyed repose and th( recreation of the land. The adelantado, with { band of armed men, made excursions on shore, t( collect information. There was no pure gold to b« met with here ; ail their ornaments were of guanin but the natives assured the adelantado, that in pro (ceeding along the coast, the ships would soon arriv at u country where gold was in great abundance. J] PORTO BELL(5. 203r examining one of the villages, the adelantado found, in a large house, several sepulchres. One contained a human body, embalmed. In another, there were two bodies wrapped in cotton, and so preserved as to be free from any disagreeable odour. They were adorned with the ornaments which had been most precious to them when living ; and the sepulchres were decorated with rude carvings and paintings, representing various animals, and sometimes what appeared to be intended for portraits of the deceased. Throughout most of the savage tribes, there appears to have been great veneration for the dead, and an anxiety to preserve their remains undisturbed." On the 5th of October, the squadron sailed from Cariari, and pursued an easterly course along what is at present called Costa Rica, (or the Rich Coast.) All along this coast to Veragua, abundance of gold was exhibited by the natives, and readily exchanged for the trifles which the Spaniards usually gave for it. These Indians were hostile to the strangers at first, but their good will was easily purchased. Their language, however, was so different from that of the islanders, that Columbus was unable to understand it, and their signs were interpreted by the Spaniards as intimations of a country of great riches to the west — it might have been Peru. Columbus con- ceived, that the readiest way to get to that rich country, was through his imaginary strait, so he ne- glected to explore Veragua, and sailed in search of it. Columbus, proceeding eastward, discovered, on the 2d of November, an excellent harbour, which he named Porto Bello. "It is one of the few places, along this coast, which retains the appellation given it by the illustrious discoverer." Here the vessels* were pierced in all parts by worms, which abound in those warm seas. They are of the si7;e of a finger, 204 THE RIVER BELEN^. and bore through the stoutest planks and timb< and soon destroy any ships that are not well coppere.i,, Columbus stopped at different harbours in this east- erly course, but discovered no country so rich in gold as Veragua, though he found some tracts more truly enriched by nature ; " not covered with thick forests, but open and cultivated, with houses within a bow shot of each other ; surrounded by fruit trees ; groves of palms, and fields prsvducing maize, vegetables, and the delicious pine-apple ; so that the whole neigh- bourhood had the mingled appearance of orchard and garden." After the discovery of Porto Bello, Columbus, for a short time, pursued the search for the strait, but no indications of it appearing, he thought it best to return to Veragua. The passage thither was long and dan- gerous, being interrupted by the violent storms pecu- liar to that part of the globe. Two rivers of that country, the Veragua and the Belen, empty them- selves into the sea near each other. The Belen, having the greatest depth, and the most convenient anchorage, Columbus, on the 9th of January, 1503, stationed his vessels near its mouth, and endeavoured to obtain some knowledge of the neighbouring coun- try and its inhabitants. The name of the cacique was Quibia, and with him and his people the adelan- tado commenced a friendly traffic, exchanging worth- less baubles for gold. Soon after the adelantado, and a number of men with hmi, explored the domi- nions of several of the petty princes of the country, and found in the whole tract abundance of gold. Columbus thought this a suitable place to found a ' settlement, and establish a mart for future trade in gold, and other products of a vast and rich country. On consulting with his brother, it was agreed, that the adelantado should remain here with eighty men. DiEGO MENDEZ. 205 and Columbus should return to Spain, to procure other colonists. The adelantado and his men, took up their residence not far from the river Belen, and commenced building houses. The houses were formed of wooden poles, driven into the ground, and covered with the large and thick leaves of the palm-tree. But an unforeseen circumstance hindered the departure of Columbus. The Belen was sometimes swollen with torrents, caused by rains, which rushed into it with such violence that the ships were in danger ; and, afterwards, the waters, pouring out into the sea, left the bed of the river so shallow, that the vessels in it would not float, but stuck in the sands. Thus fixed. Columbus was obliged to wait till the return of rain should enable him to get to sea. In the mean time, the cacique Quibia, more saga- cious in his anticipations than the islanders, was dis- pleased with this encroachment upon his territory ; and communicated his uneasiness to the neighbouring caciques ; persuading them, at the same time, to join with him to surprise and burn the ships and houses, and make a general massacre of the Spaniards. No suspicion of such a design was entertained by the admiral and his brother, till Diego Mendez, a man ardently devoted to the interests of the admiral, and the success of his plans, carefully observing the mo- tions of the Indians, suspected them of hostile inten- tions. Mendez informed Columbus of his suspicions, and offered to go into the Indian camp, which lay on the river Veragua, to make observations. This was a dangerous service. One defenceless man, in the midst of a multitude of provoked savages, could hardly expect to escape with his life. But there are men who love danger, because it calls into exercise the strongest energies of their minds. Proceeding along the shore, about three miles from IS 206 Q.UIBIA. the river, Mendez saw collected a thousand warriors, in battle array, and supplied with provisions, as for an expedition. Mendez hastened back to the admiral v/ith intelHgence of what he had observed. Colum- bus did not readily believe that all this preparation! was intended to attack him and his people. To ascertain that fact, Mendez set out once more, ac- companied by a man named Rodrigo de Escobar. When they came to the mouth of the Veragua, they met two canoes of Indians. Mendez questioned these by signs, and learned from them, that his suspi- cions were true. Mendez then requested the Indians to convey him up the river, to the residence of Quibia. They told him, that Quibia would kill him ; never- theless, he persevered, and the Indians landed him at the village of the cacique. Mendez found the whole village in a bustle'. When they perceived the Spaniards approaching the dwelling of Quibia, the Indians would have stopped them, but Mendez, offering them a few presents, ihef were allowed to proceed. Mendez had heard that Quibia had been wounded in the leg by an arrow, and, giving himself out for a surgeon, intimated that hei had come to cure the wound. The mansion of the cacique was in an open place, and surrounded by three hundred heads of warriors, who had been slain in battle. " Undismayed by so dismal an avenue to thei dwelling of this grim warrior, Mendez and his com-' panion crossed the place ; when a number of women; and children, who were assembled round the door, began to utter piercing cries, and fled with terror into the house. A young and powerful Indian, son to the cacique, sallied forth in a violent rage, and struck (he intruding Mendez a blow that made him recoil for several paces. The latter endeavoured to pacify Q,UIBIA SEIZED. 207 him by gentle words ; and, taking out a box of oint- ment, assured him that he only came for the purpose of curing his father's wound. It was with great diffi- culty that Mendez lulled his suspicions, and pacified his rage, making him presents of a comb, scissors, and looking-glass, and teaching him and his Indians how to use them in cutting and arranging their hair, with which they were greatly delighted." Mendez, with all his artifice, was unable to enter the house of Quibia, but he learned from an Indian who had become attached to the white men, that the neighbouring chiefs had resolved upon their destruc- tion. After this was ascertained, strong guards were appointed to keep watch over the settlement and the squadron ; and the adelantado determined to attack the cacique without loss of time. The Indians, per- haps through fear of the fire-arms of the Spaniards, did not meditate an open attack upon them, and avoided as much as possible the appearance of being prepared for one. The adelantado, taking with him seventy-four followers \^g\\ armed, proceeded to the house of Quibia. That chief heard that this party were in sight, and sent out to request that they would not enter his habitation, saying, he would meet them. When he was sufficiently near, the adelantado per- ceived Quibia alone at the door of his house. At the desire of the cacique, Don Bartholomew advanced singly ; but he charged Diego Mendez, and four of his trusty companions, when he should make a signal, to come on and seize the chief. After a little dis- course with Quibia by means of an Indian interpreter, the adelantado made the sign agreed upon, and the chief was seized, and bound hand and foot. The main body of the Spaniards next surrounded the house, and took those within it. These were th^ wives and children of Quibia, and some of his princi^ i08 CiUlBIA ESCAPES. pal subjects. No blood was shed, but the distress of the poor savages at seeing their leader a prisoner, was extreme. They filled the air Avith their cries, and offered a great treasure for the ransom of their prince. Quibia was too dangerous an enemy to be released, so the adelantado was deaf to their entreaties. He took gold and other articles from the cacique's house, to the amount of 1282 dollars of the present time. Quibia was intrusted to the care of Juan Sanchez, the pilot of the squadron, who was to bring him to the ship. This Juan Sanchez was a great boaster, bragging that if the cacique should get out of his hands, he would give his comrades leave to pluck out the hairs of his beard one by one. Quibia was put on board a boat, and tied fast to one of the benches, in order to be rowed from the mouth of the Veragua to the ship. He complained of the tightness of the cords, and Sanchez, more kind than cautious, loos- ened them. This was what Quibia wanted, to enable him to escape. The night was dark, and when Sanchez did not observe him, the Indian, watching his opportunity, plunged into the river. He was accus- tomed to diving, could not be seen in the night, and contrived to make the shore without being caught. The rest of the Indians were afterwards conveyed to the ships. The admiral, with three of the ships, passed out of the river with the intention of saihng for Spain. Don Bartholomew remained at Veragua, retaining one of the vessels for the use of the settlement. Columbus, on account of adverse winds, remained at anchor near the shore ; and being in want of wood and water, sent a boat belonging to one of the vessels, and commanded by Diego Tristan, a captain of the ghip, to obtain the necessaiy supplies. Quibia, when DIEGO TRISTAN KILLED. 209 lie returned to his house, and beheld the desolation which surrounded it, and learned that the vessels in which his wives and children were confined were carrying them away, he knew not whither, was trans- ported with fury and despair, and could only gratify his feelings, by killing the white men who remained behind. Collecting a few of his dispersed followers, the unfortunate cacique secretly approached the Spanish settlement, and made a furious attack upon it. But the keen edges of Spanish swords, and the fury of a bloodhound, which the Spaniards let loose upon them, sent the poor Indians howling through the forest. Several Indians were killed, and others were wounded. In this engagement one Spaniard was killed. Diego Tristan saw this battle from his boat in the river, notwithstanding which, he ascended three miles above the settlement to a place where the v/ater was fresh. There he was seen by the Indians, who dart- ed from the woods, manned their light canoes, and surrounded the boat almost in a moment. Yells, and the blasts of conch shells, resounded on every side, and darts were hurled in every direction. Tristan, and all the men with him, except one, were killed. One Juan de Noya, a cooper of Seville, fell over- board in the action, dived under the water, and after- wards swam to the bank of the river. There he con- cealed himself, and shortly after conveyed tidings to the adelantado of the massacre of his comrades. This intelligence filled the Spaniards with horror. They resolved at once, to seize the vessel which had been left for their use, and to fallow the admiral ; but the river was again shallow, and a boat which was sent forth to bear intelligence of the disaster to Columbus, was driven back by a heavy sea, and bois- terous winds. The Indians, made confident by 18* 210 DISTRESS OF THE SPANIARDS. their recent victory, were heard every day at shortr : distances, and in larger numbers round the setti' ment, blowing their conchs, and beating their rucii war drums. The adelantado no longer felt any se- curity in the present defence of the place ; therefore he caused a rude and slight fortress to be construct- ed of casks, chests, and similar articles. In this the Spaniards entrenched themselves, having mounted in a proper manner, two small pieces of artillery, to keep off the enemy. During this season of peril to the colonists, Co- lumbus and his crews were not much more safe or comfortable. The admiral could not account for the prolonged absence of Diego Tristan ; and a dismal circumstance occurred about this time in one of the ships. The family and household of Quibia had been detained in one of the vessels, but the fore- castle, into which they were put, not being well fast- ened, was one night forced open by some of the .strongest among the prisoners, and a considerable number of them plunged into the sea, and swam to the shore. The alarm being given, those who had not yet escaped, were forced back into the forecastle, and the hatchway or opening was thoroughly secured. In the morning, when the Spaniards visited the pris- oners, they were all found dead. By means of ropes, and in other ways, these wretched people had ter- minated their sufferings. This shocking event was grievous to the admiral ; and his ignorance of the fate of Tristan, and of the condition of the adelantado and his men ; and the impossibility of proceeding in his voyage till the in- telligence could be obtained, made him truly wretch- ed, — though even in this state, his sufferings were alleviated by a firm belief, that " trouble comes not from the ground," and that God, who suffers all the l.EDESMA. 211 evils that afflict the children of men, can, and will, in his own way and time, deliver them from all thcii- sufTerings. While things were in this state, Pedro Ledesma, a pilot of Seville, and a man of great strength and courage, offered to swim ashore, make his way on foot to the settlement, and learn the worst that had happened. ■ »I Mt CgO«««-- CHAPTER XIX. You have been told that a boat which attempted to pass from the settlement to the ships, was forced back by the violence of the waves. This boisterous state of the sea continued, and prevented any com- munication ; but Ledesma having seen the fugitive Indians encounter and overcome this rough sea, that he might relieve the fears of Columbus and his men, generously offered to make the same attempt. His offer was gladly accepted by Columbus, and Ledes- ma being conveyed as far as safety would permit, *' stripping himself, plunged into the sea, and after buffeting for some time with the breakers, sometimes rising upon their surges, sometimes buried beneath them, and dashed upon the sand, succeeded in reach- ing the shore." When at last Ledesma reached the settlement, the Spaniards surrounded him with frantic impatience. Each eager to hear from the squadron, and striving who should be heard, as they related the sad story of their dangers and fears, and declared their resolution to abandon the settlement. The hardy Ledesma bavins: heard of the death of Tristan and his men^ 212 coLur.iBUs leave.^ vkragua. and all the calamities which had come upon his countrymen, and having conversed particularly with the adelantado, set out upon his perilous return, which was fortunately accomplished. Columbus, on receiving this intelligence, was in some measure re- lieved, even by the certainty of misfortune ; but days of painful suspense, in respect to the removal of the colonists, followed the return of Ledesma. It was necessary that intelhgence of the discovery of Veragua, should be conveyed to Spain ; and it was unsafe to leave the colony in its present state, — therefore, Columbus judged it best to take off the adelantado and his men. On the ninth day after Ledesma's return, the weather was calm, and com- munication betv.-een the ships and the land became easy, though it was impracticable to float the vessel*^ which had been left in the river. By the means of j| some canoes and spars tied together, so as to form a raft, the men of the settlement and the better part of their property, were conveyed to the ships. This transportation occupied tv/o days. The most active man employed in it, was Diego Mendez, and as some recompense for his extraordinary exertions, Colum- bus gave him the command of the vessel made vacant by the death of Diego Tristan. When the Spaniards of the settlement were safe on board the ships, nothing could equal the mutual joy of themselves and their former associates ; andj they never thought of the hardships which awaited' them. Towards the end of April, 1503, Columbus set sail from the coast of Veragua, intending to make the best of his way to Hispaniola, there to refit his ships, and afterwards to continue his course tc Europe. This intention was sadly frustrated. Tem- pests, in which, to use an expression of Columbus '* it seemed that the world would dissolve," drovf VESSELS STRANDED. 213^ the crazy vessels upon a raging sea, till the 23d of June. During that time, one of the vessels became unfit for service, was abandoned, and the crew divided among those of the other two ships. On the 23d of June, the vessels had become so crazy, that Columbus, then on the coast of Jamaica, was forced to put into a harbour of that island, and to fall upon some plan to inform the governor of Hispaniola of their condition, and to request of him some vessels instead of those which were no longer able to stem the winds and waves. These vessels were ready to sink, and Columbus had them run aground and fastened together, side by side, and fitted up for the occupation of the people who were on board, until means could be obtained of quitting the island. The men were forbidden to go on shore only as they were ordered, and they were commanded to avoid all provocation of the Indians, as the food of the shipwrecked Spaniards, who had already suf- fered much for want of provisions, was entirely to be procured from the supplies which could be obtained of the natives. It was soon discovered that the immediate neigh- bourhood of the ships would not afford food enough for the subsistence of the Spaniards, and they began to feel themselves in danger of famine. In their distress, Diego Mendez proposed to take three men, and proceed to the interior of the island, and there make an agreement with the caciques for the regular supply of the ships, offering knives, combs, and other articles, in exchange for the productions of the country. The Indians readily consented to these terms. Mendez having made these arrangements, sent back his companions to the ships, and deter mined to explore the coast of the island alone. Mendez requested of the cacique two Indians to !14 DIECO MENDEZ. accompany him, one to carry his food, and another the cotton hamac, which he suspended from the branches of trees when he slept. "With these he pushed resolutely forward until he reached the eastern extremity of Jamaica. Here he found a powerful cacique of the name of Amegro. He and the cacique became great friends, exchanging names, as was a custom of the Indians, between persons intimately united. Of Amegro, Mendez bought an excellent canoe, ^' for which he gave a splendid brass basin, a short frock or cassock, and one of the two shirts which formed his stock of linen. The cacique furnished him with six Indians to navigate his bark, and they parted mutually well pleased," Mendez reached the ships in safety, and was cordially received by Columbus. The Indians fulfilled their engagements to supply the Spaniards with food, and for a time the latter felt no want. Their situation, however, was extremely uncomfortable. Confined to the wrecks of their ships, without any employment, they suffered many privations and fears, and, to endure their hard con- dition, had need of more patience than they pos- sessed. Colurpbus was exceedingly anxious to be delivered from this weary bondage. But how should they procure relief? The distance from Jamaica to Hispaniola, was one hundred and twenty miles across a gulf swept by contrary currents. From the humanity of the governor, he might expect assist- ance, but who would trust himself to a frail canoe, and hazard his life to rescue his countrymen 1 The bold character of Diego Mendez, and the possession of his little canoe, was the only hope of Columbus. Mr. Irving, in a very interesting, manner, relates the discourse they held together, 'cpncemipg this entei-prise. MENDEZ AND COLUMBUS. 215 " Diego Mendez, my son," said the venerable admiral, " nobody, of all those I have here, under- stands the great peril in which we are placed, except- ing you and myself. We are few in number, and these savage Indians are many, and of fickle and irritable natures. On the least provocation, they may throw firebrands from the shore, and consume U3 in our straw-thatched cabins. The arrangement which you have made with them for provisions, and which at present they fulfil so cheerfully, to-morrow they may break, in their caprice, arid may refuse to bring us any thing ; nor have we the means to com- pel them by force, but are entirely at their pleasure. I have thought of a remedy, if it meets with your views. In this canoe which you have purchased, some one may pass over to Hispaniola, and procure a ship, by which we may all be delivered from this great peril into which we have fallen. Tell me your opinion in the matter." Diego Mendez replied nearly as follows : " I well know our danger, Senior. — To pass from this island to Hispaniola in so small a vessel as a canoe, is not only difficult, I fear it is impossible. I know not a man who would engage in so perilous an adventure." Columbus did not answer, but he looked at Mendez as if he would have said, no other man than yourself would undertake it, but your extraordinary hardihood might perform this eminent service for us. Perceiving the admiral's solicitude, Mendez added, " Senior, I have exposed my life to preserve you, and all those who are here, and God has graciously brought me safe out of all dangefs ; but some say that your excellency gives me these hazardous ser- vices, because I seek the honour of them, and there are other men who could perform them as well as I. I beg, therefore, you would summon all the pepple^ 216 MENDEZ TAKEN PRISONEH. " •■ ' t-^ and would propose this enterprise to them. If any man desires, let him execute it, but if all should de- chne it, then you must command me." The admiral, willing to gratify Mendez, and glad p{ his implied consent to the undertaking, the next day assembled the crew, and submitted the proposi- tion to them. Every one shuddered at the thought of it, pronouncing it the height of temerity. Mendez then stepped forward, and addressing the admiral said, " Senior, I have but one life to lose, I will gladly risk it for your good, and the lives of all here present." Columbus upon this, embraced and thanked him, and proceeded to fit him out for his hazardous voy- age. Mendez tarred his canoe, furnished it with a mast and sail, and put in provisions for himself, an- other Spaniard, and six Indians. Columbus intrust- ed to him one letter to Ovando, and another to the king and queen ; for Mendez, if he should reach Hispaniola in safety, was directed to take passage in the first ship bound for Spain. Columbus detailed all his misfortunes to the sovereigns, entreated that a vessel might be sent to convey him to Europe, and described in glowing colours the natural wealth of Veragua ; suggesting that it ought immediately to be settled, for the advantages that would accrue to Spain from the riches of its mines ; and intimating that the conversion of the natives was a service due to God. The despatches being ready, IMendez and his com- rades embarked, and departed in an easterly course. They proceeded to the end of the island, where they were detained by rough weather. In this situation they were surrounded by Indians, and carried off into the woods, to a distance of three miles from the shore, the natives taking with them whatever they isould findi in the canoe. These Indians would hav*? HENDEZ AxND I'lESCO. 217 killed the two Spaniards, but they fell to quarrelling among themselves about the division of the spoils taken with the prisoners. Mendez took advantage of their altercation, and when the Indians did not notice him, ran off as fast as he could, and at length found his way to the canoe. He was alone, but springing into his little bark, he rowed himself to the harbour, and arrived after fifteen days absence. Columbus rejoiced in the escape of the faithful Mendez, though he was grieved at the failure of his message. Mendez, no way daunted at the hard- ships he had suffered, offered to make a second at- tempt, if a number of men, sufiicient to protect him from the natives, would proceed on foot along the coast to the end of the island, while he should navi- gate his small vessel near the shore. Bartolomeo Fiesco, a Geneose, a worthy man, and much attached to Columbus, was associated with Mendez in the second expedition. Tv.'o canoes were fitted out, in which went ten Indians, and six Spaniards. The adelantado was at the head of the troop which pro- tected them along shore, and they reached the end of the island, unmolested by the Indians. Here they took leave of each other, and Mendez proceeded on his voyage. Mendez and Fiesco had not long been gone, when the crews of Columbus began to grow sickly. They were in want of every comfort, and had nothing to do but to sit upon their dreary hulks, and look upon the water — straining their eyes to discern the canoe, if it might be returning ; and being disappointed, to wonder why it stayed, and to repine, because they presumed it was lost, and they were left to perish. Columbus was ill of the gout, and worn out with fatigue : his men had no consideration for him, and even accused him as the author of their misfortunes. 10 218 PORRAS. Two of the officers of Columbus, Francisco and Diego de Porras, encouraged these discontents, per- suaded the men that Cokimbus was too old to direct them wisely, and that they ought to take possession of some canoes which he had purchased of the Indians, and depart in them for Spain. On the 2d of January, 1504, Porras entered the small cabin where the admiral was confined to his bed by the gout, and told him in an insolent manner, what he and others were resolved upon. The admi- ral remonstrated, endeavouring to convince him of his folly, in making such an attempt. But Porras, far from acknowledging the wisdom, or the authority of the admiral, exclaimed, in a voice so loud that he was heard all over the ship — " I am for Castile ! those who choose may follow me !" Shouts imme- diately arose from all sides — " I will follow you ! and I, and I!" As many of the crew as consented to this desperate plan, sprang upon the most conspi- cuous parts of the ship, brandished their weapons, and vociferated, " To Castile ! to Castile !" threaten- ing the life of the admiral, and some demanding of Porras what they should do. The Porras brothers were not more wise than loy- al. They directed their followers to the canoes, and ordered them to take along what provisions they could find. Forty-eight men abandoned the ships, and attached themselves to Porras. Those who remain- ed with Columbus, were his principal officers, a few faithful adherents, and many more sick and disabled men. These were deeply afflicted with the mutiny and departure of their comrades, but as much as Co lumbus was grieved by this event, he comforted thosf who continued in the ships, admonishing them, tha God had never forsaken, and would still sustaL ' them. STRATAGEM OF COLUMBUS. 219 Porras and his infatuated crew coasted along the shore, stopping and landing frequently, robbing the Indians wherever they went, and telling them they might go to Columbus for pay, and might kill him, if he should deny them. Having reached the end of the island, these mutineers attempted the passage to Ilispaniola, but after making two unsuccessful at- tempts, they returned to Jamaica, and went roving about the island, committing all the abuses upon the Indians that they had power to do. While these wicked men were doing all the harm they could, the excellent Columbus exhibited his usual piety, pa- tience, and benevolence. Relieved from the pre- sence of the more disorderly part of his crew, he was enabled to bring the others under wholesome disci- pline, and to make them submit to their unfortunate circumstances. These unhappy circumstances, were soon aggra- vated by a failure in the supply of food — the Indians, never overstocked, at length neglected to provide what they had agreed to furnish. The scarcity daily increased, and the Indians, learning the art of making bargains, demanded a larger quantity of Eu- ropean articles for such provisions as they brought. In this extremity Columbus was forced to practise a deception. " From his knowledge of astronomy, he ascertain- ed, that within three days there would be a total eclipse of the moon, in the early part of the night. He sent, therefore, an Indian of the island of His- paniola, who served as his interpreter, to summon the principal caciques to a great conference, appoint- ing for it the day of the eclipse. When all were as- sembled, he told them by his interpreter that he and his followers were the worshippers of a deity who Jived in the skies. That this deitv favoured such as 220 STRATAGEM OF C0LU3iBUS. did weil, but punished all transgressors. That, as they must all have noticed, he had protected Diego Mendez and his companions in their voyage, they having gone in obedience to the orders of their com- mander ; but that on the other hand, he had visited Porras and his companions with all kinds of crosses and afflictions, in consequence of their rebellion. That this great deity was incensed against the In- dians who had refused or neglected to furnish his faith- ful worshippers with provisions, and intended to chas- tise them with famine and pestilence. Lest they should disbelieve this warning, a signal would be given that very night, in the heavens. They would behold the moon change its colour and gradually lose its light ; u token of the fearful punishment which awaited them. Many of the Indians were alarmed at the solem- nity of this prediction ; others treated it with scoffing. They all, however, awaited with solicitude the com- ing of the night. When they beheld a dark shadow .stealing over the moon, they began to tremble. Their fears increased with the progress of the eclipse ; and, when they saw mysterious darkness covering the whole face of nature, there were no bounds to their terror. Seizing upon whatever pro- visions they could procure, they hunied to the ships, uttering cries and lamentations. They threw them- selves at the feet of Columbus, implored him to intercede with his God to withhold the threatened calamities, and assured him that thenceforth they would bring him whatever he required. Columbus told them he would retire and commune with the deity. Shutting himself up in his cabin, he remained there during the increase of the eclipse ; the forests and shores all the while resounding with the bowlings and supplications of the savages. When the eclipse HJS SUCCESS. - 221 was about to diminish, he came forth and informed the natives, that he had interceded for them with his God, who, on condition of their fulfiihng their promises, had deigned to pardon them : in sign of which, he would withdraw the darkness from the moon. When the Indians saw that planet restored presently to its brightness, and rolling in all its beauty through the firmament, they overwhelmed the admiral with thanks for his intercession, and repaired to their homes, joy- ful at having escaped such great disasters. They now regarded Columbus with awe and reverence, as a man in the peculiar favour and confidence of the deity, since he knew upon earth what was passing in the heavens. They hastened to propitiate him with gifts ; supplies again arrived daily at the harbour, and from tliat time forward there was no want of provisions." CHAPTER XX. You would doubtless like to hear something from Diego Mendez. Eight months elapsed, and no intel- ligence from him reached his poor countrymen at Jamaica. They were almost worn out with hope deferred, when a vessel was seen at a distance, approaching the harbour. The Spaniards were trans- ported with joy, and at length a boat put forth from the strange vessel and rowed towards them. When the boat came alongside of the ships, one Diego de Escobar, formerly an enemy of Columbus, and a con- federate in Roldan's conspiracy, was discerned in it. This man delivered a letter from Ovando to Co- lumbus, and a present of some wine and bacon. 19* 222 DIEGO MEN'DEZ. The letter stated that there was then no vessel a' St. Domingo suitable for the use of Columbus, h\n that one should be sent to him as soon as possible. Escobar requested the admiral, if it were his will, to write a letter to Ovando in reply, as soon as should be convenient, as he had been instructed immediate- ly to return to St. Domingo. This abrupt departure was a severe disappointment to the Spaniards. The tardiness of Ovando in relieving Columbus is not easily accounted for. It may be, that knowing he held the government which had belonged to the admiral, he apprehended, if Columbus should return to St. Domingo, and reside there till a vessel could be got ready for his transportation to Spain, the people v/ould take part with Columbus, and the contentions wliich had disturbed the colony would be renewed ; and he chose rather, that Columbus should continue where he was, until a direct convey* ance to Europe might be sent him. Diego Mendez reached Cape Tiburon on the fourth day after he had taken leave of the adelantado and his men. This passage was painful and danger- ous. " There was no wind, the sky was without a cloud, and the sea perfectly calm, the heat therefore became intolerable." The Indians who rowed the boat, exhausted by heat and toil, would throw them- selves into the water to cool their glowing bodies, and return refreshed to their labour at the oar. But the most painful sensation which the whole party ex- perienced, was from tormenting thirst, when their water being nearly expended, they were forced to alleviate their sufferings by sparing mouthfuis only. '* One of the Indians sunk and died, under the accu- mulated sufferings of labour, heat, and parching thirst. Others lay panting and gasping in the bottom of the canoes. Their companions, troubled in rilZ ISLAND OP NAVASA* 223 spirit, and exhausted in strength, feebly continued their toils. One after another gave out, and it seem- ed impossible that they should live to reach His- paniola. While they were in this state, a little island called Navasa was perceived by Diego Mendez. It was discovered by the light of the moon, and the next morning at day break, the crews were enabled to land. " Then, springing on shore, they returned thanks to God for such signal deliverance." The island was a mere mass of rocks. " There was neither tree, nor shrub, nor herbage, nor stream, nor fountain." Cavities in the rocks had secreted rain water, and of this the Indians drank so immoderately that several of them died upon the spot. Arrived at Cape Tiburon, the voyagers experienced kindness from the natives. Fiesco would have returned to the ships to inform Columbus that his messenger had arrived, but the Spaniards and Indians, on account of their late sufferings, absolutely refused to make the passage in a canoe. Mendez left his companions at Cape Tiburon, and set out in his canoe with six Indians for St. Do- mingo. Having proceeded along shore part of the way, he heard that Ovando was in the interior, in the province of Xaragua. On learning this fact, this indefatigable man, left the canoe, and travelled on foot one hundred and fifty miles into the country. He found the governor engaged in wars with the na- tives ; but Mendez was received m- ith kindness, and Ovando promised to attend to his suit when he should have leisure. Mendez waited seven months in Xa- ragua for the convenience of the governor, who was more concerned to make the lives of the poor Indians bitter with hard bondage, than to rescue his unfortunate countrymen. At length Ovando gave 22-4 MUTINEERS DEFEATED. Mendez permission to go to St. Domingo, and wait the arrival of certain vessels which were expected. Two of these were promised for the use of Co- lumbus. During this season the rebels under Porras formed a plan to attack the ships, take the admiral prisoner, and plunder the stores. Columbus had previously sent messengers to them with offers of forgiveness, if they would return to their duty ; when he learned their base project, he empowered his brother, the adelantado, to go on shore, and to discuss with Por- ras the iniquity of their purposes, — generously in- tending, if possible, to reform and reconcile those abandoned men. The roving life which the conspi- rators had lately led, made them, more than ever, averse to all subordination. The adelantado v/ent to meet the rebels at the head of fifty men well armed. Porras and his men phowed no regard to the amicable intention of Don Bartholomew, but disposing themselves in battle array, commenced an attack upon him. The ade- lantado was prepared, and after a short conflict, Francisco de Porras was taken, and five of the rebels killed. The adelantado gained a complete victory. He then returned in triumph to the ships, where his brother received him in the most affection- ate manner. He brought Porras, and several of his followers prisoners. On the next day the rebels sent a petition to the admiral entreating pardon, and promising submission. The admiral, with his wonted magnanimity, granted their prayer on the condition that their leader Francisco dc Porras should remain a prisoner. After a long year of confinement at the harbour of San Gloria, (as Columbus called it,) two vessels came to the relief of the admiral and his men. i COLUMBUS AT ST. DOMINGO. 225 When Mendez had seen these vessels depart from St. Domingo, he proceeded to Spain, as he had been ordered. " On the 28th of June, Columbus took a joyful leave of the wreck in which he had been so long immured, and all the Spaniards embarked, friend and foe, on board of the vessels, which then made sail for St. Domingo." Adverse winds and currents prolonged the passage, but on the 13th of August it was accomplished, and Columbus onco more landed in St. Domingo. He had left that city a prisoner, and in chains ; he returned thither without disgrace, but years and sorrows had broken his constitution. Still he pos- sessed the same exalted soul which he had mani- fested in the days of his power ; and the sentiment of his merits and his wrongs, touched every feeling heart. The governor, and all the principal inhabit- ants came out to meet him, and received him with demonstrations of respect. He was lodged at the house of Ovando, and treated there as became a man of high rank. Notwithstanding this specious courtesy, the character of Ovando was detestable to Columbus, I have not given you any details of the adminis- tration of Ovando. He seems to have been a man wholly destitute of humanity, and to have served the king of Spain with that short-sighted rapacity which dwells more upon the present than the future, and aims at the immediate gratifications of selfish- ness, rather than the ultimate benefit of society, This is sometimes called worldly wisdom ; but such wisdom is foolishness, compared with the generous purposes, the disinterested labours, and the untired long-suffering exhibited by Columbus. The op- pression and massacres of the Indians, which Ovan- do ordered and encouracjed, need not be related t<> 226 PATE OF ANACAONA. you. Mr. Irving, in a single passage, has recorded the consequences of them. *' The sojourn of Columbus at St. Domingo, was but little calculated to yield him satisfaction. He was grieved at the desolation of the island by the oppressive treatment of the natives, and the horri- ble massacres which had been perpetrated by Ovando and his agents. Columbus had fondly hoped at one time, to have rendered the natives civilized, indus- trious, and tributary subjects to the crown, and to have derived from their well regulated labour a great and steady revenue. How different had been the event. The five great tribes which had peopled the mountains and the valleys at the time of the discovery, and had rendered, by their mingled towns and villages, and tracts of cultivation, the rich levels of the Vegas so many ' painted gardens,' had almost all passed away ; and the native princes had perished chiefly by violent and ignominious deaths." The fate of Anacaona must interest you. That princess, on the death of her brother Behechio, suc- ceeded to the government. Her former partiality to the Spaniards, was at length changed to detestation, by the injuries inflicted upon her countrymen, which were constantly augmenting. Still she refrained from open hostility. The Indians of Xaragua sub- mitted to the exactions of the Spaniards as patiently as they could, but quarrels would arise between them and their oppressors. Complaints were sent to Ovando of their refractoriness, and he v/ent into their province with three hundred foot soldiers, and seventy horsemen. He pretended that he was going upon a friendly visit to Anacaona. Anacaona, hearing of the intended visit, made preparations for it, assembling her caciques and principal subjects. When Ovando and his troop COLUMBUS EMBARKS FOR SPAIN. 227 appeared, she treated them as she had formerly treated the adelantado. For several days the Indians entertained the Spaniards with their national games, and were in their turn to be diverted by certain chivalrous exercises which the Spaniards had learned from the Moors in Grenada. The armed soldiers of Ovando were instructed, when the Indians should be assembled for this festivity, to seize Anacaona and the chiefs, upon the pretence that Anacaona had in reality assembled her subjects with a mutinous intention. The soldiers obeyed these instructions, and fell upon the unsuspecting natives. Anacaona, was led away a prisoner, and the chiefs were driven into a large house, — the house was soon set on fire, and the caciques perished miserably in the flames. Anacaona was carried in chains to St. Domingo. After a mock trial, being pronounced guilty, " she was ignominiously hanged in the presence of the people whom she had so long, and so signally be- friended." On the 12th of September, Columbus set sail for Spain. On the seventh of November, 1504, he arrived in the harbour of San Lucas. From thence he was conveyed in a very ill state of health to Seville. The privileges which had been granted by the crown to Columbus might have made him rich, but he was too much employed in the public service to pay proper attention to his concerns ; and persons intrusted with them, were not careful of his interests. " I receive nothing of the reve- nue due to me," said he in a letter to his son Diego. " Little have I profited by twenty years of service, with such toils and perils, since at pre- sent I do not own a roof in Spain. If I desire to eat or sleep, I have no resort but an inn, and for the most time.=!, have not wherewithal to pay my • •' " 228 HIS DISINTERESTEDNESS. In his adversity) he was yet more solicitous for the payment of his men than iiimself : he wrote repeat- edly to the sovereigns in their behalf. " They are poor," said he, " and it is now nearly three years since they left their homes* They have endured in- finite toils and perils, and they bring invaluable tidings^ for which their majesties ought to give thanks to God, and rejoice."— Ho v/ kind he was to the evil, and the unthankful ! — These, for whom he entreated justice and favour, were, some of them, the very men who who had rebelled against him, and insulted his authority. From Seville, Columbus wrote to the king a just representation of the misgovernment of Ovando; and he asked now to be restored to his proper dignity of viceroy in the countries which he had discovered. He was too ill to appear at court, and his enemy, Porras, who had been set at liberty in St. Domingo by Ovando, and who was now in Spain and at large, might circulate false reports to the injury of his cha- racter. To a man of the honourable spirit of Colum- bus, this situation was exquisitely painful. His son, Diego, and Diego Mendez, were at court, and he relied upon their services. " I trust," said he, " that the trutli and diligence of Diego ?»Iendez v/ill have asr much avail as the lies of Porras." His honest decla- ration of his faithfulness and zeal is very affecting. [ " I have served their majesties, said he, with as much zeal and diligence, as if it had been to gain paradise ; and, if I have failed in any thing, it has been because my knowledge and my powers went no farther." Columbus was about to sustain a heavy affliction : it was the death of the admirable queen, Isabella. " She was," says Mr. Irving, " one of the purest spirits that ever ruled over the destinies of a nation." But, exalted as were her character and her station^ DEATH OF ISABELLA. 229 many afflictions disturbed her repose, so that sorrow, as well as disease, shortened her days. " After four months of illness, she died on the 26th of November, 1504, at Medino del Campo, in the fifty-fourth year of her age ; but long before her eyes closed upon the world, her heart had closed on all its pomps and vanities. ' Let my body,' said she in her will, ' be interred in the monastery of San Francisco, which is in the Alhambra of the city of Granada, in a low sepulchre, without any monument except a plain stone upon the earth, with the inscription cut in it. But I desire and command, that if the king, my lord, should choose a sepulchre in any church or monastery, in any other part or place of these my kingdoms, that my body shall be transported thither, and buried beside the body of his highness ; so that the union we have enjoyed while living, and which, through the mercy of God, we hope our souls will experience in heaven, may be represented by our bodies in the earth.' " This passage only expresses the humility of Isa- bella, and her sincere attachment to her husband. Besides the value and beauty of her domestic charac- ter ; her zeal to promote the dissemination of all the religion she knew ; her indignation at the wrongs in- flicted upon her Indian subjects ; her friendship for Columbus, and the active interest she took in his undertakings, are traits of exalted understanding and goodness, and make her worthy of admiration, praise, and imitation to all posterity. Durinij the winter of 1505, and the ensuing spring, Columbus remained ill at Seville. Ferdinand, in this time, made no acknowledgment of his distinguished services, nor did he express any intention to reinstate him in his dignities. The adelantado, in this season of affliction, did not forsake his brother ; he repaired 20 230 SONS OF C0LUMBU3. to court, to intercede in liis behalf, taking with him Fernando Columbus, then seventeen years of age. " The latter, the affectionate father repeatedly represents to his son Diego, as a man in understand- ing and conduct, though but a stripling in years ; and inculcates the strongest fraternal attachment, alluding to his own brethren with one of those beauti- fully artless and affecting touches, which speaks the kindness of his heart. ' To thy brother, conduct thyself as the elder brother should unto the younger ; thou hast no other, and I praise God that this is such a one as thou art in need of. * * * Ten brothers would not be too many for thee. Never have I found a better friend, to right or left, than my brothers.' '* " It was not until the month of May, that the ad- miral was able, in company with his brother the ade- lantado, to accompUsh his journey to court, which was at that time held at Segovia. He, who but a few years before, had entered the city of Barcelona in triumph, attended by the nobility and chivalry of Spain, and hailed with rapture by the multitude, now arrived within the gates of Segovia, a wayworn, mel- ancholy, and neglected man ; oppressed more by his griefs, than even by his years and infirmities. When he presented himself at court, he met with none of that distinguished attention, that cordial kindness, that cherishing sympathy, which his unparalleled services, and his recent sufferings had merited." The king, however, heard the suit of Columbus with complacency, but he did not acknowledge him as the head of government, and his own representative in the new world. Columbus, feeling his own rapid I decline, and weary of attendance upon a hardhearted prince, negligent of his extraordinary claims, ceased to ask any thing for himself, and only entreated that the privileges and honours of which he had bee» DEATH OF COLUMBUS. 231 wrongfully deprived, juight be bestowed upon his son Biego. Feeling death approaching, he wrote a last testa- ment, making his son Diego his chief heir, and leav- ing some of his property to charitable uses. — Among those present on this melancholy occasion, was Bar- tolomeo Fiesco, who had accompanied Diego Men- dez on his perilous voyage from Jamaica to His- paniola. " Having thus scrupulously attended to all the claims of affection, loyalty, and justice, upon earth, Columbus turned his thoughts to heaven ; and, having received the holy sacraments, and performed all the pious offices of a devout Christian, he expired with great resignation on the day of Ascension, the 20th of May, 1506, being about seventy years of age. His last words were, *' Li manus tuas Domine com- mendo spiritum meiim :" Into thy hands, Lord, I commend my spirit !" His body was first interred at Valladolid. In 1513, it was removed to Seville. Diego Columbus, the son of the admiral, died in Spain, 1526. His remains were interred with his father's, at Seville. In the year 1536, both bodies w^ere conveyed to Hispaniola, and interred in the principal chapel of the cathedral of the city of St. Domingo. They were once more disinterred ; and, at present, rest in Havana, in the island of Cuba. Ferdinand ordered a monument in honour of Columbus, to be erected with this in- scription : POR CASTILLA Y POR LEON NUEVO MUNDO HALLO COLON. " For Castile and Leon, Columbus found a new world." 232 HIS CHARACTER. I have now brought you, my young readers, to the melancholy termination of one of the most glo- rious lives ever spent by man upon earth, if its con- sequences to mankind be considered. It is sad to read of so great afflictions heaped upon the head of such eminent merit ; but there is a promise for the life which is to come, that all virtue shall have its reward. When we regret that the contemporaries of Columbus were not worthy to estimate his worth, we must remember, that his sense of God's justice and mercy, was light from heaven ; and that the sublime trust which he felt in the divine goodness, was an in- timation that the happiness he never knew here, was reserved for him hereafter. His character, exalted as it was, is easily compre- hended, and, to a certain degree, easy of imitation. He cultivated his understanding dihgently ; he de- voted himself to the service of God sincerely, and he applied his talents to the benefit of mankind faithfully. He was distinguished by faith and piety, by perse- verence and fortitude, by exemplary patience and placability, by disinterestedness and the sense of justice, by a true love of nature, by a great genius, and a benevolent heart, and by knowledge as exact and extensive as the age in which he lived would permit. He never comprehended the magnitude of liis dis- coveries. To use the beautiful language of Mr. Irving, " What visions of glory would have broke upon his mind, could he have known that he had in- deed discovered a new continent, equal to the whole of the old world in magnitude, and separated by two vast oceans from all of the earth hitherto known by civilized men; and how would his magnanimous spirit have been consoled, amidst the chills of age and cares of penury, the neglect of a fickle public, and the injustice of an ungrateful king, could he have ' HIS SUCCESSOR. anticipated the splendid empires which were to spread over the beautiful world he had discovered, and tho nations, and tongues, and languages, .which were to fill its lands with his renown, and to revere and bless his name to the latest posterity !" On the death of Columbus his son Diego succeeded to his rights as governor and viceroy of the new world ; and he persevered for some years to demand these honours from the king of Spain. Ferdinand was not more just to the son than he had been to the father. In 1508 Don Diego Columbus commenced a suit against the king, claiming his performance of certain promises made to his father, which were given to him under the royal seal, in a commission from the king and queen of Spain. Diego Columbus married Donna Maria de Toledo, a niece of the Duke of Alva, one of the king's favourites, and after- wards much distinguished in the history of Europe. The connexion of Don Diego with this powerful nobleman, and with other of the grandees of Spain, more than the merits of the claim, determined Fer- dinand to recall Ovando from his government, and to bestow it upon Diego Columbus. Don Diego, with his family, his two uncles, and his brother Fernando, embarked for St. Domingo, June 9th, 1509. They were accompanied by a numerous train of Spanish cavaliers, and ladies of honourable families and polished manners. Though Ferdinand did not grant Don Diego the title of viceroy, it was accorded to him by the respect of those who honoured the man and his station. Donna Maria was universally addressed as the vice queen. Don Bartholomew retained the title of adelantado. He was not, after the death of his brother, employed by the king in prosecuting farther discoveries, but was appointed to the command of a small island in 20* 234 DEATH OF DIEGO COLUMBUS. the West Indies. Don Bartholomew Columbus died at St. Domingo in 1515. The administration of Don Diego was not happy, being disturbed by altercations among the colonists, and complaints against him from them to the king of Spain. Ferdinand died January, 1516, and was suc- ceeded by his grandson, the Prince Charles, son of the princess Juana and Philip of Austria, and after- wards the Emperor Charles V. In 1523, Don Diego was recalled to Spain, to answer to certain charges which were brought against him. He obeyed imme- diately, and was able to estabhsh his innocence. But not having received a portion of the profits from the colonies, which had been allotted to him, he appealed to the king, for the emoluments which had been with- held from him. This affair was so neglected and deferred that Don Diego died in the pursuit. " For two years he fol- lowed the court from city to city, during its migrations from Victoria to Burgos, Valladolid, Madrid, and Toledo." After a prolonged illness, he expired at the village of Montalvan, not far from Seville, February 23d, 1526, being httle more than fifty years of age. During the twenty years that had elapsed from the death of Don Christopher Columbus to that of his son, considerable changes occurred in the West Indies. The mines fell into comparative neglect, and the true sources of wealth, the perpetual repro- ductions of the soil, began to be sought after. Sugar cane was cultivated, and sugar manufactured, and exported to Europe. *' It became a by-word in Spain, that the magnificent palaces erected by Charles V. at Madrid and Toledo were built of the sugar of Hispaniola." Porto Rico, Jamaica, and Cuba, were brought into subjection to Spain, and partially FERNANDO COLUMBUS. 235 settled. The negroes in the West Indies soon became numerous, and were treated with great cruelty. The first revolt of these unfortunate people broke out in 1522 at Hispaniola. After the death of Don Diego, Donna Maria claimed the viceroyalty for her eldest son, Don Luis. That claim was not admitted, and the young man gave it up, taking, instead, the titles of duke of Veragiia, and marquis of Jamaica, and a pension of one thousand doubloons of gold. In 1608, the male line of Columbus was declared to be extinct, and a grandson of Isabella, third daughter of Don E'iego Columbus, succeeded to the titles of duke of Vera- gua, &c. The present duke of Veragua is the repre- sentative of the noblest ancestor nobility can boast. Fernando Columbus, the younger son of the ad- miral, in 1502, accompanied his father on his fourth voyage. After the death of his father, Fernando made two voyages to the new world, and accom- panied the Kmperor Charles V. to Italy, Flanders, and Germany. These opportunities were not lost upon him, and he acquired much information in geography, navigation, and natural history. Being fond of books, he collected a library of twenty thousand volumes. He died at Seville, July, 1539, at the age of fifty years. He left no children. He composed some literary works, the most important of which is a history of the admiral, his father. Mr. Irving regrets that this history only embraces that portion of the admiral's life, subsequent to his fifty- sixth year. 236 AMERIGO VESPUCCI. AMERIGO V5:SPUCCI. The individual, whose name will be had in ever- lasting remembrance, on account of the vast conti- nent to which it is attached, was Amerigo Vespucci. He was born at Florence, March 9th, 1451, of a noble family. Vespucci, at one time, was an enter- prising and wealthy merchant, but disasters in busi- ness reduced his fortune, so that he left Florence, and went to reside at, Seville. He was in that city in 1496. When the Spanish sovereigns sent out ships to the newly discovered countries, the ships were procured and fitted out by agents^ employed and paid by their majesties. Amerigo Vespucci, during his residence at Seville, was employed to furnish such vessels ; and, when Columbus was in Spain, Vespucci became acquainted with him. They conversed together con- cerning the new countries, and Vespucci felt a desire to visit them. In 1499, when Ojeda got permission from Fonseca to make discoveries, Amerigo Vespucci engaged with him, and sailed for Paria, which Columbus had dis- covered the preceding year, (1498,) in one of the four vessels commanded by Ojeda. This squadron explored the coast of that country, now called the republic of Colombia ; and, on the 18th of June, 1500, arrived in Spain with intelligence of the wealth and beauty of the regions they had visited. In 1501, Vespucci left Spain, and engaged in the service of Emanuel, king of Portugal, and made a voyage from Lisbon to Brazil. Vincente Yanez Pinzon, in the service of Spain, and Pedro Alvarez Cabral, ia that of Portugal, separately discovered AMERIGO VESPUCCI. 237 Brazil in 1500. Both these navigators, unknown to each other, or to Vespucci, took possession of Bra- zil in the name of their respective sovereigns. Ves- pucci also claimed Brazil for his master, the king of Portugal, and it was allotted to him, because it ex- tended east of the boundary line, by which Portugal and Spain had agreed to divide their discoveries. The name of Amerigo Vespucci was first given to this region of Southern America ; and afterwards, as discoveries were extended, the name was also ex- tended, until now, when it comprehends the immense continent which stretches from Cape Horn to the Arctic Ocean. Vespucci made several voyages to America, but it does not appear that the king of Por- tugal rewarded him liberally for his services. It is sometimes intimated, that Vespucci gave his name to the western continent, by artfully representing himself as its first discoverer, but that is not true. The extraordinary man who first crossed the western ocean, and first set his foot on the island of St. Sal- vador, first conquered the dangers, doubts, and fears of an unknown sea; first ascertained its limits, and first gave the knowledge of a western continent to the inhabitants of another hemisphere ; and he enjoys the honour which belongs exclusively to him. Fernando Columbus, who wrote the history of his father's eventful fife, never speaks of Vespucci, as of one who had defrauded him of his fame, by supplant- ing him in the honour due to the first discoverer of the western continent. The great distinction of giving a name to almost half the globe, was acci- dentally bestowed upon Amerigo Vespucci, not in- vidiously assumed by him. A letter of Columbus, dated February 8th, 1505, and addressed to his son Diego at court, was conveyed to the latter by Ves- pucci. Of him, Columbus says in the letter ; — 238 DEATH OP VESPUCCI. r .. . ■! ; " Fortune has been adverse to him as to many others-, he goes for my account, and with much desire to do something that may result to my advantage. " This sufficiently expresses the friendship v.hich subsisted between these eminent men. No jealousy on the part of Columbus, and no hypocritical design on that of Vespucci, existed. The love of science ; the desire of extending the boundaries of human knowledge and the empire of civilized Europe over an uncultivated and barbarous world, were the mo- tives of their enterprises ; and a sufficient ground for mutual esteem, and mutual kindness. After the death of Columbus, Vespucci received from the king of Spain, the appointment of principal pilot, and a suitable salary. His office was to in- struct shipmasters, and others engaged in expedi- tions to the western world, how to manage their con- cerns with safety and success. He died at Seville, Mav 22d, 1512. THE END. QUESTIONS TALES OF AMERICAN KISTORV. CHAPTER I. Qs. Vg. Ill Does the history of America afford interesting subjects ? 2 12 Should we honour the memory of national benefactors? 3 — Can the history of America be understood without sorne know- ledge of the preceding history of the world ? 4 13 What divisions of time are necessary to be remembered in the study of history ? 5 — What are the pavage and civilized states of human society ? () 14 Wliat is the diiierence of the ancient and modern worlds ? 7 — IIow was the western continent discovered and settled ? 8 15 What portion of tiie ancient world was most highly civilized ? 9 — Were the Hebrev.'s a commercial naiion ? 10 — What was the character of the ancient Egj'ptians ? 11 16 What parts of the world are most productive of the luxuries of life ? 12 17 Were the Phcnftirians an enterprising people ? 13 — How did the Greeks become acquainted with Asiatic luxuries? 14 — Was the Greek commerce extensive? 15 18 Did the Romans ever control the commerce of the world ? 16 — How were the manufactures of Asia dispersed over Europe ? 17 19 What dangers and difficulties attend over-land conve3anc6 of proi)erty ? 18 — Were Tyre and Alexandria eminentlj'' commercial cities? 19 20 When did Constantinople become the commercial metropolis of the world ? 20 — Did Venice ever monopolize the India trade ? CHAPTER 11. 21 21 What was the condhion of Europe from the fifth to the fifteenth century ? 22 22 Did tiie eastern division of the Roman Empire remain longest subject to the laws and institutions of Rome? 23 — What remarkable invention was effected in the fifteenth ceiitury, and at what period did Popery commence in the Christian church ? 24 — What was the effect of Popery ? 'do 23 Did priming improve European nations, and did all arts and scieiKCS make a rapid progress when books were niultiplied, and Europeans acquired the art of reading ? ^13 — What is the Mariner's Compass ? What is its use, and where discovered ? qUESTIOiMS. Qs. Pg. 27 24 When was Iceland discovered by the Norwegians ? 28 — When were the Canary Islands discovered ? 29 — What is Theory? 30 25 What false theory concerning the torrid zone once prevailed in Europe ? 31 — Who was Prince Henry of Portugal, and what was his char- acter ? 32 26 What is a motto or device ? 33 27 What is a coat of arms ? 34 — What are the qualifications to do good, and who was an emi- nent example of them ? 35 28 When were the Azore Islands discovered ? 36 — Who discovered the Coast of Guinea? 37 — What v/as the Pope's grant to the King of Portugal ? 38 29 What was Prince Henry's design in respect to the Africans, and when did Prince Henry die ? 39 — When was the Cape of Good Hope discovered, and by whom ? 40 30 When did the Portuguese accomplish a passage to India ? CHAPTER HI. 41' 30 To what nation of Europe is the world indebted for the discovery of America ? 42 31 Who was Christopher Columbus, and who wrote his life? 43 — What was the education of Columbus ? 44 32 How does the spirit of curiosity often manifest itself, and hovy did Columbus display it? 45 — How did Columbus spend his life from fifteen to thirty-five years of age ? 46 — What were the studies of Columbus, and what persuaded him that a large portion of the globe was unknown to Europeans ? 47 33 Was Columbus a devout man, and did he respect himself? 48 — Why did Columbus require assistance in the pursuit of ma- ritime discovery ? 49 34 At the present time what notions prevail in respect to the rights of native savages in their different countries ? 50 35 When did Columbus offer his services to the king of Portugal, and how did that king receive his offer ? 51 — Did John 11, king uf Portugal, attempt a voyage of discovery, and how did u succeed ? 52 — Was Columbus ever married, and did he visit his native city ? CHAPTER IV. 53 36 What was the first appearance of Columbus m Spain? 64 — Who gave a kind reception to Columbus ? 65 37 What is a rnnvent ? 56 — To "vhom did the Prior of La Rabidad introduce Columbus? 57 — What i;; the office of a confessor ? 58 38 What further services did Prior Juan Perez render Columbus ? 59 — What is the Moorisu conquest of Spain ? 60 39 Why did the sovereigns of Spain make war upon the Moors, and did they encourage Columbus immediately upon hig arrival in Spain ? QUESTIONS. Us. Pg. 61 39 Was Isabella, queen of Spain, a virtuous woman, and did Columbus appear with dignity at court ? C2 40 How did Columbus subsist for some time, and who at length took his project into consideration ? 63 — Did Columbus become weary of solicitation — did he resolve to quit Spain, and what prevented him ? 64 41 Who persuaded Isabella to patronize Columbus, and what did she bestow on him ? 65 — When did Columbus arrive ati Grenada, and what spectacle was there presented to him ? 66 42 Was the conquest of the Moors a brilliant event, and how was it celebrated ? 67 — What is meant by the phrase, to cast down the crescent and ex- alt the cross ? 68 43 Did Isabella entirely meet the wishes of Columbus at first, and how was she afterwards disposed in his favour ? 69 — Did the sovereigns of Spain fit out Columbus for a voyage, and how old was he when he commenced it ? CHAPTER V. 70 44 What number of ships and men formed the equipment of Co- lumbus, and how was his departure regarded by the inhabit- ants of Palos ? 71 45 Did the mariners of Columbus's fleet proceed on the voyage with cheerfulness ? 72 — Had any former traveller described regions till this time un- known to Europeans, and did Columbus expect to reach those regions? 73 46 What encouragement did Columbus hold out to his crew, and what did they meet in September, 1492 ? 74 — When did Alonzo Pinzon imagine that he saw land, and how did Columbus sustain his spirits during the voyage ? 75 47 Did the sailors conspire against Columbus, and did he offer a reward to the first discoverer of land ? 76 — If Columbus had not changed his course whither would he have proceeded? 77 48 What happened October 11th ? 78 — How did Columbus express his feelings in the near anticipation of reaching land ? 79 49 What appearances indicated land, and who first perceived a light from it ? 80 — Wha* conjectures arose in the minds of those who first saw the light ? 81 — What English poet has celebrated this event ? CHAPTER VI. 82 50 On what island did Columbus first land, and what appearances did it exhibit ? 83 51 In what manner did Columbus first approach the shore ? 84 — Did Columbus offer thanks to God and take possession of the island ? 85 — What is an oath of allegiance ? ril QUESTIONS. Qs. Pg. 86 52 How did the followers of Columbus now regard him ? 87 — What was the behaviour of the natives when they first saw Europeans ? 88 53 Did the natives regard the Spaniards as supernatural beings ? 89 — On what account were the natives called Indians ? 90 — What was the appearance of the natives ? 91 54 What implements of war had the natives, and what presents did Columbus make them ? 92 — What return did the natives make, and when did Columbus leave the island ? 93 — What article did the Spaniards principally desire to find, and whither did the natives go in search of it ? 94 55 Was the country agreeable, and did Columbus treat the natives with benevolence ? 95 — What was the conduct of an Indian who was on board of the admiral's ship Nina? and how did Columbus receive a poor Indian who manifested some fear of the Spaniards ? 96 56 Did the man return satisfied to the shore ? 97 — What names did Columbus give to the second and third islands which he discovered, and whom did he overtake in saiUng from Conception to Fernandina ? 98 57 Did the Indians feel cordially towards the Spaniards, and what were their habitations ? 99 58 What island of the Bahama cluster did Columbus next dis- cover, and what false expectations did the Spaniards form in respect to gold mines? 100 — What animals were found in the Bahamas ? CHAPTER VII. 101 59 Did Columbus presume that Cuba was an island, and when was that fact ascertained ? 102 — When did Columbus land in Cuba, and what did he find in the huts of the natives ? 103 60 What is Mr. Irving's description of the climate and produc- tions of Cuba ? 104 — What is related of the insects of Cuba? 105 61 How is an Indian village described ? 106 — Did Columbus fancy himself in Asia, in the dominions of the Khan of Tartary ? 107 — Did the natives of Cuba appear at first afraid of the Span- iards, and were they afterwards induced to place confidence in them ? 108 62 Did Columbus send Spaniards to visit the imaginary king of the country, and did they relate their adventures on their return ? 109 — How did the Lucayan interpreter describe the Spaniards to the Indians, and how did the latter conduct themselves towards the former ? 110 63 Was any gold found in this expedition, and what vegetable productions had previously been discovered in these regions ? 111 — During the absence of his messenger did Columbus obtain any information concerning gold, and did they not know that they had in fact made a discovei-y of more value than that of gold "^ Q,UESTIONS. Qs. Pg. 112 64 Did Columbus leave Cuba, and what island did he next dis- cover ? 113 — Did Alonzo Pinzon abandon the fleet of Columbus ? 114 — At what time did Columbus enter the harbour of St. Nicholas, and why did he call the island Hispaniola "? 115 65 What adventure happened on the 12th of December? 116 — Did the Indian woman return to her village, and did the na- tives of it show respect to the Spaniards ? 117 66 Did these poor people appear to be happy, and show liberal dispositions ? 118 — How did Peter Martyr describe these islanders? ] 19 67 Were the natives of the West India islands all of one race and character ? 120 — Is the conduct of the discoverer of America towards the Spaniards commendable, and were his contemporaries sen- sible of his worth ? CHAPTER VIII. 121 68 Did the Spaniards become cruel to the Indians immediately? 122 — Did one of the Indian princes visit the admiral in a style of considerable dignity ? 123 — What presents did this prince make to Coluinbus, and what notions did he form of the Spaniards ? 124 69 Did the prince depart in the manner in which he had come ? 125 — As Columbus explored the shores of Hayti in what manner did the chiefs of the island entertain him ? 126 — Who was Guacanagari, and how did he receive the Spaniards? 127 70 What misfortune happened to Columbus on the 24th of Sep- tember? 128 — Did Guacanagari assist Columbus ? 129 71 What were the manners of Guacanagari ? 130 — What spectacles did the Spaniards and Indians mutually ex- hibit ? 131 — What account did Guacanagari give of the Caribs ? 1 32 72 Were the Spaniards consoled for the shipwreck ? 133 — What modes of life are convenient in warm countries ? 1 34 — Did the Spaniards like this mode of living ? 135 73 What was the government, and the condition of society in the West India Islands ? 136 — Did Columbus propose to leave any of his men on the island while he returned to Spain ? 137 — What is a fortress, and of what materials was one constructed for the protection of the Spaniards ? 138 74 Under what circumstances was Columbus preparing to return to Spain ? 139 — In what manner did Guacanagari always receive the visits of Columbus? 140 — On one occasion did Guacanagari display unusual munificence? 141 75 What use did Columbus intend to make of the wealth which he might acquire ? 142 — What was the name of the fort which the Spaniards erected, and who were left to defend it ? 143 76 When did Columbus depart for Spain, and how were his friends affected hv that event ? Q.UESTIONS. Qs. I'g. 144 76 Did Pinzon rejoin the A(imiral ? 145 — What molives had misled Pinzon, and how had he conducted himself? 146 77 Did Pinzon excuse himself, and was the conduct of Columbus towards him commendable ? 147 — Did Columbus compel Pinzon to do justice to the Indians whom he had on board his ship ? 148 78 On what bay did Columbus land ? 149 — How did the natives of this region appear ? 150 — Did the natives discover any fear of the Spaniards, and on what occasion was the first blood shed in the new world ? 151 — Of what tribe were these Indians ? 152 79 What present did the cacique of the country make to Co- lumbus ? 153 — What further intercourse took place, and when did Columbus leave the Gulf of Samana? 154 — What occurred on the voyage to Europe? 1 55 80 What religious services are superstitious ? 156 — What vow did Columbus make, and what is meant by Shrines and by Pilgrimages ? 157 — What second vow did the Spaniards make during the storm at sea ? 158 81 During this storm what precaution did Columbus take to pre- serve the fact of his discovery ? 159 — What land was first discovered on the return to Europe ? CHAPTER IX. 160 82 Were the Portuguese astonished at the preservation of Co- lumbus's vessels ? 161 — Did the Governor relieve the crews, and did they go on shore ? 1 62 — What reception awaited the Spaniards ? 163 83 What alarmed Columbus ? 164 — How did Castinada treat the admiral ? 165 — What hypocritical reason did Castinada assign for his inhos- pitality and treachery ? 166 84 What apology could be offered for the conduct of Castinada? 167 — What commands had the king of Portugal issued in respect to Columbus? 168 85 When did Columbus arrive in the Tagus, and what was his reception there ? 169 — How did Columbus treat the king of Portugal ? 170 — Who paid Columbus a visit? 171 86 Hov/ did the people of Lisbon regard the return of Columbus? 172 — What further display of admiration was exhibited in Portugal? 173 — Did Columbus act with prudence at this juncture? 174 87 What were the King of Portugal's feelings at this time ? 175 — What measure did King John resolve upon ? 176 88 How did the Queen of Portugal receive Columbus? 177 — When did Columbus reach Palos ? 178 — What was the reception of Columbus at Palos? 179 89 Did Pinzon hope to deprive Columbus of the honour of his discovery ? 180 — What was the effect of his own conduct upon Pinzon ? 181 90 How does Mr. Irving regard the character of Pinzon ? (itrESTIONS. U». Pg. 182 90 Did the king and queen of Spam welcome Columbus? 183 91 Was the journey of Columbus from Seville to Barcelona remarkable ? 184 — Was there any thing like this progress of Columbus in an- cient Rome ? 185 — What was displayed in the streets of Barcelona? 186 92 Who attended Columbus, and who awaited him? 187 — Did the sovereigns of Spain do honor to Columbus? 188 — How did Columbus gratify their majesties ? 189 93 How was Columbus listened to ? 1 90 — How did the nations of Europe regard the discoveries of Columbus ? 191 94 Did many eminent persons show respect to Columbus ? ] 92 95 In what manner did Columbus reprove a shallow courtier ? CHAPTER X. 193 96 What induced the sovereigns of Spain to ask permission of the Pope that the discoveries of Spanish vessels should be secured to them ? 194 — What bull did the Pope grant in favour of Spain ? 195 — To whom did the Spanish sovereigns intrust the preparation of a second voyage to the new world ? 196 97 Could any vessel be fitted out for discovery without special permission ? 197 — In what respect is our political condition better than if we were living under an arbitrary government ? 198 98 How many ships, and what adventurers were engaged for the second expedition of Columbus ? 199 — What sort of man was Alonzo de Ojeda ? 200 — What exploit of his is recorded ? 201 99 Did the king of Portugal intercept the voyage of Columbus.? 202 — How did Columbus leave Palos a second time, and when did he reach the Canary islands ? 203 100 When did Columbus discover the Caribbees, and what is the extent of those islands ? 204 — How did Columbus celebrate his discoveries? 205 — To what islands did Columbus give name, and what did he observe in those islands ? 206 101 What was one of the customs, and what were the arras of the Caribs? 207 — What information concerning the Caribs did the Spaniards obtain ? 208 102 Did the Carib women fight? 209 103 Were the Caribs an intelligent race ? 210 104 What occurred on the 22d of November ? 211 — What occurred on the 27th of November ? 212 — Who came out to the admiral's vessel at La Navidad? 213 105 What did Columbus learn concerning his fortress ? 214 — What did those persons who landed discover ? 215 106 When Columbus went ashore what did he observe ? 216 — What was the conduct of those Spaniards who had been left in the fort ? 217 — How did Arana conduct himself, and who withdrew from his authority ? q,UESTIONS. (is. Pg. 218 107 Where wasCibao, and who was its chief ? 219 — How did Caonabo devise against the white men? 220 108 How did Caonabo execute his project? CHAPTER XL 221 109 What passed between the admiral and Guacanagari "i 2 22 Did the cacique return the visit of Columbus, and what emo- tions did the Haytians experience at sight of the Caribs ? 223 1 [0 What objects in the admiral's ship affected Guacanagari ? 224 — What were the cacique's feelings during his visit to Co- lumbus ? 225 111 How did the Boriquen women escape from the admiral's ship ? 226 — What became of Guacanagari ? 227 112 What difficulties arose among the colonists? 228 — Who were sent in search for gold ? 229 113 What discovery was made on the third day of this expe- dition ? 230 — Was gold found by the Spaniards ? 231 — Who embarked for Spain m twelve ships, and what proposal did Columbus offer to the sovereigns of Spain ? 232 114 What name vvas given to the new city, and what discontents arose in the colony ? 233 — What falsehood was invented to the injury of the admiral ? 234 115 In what manner did Columbus proceed to the territory of Cibao ? 235 — What did 'he Spaniards encounter in this journey? 236 116 Did Columbus respect the rights of the Indians, and what river and plain did he cross ? 237 — Was gold here offered to Columbus ? 238 — Where was fort St. Thomas erected, who took the com- mand of it, and who was sent to explore the country ? 239 117 Did the Indians believe in a multitude of divinities? 240 — Did the religion of the Indians bear any resemblance to that of the Romans and Mahf^medans ? 241 118 How did the Butios, or Indian priests, deceive the people ? 242 — What festival was celebrated by the Indians ? 243 119 What tradition had the Haytians in respect to the Creation ? 244 — What was the fable of these people concerning the origin of mankind ! 245 120 What was the Indian tradition of the Deluge? 246 — How did the Indians treat the dying, and what were their notions of Heaven ? 247 121 What were the Indian dances and songs, and what melan- choly change has taken place in their country ? 248 122 In what condition did Columbus find Isabella on his return from the interior, and what did he hear from St, Thomas? 249 — What soon become the condition of the colony ? 250 — Who hated and persecuted Columbus ? 251 123 What did Columbus devise to remedy these evils ? 252 — What instructions did Columbus give to promote peace and good order ? 253 — How did ill will arise between the Indians and the Spaniards? 254 124 How did Columbus treat the Indian prisoners ? QUESTIONS. Qs. Pg. 255 124 Were the Indians afraid of horsemen ? 256 — Of what was Columbus convinced, and who were his coun- sellors ? 257 — When did Columbus set out on an exploring expedition ? 258 125 What islands did Columbus next discover, and what was the deportment of its inhabitants ? 259 — At what place was Columbus detained in order to repair his vessel 7 260 126 What name did Columbus give the island, and what are its productions ? 2f»l — Of what description were the vessels of the natives ? 262 127 Did Columbus desire to return to Cuba? 263 — Did a young Indian of Jamaica wish to accompany Co- lumbus ? 264 128 What afterwards became of this youth? 265 — What information concerning that island did the natives of Cuba give? 266 — What is the Queen's Garden? 267 — Is the coast of Cuba beautiful ? 268 — IIow did the natives along the shores of Cuba entertain th© Spaniards ? 269 129 What is the present state of that tract ? 270 — How does Humboldt, the traveller, describe this coast of Cuba? 271 130 What animals abound in this region? 272 — Did Columbus proceed the whole length of the island ? 273 — Did Columbus suppose Cuba to be an island ? 274 — What occurred on the 7th of July ? 275 — What custom was then usual to Catholics? 276 131 What is the Mass ? 277 — Who came out to welcome Columbus? 278 132 What discourse did the old man address to Cokmbus ? 279 — What was the admiral's reply ? , », -> 280 — Was the old man gratified by the benevolence of Columbus ? 281 133 By whom, and how is the worship of God descriked, and what is the general character of that poet's ve-^es . 282 134 What is meant by natural and revealed religio" • , 283 — Do natural and revealed religion teach t»e doctrine of rewards arid punishments ? CHAPTER XII . ^ 284 135 Did Columbus circumnavigate Jamai,'^ • „„ ,^^ ^, 285 136 What family desired to place chen-^^'^^s under the protec- tion of Columbus ? „, „ . n^i.,^!,.,™'* 286 137 What address did the ca^/que ''^« ^ Columbus? 287 138 When did Columbus returr« Isabella ! 288 139 In what condition was Cp"™bus^t tins tune? 289 - Who alleviated ^he s.-^rrngs of Columbus, and what had 290 1 40 How did C feaHes^vx^i. treat Bartholomew Columbus ? 291 What office did ^he admiral confer upon his brother ? 292 141 Into how man/ domains was Hayti divided ? _ 293 What were ciie second, third, tourth, and nttn domains / 294 142 What happened in Hay ti during the admiral's absence? 295 Did contention arise between the Spaniards and the Indians ? 10 qUESTrONS. Qs. Pg. 2% 143 What cluef resolved to exterminate the Spaniards? 297 — What " religious talisman" do the Catholics sometimes wear about their persons ? 298 — In what manner did Ojeda regard the Virginl 299 144 With what force did Caonabo attack the garrison of St. Thomas ? 300 145 In what manner did Caonabo proceed ? 301 — Who gave Columbus information of the designs of the In- dians, and what did he resolve to do? 302 146 What offer did Ojeda make to the admiral, and how did the former proceed ? 303 147 Did Ojeda attempt to take Caonabo by stratagem ? 904 148 Did Ojeda succeed in his treacherous attempt? 305 149 What was the deportment of Caonabo in his captive state? 306 — Did Ojeda piake other prisoners besides Caonabo? CHAPTER XIII. 307 150 What vessels and letters arrived from Spain in the autumn of 1494 ? 308 — On what account did Columbus send his brother Diego to Spain ? 309 151 What portion of mankind have been subject to slavery? 310 — What mduced Columbus to recommend the slavery of the Indians ? 311 — Did Ferdinand of Spain make slaves of the Moors? 312 152 In what manner did Columbus exact tribute from tlae Spaniards ? SI 3 153 How were the Indians compelled to spend their time ? 314 — Who was an eminent sufferer among the Indians, and what is the condition of their descendants ? ^16 1=. nr CHAPTER XIV. 315 154 Wtmt complaints did Margarite and farther Boyle make in Spain, and what did the sovereigns resolve upon in conse- quence 1 316 155 ^hat effect did the letters of Columbus to the Queen of _,, ^fP^in produce ? .^17 ^y"^ did Aguado arrive at Hispaniola, and how did he con- ductVimself? 318 156 What st^m occurred, and what discovery was made at this 319 158 When did Co„n^t^.jg ^^^ g^jj ^^^ g i„ ^„^ how were the ■n^/fv"'^n K "- '^e*^ at Guadaloupe ? oo? ,■;; 5-f ^fi r""""-^" resemble the Amazons of antiquity? 321 159 Did fire-arms territ^th^ Caribs, and when did Columbus reach Cadiz / «;? i7n wf .S''lT^"' I'^'^^T'^reccived in Spain? 323 160 What did Columbus ask oU^^^ sovereigns of Spain in order to prosecute his discoveries'* 324 — What circumstances in some mt^gure ^.ounteracted the de- signs 01 Columbus I 325 — What provision was made for Columi^jg in the spring of 1497'? 326 161 Who opposed himself to the designs of Columbus 'i 327 — What dignities were conferred upon Columbus'^ QUESTIONS. it Qs. Pg. 328 161 When xlid Columbiis set sail, and when did he reach the calm latitndoK ? 329 162 What is the climate of the tropic sea? 330 — What are Mr. Coleridge's verses descriptive of the torrid regions ? 331 163 What sort of people were the natives of Trinadad ? 332 1G5 Did Columbus presume that he was near a continent, and why ? CHAPTER XV. 333 166 When did Columbus arrive at Hispaniola, and what had his brother effected during his absence ? 334 — What measures did the adelantado take to strike awe of the white men into the Indians ? 335 167 What character is given to the widow of Caonabo, and what counsel did she give to the cacique of Xaragua ? 336 168 What preparation did Anacaona make for the reception of the adelantado ? 337 169 How did the cacique of the Vega regard the treatment of his subjects, and by what expedient did the Spaniards get in- formation of their danger ? 338 171 How did the adelantado proceed with the Indians, and what was the etfect of his conduct ? 339 172 Did the cacique of Xaragua pay the promised tribute ? 340 173 In what condition was the settlement at Isabella at this time ? 341 — Who revolted against the admiral's authority ? 342 174 What dispute occurred between Roldan and Diego Co- lumbus ? CHAPTER XVI. 343 175 How did the adelantado defend himself against the designs of Roldan 1 344 176 Who arrived from Spain and took the part of the adelantado ? 345 177 What was the conduct of Guarionex at this time, and with whom did he take refuge ? 346 — What was the final effort of the natives to preserve their in- dependence ? 347 178 What was the memorable reply of the cacique Magobanex to the offers of the adelantado ? 348 — What progress did the adelantado make in securing the sub- jection of the natives ? 349 179 How did the Spaniards discover the retreat of Guarionex and Magobanex ? 350 — How did the adelantado treat his prisoners ? 351 180 What was the general condition of the island at this time? 352 181 What measures did the admiral take in respect to Roldan ? 353 — Did the colonists readily support the admiral's authority ? 354 182 What provision was made for the cultivation of lands assigned to the Spaniards ? 355 — What measures did Columbus take to vindicate his adminis- tration in Spain ? 356 183 Who landed on the island of Hispaniola in the autumn of 1499? 357 — What accoimt of himself did Ojeda give ? 12 Q,UESTIONS. Qs. Pg. 358 184 Who accompanied Ojeda, and what part did the latter take with the insurgents of Xaragua ? 359 — Did Ojeda persevere in this enterpnze ? 360 185 What happened to Roldan in Xaragua ? 361 — What excited the ill-will of Adrian de Moxica against Roldan ? 362 186 What measures did Columbus take to frustrate the plans of Moxica ? 363 187 Did the Spanish affairs in this colony begin to prosper at this time ? CHAPTER XVII. 364 — What influence had the enemies of Columbus at the court of Spain ? 365 188 Did the sovereigns of Spain determine to ascertain the truth concerning Columbus, and whom did they appoint to inves- tigate his administration ? 366 189 When did Bobadilla arrive at St. Domingo, and what was the first effect of his appearance there ? 367 — How did Bobadilla treat Diego Columbus, and what orders did he give in respect to the admiral and Don Bartholomew? 368 190 Did any disagreement arise between Bobadilla and Miguel Diaz? 369 191 What fiirther insults and injuries did Bobadilla ofFer to Columbus ? 1 370 — How did Columbus sustain himself under this treatment? | 371 192 Were Columbus and his brothers put in prison ? i| 372 — Under whose charge was Columbus sent to Spain, and wh^t ' affecting interview passed between him and Vellijo — to whom he was committed ? 373 193 What treatment did Columbus receive, and how did he bear his misfortunes in the passage to Spain ? 374 — When the brothers reached Spain what were the measures taken in respect to them ? 375 194 When Columbus appeared at court how was queen Isabella affected at the sight of him ? 376 — Was Columbus restored to the vice-royalty ? 377 195 What adventurers engaged in voyages of discovery about this time ? 378 — What project in relation to newly-discovered countries did Ferdinand of Spain form, and what promise did he make ta Columbus ? 379 196 What were the consequences of Bobadilla's misrule? 380 — What was the conduct of the Spanish colonists, and who was appointed to supercede Bobadilla ? 381 — What was the origin of negro slavery, and how has it been perpetuated ? CHAPTER XVIII. 382 197 Who attended Ovando to Hispaniola, and what disposed Co- lumbus to undertake a fourth voyage ? 383 198 Did the sovereigns of Spain patronize the fourth voyage of Columbus, and did they promise honour to his family ? 384 — With what equipment, and with what purpose did Columbus depart from Spain, May, 1502 ? QUESTIONS. is Q8. Pg. 385 199 What induced Columbus to touch at Hispaniola, and how had Ovando been received there ? 38G — Was Bobadilla still at St. Domingo, and was Columbus per- mitted to enter that harbour ? 387 200 What did Columbus discover on the 30th of July, and what did the adelantado observe ? 388 201 Did the natives of this island appear to be more ingenious than others hitherto known to the Spaniards ? 389 202 What course did Columbus take, and where 6'^ he arrive on the 14th of September? 390 — What dispositions did the natives of t^^ Mosqueto shore exhibit / 391 203 What intelligence was given by thf natives of Costa Rica ? 392 204 How is Porto Bello described ? 393 — Where did Columbus station his vessels, January, 1503, and what intercourse was begun between the Spaniards and the natives ? 394 205 What hostile design was formed by the Indians, and wlio engaged to frustrate their Jnterjtions ? 395 206 What was the success of Mendez in his undertaking ? 396 207 Did the adelantado attack the house of Quibia ? 397 — What success had the adelantado in his attack upon Quibia ? 398 208 To whose care was Quibia entrusted, and did he escape from the Spaniards ? 399 209 Did Quibia attempt to destroy the Spanish settlement, and how was he repulsed ? 400 _ How was Diego Tristan killed ? 401 — What effect had tJie death of Tristan upon the Spaniards ? 402 210 What was the tragical end of Quibia's family? 403 — What prevented the admiral from proceeding on his voyage to Spain? CHAPTER XIX. 404 211 Who amowg the Spaniards performed a remarkable service to Co'inibus ? 405 212 In what manner were the Spaniards at the settlement con- veyed to the admiral's vessels ? 406 — When did Columbus set sail from the coast of Veragua ? 407 21? When was he forced to put into harbour in the island of Jamaica, and what orders did he give to his men ? 408 — What service did Diego Mendez offer to perform ? 409 214 What was the situation of the men on board the admiral's ships, and what plan was devised for their relief? 410 215 What discourse did the admiral address to Diego Mendez? 411 — What was the reply of Mendez, and how did the admiral receive it? 412 216 When the admiral made the courage and generosity of Men- dez known to his followers, how did they regard him, and what did he say ? 413 — Did Columbus furnish despatches to Mendez? 414 217 Who accompanied Mendez to Hispaniola? 415 218 Who among the officers of Columbus mutined, and did tho crew enter into the desperate projects of Porras ? 416 — Who among his followers adhered to Columbus '^ 14 ttUESTIONS. Cts. Pg. 417 219 DidthePorras brothers and their adherents leave the wrecks? 418 — By what artifice did Columbus procure supplies from the Indians ? 419 220 When the Indians saw the prediction of Columbus accom- plished, what were their emotions ? CHAPTER XX. 420 221 Did Diego Mendez and his companions suffer severely in *heir passage to Hispaniola ? 421 223 In oHer to see Ovando, whither was Mendez forced to travel, and how long was he obliged to wait before he got even the T)romise of assistance ? 422 224 Were the reu,ls at length made prisoners ? 423 225 When did Colutnbus leave the wrecks, and when did he land once more j.t, St. Domingo ? 424 — What was the character of Ovando's administration ? 425 226 What complaints were made to Ovando of the refractoriness of the Indians of Xaragua ? 426 227 How did Ana/:aona receive a, visit from Ovando, and how was that priikcess treated ? 427 — When did Columbus leave St. Domingo, and how was he received in Spain ? 428 228 Had Columbus enemies at coyrt, and how did he defend his own character ? 429 — What affliction did Columbus sustain at this time ? 430 229 When did Isabella of Spain die, and what touching circum- stances are recorded concerning her death ? 431 — What is worthy of praise and imitation in the character of Isabella ? 432 — How did Columbus spend the winter of 1505, and who was engaged in his behalf? 433 230 Did Columbus ever return to co'jrt, and what was his reception there ? 434 231 Who attended the death-bed of Columbis? 435 — What was Ms behaviour in his last momeats ? 436 — Where were the remains of Columbus ai^^i his son Don Diego interred, where does that illustrious man now rest, and what is inscribed upon his tomb ? 437 232 What reflections are suggested by reading the life of Columbus ? 438 — What is related of Diego Columbus, the son of the admiral 1 439 234 Was the administration of Diego Columbus fortunate? 440 — When did Diego Columbus die? 441 235 Is any account given of the descendants of Columbus? 442 236 Who was Amerigo Vespucci ? 443 — Were Vespucci and Columbus acquainted ? 444 — In what year did Vespucci first visit the new world ? 445 237 On what account was the territory of Brazil allotted to Vespucci ? 446 — Was the name America first given to the whole continent ? 447 — How does Fernando Columbus speak of Amerigo Vespucci ? 448 238 What was the occupation of Vespucci, and where did he die ? THE END. I A