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About Google Book Search Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web at |http: //books .google .com/I M' S' i ^ f% "^\ 4v ;qt- xi -V,*-; ,V > i ^^.' --^^^^T'Vu ">,,'iJ i 'i■■-->»^^. r ^ ,;;,'■>-,, ->,,-|!ivvi;;;^;^>flfl,^.^^_ .,. '■■"■•v^n„A____ "' ■^ ^ ^ . r ■ ,. '«-.i.''Va^««'«^,, '-...,_ \ / :'*• • n. 'A I • LIFE AND VOYAGES OF CHRISTOPHER>COIiUniB1JS. -J-L^ m V>- -m m ~ ^. ^m ^ Chapter ZT Chaptir CONTENTS OF VOL. II. i - i BOOK V^ I. Voyage to the east end of Cuba. •.....- 9 11. Discovery of Jamaica *..... . 14 III. Return to Cuba— Navigation among the islands called the Queen's Garden. ... 19 lY. Coasting of the southern side of Cuba... 25 V. Return of Columbus along the southern - coast of Cuba 35 VI. Coasting voyage along the south side of Jamaica 43 VII. Voyage along the south side of Hispaniola, and return to Isabella 48 BOOK-Vin. . -.* L Arrival of the admiral at Isabella — Charac- f *■ ter of Bartholomew Columbus 53 "* .* ^ ' II. Misconduct of Don Pedro Margarite, and his departure from the island 59 III. Troubles with the natives — Alonzo de Oje- da besieged by Caonabo 65 IV. Measures of Columbus to restore the quiet of the island — Expedition of Ojeda to surprise Caonabo 72 V. Arrival of Antonio de Torres with four ships from Spain — His return with In- dian slaves...... ..••.. 82 'J f^pr+ r i > l/S Z2 f f,Z. 7 Southern District of ^ew-York^ss. BB IT REMEMBERED, Tliat on the 24th day of J^pwn'ry, A. D. 1828, in the 52d year of the Independence of the Unii ^ States of Amerca, Washington Iuvinc. of tlie said District, h *8 deposited ui this office- the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as au- thor, in th<; words following, to wit : " A History of the Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus. By Washington Ir- ving. * Venient annis secula seris, Qriibiis Oceanus vincula rerum ll'ixet, et ingens patent tellus. Tiphysque novus det^gat orbes, Nee sit ferris ultima Tnule.— Seneco. Metka.* ** In conformity to the Act of Congress of the United States, entitled " An Act for the en- couragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the au- thors and pn>prietor8 of such copies, during th(* time therein mentioned." And also to an Act, entitled "An Act supplementary to an Act, ontitle t «■ •I I V * 1 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF christopher^coluiubuis. aBSSBSBI V / • ■•'. 12 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF By order of C9luinbus the young Lucayan interpreter ad- vanced and accolted him« The expressions of friendship, in his own language, soon dispelled the apprehensions of the wondenng savage. He came to meet the interpreter, and being informed by him of the good intentions of the Spamards,^ hastened to communicate the intelligence to his comrades* In a little while they were seen descending froin their rocks, and issuing from their forests ; approaching the strangers with great gentleness and veneration. Through means of the interpreter, Columbus learnt that they had been sent to the coast by their cacique, to procure fish for a solemn ban* quet wh|ph he was about to give to a neighbouring chieftain, and that they roasted the fish, to prevent it from spoiling in the transportation. They seemed to be of the same gently and pacific character with the natives of Hayti. The ravages that had been made among their provisions by the hungry Spaniards, gave them no concern, for they observed that one night's fishing would replace all the loss. Columbus, how- ever, in bis usual spirit of justice, ordered that ample com- * pensation should be made them; and, shaking hands,' they parted mutually well pleased*. Leaving this harbour on the 1st of May, the admiral con- tinued to the westward, sailing along a mountainous coast, enlivened by beautiful rivers, and indented by those commo- dious harbours for which this island is so remarkable. As he advanced, the country grew more fertile and populous. The natives crowded to the shores, man, woman, and child, gazing with astonishment at the ships, which glided gently along at no great distance. They held up fruit^ and pro- visions, inviting the Spaniards to land ; others cam^ off in canoes, bringing cassava bread, fish, and calabashes of l^ * Peter Martyr, ubi sup. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 13 *•■' water, not for sale, Ibut as offerings to the strangers, ^oin» as Usual, they considered celestial beings descended from the skies* Columbus distributed the customary presents among them, which were received with transports of joy and grati- tude. ■ After continuing some distance along the' coast, he came to another gulf or deep bay, narrow at the entrance, and expanding* within, surrounded by a rich and beautiful country. There were lofty mountains sweeping up from the sea, but the shores were enlivened by numerous villages, and cultivated to such a degree as to resemble gardens and orchards. In this harbour, which it is jprobable was the same at present called St. Jago de Cuba,*- Columbus ancb^d and passed a night, overwhelmed, as usual, with the simple hos|[>itality of the natives*. On inquiring of the people of this coast after gold, they uniformly pointed to the south, and as far as they could be understood, intimated that a great island lay in that direction, where it abounded. The admiral, in the course of his first voyage, had received information of such an island, which some oY his rollowers had thought iQight be Babeque, the object of so much anxious search, and chimerical expecta- tion. He had felt a strong inclination to diverge from his course, and go in que^ of it, and this desire increased with every new report. On the following day, therefore, (the 3d^ of May,) after standing westward to a high cape, he sttd- denly turned his prow directly south ; and abandoning for a time the coast of Cuba, steered off into the broad sea, in quest of this reported island. * Cura de los Palacios, Cap. 124. MS. 14 LIFE AND V0YA<3fES OF .' •*■ « CHAPTER II. DISCOVERY OP JAMAICA. Columbus had not sailed many leagues before the ^bliie summits of Jamaica began to rise above the horizon. It wds two days and nights, however, before he reached the island, filled with admiration, as be gradually drew near, at its vast size, the beauty of its mountains, the majesty of its forests, the fertility of its valleys, and the great number of villages with which the whole face of the country was animated. On approaching the land, at least seventy canoes, filled with savages gaily painted and decorated with feathers, sal- lied forth more than a league firom shore. They advanced in warlike arvay, uttering loud yells, and brandishing lances of pointed wood. The me£ati n of the interpreter, and a few presents to one of the canoes which ventured nearer than the rest, foothed this angry armada, and the squadron pur- sued its course unmolested. Columbus anchored in a har- bour about the centre of the island, to which, from the great beauty of the surrounding country, he gave the npme of Santa Gloria*: it is the same at present called St. Ann's Bay. * Cura de los Palacios, Cap. 125. 4. i CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 15 On the following morning, he weighed anchor at daybreak]^^^- and coasted westward^ in search of a a||kered harbour, where his ship^ could be careened and caulked, as it leaked considerably. After proceeding a few leagues, he found one apparently suitable for the purpose. On sepding a boat to sound the entrance, two large canoes, filled with Indians, issued forth to oppose their landing, hurling /tueir lances, but from such a distance as to fall short of the Spaniards* Not wishing to proceed to any act of hostility that might prevent future intercourse, Columbus ordered the boat to return on board, and, finding there was sufficient depth of water for his ship, entered and anchored in the harbour. Immediately the whole beach was covered with Indians, painted with a variety of colours, but chiefly black; some partly clothed with palm leaves, and all wearing tufts and coronets of gay tropica] feathers. Unlike the hospitable islanders of Cuba and Hayti, these appeared to partake of the warlike character of the Caribs, manifesting the fiercest hostility, hurling their javelins at the ships, and making the shores resound with their yells and war-whoops. The admiral reflected that further forbearance might Ijfe mistaken for cowardice. It was necessary to careen his ship, and to send men on shore for a supply of water; but pre- viously it was adviseable to strike an awe into the savages, that might prevent any molestation from them. As the ca- ravels could not approach sufficiently near to the beach where the Indians were collected, he dispatched the boats wed|c^anned and armed. These rowing close to the shore l^^Wm volley of arrows firom their crossbows, by which several Indians were wounded, and the rest thrown into con- fiision. The Spaniards then sprang on shore and put the whole multitude to flight; giving another discharge of their 16 LIFE AND VOYAGES OP crossbows, and letting loose upon them a dog, who pursued themw^ith sanguinary fury^. This is the first instance of the use of dogs against the natives, which weie afterwards employed with such cruel effect by the Spaniards in their Indian wars^ Columbus now landed and took formal possession of the island, to which he gave the name of Santiago ; but fortu-* hately it has retained its original Indian name of Jamaica. The harbour,^ from its commodiousness, he called Puerto Bueno; it was inilie form of a horse-shoe, and had a river in its vicinityt. During the rest of the day, the neighbourhood remained silent and deserted. On the following mornint^, however, before sunrise, six Indians were seen on the shore, making signs of amity^ They proved to be envoys sent by the ca- <:iques^ with proffers of peac^ and friendship. These were cordially reciprocated by the admiral; presents of trinkets were sent to the chiei^ains ; and in a little while the harbour again swarmed with the naked and painted multitude ; bring- ing abundance of ]^rovi3ions, similar in kind, but superior in quality, to those of the other islands. During three days that the ships remained in this har*^ bour, the most amicable intercourse was kept up with the natives* They appeared to be more ingenious, as well as more wa|fike, than their neighbours of Cuba and Hayti. Their cattbes 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 mahogany. Columbus * Cura de los Palacios, Cap. 124. t Hist, del Almirante^ ubi sup. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 17 measured one, which was ninety-six feet long, and eight broad*, hollowed out of one of those magnificent trees, which rise like verdant towers amidst the rich forests of the tro- pics. Every cacique prided himself on possessing a large ca- noe of the kind, which he seemed to regard as his ship of state. It is curious to remark the apparently innate difference between these island tribes. The natives of Porto Rico, though surrounded by adjacent islands, and subject to fre- quent incursions oC the Caribs, were yet of a pacific cha- racter, and possessed very jfew canoes; IjpOe Jamaica, se- parated by distance firom intercourse with other islands, pro- tected in the same way from the dangers of invasion, and embosomed, a# it were, in a peaceful mediterranean sea, was inhabited by a warlike race, and surpassed all the other islands in its maritime armaments. His ship being repaired, and a supply of water taken in, Columbus made sail, and continued along the coast to the westward, so close to the shore, that the little squadron was continually surrounded by the canoes of the natives ; who came off firom every bay, and river, and head-land; no longer manifesting hostility, but anxious to exchange any thing they possessed for European trifles. After proceeds ing about twenty-four leagues, they approached the western extremity of the island, where, the coast bending to the south, the wind became unfavourable for their tt^0^ pi^o- gress along the shore. Being disappointed in his fadpes of finding gold in Jamaica^ and the breeze being fair for Cuba, Cohudbus determined to return thither, and not to leave it, •it unltf- he had explored its coast to a sufficient distance to determine the question, whether it were terra firma or an * Cura de los Palacios, Cap. 124. VOL. II. 3 > * 18 UFB AND VDYACMSS OF island*. To the laist place at which he touched in Jamaica^ he gave the name of the Galf of Buen*tiempo, (or Fair Wea« ther,) on account of the propitious wind which blew for Cuba. Just as he was about sailing, a young Indian came off to the ship, and begged that the Spaniards would take him with them to their country. He was followed by his rela^res and friends, who endeavoured by the most affecting supfdicatiotts to dissuade him from his purpose. For some time he was distracted between concern for the disticjpss of his family, and te ardent desire to see the home of these wonderful strangers, which his imagination pictured as a region of celestial delights. Curiosity and tha youthful propensity to rove prevailed ; he tore himself from the em* braces of his friends, and that he might not behold the tears of his sisters, hid himself in a secret part of the ship. Touch* ed by this scene of natural afiectioiiv and pleased with the enterprising and confiding spirit of the youth, Galumbut gave orders that be should be treated with especial kind* nessf. * • » It would have been interesting to. Qave known something' more of the fortunes of this curious Ibivage, and of the im- pressions made upon so lively a mind by a first sight of the wonders of civilisation ; whether the land of the white men equalled his hopes ; whether, as is Usual with savages, he pined anildst the splendours of cities for his native forests, and whether he ever returned to the arms of his family. The early Spanish historians seem never to have interested them* selves in the feelings or fortunes of these first visiters from the new world to the old. No further mention is made of this youthful adventurer. * Hist del Almirante, Cap. 54. I Idem. Ip"' 4 CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 19 CHAPTER III. fiETURN TO CUBA — NAVIGATION AMONG THE ISLANDS CALLip THE queen's GARDEN. Setting sail from the gulf of Buen-tiempo. the 1494. 1 - r » . squadron once more steered for the island of Cuba^ and on the 18th of May arrived at a great cape, tQ which Columbus gave the name of Cabo de la C^'ue, which it still retains. Here, landing at a large village, he was well received and. entertained by the cacique and his subjects^ who had long since beard of himself and his ships. In &€tt Columbus found, from the report of this, chieftain, that the numerous Indians who had visited his shifiji iiaring his cruise along the northern eoast; in his first voyage, had spread the 9toiy far and near, of these wonderful visiters, who had descended from the sky, and had filled the whole island with rumours and astonishment*. The admiral endeavoured to ascertain from this cacique and his people, whether Cuba was an island or a continent. They all replied that it was an island, but of itifinite extent ; for they declat^ that no one had ever seen the end of it. This reply, while it mani* fested their ignorance of the nature of a continent, left the question still in doubt and obscurity. The Indian name of ^is province of Cuba was Macaca. ^ Cura cle los Palacios, C. 126. 20 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF Resuming his course to the west, on the following day Columbus came to where the coast suddenly swept away to the northeast for many leagues, and then curved round again to the west, forming an immense bay, or rather gulf. Here he was assailed by a violent storm, accompanied by awful thunder and lightning ; which, in these latitudes, seem to rend the very heavens. Fortunately the storm was not of long duration, or his situation would have been perilous in the extreme ; for he found the navigation rendered difficult by numerous keys* and sand banks. These increased as he advanced, until the mariner stationed at the mast-head be- held the sea, as far as the eye could reach, completely stud- ded with small islands. Some of them were low, naked, and sandy, others covered with verdure, and others tufted with lofty and beautiful forests. They were of various sizes, from one to four leagues, and were generally the more fertile and elevated the nearer they were to Cuba. Findla|||^ them to increase in number, so as to render it impossibte to give names to each, the admiral gave this whole labyrinth of islands, which in a manner enamelled the face of the ocean with variegated verdure, the name of -the Queen's Gaitfen. He thought at first of leaving this archipelago on his right, and standing further out to sea ; but he called to mind that Sir John Mandeville and Marco Polo had mentioned that the coast of Asia was fringed with islands, to the amount of several thousands. He persuaded himself that he was among that cluster ; «nd resolved not to lose sight of the main land, by following which, if it were really Asia, he must soon ar- rive at the dominions of the Grand Khan. * Keys, from cayos, rocks, which occasiionally form small islands on the coasts of America. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS, 21 Entering among these islands, therefore, Columbus soon became entangled in the most perplexed navigation, in which he was exposed to continual perils and difficulties, from sand banks, counter currents, and sunken rocks. The ships were obliged, in a manner, to grope their way, with men stationed at the mast-head, and the lead continually going. Some- times they were obliged to shift their course, within the hour, to all points of the compass ; sometimes they were straiten- ed in a narrow channel, where it was necessaiy to lower aU sail, and tow the vessels out, lest they should run aground ; not- withstanding all which precautions, they frequently touched upon sand banks, and were extricated with great difficulty. The variableness of the weather added to the embarrass- , ments of the navigation ; though after a little while it began to assume some method in its very caprices. In the morning the' wind rose in the east, with the sun, and following his course ^Ibcough the day, died away at sunset in the west. Heavy clouds gathered with the approach, of evening, send- ing forth sheets of lightning, and distaoiT'^peals of thunder, and menacing a furious tempest ; bult ^s the moon rose, the whole mass broke iwtff , part melting in a shower of rain, and part dispersed by a breeze which sprang up from the land. There was much in the character of the surrounding scenery, to favour the idea of Columbus that he was in the Asiatic archipelago. As the ships glided along the smooth and glassy canals which separated these verdant islands, the magnificence of their vegetation, the soft odours which were wafted from flowers and blossoms and aromatic shrubs, and the splendid plumage of the scarlet cranes, or rather flamin- goes, which abounded in the meadows, and of other tropical birds, which fluttered among the groves, resembled what is described of oriental climes. ^ 2i' LIFE AND VOYAGES OF These isjiands were generally uninhabited. They foimd a considerable village, hovfever, oa one of the largest) where they Innded on the 22d of May* The houses were aban«- doned by their inhabitants,, who appeared to depend princi- pally on the sea fqr their subsistence. Large quantities of fish were found in their dwellings, and the adjacent shore was covered with the shells of tortoises. There were also domesticated parrots, and scarlet cranes, and numbers of dumb dogs, which it was afterwards found they fattened as an article of food. To this islsuid the admiral gave the, name of Santa Marta. In the course of his voyage among these islands, Colum- bus beheld one day a number of the natives in a canoe, on the still surface of one of the channels, occupied in fishing, and was struck with the singular means they employed. They had a small fish, the flat head of which was furnished with numerous suckers, by which it attached itself af» firmly to any object as to be torn in pieces rather than abandon its hold. Tying a line of great length to the tail of this fish, the Indians permitted ]t to swim at large ; it generally kept near the surface of the water until it perceived its prey, when darting down swiftly it attached itself by the suckers to the throat of the fish, or to the under shell of a tortoise ; nor did it relinquish its pi'ey until both were drawn up by the fisher- men, and taken out of the water. In this way the Spa- niards witnessed the taking of a t(^oise of immense size ; and Fernando Columbus affirms that he himself saw a shark caught in this itfianner on the coast of Viragua. The fact has been corroborated by the accounts of various voyaigers ; and the same mode of fishing is said to be employed on the eastern coast of Africa, at Mosambique and at Madagascar. " Thus," it has been observed, " savage people, who proba- CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 3^ bly have never held camraunication with each other, offer the most striking analogies in theit modes of exercising their empire over animals*.*' These fishermen came on board of the ships in a frank Bnd fearless manner* They furnished the Spaniards a sup-* ply of fish, and would cheerfully have given them every thing they possessed. To the admiral's inquiries concerning the geography of these parts, they said that the sea was full of islands to the south and to the west, but as to Cuba it eontinued running to the westward without any termination. Having extricated himself from this archipelago, Colum- bus stood for a mountainous part of the island of Cuba, about fourteen leagues distant, where he landed at a large village on the Sd of June. Here he was received with that kindness and amity which distinguished the inhabitants of Cuba, whom he extolled above all the other islanders for their laild and pacific character. Their very animals, he said, were tamer, as well as larger, and better than those of Ifae other islands. Among the various ardcles of food, which the natives brought with joyful alacrity from all parts to liie Spaniards, were stock-doves of uncommon size and flavour. Perceiving something peculiar in their taste, Co- lumbus ordered the crops of several newly killed to be opened, in which were found sweet spices ; favourable indi- cations of the productions of the country. While the crews of the boats were procuring water and provisions, Columbus sought to gather information from the venerable cacique, and several of the old men of the vil- lage. They told hira that the name of their province was Ornofay ; that further on to the westward the sea was again covered with innumerable islands, and had but little depth. * Humboldt, Essai Politique sur Pile de Cuba, T. 1, p. 364. i f M LIF£ AND VOYAGES OF ^As to Cuba, none of them hsid ever hearcf that it had an end to the westward ; forty moons would not suffice to reach to its extremity; in fact, they considered it interminable. They observed, however, that the admiral would receive more ample information from the inhabitants of Magon, an adjacent province which lay towards the west. }.■ The quick apprehension of Columbus was struck with the sound of this name ; it resembled that of Mangi, the richest province of the Grand Khan, bordering on the ocean. He made further inquiries concerning this region of Magon, and understood the Ilidians to say that it was inhabited by people who had tails like animals, and wore garments to conceal them. He recollected that Sir John Mandeville, in his account of the remote parts of the east, had recorded a story of the same kind, as current among certain naked tribes of Asia, and told by them in ridicule of the garments of their civilized neighbours, which they could only conceive useful in concealing some bodily defect*. He became, therefore, more confident than ever, that by keeping along the coast to the westward, he should eventu- ally arrive at the civilized realms of Asia. He flattered himself with the hopes of finding in this region of Magon the rich province of Mangi, and in its people with tails and garments, the long-robed inhabitants of the empire of Tar- tary. f Cura de los Palacios, Cap. 127. • CHRISTOPH£U COLUMBUS; 2^ •^ ■*A* f ■ CHAPTER IV. COASTING OF THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF CUBA-^ Animated by oneof Jthe pleading illasions of his ardent imagiqation, Columbus pursued his voyage, with a prosperous breeze, along the supposed continent of Asia. He was now opposite to that part of the southern side of Cuba, where, for nearly thirty-five leagues, the nayi^a- tionjs unembarrassed by banks and islands. To his left, was the broad and open sea, whose dark blue colour gave token of ample depth; to his right extended the richly wooded province of Ornofay, gradually sweeping up into a range of interior mountains ; the verdant coast watered by innumerable streams, and studded with Indian villages. The appearance of the ships spread wonder and joy along the seaboard. . The natives hailed with acclamations the arrival on their shores of these wonderful beings, whose fame had circulated more or less throughout the island, and who brought with them the blessings of the skies. They came off swimming, or in their canoes, to ofier the fruits and productions of the land, and regarded the white men almost with adoration. After the usual evening shower, when the breeze blew from the shore, and brought off the sweetness of tlie land,' it bore with it also the distant songs of the natives, and the sound of their rude music, as they were probably celebrating, with their national chants and dances, the arri- VOL. II, 4 \ 18 UFB AJVD VDYAOES OF island*. To the last place at which he touched in Jamaica^ he gave the name of the Galf of Buen-tiempo, (or Fair Wea^ ther,) on account of the propitious wind which blew for Cuba. Just as he was about sailing, a young Indian came off to the ship, and begged that the Spaniards would take him with them to their country. He was followed by his relatives and friends, who endeavoured by the most affecting supplications to dissuade him from his purpose. For some time he was distracted between conceip for the distress of his family, and an ardent desire to see the home of these wonderful strangers, which his imagination pictured as a region of celestial delights. Curiosity and the youthful propensity to rove prevailed ; he tore himself from the em- braces of his friends, and that he might not behold the tears of his sisters, hid himself in a secret part of the ship. Touch* ed by this scene of natural afiectioo^ and pleased with the enterprising and confiding spirit of the youth, Columbus gave orders that he should be treated with especial kind* nessf. * • It would have been interesting to fiave known somethings more of the fortunes of this curious jbivage, and of the im- pressions made upon so lively a mind by a first sight of the wonders of civilisation ; whether the land of the white men equalled Ins hopes ; whether, as is usual with savages, he pined amidst the splendours of cities for his native forests^ and whether he ever returned to the arms of his family. The early Spanish historians seem never to have interested them* selves in the feelings or fortunes of these first visiters from the new world to the old. No further mention is made of this youthful adventurer. * Hist del Aimirante, Cap* 54. I Idem. ■ ..? S ,^1 9 I CHRISTOPHER COLUMBU8. \% CHAPTER III. S£TURN TO CUBA — NAVIGATION AMONG THE ISLATIDS CALLU> THE QUEEN'S GARDEN. m .t ' Setting sail from tbe irulf of Buen-tiempo. th« 1494. ^ r » squadroo once more steered for the island of Cuba^ and on the 18th of May arrived at a great cape, to #hich Columbus gave tbe name of Cabo de la C^ue, which it atill retains. Here, landing at a large village, he was weH received and entertained by the cacique and his subjects, who had long since heard of himself and his ships. In fact, Columbus found, from the report of this chieftain, that the numerous Indians who had visited his shipji dnring his cruise along the northern iSDast; in his first voyage, had spread the 9tolry far and near, of these wonderful visiters, who had descended from the sky, and had filled the whole island with rumours and astonishment*. The admiral endeavoured to ascertain from this cacique and his people, whether Cuba was an island or a continent. They all replied that it was an island, but of infinite extent ; for they declar^ that no one had ever seen ^ end of it. This reply, while it iDani<- fetted their ignorance of tbe nature of a continent, left tbe question still in doabt and obscurity. Tbe Indian nameaf Ibis province of Cuba was Macaca. ^ Cure cle los Palacios, C. 126. I 28 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF Under the guidance -of this caravel, CoIum][>tts now ven- tpred to penetrate this little archipelago ; working hiti way with great caution, toil, and peril, among the narrow chan- nels which separated t||e sand banks and islands, and fs^ quently getting aground. At length he reached a low point of Cuba, to which he gave the name of Point Serafin, withid whibh the coast swept off to the east, forming so deep a bay, that he. could not see the land at the bottom of it. To die ^■vbrth, however, there were mountains afar off, and the in- termediate space was clear and open, the islayds in sight Ijdng to the south and west ; a description wbicki^prees with that of the great bay of Batabano. Columbas now steered for these mountains, with a fair wind, and three fathomii of water, and on th^ following day anchored on the coast tiear a beautiful grove of palm-trees. Here a party was sent on shore for wood fnd water, and found two living springs in the midst of the grove. While they were employed cutting wood, and filling their water casks, an archer strayed into the forest with his crossbow in search of game, but soon returned flying with great ter- ror, and calling loudly for aid upon his comrades. He de- clared that he had not proceeded far, when he suddenly espied through an opening glade a man in a long white dress, so like a friar of the order of St. Mary of Mercy,^ that at first sight he took him for the chaplain of the admiral. Two others followed, in white tunics reaching to their knees, and the three were of as fair complexions as Europeans. Behind these appeared many more, to the number of thirty, armed with clubs and lances. They made no signs of hos- tility, but remained quiet, the man in the long white dress alone advancing to accost him; but* he was so alarmed at their number, that he had fled amain, to seek the aid of his companions. The party all hurried to the ships. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 21 Entering among these islands, therefore, Columbus soon became entangled in the most perplexed navigation, in which he was exposed to continual perils and difficulties, from sand banks, counter currents, and sunken rocks. The ships were obliged, in a manner, to grope their way, with men stationed at the mast-bead, and the lead continually going. Some- times they were obliged to shift their course, within the hour, to all points of the compass ; sometimes they were straiten- ed in a narrow channel, where it was necessary to lower all sail, and tow the vessels out, lest they should run aground ; not- withstanding all which precautions, they frequently touched upon sand banks, and were extricated with great difficulty. The variableness of the weather added to the emban-ass- , ments of the navigation ; though after a little while it began to assume some method in its very caprices. In the morning the' wind rose in the east, with the Sun, and following his course '^lil^ugh the day, died away at sunset in the west. Heavy clouds gathered with the approach, of evening, send- ing forth sheets of lightning, and distaiiir^als of thunder, and menacing a furious tempest ; bu^ as the moon rose, the wheie mass broke <#«f , part melting in a shower of rain, and part dispersed by a breeze which sprang up from the land. There was much in the character of the surrounding scenery, to favour the idea of Columbus that he was in the Asiatic archipelago. As the ships glided along the smooth and glassy canals which separated these verdant islands, the magnificence of their vegetation, the soft odours which were wafted from flowers and blossoms and aromatic shrubs, and the splendid plumage of the scarlet cranes, or rather flamin- goes, which abounded in the meadows, and of other tropical birds, which fluttered among the groves, resembled what is described of oriental climes. ^ -t . 18 UFB AJVD VDYAOES OF island*. To the last place at which he touched in Jamaica^ he gave the name of the Galf of Buen-tiempo, (or Fair Wea- ther,) on account of the propitious wind which blew for Cuba. Just as he was about sailing, a young Indian came off to the ship, and begged that the Spaniards would take him with them to their country. He was followed by hia relatjnres and friends, who endeavoured by the most affecting supfdications to dissuade him from his purpose. For some time he was distracted between conce^ for the distress of his family, and an ardent desire to see the home of these wonderful strangers, which his imagination pictured as a region of celestial delights. Curiosity and the youthful propensity to rove prevailed ; he tore himself from the em* braces of his friends, and that he might not behold the tears of his sisters, hid himself in a secret part of the ship. Touch* ed by this scene of natural afiectioo^ and pleased with the enterprising and confiding spirit of the youth, Columbus gave orders that he should be treated with especial kind* nessf. ' • It would hove been interesting to Save known somethings more of the fortunes of this curious Jbivage, and of the im* pressions made upon so lively a mind by a first sight of the wonders of civilisation ; whether the land of the white men equalled Ins hopes ; whether, as is usual with savages, be pined amidst the splendours of cities for his native forests^ and whether he ever returned to the arms of his family. The early Spanish historians seem never to have interested them* selves in the feelings or fortunes of these first visiters from the new world to the old. No further mention is made of this youthful adventurer. ,» * Hist del Almirante, Cap* 54. I Idem. •» CHRISTOPHER COLUMBU8. \% CHAPTER III. S£TURN TO CUBA — NAVIGATION AMONG THE ISULTIDS CALLJp THE queen's GARDEN. • ■ Setting sail from tbe THE QUEEN'S GARDEN. Setting sail from the irulf of Buen-tiempo, the 1494. , ^ f » squadron once more steered for the island of Cuba^ and on the 18th of May arrived at a great cape, to #hich Columbus gave the name of Cabo de la C^ue, which it Mill retains. Here, landing at a large village, he was weH received and entertsined by the cacique and his subjects, who had long since heard of himself and his ships. In fact, Columbus found, from the report of this, chieftain, that the Bumerous Indians who had visited his shifiil iiiiring his cruise along the northern iSfwt; in his first voyage, had spread the 9tolry far and near, «f these wonderful visiters, who had descended from the sky, and had filled the whole island with rumours and astonishment*. The admiral endeavoured to ascertain from this cacique and his people, whether Cuba was an island or a continent. They all replied that it wms an island, but of infinite extent ; for they dechur^ that no one had ever seen iJEte end of it. This reply, while it iDani<- jfested their ignorance of the nature of a continent, left the question still in doubt and obscurity. The Indian name^f Ibis province of Cuba was Macaca. ^ Cure cle los Palacios, C. 126. 20 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF Resuming his course to the west, on the following day Columbus came to where the coast suddenly swept away to the northeast for many leagues, and then curved round again to the west, forming an immense bay, or rather gulf. Here he was assailed by a violent storm, accompanied by awful thunder and lightning ; which, in these latitudes, seem to rend the very heavens. Fortunately the storm was not of long duration, or his situation would have been perilous in the extreme ; for he found the navigation rendered difficult by numerous keys* and sand banks. These increased as he advanced, until the mariner stationed at the mast-head be- held the sea, as far as the eye could reach, completely stud- ded with small islands. Some of them were low, naked, and sandy, others covered with verdure, and others tufted with lofty and beautiful forests. They were of various sizes, from one to four leagues, and were generally the more fertile and elevated the nearer they were to Cuba. Findiag them to increase in number, so as to render it impossible to give names to each, tbe admiral gave this whole labyrinth of islands, which in a manner enamelled the face of the ocean with variegated verdure, the name of the Queen's Garden. He thought at first of leaving this archipelago on his right, and standing further out to sea ; but he called to mind that Sir John Mandeville and Marco Polo had mentioned that the coast of Asia was fringed with islands, to the amount of several thousands. He persuaded himself that he was among that cluster ; and resolved not to lose sight of the main land, by following which, if it were really Asia, he must soon ar- rive at the dominions of the Grand Khan. * Keys, from cayos, rocks, which occasionally form small islands on the coasts of America. k CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 21 Entering among these islands, therefore, Columbus soon became entangled in the most perplexed navigation, in which he was exposed to continual perils and difficulties, from sand banks, counter currents, and sunken rocks. The ships were obliged, in a manner, to grope their way, with men stationed at the mast-head, and the lead continually going. Some- times they were obliged to shift their course, within the hour, to all points of the compass ; sometimes they were straiten- ed in a narrow channel, where it was necessary to lower all sail, and tow the vessels out, lest they should run aground ; not- withstanding all which precautions, they frequently touched upon sand banks, and were extricated with great difficulty. The variableness of the weather added to the embarrass- , ments of the navigation ; though after a little while it began to assume some method in its very caprices. In the morning the' wind rose in the east, with the sun, and following his course '^lil^ugh the day, died away at sunset in the west. Heavy clouds gathered with the approach .of evening, send- !ng forth sheets of lightning, and distaqT^eals of thunder, and menacing a furious tempest ; bu^ as the moon rose, the wh^!e mass broke ^WK^, part melting in a shower of rain, and part dispersed by a breeze which sprang up from the land. There was much in the character of the surrounding scenery, to favour the idea of Columbus that he was in the Asiatic archipelago. As the ships glided along the smooth and glassy canals which separated these verdant islands, the magnificence of their vegetation, the soft odours which were wafted from flowers and blossoms and aromatic shrubs, and the splendid plumage of the scarlet cranes, or rather flamin- goes, which abounded in the meadows, and of other tropical birds, which fluttered among the groves, resembled what is described of oriental climes. ^ k • ■ 40 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF- ' • . pigeons, cassava' bread, and fruits of arich.Md aromatic flavour. ^. * - *■* It wa:s a custom with Coliffilibus, in all remarfltable places which he visited, to erect crosses in conspicuous situations, ta denote the discovery of the country and its subjugation to the true faith. He ordered a large cross of wood, theje- fore, to be elevated on the bank of ttis'river. This was done on a Sunday morning, with great ceremony, and the celebration of a solemn mass. When Columbus disembarked for the purpose, he was met upon the shore by the cacique and his principal favourite, a venerable Indian . fourscore years of age, of grave and dignified deportment. The old mao brought a string of a certain kind of beads, to which the Indians attached a mystic value, and a calabash of a delicate kind of fruit ; these he presented to the admiral ^ in token of amity. They then each took him by the hand, and proceeded with him to the grove, where preparations had been made for the celebration of the mass. A multi- tude of the natives followed. While mass was performing > in this natural temple, the Indians looked on with awe and ^^reverence, perceiving from the tones and gesticulations of the priest, the lighted tapers, the smoking incense, and the devotion of the Spaniards, that it must be a ceremony of a sacred and mysterious nature. When the service was end- ed, the old man of fourscore, who had contemplated it with profound attention, approached Columbus, and made him an oration in the Indian manner. " This which thou hast been doing," said he, " 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, spreading great fear among the people; but be not, therefore, vain- glorious. Enow that, according to our belief, the souls of .1l CHRISTOnteR COLUMBUS. ^ bly have never held comiBunicalioii with each other, offer the most striking analogies in theit modes of exercising their empire over animals V These fishermen came on board of the ships in a frank uid fearless manner* They furnished the Spaniards a sup- ply of fish, and would cheerfully have given them every thing they possessed. To the admiral's inquiries concerning the geography of these parts, they said that the sea was full of islands to the south and to the west, but as to Cuba it Continued running to the westward without any termination. Having extricated himself from this archipelago, Colum- bus stood for a mountainous part of the island of Cuba, about fourteen leagues distant, where he landed at a large village on the $d of June. Here he was received with that kindness and amity which distinguished the inhabitants of Cuba, whom he extolled above all the other islanders for their laild and pacific character. Their very animals, he ssdd, were tamer, as well as larger, and better than those of the other islands. Among the various articles of food, which the natives brought with joyful alacrity from all parts to liie Spaniards, were stock-doves of uncommon size and flavour. Perceiving something peculiar in their taste, Co- lumbus ordered the crops of several newly killed to be (Opened, in which were found sweet spices ; favourable indi- cations of the productions of the country. While the crews of the boats were procuring water and provisions, Columbus sought to gather information fi'om the venerable cacique, and several of the old men of the vil- lage. They told him that the name of their province was Ornofay ; that further on to the westward the sea was again covered with innumerable islands, and had but little depth. * Humboldt, Essai Politique sur Pile de Cuba, T. 1, p. 364. 42 LIFE AND Vtol[^E6 OF jects which had most struck his mind in the country of the white men. The splendid cities ; the vast churches ; the troops of horsemen ; the great animals of various kinds ; the pomfieus festivals and tournaments of the court ; the glittering armies ; and above all the bidl^fights. Vhe In- dians all listened in mute amazement, but the old man was particularly excited. He was of a curious and wandering disposition, and had boop a great voymger ; having, accord- ing to his account, visited Jamaica and Hispaniola, and the remote parts of Cuba*. A sudden desire now seized' hun to behold the glorious country ^hus described ; and, old as he was, he offered to embark with the admiral* His wife and children, however, beset him with such lamentations and remonstrances, that he was obliged to abandon the in- tention ; though he did it with great reluctance, asking re- peatedly if the land they spoke of were not heaven ; for it seemed to him impossible that earth could produce such wod* derful beingst. * Hist, del Almirante, Cap. 57. -f Peter Martyr, Decad. 1^ h* 3. ^ • « > .■"♦ * CHttlSTOPHBR COLUMBUS. 43 •ij^. OHAPTER VI. GOiiBTING VOYAGE ALONG THE SOUTH SIDE OF JAMAICA. •V Columbus remained for several days at anchor in the 1494. "^ river, to which, from the solemn mass performed on its hanks, he gave the name of Rio de la Misa. At length, on the 16th of July, he took leave of the friendly cacique and his ancient counsellor, who beheld his departure with sorrowful countenances. He took one young Indian with him from this place, whotnhe afterwards sent to the Spanish sovereigns. Leaving to the left the great cluster of islands which he had named the Queen's Garden, he steered south for the broad bpen sea and deep blue water, until, having a free navigation, he could stand eastward for Hispaniola. He, ;** had scarcely got clear of the islands, however, when he was assailed by furious gusts of wind and rain, which for two days pelted his crazy vessels, and harassed his enfeebled crews. At length, as he approached Cape Cruz, a violent squall struck the ships, and nearly threw them on their beam ends. Fortunately they were able to take in sail immediately, and letting go their largest anchors, they rode out the tran- sient gale. The admiral's ship was so strained by the inju- ries received among the islands, that she leaked at every seam, and the utmost exertions of the weary crew could not prevent the water from gaining on her. At length they were enabled to reach Cape Cruz, where they anchored on the 44 LIFE AND VOYAGES OP 18th of July, and remained three days; receiving the same hospitable succour from the natives which they had expe- rienced on their former visit. The wind continuing contk'ary for the return to Hispaniola, Columbus, on the 22d of July, stood across for Jamaica, to complete the circumnavigation of that island. For nearly a month he continued beating to the eastward along its south- em coast; experiencing just such variable winds and evening showers as had prevailed along the shores of Cuba. Every evening he was obliged to anchor under the land, often at nearly the same place from whence he had sailed in the morning. The natives m longer manifested hostility, but followed the shipd in their canoes, bringing supplies of pro- visions. Columbus was so much delighted with the verdure, freshness, and fertility of this noble island, that had the state of his vessels and crews permitted, he would gladly have remained to e:iplore the interior. He spoke with ad- miration of its frequent and excellent harbours, but was par- ticularly pleased with a great bay containing seven idands, and surrounded by numerous villages*. Anchoring here one evening, he was visited by a cacique who resided in a large village, situated on an eminence of the loftiest and most fertile of the islands. He came attended by a nume- rous tirsun, bearing various refreshments, ^his chieftain manifested great curiosity in his inquiries concerning the Spaniards, their ships, and the region from whence they came. The admiral made his customary reply, setting forth the great power, but the benign intentions, of the Spanish sovereigns. The Lucayan interpreter again enlarged upon the wonders he had beheld in Spain ; the prowess of the * From the description this must be the great bay east of Port- Vmd Point ; at the bottom of which is Old Harbour. I r. CHRISTOtlHER COLUlfBUS« 45 Spaniards ; the countries they had visited and subjugated ; and above nU, their having made descents on the islands of the Caribs, routed their formidable inhabitants, and carried several of them into capdvity. To these accounts the cacique and his followers remained listening in profound attention, until the night was advanced. The next morning the ships were under way, and stand- ing along the coast with a light wind and easy sail, when they beheld three canoes issuing from among the islands of the bay. They approached in regular order ; one, which was very large, and handsomely carved and painted, was in the centre, a little in advance of the two others, which ap<- peared to attend and guard it. In this was seated the cacique and his family, consisting of his wife, two daughters, Mo sons, and five brothers. One of the daughters was eighteen years of age, beautiful in form and countenance ; her sister was somewhat younger ; both were naked,' according to the castodi of these islands, but were of modest demeanour. In die ^feow of the canoe stood the standard bearer of the ca- cique, clad in a kind of mantle of variegated feathers, with a tuft of gay plumes on his head, and bearing in his hand a fluttering white banner. 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, vnth hats curiously wrought of green feathers, held trumpets of a fine black wood, ingeniously carved ; and there were fix others, in large hats of white feathers, who appeared to be 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. Around his head was a band of small stones of various colours, but principally green, symmetrically arranged, with large white stones at in- '*t 46 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF ^ tervals, and connected in front by a large jewel of gold. Two plates of gold were suspended to his ears bj; 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 lys, of guanin, an inferior spe- cies of gold ; and a girdle of variegated stones, similar to those round his head, completed his regal decorations. His wife was adorned in a similar manner, having also a very small apron of cotton, and bands of the same round her arms and legs. The daughters were without ornaments, excepting the eldest 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 colbured stones, em- broidered on network of cotton. When the cacique entered on board of the ship, he distri- buted 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 devotions. When he appeared on deck, the chieftain hastened to meet him with an anidutted 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 irresistible power of thy sovereigns, and of the many nations thou hast sub- dued in their name. Whoever refuses obedience to thee, is sure to suffer. Thou hast destroyed the canoes and dwell- ings of the Caribs, slaying their warriors, and carrying into captivity 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 weakness of the peo- ple. Rather, therefore, than thou shouldst take away my dominions,^! will embark with all my household in thy ships, and will go to do homage to thy king and queen, and to be- > % CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 47 hold their marvellous country, of which thy Indians relate such wonders." Wh^ti^s speech was explained to Columbus, and he be- held 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, having 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, returning reluctantly to their island, and the ships continued on their course*. "^ Hitherto, in narrating this voyage of Columbus along the coast bf Cuba, I have been guided principally by the manuscript hi8tiMr,of the curate of los Palacios. His account is the mpst cidsfiiliid satisfactory as to names, dates, and routes ; and contains mcmy f||haracteristic particulars, not inserted in any other history. His sources of information were of the highest kind. Columbus was his guest afler his return to Spain in 1496, and lefl with him manuscript journals and memorandums ; from these he made ex- tracts, collating them with the letters of Dn Chanca, and other persons of note who had accompanied the admiral. I have examined two copies of the MS. of the Cura de los Fala- ciosy both in the possession of Mr. O. Rich. One, written iu an ancient handwriting of the early part of the 16th century, varies from the other, but only in one or two trivial particulars^ 48 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF CHAPTER VIL VOYAGE ALONG THE SOUTH SIDE OF HISFANIOLA, AND RETURN TO ISABELLA. On the I9tb of August, Columbus lost ^gbt of the eastern extremity of Jamaica, to which he gave the name of Cape Farol, at present called Poiiit Morant* Steer- ing eastward, he beheld on the following day that long peninsula of Hispaniola, known by the name of Cape Ti- buron, but to which he gave the name of Cape San Miguel. He was not aware that it was a part of the island of Hayti, iqKil, coasting along the southern side, a cacique came off on the 23d of August, and called him by his title, addressing him with several words of Castilian* The sound of these words spread joy through the ship, and the weary seamen heard with delight that they were on the southern coast of Hispaniola* They had still, however, many toilsome days before them. The weather was boisterous, the wind con- trary and capricious, and the ships were separated from each other. About the end of August, Columbus anchored at a small island^ or rather rock, which rises singly out of the sea opposite to a long cape, stretching southward from the centre of the island, to which he gave the name of Cape Beata. The rock at which he anchored had the appearance at a distance of a tall ship under sail, from which circum- \ **f :>/ CHRiaTQPHllR COLUMBUS. 49 A Stance the admiral called it Alto Velo- Several seamen were r!^' ordered to climb to the top of the island, which commanded . :, '.a great extent of ocean, and to look out for the other ships. ' Npthing of them wa^ to be seen. On their return, the sail- jjiH killed.eight sea-wolves, which were sleeping on the sands* They also knocked down many pigeons and other birds with sticks, and took others with the hand ; for in this unfrequent- ed island, the animals seemed to have none of that wildness and timidity produced by tlie hostility of man. Being rejoined by the two caravels, he continued along the coast, passing the beautiful country watered by the 4[)ranches of the Neyva, where a fertile plain, covered with villages and groves, extended into the interior. After pro- ceeding some distance further, to the east, the admiral learnt from the natives, who came off to the ships, that several Spaniards from the settlement had penetrated to their pro- vince. From all that he could learn from these people, every thing appeared to be going on well in the island. Eq^^ couraged by the tranquillity of the interior, he landed nine men here, with orders to traverse the inland, and give tidings of his safe arrival on the coast. Continuing to the eastward, he sent a boat on shore for water near a large village, in a plain. The inhabitants issued forth with bows and arrows to make battle, while others were provided with cords to bind prisoners. These were the natives of Higuey, the eastern province of Hispa- niola. They were the most warlike people of the island; having become enured to arms from the frequent descents of the Caribs. They were said al^o to make use of poisoned arrows. In the present instance, their hostility was but in appearance. When the crew landed, they threw by their weapons, brought various articles of food, aind asked for the admiral, whose fame bad spread throughout the island, and VOL. II. 7 50 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF in whose justice and magawimity all the natives appeared df repose confidence. After leaving this place, the weather, which had beeti so long variable and ady^rse, began to assume a threatening appearance. A huge fiA, as large as a moderate sized whale, raised itself out t>f the water one day, having a shell ■ on its neck, like that of a tortoise, two great fins like wings, Jf \ ■*■ , ." i-head the size of a pipe, and a tail like that of a tunny fish. ^ ^ji. At sight of this fish, and at the indications of the clouds ' 4 llkji^d sky, Columbus anticipated an approaching storm, and - JSbught for some secure harbour*. He found a channel ^ opening between Hispaniola and a small island called hjf^ the natives Adamaney, but to which he gave the name of * Saona ; here he took refuge, anchoring beside a key or islet in the middle of the channel.' . On the night of his ar^ ^ rival, there was an eclipse of the moon, and taking an ob- ,, s^rvation, he found the difference of longitude between Sao- Ij^* *^5jii and Cadiz to be five hours and twenty-three minutest. ^Vhis is upwards of eighteen degrees more than the true longitude ; an error which must have resulted from the in- correctness of his table of eclipses^:. For eight days the admiral's ship remained weather-bound in this channel, during which time he suffered great anxiety for the fate of the other vessels, which had not been able to enter, but remained at sea, exposed to the violence of the storm. They escaped, however, uninjured, and once more rejoined him when the weather had moderated. ■« » * Herrera, Hist. Ind. Decad. 1, Lib. 11, C. 15. Hilt' del Almirante, Cap. 59. I Herrera, ubi sup. Hist. Almirante, ubi sup. J 5h. 25m. are equal to 8O0 45'', whereas the true longitude Saona is 620 2(y west of Cadiz. CHEISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 51 • ^ •->: Leaving tbfi channel of Saona^ they reached on the 24th .** of September the eastern extremity of Hispaniola, to whidb ^ Columbus gave the llame of Cape San Rafael, at present known as Cape £ngai\o. From higpce they stood to the 1K>utheast, touching at the island HMVf ona, or as the Indians « called it, Amona, situated^ between Hispaniola and Porto 4 Rico^Sf^It was the intention of Columbus, notwithstanding '*.* the condition of his ships, to continue further eastward, and Vt i| - to complete the discovery of the Caribbee islands, but his ., ; forces did not correspond to the efforts of his lofty spirit*. The extraordinary fatigues which he had suffered, both in . j|pii]d.aud body, during an anxious and harassing voyage of «> five months, had secretly preyed upon his frame. He had shared in all the hardships and privations of the commonest s^man. He had put hiJBUielf upon the same scanty allow- ,. . ance, and exposed himself to the same buffettings of wind ■'%:. and weather. But he had other cares and trials from which ' his peopJe..were exempt. When the sailor^ worn out wiAt;'- the labQiiati of his watch, slept soundly amidst the howling of the sCrm, the anxious commander maintained his paintid vigil, through long sleepless nights, amidst the pelting of the tempest, and the drenching surges of the sea. The safeJD$;. of his ships depended upon his watchfulness ; but - abdv^ all, he felt that a jealous nation and an expecting world were anxiously attending the result of his enterprizes. During a gt*eat part of the present voyage, he had been ex- cited by the constant hope of soon arriving at the known parts of India ; and by the anticipation of a triumphant re-^ tumjp Spain through the regions of the east, after circum- navigating the globe. When disappointed in this expecta- tion, he was yet stimulated by a conflict with incessant hard- *' * Muiioz, Hist N; Mando, L. 5, C. 22. ^ 5Z LIFE AND VOYAGES, &C. f ships and perils, as he made his way back against contrary winds and storms. The moment he was relieved from all solicitude, and beheld himself in a known and tranquil sea, the excitement suddenly ceased, and mind and body sunk exhausted by almost superhuman exertions. The very day on which he sailed from Mona he was struck with a suddeh malady, which deprived him of memory, of sight, and all his faculties. He fell into a deep lethargy resembling death itself. His crew, alarmed at this profound torpor, feared that death was really at hand. They abandoned, therefore, all further prosecution of the voyage ; and spreading their sails to the east wind, so prevalent in those seas, they bore Columbus back, in a state of complete insensibility, to the harbour of Isabella. '-J -*- ■ MFE AND VOYAGED -*■. OF CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. BOOK VIII. CHAPTER I. ARRIVAL OF THE ADMIRAL AT ISABELLA — CHARACTER OF BARTHOLOMEW COLUMBUS. 1494. The sight of the little squadron of Columbus Sept. 4. standing once more into the harbour, was hailed with joy by such of the inhabitants of Isabella as remained faithful to him. The long time that had elapsed since his departure on this exploring voyage, without any tidings ar- riving from him, h^d given rise to the most serious apprehen- sions for his safety; and it began to be feared that he had fallen a victim to his enterprising spirit in some remote jpart of these unknown sea«. A joyful and heartfelt surprise awaited the admiral on bis arrival, in finding at his bed-side his brother Bartholomew, the companion of his youth, his confidential coadjutor, and' in a manner his second self, firom whom he had been sepa- rated for several years.* It will be recollected, that about -.^ 54 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF the time of the admirars departure from Portugal, he had commissioned Bartholomew to repair to England, and pro- pose his project of discovery to king Henry VII. Of this application to the English court no precise particulars are known. Fernando Columbus states that his uncle, in the course of his voyage, was captured and plundered by a cor- sair, and reduced to such poverty, that he had for a long time to struggle for a mere subsistence by making sea charts ; so that some years elapsed before he made his application to the English monarch. Las Casas thinks that he did not immediately proceed to England, having found a memoran- dum in his handwriting by which it would appear that he ac- companied Bartholomew Diaz in 1486, in his voyage along the coast of Afirica, in the service of the king of Portugal, in the course of which voyage was discovered the Cape of Good Hope*. * The memorandum cited by Las Casas is curious though not conclusive. He says that he found it in an old book belonging to Christopher Columbus, containing the works of Pedro de Aliaco, a learned astronomer and geographer. It was written in the mar- gin of a treatise on the form of the globe, in the handwriting of Bartholomew Columbus, which was well known to Las Casas, as • r he bad many of his letters in his possession. The memorandum was in a barbarous mixture of Latin and Spanish, and to the fol- lowing effect In the year 1488, in December, arrived at Lisbon Bartholomew Diaz, captain of three caravels, which the king of Portugal sent to discover Guinea, and brought accounts that he had discovered six hundred leagues of territory, four'bundred and fifly to the south and one hundred and fifly north, to a cape, named by him the Cape of Good Hope ; and that by the astrolabe he found the cape 45 degrees beyond the equinoctial line. This cape was 3100 leagues distant from Lisbon : the which the said captain says CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 5B • It is but justice to the memory of Ilenry VII to say, that when the proposition was eventually mad^ to him, it met with a more ready attention than from any other sovereign. An ligreement was actually made with Bartholomew for the prosecution of the enterprize, and the latter departed for Spain in search of his brother. On reaching Paris, he first received the joyful intelligence that the discovery was al- ready made; that his brother had returned to Spain in tri- umph ; and was actually at the Spanish court, honoured by the sovereigns, caressed by the nobility, and idoli^d by the people. The glory of Columbus already shed its rays upon his family, and Bartholomew found himi^elf immediately a person of- importance. He was noticed by the French monarch, Charles VIII, who understanding that he was low in purse,' furnished him with one hundred crowns to defray the expenses of his journey to Spain. He reached Seville / just as his brother had departed on his second voyage. Bar- "^, tholomew immediately repaired to the court, then at Vallado- ■! ' I f >■ ' . ' '^y ^ " he set down, league by league, in a chart of navigation presented to the king of Portugal ; in all which, adds the writer, I was pre** sent Las Cas%i-Vnq>ress6s a doubt whether Bartholomew wrote this note for himself, or on the part of his brother, MErt infers that one, or both, were in this expedition. The inference may be correct with respect to Bartholomew, but Christopher, at the time speci- fied, was at the Spaaish court. Las Casas accounts for a difierence in date between the fore- going memorandum and the chronicles of the voyage ; the former making the return of Diaz in the year 'S8, the latter '87. This be observes might be because some begin to count the year after Christmas, others at the first of January ; and the expedition sailed about the end of August '86, and returned in December '87, after an absence of seventeen months. -sT*^ ■ f ♦- 54 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF the time oi the admiral's departure from Portugal, he had commissioned Bartholomew to repaii^ to England, and pro- pose his project of discovery to king Henry VII. Of this application to the English court no precise particulars are known. Fernando Columbus states that his uncle, in the course of his voyage, was captured and plundered by a cor- sajr, and reduced to such poverty, that he had for a long time to struggle for a mere subsistence by making sea charts ; SO that some years elapsed before he made his application to the English monarch. Las Casas thinks that he did not immediately proceed to England, having found a memoran- dum in his handwriting by which it would appear that he ac- companied Bartholomew Diaz in 1486, in his voyage along the coast of Africa, in the service of the king of Portugal^ in the course of which voyage was discovered the Cape of Good Hope*. ^ . ^ The memorandum cited by Las Casas is curious though not conclusive. He says that he found it in an old book belonging to Christopher Columbus, containing the works of Pedro de Aliaco, a learned astronomer and geographer. It was written in the mar- gin of a treatise on the form df the globe, in the handwriting of Bartholomew Columbus, which was well known to %aa Casas, as he had many of 1^ letters in his possession. The memorandum was in a barbarous mixture of Latin and Spanish, and to the fed- lowing effect. In the year 1488, in December, arrived at Lisbon Bartholomew Diaz, captain of three caravels, which the king of Portugal sent to discover Guinea, and brought accounts that he had discovered six hundred leagues of territory, four hundred and fifly to the south and one hundred and fifly north, to a cape, named by him the Cape of Good Hope ; and that by the astrolabe he found the cape 45 degrees beyond the equinoctial line. This cape was 3100 leagues distant from Lisbon : the which the said captain says "* . I CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 55 It is but justice to the memory of Ilenry VII to say, that when the proposition was eventually mad^ to him, it met with a more ready attention than from any other sovereign. An ligreement was actually made with Bartholomew for the prosecution of the enterprize, and the latter departed for Spain in search of his brother. On reaching Paris, he first received the joyful intelligence that the discovery was id^ ready made ; that his brother had returned to Spain in tri- umph; and was actually at the Spanish court, honoured by the sovereigns, caressed by the nobility, and idoli^d by the people. The glory of Columbus already shed its rays upon his family, and Bartholomew found himi^elf immediately a person of- importance. He was noticed by the French monarch, Charles VIII, who understanding that he was low in purse,' furnished him with one hundred crowns to defray the expenses of his journey to Spain. He reached Seville just as his brother had departed on his second voyage. Bar- tholomew immediately repaired to the court, then at Vallado- he set down, league by league, in a chart of navigation presented to the king of Portugal ; in all which, adds the writer, I was pre** sent Las Caa^'Vnq>ress6s a doubt whether Bartholomew wrote this note for himself, or on the part of his brother, Mtt infers that one, or both, were in this expedition. The inference may be correct with respect to Bartholomew, but Christopher, at the time speci- fied, was at the Spaaish court. Las Casas accounts for a difference in date between the fore- going memorandum and the chronicles oif the vojrage ; the former ■ making the return of Diaz in the year 'S8, the latter '87. This he observes might be because some begin to count the year after Ghristmas, others at the first of January; and the expedition sailed about the end of August '86, and returned in December '87, after an absence of seventeen months. i r"^ 54 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF ' • the time ol the admiral's departure from^ Portugal, he had commissioned Bartholomew to repair to England, and pro- pose his project of discovery to king Henry VII. Of this application to the English court no precise particulars are known. Fernando Columbus states that his uncle, in the course of his voyage, was captured and plundered by a cor- sajr, and reduced to such poverty, that he had for a long time to struggle for a mere subsistence by making sea charts ; so that some years elapsed before he made his application to the English monarch. Las Casas thinks that he did not immediately proceed to England, having found a memoran- dum in his handwriting by which it would appear that he ac- companied Bartholomew Diaz in 1486, in his voyage along the coast of Africa, in the service of the king of Portugal, in the course of which voyage was discovered the Cape of Good Hope*. ^ . * The memorandum cited by Las Casas is curious though not conclusive. He says that he found it in an old book belonging to Christopher Columbus, containing the works of Pedro de Aliaco, a learned astronomer and geographer. It was written in the mar- gin of a treatise on the form of the globe, in the handwriting of Bartholomew Columbus, which was well known to Las Casas, as he had many of 1^ letters in his possession. The memorandum was in a barbarous mixture of Latin and Spanish, and to the UA" lowing effect. In the year 1488, in December, arrived at Lisbon Bartholomew Diaz, captain of three caravels, which the king of Portugal sent to discover Guinea, and brought accounts that he bad discovered six hundred leagues of territory, four'hundred and fifly to the south and one hundred and fifly north, to a cape, named by him the Cape of Good Hope ; and that by the astrolabe he found the cape 45 degrees beyond the equinoctial line. This cape was 3100 leagues distant from Lisbon : the which the said captain says .* ^ ■«■■ CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 55 • It is but justice to the memory of Ilenry VII to say, th at whea the proposition was eventually mad^ to him, it met with a more ready attention than from any other sovereign. An ^reement was actually made with Bartholomew for the prosecution of the enterprize, and the latter departed for Spain in search of his brother. On reaching Paris, he first received the joyful intelligence that the discovery was li- ready made ; that his brother had returned to Spain in tri* umph; and was actually at the Spanish court, honoured by the sovereigns, caressed by the nobility, and idoli^d by the people. The glory of Columbus already shed its rays upon his family, and Bartholomew found him^^elf immediately a person of' importance. He was noticed by the French monarch, Charles VIII, who understanding that he was low in purse,' furnished him with one hundred crowns to defray the expenses of his journey to Spain. He reached Seville / just as his brother had departed on his second voyage. Bar- \^ tholomew immediately repaired to the court, then at Vallado- ^ he set down, league by league, in a chart of navigation presented to the king of Portugal ; in all which, adds the writer, I was pre** sent Las Caaip-'«q>ress^s a doubt whether Bartholomew wrote this note for himself, or on the part of his brother, Mitt infers that one, or both, were in this expedition. The inference may be correct with respect to Bartholomew, but Christopher, at the time speci- fied, was at the Spaaish court. Las Casas accounts for a difierence in date between the fore- going memorandum and the chronicles of the voyage ; the former making the return of Diaz in the year 'S8, the latter '87. This be observes might be because some begin to count the year after Ghristmas, others at the first of January ; and the expedition sailed about the end of August '86, and returned in December '87, after an absence of seventeen months. 1 66 LIFE ANP VOYAGES OF tAf taking with him his two nephews, Diego and Fernando^ w1m> were to serve in quality of pages to Prince Juan*. He was received with distinguished favour by the sovereigns ; who finding him to be an able and accomplished navigator, gave him the command of three ships freighted with sup^ filies for the colony, and sent him to aid his brother in his enlerprizejs. He had again arrived too late, reaching Isa- bella just after the departurf^ <)f the admiral for the coast of Cuba. The sight of this brother was an inexpressible relief to Co- lumbus, overwhelmed as he was by cares, and surrounded by Strangers* His chief dependence for sympathy and assist- ance had hitherto been on his brother Don Diego ; but his mild and peaceable disposition rendered him little capable of managing the concerns of a factious colony. Bartholo- mew was of a different and more efficient character. He was prompt, active, decided, and of a fearless spirit ; what- ever be determined, he carried into instant execution, with^ out regard to difficulty or danger. His person corresponded to his mind ; it was tall, muscular, vigorous, and command- ing. He had an sur of great authority, but somewhat stern, wanting that sweetness and benignity which tempered the authoritative demeanour of the admiral. Indeed, there was a certain asperity in his temper, and a dryness and abrupt- ness in his manners, which made him many enemies ; yet notwithstanding these external defects, he was of a generous disposition, free from all arrogaiice or malevolence, and as placable as he was brave. He was a thorough seaman, understanding both the theory and practice of his profession ; having been formed, in a great measure, under the eye of the admiral, and being but mmm * Hist, del Almirante, Cap. 60. 9 Cii|iISTOPI|i:{^ COLU14BV9* 57 little liUerHKr %o fa;m in s^ieacfe* Qe was scipei'ior ta biip i|| the exercise of Uie peQ» according to i^as Casas, wbp bi^l letters and omnuseript^ of b^tti in )iis possessioo. De wa$ sie^ quaioted with X4atio» but dere$ Dot appear to ii^ve heeii bigbl; educated; bis knowledge, like tbat qf bis bpotber, beiQg chiefly derived from a long course of va,ried e^^per^ence ap4 attentive observatioQ. Equally vigorous find peqetarat^^g w intellect with the admiral, but less enthusiastic in spirit, ai4 soaring in unagination, and wA less simplicity of he^^ ^ surpassed him in the subtle and stdroit manageinent ofbvsi^ Bess, was inore attentive to his intere$4s, and had i^ore cif that worldly wisdeaoA which is so important in the wdio^^ capr cerns of life. His genius might never have l^iodled hiiP vp tP the sublime speculation wbidh ended in the discovery of ^ world ; but his practical sagacity was calculated to turn that discovery to advantage* Such is the description of Bartho- lomew Columbus, as furnished by the venerable Las Casas from personal observation* ; and it will be found to accord with his actions throughout the remaining history of the ad- miral, in the events of which he takes a conspicuous part. Anxious to relieve himself from the pressure of public bu- siness, which weighed heavily upon him during his present malady, Columbus immediately invested his brother Bartho- lomew with tlie title and authority of Adelantado, an office equivalent to that of lieutenant-governor. He considered himself entitled to do so, from the articles of his arrange- ment with the sovereigns; but it was looked upon by King Ferdinand as an undue assumption of power, and gave great offence to that jealous monarch, who was exceedingly tena- cious of the prerogatives of the crown, and considered dig- nities of this rank and importance as only to be conferred * Las CasaSi Hist Ind. L. 1, C. 29. VOL. II. 8 % 58 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF by royal mandate*. Colombus, however, was not actuated in this appointment by a mere desire to aggrandize his family. He felt the importance of his brother's assistance in the pre- sent critical state of the colony, but that his assistance would be inefficient unless it bore the stamp of high official autho- rity. In fact, during the few months that he had been absent the whole island had become a scene of discord and vio- Jence, in consequence of the neglect, or rather the flagrant violation of those rules wtiich he had prescribed for the maintenance of its tranquillity. A brief retrospect of the recent affairs of the colony is here necessary, to explain their present confusion. It will exhibit one of the many instances in which Columbus was doomed to reap the fruits of the evils which had been sown by his adversaries. * Las Gasas, Hist Ind. L. 1, C. 101. «IHRISTOPH£R COLUBfBUS* 59 CHAPTER U. MISCONDUCT OP DON PEDRO MARGARITE, AND HIS DB- PARTURE FROM THE ISLAND. It will be recollected, that before departing on his voyage, Columbus had given command of the a^my to Don Pedro Margarite, with orders to make a militarv tour of the island ; and, wbile he awed the natives by a dis- play of military force, to conciliate their good will, by the most equitable and amicable treatment* The island was at this time divided into five domains, each governed by a sovereign cacique, of absolute and he- reditary power, to whom a great number of inferior caciques yielded tributary allegiance. The first, or most important domain, comprised the middle part of the Royal Vega. It was a rich, level country, partly cultivated after the imper- fect manner of the natives, partly covered with noble forests, studded with Indian towns, and watered by numerous rivers, many of which rolling down firom the mountains of Cibao, on its western firontier, had gold dust mingled with their sands. The name of the cacique was Guarionex, whose an- cestors had long ruled over the province. The second, called Marien, was under the sway of 6ua- canagari, on whose coast Columbus had been wrecked in Lis first voyage. It was a large and fertile territory, extending along the northern coast, firom Cape San Nicholas at the >■. '4. M LIFE AN1> VOTA«feS OF western extremity of the island, to the great river Yaguiy afterwards called Monte Christi, and including the northern part of the Royal Vega, since called the plain of Cape Fran- cois. The third bore the name of Maguana, and was under the dominion of the Carib cacique Caonabo, the most fierce and puissant of the savage ^hieftaki&, and the inveterate enemy of the white men. In this domain were included the gold IJMkies of Cibao. The fourth took its name froiii Xar^ua, a large lake, and was the most populous and extensive of all. It comprised Ae whole w es? t er n coasiy ineliidil)^ the hm^ promontory of Gttpt 'f^btorott-, and extended fer a considerable distance dong tl^e sG^heln side of the irfand. The inhabitants we]?e fifidy fortned, htid « nobler air, a iftore a^eeable elocuti^m, and iaiote sfoft and ^gi^ceflil nrnnnfers, than the natives of the other parts of the island. The sovereign was named Behe- ehio ; his rister Anacaoiia, celebrated thron^Ofit die island fbr be¥ cbartns and gfraces, was the favonrite wife of the deigkh*During cticique Cdo>nabo» The fifth d^ftkiain was Higuey, and occupied the whole eastern pairt of the island : being bounded on the north by die river Yagui, and on the south by the Ozema. The in- bat>itant8 were the most active and warlike people of the islaiid, having learnt the use of the bow and arrow from the Caribs, who made frequent descents upon their coasts ; they were said also to make use of poisoned weapons. Their bravery, however, was but comparative, and was found, eventually, of but little proof against the terror of European arms. They were governed by a cacique named Cotu- banama*. ^ Charlevou, H»t. St. Doming. L. 1, p. 69. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 61 Soch were the five territorial divisioBs of the island, at the ti . ^ , Orders of the president and council, were couched in a tone • , * eitherofhiwghty contumely or of military defiance. He con- Ilk; tinued with his followers, quartered in the Vega, persisting % in a course of outrages and oppressions, fatal to the tranquil- 8t "^ " • lity of the island. • '• He was supported in his arrogant defiance of authority, by the cavaliers and adventurers of noble birth who were in the colony, and who had been deeply wounded in the punr donor, the proud punctilio, so jealously guarded by a Spaniard. They could not forget nor forgive the stern eqidly exercised by the admiral, in a time of emergency, in making them submit to the privations, and share the labours, of tlie vulgar. Still less could they brook the authority of his brotker, Diego, destitute of his high personal claims » ■ CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 63 to distinction. They formed, therefore, a kind <)/faristo- cratical faction in the colony ; affecting to consider Colum- bus and his family as mere mercenary and upstart fo- reigners, building up their own fortunes at the expense of the toils and sufferings of the community, and the degrada- tion of Spanish hidalgos and cavaliers. In addition to these partisans, Margarite had a powerful ally in his fellow countrymati, father Boil, the head of the re- ligious fraternity,' one of the members of the council, and apostolical vicar for the new world. It is not easy to as- certain the original cause of the hostility of this holy friar td the admiral, who was never wanting in respect to persons of his cloth. Various altercations, however, bad taken place between them ; some say that the friar interfered in respect to the strict measures deemed necessary by the admiral, ror the security of the colony ; others, that he resented the fan- cied indignity offered to himself and his household, in put- ting them on the same short allowance with the cdlnmon people. He appears, however, to have beeu generally dis* appointed, and disgusted, with the sphere of action afforded by the colony, and to have looked back with regrel to the old world. He had none of that enthusiastic zeal, and per^e- J^ vering self-devotion, which induced so many of the Spanish missionaries to brave all the hardships and privations of the new world, in the hope of converting its pagan inhabitants. Encouraged and fortified by such powerful partisans, Mar- garite really began to consider himself above the temporary authorities of the island. Whenever he came to Isabella, he took no notice of Dbn Diego Columbus, nor paid any re^ spect to the council, but acted as if he had paramonnt 4b m- mand. He formed a cabal of the most important of those disaffected to Columbus, and discontented with their 'ibode in the colony. Among these, the leading personage was *' it f * <>4 LIFiT ANB VOYAOES OF ^ father Boil. It was concerted asioiig them to take possesgiw of the ships which had brought oat Don Bartholomew Co- lumbus, aad to return in them to Spain. Both Margarite and Boil possessed the favour of the king, and they deemed it would be an easy matter to justify their abandonment of their military and religious commands, by a pretended seal for the public good; hurrying home to represent the disas- trous state of the colony, through the tyranny and oppress sibft of its rulers. Some have ascribed the abrupt departure of Margarite to his fear of a severe military investigation of his conduct, on the return of the admiral ; others, to his having contracted a malady in the course of his licentious amours, which was unknown at that tiine to Europeans, and i^hicb hg, attributed to the climate, '^od hoped to cure by medi- cii assistance in Spain. Whatever may have been the cause, his measures were taken with great precipitancy, with- out any consultrition of the proper authorities, or any regard ,« to th^ ^nseqyu^nces of bis departure. Accompanied by a band of malegf^lents, he and father Bcul took possession of ^ ^ certain of ttnf ihlps in the harbour, and set sail fof Spain : yw! the first general and apostle of th? new world, thus setting . |I|IL fla^ant example of ^ jmauthorized abandonment of their posts. • • « m ■*'-5f'rv '^^ ^ CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 65 CHAPTER III. TROUBLES WITH THE NATIVES — ALONZO DE OJfiDA BE- SIEGED BY CAONABO. ^W* * » «. V- « The departure of Pedro Margarite left the army without a head, and put aa end to what little re- straint and discipline remained. There is no rabble so li- centious as soldiery left to their own discretion in a defence- less country. They now roved about in bands or sinjPyy according to their caprice, scattering themselves among the Indian villages, and indulging in all kinds of excess^e^either as prompted by avarice or sensuality. The nativaj^ndig^ nant at having their hospitality thus reqni|^, refused any^^*,. longer to furnish them with food. In a littfc while the Spa- . ^^« niards began to experience the pressure of hudger, and seized . IMmT .^ upon provisions wherever they coujd be found, accompaMr * ing these seizures with acts of wanton violence. At length .^ ' ^' . by a series of flagrant outrages, the gentle and pacific na- ^ *^/.- ture of this people was roused to resentment : and from con-iy^' fiding and hospitable hosts they were converted into vindic- tive enemies. All the precautions enjoined by Columbus having been neglected, the evils he had apprehended came to pass. Though the Indians, naturally tilnid, dak^ML not contend with the Spaniards while they kept up any^co^lMxied "** and disciplined force, yet they took sanguinary vedM^nce on them whenever they met with small parties or^^ff/mtred VOL. II. 9 " '^' Ji ♦ • ••■ « ■*•; •* 66 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF individuals, roving about in quest of food. Encouraged by these petty triumphs, and the impunity which seemed to at- tend them, their hostilities grew more open and alarming. Guatiguana, cacique of a large town on the banks of the Grand River, in the dominions of Guarionex, sovereign of the Vega, put to death ten Spaniards, who had quartered themselves in his town, and outraged it by their licentious- ness. He followed up this massacre by setting fire to a house in which forty sick Spaniards were lodged*. Flushed by this success, he menaced with attack a small fortress called Magdalena, which had recently been built in his neighbour- hood in the Vega, so t}iat the commander, Luis de Arriaga, having but a feeble garrison, ws(s obliged to remain shut up within its walls, until relief shoul^arrive from Isabella. *the most formidable enemy of the Spaniards, however, was Caonabo, the Carib cacique of Maguana, the same who bad surprised and massacred the garrisoii of the for- tress at La Navidad. He bad natural talents for war, and intelligence superior to the ordinary range of savage intel- lect. He had a proud and daring spirit to urge him on, three valiant brothers to aSB^ lum, and a numerous tribe at his commandf . He had always felt jealous of the intrusion of the white men into the island ; but when he beheld the . fortress of St. Thomas erected in the very centre of his do- minions, he was roused to indignation. As long as the army lay within call in the Vega, he was deterred from any attack. But when, on the departure of Margarite, the army became dismembered and dispersed, the time for striking a signal blow seemed arrived. The fortress remained isolated, with t . * Herrera, Hist Ind. Decad. 1, L. 2, C. 16. "^ Herrera, ubi sup. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 67 a garrison of only fifty men. By a sudden and secret move- ment he might overwhelm it with his forces, and repeat the horrors which he had wreaked upon La Navidad. The wily cacique, however, had a difierent kind of ene- my to deal with in the commander of St. Thomas. Alonso de Ojeda had been schooled in Moorish warfare. He was versed in all kinds of feints, stratagems, lurking ambuscades, and wild assaults. No man was more fitted, therefore, to cope with Indian warriors. He had a vehement and head- long courage, arising partly from the natural heat and viva- city of his temperament, and in' a great measure from reli- gious superstition. He had been engaged in wars with Moors and Indians, in public battles and private combats ; in fights, feuds, and encounters of all kinds ; to which he had been prompted by a rash and fiery spirit, and a love of ad- venture ; yet he had never been wuunded, nor had lost a drop of blood. He began to doubt whether any weapon had power to harm him, and to consider himself under the especial protection of the holy virgin. Aft a kind of reli- gious talisman, he had a small Flemish painting of the vir- gin, which had been given him 1^ his patron Fonseca, bishop of Badajos. This he constantly carried with him, in cityi camp, or field, making it the object of his frequent orisons and invocations. In garrison or encampment, it was sus- pended in his chamber or his tent ; in his rough expeditions in the wilderness he carried it in his knapsack, and whenever leisure permitted, would take it out, fix it against a tree, and address to it his prayers*. In a word, he swore by the virgin; he invoked the virgin, whether in brawl or battle; and under favour of the virgin, he was ready for any entn ■j» * Herrera, Hist. Ind. Decad. 1, L. 9, G. 4. Pizarro, Tarones lUustres, Cap. S. 68 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF prize or adventure ; and the more hazardous and extrava- gant the better. Such was this Alonzo de Ojeda, bigotted in his devotion, reckless in bis life, fearless in his spirit, like many of the roving Spanish cavaliers of those days. Though diminutive in size, he was a prodigy of strength and prowess; and the chroniclers of the early discoveries relate marvels of his qualities and deeds. Having reconnoitred the fortress, Caonabo assembled ten thousand warriors, armed with war-clubs, bows and ar- rows, and lances hardened in the fire ; and making his way secretly through the forests, came suddenly in the neigh- bourhood, expecting to surprise the garrison in a state of careless security. He found Ojeda, however, drawn up warily within his tower, which, being perched upon an al- most insulated height, with a river nearly surrounding it, and the remainder traversed by a deep ditch, set at defiance an open attack by naked warriors. Foiled in his attempt, Caonabo now hoped to reduce it by famine. For this purpose, he spread his army through the adjacent forests ; and waylaid every pass, so as to inter- cept any supplies brought bjr the natives, and to cut ofi*any foraging party from the fortress. This siege, or investment, lasted for thirty days*, during which time the garrison was reduced to great distress. There is a traditional anecdote, which Oviedo relates of Pedro Margarite, the ^rmer com- mander of this fortress, but which may with more probability be ascribed to Alonzo de Ojeda, as having occurred during this siege. ' At a time when the garrison was sorfe pressed 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 * P. Martyr, Decad. 1, Lib. 4. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS- 69 several 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 afibrd us all a meal ; I cannot consent to fe?ist while the rest of you are starving ;" so say* ing, he turned loose the pigeons from a window of the tower. Daring the siege, Ojeda displayed the greatest activity of spirit, and fertility of resources. He baffled all the arts of the Carib clueftain, concerting stratagems of various kinds, to relieve the garrison and annoy the foe. He made des- perate sallies whenever the enemy appeared in any force, al- ways leading the van, with that headlong valour for which he was noted ; making^ great slaughter with his single arm, and as usual escaping unlurt from amidst showers of darts and arrows. Caonabo saw many of his bravest warriors laid low. His forces were daily diminishing, for the Indians, unused to any protracted operations of war, grew weary of this siege, and began to disperse, returning daily in numbers to their homes. He gave up all further attempt, therefore, on the fortress, and retired filled with admiratioi|jpf the prowess and achieve- ments of Ojeda*. * . , The restless chieftain was not discouraged by the failure of this enterprize, but meditated schemes of a bolder and more extensive nature. Prowling in secret about the vici- nity of Isabella, he noted the enfeebled state of the settle- mentt. Many of the inhabitants were suffering under va- ^ rious maladies, and most of the men capable of bearing arms were distributed about the country. He now conceived the project of a general league among the caciques, to as- • Oviedo^ Cronica de las Indias, Lib. 3, C. 1. t Hist, del Almirante, C. 60. 70 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF semble their forces, and surprise and overwhelm the settle- ment; and to massacre the Spaniards wherever they should be found. This handful of intruders once exterminated, he trusted that the island would be delivered from all further molestation of the kind ; little dreaming of the hopeless na- ture of this contest, and that where the civilized man once plants his foot, the power of the savage is gone for ever. Reports of the profligate conduct of the Spaniards had spread throughout the island, and inspired hatred and hosti- lity even among tribes who had never beheld them, nor suffered from their misdeeds. Caonabo found three of the sovereign caciques inclined to co-operate with him, though impressed with deep awe of the supernatural power of the Spaniards, and of their terrific arms and animals. The league, however, met with unexpected opposition in the fifth cacique, Guacanagari, the sovereign of Marien. His con- duct, in this time of danger, completely manifested the in- justice of those suspicions, which had been entertained of him by the Spaniards. He refused to join the other caciques with his forces, or to violate those laws of hospitality, by wjiich he had considered himself bound to protect and aid the white men, ever since they had been shipwrecked on his coast. He remained quietly in his dominions, entertaining at his own expense a hundred of the suffering soldiery, and supplying all their wants with his accustomed generosity. This conduct drew upon him the odium and hostility of his fellow caciques, particularly of the fierce Caonabo and his brother-in-law Behechio. They made irruptions into his territories, and inflicted oh him various injuries and indigni- ties. Be&echio killed one of his wives, and Caonabo car- ried another away captive*. Nothing, however, could shake ^ Hist. ie\ Almirante, Gap. 60. •II ■M. CHRISTOPHER G0LUMBU9. 71 the devotion of Ouacanagari to the Spaniards ; and as his dominions lay immediately adjacent to the settlement, and those of some of the other caciques were very remote, the want of his co-operation impeded for some time the hostile designs of the confederates*. Such was the critical state to which the affairs of the co- lony had been reduced, and such the bitter hostility engen- dered among the kind and gentle people of the island, during the absence of Columbus ; and precisely in consequence of violating all his regulations. Margarite and father Boil had hastened to Spain, to make prejudiced representations of the miseries of the island. Had they remained faithfully at their posts, and discharged zealously the trusts confided to them, those miseries might have been easily remedied, if not entirely prevented. * Herrera, Hist. Ind. Decad. 1, L. 2, C. 16. 72 LIIPE AND VOYAGES OF .nr CHAPTER IV. MEASURES OF COLUMBUS TO RESTORE THE QUIET OF THE ISLAND — EXPEDITION OP OJEDA TO SURPRISE CAONABO. Immediately after the return of Columbus from Cuba, while he was yet confined to his bed by indis-' position,, he was gratified by a voluntary visit fi*ora Guacana- gari. This kind-hearted chieftain manifested the greatest concern at his illness, for he appears always to have enter- tained an afiectionate reverence for the admiral. He again spoke with tears of the massacre at fort Nativity, dwelling on the exertions he had made in defence of the Spaniards^ He now informed Columbus of the secret league forming among the caciques, of his opposition to it, and the conse- quent persecution he had sufiered ; of the murder of one of his wives, and the capture of another. He urged the admi- ral to be on his guard against the designs of Caonabo, and ofiered to lead his subjects to the field to fight by the side of the Spaniards, as well out of friendship for them, as in re- venge of his own injuries*. Columbus had always retained a deep sense of the ancient kindness of Guacanagari, and had been unwilling to doubt his faith and firiendship ; he was rejoiced, therefore, to have * Herrera, Hist. Ind. Decad, 1, L. 2, C. 16. CIUS^ISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 73 all saspMloD thua effectually dispelled. Their former ami-* cable intercourse was renewed, with this difference, that the man whom Guacanagari had once soothed and succoured when a shipwrecked stranger on his sijhores, had suddenly become the arbiter of the fate of himself ^ and all his coun* irymen. The mahner in which this peaceful island had been exajs* perated and embroiled by the licentious conduct of tlie Euro- peans, was a matter of deep concern to Columbus. He^aw all his plans of deriving an immediate revenue to the sovereigns completely impeded* To restore the island to tranquillity, required skilful management. His finxes were but small, and the awe in which the natives had stood of the white men, as supernatural beings, had been in some degree dis- pelled. He was too ill to take a personal share in any war- like enterprize, his brother Diego was not of a military cha** racter, and Bartholomew was yet a stranger among the Spaniards, and regarded by the leading ones with jealousy. Still Columbus considered the threatened combination of the caciques as but imperfectly formed; he trusted to their want of skill and experience in warfare, and conceived that by prompt measures, by proceeding in detail, punishing some, conciliating others, and uniting force, gentleness and strata- gem, he might succeed in dispelling the threatened storm. His firsi care was to send a body of armed men to the re- lief of fort Magdalena, menaced with destruction by Gua- tiguana, the cacique of the Grand river, who had massacred the Spaniards quartered in his town. Having relieved the fortress, the troops overran the territory of Guatiguana, killing many of his warriors, and carrying others off cap- tive ; the chieftain himself made his escape*. He was tribu- * Herrera, Decad. 1, L. 2, C. 16. VOL*. II. 10 > T4 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF tary to Guarionex, the sovereign cacique of the Royld Vega. As this Indian prince reigned over a great and popalous ex- tent of country, his friendship was highly important to the prosperity of the colony, while there was imminent risk of his hostility from the unbridled excesses of the Spaniards who had been quartered in different parts of his dominions. Columbus sent for him, therefore, and explained to him that these excesses had been in violation of his orders, and con- trary to his good intentions towards the natives, whom it was his wish in every way to please and benefit. He explained, likewise, that the expedition against Guatiguana was an act of mere individual punishment, not of hostility agsdnst the territories of Guarionex. The cacique was of a quiet and placable disposition, and whatever anger he might have felt was easily soothed : to link him in some degree to the Spa- nish interest, Columbus prevailed on him to give his daugh- ter in marriage to an Indian interpreter, native of the Lu- cayan islands, who had been to Spsdn, and had been baptized in Barcelona with the name of Diego Colon*. He took a still stronger precaution to guard agdnst any hostility on the part of the cacique, and to ensure tranquillity in the im- portant region of the Vega. He ordered a fortress to be erected in the midst of his territories, which he named Fort Conception. The easy cacique agreed without hesitation to a measure, fraught with ruin to himself, and future slavery to his subjects. * P. Martyr, Decad. 1, L. 4. N. B. Sig'r Gio. Batista Spotorno, in his memoir of Colum- bus, has been led into ao^rror by the name of this Indian, and ob- serves that Columbus had a brother named Diego, of whom he eeemed to be ashamed, and whom he married to the daughter of an Indian chief. .'V,. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 75 ll^he-most formidable enemy remained to be disposed of: CaonabOf the warlike spirit of the island, the active and dar*" ing enemy of ibe white men ; and who, from superior notions of policy, was -capable of forming dangerous leagues and conspiracies* His territories lay in the central amd moun- tainous parts of the island, rendered difficult of access by rugged rocks, entangled forests, and frequent rivers. To make war upon this subtle and ferociousT chieftain in the depths of his wild woodland territory^ and among the &st- nesses of his mountains^ where at every step there would be danger of falling into some sudden ambush,^ would be a work of time, peril, and incertitude. In the mean while> die settlements would never be secure from his secret and daring enterprises, and the working of the mines would be subject to frequent interruption. While perplexed on this subject, Columbus was relieved by a bold proposition on the part of Alonzo de Ojeda, who offered to take the Carib chieftain by stratagem, and deliver him alive into his hands. The pro- ject was wild, hazardous and romantic, characteristic of the fearless and. adventurous spirit of Ojeda, who was fond of distinguishing himself by extravagant exploits, as has been shown in his singular feat on the Giralda of Seville. Choosing ten bold and hardy followers, well armed and well mounted, and invoking the protection of his patroness the vir- gin, whose image as usual he bore with him as a safeguard, Ojeda plunged into the forest, and made his way above sixty leagues at the head of his followers, into the wild territories of Caonabo, where he found the cacique in one of his most populous towns. Ojeda approached Caonabo with great deference and respect, treating him as a sovereign prince. He informed him that he had come on a friendly embassy from the admiral, who was Guamiquina or chief of die ^ Spaniards, and who had sent him an invaluable present. 4 '■ ' : 76 LIFE ANi) VOYAGES OF Caonabo had tried Ojeda in battle, he had witnessed his^ fiery prowess, and had conceived a warrior's admiration of him. He received him with a degree of chivalrous courtesy, if »uch a phrase may apply to the savage state and rude hos- pitality of a wild warrior of the forests. The free, fearless deportment, the great personal strength, and^ the surprising agility and adroitness of Ojeda in all manly exercises, and in the use of all kinds of weapons, were calculated to delight a savage, and he soon became a great favourite with Cao- nabo. Ojeda now used all his influence to prevail upon the ca- cique to repair to Isabella, for the purpose of making a treaty with Columbus, and becoming the ally and friend of the Spaniards. It is said that he offered him, as a lure, the bell of tlie chapel of Isabella. This bell was the wonder of the island. When the Indians heard its melody sounding through the forests as it rung for mass, and beheld the Spaniards hastening towards the chapel, they imagined that it talked, and that the white men obeyed it. With that feel- ing of superstition with which they regarded all things con- nected with the Spaniards, they looked upon this bell as something supernatural, and in their usual phrase, said it had come from Turey, or the skies. Caonabo had heard this wonderful instrument at a distance, in the course of his prowlings about the settlement, and had longed to see it ; but when it was proffered to him as a present of peace, he found it impossible to resist the temptation. The cacique agreed, therefore, to set out for Isabella ; but when the time came to < depart, Ojeda beheld with sur- prise a powerful force of warriors assembled, and ready to march. He asked the meaning of taking such an army on a mere friendly visit, to which the cacique proudly replied, that it was not befitting a great prince, like him, to go forth v i k CHRISTOPHER COLUBfSUS. 77 scantily attended. Ojeda felt little satisfied with this reply; he knew the warlike character of Caonabo, and his deep subtilty, which is the soul of Indian warfare ; he fes^ed some sinister design, and that the chieftain might meditate some surprise of the fortress of Isabella, or some attempt upon the person of the admiral. He knew also that it was the wish of Columbus, either to make peace with the cacique, or. to get possession of his person without the alternative of open warfare. He had recourse to a stratagem, therefore^ which has an air of fable and romance, but which is recorded by all the contemporary historians, with trivial variations^ and which Las Casas assures us was in current circulation in the island when he arrived there, about six years after the event. It accords, too, with the adventurous and extravagant cha- racter of the man, and with the wild stratagems and vaunt- ing exploits incident to Indian warfare^ In the course of their march, having halted near the river Yagui^ Ojeda one day produced a set of manacles of polished steel, so highly burnished that they looked like silver. These he assured Caonabo were royal ornaments which had come from heaven, or the Turey of Biscay*; that they were worn by the mo- narchs of Castile on solemn dances, and other high festivi- ties, and were intended as presents to the cacique. He pro- posed that Caonabo should go to the river and bathe, after which he should be decorated with these ornaments, mounted on the horse of Ojeda, and should return in the state of a Spanish monarch, to astonish his subjects. The cacique, with that fondness for glittering ornaments common to sava- ges, was dazzled with the sight; his proud military spirit, also, was flattered with the idea of bestriding oiie of those * The principal iron manufactories of Spain are established in ' JSbcaj, where that mineral is found in abundance. 78 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF tremendous animals, so dreaded by his coantrymen. He accompanied Ojeda and his followers to the river, with but (ew attendants, dreading nothing from fiine or ten strangers when thus surrounded by his army. After the cacique had bathed in the river, be was assisted to mount behind Ojeda, and the shackles were then adjusted. This done, they prancedround among the savages, who were astonished to be- hold their cacique in glittering array, and mounted on one of those fearful animals. Ojeda made several circuits to gain space, followed by his little^ band of horsemen ; the Indians shrinking back with affright from the prancing steeds. At length he made a wide sweep into the forest, until the trees shut him from the sight of the army. His followers then closed round him, and drawing their swords, threatened Ca- onabo with instant death if he made the least noise or resist"* ance, though indeed bis manacles and shackles effectually prevented the latten They bound him with cords to Ojeda to prevent his falling, or effecting an escape ; then putting spurs to their horses, they dashed across the Tagui, and made off through the woods with their prize*. They had now fifty or sixty leagues of wilderness to tra- verse on their way homewards, with here and there large In- dian towns. They had borne off their captive by dint of hoof far beyond the pursuit of his subjects ; but the utmost vigilance was requisite to prevent his escape during this long and toilsome journey, and to prevent exciting the hostilities * This romantic exploit of Ojeda is recorded at large by Las Gasas, by his copyist Herrera, (Decad. 1, L. 2, C. 16,) bj Fer- nando Pizarro in his Yarones Illuatres del Nuevo Mundo, and by Charlevoix in his History of St Domingo. Peter Martyr and others have given it more concisely, alluding to, bat not inserting^ its romantic details. CHRISTOPHER COLUllllt73f 79 of any coafi^erate cacique. They had to avoid Uie popu- lous parts of the country, therefore, or to pass through the Indian towns on the gallop. They suffered greatly from fatigue, hunger, and watchfulness ; encountering many pe* rils, fording and swimming the numerous rivers of tlie plains, toiling through the deep tangled forests, and clambering over the high and rocky mountains. They accomplished all in safety, and Ojeda entered Isabella in triumph^ from this most hairbrained and characteristic enterprise, with his wild Indian warrior bound behind him a captive. Columbus could not refrain from expressing his great satisfaction when this dangerous foe was delivered into his hands. The haughty Carib met him with an air lofty and unsubdued, disdaining to conciliate him by submission, or to deprecate his ven- geance for the blood which he had shed of white men. He never bowed his spirit to captivity; on the contrary, though completely at the mercy of the Spaniards, he displayed that boasting defiance which is a part of Indian heroism, and irtiich the savage maintains towards his tormentors even amidst the agonies of the faggot and the stake. He vaunt- ed his achievement in surprising and burning the fortress of Nativity, and slaughtering its garrison, and declared that he had secretly reconnoitred Isabella with an intention of wreaking upon it the same desolation*. . Columbus, though struck with the wild heroism of this ferce chieftain, considered him a dangerous enemy, whom, for the peace of the island, it was necessary carefully to guard. He determined to send him to Spain ; in the mean- time, he ordered that he should be treated with kindness and respect, and lodged him in a part of his own dwelling house, where, however, he kept him a close prisoner in chains, pro- * Hist, del Almirante, Cap. 60. do IIFE AND VOYAGES OF bably in the splendid shackles which had ensnared him. This precaution most have been necessary from the insecurity of his prison, for Las Casas observes that the admiral's house not being spacious, nor having many chambers, the captive chieftain could be seen by passers by from the portal*. Caonabo always maintained a haughty deportment to- wards Columbus, while he never evinced the least animosity agsunst Ojeda for the artifice to which he had fallen a vic- tim. It rather increased his admiration of him, as a con* summate warrior, looking upon it as the exploit of a mas- ter spirit to have pounced upon him, and borne him off in this hawk-like manner from the very midst of his fighting men. There is nothing that an Indian more admires in w^ar- fare than a deep well executed stratagem. Colambus was accustomed to bear himself with an air of dignity and authority as admiral and viceroy, and exacted great personal respect. When he entered the apartment, therefore, where Caonabo was confined, all present rose, ac- cording to custom, and paid him reverence. The cacique alone neither moved, nor took any notice of him. On the contrary, when Ojeda entered, though small in person, and of no state, Caonabo immediately rose and saluted him with profound respect. On being asked the reason o( this, Co- lumbus being Guamiquina, or great chief over all, and Oje- da but one of his subjects, the proud Carib replied that the admiral had never dared to come personally to his liouse an4 seize him, it was only through the valour of Ojeda he was his prisoner ; to Ojeda, therefore, he owed reverence, not to the admiralt. * Las Casas, Hist. Ind. L. 1^ C. 102. t Idem, ubi sup. k • ■:s. CHRISTOPHER COLUlilUlrB. ' 81 The captivity of Caonabo was deelply felt by his subjects, for the natives of this island seem generally to have been extremely loyal, and strongly attached to their caciques. ' One of the brothers of Caonabo, • a warrior of great cou- rage and address, and very popular among the Indians, as- sembled an army of more than seven thousand men, and led them secretly to the neighbourhood of St. Thomas, where Ojeda was again in command. His intention was to sur- l^se a number of Spaniards, in hopes of obtaining his bro- ther in exchange for them. Ojeda as usual had notice of the design, but was not to be again shut up in his fortress. Halving been reinforced by a detachment sent by the ade- lantado, he left a sufficient force in garrison, and with the remainder, and his little troop of horse, set off boldly to meet the savages. The brother of Caonabo, when he saw the Spaniards approaching, showed some military skill, dis- posmg of his army in five battalions. The impetuous at- tack of Ojeda, however, who, according to his custom, rush- ed on furiously in the advance with his handful of horsemen, threw the Indian warriors into sudden panic. They could not withstand the terrible appearance of these glittering steel-clad beings, wielding thejr flashing weapons, and be- striding animals which appeared to be ferocious beasts of prey. They thr^w down their weapons and took to flight; many were slain, more were taken prisonfrs, and among the latter was the brother of Caonabo, bravely fighting in a pious but desperate cause*. * Oviedo, Cronica de las Indias, L. 3, C. 1. Charlevoix, Hist. S. Doming. Lib. 2, p. 181. VOL. II. II ' f 82 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF .4 . *• CHAPTER V. ARRIVAL OF ANTONIO DE TORRES WITH FOUR SHIPS FROM SPAIN — ^HIS RETURN WITH INDIAN SLAVES. The colony was stinnuffering greatly from want of provisions : the European stock was nearly exhaust* edy and such was the idleness and improvidence of the colo- nists, or the confusion into which they had been thrown by the hostilities of the natives, or such was their exclusive eager- ness after the precious metals, that thejr -ieetn to have ne- glected the true wealth of the island, its quick and fertile soil, and to have been in cgnstant danger of famine, in the midst of an abundant nature. At length their famished sufferings were relieved by the arrival of four ships, commanded by Antonio Torres. They brought an ample supply of provisions, which diffused uni- versal joy. There.iYere also a physician ai^d an apothecary, whose aid was grMtly needed in the sickly state of the colo- > ny; but above all, there were mechanics, millers, fishermen, gardeners, and husbandmen, the true, wholesome kind of population for a colony, calculated to bring out its best re- sources^ and to produce that interchange of useful labour, and of the necessaries of life, which renders a community thriving and self-dependent. The letters from the sovereigns brought by Torres, (dated 16 Aug. 1494,) were of the most gratifying kind, expressing « I CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 83 the highest satisfaction at the accomits sent home by the ad- miiral^ and acknowledging that every thinf? in the course (^ his discoveries had tamed out as he had predicted. They evinced the liveliest interest in the affairs of the colony, and a desire of i^eiving frequent advices as to its circumstances ; proposing that a caravel should sail each month from Isa- bella' and Spain. Th0y informed him that all differences with Portugal were amicably adjusted, and acquainted him with the conventional agreement with that power, relative to a geographical line, separating their newly discovered pos-> sessions; requesting him to have regard to this agreement in the course of \m discoveries; As in adjusting the arrange- ment with Portugal, and in drawing the proposed line, it was important to have the 'best advice, the sovereigns re- quested Columbus to return, and be present at the conven- tion; or, in case that should be inconvenient, to send his brother BarthoUknew, or any other person whom he should consider fiiUy competent, furnished with such maps, charts, and designs, as might be of service in the negociation*. There was another letter addressed generally to the in- habitants of the colony, and to all who should go out on voyages of discovery, commanding them to obey Columbus as implicitly as they would the sovereigns themselves, under pain of their hiffh displeasure, and a fine of ten thousand maravedis for each offence. - « Such was the well-merited confidence imposed at this mo- ment by the sovereigns in Columbus, but which was soon to be blighted by the insidious offices of worthless men. He was already aware of the complaints and misrepresentations which had been sent home fi*om the colony, and which would be enforced by Margarite and father Boil. He was aware • Herrera, Decad. 1, L. 2, C. 17. .■■".*• 84 ' '' LIFE AND VOYAGES OF that he had that slippery standing which a stranger always possesses, in the service of a foreign country*; where he has no friends nor connexions to prop him up, and where even his very merits increase the eagerness of envy to cast him down. His efforts to promote the working of the mines, and to explore the resources of the island, had been impeded by the misconduct of Margarite, and the disorderly life of the Spaniards in general; yet he apprehended that the very evils idiich they had produced would be aUeged against him, and the want of pro6table returns be cited to discredit and em* barrass his expeditions. To counteract any misrepresentations of the kind, Colum- bus hastened the return of the ships, and would have returned with them, not merely to comply with the wishes of the sove- reigns in being present at the drawing of the geographical line, but to vindicate himself and his enterprises from the as- persions of his enemies^ The malady, however, which con- fined him to his bed,' prevented his departnre ; and his bro- ther Bartholomew was required to aid, with his practical good sense and his resolute spirit, in regulating the disordered affairs of the island. It w^s determined, therefore, to send home his brother Diego, to attend to the wishes of the sove- reigns, and to take care of his interests at court. At the same time, he exerted himself to the utmost to send by the ships satisfactory proofs of the value of his discoveries. He remitted .by liiem all the gold that he could collect, with spe- cimens of otuer metals, and of various fruits, and valuable plants, which he had collected either in Hispaniola, or in the course of his voyage. In « his eagerness to produce imme- diate profit, and to indemnify the sovereigns for those ex- penses which bore hard upon the royal treasury, he sent, likewise, above five hundred Indian prisoners, who, he sug-- gested, might be sold as slaves at Seville* ■•>. *. k • • ■ y CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. " ' 85 It is painful to find the brilliant^renown of Colninbns sul- lied by so foul a stain, and the glory of his enterprises de* graded by such flagrant violations of human right. The customs of the times, however, must be pleaded in his apolo- gy. The precedent had been given long before, by both Spaniards and Portuguese, in their African discoveries, wherein the traffic in slaves had formed one of the greatest sources of profit. In fact, the practice had been sanctioned by the highest authority; by that of the church itself; and the most learned theologians had pronounced all barbarous and infidel nations, who shut their ears to the truths of Chris- tianity, as fair objects of war and rapine, of captivity and slavery. If Columbus needed any practical illustration of this doctrine, he had it in the conduct of Ferdinand himself^ in his late wars with the Moors of Granada, in which he had always been surrounded by a cloud of ghostly advisers, and had professed to dt> every thing for the glory and' advance- ment of the faidk In this holy war, as it was termed, it was a common practice to make inroads into the Moorish terri- tories and carry off" cavalgadds^ not merely of flocks and herds, but of human beings, and those, not warriors taken with weapons in their hands, but quiet villagers, labouring peasantry, and helpless women and children. These were carried to the mart at Seville, or to other populous towns, and sold into slavery. The capture 0f ISalaga was a memo- rable instance, where, as a punishment for aoii obstinate and brave defence, which should have excited admiration rather than revenge, eleven thousand people, of both sexes, and of all ranks and ages, many of them highly cultivated, and delicately reared, were suddenly torn from their homes, severed firom each other, and swept into menial slavery, even though half of their ransoms had been paid. These circum- stances are not advanced to vindicate, but to palliate the con- f" 86 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF /' ■ duct of Columbus. He acted but in ^ooformity Iprthe cliiK .; toms of the times, and was sanctioned by the example of the Sovereign under whom he served. p Las Casas, the tealous and enthusiastic advocate of the "^ Indians, who suffers no opportunity to escape him of ex- , claiming in vehement terms against their slavery, i^aks ^ ^ with indulgence of Columbus on this head. If those pious and learned men, he observes, whon the sovereigns had £>f eyes and light, were so ignorant of die injustice of this prac- tice, it is no wonder that the admiral should be ignorant of it, who was not a learned man*. ^ % • Las Casas, Hist Ind. T. 1, Cap. 122. MS. . ^^ .* a» >' / ■' * . 'ih^ .^. , CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 87 *■# ■■-,*< / ^ * , . CHAPTER VI. <■■'# ^ EXPEDITION OP COLUMBUS AGAIAjST THE INDIANS OF THE VEGA — BATTLE. % ^' ^^ Notwithstanding the defeat of the Indians by .^^•^ ^ ' Ojedar, they still retained hostile intentions against the Spani{|,rds. The idea of their cacique being a prisoner " and in chains, enraged the natives of M aguana, and the ge- neral sympathy manifested by other tribes of the island show how widely tha^ intelligent savage had extended his influ- ence, and how greatly he was admired. He had still acfive and powerful relatives remaining to attempt his rescue, or revenge his fall. One of his brothers, Manicaotex by name, a Carib, bold and warlike as himself, succeeded to the sway ^IfHf-^ over his subjects. His favourite wife also, Anacaona, so yMJ^ j famous for her charms, had great influence over her brother Behechio, cacique of the populous province of Xaragua. Through these means a violent and general hostility to the Spaniards was excited throughout the island^ fddf the formi- dable league of the caciques, which CaomdliNd^'bad in vain attempted to accomplish when at large, was produced by hpi capti^^. Guacanagari, the cacique of Marien, alone re- mained friendly to the Spaniards, giving them timely infor- mation of the gathering storm, and ofiering to take the field with them as a faithful ally. ^ . 1^ 88 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF The protracted illness of Columbus, the scantiness of his military force, and the wretched state of the colonists in ge-> ' neral, reduced by sickness and scarcity to great bodily weak- ness, had hitherto induced him to try every means of con- •ciliation and stratagem to avert and dissolve the confederacy. He had at length recovered his health ; and his followers were in some degree refreshed 9pd invigorated by the sup- plies broug|pt tiiy the ships. At this time he received intelli- gence that tfi^ allied caciques wei^ actually assembled in '^' great force in the Vega, within two days' march of Isabella, ■^' ^ with an intention of making a general assault upon the set- v *)& ^ tlement, and overwhelming it by numbers. Qplumbus re- * ' solved to take the field at once, and to carry the war into ': S the territories of the enemy, rather than suffer it to be brought to his own doors. */%'. The whole sound and effective force that he' could muster in the present infirm state of the colony, did not exceed two hundred infantry and twenty horse. They were armed with crossbows, swords, lances, and espingardas, or heavy ar- quebusses, which in those days were used with rests, and sometimes mounted on wheels. With these formidable wea- pons, besides being cased in steel, and covered with buck- > lers, a handfiilof European warriors were able to cope with • \ thousands of naked savages. They had aid of another kind, however, consisting of twenty bloodhounds, animals scarcely less terrible to the Indians than the horses, and infi- ^ nitely more fatal. They were fearless and ferocious ; nothing daunted them, nor, when they had once seized upon their prey, could any thing compel them to relinquish their hold. The naked bodies of the Indians^ offered no defence to their assaults. They sprang on them, dragged them to the earth, and tore them to pieces. , CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 89 The admiral was aecompanied in this expedition by his brother Bartholomew, whose counsel and aid he sought on • all occasions, and who wad not merely of great personal force and undaunted courage, but of a strong military turn of mind. Guacanagari also brought his people into the field; neither he nor his subjects, however, were of a war- like character, nor caloHlaied to render much assistance. I' ■ ."' •• The chief advantage IbT Jw co-operation was,«that it com- ^^ pletely severed him fi'^ the other caciques, and ensured the dependence of himself and his subjects upon the Spa- ' ^ ' niards. In the present infant state of the colony, its chief ■^ security depended upon jealousies and dissentions sown ^ ' among the muive powers of the island. It was on the 24th of March, 1495, that Columbus ^ JM95. ^ issued forth firom Isabella with his little army, and advanced by marches of ten leagues a day in quest of the enemy. He ascended again to the mountain pass of the cavaliers, from whence he had first looked down upon the Vega. With what different feelings did he now contemplate it ! The vile passions of the white men had already con- verted this smiling, beautiful, and once peaceful and hospita- ble region into a land of wrath and hostility. Wherever the smoke of an Indian town rose from among the trees and loaded the clear atmosphere, it marked a horde of exaspe- rated enemies, and the deep rich forests below him swarmed with lurking warriors. In the picture which his imagina- tion had drawn of the peaceful and inoffensive nature of this people, he had flattered himself with the idea of ruling over them as a patron and benefactor, but now he found forced upon him the character of a conqueror. The Indians had notice, by their scouts, of his approach, but though they had already had some slight experience of the warfare of the white men, they were filled with confi- VOL. II. 12 « ■i 90 LIP£ AND VOYAGES OF dence by die vast superiority of tbeir numbers, which it is said ainoiiiited to (me hundred thousand men*. This is pro- bably an exaggeration, for as Indians never draw out into the open field^'ln order of battle, but lurk among the forests, it is difficult to ascertain their force. Their rapid move- ments also, and their sudden sallies and retreats from vari- ous parts, together with the wild shouts and yells from oppo- site quarters-Hf the woodlands, are calculated to give an ex- aggerated idea of their number. The army, however, must ha^e been great, as it consisted of the combined forces of several caciques of this populous island. It was commanded by Manicaotex, the brother of Caoaabo. The Indians, who were little skilled in numerals, and incapable of count- ing beyond ten, had a simple mode of ascertaining and de- scribing the force of an enemy, telling forth a grain of maize or Indian com for every warrior. When, therefore, the spies, who had watched from rocks and thickets the march of Columbus, came back with a mere handful of com as the amount of his army, the caciques scoffed at the idea of so scanty a number making head against their count* less multitudef . Columbus dre^ near to the enemy about the place where the town of St. Jago has since been built. Having ascer- tained the great force of the Indians, Don Bartholomew ad-* vised that their little army should be divided into detach- ments, and attack at the same moment from several quarters. The plan was adopted. The infantry separating into dif- ferent bodies, advanced suddenly* from various directions, with great din of drums and trumpets, and a destructive dis- charge of firearms from the covert of the trees. The In- * Las Ca^as, Hist Ind.;L. 1, Cap. 104. MS. t Idem, ubi sup. CHUISTOPHEB COLUMBUS. 91 dians were struck with panic, and tbtown into complete confiision. An army seemed jessing upon them from every quarter* Their fellow warriors were laid low by the balk of the arquebusscA, which seemed to burst with thunder aiid lightning froia the. forestsi.^ While driren together and cqi»- founded by these attacks, Alomo de Ojeda charged iwpt^ tuously on their main body with his troop of cavalry, cutting his way into the centre with lance and sabre)|r The horses bore down the terrified Indians, while theil*^ rfders dealt their blows on all sides unopposed. The bloodhounds were at the same time let loose, and rushed with sanguinary fury upon the naked savages, seizing them by the throat, drag- ging them to tlie earth, and tearing out their bowels.* The Indians, unaccustomed to large and fierce quadrupeds of any kind, were struck with horror when assailed by these fero- cious animals. They thought the iiorses equally fierce and devouring. The contest, if such it might be called, was of short duration. What resistance could a multitude of na- ked, un warlike, and undisciplined savages make, with no other arms than clubs and arrows, and darts hardened in the fi're, against soldiers clad in iron, wielding weapdns of steel, and tremendous firearms, and aided by ferocious monsters whose very aspect struck terror to the heart of the stoutest warrior ! The Indians fled in every direction with yells and bowl- ings ; some clambered to the top of rocks and precipices, firom whence they made piteous supplications and offers of complete submission; many were killed, many made pri- soners, and the confederacy was for the time completely broken up atid dispersed. Guacanagari had accompanied the Spaniards into the field, according to his promise ; but he was little more than a spec* tator of this battle, or rather rout. He was not of a mar- > i 92 LtFE AND VOYAGES OF tial spirit, and both he and his subjects must have shrank with awe at this unusual and terrific burst of war, even though on the part of their allies. His participation in the hostilities of thtt white men was never forgiven by the other caciques, and he returned to his dominioiis followed by the hatred and execrations of all the islanders. CHRIfiTOPHEE COLUMBUS. 93 CHAPTER VII. SUBJUGATION OP THE NATIVES — IMPOSITION OF TRIBUTE. Columbus followed up his victory by making a military tour through various parts of the island, and reducing it to obedience. The natives made occasional attempts at opposition, but they were easily checked. The troop of cavalry headed by Ojeda was foimd of great elG- cacy in this service, from the rapidity of its movements, the active intrepidity of its commander, and especially from the great awe and terror inspired by the horses. There was no service too wild and hazardous for Ojeda. If any head of war arose in a distant part of the country, he would pene- trate with his little squadron of hard riders through the depths of the forests and fall suddenly like a thunderbolt upon the enemy, disconcerting all their combinations, and enforcing implicit submission. Las Casas, in speaking of the great dread which the natives had of the horses, repeat- edly mentions the idea which they entertained, on first be* holding a mounted cavalier, that the rider and the horse formed one animal* ; a circumstance which corroborates the alleged origin of the ancient fable of the^Centaurs. The Royal Vega' was soon brought into subjection. Be- ing an immense plain, perfectly level, it was easily overrun * Las Casas, L. 1, C. 102. 104. i r 94 LIFE AND VOYAOiJl'OF by the horsemen, whose appearance struck terror into its most populous towns. Guarionex, its sovereign cacique, was dlf a mild and placable character, and though he had been roused to war by the instigation of the neighbouring chieftains, he^readily submitted to the domination of the Spaniards. Manicaotex, the brother of Caonabo, was also obliged to sue for peace, and being the prime mover of the confederacy, the other caciques followed his example. Be- hechio alone, the cacique of Xaragua^ and brother-in-law of Caonabo, made no overtures of submission. His ter* ritories lay remote from Isabella, at the western extremity of the island, around the deep bay called the Bight of Leo- gane^ and the long peninsula called Cape Tiburon. They were difficult of access, and had not as yet been visited by the white men« He retired into the bosom of his do-- mains, taking 'with him his sister, the famous Anacaona, wife of Caonabo, whom he cherished with fraternal affection un- der her misfortunes, who soon acquired almost equal sway over his subjects with himself, and was destined subsequent- ly to make sovo^ figure in the events of the island. Having been forced to take the field by. the confederacy of the caciques, Columbus now asserted the right of a con- queror, and considered how he might turn his conquest to most profit. His constant anxiety was to make wealthy re- m turns to Spain, for the purpose of indemnifying the sove«> reigns for their great expenses ; of meeting the public expec- tations so extravagantly excited; Und above all, of silencing the calumnies of those who he knew had gone home deter- mined to make the most discouraging representations of his discoveries. He endeavoured, therefore^ to raise a large and immediate revenue from the island, by imposing heavy tributes on the subjected provinces. In those of the Vega, Cibao, and all the region of the mines, each individual i I " I» ->-, CHU^I^PHER COLUMBUS. 95 'i above the age of fourteen years, was required to pay, every three months, the measure of a Flemish hawk's bell of (rold dust*. The caciques had to pay a much larger amount for their personal tribute. Manicaotex, the brother of Caonabo, was obliged individually -to render in, every three months, half a calabash of gold, amounting to one hundred and fifty pesos. On those districts which were distant from the mines, and produced no gold, each individual was required to fur- nish an arroba {twenty-five pounds) of cotton every diree months. Each Indian, on rendering this tribute, received a copper medal as a certificate of payment, which he was to wear suspended round his neck ; those who were found with^ out such document, were liable to arrest and punishment. The taxes and tributes thus imposed bore hard upon the spirit of the natives, accustomed to be but lightly tasked by their caciques ; and the caciques themselves found the exac- tions intolerably grievous. Guarionex, the sovereign of the Royal Vega, represented to Columbus the difficulty he had in complying with the terms of his tribute. His richly fer- . tile plsdn yielded no gold ; and though the mountains on his borders contained mines, and their brooks and torrents washed down gold dust into the sands of the rivers, yet his subjects were not skilled in the art of collecting it. He <||prQ|^ered, therefore, instead of the tribute required, to cuiti- - iHtiUte with grain a band of country stretching across the island * A hawk's bell, according to Las Casas, (Hiit. Ind. L. 1, C. 105,) contained about three castellanos worth of gold dust, equal to five dollars, and in estimating the superior value of gold in those days, equivalent to fifteen dollars of our time. A quantity of gold worth 150 castellanos was equivalent to 798 dollars of the present day. » A, 96 LIFE AND VOYAGEd OF from sea to sea; enough, says Las Casas, to have furnished all Castile with bread for ten years*. His offer was rejected. Columbus knew that gold alone would satisfy the avaricious dreams excited in Spain, and ensure the popularity and sue- many of the Indians had in furnishing the amount of gold dust required of them, he lowered the demand to the mea- sure of one half of a hawk's bell. It is a curious circum- stance, and might furnish some poetical conceits, that the miseries of the poor natives should thus be measured out, as it were, by the very baubles which first fascinated them. To enforce the payment of these tributes, and to maintain the subjection of the island, Columbus put the fortress al- ready built in a strong state of defence, and erected others. Beside those of Isabella, and of St. Thomas, in the moun- tains of Cibao, there were now the fortress of Magdalena, in the Royal Vega, three or four leagues from the place where the town of Santiago was afterwards built ; another called Catalina, the site of which is forgotten; another called Esperanza, on the banks of the river Yagui in Cibao ; but the most important of those recently erected was fort Con- ception, in one of the most fruitful and beautiful parts of the Vega, about fifteen leagues to thie east of Magdalena, control- ling the extensive and populous domains of Guarionext. -^ In this way was the yoke of servitude fixed upon the island, and its thraldom effectually ensured. Deep despair now fell upon the natives when they found a perpetual task in- flicted upon them, enforced at stated and frequently recur- ring periods. Weak and indolent by nature, unused to la- * Las Casas, H. Ind. L. 1,0. 105. t Idem, ubi sup. C. 110. ^^^' .'.. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 97 hour of any kind, and brought up in the untasked idleness of 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, no escape from its all-pervading influence, no prospect of return to that roving independence and ample leisure, so dear to the wild inhabitant of the forest. 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 me]Jow evening, when summoned to their simple amusements by the rude Indian drum. They were now obliged to grope, day by day, with 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 taskmasters, 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 bal- lads to which they kept time were of a melancholy and plain- tive character. They spoke ojfthe times that were past, before V the white men had introduced sorrow and slavery and weary labour among them; and they rehearsed pretended prophe- cies, handed down from their ancestors, foretelling the inva- sion of the Spaniards ; that strangers should come into their island, clothed in apparel, with swords capable of cleaving a ^ man asunder at a blow, under whose yoke their posterity should be subdued. JThese ballads or areytos they sang with VOL. II. 13 4 'h « ■ « \ 98 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF mournful tunes and doleful voices, bewailing the loss of their liberty, and their painful servitude*. They had flattered themselves, for a time, that the visit of the strangers would be but temporary, and that, spreading their ample sails, their ships would once more bear the(n back to their home in the sky. In their simplicity they had repeatedly inquired when they intended to return to Turey or the heavens. They now beheld them taking root, as it were, in the island. They beheld their vessels lying idly and rotting in the harbour, while the crews, scattered about the country, were building habitations and fortresses, the solid construction of which, unlike their own slight cabins, gave evidence of permanent residencef . Finding how vain was all attempt to deliver themselves by warlike means from these invincible intruders, they now con-* certed a forlorn and desperate mode of annoyance. Tjkey perceived that the settlement suflered greatly from shortiiess of provisions, and depended, in a considerable degree, upon the supplie&furnished by the natives. The fortresses in the interior, also, and the Spaniards quartered in ihe villages, looked almost entirely to them for subsistence. They agreed, therefore, amon^ themselves, not to cultivate the fruits, the roots, and maize, which formed their chief articles of food, and to destroy those already growing ; hoping that thus, by producing a famine, they might starve the strangers from the island. They little knew, observes Las Casas, one of the characteristics of the Spaniards ; who, the more hun-* gry they are, the more inflexible they become, and the more * Peter Martyr, Decad. 3, Lib. 9. f Las Casas, Hist. lud. L. 1, C. 106, \ CHRISTOPHER OOLUMBU&. 99 hardened to endure suffering*. They carried their plan generally into effect, abandoning their habitations, laying waste the produce of their fields and groves, and retiring to the mountains, where there were roots and herbs on which they could subsist, and abundance of those kind of rabj)its called utias. This measure did indeed produce much dis- tress among the Spaniards ; but they had foreign resources, and were enabled to endure it by husbanding the partial sup-* plies brought by their ships ^ the most disastrous effects fell upon the natives themselves. The Spaniards stationed in the various fortresses^ finding that there was not only no hope of tribute, but a danger of famine, from this wanton waste and sudden deseition, pursued the natives to their re- treats, to compel them to return to labour. The Indians to)ik refuge in the most sterile and dreary heights ; flying ttSai one wild retreat to another, the women with their children in their arms or at their backs, and all worn out with fatigue and hunger, and harassed by perpetual alarms. In every noise of the forest or the mountain they fancied they heard the sound of their pursuers ; they hid themselves in damp and dismal caverns, or in the focky banks and mai^- gins of the torrents ; and, not daring to hunt, or fish, or even to venture forth in quest of nouri^hinjg roots and vege- tables, they had to satisfy their raging hunger with unwhole- some articles of diet. In this way many thousands of them perished miserably, through famine, fatigue, terror, and va- rious contagious maladies engendered by their sufferings. All spirit of opposition was at length completely quelled. 'm * No conociendo la propriedad de los Espaiioles, los cuales cuanto mas hambrientos, tanto mayor teson tieneny mas^duros son de sufrir y para sufrir. Las Casas, Hist. Ind. L. 1, C. 106. t • . . ^» • ^Hr »■ t 100 , bmjfe and voyages of f* ■« -^ _ ■ - ^ Tbe surviving Indians returned i%. despair to their habita- tions, and submitted humbly to the yoke. So deep an awe did they conceive of their conqperors, that it is said a Spaniard might go singly and securely all over the island, and tb^ peitives would even transport him from place to place on their shoulders*. Before passing on to other events, it may be proper here to notice the fate of Guacanagari, as he makes no further appearance in the course of this history. His friendship for the Spaniards had severed him from his countrymen, but it did not exonerate him from the general woes of the island. His territories, like those of the other caciques, were subjected to a tribute, which his people, with the common repugnance to labour, found it difficult to pay. Columbus, who knew his worth, and could have protected him, was long absent, either in the interior of the island, or detained in Europe by his own wrongs. In the interval, the Spaniards forgot the hospitality and services of Guacanagari, and his tribute was harshly exacted. He found himself overwhelmed with op- probrium from his countrymen at large, and assailed by the clamours and IjBte^ntations of his suffering subjects. The strangers whdm fte had succoured in distress, and taken as it were to ta« tiOMm of his native island, had become its V Jgrrants and oppressors. Care, and toil, and poverty, and • high-haqded violence, had spread their curses over the land, and he felt as if he had invoked them on his race. Unable to bear the hostilities of his fellow caciques, the woes of his subjects, and the extortions of his ungrateful allies, he took * Las Casas, Hist. Ind. L. 1, C. 106. Hist, del Almirante, Cap. 60 >• t' *^. "t • *• W' J*'. ^■ CHRISTOPHER COLUMBH|!i,t 101 refuge at last in the mountains, where he died obscurely and • in misery*. An attempt has been made by Oviedo to blacken the cha- racter of this Indian prince ; it is not for Spaniards, however, to excuse their own ingratitude by casting a stigma upon his name. He appears to have always manifested towards them that true friendship which shines brightest in the dark days of adversity. He might have played a nobler part, in making a stand with his brother caciques, to drive these intruders from his native soil ; but he appears to have been fascinated by his admiration of the strangers, and his personal attach- ment to Columbus. He was bountiful, hospitable, affection- ate, and kind-hearted : competent to rule a gentle and un- warlike people in the happier days of the island, but unfitted, through the softness of his nature, for the stern turmoil which * followed the arrival of the white men. ^ *■ ■ * Charlevoix, Hist. .St. Doming. L. 2. *■ s--. i^ it' ^f^ rJtoRf. J- ^ ''Trv « ^(^ - 102 LIFE AND VQYAGKS OF y- 1 CHAPTER VIII. Intrigues against columbus in the court of spain— AGUADO sent TO INVESTIGATE THE AFFAIRS OF HIS- PANIOLA. While Columbus was endeavouring to remedy the evils produced by the misconduct of M argarite and his followers, that recreant commander, and his politic coad- jutor, father Boil, were busily undermining his standing in the court of Castile. They accused him of deceiving the sove- reigns and the public, by extravagant descriptions of the countries he had discovered ; they pronounced the island of Hispaniola a source of expense rather than profit; and they drew a dismal picture of the sufierings of the colony, occasioned, as they said, by the oppressions of Columbus and his brothers. They charged him with tasking the com- munity with excessive labour during a time of general sick- ness and debility ; with stopping the rations of individuals on the most trifling pretext, to the great detriment of their healths; with wantonly inflicting severe corjioral punish- ments on the common people ; and with heaping indignities on Spanish gentlemen of rank. They said nothing, how- ever, of the exigencies which had called for unusual toils ; nor of the idleness and profligacy of the commonalty, which required coercion and chastisement; nor of the seditious 1« * tt CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 103 m -■\ cabals of the Spanish caiPaliers, who had bieen treated with'^ .indulgence rather than severity. In addition to these bom- plaints, they represented the state of confusion of the island in consequence of the absence of the admiral, and the un- certainty which prevailed concerning his fate jrUitimatipg the probability of his having perished in his ioHmrdy at- tempts to explore unknown seas, and discover unprofitable lands. These prejudiced and exaggerated representations derived much weight from the official standing of Margarite and father Boil. They were supported by the testimony of many individuals; the discontented and factious idlers, of the co- lony, who had returned with them to Spain. Some of these ^ had connexions of rank, who were r^ady to resent, with Spa- nish haughdness, what they considered the arrogant assump- ^ tions of an ignoble foreigner. Thus the popularity of Co- lumbus received a vital blow, and immediately began to de- cline. The confidence of the sovereigns also was impaired, and precautions were adopted which savour strongly, of the cautious and suspicious policy of Ferdinand. ^ It was determined to send some person of trust and con- fidence, who should take upon himself the government of the island, in case of the continued absence of the admiral ; and who, even in case of his return, should inquire into the alleged evils and abuses, and remedy such as should appear to be really existant. The person proposed for this delicate office, was Diego Carillo, a commander of a military or- der ; but as he could not get ready to sail in certain cara- vels about to depart with supplies, the sovereigns wrote to Fonseca, the superintendant of India affairs, to send some trusty person with the vessels, to take charge of the provi- sions with which they were freighted. These he was to dis* •f^ 104 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF -ii||rtribute among the colonists, under the supervision of the ad- niirtd; or, in case of his absence, in presence of those in authority* He was also to collect information concerning the manner in which the island had been governed ; the conduct of persons in office ; the causes and authors of ex- isting abuses ; and the measures by which they were to be remedied. Having collected such information, he was to return and make report to the sovereigns ; but in case he • should find the admiral at the island, every thing was to re- main subject to his control. There was anodl^r measure adopted by the sovereigns about this^ time, which likewise shows the declining favour of Columbus. On the 10th of April, 1495, a proclama- tion was issued, giving gener^ permission to native-born subjects to settle in the island of Hispaniola, and to go on private voyages of discovery and traffic to the new world. This was granted, subject to certain conditions. All vessels were to sail exclusively from the port of Cadiz, and under the inspection of officers appointed by the crown. Those whp embarked for Hispaniola without pay, and at their own expense, were. to have lands assigned them, and provisions for one year, with a right to retain such lands, and all houses they might erect upon them. Of all gold which they might collect, they were to retain one third for themselves, and pay the remaining two thirds to the crown. Of all other articles of merchandise, the produce of the island, they were to pay merely one tenth to the crown. Their- purchases were to be made in presence of officers ap- pointed by the sovereigns, and the royal dues paid into the hands of the king's receiver. ^ Each ship sailing on private enterprize, was to take one or two persons to be named by the royal officers at Cadiz. ..r -.% CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 105 One tentli of the tonnage of the ship was to be at the ser^'Hi ^ vice of the crown free of charge. One tenth 9f whatever ft such ships should procure in the newly discovered cotficqei was to be paid to the crown on their return. These regula- tions included private ships trading to Hispaniol^ with pro- • visions. ^ For every vessel thus fitted out on private adventure, Co- lumbus, in consideration of his privilege of an eighth of ton- nage, was to have the right to freight one on his own ac- count. ' This general license for voyages of Siscovery was made . in consequence of the earnest applications of Vinctnt Yanez Pinzon, and other able and intrepid navigators, most of . i whom had sailed with CoIUmbus. They ofiered to make voyages at tlifelr own cost and hazard. .The offer was tempt- ing, and well timed. The government was poor, the expe- .' ditions of Columbus we're* expensive, yet their object was too important 1^ be neglected. Here was an opportunity of attaining all the ends proposed, not merely without expense, but with a certainty of gain. The permission, therefore, was granted without consulting fbe.opinion or the wishes of the admiral. It was loudly compfained of by him, as an in- £pingement of his privileges, and as disturbing the career of regular and well organized discovery, by the licentious, and in a manner, predatory enterprizes of reckless adventurers. Doubtless much of the odium that has attached itself to the Spanish discoveries in the new world, has arisen from the grasping avidity of private individuals. * Just at this juncture, in the early part of April, while the . interests of Columbus were in such a critical position, the ships commanded by Torres arrived in Spain. They brought intelligence of the safe return of the admiral to Hispaniola, VOL. ti. - 14 •** 106 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF ■* from his voyage along the southern coast of Cuba, with the evidence which he had collected, to prove that it was the ex- tremity of the Asiatic continent; and that he had penetrated to the borders of the wealthiest countries of the east. Spe- cimens were likewise brought of the gold, and the various animal and vegetable curiosities, which he had procured in the course of this voyage. No arrival could have been more timely. It at once removed all doubts respecting his safety, and obviated the necessity of part of the precaution- ' ary measures on the point of beihg taken. The supposed discovery of the rich coast of Asia, also, threw a temporary splendour about his expedition, and again awakened tbe gra- ^ * titude of the sovereigns. The effect was immediately ap- • ^ parent in their measures. Instead of leaving it to the dis- cretion of Juan Rodriguez de Fonseca to appoint whom he pleased to the commission of inquiry about to be sent out, they retracted that power, and nominated Juan Agqado. He was chosen because, on returning from Hispaniola, he had been strongly recommended to royal favour by Colum- bus, It was intended, therefore, as a mark of delicacy to the latter, to appoint as commissioner a person of whom he had expressed so high an opinion, and who, it was to be pre* sumed, entertained for him a grateful regard. Fonseca, in virtue of his official station as superintendant of the affairs of the Indias, and probably to gratify his grow- ing animosity for Columbus, had detained a quantity of gold which Don Diego, brother to the admiral, had brought on his own private account. The^^sovereigns wrote to him repeatedly, ordering him not to demand the gold, or if he bad seized it to return it immediately, with satisfactory ex- planations, and to write to Columbus in terms calculated to soothe any angry feelings which he might have excited. He . * ■■• ■■'.* .. i i CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 107 ♦.■ Was ordered also to consult the persons recently arrived from Hispanlbla, in what manner he could yield satisfaction \o the admiral, and to act accordingly. Fonseca thus suffered, one of the severest humiliations of an arrogant spirit, that of being obliged to make atonement for its arrogance. It quickened, however, the malice which he had conceived against the admiral and his family. Unfortunately, his official situation, and the royal confidence which he enjoyed, gave him opportunities of gratifying it subsequently in a thousand insidious ways. While the sovereigns thus endeavoured to slvoid every . thing that might ^ve timbrage to Columbus, they took cer- tain measures to provide for the tranquillity of the colony. *p' In a letter to the admiral, they directed that the number of wit*'^^. persons in the settlement should be limited to five hundred; a greater number being considered unnecessary for the ser- vice of the island, and a burthensome expense to the crown. To prevent further discontents about provisions, they order- ed that the rations gf individuals should be dealt out in por- tions every fifteen days ; and that all punishment by short allowance, or the stoppage of rations, should be disconti-^ nued, as tending to injure the healths of the colonists, who ^ required every assistance of nourishing diet, to fortify them ♦. against the maladies incident to a strange climate. An able and experienced metallurgist, named Pablo Bel- vis, was sent out in place of the wrong-headed Fermin Cedo. He was furnished with all the necessary engines and imple- ments for mining, and assaying, and purifying the precious metals, and with liberal pay and privileges. Ecclesiastics were also sent to supply the place of father Boil, and of certain of his brethren, who desired to leave the island. The instruction and pgiversion of the natives continued io -0# * • 108 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF Jf awaken more and m^e the generous solicitude of the queen. In the ships of Tor^, a large number pf Indians arrived, • .who had been captured in the recent wars with the caciques. Royal orders had been issued that they should be sold as slaves in the markets of Andalusia, as had been the custom with respect to negroes taken on the coast of Africa, and to Moorish prisoners captured in the war with Granada. Isa- bella, however, had been deeply interested by the accounts given of the gentle and hospitable character of these island- ers, and of their great docility. The discovery 5had been made under her immediate auspices ; she looked upon these people as under her peculiar care, and she anticipated with pious enthusiasm the triumph of leading them out of dark- ness intcTthe path of light. Her compassionate spirit re- volted at the idea of treating them as slaves, even though sanctioned by the customs of the times. Within five days after the royal order for the sale, a letter was written by the sovereigns to Bishop Fonseca, suspending that order, until they could inquire into the cause for which the Indians had been made prisoners, and consult learned and pious theolo- gians, whether their sale would be justifiable in the sight of God*. Much diflerence of opinion took place among di- vines on this important question ; the queen eventually de- cided it according to the dictates of her own pure conscience and charitable heart. She ordered that the Indians should be sent back to their native country, and enjoined that the islanders should be conciliated by the gentlest means, in- stead of being treated with severity. Unfortunately, her orders came too late to Hispaniola to have the desired effect * lietter of the sovereigns to Fonseca. Navarrete, Colleccion de los Viages, T. 11, Doc. 92. ' f^-i ■*^. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 109 t The scenes of warfare and violence .produced by the bad passions of the colonists, and the vengeance of the natives, were not to be forgotten. Mutual distrust and rankling ani- mosity had grown up between them, which no after exertions could eradicate. no LIFE AND VOYAGES OF CHAPTER IX. ARRIVAL OF AGUADO AT ISABELLA — ^HIS ARROGANT CON* DUCT — TEMPEST IN THE HARBOUR. Juan %Agaado set sail from Spain towards the end of August, with four caravels, well freighted with supplies of all kinds for the colony. Don Diego Columbus returned in this squadron to Hispaniola. It arrived at Isa- bella in the month of October, while the admiral was absent, occupied in re-establishing the tranquillity of the interior. Aguado, as has already been shown, was under obligations to Columbus, who had distinguished him from among his companions, and had recoipmended him to the favour of the sovereigns. He was, however, one of those weak men, whose heads are turned by the least elevatidn. ' Piified up by a little temporary power, he lost sight, not merely of the respect and gratitude due to Columbus, but of the nature and extent of his own commission. Instead of acting as an agent employed to collect information, he assumed a tone of authority, as though the reins of government had been transferred into his hands. He interfered in public affairs; ordered various persons to be arrested ; called to account the officers employed by the admirah; and paid no respect to Don Bartholomew Columbus, who remained in command during the absence of his brother. The adelantado, asto- nished at this presumption, demanded a sight of the commis- CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. Ill sion under which he acted ; but Aguado treated him with great haughtiness, replying that he would show it only to the admiral. On second thoughts, however, lest there should be doubts in the public mind of his right to interfere in the affairs of the colony, he ordered his letter of credence from the sovereigns to be pompously proclaimed by sound of trumpet. It was brief but comprehensive ; to the following purport : " Cavaliers, esquires, and other persons who by our orders are in the Indias, we send to you Juan Aguado, our groom of the chambers, who will speak to you on our part. We command you to give him faith and credit." The report now circulated, that the downfall of* Colum- bus and his family was at hand ; and that an auditor had ar- rived empowered to hear and 16 redress the grievances of the public. This was originated by Aguado himself, who threw out menaces of rigid investigations and signal punish- ments. It was a time of jubilee for offenders. Every cul- prit started up into an accuser ; every one who by negli- gence or crime had incurred the wholesome penalties of the laws, was loud in his clamours against the oppression of Columbus. There were ills enough in the colony ; some incident to its situation, others produced by the misdeeds of die colonists : all were ascribed to the maleadministration of the admiral. He was made responsible alike for the evils produced by others, and for his own stern remedies. AH the old complaints were reiterated against him and his bro- thers ; and the usual and illiberal cause given for their op- pressions, that they were foreigners who sought merely their own interest and aggrandizement, at the expense of the suf^ ferings and the indignities of Spaniards. Destitute of discrimination to perceive what was true and what false in these complaints, and a^nxious only to condemn. r 112 LIFE AND VOlTAGES OP Aguado saw in every thing conclusive testimony of the cul- pability of Columbus. He intimate^, and perhaps thought, that the 'admiral was keeping at a distance from Isabella, through fear of encountering his investigations. In the ful- ness of his presumption, he even set out with a body of horse to go in quest of him. A vain and weak man in power is prone to have satellites of his own description. The empty . and vapouring followers of Aguado, wherever they went, spread rumours among the natives of the might and impor- tance of their chief, and of the punishment he intended to inflict upon Columbus. In a little while, the report circu- lated through the island, that a new admiral had arrived to administer the government, and that the former one was to be put to death. The news of the arrival and of the arrogant conduct of Aguado had resched Columbus in the interior of the island ; he immediatel|^lii|tened to Isabella to give him a meeting. Aguado beariifg of his approach also returned there. As every one knew the lofty spirit and irascible temper of Colum- bus, his high sense of his services, and his jealous maintenance of £is official dignity, a violent explosion was anticipated at the impending interview. Aguado also expected something of the kind, but, secure in his royal letter of credence, he came fortified with the swelling arrogance of a little mind. The result showed how difficult it is for petty spirits to anti- tipate the conduct of a man like Columbus in any striking situation. His natural heat and impetuosity had been sub- dued by a life of trials ; he had learned to bring his passions into subjection to his judgment ; he had too true an estimate of his own dignity to enter into a contest with a shallow boaster like Aguado ; above all, he had a profound reve- rence for the authority of his sovereigns; for in his enthusi- f CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. ^ 113 astic spirit, prone to deep feelings of reverence, his loyalty was inferior only to hi|f religion. He received Aguado, therefore, with the most grave and punctilious courtesy. He repeated his own ostentatious ceremonial, ordering that the' letter of credence should be again proclaimed by sound of tcumpet in presence of the populace. He listened to it with solemn deference, and assured Anruado of his readiness to ac- quiesce in whatever might be the pleasure of his sovereigns. This unexpected moderation, while it astonished the be- holders, foiled and disappointed Aguado. He had come prepared for a scene of altercation, and had hoped that Co- >^^ lumbus, in the heat and impatience of the moment, would have said or done something that might have been construed into a disrespect for the authority of the sovereigns. He endeavoured, in fact, some months afterwards, to procure from the public notaries present, a prejudiced statement of the interview ; but the deference of the adnoiicifor the royal letter of credence, had been too marked to be ttsputed, and all the testimonials were highly in his favour*. Aguado continued to intermeddle in public a flairs, and the respect and forbearance with which he was uniformly treaM by Columbus, and the mildness of the latter in all his mea- sures to appease the discontents of the colony, were regarded as proofs of the cowering of his spirit. He was looked upon as a declining man, and Aguado hailed as the lord of the ascendant. Every dastard spirit who had any lurking ill will, any real or imaginary cause of complaint, now has- tened to give it utterance ; perceiving that in gratifying his ^ , < ' malice, he was promoting his interest, and that in vilifying the admiral he was gaining the friendship of Aguado. • Herrera, Hist. Ind. Decad. 1, L. 2, C 18. VOL. IT. 15 < 114 LIFE ANP VOYAGES OF A' The poor Indiaos too, htthiussed by the domination of the white men, rejoiced in tlie prospect of a chas^ of rulers, vainly Imping that it might prodace a mitigation of their safierings. Many of the caciqnes who had promised alle- giance to the admiral, after their defeat in the Vega, now assembled at the house of Manicaotex, the brother of Cao- nabo, near the river Tagui, where they joined in a formal complaint against Columbus, whom they considered the cause of all the evils which had sprung from the disobedience and the vices of his followers. Aguado now considered the great object of bis mission fulfilled. He had collected information suf- ficient, as he thought, to ensure the ruin of the admiral and his brothers, and prepared to return to Spain. Columbus resolved to do the same. He felt that it was time to appear at court, an||l dispel the cloud of calumny that was gathering against him^ ^ He had active enemies of standing and influ- ence, who were seeking every occasion to throw discredit upon himself and his enterprizes. Stranger and foreigner ^^jjLjbe was, he had no active friends at court to oppose their dHbinations. He feared that they might eventually pro- duce an efiect upon the royal mind, fatal to the progress of discovery. He was anxious to return, therefore, and explain the real causes of the repeated disappointments with respect to profits anticipated from his enterprizes. It is not one of the least singular traits in his history, that after having been so many years in persuading mankind that there was a new world to be discovered, he had almost equal trouble in proving to them the advantages of its discovery. When the ships were ready to depart, a terrible storm swept the island. It was one of those awful whirlwinds which occasionally rage within the tropics, ^nd which were » c CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. " 115 called by the Indians furican^^^Mr uricans, a name which they still reliin with trifling Variation. About mid-day a furious wind sprang up from the east^ driving before^ great masses of clouds, spreading for the space often milek En- countering another tempest of wind from the west, it appeared as if a violent conflict ensued ; the clouds seemed rent asun-^ >der, with great peals of thunder and incessant lightning. At one time they were piled up high on the sky, at another they were pressed down to the earth, whirling up every thing with them, and filling the air with balei^l darkness, worse than the obscurity of midnight. Wherever this whirlwind p&ssed, whole tracts of forest were shivered and stripped of their leaves and branches ; those of gigantic size which re- sisted the blast, were torn up by the roots, and hurled to a great distance. Whole groves were torn from the mountain precipices, with great masses of earth and rock, tumbling into the valleys with terrific noise, and chokio^Uhe course of rivers. The fearful sounds in the air and on the earth ; the pealing thunder, the vivid lightning, the howling of the wind, the crash of failing trees and rocks, filled every oa^ with afiright, and many thought that the end of the ^'Wp^ was at hand. Some fled to caverns for safety ; for their frail houses were blown down, and the air was filled with the trunks and branches of trees, and even with fragments of rocks, carried along by the fury of the tempest. When the hurricane reached the harbour, it whirled the ships round as. they lay at anchor, snapped their cables, and sunk three of them to the bottom, with all who were on board. Others were driven about, dashed against each other, and tossed mere wrecks upon the shore by the swelling surges of the sea, which in some places rolled for three and four miles upon the land. The tempest lasted for three hours. When .,V 116 ' LIFE A'ND VOYAGES OF ^ it had passed away, and the sun again appeared, the Indians regarded each ot^ in mvte astonishment and dismay. Ne- ver in their memory, nor in the traditions of their ancestors, bsld their island been visited by such a tremendous tornado* They believed that the deity had sent this fearful ruin to punish the cruelties and crimes of the white men ; and de- clared that this people had moved the very air, the water, and the earth, to disturb their tranquil life, and lay their island desolate*. * RamusiO) T. 3, p. 7. Peter Martyr^ Decad. 1, Lib. 4U -i-v*^"."» «.■ ■ '* •^ .■^.- > * *V^ 1- ..;** • ^> -i*; ^*, i 1*,; CHRISTOPHER COLUHBUdr *" ' 117 CHAPTER X. DISCOVERY OP THE MINES OF HAYNA. 1496. In the recent hurricane, the four caravels of Aguado were destroyed, together with two others which were in the harbour. The only vessel which survived was the Nina, and that in a very shattered condition. Columbi|s gave orders to have her immediately repaired, and another caravel constructed, out of the wrecks of those which jiad been destroyed. While waiting until they should be ready for sea, he was cheered by tidings of rich mines in the inte- rior of the island, the discovery of which is attributed to an incident of a somewhat romantic nature*. A young Arragonian, named Miguel Diaz, in the service of the adelantado, having a quarrel with another Spa]|Mur4» ; fought with him, and wounded him dangerously. Fearful of the consequences, he fled from the settlement, accompa- nied by five or six comrades, who had either been engaged in the afiray, or were personally attached to him. Wander- ' ? . ing about the island, they at length came to an Indian village ,^* on the southern coast, near the mouth of the river Ozema, ^-Jj^ ^ where the city of San Domingo is at present situated. They were received with kindness by the natives, and resided for some time among them. The village was governed by a * OviedO) Cronica de las Indias, Lib. 2, C. 13. -■» 4 1 118 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF female cacique, who soon conceived a strong attachment for the young Arragjf^mfUi. H^ was not insensible to her ten- derness ; a conoexion was formed between them, and they ''lived for some tinfc very happily together. The tecollection of his country and his friends, began at length to steal upon the thoughts of the young Spaniard. It was a melancholy lot to be exiled from civilized life, and an outcast from among his countrymen. He longed to return to the settlement, but dreaded the punishment that awaited him, from the austere justice of the adelantado. His Indian bride, observing him frequently melancholy and lost in thought, penetrated into the cause with eyes of female af- fection. Fearful that he would abandon her, and once more return to his countrymen, she endeavoured to devise some means of drawing the Spaniards to that part of the island. Knowing that gold was the great attraction of white men, she informed Diaz of certain rich mines in the neighbour- hood. She urged him to persuade his countrymen to aban- don the comparatively sterile and unhealthy vicinity of Isa- bella, and to settle upon the fertile banks of the Ozema, promising that they should be received with the utmost kind- ness and hospitality by her nation. Diaz was struck with the suggestion. He made particu- lar inquiries about the mines, and was convinced that they abounded in gold. He noticed the superior fruitfulness and beauty of the country, the excellence of the river, and the security of the harbour at its entrance. He flattered himself that the communication of such valuable intelligence would make Ks peace at Isabella, and obtain his pardon from the adelantado. Full of these hopes, he procured guides from among the natives, and taking a temporary leave of his In- dian bride, set out with his comrades through the wiUerness •; ■«••. . • ■. * . ■ ■*■ • * *" • ■ «. CHRISTOPHER GOLUBIBUS/ 119 ^ ■ for the settlement, which was about fif^ leagues distant. Arriving there secretly, he leaniiL to hH;|||HBat joy, that the man whom he had wounded had reeovere# - He now pre- sented himself boldly before the ademntado, relyinsjbn-fii^ tidings for forgiveness. He was hot mii^aken.' Ilo news could have come more opportunely. The adKbiral hadlbeen anxious to remove the settlement to a more healthy and ad- j^; vantageous situation. He was desirous, also, of canying home some conclusive proof of the riches of the island, as the most effectual means of silencing the cavils of his ene-^ mies. If the representations of Miguel Diaz were correct, here was a means of effecting both those purposes. Measures were immediately taken to ascertain the truth. The adelan- tado set forth in person to visit the river Ozema, accompa- nied by Miguel Diaz, Francisco de Garay, and the Indian guides, and attendedby a number of men well armed. They proceeded from Isabella to Magdalena, from thence across the Royal Vega to the fortress of Conception. Continuing on to the south, they came to a range of mountains, which they traversed by a defile two leagues in length, and de- scended into another beautiful plain, which was called Bo- nao. From hence, proceeding for some distance, they came to a great river called Hayna, running through a fertile country, all the streams of which abounded in gold. On the western bank of this river, and about eight leagues from its mon^they found gold in greater quantities, and in larger particles, than had yet been met with in any part of the island, not even excepting the province of Cibao. They made experiments in various places within the compan of six miles, and always witli success. The soil seemed to be generally impregnated with that inetal, so that a common labourer, with little trouble, might find the amount of three *»'. •• -■ •^ I 120 XIFE AND VOYAGES OF drachms in the course of a day*« In several instances they observed deep excavations in the form of pits, which looked as if the mines bad been worked in ancient times ; a circum- stance which caused much q>ecnIation among the Spaniards, the natives having no idea of mining, but Contenting them- selves with the particles ibund on the surface of the soil, or in the beds of the rivers. The Indians of the neighbourhood received the white men with their promised friendship ; and in every respect the re- presentations of Miguel Diaz were fully justified. He was not only pardoned, but received into great favour, and was subse- quently employed in various capacities in the island, in all which he acquitted himself with great fidelity. He kept his faith with his Indian bride, by whom, according to Oviedo, he had two children. Charlevoix supposes that they were regularly married, as the female cacique appears to have been baptized, being always mentioned by the Christian name of Catalinat. When the adelantado returned with this favourable report, and with the specimens of ore which he had collected, the anxious heart of the admiral was greatly elated. He gave orders that a fortress should be immediately erected on the banks of the Hayna, in the vicinity of the mines, and that they should be diligently worked. The fancied traces of ancient excavations gave rise to one of his usual veins of golden conjectures. He had already surmised that His- paniola might be the ancient Ophir. He now flattered him- • Herrera, Hist. Ind. Decad. 1, L. 2, C. 18. P. Martyr, D. 1^ L. 4. t Oviedo, Cronica de las Ind. L. 2, C. 1 3. Charlevoix, Hist. V St. Doming. L. 2, p. 146. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS^ 121 self that he had discovered the identical mines, from whence king Solomon had procured his great supplies of jjp>ld jfor the building of the temple of Jerusalem. He supposed that his ships must have sailed by the^i^lf of Penia, and round Trapoban, to this island*, which, according to hifr-idea, lay opposite to the extreme end of Asia ; for such he firmly be- lieved the island of Cuba. It is probable that Columbas gave free license to his imagination in these conjectures ; which tended to throw a splendour about his enterprizes, and to revive the languish- ing interest of the public. Granting, however, the correct- ness of his opinion, that he was in the vicinity of Asia, an error by no means surprising in the imperfect state ot geographical knowledge, all his consequent suppositions were far from extravagant. The ancient Ophir was believed to lie somewhere in the east ; but its situation was a matter of controversy among the learned, and remains one of those conjectural questions, about which too much has been writ- ten for it ever to be incontestibly decided. ♦ P. Martyr, Decad. 1, L. 4. VOL. n. 16 * * 'm •» w ■•• *■ « ■ • • r m • > hM^ ASn TOTACffiS •r CHRESTOFHER C^I^UMBUS. «BOOK nL CHAPTER L RETURN OP COLUMBITS TO STAUf Wm AGtTAlMK The new caraveL the Saola CrsE^ 1496* ^ and the Nina lepadied, Colunbas maim ^foj rangement for immeifiafte depaitore, the growing arrogance of Agnado, and to refievethe aJmmy from a crew of factious and disco n tent e d men. He a p pffj f ed his brother Don Bartfaoloraew to the nimm iil of Ae island, with the title which be had abead|v given turn of adelantado ; in case of his deadi he was to be suc ce ede d by his brother Don Diego. On the 10th of March the two caraveb set sail fer Spain ; in one of which embarked Colnmbns, and in the other Agna- do. In consequence of the orders of die sorereigns, all those who could be spared from the island, and some who had wives and relatives in Spain, whom they wished to visit. /» -l" v 124 LIFE AND VOYAGES OP returned in these caravels, which were crowded with two hundred and twenty-five passengers ; the sick, the idle, the profligate, and factious of the colony. Never did a more miserable and disappointed crew return from a land of pro- mise. There were thirty Indians also on board of the caravels, among whom were the once redoubtable cacique Caonabo, one of his brothers, and a nephew. The curate of los Pa- 'lacios observes that Columbus had promised the cacique and his brother to restore them to their country and their *• power, after he had taken them to visit the king and queen of Castile*. It is probable that he^jioped, by a display of the wonders of Spaing and the grandeur and might of its sove- reigns, and by a course of kind treatment, to conquer their enmity to the Spaniards, and convert them into important instruments towards obtaining a secure and peaceable domi- nion over the island. Caonabo, however, had one of those proud natures, of wild bat vigorous growth, which are ne- ver to be tamed. He remained a moody and dejected cap- tive. He had too much intelligence not to perceive that his power was for ever blasted ; but he>retmned bis hailgfitinesi even in the midst of his despair. Being as yet but little experienced in the navigation of \' those seas, Columbus, instead of working up to the north- ' ward, so as to fall in with the tract of westerly winds, took an easterly course on leaving the island. The consequence was, that almost the whole of his voyage was a toilsome and tedious struggle against the trade winds and calms which prevail between the tropics. On the 6th of April, he found himself still in the vicinity of the Caribbee islands, with his Cura de los Palacios, Cap. 131. * r CHRISTOPHER COLokBUS. * 12S crews fatigued and dckly, and his prorisioDS rapidly nisiiing. He bore away to the southward, tfaerefiHe, to at the most important of those islands, in search of On Saturday, the 9th, he anchored at Mariealante, froM whence, on the following day, he made sail for Goadaloope. It was contrary to the custom of Columbus to weigh anchor on Sunday, when in port ; but the people murmured, and observed that when in quest of food it was no time to stand on scruples as to holy days*. Anchoring off the island of Guadaloupe, the boat wa£ sent on shore well armed, to guard against any assaoh of these warlike peopte. ;]|.Before it could reach the land, a large number of resolute females issued from the woods, armed with bows and arrows, and decorated with tuAs of feathers, preparing to oppose any descent upon their shores. As the sea was somewhat rough, and a surf broke upon the beach, the boats remained at a distance, and two of the In- dians from Hispaniola swam to shore. Having explained to these Amazons that the Spaniards only sought proviaons, in exchange for which they would give articles of great ▼ahiK^ die women referrad them to their husbands, who were at the northern end of the island. As the boats proceeded thither, numbers of the natives were seen on the beach, who manifested great ferocity, shoot- ing and yelling, and discharging flights of arrows, fdiich^ however, fell far short in the water. Seeing the boats a^ proach the laud, they hid themselves in the adjacent forest, and rushed forth with hideous cries as the Spaniards were landing. A discharge of firearms drove them terrified to the woods and mountains, and the boats met with no further * Hist del Almirante, Cap. 62. «.■■•. • L-?.. . 126 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF opposition. Entering the deserted habitations, the Spa- niards began to plunder and destroy, contrary to the inva- riable injunctions of the admiral. Among other articles found in these houses, were honey and wax, which Herrera supposes had been brought from Terra Firma, as thes^ rov- ing people collected the productions of distant regions in the course of their expeditions. Fernando Columbus men- lions likewise that there were hatchets of iron in these houses ; these, however, must have been made of a species of hard and heavy stope, already mentioned, which resem^ bled iron; or* they must have been procured from places which the Spaniards hfttf previousljr visited ; as it is fully admitted that no iron was in use among the natives prior to the discovery. The saulors also reported that in one of the houses they found the arm of a man roasting on a spit before a fire ; another of those facts repugnant to humanity, and requiring more solid authority to be credited. The sailors had committed wanton devastation in these dwellings, and may have sought a pretext with which to justify their ma^ raudings to the admiral* While some of the people were employed iMiriAore, getting wood and water, and making cassava bread, Columbus dispatched forty men, well armed, to explore the interior of the island. They returned on the following day, with ten women and three boys whom they had capturefd. The wo- men were of large and powerful form, yet of great agility. They were naked, and wore their hair long and loose, flow- ing upon their shoulders. Some decorated their heads with plumes of various colours. Among them was the wife c^ a eaciqne, a woman of great strength and a proud spirit. Oci the approach of the Spaniards, she had fled with an agility which soon lefl all her pursuers far behind, excepting a native c.t ■t •* CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 127 \ irfi; of the Canary islands, remarkable for swiftness of foot. She would even have escaped from him, but, perceiving that he was alone, and far from his companions, she turned suddenly upon him, seized him with astonishing force, and would have strangled him had not the Spaniards arrived and taken her, entangled like a ha^wk with her prey. The warlike spirit of these Carib women, and the circumstance of finding them in armed bands, defending their shores during the absence of their husbands, led Columbus repeatedly into the erroneous idea that certain of these islands were inhabited entirely by women. An error for which, as has alreadylbeen observed, he was prepared by the stories of Marco Polo, concerning an island of Amazons near the coast of Asia. Having remained several days at the island, and provided three weeks' supply of bread, Columbus prepared to make sail. As Guadaloupe was the most important of the Carib- bee islands, and in a manner the portal or entrance to all the rest, he wished to procure the friendship of the inhabit- ants. He dismissed, therefore, all the prisoners, with many presents to conaqpeaiate for the spoil and injury which had been done* ■■Vh^ finnale cacique, however, declined to go on shore, preferring to remain and accompany the natives of Hispaniola who were on board, keeping with her also a young daughter. She had conceived a passion for Caona^ bo, having found out that he was a native of the Caribbee islands. His character and story, gathered from the other Indians, had won the 83rmpathy and admiration of this intre* pid woman*. Leaving Guadaloupe on the 20th of April, and keeping in about the twenty-second degree of latitude, the caravels Hist, del Almirante, Cap. 63. -.i;- 128 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF again worked their way against the whole current of the trade winds, insomuch that on the 20th of May, aider a month of great fatigue and toil, they had yet a great part of their voyage to make. The provisions were already so re- duced, that Columbus had to put every one on a daily al- lowance of six ounces of bread and a pinl and half of water. As they advanced, the scarcity grew more and more severe, and was rendered more appalling from the uncertainty which prevailed on board the vessels as to their situation. There were several pilots in the caravels ; but being chiefly accus- tomed to the navigation of the IMbtditerranean, or the Atlan- tic coasts, they were utterly confounded, and lost all reckon- ing, when traversing the broad ocean. Every one had a separate opinion, and none heeded the opinion of the admi- ral. By the beginning of June, there was an absolute famine on board of the ships. In the extremity of their sufierings, while death stared them in the face, it was proposed by some of the Spaniards, as a desperate alternative, that they should kill and eat their Indian prisoners ; others suggested that they should throw them into the sea as so many expensive and use- less mouths. Nothing but the absolute authority of Colum- bus prevented this last counsel from being adopted. He re- presented that the Indians were their fellow beings, some of them Christians like themselves, and all entitled to similar treatment. He exhorted them to a little patience, assuring them that they would soon make land ; for that according to his reckoning they were not far from Cape St. Vincent. At this all scoffed ; for they believed themselves yet far from their desired haven ; some affirming that they were in llie English channel, others that they were approaching Galicia. When Columbus, therefore, confident in his opikiion, order- ed that sail should be taken in at night, les%J!hey should ■ft. • .1 ' y,7H"*i- • -•4f-. /i*''" Ci^-.. ,» * .( ■ r. i^ '. .* CHRt&fOPHER COLUMBUS. ' ' 129 V^"^, ^boM^ upon tbe land m the dark, there Was a general mnrmur ; '*'^ the men exclaiming that it was better to be cast on shore than to starve at sea. The next morning, however, to their gi^sujoy, they came in sight of the very land which Colum- bas tkd pr^di^UAiiiJfpom this time, he was regarded by the seamen as alivj0^jy|^^ in matters of navigation, and as darkly leartiedlii:Tnii;nQiysteries of the ocean*. On the 11th X)f^ June, the vessels anchored in the bay of Cadiz, after a weaQ^ voyage of about three months* In the course of this ^yiftge, died the unfortimate^Dapnabo. It is * by the mere ^feual meBdmrof contemp6rary writers, that .we have any nodce of this cittnilistance, which appears to have , been passed over as a matter of but little moment. He maintained his haughty nature to the last; for his death is principally ascribed to the morbid melancholy of a proud but broken spiritf . He was an extraordinary character in savage life. From being a simple Carib warrior, he had risen, by his enterprize and courage, to be the most powerful cacique, and the dominant spirit, of the populous island of Hayti. He was the only chieftain that appears to have had sagacity sufficient to foresee the fatal effects of Spanish as- cendancy; or military talent to combine any re^tance to its inroads. Had his warriors been of his own intrepid na- ;^ Hist del Almirante, Cap. 63. t Cura de los Palacios, Cap. 131. Peter Martyr, Decad. 1, Lib. 4.n: Some have affirmed that Caonabo perished in one of the cara- ^U which foundered in the harbour of Isabella during the hurri- cane ; but the united testimony of the curate of los Palacios, Pe- ter Martyr, and Fernando ColumBus, prove that he sailed with the admiral in hji$ return voyage. VOL. II.* 17 » •• • <^ * .« ^ •f -■ 130 !^ £ AND VOYAGES OF tioQy the front of war which he raised, woiud have been for- mSdible in the extreme. 'His fate fumislf^ op ^ narrow scale a lesson to human greatness. When ^|» Spaniards first ar- rived on the coast of Hayti, their imaginations were inflamed with rumours of a magnificent prince in the interior, the lord of the gqlden house, the sovereign of the mines of Ci- 4)ao, who rajgplBd in splendid state ainong the mountains ; but a short dkne had elapsed, and he was a naked and de- jected prisoner on the deck of one of their caravels, with none but one of .his own wild native lieroines to sympathize in his misfortunes. All his consequence vanishcfd with his jQreedom* Scarce any mention ^8 made of him during his captivity; and with innate quali{ief of a high and heroic na- ture, he perished with the obscurity of one of the vulgar. m^ # i- ' ■ ti. '■'9 ..%■• r * ■:.v-rt . ..\ 'iki ■•■ ■, V. *.. . / \ - % ■ r "V* ^•fl * CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 133 ty, urging the adelantado to endeavour, by every means, to bring the islaij^^^lptoa peaceful and productive state, appeas- ing all discon^sfellk and commotions, and seizing and sending to Spain all caciques or their subjects, who should be con- cerned in the deaths of any of the colonists. He recom- mended the most unremitting diligence in exploring and working the mines recently discovered on the river Hayna, and that a place should be chosen in the neighbourhood, and a seaport founded'. Pedro Alonzo Nino set , sail with the tibree caravels at the 17th June. Tidings of the arrival of ^Cohimbus having reached the sovereigns, he received a gracious letter from them, dated at Almazen, 12th Jaly, 1496, congratulating him on his safe re- turn, and inviting him to court, when he should have reco- vered from the fatigues of the voyage. The kind terms in which this letter was couched, were calculated to reassure the heart of Columbus ; who, ever since the mission of the arrogant Aguado, had considered himself out of favour iinth the sovereigns, and fallen into disgrace. As a proof of the dejection of his spirits, we are told that when he made his appearance this time in Spain, he was clad in an hfMHe garb,, resembling in form and colour the habit of a .ii^i^i^an monk, simply girded with a cord*, and that he had Offered his beard to grow like the brethren of that orderf . This was probably in fulfilment of some penitential vow which he had made in a moment of danger or despondency ; a cus- ■.jlom prevalent in those days, and frequently observed by Co- liunjbiis. It betokened, however, much humility and depres- f/kriX p( spirit, and afforded a striking conti*ast to his appear- 4 * Cura de los Palacios, t^t^'lSl.i t Oviedo, Lib. S, Cap. 13. '-" •it: ,4- .-A ■1 1S2 tIFE AND VOYAGES OF tions, instead of a joyous crew bounding on shore, flushed with success, and laden with the spoils of tlie golden Indias, a feeble train of wretched men crawled forth, emaciated by the diseases of the colony and the hardships of the voyage, who carried in their yellow countenances, says an old writer, a mockery of that gold wh}ch had been the object of their search, and who had nothing to relate of the new world, but ' tales of sickness, poverty^ and disappointment. Columbus endeavoured, as much as possible, to counter- act these unfavourable appearances, and to revive the lan- guishing enthusiasm of the public. He dwelt upon the im- portance of his recent discoveries edong the coast of Cuba, where, as be supposed, he had arrived nearly to the Aurea Chersonesus of the ancients, and had bordered on some of the richest provinces of Asia $ and above all, he boasted of his discovery of the abundant mines on the south side of His- paniola, which he persuaded himself were those of the an- cient Ophir. The public listened to these accounts with sneering incredulity, or if for a moment a little excitement was occasioned, it was quickly destroyed by the gloomy pictures drawn by disappointed adventurers. On afliving at Cadiz, Columbus found three caravels in •* the harbour, commanded by Pedro Alonzo Nino, on the point of ssdling with supplies for the colony. Nearly a year had elapsed without any relief of the kind ; four caravels which had sailed in the preceding January having been lost on the coast of the peninsula*. Having read the royal letters and dispatches of which Nifio was the bearer, and being informed of the wishes of the sovereigns, as well as the state of the public mind, Columbus wrote by this opportuni- * Jttuuoai, Hist. N. Mundo, L. 6. '^"^ * CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 133 ty, urging the adelantado to endeavour, by every means, to bring the islai^^V^A P^^^^^^ul and productive state, appeas- ing aU discon^A^ and commotions, and seizing and sending to Spain all caciques or their subjects, who should be con- cerned in the deaths of any of the colonists. He recom- mended the most unremitting diligence in exploring and working the mines recently discovered on the river Hayna, and that a place should be chosen in the neighbourhood, and a seaport founded^ Pedro Alonzo Nino set , sail with the tibree caravels o^^^ the 17th June. Tidings of the arrival of Cohimbus having reached the sovereigns, he received a gracious letter from them, dated at Almazen, 12th July, 1496, congratulating him on his safe re- ^ turn, and inviting him to court, when he should have reco- vered from the fatigues of the voyage. The kind terms in which this letter was couched, were calculated to reassure the heart of Columbus ; who, ever since the mission of the arrogant Aguado, had considered himself out of favour with the sovereigns, and fallen into disgrace. As a proof of the dejection of his spirits, we are told that when he made his appearance this time in Spain, he was clad in an hljg^fole garb,, resembling in form and colour the habit of a .SraJjjiKkian monk, simply girded with a cord*, and that he had Offered his beard to grow like the brethren of that orderf . This was probably in fulfilment of some penitential vow which he had made in a moment of danger or despondency ; a cus- f- /^ .Jtom prevalent in those days, and frequently observed by Co- hui^jbnis. It betokened, however, much humility and depres- ; libir isf spirit, and afforded a striking conti*ast fo his appear- * Cura de los Palacios, '0{Ei|»*'''lSl •* t Oviedo, Lib. S, Cap. 13. - ' » :/ .1 J ■ .-V •* ■ • ■ .J 4l* « « 134 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF ance on his former triumphant return. He was doomed, in fact, to yield repeated examples of the reverses to which those are subject, who have once launched from the safe shores of obscurity on the fluctuating waves of popular <^- nion. However indifferent Columbus might be to his own personal appearance, he was anxious to keep alive the interest in his discoveries, fearing continually that the indifference that was awakening towards them might impede Omr ac- complishment. On his way to Burgos, therefore, wberei the, sovereigns were expected, he made a studious display of the curiosities and treasures which he had brought from the new world. Among these were collars, armlets, anklets, and coronets of gold, the spoils of varioiUs caciques, and which were considered as trophies won from barbaric princes of the rich coasts of Asia^ of the islands of the Indian seas. It is a proof of the petty standard by which the sublime dis- covery of Columbus was already estimated, that he had to resort to this management, to dazzle the gross perceptions of the multitude by the mere glare of gold. He carried with him several Indians also, decorated after their savage fashion, and glittering with ornaments of gold. Among these were the brother and nephew of Caonabo ; the former about thirty ye^rs of age, the latter only ten. They were brought merely to vigit the king and queen, that they might be impressed with an idea of the grandeur and power of the Spanish sovereigns, after which they were to be restored in safety to their country and condition. When- ever they passed through any principal place, Columbus put a collar and massive chain of gold upon the brother of Cao- nabo, as being cacique of the golden country of Cibao. The curate of los Palacios, who was a friend of Colum- bus, and who entertained the discoverer and his Indian cap- ^* CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 135 . tives fi^ Ureral days in his house, says that he had this chain of gold in his hands, and that it weighed six hundred cas- tollaiios* ; the worthy curate likewise makes mention of va- HM> Indian masks, and images of wood or cotton, wrought wit^ fantastic faces of animals, all of which he supposes were representations of the devil, who he concludes must be the ohject of adoration of these islanderst. Tbe reception of Columbus by the sovereigns was differ- ent fro^ what he bad anticipated ; for he was treated with - disUngnished favour, nor was any mention made, either of the complaints of Margarite and Boil, or the itaqnest report- ed by Agnado. However these may have had a transient eflect on the minds of the sovereigns, they were too conscious of the great deserts of Columbus, and the extraordinary difficulties of his situation, not to tolerate what they may have considered errors on his part. Encouraged by the favourable countenance he experi- enced, and tbe Interest with which the sovereigns listened to his account of his recent voyage along the coast of Cuba, and the discovery of the mines of Hayna, which he failed not to represent as the Ophir of tbe ancients, Columbus now proposed a &rther enterprise, by which he promised to make ' yet more extensive discoveries, and to annex Terht Firma to thor dominions ; for he supposed Cuba to be bat a part of a rich and splendid continent. For this p'urpose he asked eight ships ; two to be dispatched to the island of Hispa- niola with supplies, the remaining six to be put under his command for an exploring voyage. The sovereigns readily pnquwd to comply wiUi his request, and were probably sin- B Equivalent to 3, 195 dollars of the preient ti t Con de lofl FalacioB, Cap. 181. 1^ LIF£ AND VOYAGES OF cere in their inteDlion to do so ; but in the performance of their request^ Columbus was doomed to meet with intolera- ble delay ; partly in consequence of the operation of public events, partly in consequence of the intrigues of meil'ui t re- .« ty, urging the adelantado to endeavour, by every means, to bring the isla{|4|p^ ^ peaceful and productive state, appeas- ing all discon^ttS^ and commotions, and seizing and sending to Spain all caciques or their subjects, who should be con- cerned in the deaths of any of the colonists. He recom- mended the most unremitting diligence in exploring and working the mines recently discovered on the river Hayna, and that a place should be chosen in the neighbourhood, and a seaport founded* Pedro Alonzo Nino set , sail with the tibree caravels o^^^ the 17th June. Tidings of the arrival of ^Cohimbus having reached the sovereigns, he received a gracious letter from them, dated at Almazen, 12th July, 1496, congratulating him on his safe re- , turn, and inviting him to court, when he should have reco- vered from the fatigues of the voyage. The kind terms in which this letter was couched, were calculated to reassure the heart of Columbus ; who, ever since the mission of the arrogant Aguado, had considered himself out of favour with the sovereigns, and fallen into disgrace. As a proof of the dejection of his spirits, we are told that when he made his appearance this time in Spain, he was clad in an h^lbvble garb,, resembling in form and colour the habit of a .Fhoii^l^an monk, simply girded with a cord*, and that he had offered his beard to grow like the brethren of that orderf . This was probably in fulfilment of some penitential vow which he had made in a moment of danger or despondency ; a cus- *^ ..'Jtom prevalent in those days, and frequently observed by Co- luttl^s. It betokened, however, much humility and depres- ffbni of spirit, and afforded a striking conti*ast to his appear- * Cura de los Palacios, 'Ob|i;^181.» t Oviedo, Lib. S, Cap. 13. • ' • •I . ■ .■4 140 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF To her protecting zeal all the provisions in favour of Colum- bas mast be attributed ; for the king began to look coldly on him, and the royal counsellors who had most influence in the affairs of the Indias, were his enemies. Various royal schedules, dated about this time, manifest the generous and considerate disposition of the queen. The rights, privileges, and dignities granted to Columbus at San- ta Fe w«re again confirmed : a tract of land in Hispaniola, fifty leagues in length and twenty-five in breadth, was offer- ed to him, with the tiUe of duke or marquis. This, how- evety Columbus had the forbearance to decline : he observed that it ^ould only increase the envy which was already so virulent against, him, and would cause new misrepresenta- tions, as he should be accused of paying more attention to the settlement and improvement of his own possessions, than of any other part of the island*. As the expenses of the expeditions had hitherto far ex- ceeded the returns, Columbus had incurred trepid and martial air and spirit, than the natives of Cuba and Hispaniola. They were fairer, Columbus observes, than any he had yet seen, though so near. to the line, where be had expected to find them of the colour of Ethiopians.- Many ornaments of gold were seen among them, but -all of an inferior quality; one Indian had a piece of the size of an apple. They . had various kinds of domesticated parrots, one of a liaht green colour, with yellow ne(;k, and the tips of the wings of a briecht red ; others of the size of domestic fowls, and of a vivid scarlet, excepting some azure feathers^ in the wings. Thfese they readily gave to the Spaniards ; but what the latter most coveted were the pearls, of which they saw many necklaces and bracelets among the Indian women. The latter gladly gave them in exchange for hawks' bells, or any article of brass, an(} several specimens of fine pearls were procured for the admiral to send to the sovereigns*. Nothing could exceed the kindness and amity of this people, heightened as it was by an intelligent demeanour, and a martial frankness. They seemed worthy of the beau- tiful country they inhabited. It was a cause of great con- cern both to them and the Spaniards, that they could not ♦ Letter of Columb. Herrera, Hist. Ind. Dccad. 1, L. 3, C. 11. Hist, del Almirante, Cap. 70. CHRISTOPHER COLUJIBUS. 171 understand each others^ language. They conversed, how- ever, by signs; mutual good will made their intercourse eafy and pleasant, and at the hour of vespers the Spaniards returned on board of their ships, liighly gratified with theic entertainment. '4- .'< 1T2 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF CHAPTER IIL CONTINUATION OF THE VOYAGE THROUGH THE GULF OP PARIA — RETURN TO HISPANIOLA. The quantity of fine pearls found among the natives 1498* 1-fc • rr> pf Paria, was sufficient to- arouse the sanguine anti- cipations of Columbus. It appeared to corroborate the theory of Ferrer, the learned dealer in gems, that as he ap- proached the equator he would find the most rare and pre- cious productions of nature. His active imagination, with its accustomed quickness, seized upon every surrounding circumstance that appeared to favour his wishes, and putting them together drew from them the most flattering deductions* He had read in Pliny that pearls are generated from drops of dew which fall into the mouths of oysters: if so, what place could be more propitious to their growth and multi- plication than the coast of Paria? The dew in these parts was heavy and abundant, and the oysters were so plentiful that they clustered about the roots and pendant branches of the mangrove trees, which grew in the margin of the tran- quil sea. When a branch which had drooped for a time in the water was drawn forth, it would be found covered with oysters. Las Casas, noticing this sanguine conclusion of Columbus, observes, that the shell-fish here spoken of are not of the kind which produce pearl; for that those, by a CHRISfOPHER COLUMBUS. 173 natural instinct, as if conscious of their precious charge, hide themselves in the deepest water*. Still imagining the coast of Paria to be an island, and anxious to circumnavigate it and arrive at the place where these pearls were said by the Indians to abound, Columbus left the Gardens on the 10th of August, and continoed coasting westward within the guU^ in search of an outlet to the north* He observed portions of Terra Firma appear- ing towards the bottom of the gulf, which he supposed to be islands, and called them Isabeta and Tramontana, and fan- cied that the desired outlet to the sea must lie between them. Aile advanced, however, he found the water continually growing shallower and fresher, until he did not dare to ven- ture any further with his ship, which, he observed, was of too great size for expeditions of this kind, being of a hundred tons burthen, and requiring three fathoms of water. He came to anchor, therefore, and sent a light caravel called the Correo to ascertain whether there was an outlet to the ocean between the supposed islands. The caravel returned on the following day, reporting that at the western end of the gulf there was an opening of two leagues, which led into an inner ^d circular gulf, surrounded by four openings, apparent- ly smaller gulfs, or rather mouths of rivers, from which flowed the great quantity of fresh water that sweetened the neigh- bouring sea. In fact, from one of*, these mouths issued the great river the Cuparipari, or as it is now called, the Paria. To this inner and circular gulf Columbus gave the name of the Gulf of Pearls, through a mistaken idea that they abounded in its waters, none, in fact, being found there. He still imagined that the four openings of which the man- •I, * Las Casas, Hist. Ind. Cap. 136. -■**$. 174 LIFE ANB VOYAGES OF nen spoke might be intervals between islands, though they affirmed that all the land he saw was one connected conti- nent*. As it was impossible to proceed farther westward with his jfaips, he had no alternative but to retrace his course, and seek an exit to the north by the Boca del Dragon. He woald gladly have continued for some time to explore this coast, for he considered himself in one of those opulent re- gions described as the most favoured upon earth, and which must increase in riches towards the equator. Imperious considerations, however, compelled him to shorten his voyage and hasten to St. Domingo. The sea-stores of hi? ships were almost exhausted, and the various supplies for die co- lony, with which they were freighted, were in danger of spoiling. He was suffering, also» extremely in his health. Besides the gout, which had rendered him a cripple for the greater part of the voyage, he was afflicted by a complaint in his eyes, caused by fatigue and over-watching, which al- most deprived him of sight. Even the voyage along the coast of Cuba, he observes, in which he was thirty and tbee days almost without sleep, had not so injured his eyes, ynd disordered his blood, or caused him so much painful sufier- ing as the presentf . On the 11th of August, therefore, he set sail eastward for the Boca del Dragon, and was borne along witb great velo- 7 \ * city by the currents; i^hich, however, previented Mm from landing again at his favourite spot the Gardens. , On Sun- day the 13di he anchored near to the Boca, in a fine har- bour, to which he gave the name of Puerto de Gatos, from a * Hist, del Almirante, Cap. 78. I Letter of Columbus to the sovereigns. Navarrete, T. 1, p. ^52. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 175 Species of monkey called gato paulo, with which the neigh- bourhood abounded. On the borders of the sea he perceived many trees which he mistook for mirabolanes, a fruit only found in the countries of the east. There were great num* bers also of mangroves growing within the water, with oysters clinging to their branches, their mouths open, as he supposed, to receive the dew, which was afterwards to be transformed to pearls*. On the following morning, the 14th of August, towards noon, the ships approached the Boca del Dragon, and pre* paifgl 19 venture through that formidable pass. The dis^ tsn^ikm cape Boto at the end of Paria, and cape Lapa, the extremity of Trinidad, is about five leagues; but in thf interval there were two islands, which Columbus named Caracol and Delfin. The impetuous body of fresh water which flows through the gulf, particularly in the rainy months of July and August, is straitened at the narrow outlets Ibetween these islands, where it makes a turbulent sea, foam- ingjftand roaring as if breaking over rocks, and rendering the enffribiice and exit of the gulf extremely dangerous. The hofc6rs and perils of such places are always tenfold to dis- coverers, who have no chart, or pilot, or advice of previous voyager ^Ifjty'^^^e them. Columbus at first apprehended sunken. rQcMH^ vSd shoals, bat on considering the commotion of the ^i^jilr^JMfe^ he attributed it to the conflict be- tween the prodigious body of fresh water setting through the gulf and struggling for an outlet, and the tide of salt water straggling to enter. The ships had scarcely ventured into the fearful channel, when the wind died away, and they were in danger every moment of being thrown upon the rocks or ^ Herrera, Hist. Ind. Decad. 1, L. 3^ C. 10. V. ^ / 176 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF saiids» The current of fresh water, boiN^er, gained the victory, and carried them safely through. The admiral, when once more safe in the open sea, congratulated himself upon his escape from this perilous strait ; which, he observes, might well be called the Mouth of the Dragon*. He now stood to the westward, running. along the outer coast of Paria, still supposing it an island, and intending to visit the Gulf of Pearls, which he imagined to be at the end of it, opening to the sea. He wished to ascertain whether this great body of fresh water proceeded from rivers, as the , ^rew of the caravel Correo had affirmed ; for it appeared to him impossible that the streams of mere islands, as he sup- posed the surrounding land, could furnish such a prodigious quantity. On leaving the Boca ^el Dragon, he saw to the northeast, many leagues distant, two islands, which he called Assump- tion and Conception, probably those now known as Tobago and Granada. In his course along the northern coast of Paria, he saw several other small islands, and many fine harbours, to some of which he gave names, but they have ceased to be known by them. .On the 15th he discovered the islands of Margarita and Cubagua, afterwards famous for their pearl fishery. Th^ island of Margarita, about fif- teen leagues in length, and six in breadth, was well peopled. The little island of Cubagua, lying between ft and the main land, and only about four leagues from the latter, was dry and sterile, without either wood or fresh water, but possessed a good harbour. On approaching this island, the admiral beheld a number of Indians fishing for pearls, who made for the land. A boat being sent to communicate with them, one * Herrera^ Hist. Ind. Deead. 1, L. 3, C. 11. «•* CHRIS tOPHER COLUMBUS. 177 t>f the sailor^ nijtided many strings of pearls round the neck of a female. Having a plate of Valentia ware, a kind of porcelain painted and varnished w^th gaudy colours, he broke it and presented the pieces to the Indian woman, who gave hiin in exchange a considerable number of her pearls. These he carried to the admiral, who immediately sent per^ sons on shore, well provided with Valentian plates and hawks' bells, for which in a little time he procured about three pounds' weight of pearls, some of which were of a very large size*, and were sent by him afterwards to the sovereigns as specimens. Tlhete was great temptation to linger here, And to se^ other places, which the Indians mentioned as abounding in pearls. The coast of Paria also continued extending to the westward as fai' as the eye could reach, rising into a range of mountains, and provoking examiination, to ascertain whe- ther, as he began to think, it was a part of the Asiatic con- tinent. Columbus was compelled, however, though with the greatest reluctance, to forego this most interesting investiga- ticm* The malady of his eyes had now grown so virnlent, that he could no longer take observations, oi" keep a look out, but had to trust to the reports of the pilots and mari- ners. He bore away, therefore, for Hispaniola, intending to repQM?i|hfn!e^&O0& the toils of his voyage, and to recruit bis healtl^ while he should send his brother, the adelantado, to complete the discovery of this important country. After sailing for five days to the northwest, he made the island of Hispaniola on the 19th of August, fifty leagues to the west- ward of the river Ozema, the place of his destination, and 4V * Charlevoix, Hist. St. Doming. Lib. 3, p. 169, VOL. IK 23 178 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF anchored on the following morning under the little island of Beata. He was astonished to find himself so mistaken in his cal- culations, and so far below his destined port, but attributed it correctly to the force of the current, setting out of the Boca del Dragon ; which, while he had lain to at nights, to avoid running on rocks and shoals, had borne his ships in- sensibly to the west. This current, which sets across the Ca- ribbean sea, and the continuation of which now bears the name of the Gulf Stream, was. so rapid, that on the 15th, when the wind was but moderate, the ships had made seventy- five leagues in four and twenty hours. . Columbus attributed ta the violence of this current the formation of that pass called the Boca del Dragon, where he supposed it had forced its way through a narrow isthmus that formerly connected Trinidad with the extremity of Paria. He imagined, also, that its constant operation had worn away and inundated the borders of the main land, gradually producing' that fi*inge of islands which stretches from Trinidad to the Lucayos, or Bahamas, and which, according to his idea, had origi- nally been part of the solid continent. In corroboration of this opinion, he notices the form of those islands, being nar- row firom north to south, and extending in length from east to west, in the direction of the current*. The island of Beata, where Columbus had anchored, is about thirty leagues berical ; biit he now supposed that the real form of the earth was that of a pejar, one part mtich more elevated than the rest, and tapering upwards toward the skied. This part he supposed to be in the interior of this newly found continent, and immediately under the equator. All the phenomena which he bad previously nbticed, appeared to corroborate tfus theory. The vajriations which he had observed in pass- ing the unaginary Une running from north to south, he con- eluded to be by the ships having arrived at this supposed swelling. of the earth, where they began gently to mount towards the skies, into a purer and more celestial atmo- ^here*. The variation of the needle he ascribed to the same cause, being ajSected by the coolness and mildness of the climate, varying to the northwest in proportion as the ships continued onward in their ascentt. So, also, the altitude of * Peter Martyr mentioas that the admiral told him, that, from the climate of great heat and unwholesome air, he had ascended the back of the sea, as it were ascending a high motintain, towards heaven. Decad. 1, Lib. 6. . t Columbus, in his attempts to account for the variation of the needle, supposed that the north star possessed the quality of the four cardmal points, as did likewise the loadstone. That if the needle were touched with one part of the loadstone, it would point east, with another, west, and so on. Wherefore, he adds, those who prepare or magnetize the needles, cover the loadstone with a cloth, so that the north part only remains out, that is to say, the part which possesses the virtue of causing the needle to point to the north. Hist, del Almirante, C. 66. *- CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 185 the north stsur, and the circle it described in the heavens, ap- peared to be greater in consequence of Aing regarded from a greater elevation, less obliquely, and through a purer me- dium of atmosphere ; and these phenomena would be found to increase the more one approached the equator, from the still increasing eminence of this part of the earth* He noticed, also, the difference of the climate, vegetation, and people, of this part of the new world, from those under the same parallel in Africa. There the heat was insupport- able, the land parched and sterile, the inhabitants were black, with crisped wool, ill-shapen in their forms, and dull and brutal in their natures. Here, on tl^e contrary, although the sun was in Leo, he found the noontide heat moderate, the mornings and evenings fresh and cool, the country g|*een and fruitful, and covered with beautiful forests, the people &irer even than in the lands he had discovered further north, having long hair, with well-proportioned and graceful forms, lively intellects, and courageous spirits. All this, in a lati- tude so near to the equator, he attributed to the superior alti- tude of this part of the world, by which it was raised into a more celestial region of the air. On turning northward, through the gulf of Paria, he observed that he had found the circle described by the north star again to diminish. The current of the sea also increased in velocity, wearing away, as has already been remarked, the borders of the continent, and producing the adjacent islands by its incessant opera- tions ; which was further confirmation of the idea that one ascends in going southward, and descends in returning nordiward. Jirl Aristotle had imagined that the highest part of the earth, and nearest to the skies, was under the antarctic pole. Other sages had maintained that it was under the VOL. II. 24 ^ 186 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF arctic. Hence it was apparent that both conceived one part of the earth to be more elevated and noble, and near- er to the heavens than the rest. They, did not think of this eminence being under the equinoctial line, observes Columbus, because they had no certain knowledge of this hemisphere, but only spoke of it theoretically and from conjecture. As usual he assisted his theory by holy writ. " The sun, when God made it," he observes, " was in the first point of the orient; or, the first light was there." That place, ac- cording to his idea, must be here, in the remotest part of the east, where the ocean and the extreme part of India meet, under the equinoctial line, and where the highest part of the earth is situated. He supposed this apex of the world, though of immense height, to be neither rugged nor precipitous, but that the land rose to it by gentle and imperceptible degrees. The beautifiil and fertile shores of Paria were situated on its re- mote borders; abounding, of course, with those precious articles which are congenial with the most favoured and ex- cellent climates. As one penetrated into the interior and gradually ascended, the land would be found to increase in beauty and luxuriance, and in the exquisite nature of its productions ; until one arrived ^t the summit under the equajtor. This he imagined to be the noblest and most per- fect place on earth ; enjoying from its position an equality of days and nights, and a uniformity of seasons, and be- ing elevated into a serene and heavenly temperature, above the heats and colds, the clouds and vapours, the storms and tempests, which deform and disturb the lower regions. In a word, here he supposed to be situated the original abode of our first parents, the primitive seat of human CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 187 innocence and bliss^ the Garden of Eden, or terrestrial Paradise ! He imagined this place to be still flourishing in all its blissful delights, but inaccessible to mortal feet, excepting by divine permission, according to the opinion of the most emi- nent fathers of the church. From this height, he presumed, though of course from a great distance, proceeded this mighty stream of fresh water which filled the gulf of Paria, and sweet- ened the salt ocean in its vicinity ; being supplied by the foun- tain mentioned in Genesis, as springing from the tree of life in the Garden of Eden. Such was the singular speculation of Columbus, which he detailed at full length, in a letter to the Castilian sovereigns*, citing various authorities for his opinions, among which were St. Augustine, St. Isidor, and St. Ambrosius, and for- tifying his theory with much of that speculative erudition in which he was deeply versedf. It shows how his ardent mind was heated by the magnificence of his discoveries. Shrewd men, in the coolness and quietude of ordinary life, and in these modern days of cautious and sober fact, may smile at such a reverie ; but it was countenanced by the spe- culations of the most sage and learned of those times; and if it had not been, could we wonder at any sally of the iraa- ^nation in one placed in the situation of Columbus? He beheld a vast world, rising, as it were, into existence before him ; its nature and extent unknown and undefined, as yet a mere region for conjecture. Every day displayed some *ew feature of beauty and sublimity. Island after island, i^^hose .# * Navarrete, Collec. de Yiages, T. 1, p, 242. t See lUustratioDS, article, " Situation of the I'errestrial Pa- radise." 4^. V ■ ^ . . ■ ■ . V * ■ 188 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF rocks he was told were veined with gold, whose grove* teemed with spices, or whose shores abounded with pearls, ^^ Interminable ranges of coast ; promontory beyond promon- tory, stretching as far as the eye could reach ; luxuriant val- leys, sweeping away into a vast interior, whose distant moun- tains, he was told, concealed still happier lands, and realms of still greater opulence. When he looked upon all this region of golden promise, it was with the glorious convic- tion, that his genius had, in a manner, called it into exist- ence J he regarded it with the triumphant eye of a discoverer. Had not Columbus been capable of these enthusiastic soar- ijflgs of the imagination, he might, with other sages, have rea- soned calmly and coldly about the probability of a continent existing in the west, but he would never have had the daring enterprize to adventure in search of it into the unknown realms of oceans. Stilli in the midst of his fanciful speculations, we find that solid foundation of sagacity which formed the basis of his character. The conclusion which he drew from the great flow of the Oronoco, that it must be the outpouring of a continent, was shrewd and striking. A learned Spanish historian has also ingeniously excused other parts of his theory. " He suspected," observes he, " a certain elevation of the globe at one part of the equator ; philosophers have since determined the world to be a spheroid, slightly ele- vated in its equatorial circumference. He suspected that the diversity of temperatures influenced the needle ; not being able to penetrate the cause of its inconstant variations. Suc- cessive SMries of voyages and experiments have made this inconstancy more manifest, and have shown that rigorous cold sometimes divests the needle of all its virtue. Perhaps new observations may justify the surmise of Columbus. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 189 Even his error concerning the circle described by the polar star, which he thought augmented, by an optical illusion, in proportion as the observer approached the equinox, ma- K nifests him a philosopher superior to the time in which he Uved*." • Muuoz, Hist. N. Mundo, L. 6, § 32. y ♦ ■K LIFE AND VOYAGES OF CHRISTOPHER COLU|[BUS< BOOK XL j» -IT- T. CHAPTER I. ADMINISTRATION OF THE ADELANTADO— EXPEDITION TO THE PROVINCE OF XARAGUA. Columbus had anticipated repose from his toils on 1498. . . . arriving at Hispaniola, but a new scene of trouble and anxiety opened upon him, which was destined to impede the prosecution of his enterprizes, and to affect all his future fortunes. To explain this, it is necessary to relate the oc- currences of the island in the long space of time, during which he had been so injuriously detained in Spain. When he sailed for Europe in March, 1496, his "•*• brother, Don Bartholomew, who remained as govern- or, with the title of adelantado, took the earliest measures to execute his directions, with respect to the mines recently discovered by Miguel Diaz, on the south side of the island. Leaving Don Diego Columbus in command at Isabella, he V r 192 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF repaired with a large force to the neighbourhood of the mines, and choosing a favourable situation in a place most abound- ing in ore, he built a fortress, to which he gave the name of St. Christoval. The workmen, however, finding grains of gold among the earth and stone employed in its construction, gave it the name of the Golden Tower*, The adelantado remained here three mont];is, superintend- ing the building of the fortress, and making the necessary preparations for working the mines, and purifying the ore. The progress of the work, however, was greatly impeded by scarcity of provisions, having frequently to detach a part of ,jt^e men from their labours, and to send them about the coun- try in quest of supplies. The old fashioned hospitality of the island was at an end. The Indians no longer gave their provisions freely ; they had learnt from the white men to pro- fit by the necessities of the stranger, and to exact a price for the bread that was to relieve his hunger. Their scanty stores also were soon exhausted ; for their frugal habits, and their natural indolence and improvidence, seldom permitted them to have more provisions on hand than was requisite for present support. The adelantado found it difficult, there- fore, to maintain so large a force in the neighbourhood, un- til they should have time to cultivate the earth and raise live stock, or should receive supplies from Spain. . Leaving ten men to guard the fortress, with a dog to assist them in catch- ing utias, he marched with the rest of his men, about four hundred in number, to fort Conception, in the abundant country of the Vega. Here be passed the whole month of June, collecting the quarterly tribute, being supplied with food by Guarionex and bis subordinate caciquest. * P. Martyr, Decad. 1, L. 5. t Idem. . - > J COLUHBU^. CHRISTOPHER OOLUMBITS'. 193 In the following month, (July, 1496,) the three caravels commanded by Nino arrived from Spain, bringing a rein- forcement of men, and what was still more needed, a supply of provisions. The latter was^quickly distributed among the hungry colonists, but unfortunately a great part was found to have been injured during the voyage. This was a serious misfortune, in a community where the least pressure of scarcity produced murmur and sedition. By thesCi^ slyps the adelantado received letters from his brother, directing him to found' a town and seaport in th^ mouth of the Ozema, near to the new .mines* He requested him also to send prisoners to Spain, buch of the caciques and their subjects as had been concerned in the dedth of any of the colonists ; that being considered a sufficient ground, by many of the ablest jurists and theologians of $pain, for selling them as slaves. On the return of the caravels, the adelantado dispatched three hundred Indian prisoners, ahd^ three caciques. These formed the ill-starred cargoes about which Nino had made such absurd vaunting, as though his ships were laden with treasure,. and which had caused such mortification, disappointment, and delay to Columbus. Having obtained by this arrival a supply of provisions, the adelantado returned to the fortress of St. Christoval, and from thence proceeded to the Ozema to choose a site for^e proposed seaport. After a carefal examination, he chose the eastern bank of a natural haven at the mouth of the river. It was easy of access, of. sufficient depth, and good anchorage. The river ran through a beautiful and fertile country ; its waters were pure and salubrious, and well stocked with fish ; its banks were covered with trees bearing the fine fruits of the island, so that in sailing along the firuits and flowers might be plucked with thjevhand from VOL. II. 25 /^* I i'i' 494 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF * the branches which overhung the stream*. It was in this delightful vicinity that the female cacique lived, who had conceived an affection for the young Spaniard, Miguel Diaz, and had induced him to entjig^ his countrymen to that part of the island. The promise she had given of a friendly recep- tion on the part of her tribe, was faithfully performed. On a commanding bank of the harbour Don Bartholomew erected a fortress, which at first was called Isabella, but af- terwai'ds St. Domingo, and was the origin of the city which still bears that name. The adelantado was of an active and indefatigable spirit. . No sooner was the fortress completed, than he left in it a garrison of twenty men, and with the rest of his forces set out on an expedition to visit the dominions of Behechio, one of the' principal chieftains of the island. This cacique, as has already been mentioned, reigned over Xaragua, a province comprising almost the whole coast at the west end of the island, including Cape Tiburon, and extending along the south side as far as- Point Aguida, or the small island of B^ata. It was one of the most populous and fruitful districts. The climate was sheltered and de- lightful ; the people were softer and more graceful in their manners than the rest of the islanders. Being so remote from all the fortresses, the cacique, although he had taken a part in the combination of the chieftains, had hitherto re- mained free from the incursions and exactions of the white men. With this cacique resided Anacaona, widow of the late formidable Caonabo. She was sister to Behechio^ and had taken refuge with her brother after the capture of her hus- band. She was one of the most beautiful females of the * P. Martyr, D. 1, L. 6. f CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 195. vV , 'f^ island ; her name, in the Indian language, signified flower of gold. She po^ssessed a genius superior to the generality of her race, and was said to excel in composing those little legendary ballads, or areytos,lfrhich the natives chanted as they performed their national dances. All the Spanish wri- ters agree in describing her as possessing a natural dignity and grace hardly to be credited in her ignorant and savage condition. Notwithstanding the ruin with which her hus* band had been overwhelmed by the hostility of the white men, she appears to have entertained no vindictive feeling towards them. She knew that he had provoked their veil* geance by his own voluntary warfare. She regarded the Spaniards with admiration as almost superhuman beings ; and her intelligent mind perceived the futility and impolicy of any attempt to resist their superiority in arts and krms. Having great influence over her brother Behechio, she coun- selled him to take warning by the fate of her husband, and to conciliate the friendship of the Spaniards ; and it is sup- posed that a knowledge of the friendly sentiments, and powerful influence of this princess, in a great measure prompt- ed the adelantado to his present expedition*. In passing through those parts of the island whicH had hitherto been unvisited by the Europeans, the adelantado adopted the same imposing measures which the admiral had nsed on a former occasion ; he put his cavalry in the ad* vance, and entered all the Indian towns in martial array, with standards displayed, and the sound of drum and trumpet ; inspiring the natives with great awe and admiration. After proceeding about thirty leagues, he came to the river Ne3rva, which, issuing from the mountains of Cibao, Hivides * Charlevoix, Hist. St. Doming. L. 2, p. 147. Mimoz, Hist. N. Hundo, L. 6, § 6. ' s * 196 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF ■ the southern side of the island. Crossing this stream, he dis- patched two parties, of ten men each, along the seacoast in search of brazil wood. They found great quantities, and felled many trees, which they stored in the Indian cabins, until they could be taken away by sea. Inclining with his main force to the right, the adelantado met, not far from the river, with the cacique Behechio, with a great army of his subjects, armed with boi^ics, arrows, and lances. If he had come forth with an intention of opposing diis inroad into his forest domains, he was probably daunted by the formidable appearance of the Spaniards. Laying aside his weapons, he advanced and accosted the adelantado v very amicably ; professing that he was thus in arms for the purpose of subjecting certain villages along the river, and inquiring at the same time the object of this incursion of the Spaniards. The adelantado assured him that he came in peace, to visit him and his territories, and to pass a little time with him in friendly intercourse at Xaragua. He succeeded so well in allaying the apprehensions of the cacique, that he dismissed his army, and sent swift messengers in advance, to Announce his approach, and to order preparations for the suitable reception of so distinguished a guest. As the Spaniards advanced into the territories of the chieftain, and^' . passed through the districts of his inferior caciques, the let- ter brought forth cassava bread, hemp, cotton, and the va- rious productions of their lands. At length they drew near to the residence of Behechio, which was a large town situ- ated in a beautiful part of the country, near the coast, at the bottom of that deep bay called at present the Bight of Leogane. The Spaniards had heard many accounts of the soft and • delightful region of Xaragua, in one part of which some of the Indian traditions placed their elysian fields. They bad • • # CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 197 heard much, also, of the beauty and urbanity of the inhabit- ants ; the mode of their reception was calculated to confirm their favourable prepossessions. As they approached the place, thirty females of the cacique's household came forth to meet them, singing their areytos or traditio»ary ballads, and dancing, and waving palm-branches. The. married fe- males wore aprons of embroidered cotton, reaching halfway to the knee; 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. According to old Peter Martyr, the Spaniards, when they beheld them issuing fopth '^om theiF green woods, almost imagined they beheld the lajbted dyrades or native nymphs and fairies of the fountains, suidg by the ancient poets. When they came before Don • Bartholo- mew they knelt, and gracefully presented him 'the green branches*. * After these came the female cacique Anacaonav I'eclining on a kind of light litter, borne by six. Indians. JLiike the other females, she had no other covering than an apron of » * various coloured cotton. She wore round her head a fta- .4'* grant garland of red and white flowers, and wreaths of the same round her neck and arms. She received the adelan- tado and his followers with that natural grace and courtesy for which she was celebrated; manifesting no hostility towards them for the fate her husband had experienced at their hands. On the contrary, she seemed from the first to conceive for them great admiration and sincere friend- ship. * P. Martyr, Decad. 1, L. 5. 198 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF The adelantado and his officers were now.condacted to the house of Behechio, where a banquet was served up of utias, a great variety of sea and river fish, with the roots and fine firuits which formed the principal food of the Indians. Here first the Spaniards conquered their repugnance to the g^ana, the favourite delicacy of the Indians, but which the former had regarded with disgust, as a species of serpent. The adelantado, willing to accustom himself to the usages of the country, was the first to taste of this animal, being kindly pressed thereto by Anacaona. His foUowers imitated his example; they found it to be highly palatable and deli- cate, and firom that time forward the guana began to get into repute among Spanish epicures*. The banquet being over, Don Bartholomew and six of his principal cavaliers were lodged in the dwelling of Behe- chio ; the rest were distributed in the houses of the inferior (caciques, where they slept in hamacs of netted cotton, the usual beds of the natives. For two days they remained with the hospitable Behechio, entertained with various Indian games and festivities, among .y * These serpentes are like unto crocodiles saving in bygnesSy > - they call them guanas. Unto that day none of owre men durale ' adventure to taste of them, by reason of theyre horrible deformitie and loathsomness, yet the adelantado, being entysed by the plea- santness of the kynge's syster Anacaona, determined to taste of the serpentes. But when he felte the fleshe thereof to be so delycate to his tongue, he fel too amayne without al feare. The which thing Jiis companions perceiving, were not behynde him in greedy- nesse, insomuche that they had now none other talke than of the sweetenesse of these serpentes, which they affirm to be of more pleasant taste than eyther owre phesantes or partreches. P. Mar- tyr, Decad. 1, B. 5. £den's £ng. trans. V M'- :<4 CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 199 which the molt remarkable was the representation of a bat- tle% Two squadrons of naked Indians, armed with bows and arrows, sallied suddenly into the public square^ and be- gan to skirmish in a manner similar to the Moorish play of canes, or tilting reeds. By degrees tbey grew wanp, and fought with such earnestness, that four were slain and many wounded ; which seemed to increase the interest and pleasure of the spectators. The contest would have continued longer, and might have been still more bloody, had not the adelan- tado and the other cavaliers interfered, and begged that the game might cease*« When the festivities were over, and familiar intercourse had promoted mutual confidence, the adelantado addressed the cacique and Anacaona, on the real object of his visit. He informed them that his brother, the admiral, had been sent to this island by the sovereigns of Castile, who were great .and mighty potentates, with many kingdoms under their sway. That the adfbiral had returned to apprize his sovereigns how many tributary caciques there were in the island, leaving him in command ; and that he had come to . receive Behechio under the protection of these mighty sove- :^. ireigns, and to arrange a tribute to be paid by him^ in such ^Jy^MODer as should be most convenient and satisfactory to him- • sfe^. The cacique was greatly embarrassed by this demand, knowing the sufierings that had been inflicted on the other parts of the island by the avidity of the Spaniards for gold. He repli^ that he had been apprized that gold was the great object for which the white men had come to their island, and * Las Gacias, Hist. Ind. L. 1, C. 114. t Idem. 200 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF that a tribute was paid in it by some of his fellow caciques; but that in no part qf his territories was gold to be found, and his subjects hardly knew what it was. To this the ade- lantado replied, with great adroitness, that nothing was fur- ther if om the intention or wish of his sovereigns, than to re- quire a tribute in things not produced in his dominions, but that it might be pai4. in cotton, hemp, and cassava bread, with which the surrounding country appeared to abound. The countenance of the cacique brightened at this inti- miition, he promised cheerful compliance, and instantly sent orders to all his subordinate caciques to sow abundance of cotton for the iSrst payment of the stipulated tribute. Hav- ing4iiade all the requisite arrangements, the adelantado took the inost friendly leave o^ the worthy Behechio and his sis- ter, and set out for Isabdia. Thus by amicable and saga- cious management, one of the most extensive provinces of the island was brought into cheerful subjection; and, had not., the wise policy of the adelantado been defeated by the excesses of worthless and turbulent men, a large revenue mig^t have been collected, without any recourse to violence or oppression. In all instances, these simple people appear to have been extremely tractable, and meekly, and even . cheerftiUy, to have resigned their rights to the white men, when treated with gentleness and humanity. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 201 CHAPTER II. ESTABLISHMENT OP A CHAIN OF MILITARY POSTS — INSURRECTION OF GUARIONEX, THE CACIQUE OF THE VEGA. , ^^ On arriving at Isabella, Doa Bartholomew found it, as uHial, a scene of misery and repining. Many bad djied during his absence ; most were ill. Those who were healthy complained of the scarcity of food, and those who were ill, of the want of medicines. The provisions which had been distributed among them, from the supplies brought out a few.months before by Perez Alonzo Nifio, had been consumed. The colonists, partly from sickness, and partly from repugnance to labour, had neglected to culti- vate the surrounding country, and the Indians, on whom ihey had chiefly depended, outraged by their oppressions, had abandoned the vicinity, and fled to the mountains; preferring to subsist on roots and herbs, in their rugged re- treats, rather than remain in the luxuriant plains, subject to the wrongs and cruelties of the white men. The history of this island presents continual pictures of the miseries, the actual want, and poverty produced by the grasping avidity of gold. It had rendered the Spaniards heedless of all the less obvious, but more certain and salubrious sources of wealth. All labour seemed lost, that was to produce profit by any circuitous process. Instead of cultivating the luxu- VOL. II. 26 202 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF • riant soil around them, and deriving real treasures from its surface, they thought only of mines and golden streams, and were starving in the midst of fertility. No sooner were the provisions exhausted, which had been brought out by Nino, than the colonists began to break forth in their accustomed murmurs. They represented them- selves as neglected by* Columbus ; who, amidst the blandish- ments and delights of a court, thought little of their suffer- ings. They considered themselves equally forgotten by go- vernment; while, having no vessel in the harbour, they were destitute of all means of sending home intelligence of their disastrous situation, and of imploring relief. To remove this last cause of discontent, and to furnish some object for their hopes and thoughts to rally round, the adelantado ordered that two caravels should be built at Isabella, for the use of the island. To relieve the settlement also from all useless and repining individuals, during this time of scarcity, he distributed such as were too ill to labour or to bear arms into the interior ; where they would have the benefit of a better climate, and more abundant supply of In- dian provisions. He established, at the same time, a chain of military posts between Isabella and the new port of St. Domingo. They consisted of five fortified houses, each sur- rounded by its dependent hamlet. The first of these was about nine leagues from Isabella, and was called La Espe- ranza. Six leagues beyond, was Santa Catarina. Four leagues and a half further, was Santiago ; and five leagues further, fort Conception; which was fortified with great care, being at the foot of the golden mountains of Cibao, in the vast and populous Vega, and within half a league of the residence of its cacique, Guarionex*. Having thus relieved * P. Martyr, D. 1, L. 6. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUl^. 203 Isabella of all its useless population, and left none but such as were too ill to be removed, or were required for the ser- vice and protection of the place, and the construction of the caravels, the adelantado returned, with a large body of the most effective men, to the fortress of St. Domingo. The military posts thus established, succeeded for a time in overawing the natives ; but fresh hostilities soon began to be manifested, excited by a different cause from the preceding. Among the missionaries who had accompanied father Boil to the island, were two friars, of far greater zeal than their superior. When he returned to Spain, they remsdned be- hind, earnestly bent upon the fulfilment of their mission. One was called Roman Pane, a poor hermit, as he styled himself, of the order of St. Jeronimo ; the other was Juan Borgonon, a Franciscan. They resided for some time among the Indians of the Vega, strenuously endeavouring to make converts. They had succeeded with one family consisting of sixteen persons ; the chief of which, on being baptized, had taken the name of Juan Mateo. The conver- sion of the cacique Guarionex, however, was the great ob- ject of their pious labours. The extent and importance of his possessions, made his conversion of great consequence to the interests of the colony ; and the zealous fathers consider- ed it a means of bringing his numerous subjects under the dominion of the church. For some time the cacique lent a willing ear. He learnt the Pater Noster, the Ave Maria, and the Creed, and made his whole family repeat them daily. The other caciques of the Vega, and of the province of Cibao, however, reproached him and scoffed at him, for meanly conforming to the laws and custopis of the strangers^ who were usurpers of his possessions, and oppressors of his nation. The friars complained that, in consequence of these 304 LIPE AND VOYAGES OF ■i- evil communications, their fancied convert suddenly relapsed into his infidelity ; but another and more grievous cause is assrgned for his recantation. His favourite wife was seduced, or treated with outrage, by one of the Spaniards of some authority ; and the indignant cacique renounced all faith in a religion which, as he supposed, admitted of such atro- cities. Losing all hope of effecting the conversion of Gua- rionex, the missionaries removed to the territories of another cacique, taking with them Juan Mateo, their Indian convert. Before their departure they erected a small chapel, and fur- nished it with an altar, crucifix, and images, for the use of the family of Mateo. The friars had scarcely departed, when several Indians entered the chapel, broke the images in pieces, trampled them under foot, and buried them in a neighbouring field. This, it was said, was done by order of Guarionex, in con- tempt of the holy religion from which he had apostatized. A complaint of this enormity was carried to the adelantado, who ordered a process to be immediately instituted, and those who were found culpable, to be punished according to the law. It was a period of great rigour in ecclesiastical law, especially among the Spanish. 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. It is questionable whether Guarionex had any hand in this offence, and it is probable that the whole affair was exaggerated. A proof of the credit due to the evidence brought forward, may be judged by one of the facts recorded by Roman Pane, the " poor heriTHt." The field in which the holy images were buried, was planted, he says, with certain roots shaped like CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 205 a turnip, or radish, several of which coming up in the neigh- / bourhood of the images, were found to have grown most miraculously in the form of a cross*. The cruel punishment inflicted on these Indians, instead of daunting their countrymen, filled them with horror and indignation. They had not been accustom- ed to such stern rule and ferocious justice ; and having no clear ideas, nor powerful sentiments, with respect to religion of any kind, they could not comprehend the nature nor ex- tent of the crime committed. Even Guarionex, a man na- turally moderate and pacific, was highly incensed at this as- su"npuon of power within his territories, and this inhuman death inflicted on his subjects. The other caciques per- ceived jiis irritation, and endeavoured to induce him to unite in a sudden insurrection, that by one general and vigorous effort, they might break the yoke of their oppressors. Gua- rionex wavered for some time. He knew the martial skill and prowess of the Spaniards. He stood in awe of their cavalry, and he hadrbefore him the disastrous fate of Caonabo. But his heart was full of despair, and he beheld in the domina- tion of these strangers the assured ruin of his race. The early writers speak of a tradition current among the inha- bitants of the island, respecting this Guarionex. He was of an ancient line of hereditary caciques. His father, in times long preceding the discovery, having fasted for five days according to their superstitious observances, applied to his semi, or household deity, for information of things to come. He received for answer, that within a few years there should come to the island a nation covered with clothing, which should destroy all their customs and ceremonies, and should * £fl(critura de Fr. Roman. Hist, del Almirante. 206 j^tlPE AND VOYAGES OP* ** /"^ slay their children, or reduce them to painful servitude*. This tradition was probably invented by thebutios, or priests, of die Indians, after the Spaniards had begun to exercise their se- verities. Whether this prediction had an effect in disposing the mind of Guarionex to hostilities against the strangers is uncertain. Some have asserted that he' was compelled to take up arms by the importunities of his subjects, who still flattered themselves with the hope of success, and threatened, in case of his refusal, to choose some other chieftain : while others have alleged the outrage committed upon his favourite wife, as the principal cause of irritationf . It was probably all these things combined, which at length induced the un- fortunate cacique to listen to the counsels of his neighbour- ing chieftains, and to enter into their conspiracy. A secret consultation was held among them, wherein it was concerted, that on the day of payment of their quarterly tribute, when a great number could assemble without causing suspicion, they should suddenly rise upon the Spaniards and massacre themf. '^>, By some means, the garrison at fort Conception received intimation of this conspiracy. Being but a handful of men, and surrounded by hostile tribes, they were alarmed for their safety. They immediately dispatched an Indian messenger to the adelantado, at St., Domingo, begging immediate as- sistance. How to get this letter safe to his hands, was an anxious question. Their safety depended upon it. The In- dian messenger might be intercepted, and the letter taken from him, for the natives had discovered that these letters * Peter Martyr, D. 1, L. 9. t Las Gasas, Hist. Ind. L. 1, C. 121. J Herrera, D. 1, L. 3, C. 6. P. Martyr, D. 1, L. 6. ^^ CHRISTOPHER COLVMBtffi. 207' had a wonderful power of communicating intelligence, and fancied that they could talk. The letter was therefore en- closed in a reed, which the messenger used as a staff. He was, in fact, intercepted, hut affected to be dumb and lame. He spoke only by signs, intimating that he was returning to his home, and leaning on his staff, Umped along with extreme difficulty. He was suffered to depart, and dragged himself feebly forward until out of sight, when he resumed his speed, and bore the letter safely and expeditiously to St. Domingo*. The adelantado, with his characteristic promptness and activity, immediately set out with a body of troops for the fortress ; and though his men were much enfeebled by scanty fare, hard service, and long marches, he hurried them rapidly forward. Never did aid arrive more timely. The Indians were already assembled in the plain, to the amount of many thousands, armed after their manner, and waiting for the appointed time to strike the blow. After consulting with the commander of the fortress, and the other principal offi- cers, the adelanta^concerted his mode of proceeding. . As- certaining the places in which the various caciques had dis- tributed their forces, he appointed an officer with a body of men to each cacique, with orders at an appointed hour of the night to rush suddenly into the villages where they were sleeping, to surprise them unarmed and unsuspecting, and to bind the caciques and bring them off prisoners, before their subjects could assemble for their defence. As Guano- nex was the most important personage, and his capture would probably be attended with most difficulty and danger^ the adelantado took the charge of it upon himself, at the head of one hundred men. l! * Herrera, Hist. Ind. D. 1, L. 3, C. 6. aK)8 Uf E AND VOYAGES OP This sagacious stratagem, fodiided upon a knowledge of the attachment of the Indians to their chieftains, and calcu- lated to spare a great effusion diSijjblood, was completely suc^ cessAil. The villages, havingrne 'walls nor other defences, were quietly jgntered at midnight; and the Spaniards, rush- ing suddenly into the houses where the caciques were quar- tered, seized and hound them, to the number of fourteen, and hurried them off prisoners to the^fortress, before any effort could be made for their defence or rescue. The In- dians, struck with terror and confusion, made no resistance, nor any show of hostility. Surrounding the fortress in great multitudes, but without weapons, they filled the air with doleful bowlings and lamentations, imploring the re- lease of their chieftains. The adelantado completed his enterprize with the spirit, sagacity and moderation with which he had hitherto conducted it. He informed himself of the causes which had led to this conspiracy, and of the individuals who had been most culpable. Two of the ca- ciques, the principal movers of the insurrection, and who had most wrought upon the easy nature of Guarionex, were put to death. As to that, unfortunate cacique, the adelanta- do ascertained the deep wrongs he had suffered, and the slowness with which he had been provoked to revenge. He magnanimously pardoned him: nay, according to Las Ca- sas, he proceeded with stern justice against the Spaniard, whose outrage on the wife of the cacique had sunk so deeply in his heart. The adelantado extended his lenity also to the remaining chieftains of the conspiracy. Apprehensive that severe measures might incense their subjects, or drive them to despondency, and induce them to abandon the Vega, he held forth to them promises of great favours and rewai*ds, if they should continue firm in their loyalty, but terrible "■'» *■ CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 209 punishments, should they aj|kin be found in rebellion. The heart of Guarionex was fl]ibdiied by the unexpected clemen- cy of the adelantado. Tf%]||liJ<' a speech to his people, set- ting forth the irresistible mjdhtand valoiii^.of the Spaniards; their great lenity to ofiendeftV ^^ their giiupjhoslty to such as were faithful ; and he earnestly exhorted them henceforth to cultivate their friendship. The Indians listened to him with attention ; his praises of the white men were confirmed in their minds by this great instance of moderation on the part of the adelantado. When their cacique bad concluded^ they took him up with transport on their shoulders, bore him to his habitation with songs and shouts of joy, and for some • time the tranquillity of the Vega was restored*. • P. Martyr, D. 1, L. 5. Henera, H. Ind. D. 1, L. 8, C. 6. ^" VOL. II. 27 210 LIFE AND VOYAOES OP CHAPTER m. r fHC ADELANTADO REPAIRS TO XARAGUA TO RECEIVE TRIBUTE. * With all his enertry and discretion, the adelantado 1497. found it difficnk to manage the proud and turbulent spirits of the Spanish colonists. Their discontents conti- ^ nued to increase, and their impatience of any salutary rule. They could ill brook the rigorous sway of a fo- reigner, who, when they attempted to be restive, curbed them with a firm and iron hand. Don Bartholomew had not the same legitimate authority, in their eyes, as his bro- ther. The splendid reputation of the admiral gave dig- nity and grandeur to his name. He was the discoverer of the country, and the authorized representative of the sovereigns ; yet even him they with difficulty brought'them- selves to obey. The adelantado, however, was regarded by many of them as a mere intruder, shouldering himself into power on the merits and services of his brother, and possessing no authority from the crown for such high com- mand. They spoke with impatience and indignation of the long absence of the admiral, and of his fancied inattention to their wants ; little aware of the incessant anxieties he was suffering on their account, during his detention in Spain. The sagacious measure of the adelantado, in building the caravels, for some time diverted their attention. They ■■•■ ■ "a « CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 211 ^ watched their progress with solicitude, looking upon them as a means either of obtaining relief, or of abandoning the island. Don Bartholomew^was aware that repining and dis- contented men should never .1^ left to idleqpVjk. He sought continual means of keeping them in movemeii|( and indeed a state of constant activity was congenial to his own vigor- ous spirit. About this time, messengers arrived from Behe- chio, cacique of Xars^ua, informing him that he had large' quantities of cotton, and other articles, in which his tribute was to be paid, ready for delivery. The adelantado imme- diately summoned a numerous train, who gladly set forth with him to revisit this fruitful and happy region. They .y were again received with songs and dances, and all the na- tional demonstrations of respect and amity, by Behechio and his sister Anacaona. The latter appeared to be highly po- pular among the natives, and to have almost as much sway in Xaragua as her brother. Her natural ease, and the grace- ful dignity of her manners, more and more won tiie admira- tion of the Spaniards. The adelantado found thirty-two inferior caciques assem- bled in the house of Behechio, awaiting iris arrival, with thehr respective tributes. The cotton which they had brought amounted to so great a quantity, as to fill one of their houses : having delivered this, they gratuitously offered the adelan- tado to give him ai much cassava bread as he desired. The offer was most acceptable, in the present necessitous state of the colony ; and Don Bartholomew sent to Isabella, for one of the caravels, which was nearly finished, to be dispatched as soon as possible to Xaragua, to be freighted with bread and cotton. In the meantime, the utmost kindness was lavished on the Spaniards by these gentle and generous people ; they ■■!( 212 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF brought from-all quarters large supplies of provisions, and they entertained their guests with continual festivity and banquettlng. The early Spanish writers^ whose iniagina- tioiiswere heated by the accounts of the voyagers, and who could not form an idea of the simplicity of savage life, espe- cially in these parts which were supposed to border upon Asia, often speak in terms of oriental magnificence of the enteitainmetlts of the natived ; the palaces of the caciques, and the lords and ladies of their courts ; as if they were de- Scribing the abodes of Asiatic potentates. The accounts given of ^aragua, however, have a different character; ind give a picture of savage life, in its perfection of indolent ease, and untasked enjoyment. The troubles which distract- ed the other parts of devoted Hayti, had not yet reached the inhabitants of this pleasant regioti. Living among beauti- ful and firuitful groves, on the borders of a sea which appear- ed for ever tranqtiil atid unvexed by storms; having few wants, and those readily supplied,, they appeared emanci- pated from the common lot of labour, and to pass their lives in one uninterrupted holy-day. When the Spaniards re- garded the fertility and sweetness Of this country, the gen- tleness of its people, and the beauty of its women, they pro- nounced it a perfect paradise. At length the caravel arrived which was to be freighted with the articles of tribute. It anchored about six miles distant from the residence of Behechio, and Auacaona pro- posed to her brother that they should go together, to behold what she called the great canoe of the white men. On their way to the coast,* the adelantado was lodged one night in a village, in a house where Anacaona treasured up all those articles which she esteemed most rare and precious. They consisted of various manufactures of cotton ingeniously CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 213 4 w wrought; of chairs, tables, and other articles of furnitare, fbrmed of ebony and other kinds of wood, carved With figures an^devicesl 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 treai^ures of this Indian princess, of which she generously made numerous presents to her guests. Nothing could exceed the wonder and delight of this intel- ligent woman, when sh^ first beheld the ship. Her brother, who treated her with a fi'aternal fondness, and a respectful attention worthy of civilized life, had prepared two canoes, gaily painted and decorated; one to convey her and her at- tendants, and the other for himself and his chieftains. Ana- caona, however, preferred to embark, with her attendants, m the ship's boat, with the adelantado. As they approached the caravel, the cannon fired a salute. At the sound of this suddm. thunder, and the sight of volumes of smoke, bursting from the sides of the ship, and rolling along the sea, Ana- caona, overcome with dismay, fell into the arms of the ade- latitado, and her attendants would have leapt overboard in their affright. The laughter and the cheerful words of Don Bartholomew, however, speedily reassured them. As they drew nearer tothe vessel, several instruments of martial mu- *ic struck up, with which they were greatly delighted. Their admiration increased on entering on board of the caravel. Accustomed only to their simple and slight canoes, every thing here appeared to be on a solid and complicated, and on a wonderfully vast scale. But when the anchor was weighedj the sails were spread, and, aided by a gentle breeze, they beheld this vast mass, moving as it were by its own volition, veering from side to side, and playing like a huge monster on the deep, the brother and sister remained 214 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF gazing at each other in mute astonishment*^ Nd|}iing seems to have filled the mind of the most stoical savage with more wonder, than that sublime and beautiful trophy of. IMlKsn genius, a ship under sail. Baving freighted and dispatched the caravel, the adelan- tado made many presents to Behechio, his sister, and their attendants, and took leave of them, to return by land, with his troops, to Isabella. Anacaona showed great affliction at their parting, entreating him to remain some time longer with them, j^f^ appearing fearful that they had failed in their humb^||plbmpts to please him. She even offered to follow him to the settlement, nor would she be consoled until he had promised to return again to Xaraguaf . It is impossible not to be struck with the great ability shown by the adelantado in the course of his brief govern- ment of the island. Wonderfully alert and active, he made repeated marches of great extent, fi-om one. xeifmB province to another, and was always at the post of danger at the critical moment. By skilful management he had, with a handful of men, defeated a formidable insurrection, with- out any effusion of blood. He had conciliated the most in- veterate enemies among the natives, by his great modera- tion, while he deterred all wanton hostilities by the infliction of signal punishments. He had made firm friends of the most important princes; brought their dominions under cheerful tribute; opened new sources of supplies for the colony ; and procured relief for its immediate wants. Had his judicious measures been seconded by those under his command, the whole country would have been a scene of * P. Martyr, D. 1, L. 6. Herrera. D. 1, Lib. 3, C. 6. t Ramusio, V. 3, p. 9. CHRISTOPHER COtUMBUS. 215 tranquil pPBiq[ierity ; and would have produced great I'eve- nu6i to the crown, without cruelty to the -natives. But, like hi«4np|hei^ ^6 admiral, he was doomed to have his good in- tentipbs, and judicious arrangements, thwarted by the- vile passions, and perverse conduct of others. While he ^ii%s absent from Isabella, new mischiefs had been fomented there, which were soon to throw the whole island into coniusion. ♦■•*i.*., 4 « « 216 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF CHAPTER IV. CONSPIRACY OF ROLDAN. The prime mover of the present mischief in the colony was one Francisco Roldan, a man who was under the deepest obligations to the admiral. Raised by him from poverty and obscurity, he had been employed at first in menial capacities, but, showing strong natural talents, and great assiduity, he had been made ordinary alcalde ; equivalent to justice of the peace. The able which he had acquitted himself in this situation, and w*]|Mlv suasion of his great fidelity and gratitude, had induced Co- lumbus, on departing for Spain, to appoint him alcalde may- or, or chief judge of the island. It is true he was an unedu- cated man; but, as there were as yet no intricacies of law in the colony, the office required little else than shrewd good sense, and upright principles, for its discharge*. Roldan was one of those base spirits which grow venom- ous in the sunshine of prosperity. He had seen his benefac- tor return to Spain apparently under a cloud of disgrace ; a long interval had elapsed without any tidings firom him ; he considered him a fallen man, and began to devise how he might profit by his downfall. He was intrusted with an * Herrera, D. 1, L. 3, C. 1. ^- ^- »' ^ _ CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 217 office inferior t>nly to that of the adelantado ; the brothers of Cdlumbus were highly unpopular; he imagined it possi- ble to ruin them, both with the colonists and with the go- vernment at home, and by dexterous cunning and bustling activity, to work Uk way into the command of the colony. The vigorous and somewhat austere character of the ade- lantado for some time kept him in awe ; but when he was absent from the settlement, Roldan was able to carry on his machinations irith confidence. Don Diego, who then com- manded at Isabella, was an upright and worthy man, but deficient' in energy. Roldan felt himself his superior in ta- lent and spirit^ and his self<;onceit was wounded at being inferior to him in authority. He soon made a party among the daring and dissolute of the community, and secretly loosened the ties of order and good government, by listen- ing to and encouraging the discontents of the common peo- fiBt !N|!4 durecting them against the character and conduct hffrjIiJijhuiT and his brothers. He had heretofore been em- ployed as superintendant of various public works; this had brought him into habits of familiar communication with workmen, sailors and others of the lower order. His ori- ginally vulgar character enabled him to adapt himself to their intellects and manners, while his present standing gave him consequence in their eyes. Finding them full of mujr- murs about hard treatment, severe toil, and the long absence of the admiral, he afiected to be moved by their distresses. He threw out suggestions that the admiral might never re- turn, being disgraced and ruined, in consequence of the re- presentations of Aguado. He sympathised with the hard treatment they experienced from the adelantado and his bro- tliinr,J^on Diego, who being foreigners could take no interest ill thdr welfare, nor feel a proper respect for the pride of a VOL. II. 28 1^ ^ ~ >«-". ,• 218 LIFE ANB VOYAGES OF Spaniard; but who nsed them merely as slaves, to build houses and fortresses for them, or to swell their state, and secure their power, as they marched about the island, en- riching themselves with the spoils of the caciques. By this means he exasperated their feelings to such a height, that it is said they had at one time formed a conspiracy to take away the life of the adelantado, by way of delivering them- selves from an odious tyrant. The time and place for the perpetration of the act were concerted. The adelantado had condemned to death a Spaniard of the name of Bera- bona, a friend of Roldan, smd of several of the conspirator!* What was his offence is not precisely stated, but from a passage in Las Gasas*, there is reason to believe that he was the very Spaniard who had violated the favourite wife of Guarionex, the cacique of the Vega. The adelantado would-be present at the execution. It was arranged, there- fore, "that when the populace were assembled, a tumult should be made as if by accident, and in the confusion of the mo- ment Don Bartholomew should be despatched with a po- niard. Fortunately for the adelantado, he pardoned the cri- minal, the assemblage did not take place, and the plan of the conspirators was disconcertedf . When Don Bartholomew was absent collecting the tribute in Xaragua, Roldan thought that it was a favourable time to bring affairs to a crisis. He had sounded the feelings of the colonists, and ascertained that there was a large party disposed for open sedition. His plan was to create a popular tumult ; to interpose in his official character of alcalde mayor ; to throw the blame upon the oppression and injustice of Don Diego and * Las Casas, Hist. Ind. MS. L. 1, C. 118. t Hist, del Almirante, Cap. 73. A lip ^ ' CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 219 his brother, and, while he asurped the r^s of authority, to appear as if actuated only by zeal for the peace and prosperity of the islands, and the interests of the sovereigns. A pretext soon presented itself for the proposed tumult. When the caravel returned from Xaragna, laden with the In- dian tributes, and the cargo was discharged, Don Diego had the vessel drawn up on the land, to protect it from accidents, or from any sinister designs of the disaffected colonists. Roldan immediately pointed this circumstance out to his partisans. He secretly inveighed against the hardship of having this vessel drawn on shore, instead of being left afloat for the benefit of the colony, or sent to Spain to make known their distresses. He hinted that the true reason was the fear of the adelantado and his brother, lest accounts should be carried to Spain of their misconduct; and he aiSrmed that they wished to remain undisturbed masters of the uhnd, and keep the Spaniards there as subjects, or rather aisbrm^. The people took fire at these suggestions. They had long looked forward to the completion of the caravels as their only chance for relief; they now became openly clamorous, and insisted that the vessel should be launched, and sent to Spain for supplies. Don Diego endeavoured to convince them of the folly of their demand, the vessel not being rigged and equipped for such a voyage; but the more be attempted to pacify them by fair words, the more unrea- sonable and turbulent they became. Roldan, also, became more bold and explicit in his instigations. He advised them to launch and take possession of the caravel, a& the only mode of regaining their independence. They might then throw off the tyranny of these upstart strangers, enemies in theij liearts to the Spaniards, and might lead a life of ease and pleasure ; sharing equally all that they might gain by barter in 220 LIFE AND VOYAGES Ol^ the island ; employing the Indians as slaves to work for them, and enjoying unrestrained indulgence with respect to the Indian women*. Don Diego received intimation of what was fermenting among the people, and of the dangerous intrigues of Roldan, yet he feared to come to an open rupture, in the present mu- tinous state of the colony. He suddenly detached him, there- fore, with forty men, to the Vega, under pretext of overawing certun of the natives, who had refused to pay their tribute, and had shown a disposition to revolt. Roldan made use of this opportunity to strengthen his faction* He made friends and partisans ' among the discontented caciques ; iecretly justifying them in their resistance to the imposition of tribute, and promising them redress. He secured the, devotion of hb own soldiers by great acts of indulgence, disarming and dismissing such as refused full participation in his plans ; and returned with his Htde band to Isabella, where he felt secure of a strong party among the commoa people. The adelantado had by this time returned from Xaragua; but Roldan, feeling himself at the head of a strong faction, and arrogating to himself great authority from. his official station, now openly demanded that the caravel should be launched, or license given to himself and his followers to launch it. The adelantado, irritated at his arrogance, pe- remptorily refused ; observing that neither he nor his com- panions were mariners, nor was the caravel furnished and equipped for sea; and that neither the safety of the vessel, nor of the people, should be endangered by their attempt to navigate her. * Hist del Almirante, Cap. 73. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 221 Roldan perceived that his motives were suspected, and felt that the adelantado was too formidable an adversary to contend with, in any open sedition, at Isabella* He deter- mined, therefore, to carry his plans into operation in some more favourable part of the island ; always trusting to ex- cuse any open rebellion against the authority of Don Bar^ tholomew, by representing it as a patriotic opposition to his tyranny over Spaniards. He had seventy well armed and determined men under his command, and he trusted, on erecting his standard, to be joined by all the disaffected throughout the island. He set off suddenly, therefore, for the Vega; intending to surprise the fortress of Conception, and by getting command of that post, and the rich county adjacent, to set the adelantado at defiance. He stopped, on his way, at various Indian villages, in which the Spaniards were distributed, endeavouring to enlist the latter in his party, holding out promises of great gain and firee living. He attempted also to seduce the natives from their allegiance, by promising them freedom from all tribute. Those caciques with whom he had maintained a previous understanding, received him with open arms, par- ticularly one who had taken the name of Diego Marque, whose village he made his head-quarters, being about two leagues from ibrt Conception. He was disappointed in his hopes of surprising the fortress. Its commander, Miguel Ballester, was an old and staunch soldier, both resolute and wary. He drew himself into his fortress, on the approach of Roldan, and closed his gates. His garrison was small, but his fortress, situated on the side of a hill, with a river running at its foot, was proof against any sudden assault. Roldan had still some hopes that Ballester might be disaf* fected to government, and might be gradually brought into 222 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF bis plans; or that the garrison would be disposed to desert, tempted by the licentious life which he permitted among his followers. In the neighbourhood was die town inhabited ' by Guarionez. Here were quartered thirty soldiers, under the command of captain Garcia de Barrantes. Roldan re- paired thither with his armed force, hoping to enlist Bar- rantes and his party; but the captain shut himself up with his men in a fortified house, refusing to permit them to hold any ccnnmunication with Roldan* The latter threatened to set fire to the house; but, after a little consideration^ con- tented himself with seizing their store of provisions, and then marched towards fort ConcepUon, which was not quite half a league distant*. * Herrera, Decad. 1, L« 3, C. 7. Hist, del Almirante, Cap^ 74. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 223 CHAPTER V. THE ADELANTADO REPAIRS TO THE VEGA IN RELIEF OF FORT CONCEPTION — HIS INTERVIEW WITH ROLDAN. The adelantado had received intelligence of the fla- gitious proceedings of Roldan; yet for a time he hesitated to set out in pursuit of him. He had lost all con- fidence iii the loyalty of the people around him ; he knew not how far the conspiracy extended, nor on whom he could rely. Diego de Escobar, alcayde of the fortress of La Ma- dalena, together with Adrian de Moxica and Pedro de Val- divieso, all principal men, were in league with Roldan. He feared that the commander of fort Conception might like- wise be in the plot, and the whole island in arms against him. He was reassured, however, by tidings from Miguel Bal- lester. That loyal veteran wrote to him pressiiig letters for succour, representing the weakness of his garrison, and the increasing forces of the rebels. Don Bartholomew now hastened to his assistance, with his accustomed promptness, and threw himself with a reinforce- ment into the fortress. Being ignorant of the force of the rebels, and doubtful of the loyalty of his own followers, he determined to adopt mild measures. Understanding that Roldan was quartered at a village but half a league distant, he sent a messenger to him, remonstrating on the flagrant . « 224 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF irregularity of his condact, the injury it was calculated to prodtice in theisland, and the certain ruin it must bring upon himself. He summoned him to appear at the fortress, pledg- ing his word for his personal safety. Roldan repaired accordingly to fort Conception, where the adelantado held a parley with him from a window, demanding the reason of his appearing in arms in opposition to royal authority. Rol- dan replied hardily, that he was in the .service of his sove- reigns, defending their subjects from the oppressions Qf men who sought their destruction* The adelantado ordered him to surrender his staff of office, as alcalde mayor, and to sub- mit peaceably to superior authority. Roldan refused to re- sign his office, or to put himself in the power of Don Bar- tholomew, whom he charged with seeking his life. He re- fused also to submit to any trial, unless commanded by the king. Pretending, however, to make no resistance to the peaceable exercise of authority, he offered to go with his fol- lowers, and reside at any place the adelantado might ap- point. The latter immediately designated the village of the cacique Diego Colon, the same native of the Lucayos islands who had been baptised in Spain, and had since married a daughter of Guarionex. Roldan objected ; pretending that there were not sufficient^provisions to be had there for the subsistence of his men, and departed, declsgring that he would seek a more eligible residence elsewhere*. He now proposed to bis followers to establish themselves, and take possession of the remote province of Xaragua. The Spaniards who had returned from thence, had given voluptuous accounts of the life they had led there ; of the fertility of the soil, the sweetness of the climate, the hospitality mmm * Herrera, D. 1, L. 3, C. 7. Hist, del Almirante, Cap. 74. I - CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 225 and gentleness of the people, their i^sts, dances, and various amusements, and above all, the beauty of the women ; for they had been captivated by the naked charms of the dancing nymphs of Xaragua. In this delightful region, emancipated from the iron rule of tlie adelantado, and relieved from the necessity of irksome labour, they might lead a life of perfect freedom and indulgence, and have a world of beauty at their command. In short, Roldan drew a picture of loose sensual enjoyment, such as he knew to be irresistible with men of idle and dissolute habits. His followers acceded with joy to his proposition ; some preparations, however, were neces- sary to carry it into effect. Taking advantage of the absence of the adelantado, he suddenly marched off with bis band td Isabella, and entering it in a manner by surprise, endeavoured to launch the caravel, with which they might sail to Xara- gua. Don Diego Columbus hearing the tumult, issued forth with several persons of distinction ; but such was the force of the mutineers, and their menacing conduct, that he was obliged to withdraw, with a number of his most faithful ad- herents, into the fortress. Roldan held several parleys with him, and offered to submit to his command, provided he would set himself up in opposition to his brother the adelan- tado. His proposition was treated with scorn. The fortress was too strong to be assailed with success, he found it impos- sible to launch the caravel, and feared the adelantado might return, and he be enclosed between two forces. He pro- ceeded, therefore, in all haste, to make provisions for the proposed expedition to Xaragua. Still pretending to act in his official capacity, and to do every thing from loyal mo- tives for the protection and support of the oppressed subjects of the crown, he broke open the royal warehouse, wiUi shouts of Long live the king, supplied his followers with arms, am- VOL. II. 20 k 226 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF munition, clothings and whatever they desired from the public stores ; proceeded to the enclosure where the cattle and other European animals were kept to breed ; took whatever he thought necessary for his intended establishment ; and per- mitted his followers to kill such of the remaining cattle as they might want for present supply. Having committed this wasteful ravage, he marched in U'iumph out of Isabella*. Reflecting, however, on the prompt and vigorous character of the adelantado, he felt that his situation would be but little secure with such an active enemy behind him ; who, on extricating himself from present perplexities, would not fail to pursue him to his proposed paradise of Xaragua* He determined, therefore, to march again to the Vega, and en- deavour either to get possession of the person of the adelan- tado, or to strike some blow at him, in his present crippled state, that should disable him from yielding future molesta- tion. Returning, therefore, to the vicinity of fort Concep- tion, he endeavoured in every way, by the means of subtle emissaries, to seduce the garrison to desertion, or to stir it up to revolt. The adelantado had ample information of the machina- tions of the enemy, and of his own personal danger. He dared not take the field with his forces, haviug no confidence in their fidelity. He knew that they listened wistfully to the emissaries of Roldan, and contrasted the meagre fare and stern discipline of the garrison, with the abundant cheer and easy misrule that prevailed among the rebels. To counter- act these seductions, he relaxed from his usual strictness, treating his men with great indulgence, and promising them large rewards. By these means he was enabled to maintaia * Hist, del Almirante, Cap. 74. Herrcra, D. 1, L. 3, C. 7. / d!^- CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 227 some degree of loyalty among his men, his service having an advantage over that of Roldan, as being on the side of government and law. Finding that his attempts to corrupt the garrison were unsuccessful, and fearing some sudden sally from the vigor- ous adelantado, Roldan drew off to a distance, and sought by all insidious means to strengthen his own power, and weaken that of the government. He asserted equal right to manage the affairs of the island with the adelantado, and pre- tended to have separated from him on account of his being passionate and vindictive in the exercise of his authority. He represented him as the tyrant of the Spaniards, the op- pressor of the Indians. For himself, he assumed the charac- ter of a redresser of grievances, and champion of the injured. He pretended to feel a patriotic indignation at the indigni- ties heaped upon Spaniards by a family of obscure and iar- rogant foreigners ; and professed to free the natives from tributes wrung from them by these rapacious men, for their own enrichment, and contrary to the beneficent intentions of the Spanish monarchs. He connected himself closely with the Carib cacique Manicaotex, brother of the late Caonabo, whose son and nephew were in his possession as hostages for payment of tribute. This warlike chieftain he conciliated by presents and caresses, bestowing on him the appellation of brother*. In fact, the unhappy natives, deceived by his pro- fessions, and overjoyed at the idea of having a protector in arms for their defence, submitted cheerfully to a thousand impositions, supplying his followers with provisions in abun- dance, and bringing to Roldan all the gold they could col- lect ; voluntarily yielding him heavier tributes than those from which he pretended to free them. * Las Casas, Hist. Ind. L. 1, C. 118. '^ 228 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF The affairs of the island were now in a lamentable situa^ tion. The Indians, perceiving the dissensions among the white men, and encouraged by the protection of Roldan, began to throw off all allegiance to the government. The caciques at a distance ceased to send in their tributes ; and those who were near by, were excused by the adelantado, that, by indulgence, he might retain their friendship in this time of danger. Roldan's faction daily gained strength ; they ranged in^Iently and at large in the open country, cherished by the misguided natives; while the Spaniards who remained loyal, fearing conspiracies among the natives, had to keep under shelter of the fort, or in the strong houses which they had erected in the villages. The commanders were obliged to palliate all kinds of slights and indignities, both from their soldiers and from the Indians, fearful of driving them to sedition by any severity. The clothing, and munitions of all kind, either for maintenance or defence, were rapidly wasting away ; and the want of all supplies or tidings from Spain, was sinking the spirits of the well affected into despondency. The adelantado was shut up in fort Conception, in daily expectation of being openly besieg- ed by Roldan, and secretly informed that means were taken to destroy him, should he issue from the walls of the fortress*. Such was the desperate state to which the colony was re- duced, in consequence of the long detention of Columbus in Spain, and the impediments thrown in the way of all his mea- sures for the benelSt of the island, by the delays of cabinets and the chicanery of Fonseca and his satellites. At this critical juncture, when faction reigned triumphant, and the colony was on the brink of ruin, tidings were brought to the Vega * Las Casas, Hist. Ind. L. 1, Cap. 119. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUfiJ. 229 that Pero Fernandez Coronal had arrived at the port of St. Domingo, with two ships, bringing supplies of all kind, and a strong reinforcement of troopst. * Las Casas. Herrera. Hist, del Almirante. f 230 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF • CHAPTER VI. SECOND INSURRECTION OF GUARIONEX, AND FLIGHT TO THE MOUNTAINS OF CIGUAY. The arrival of Coronal took place on the third of 1498. '^ February, 1498 : it was the salvation of the colony. The reinforcements of troops and the supplies of all kinds strengthened the hands of Don Bartholomew. The royal confirmation of his title and authority as adelantado at once dispelled all aspersions as to the legitimacy of his pow^r, and confirmed the fidelity of his adherents ; and the tidings that the admiral was in high favour at court, and would soon arrive with a powerful squadron, struck consternation into those who had entered into the rebellion on the presumption of his having fallen into disgrace. The adelantado no longer remained mewed up in his for- tress, but set out immediately for St. Domingo, with a part of his troops, although a very superior rebel force was at the village of the cacique Guarionex, only two bow-shot dis- tance. Roldan followed slowly and gloomily with his party, anxious to ascertain the truth of these tidings, to make parti* zans if possible among those who had newly arrived ; and to take advantage of every circumstance that might befriend his rash and hazardous fortunes. The adelantado left strong guards on the passes of the roads to prevent bis near ap- ♦. f ^■ CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 231 proach to St. Domiiigo, but Roldan paused within a few leagues of the place. When the adelantado found himself secure in St. Donun- go with this augmentation of force and the prospect of a still greater reinforcement at hand, his magnanimous feelings prevailed over his indignation, and he sought by gentle means to allay the popular seditions, that the island might be restored to tranquillity before his brother's arrival. He con- sidered that the colonists had suffered greatly from the want of supplies; that their discontents had been quickened by the severities he had been compelled to inflict; and that many had been led to rebellion by doubts of the legitimacy of his authority : while therefore he proclaimed the royal act sanctioning bis title and powers, he promised also amnesty for all past offences on condition of inmiediate return to alle- giance. Hearing that Roldan was within five leagues of St. Domingo .with his band, {le sent Pero Hernandez Coronal, who had been appointed by the sovereigns alguazil mayor of the island, to exhort him to obedience, promising him oblivion of the past. He trusted that the representations of a discreet and honourable man like Coronal, who had been witness of the favour in which his brother stood in Spain, would convince the rebels of the hopelessness of their cause. Roldan, however, conscious of his guilt and doubtful of the clemency of Don Bartholomew, feared to venture within his power: he determined also to prevent his followers from communicating with Coronal, lest they should be seduced Aotfi him by the promise of pardon. When that emissary therefore approached the encampment of the rebels, he was opposed in a narrow pass by a body of archers, with their crossbows levelled. '^ Halt there ! traitor !" cried Roldan, ^ 1 2^ LIFE AND VOYAGES OF ^'liad you arrived eight days later we shoald all have been one*." - ' It was in vain that Coronal endeavoured by fair reasoning and earnest entreaty to win this perverse and turbulent man from his career. Roldan answered with hardihood and de- fiance ; professing to oppose only the tyranny and misrule of the adelantado, but to be ready to submit to the admiral on his arrival. He and several of his principal confede- rates wrote letters to the same effect to their friends in St. Domingo, urging them to plead their cause with the admiral when he should arrive, and to assure him of their disposition to acknowledge his authority. When Coronal returned with acccHints of Roldan's contu- macy the adelantado proclaimed him and his followers trai- tors. That shrewd rebel, however, did not suffer his men to remain within either the seduction of promise or the terror of menace ; he immediately set out on his march for his pro- mised land of Xaragua, trusting in its soft regions to dissolve every honest principle and virtuous tie of his misguided fol- lowers, by a life of indolence and libertinage. In the meantime the mischievous effects of his intrigues among the caciques became more and more apparent. No sooner bad the adelantado left fort Conception than a con- spiracy was formed among the natives to surprise it. Gua- rionex was at the head of this conspiracy, moved by the insti- gations of Roldan, who had promised him protection and assistance, and led on by the forlorn hope, in this distract- ed state of the Spanish forces, to relieve his paternal do- mains from the intolerable domination of usurping strangers. Holding secret communications with his tributary caciques i * Herrera, D. 1, L. 3, C. 8. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 233 it was concerted that they shoald all rise simultaneously upon the soldiery who were quartered in small parties in their villages, and should put them to death ; while be with a chosen force should surprise the fortress of Conception in the present weak state of the garrison. As the Indians did not excel in counting, and might make a mistake in the ap- pointed time, the night of the full moon was fixed upon for the insurrection. . One of the principal caciques, howevef , not being a cor- rect observer of the heavenly bodies, took up arms before the appointed night. He was repulsed by the soldiers quartered in his village, the alarm was given, and the Spa- niards were all put upon the alert. The cacique fled to • Guarionex for protection, but the chieftain, full of indigna- tion and despair, put him to death upon the spot* No sooner did the adelantado hear of this fresh conspi- . racy than he again put himself on the march for the Vega, with a strong body of men. Guarionex did not await his coming. He saw that every attempt was fruitless to shake off these strangers, who had settled like a curse upon his ter- ritories. He found their friendship withering and destruc- tive, and he now dreaded their vengeance. Abandoning, therefore, his rightful and beautiful domain, the once happy Vega, he fled with his family and a small band of faithful followers to the mountain^ of Ciguay. This is a lofty chain, extending along the north side of the island, between the Vega and the sea. The inhabitants were the most robust aild hardy tribe of the island, and far more formidable than the mild inhabitants of the plains. It was a part of this tribe which displayed hostility to the Spaniards in the course of the first voyage of Columbus, and in a skirmish with them in the gulf of Samana, the first drop of native blood VOL. II. 30 2&4 * LIFE AND VOYAGES OF %^. had been shed in the new world. The reader may remem>-' ber the frank and confiding conduct of these people, the day- after the skirmish, and the intrepid faith with which their cacique trusted himself on board of the caravel of the ad- miral, and in the power of the Spaniards. It was to this same cacique, named Hayobanex, that the fugitive chieftain of the Vega now applied for refuge. He came to his resi- dence, at an Indian town, near cape Cabron, about ten leagues west of Isabella, and implored shelter for his wife and children, and his handful of loyal followers. The mag- nanimous cacique of the mountains received him with open arms* He not only gave an asylum to his family, but he pledged himself to stand by him in his distress, to defend his cause,, and share his desperate fortunes*. Men in civil- ized life learn magnanimity from precept, but their most generous actions are oflen rivalled by the deeds of untutored savages, who act only from natural impulse. * Las Casas, Hist. Ind. <;ap. 121. MS. P. Martyr, D. U L.5. ^ CHRISi;aPHER COLUMBUS. ^ 0^ 71 .< CHAPTER VII. CAMPAIGN OF THE ADELANTADO IN THE MOUNTAINS OP CIGUAY. Aided by his mountain ally, and by bands of bardy Ciguayans, Guarionex made several descents into the plain, cutting off straggling parties of the Spaniards, laying waste the villages oi the natives who continued in allegiance to them, and destroying the fruits of the earth* The arrival of the adelantado put a stop to these molesta^- ttons, but he determined to root out so formidable an adver- sary from the neighbourhood. Shrinking from no danger nor fatigue, and leaving nothing to be done by others which he could do himself^ he set forth in the spring with a band of ninety men, a i&'N cavafary, and a body of Indians, to pene- trate among the wild fastnesses of the Cignay mountains. After passing over a steep defile, rendered almost imprac* ticable for troops by rugged rocks, and the exuberant vege^ tation, he descended into a beautiful valley or plain, extend- ing along the coast, and embraced by arms of the mountains which advanced toward the sea* His advance into the coun- try was watched by the keen eyes of Indian scouts, who lurked among the rocks and thickets. As the Spaniards were seeking the ford of a river at the entrance of the plain, iwo of these spies darted firom among the bushes on its bank* A, 236 LIFBrAND VOYAGES OF One flung himself headlong into the water, and, swimming across the mouth of the river, escaped. The other being taken gave information that six thousand Indians lay in •ft ambush on the opposite shore, waiting to attack them as they crossed. The adelantado advanced with caution, and, finding a shallow place, entered the river with his troops. They were scarcely midway in the stream, when the savages, hideously painted, and looking more like fiends than men, burst from their concealment. The forest rang with their yells and bowlings. They discharged a shower of arrows and lances, by which, notwithstanding the protection of their targets^ many of the Spaniards were wounded. The adelantado, however, forced his way across the river, and the Indians took to flight. Some were killed, but their swiftness of foot, their knowledge of the forest, and their dexterity in darting and winding through the most tangled thickets, enabled the greater number to elude the pursuit of the Spaniards, who were encumbered with armour, targets, crossbows and lances. By the advice of one of his Indian guides, the adelanta- do pressed forward along the valley, to reach the residence of Mayobanex at Cabron. On the way he had several skir- mishes with the natives, who would suddenly rush forth from ambuscades among the bushes, discharge their weapons with furious war-cries, and take refuge again in the fastnesses of their rocks and forests, inaccessible to the Spaniards. Having taken several prisoners, the adelantado sent one, accompanied by an Indian of a friendly tribe, as a messen- ger to Mayobanex, demanding the surrender of Guarionex, promising friendship and protection in case of compliance, but threatening, in case of refusal, to lay waste his territory with fire and sword. The cacique listened attentively to the *, CHRISTOPHER CQLJIMBUS. £3t 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 inno* cent blood : I have no desire of the friendship of such men. Guarionex is a good man, he is my friend, he is my guest, he has fled to me for refuge, I have promised to protect himt and I will keep my word." When the messenger brought this magnanimous reply, or rather defiance, the adelantado saw that nothing was to be gained by friendly overtures. When the success of his ex- peditions required it he was a stern soldier. He immediately ordered the village in which he had been quartered to be set on fire, and several others in the neighbourhood. He then sent further messengers to Mayobanex warning him that un- less he delivered up the fugitive cacique his whole dominions should be laid waste in like manner ; and he would ^e nothing in every direction but the smoke and flames of his burning villages. The unhappy Ciguayans beholding the destruction which threatened to overwhelm them cursed the day in which Guarionex had taken refuge among them. They surrounded their chieftain with clamorous lamentations, urging that the fugitive should be given up for the salvation of the country. The generous cacique was inflexible. He reminded them of the many virtues of Guarionex^ and the sacred claims he had on their hospitality. He declared that he was ready to abide all evils rather than it should ever be said Mayobanex had betrayed his guest. The people retired with sorrowful hearts, and the chief- tain summoning Guarionex into his presence, again pledged his word to stand by him and protect him though it should cost him his dominions. He sent no reply to the adelan- tado, and lest any further messages might be brought to 4' # 238 LIFE AND VOYA- plying them with gresit quantities of bread and other provi- sions. Kindness appears never to have been lost upon this gentle people. When this act of clemency reached the Ciguayans, they came in multitudes to the fortress, bringing presents of various kinds, promising allegiance, and imploring the re- lease of Mayobanex and his family. The adelantado grant- ed their prayer in part, releasing the wife a|Kt household of the cacique, but still detaining him prisoner, to ensure the fidelity of his subjects. In the meantime, the unfortunate Guarionex, who had been hiding in the wildest part of the mountains, was driven by hunger to venture down occasionally into the plain in CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 241 quest of food. The Ciguayans looking upon him as the cause of their misfortunes, and perhaps hoping by his sacri- fice to procure the release of their chieftain, betrayed his haunts to the adelantado. A party was immediately dis* patched to secure him. They lay in wait in the path by which he usually returned to the mountains. As the unhap- py cacique, after one of his solitary and famished excursions, was returning to his den among the cliffs, he was surprised by the lurking Spaniards, and brought in chains to fort Conception. After his repeated insurrections, and the ex- traordinary zeal and perseverance displayed in his pursuit, Gnarionex expected nothing less than death from the ven- geance of the adelantado. Don Bartholomew, however, though stern in his policy, was neither vindictive nor cruel in his nature. He considered the tranquillity of the Vega sufficiently secured by the captivity of the cacique ; and he ordered him to be detained a prisoner and hostage in the fiMtoess. The Indian hostilities in this important part of the island being thus brought to a conclusion, and precautions taken to prevent their recurrence, Don Bartholomew return- ed to the city of St. Domingo, where shortly after his arri- val he had the joy of receiving his brother the admiral, after nearly two years and six months absence*. Such was the active, intrepid and sagacious, but turbu- lent and disastrous, administration of the adelantado; in which we find evidences of the great capacity, the mental and bodily vigour, of this self-formed and almost self-taught man. He united in a singular degree the sailor, the soldier. • * The particulars of this chapter are chiefly from P. Martyr, Decad. 1, Lib. 6 ; the manuscript history of Las Casas, L. 1,0. 121; and Herrera, Hist. Ind. D. 1, L. 3, C. 8, 9. i, VOL. II. 31 J^ %* 242 LIFE AND VOYAGES, &C. and the. legislator. Like his brother the admiral, his mind and manners rose immediately to the level of his situation, showing no arrogance nor ostentation, and exercising the sway of sudden and extraordinary powers with (he sobriety and moderati(m of one who had been born to it. He has been accused of severity in his government, but no instance appears of a cruel or wanton abuse of authority. If he was stern towards the factious Spaniards, he was just ; the disas- ters of his administration were not produced by his own rigour, but by the perverse passions of others which called for its exercise ; and the admiral, who bad more suavity of manners and benevolence of heart, was not more fortunate in conciliating the good will and ensuring the obedience of the colonists. The character of Don Bartholomew does not appear to have been sufficiently appreciated by the world ; it is a portrait that has hanged in the shade, but it is worthy of being brought out into the light as a companion to that of hi^ brothers. It is less rich and varied, and amiable and magnanimous, perhaps, in its lineaments ; but its traits are bold, generous and heroic, and ^t^mpcd with iron firmness. IiIF£ AND VOYAGES OF CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS* BOOK XII. CHAPTER i. CONFUSION IN THE ISLAND— PROCEEDINGS OF THE RE- BELS AT XARAGUA. 1498. Columbus arrived at St. Domingo wearied by a Aug. 30. j^jjjg g^jjj arduous voyage, and worn down by infir- mities ; both mind and body craved repose ; but from the time he first launched upon public life, he was doomed never again to taste the sweets of tranquillity. The island of His- paniola, the favourite child, as it were, of his hopes, was destined to involve him in perpetual troubles, to fetter his fortunes, impede his enterprizes, and fill his latter days with sorrow and repining. What a scene of poverty and sufier- iDg had this opulent and lovely island been rendered, by the bad passions of a few despicable men ! The wars with the natives, and the seditions of the colonists, had put a stop to the labours of the mines, and all hopes of wealth were at A. 1 %• M I- ». 244 LI«X ANlJ VOYAGER OF > ' aa end. / The horrors of famine bad succeeded to those of war* The cultivation of the earth ImA been genecal]y ne- glected ; several of the provinces bad been desolated during the late troubles ; a great part of the Indians h|4 fled to the mountains, and those who remained had lost all heart to la- bour, seeing that the produce of their toils was liable to be wrested from them by ruthless strangers. It is true, the great Vega was once more quiet, but it was a forlorn tran- quillity. That beautiful region, which but four years before the Spaniards had found so populous and happy, which seemed to shut up in its luxuriant bosom all the sweets of nature, and to exclude all the cares and sorrows of the world, was now avast scene of wretchedness' and repining. Many of those Indian towns, where the Spaniards had been de- tained by genial hospitality, and almost worshipped as be- neficent dtities, were now silent and deserted. Some of their late inhabitants were lurking among rocks and ca- verns ; some were reduced to slavery ; many had perished with hunger, and many had fallen by the sword. It seems almost incredible that so small a number of men^ restrained too by well meaning governors^ could in so short a space of time have produced such wide spreading miseries. But the principles of evil have a fatal activity. With every exer- tion, the best of men can do but a moderate amount of good ; but it seems in the power of the most contemptible individual to do incalculable mischief. The evil passions of the white men, which had inflicted such calamities upon this innocent people, had ensured like- wise a merited return of sufiering to themselves. In no part was this more truly exemplified than among the inhabitants of Isabella, the most idle, factious, and dissolute of the island. The public works were unfinished; the gardens •■V CHRISTOPHEK CdU^BUS. 245 and fields they had begun to cultivate lay neglecteijl^ they bad drhren the nativeak^om their vicinity, by extortion and cruelty, and bad rendered the country around them a solitary wilderness* jToo idle to labour, and destitute of any re- sources witH which to occupy their indolence, they quar- relled among themselves, mutinied against their rulers, and wasted their time in alternate riot and despondency. Many of the soldiery quartered about the island, had suffered from ill health during the late troubles, being shut up in Indian vil- lages where they could take no exercise, and obliged to subsist on food to which they could not accustom themselves- Those who had been actively employed, had been worn down by har4i. service, long marches, and scanty food. Many of them were broken in constitution, and many had perished by disease. There was a universal desire to leave the island, and to escape from the miseries which they had created* Yet this was the favoured and fruitful land to which the eyes of philosophers and poets in Europe were fondly turned, as realizing the pictures of the golden age. So true it is, that the fairest elysium that fancy ever devised, would be turned into a purgatory by the passions of bad men. One of the first measures of Columbus on his arrival, was to issue a proclamation approving of all the measures of the adelantado, and denouncing Roldan and his asso- ciates. That turbulent man had in a manner taken posses- sion of Xaragua, where he had been kindly received by the natives. He had permitted his followers to lead an idle and Ucentious life among its beautiful scenes, making the sur- rounding country and its inhabitants subservient to their pleasures and their passions. An event happened previous to their knowledge of the arrival of Columbus, which threw supplies into their hands and strengthened their power. As *- «'» ^' 246 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF they were one day loitering on the seashore, they beheld three caravels at a distance, the sight of which, in this un- frequented part of the ocean, filled them with wonder and alarm. The ships approached the land and came to anchor. The rebels apprehended at first that they were vessels dis- patched in pursuit of them* Roldan, however, who was as sagacious as he was bold, surmised that they were ships which had wandered from their course, and been borne to the westward by the currents, and that they mast be igno- rant of the recent occurrences of the island. Enjoining the utmost secrecy on his rnei^ he went on b6ard, pretending to be stationed in that neighbourhood for the purpose of keeping the natives in obedience, and collecting tribute. His conjectures as to th6 vessels were correct. They were, in fact, the three caravels which had been detached by Co*' lumbus firbm his squadron at the Canary islands, to bring supplies to the colonies. The captains, being ignorant o( the strength of the currents which set through the Carib- bean sea, had been carried west far beyond their reckoning, until they had at length wandered to the coast of Xaragua. Roldan and his followers kept their secret closely for three days. Being considered a man in important trust and authority, the captains did not hesitate to grant all his re- quests for supplies. He proctired swords, lances, crossbows, and various other munitions, while his men, dispersed through the three vessels, were busy among the crews, secretly mak- ing partizans, representing the hard life of the colonists at St. Domingo, and the ease and revelry in which they passed their time at Xaragua. Many of the crews had been ship- ped in compliance with the admiral's ill-judged proposition, to commute criminal punishments into transportation to the colony. They were vagabonds, the refuse of Spanish J CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 247 towns, and culprits from Spanish dungeons. They were the very men, therefore, to be wrought upon by such repre- sentations, and promised on the first opportunity to desert and join the- rebels. It was not until the third day that Alonzo Sanchez de Ca- ravajal, the most intelligent of the three captains, discovered the real character of the dangerous guests whom he had admitted so freely dn board of his vessels. It was then too late ; the mischief was efiected. He and his fellow cap- tains had many earnest conversations with Roldan, endea^ vouring to persuade him from*Jiis dangerous opposition to the iregular authority. The certainty that Columbus was actually on his way to the island, with additional forces, and augmented authority, had operated strongly on his mind. He had, as has already been intimated, prepared his friends at St. Domingo to plead his cause with the admiral, assuring him that he had only acted in opposition to the injustice and oppression of the adelantado, but was ready to submit to Columbus on his arrival. Caravajal perceived that the re- solution of Roldan, and of several of his principal confede- rates, was shaken, and flattered himself that, if he were to remain some little time amonjg the rebels, he might succeed in drawing t^em back to their duty. Contrary winds rendered it impossible for the ships to work up against the currents to St. Domingo. It was ar- ranged among the captains, therefore, that a large number of the people on board, artificers and others most important to the service of the colony, should proceed to the settle- ment by land. They were to be conducted by Juan Anto- nio Colombo, captain of one of the caravels, a relative of the admiral, and zealously devoted to his interests. Arana was to proceed with the ships, when the wind should permit, 248 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF .^' and Caravajal volanteered to remain on shore, to endeavour to bring the rebels to their allegiance. On the following morning, Juan Antonio Colombo land- ed with forty men, well armed with crossbows, swords and lances, but was astonished to find himself suddenly deserted by all his party excepting eight. The deserters went off in triumph to the rebels, who received with exultation this im- portant reinforcement of kindred spirits. It was in vain that Juan Antonio endeavoured by remonstrances and threats to bring them back to their duty. They were most of them convicted culprits, accustomed to detest order, and to set law at defiance. It was equally in vain that he appealed to Roldan, and reminded him of his professions of loyalty to the government. The latter replied that he had no means of enforcing obedience ; his was a mere monastery of observa- tion, where every one was at liberty to adopt the habit of the order. Such was the first of a long train of evils, which sprang from this most ill-judged expedient of peopling a colony with criminals ; and thus mingling vice and villany with the fountain-head of its population. Juan Antonio, grieved -and disconcerted, returned on board with the few who remained faithful. Fearing further desertions, the two captains immediately put to sea, leaving Caravajal on shore, to prosecute his attempt at reforming the rebels. It was not without great di£Bculty and delay that the vessels reached St. Domingo ; the ship of Carava- jal having struck on a sand-bank, and sustained great inju- ry. By the time of their arrival at their destined port, the greater part of the provisions with which they had been freighted was either exhausted or damaged. Alonzo San- chez de Caravajal arrived shortly afterwards by land, having been escorted to within six leagues of the place- by several '*^ ''^A^'. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. £49 y *'■■■' \ of the insurgents to protect him from the Indians. He had failed in his attempt to persuade the band to immediate sub- mission ; but Roidan had promised, that the moment he heard of the arrival of Columbus, he would repair to the neighbourhood of St. Domingo, to be at hand to state his grievances, and the reasons of his past conduct, and to en- ter into a negociation for the adjustment of all differences. Caravajal brought a letter from him to the admiral to the same purport; and expressed a confident opinion, from all that he observed of the rebels, that they might easily be brought back to their allegiance by an assurance of am-* nesty*. * Herrera, D. 1, L. 3, C. 12* Hist, del AlmirantCy C. T7. Las Casas, L. 1, C. 149, 150. VOL. II. 32i 250 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF CHAPTER 11. NEGOCIATION OF THE ADMIRAL WITH THE REBELS DEPARTURE OP SHIPS FOR SPAIN. Notwithstanding the favourable representationsk of Caravajal, Columbus was greatly troubled by the late events at Xaragua. He saw that the insolence of the rebels, and their confidence in their strength, must be great- ly increased by the accession of such a large number of well armed and desperate confederates. The proposition of Roldan, to approach to the neighbourhood of St. Domingo, startled him. * He doubted the sincerity of his professions, and apprehended great evils and dangers from so artful, daring and turbulent a leader, with such a rash and devoted crew at his command. The example of this lawless horde, roving at large about the island, and living in loose revel and open profligacy, could not but haye a dangerous effect upon the colonists newly arrived ; and when they were close at hand, to carry on secret intrigues, and to hold, as it were, a camp of refuge to all malecontents, the loyalty of the whole coldny might be sapped and undermined. Some measures were immediately necessary, to fortify the fidelity of the people against such seductions. He was aware that there was a vehement desire among many to return to Spaiti ; and that an idea had been industriously propagated *fs^ V CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 251 by the seditious, that he and his brothers wished to de^in the colonists on the island through motives of self-interest. On the 12th of September, therefore, he issued a proclama* tion, offering free passage, and provisions for the voyage, to 9k all who wished to return to Spain, in five vessels which wete nearly ready to put to sea. He hoped by this means to re- lieve the colony from the idle and disaffected, to weaken the party of Roldan, and to retain none about him but such as were sound-hearted and well disposed to the service of the island. He wrote at the same time to Miguel Ballester, the stanch and well tried veteran who commanded the fortress of Con- ception, advising him to be upon his guard, as the rebels were coming into his neighbourhood. He empowered him, also, to have an interview with Roidan ; to offer him pardon and oblivion of the past on condition of his immediate re- turn to duty ; and to invite him to repair to St. Domingo, to have an interview with the admiral, under a solemn, and if required, a written assurance from the latter, of personal safety. Columbus was sincere in his intentions. ' He was of a benevolent and placable disposition, and singularly free from all vindictive feeling towards the many worthless and wicked men, who heaped sorrow on bis head. Ballester had scarcely received this letter, when the rebels began to arrive at the village of Bonao. This was situated in a delicious valley, or vega, of the same name, a country well peopled and abundant. It was about ten leagues from fort Conception, and about twenty from St. Domingo. Here Pedro Requelme, one of the ringleaders of the sedition, had large possessions, and his residence became the head-quar- ters of the rebels. Adrian de Moxica, a man of turbulent and mischievous character, brought his detachment qf dis- 252 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF solute ruffians to this place of rendezvous. Roldan and others of the conspirators drew together there by different routes. No sooner did the veteran Miguel Ballester hear of the arrival of Roldan, than he set forth to raeet him. Ballester was an old and venerable man, with gray hairs, and a soldier- like demeanour. He was loyal, frank and virtuous, of a serious disposition, and great simplicity of heart*. He was well chosen as a mediator with rash and profligate men, be- ing calculated to calm their passions by his sobriety, to dis- arm their petulance by his age, to win their confidence by his artless probity, and to awe their licentiousness by his spot- less virtue. Ballester found Roldan in company with Pedro Requel- me, Pedro de Gamiz, and Adrian de Moxica, three of his principal confederates. Flushed with a confidence of his present strength, Roldan treated the proflTered pardon with contempt ; declaring that he did not come there to treat of peace, but to demand the release of certain Indians, who had been captured unjustifiably, and were about to be shipped to Spain as slaves, notwithstanding that he, in his capacity of alcalde mayor, had pledged his word for their protection. He declared that until these Indians were surrendered to him, he would listen to no terms of compact; throwing out an insolent intimation, at the same time, that he held the admiral and his fortunes in his hand, to make and mar them as he pleased. The Indians here alluded to were certain subjects of Gua- rionex, who had been incited by Roldan to resist the exac- tion of tribute ; and who, under the sanction of his supposed ^ Las Gaaasy Hist. Ind. L. 1, G. 153. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 258 authority, had engaged in the insurrections of the Vega. Roldan knew that the enslavement of the Indians was an unpopular feature in the government of the island, espe- ^ cially with the queen, and the artful character of this man is evinced in his giving his opposition to Columbus the air of a vindication of the rights of .the suffering islanders. Other demands were made of a highly insolent nature, and the rebels declared that in all further negociations they would treat with no other intermediate agent than Carava- jal, having had proofs of his fairness and impartiality in the course of their late communications with him at Xaragua. This arrogant reply to his proffer of pardon, was totally different from what the admiral had been led to expect. He was placed in the most embarrassing situation. Every thing around him seemed false and suspicious. He knew that Roldan had friends and secret partizans even among those ' who professed to remain faithful ; and he knew not how far they might have extended their corruptions. A circumstance soon occurred to show the justice of his apprehensions. He ordered the men of St. Domingo to appear under arms, that he might ascertain the force with which he could take the field in case of necessity. A report was immediately circu- lated ttiat they were to be led to Bonao against the rebels. Not above seventy men appeared under arms, and of these not forty were to be relied upon. One affected to be lame, another ill ; some had relations, and others had friends among the followers of Roldan ; almost all were disaffected to the service*. Columbus saw that a resort to arms would only serve to betray his own weakness, and the power of the rebels, and * Hist, del Almirante, C. 78. 1 254 % LIFE AND VOYA6B6 OF would completely prostrate the dignity and authority of go- vernment* It was necessary to temporize, therefore, how- ever humiliating. He had detained the five ships for eigh- teen days in port, hoping in some way to have put an end to this rehellion, so as to send home favourable accounts of the island to the sovereigns. The provisions of the ships, how- ever, were wasting. The Indian prisoners on board were sufiering and perishing. Several of them threw themselves overboard, or were suffocated with heat in the holds of the vessels. He was anxious, also, that as many of ihe discon- tented colonists as possible should make sail for Spain, before any commotion should take place. On the 18th of October, therefore, the ships put to sea*. Columbus wrote to the sovereigns an account of the rebel- lion, and of his proffered pardon being refused. As Rol- dan pretended that it was a mere quarrel between him and the adelantado, of which the admiral was not an impartial judge, the latter entreated that Roldan might be summoned to Spain, where their majesties might be his judges ; or that an investigation might take place in presence of Alonzo Sanchez de Caravajal, who was friendly to Roldan, and of Miguel Ballester, as witness on the part of the adelantado. He attributed in a great measure the troubles of the island to his own long detention in Spain, and the delays thrown in his way by those who had been appointed to assist him ; who had retarded the departure of the ships with supplies, until the colony had been reduced to the greatest scarcity. Hence had arisen discontent, murmur, and finally rebellion. * In one of these ships sailed the father of the venerable his- torian Las Casas, from whom he derived many of those facts of his history. Las Casas, L. 1, C. 153. » CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS.^ 255 He entreated their majesties in the most pressing manner^ that the affairs of the colony might not be neglected ; and that those at Seville who had charge of its concerns, might be instructed, at least, not to devise impediments instead of assistance. He alluded to his chastisement of the contemp*« tible Ximeno Beviesco, the insolent minion of Fonseca, and entreated th^t neither that nor isiny other circumstance m^ght be allowed to prejudice him in the royal favour, through the misrepresentations of designing men. He assured them ^, that the natural resources of the island required nothing but good management to supply all the wants of the colonists ; but that the latter were indolent and profligate. , He pro- posed to send home by every ship, as in the present instance, a number of the discontented and worthless, to be replaced by sober and industrious men. He begged also that eccle- siastics might be sent out for the instruction and conversion of the Indians ; and what was equally necessary, for the re- fprmation of the dissolute Spaniards. He required also a man learned and experienced in the law, to officiate as judge over the island, together with several officers of the royal revenue. Nothing could surpass the soundness and policy of these suggestions ; but unfortunately, one clause marred the moral beauty of this excellent letter. He requested that for two years longer the Spaniards might be permitted to employ the Indians as slaves ; only making use of such, however, as were captured in wars and insurrections. Co- lumbus had the usages of the age in excuse for this sugges- tion ; but it is at variance with his usual benignity of feel- ing, and his paternal conduct towards these unfortunate people. At the same time, he wrote another letter, giving an ac- count of his recent voyage, accompanied by a chart, and by f^y 25ft A LIFE AND VOYAGES OF specimens of the gold, and particularly of the pearls found in the gulf of Paria. He called especial attention to the latter, as being the first specimens of pearls found in the new world. It was in this letter that he described the newly dis- covered continent in 9uch enthusiastic terms ; as the most fevoured part of the east, the source of inexhaustible trea- sures, the supposed seat of the terrestrial paradise; and he promised to prosecute the discovery of its glorious realms, with the three remaining ships, as soon as the affairs of the island should permit. By this opportunity, Roldan and his friends likewise sent letters to Spain, endeavouring to justify their rebellion, by charging Columbus and his brothers with oppression and injustice, and painting their whole conduct in the blackest colours. It would naturally be supposed that the repre- sentations of such men would have little weight in the ba- lance against the tried merits and exalted services of Colum- bus ; but they had numerous friends and relatives in Spain, they had the popular prejudice on their side, and there were designing persons in the confidence of the sovereigns ready to advocate their cause. Columbus, to use his own simple but affecting words, was " absent, envied, and a stranger*." ♦ Las Casas, Hist Ind. L- 1, C. 157. -.. .* CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 251 CHAPTER Hi. ARRANGEMENt WITH THE REBELS. The ships being dispatched, Columbus resumed his negociatioQ with the rebels. He was determined to put an end to this sedition at any sacrifice ; for until it should be set at rest, not only the affairs of the island would re- main in a distracted and ruinous state, but all his splendid plans of discovery would be interrupted. His ships lay idle in the harbour, though a region of apparently boundless wealth was to be explored. He had intended to send his brother on the discovery, but the active and military spirit of the adelantado rendered his presence indispensable,, in case the rebels should come to open violence. Such were the difficulties which he had to encounter at every step of his generous and magnanimous enterprizes ; impeded at one time by the insidious intrigues of crafty men in place, and checked'at another by the insolent turbulence of a handful of ruffians. Columbus held earnest consultations with the most import- ant persons about him. He found that much of the popular discontent was attributed to the strict rule of his brother, who was accused of dealing out justice with a rigorous hand. Las Casas, however, who saw all the testimony collected firom various sources, with respect to the conduct of the adelantadoi VOL. II. 33 258 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF acquits him of all charge of the kind, and affirms that with spect to Roldan in particular, he had exerted great forbear'* ance* Columbus, by the advice of his counsellors, and by the suggestions of. his own forgiving heart, was resolved to try the alternative of extreme lenity* He wrote a letter to Rol- dan, dated the 2bth of October, couched in the most concilia- ting terms, calling to mind past kindnesses, and expressing the affliction he had suffered at finding such a feud existing between him and the adelantado. He entreated him, for the common good, and for the sake of his own reputa- tioa» which stood weU with the sovereigns, not to persist in his present insubordination. He again repeated his as^ surance^ that he and his companions might come to him» under the faith of his word, for the inviolability of their per- sons. There was a difficulty as to who should be the bearer of this letter. The rebels had. declared that tliey would receive no one as. mediator but Alonzo Sanchez de CaravajaU Strong doubts, however, existed in the minds of those about Columbus as to the intep^rity of that officer. They observed that he had suffered Roldan to remain tWQ days on board of his caravel at Xaragua ; had furnished him with weapons and stores ; had neglected to detain him on board when he knew him to be a rebel ; had not exerted himself to retake the deserters ; had been escorted ouhis way to St. Domingo by the rebels ; and had sent refreshments to them at Bonao.. It was alleged, moreover, that. he had given himself out as a colleague of Columbus, appointed by government to have a watch and control over his conduct. It was suggested, that in advising the rebels to approach St. Domingo, he had intended, in case the admiral did not arrive, to unite his pre- tended authority as colleague, to that of Roldan as chief CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 259 jTid^e, and to seize upon the reins of government. FinaUy, the desire of the rebels to have him sent to them as ao agent, was cited as a proof that he was to join them as a leader, and that the standard of rebellion was to be hoisted at Bo- nao*. These circumstances for some time perplexed the mind of Columbus ; but he, reflected that Caravajal, as far as he had had an opportunity of observing his conduct, had behaved like a man of honour and integrity ; most of the circumstances alleged against him admitted of a construe-, tion in his favour ; the rest were mere rumours ; and he had unfortunately experienced, in his own case, how easily the fairest actions and the fairest characters may be falsified by rumour. He discarded at once all suspicion, and determined to confide implicitly in Caravatjal ; nor had he ever any rea- son to repent of his confidence. The admiral had scarcely dispatched this letter, when he received one from the leaders of the rebels, which had been written several days previously. In this, they not merely vindicated themselves from the -charge of rebellion, but claimed great merit, as having dissuaded their followers ■ from a resolution to kill the adelantado, in revenge for his op|!)re$sions ; and had prevailed upon them to wait patiently for redress from the admiral.. A month had elapsed since bis arrival, during which they had waited anxiofi^ly for his orders ; but he had manifested nothing but violent irritation against them, notwithstanding the great evils which they had prevented. They pretended, therefore, that their honour and safety required that they should withdraw from his ser- vice, and they accordingly demanded their discharge. This leuer was dated from Bonao, the 17th of October, and sign- * Hist del Almirante, C. 78. 1 * . \* 260 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF ed by Francisco Roldan, Adrian de Moxica, Pedro de Ga- mis, and Diego de Escobart* In the meantinie, Caravajal arrived at Bonao, accompa- nied by Miguel Ballester. They found the rebels full of arrogance and presumption. The conciliating letter of the admiral, however, enforced by the earnest persuasions of Caravajal, and the virtuous admonitions of the veteran Bal- lester, had a favourable effect on several of the leaders, who had more intellect than their brutal followers. Roldan, Gamiz, Escobar, and two or three others were disposed to go to the admiral. They had actually mounted their horses for the purpose, when they were detained by the clamorous opposition of their men. These were too infatuated with their idle licentious mpde of life, to relish the idea of a re- turn to labour and discipline. They insisted that it was a matter which concerned them all } whatever . arrangement was to be made, therefore, should be niade in public in writing, and subject to their approbation or dissent. A day or two elapsed before this clamour could be appeased. Roldan then wrote to the admiral, that his followers objected to his coming unless a written assurance or passport were sent, protecting the persons of himself and such as should ac- company him. Miguel Ballester wrote at the same time to the admir^}, a letter of cautious and earnest counsel, urging him to agree to whatever terms the rebels might demand. He represented their forces as continually augmenting, and that the soldiers of his garrison were daily deserting to them. He gave it as his opinion, that unless some compromise were speedily effected, and the rebels shipped off to Spain, not merely the authority, but even the person of the admiral, would be in danger ; for though the hidalgos, and the im- ♦ Hist, del Almirante, C. 79. Herrera, D. 1, L. 3, C. 13. ^1. I GBRISTOPIiSR COLUMBUS. 261 mediate officers ^d servants of Colambus, would 4^ubtless die in his service, yet he feared that the coiamon people were but little to be depended upon*. Columbus felt the increasing urgency of the case, and im- mediately sent the required passport. Roldan came to St. Domingo, but from his conduct it appeared as if he sought rather to make partisans, and gain deserters, than to arrange amy ternifs of reconciliation. He had several conversations with the admiral, and several letters passed between them. He made many complaints, and numerous demands. Co- lumbus made large conce^sionst, but some of the pretensions were too arrogant to be admitted. Nothing definite was ar- ranged. Roldan departed, under pretext of conferring with his people, promising to send his terms in writing. The ad- miral sent his major domo, Diego de Salamanca, to treat in hisbehal(|. On the 6th of November, Roldan wrote a letter from Bo- nao, containing his terras, and requested that a reply might be sent to him to Conception, as scalrcity of provisions obli- ged him to leave Bonao. He add^ that he should wait (or a reply until the following Monday (the J 1th.) There was an insolent menace implied in this note, accompanied as it was by the most insolent demands. The admiral found it impossible to comply with the latter, but to manifest his le- nient disposition, and to take from the rebels all plea of ri- gour, he had a proclamation affixed for thirty days to the gate of the fortress; promising full indulgence, and com- plete oblivion of the past, to Roldan and his followers, or to * Las Casas, Hist. Ind. L. 1, C. 153. t Idem, C. 188. ;|; Hist, del Almirante, C. 79. 263 LIFE AND VOYAGES OP any of them who should return to the service of the crown, and present themselves before the admiral within the course of a month, and free conveyance for all such as wished to re- turn to Spain : but threatening to execute justice upon those who should not appear within the limited time. A copy of this paper he sent to Roldan by Caravajal, with a letter, sta- ting the impossibility of a compliance with his terms : bi^^t offering to agree to any compact that should be drawn up with the approbation of Caravajal and Salamanca. When Caravajal arrived he found the veteran Ballester actually besieged in his fortress of Conception by Roldan, under pretext of claiming, in his official character of alcalde mayor, a 'culprit who had taken refuge there from justice. He had cut offthe supply of water from the fort, by way of distressing it into a surrender. When Caravajal posted up the proclamation of the admiral, on the gate of the for- tress, the rebels scoffed at the proffered amnesty ; saying that, in a little while they would oblige the admiral to ask the same ait their hands. The earnest intercessions of Carava- jal, however, brought the leaders at length to reflection, and through his mediation articles of capitulation were drawn up. By these it was agreed that Roldan and his followers should embark for Spain, from the port of Xaragua, in two ships, which should be fitted out and victualled within fifty days ; that they should each receive from the admiral a certi- ficate of good conduct, and an order for the amount of their pay, up to the actual date. That slaves should be given to them, as had been given to others, in consideration of servi- ces performed ; and as several of their company had wives, natives of the island, who were pr 'gnant, or bad lately been delivered, that they might take them with them, if willing to go, in place of the slaves. That satisfaction should be made t«- V CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 265 for property of some of the company which had been seques- trated; and for live stock which had belonged to Francisco Roldian. There were other conditions providing for tlie security of their persons, and it was stipulated that if no reply were received to them terms within eight days, the whole should be void*. ^rThis'agreement was signed by Roldan and his compa- nions at fort Conception, on the 16th of November, and by the admiral at St. Domingo on the 21st. At the siame time he proclaimed a further act of grace, permitting such as chose to remain in the island either to come to St. Domingo, and enter into the royal service, or to hold lands in any part of the island. They preferred, however, to follow the fortunes of Roldan, who departed with his batid for Xaragua, to await the arrival of the ships, accompanied by* Miguel Ballester, sent by the admiral to superintend the preparations for their embarkation. It was a grievous trial to the spirit of Columbus, to see his projected enterprize to Terra Pmna impeded by such contemptible obstacles, and that the ships which should have borne his brother to explore that newly found continent, should be devoted to the use of this turbulent and worthless rabble. He consoled himself, however, with the reflection, that all the mischief which had so long been lurkinsr in the island, would thus be at once shipped off, and that thence- forth every thing would be restored to order and tranquillity. He ordered every exertion to be made, therefore, to get the ships in readiness to be sent round to Xnraprua ; but the scarcity of sea-stores, and the difficulty of completing the arrangements for such a voyage, in the disordered state of * Hist del Almirante; C. 80. - (■ -*■■> >■ * 264 LIFE AND VOYlGES OF , tbe colony, delayed their departure far beyond the stipulated time. Feeling that he had been compelled to a kind of de- ception towards the sovereigns, in the certificate of good conduct which he had given to Roldan and his followers, Columbus wrote a letter to them, informing them of the real character and conduct of those delinquents. That they had resisted authority, prevented tbe Indians from paying tri- bute, pillaged the island, carried off large quantities of gold, and the daughters of several of the caciques. That the certifi- cate of good conduct which he had given them, had been in conformity to the advice of the principal persons about him, and wrung from him by the exigency of the case, the whole island being threatened witU ruin by their rebellion. He advised, therefore, that they .should be seized, and their slaves and treasui'e taken from them, until their conduct could be properly investigated. This letter he intrusted to a confidential person, who was to go in one of the ships*. The rebels having left the neighbourhood, and the ailairs ot St. Domingo being in a state of security, Columbus put bis brother Don Diego in temporary command, and departed with the adelantado on a tour to visit the various posts, and to restore the island to order. * Herrera, Hist. Ind. D. 1, Ju 3, C. 16. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 2iid\ ■ i .V» -1, •f*\ CUAPTER IV. ANOTHER MUTINY OF THE REBELS; AND SECOND AR« RANGEMENT WITH THEM. Several months were consumed by Columbus and 1499. ' . . the adelantado in their tour through the island* Every thing had &llen into confusion daring the late trou^ bles. The mines were abandoned ; the farms lay neglected i the flocks and herds which were to be kept for breedings were scattered or destroyed; the caciques had ceased to pay their tribute ; every thing required to be rearranged. Stilly Columbus flattered himself, now that the island was relieved from the evil spirits which had lately roamed about it, that every things by strenuous exertion, would soon be restored to prosperous condition. His little intervals of calm, how- ever, were always sure to be followed b^ a more violent storm. While he was soothing himself with the idea that Roldan and his band were tossing on the high seas, on their way to Spain, he liearnt, to his infinite disquiet, that the voyage was interrupted, and that the rebels had broken out into new seditions. The two caravels had sailed from St. Domingo for Xara-* gua about the end of February; but encountering a violent storm, they had been obliged to put into one of the harbours of the island, where they were detained until the end of VOL. II. 34 » ^>y 266 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF March. One was so disabled as to be compelled to return to St. Domingo. Another vessel was dispatched to supply its place, in wftich the indefatigable Caravajal set sail, to expedite the embarkation of the rebels. It was eleven days in making the voyage, and found the other caravel at Xa- ragna. In the meantime, the followers of Roldan had changed their minds, and refused to embark; eifher fearing to return to Spain,' or loth to abandon their present unrestrained and dissolute mode of life. They pretended, as usual, to throw all the blame on Cplumbus; affirming that he had purposely delayed the ships far b^ond the timestipulated in their ca- pitulations; that he had sent them in a state ttot seaworthy, aad short of provisions ; with many other charges, artfully founded on circumstances over which they knew the admit*al could have no conlroL Caravajal made a formal j^rotest before a notary who had acixHnpanied him ; and, finding that the ships were suffering great injury ftom the worms, and their }>rovisions failing, lie ^eht them back to St. Domingo, and set out on his return by land. Roldan mounted his horse to accompany him a little distance. He was evidently disturbed in mind. He feared to return to Spaii^, yet was shrewd enough to know that his present situation, at the head of a band of dissolute men, acting in defiance of authority, had no security in it, and must eventually lead to his destruction. What stronger tie bad he upon the fidelity of these men than all the sacred obligations which they had violated ? After riding thought- fully for some distance, he paused, and requested some par- ticular conversation with Caravajal belfbre they parted. They alighted under the shade of a tree. Here Roldan made fur- ther professions of the loyalty of his intentions, and finally CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 267 declared, that if the admiral would once more send him a written security for bis person, with the guarantee also of the principal persons about him, be would coflle to treat with hiro, and trusted that the whole mailer would be arranged, OB terms satisfactory to both parties. This offer, however, he added, must be kept secret from his followers* Caravajal was overjoyed at tUs prospect of a final ar- rangement, and made all baste to communicate the request of Roldan to the admiral* The latter immediately forward- ed the required passport, or security, sealed with the royal seal, accompanied by a letter written in amicable terms, ex- , ' horting him to quiet obedience to the authority of the sove- . reigns* Sertral of the principal persons, also, who were with the admiral, wrote, at his' request, a letter of security to Roldan i pledging themselves for the safety of himself and his followers during the negociation, provided they did no- thing hostile to the royal authority, or its representative* In the midst of his perpleuties, while Columbus, with the most unwearied assiduity and loyal zeal, was endeavour- ing to bring the island back to its obedience, and to pro- motr the interests of his sovereigns, he received a letter from Spain, in reply to the earnest representations which he had made, in the preceding autumn, of the distracted state of the colony, and the outrages of these lawless men, and prayers for royal countenance and support under his difficulties., The letter was written by his invidious enemy, the bishop Fonseca, superintendant of Indian affairs. It infonned him that the accounts he had transmitted to Spain of the alleged insurrection of Roldan had been received, but that this mat- ter must be sulfered to remain in suspense, as the sovereigns would investigate and remedy it presently*. * Herrera, Docad* 1, L* 3, C. 16. 268 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF This cold reply to his earnest representations, had the most disheartening effect upon Colombns. He saw that his complaints had' little ireight with the government; that the misrepresentations of iM enemies were prejndicing himjmth the sovereigns ; and he anticipated redoubled insolence on the part of the rebels, when they should discover the little influence he possessed in Spain. Full of devotion, however, to the suc- cess of his undertakings, and of fidelity to the interests of the , sovereigns, he resolved to spare no personal sacrifices of com- . '•» fort or dignity, but at any cost to appease the troubles of the i^^^f' * island. Eager to expedite the negociation with Roldan, therefore, he sailed, in the latter part of August, with two ca» ravels, to the port of Aipa, to the west of St. Domingo, and much nearer to Xaragua. He was accompanied by several of the most important perscmages of the colony. Roldan repaired thither likewise, with die turbulent Adrian de Mox- ica, and a number of his band. The concessions he had already received firom the admiral had increased his hardi- hood, and he had doubtless received intelligence of the cold manner in which the complaints of the admiral had been re- ceived in Spain. He conducted himself more like a con- c|ueror exacting triumphant terms, than a delinquent seeking to procure pardon by atonement. He came on board of the caravel, and, with his usual e^ frontery, propounded the preliminary terms upon which he and his companions were disposed to negociate. First, that he should be permitted to send several of his company, to the number of fifteen, to Spain, in the vessels which were at St. Domingo. Secondly, that those who re<- 'mained should have lands granted them to cultivate, in place of royal pay. Thirdly, that it should be proclaimed, that every thing done by Roldan and his party, had been caused by false testimony, and the machinations of persons who CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 269. desired to injure tbem, and who were disaffected to the royal service. Fourthly, that Roldan should be reinstated in his office of alcalde mayor, or chief jnd^f^. 'S^0se were hard and insolent conditions to commence with, but they were accorded. Roldan then went on shore, and communicated them to his companions. For two days the insurgents held a consultation among themselves, at the €nd of which they sent their capitulations, drawn up in form, . and couched in arrogant language, including all the stipu- !^ )ations granted at fort Conception, with those recently de- manded by Roldan, and concluding with one more insolent than all the r^ft: namely, that if the admiral should fail in the fulfilment of any of these articles, they should have a right to assemble together, and to compel his performance of tbem by force, or by any other means they might think propert. Thus the conspirators were not only seeking to obtain e:i^culpation of the past, but a pretext for thef future, in case they should again rise in rebellion. The mind grows wearied and impatient with recording, and the heart of the generous reader must bum with indig- nation at perusing, this protracted and ineffectual struggle of a man of the exalted merits and matchless services of Columbus in the toils of such contemptible miscreants. Surrounded by doubt and danger; a foreigner among a jealous people; an unpopular commander in a mutinous island ; distrusted and sughted by the government he was seeking to serve, and creating suspicion by his very ser- idces, he knew not where to look for faithful advice, or effi- cient aid, or candid judgment. He found, as it were, the • Herrera, D. 1, L. 3, C. 16. t Idem. Hist del Almirante, C 83. 2StO Life and voyages of very ground on which be stood giving way under him. He understood that .seditious conversations began to be held among his own people^ They saw the impunity with which the rebels had rioted in the possession of one of the finest parts ' of the island; they now began to talk among themselves of following their example ; of abandoning the standard of the admiral) and seizing upon the province of Higuey, at the eastern extremity of the island, which was said to contain valuable mines of gold. Thus critically situated, disregarding every consideration ^ of personal pride and dignity, and determined at any indi- vidual sacrifice to secure the interests of an ungrateful crown, Columbus forced himself to sign this most humiliating capi- tulation. He trusted that afterwards, when he could gain quiet access to the royal ear, he would be able to convince the king and queen that it had been compulsory, and forced from him hy the extraordinary difficulties in which he had been placed, and the imminent perils of the colony. Before signing it, however, he inserted a stipulation, that the com- mands of the sovereigns, of himself, and of the justices ap- pointed by him, should be punctually obeyed*. * Herrera, Hiat. Ind. D. % L. 3, C. 16. * ^ /. * «• f'- <1" /'• .f" ^ •■ " '% . " ' 'and by various concessions to bribe, as it were, the factious to the performance of their duty. To such of the col(4iists ^operally as preferred to * Herrera,. Hist. Ind. Decad. 1,1410, C. 16. 272 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF remain iu the island, he offered a choice either of royal pay, or of portions of lands, with a number of Indians, some free, others ^s slaves, to assist in the cultivation. The latter was generally preferred ; and grants were made out, in which he endeavoured, as much as possible, to combine the benefit of the individual with the interests of the col ony. Roldan presented a memorial signed by one hundred and two of his late followers, demanding grants of land and li- censes to settle, and choosing Xaragua for their place of abode. The admiral feared to trust such a numerous body of factious partisans together in so remote a province, lest they should foment some new rebellion. He contrived, therefore, to distribute them in various parts of the island ; some at Bonao, who gave origin to the town of that name ; othAtton the banks of the Rio Verde, or Green River, in the Vega ; others about six leagues from thence at St. Jago. He assigned to them liberal portions of land, and numerous Indian slaves, taken in the wars ; he made an arrangement, also, by which the caciques in their vicinity, in place of paying tribute, should furnish parties of their sub^ jects, free Indians, to assist the colonists in the cultivation of their lands : a kind of feudal service, which was the origin of the repartimientos or distributions of the free Indians among the colonists, afterwards generally adopted, but shamefully abused throughout the Spanish colonies, a source of intolerable hardships and oppressions to the unhappy na- tives, and which greatly contributed to exterminate them from' the island of Hispaniola*'. Columbus considered the island in the light of a conquered country, and arrogated to himself all the rights of a conqueror, in the name of the sovereigns for whom he fought. Of course all his companions in the * Herrera, D. 1 , L. 3, C. i6. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 273 ^nterprize were entitled to take part in the acquired territory, and to establish themselves there as feudal lords, reducing the natives to the condition of villains or vassals*. This was an arrangement widely different from his original inten- tions ; having been disposed to treat the natives with amity and kindness, as peaceful subjects of the crown. But all his plans had been subverted by the violence and licentious- ness of others, and his juresent measures appear to have been forced upon him by the exigency of the times. As a kind of roving police, to restore the island to order, he appointed a captain with an armed band, with orders to range the pro- vinces, to oblige the Indians to attend to the payment of their tributes, to watch over the conduct of the colonists, and to check the least appearance of mutiny or insiir rectionf . Having sought and obtained such anogple provisions for his followers, Roldan was not more slow or modest in mak*' Hig demands for himself. He claimed certain lands in the vicinity of Isabella, as having belonged to him before his rebellion ; also, a royal farm, devoted to the rearing of poul-^ try, situated in the Vega, and called La Esperanza* These the admiral granted to him, with permission to employ iii the cultivation of the farm the subjects of the cacique whose ears had been cut off by Alonzo de Ojeda, in his first mili-^ tary expedition into the Vega. Roldan received also grants of land in Xaragua, and a variety of live stock from the cattle and other animals belonging to the crown. These grants were made to him provisionally, until the pleasure of the sovereigns should be known| ; for Columbus yet trusted • Mufioz, Hist. N. Muudo, L. 6, § 60. t Hist, del Almirante, C. 84. X Herrera, D. 1, L. 3, C. 16. VOL* H. 35 A 274 LIFE AMD VOYAGES OF that, when tlieir majesties understood the seditions and vio-» lences bj/ which these concessions had been extorted from faim, thi^ ringleaders of the rebels would not .merely be strip- ped of their ill-gotten possessions, but would receive that .punishment which their offences deserved. ■' Jloldan having now enriched himself beyond his hopes, requested permission of Columbus to visit his lands. This* was granted with great reluctance. He immediately de- parted for the Vega, and stopping at Bonao, his late head- quarters, he made Pedro Requelme, one of his most active confederates, alcalde, or judge of the place, with the power of arresting all delinquents, and sending them prisoners to the fortress of Conception, where he reserved to himself the right of sentencing them. This appointment gave great displeasure to Colttribus, being an assumption of powers not vested in the office^ of Roldan, who had no right to create in-^ ferior alcaldes. Other circumstances created doubts in his mindof further designs of the late insurgents. Pedro Re- quelme, under pretext of building a house for his cattle, be- gan to erect a strong edifice on a hill, advantageously posted in Bonao, and capable, of being made into a formidable for- tress. This, it was whispered, was done in concert with Roldan, by way of securing a strong hold in which they might fortify themselves in case of need. Being in the neighbourhood of the Vega, where so many of their late partisans were settled, it would have formed a dangerous rallying place for any new sedition. The designs of Re- quelme were suspected, and his proceedings opposed by Pe- dro de Arana, a loyal and honourable man, who was on the spot. Representations were made by both parties to the admiral, who, filled with uneasiness at this suspicious mea- i" CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 275 mire on the part of Requelme, prohibited him from proceed- ing with the construction of his edifice*. Columbus had prepared to return with his brother Don Bardiolomew to Spain, where he felt that his presence was of the utmost importance to place the late events of the island in a proper light. He had experienced the inefficacy of letters of explanation, which were liable to be counter- acted by the misrepresentations of malevolent enemies. The island, however, was still in a feverish state. He was not well assured of the fidelity of the late rebels, though so dearly purchased ; there was rumour also of a threatened descent into the Vega, by the mountain tribes of Ciguay, to attempt the rescue of their captive cacique, Mayobanex, who was still detained a prisoner in the fortress of Concep- tion. Tidings also were brought firom the western parts of the island, that four strange ships had ariived upon the coast under suspicious appearances. These circumstances obliged Columbus to postpone his departure for the present, and held him involved in the entanglements of this favourite but fatal island. The two caravels were dispatched for Spain in the begin- ning of October, tcJdng such of the colonists as chose to re- turn, and among them a number belonging to the psur^ of Roldan. Some of those took with them three slaves, others two, and others one, and some of them carried away the daughters of caciques, whom they had beguiled from their families and homes. At these abuses, as at many others which equally grieved his spirit, the admiral was obliged * Herrera,'D. 1, L. 3, C. 16. Hist, del Almirante, Cap. S.S and 84. 276 LIFJE AND VOYAGES OF to ronoive. He was conscious, at the same time, that he was senda^ home a reinforcement of enemies and false wit- nesses, tO' defame his character, and traduce his conduct, but he bad no alternative. To counteract, as much as possible, their misrepresentations, he sent by the same ca- r^NHdk die loyal and upright^ veteran Miguel Ballester, to- «'«gMker with Garcia de Barrantes, empowered to attend 'to his affairs at court, and furnished with the written pro- cesses which had been taken relative. to the conduct of Roldan and his accomplicef» He wrote at the same time to the sovereigns, entreating them to inquire into the truth of the late transactions, and to act as they thought best. He Stated his opinion that the capitiilations which he had signed with the rebels were null and void, for vai*ious reasons. That they had been extorted from him by violence, and at ' sea, where he did not exercise the o^e of viceroy ; that there had been two processes relative to the insurrection, and the insurgents having been condemned as traitors, it was not in the power of the admiral to absolve them from their criminality ; that the capitulations treated of matters touching the royal revenue, over which he had no control without the intervention of the proper officers ; and that Francisco Roldan apd his companions, on leaving Spain, had taken an oath to be faithfiil to the sovereigns, and to the admiral in their name. For these and similar reasons, some just, others rather sophistical, he urged their majesties . not to consider themselves bound to ratify the compulsory terms which he had ceded to these profligate men, but to in- quire into their offences and treat them accordingly*. ^K * Herrera, D. 1, L. 3, C. 16. CUUISTOPHEK COLUMBUS- '211 He repeated the request made in a former letter, that a learned man might.be sent out as judge to adnnister the laws in the island, since he himself had been charged with rigour, although conscious of having always observed a guarded clemency. ,He requested also that discreet persons should be sent out to form a council, and others for Cfrttin fiscal employments ; entreating, however, that care should be taken in all these appointments, that their powers should be so limited and defined, as not to interfere with his 0¥^ii dignity and privileges. He boniL strongly on this point; for he felt that his prerogatives had, on former occasions, been grievously invaded. He observed that he might be misr takeOi but it appeared to him that princes ought to show much countenance to their governors ; for without the royal favour to give them strength and consequence, every thing went to ruin under their command. A sound maxim forced firom the admiral by his recent experience, in which much of his own perplexities and the triumph of the rebels had been caused by the distrust of the crown, and its inattention to his complaints. Finding age and infirmity creeping upon him, and his health being much impaired by his last voyage, Columbus began 1p think of his son Diego, as an active coadjutor, to share with him in the toils and cares of his station, and who, be- ing destined as his successor, might gain expenence under his eye, for the future discharge of his high duties. Diego was still serving as a page at court, but was grown to man'S'estate,'* and capable of entering into the important concerns of life ; iColambus prayed, therefore, that he might be sent out to MliMt him, as he felt himself much broken and infirm*. * Herrera, D. 1, L. 3, C. 16. « V' 4; **^: Xi^ LIFE AND VOYAGES OF • « • i*^ CHAPTER VI. * A&RIVAL OF OJEDA WITH A SQUADRON AT THE WESTERN PART OF THE ISLAND. — ROLDAN SENT TO MEET HIM. Among the caases which induced Colnmbus to post- 1499. ^'^ pone his departure for Spain, has been mon&aoeA the arrival of four ships at the western part of the idaiid. These had anchored, on the 5th of September', in a barboii!r a little below Jacquemel, apparently with the design of cut- ting dye-woods, which abound in that neighbourhood, and of carrying off the natives for slaves. Further reports in- formed him that these ships were commanded by Alonzo de Ojeda, the same hot-headed and bold-hearted cavalieri who had distinguished himself on various occasions in the previous voyages of discovery, and particularly in the capture of the cacique Caonabo. Knowing the daring and ad-r venturous spirit of this man, Columbus felt much disturbed at his visiting the island in this clandestine manner, on what appeared to be little better than a freebooting expedition* To call him to account, and to oppose his aggressions, however, required an agent of spirit and address. No one seemed better fitted for the purpose than Roldan. He was as daring as Ojeda, and of a more crafty character. An ex- pedition of the kind would occupy the attention of himself and his partisans, and divert them from afty schemes of mis- r 4 ■ ■ T • ■ •*•, _. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 279 chief. The large conced^ops recently made to tlllQi would be trusted secure dMr present fidelity, renderiii|^ it more profitable fpr them to be loyal than rebellious. Roldan gladly ttdertook theenterprize. He had nothing further to gain by sedition ; and he was anxious to secure his ill-gotten possessions and ofiSices, by public services whidh should atone for his past offences. He was a vain, as well "IM a bustling man, and took a pride in acquitting himself well in an elpedition which called for both courage and shrewdness. Departing firom St. Domingo with two caravels, he arrived ony^ 29th of September within two leagues of the barboiir wlieihe the ships oCOjeda were anchored. Here he huttd^i^fpth five and twenty resolute followers, well armed,^ and ftCcaiftAned to range the forests. He sent five scouts to reconnoitre. They brought him word that Ojeda was on shore, several leagues distant firom his ships, with only fifteen men, who were employed in making cassava bread in an Indian village. Roldan threw himself between OjeJa and his ships, thinking to take him by surprise. Ojeda, however, was apprised of his approach by the Indians, with .whom the very name of Roldan inspired terror, from his late excesses in Xaragua. Ojeda Eawhis danger; he supposed Roldan had been sent in pursuit of him, and he found himself cut off from any retreat to his ships. With his usual in- trepidiQr, he immediately presented himself before Roldan^ attended merely by half a dozen followers. The latter craf- tily began by conversing on general topics. He then in- qmred into his motives for landing on the island, particularly on that remote and lonely part, without first reporting him- self to the admiral. Ojeda replied that he had been on a voyage of discovery, and had put in there in distress, to re- pair his ships and procure provisions. Roldan then demand- ;^ .■ *■ 280 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF t ed, in the name of the government, a sight of the license un*- der which he sailed. Ojeda, who knew the resolute charac- ter of the man he had to deal with, restrained his natural im- petuosity, and replied, that his papers were on board of his - ship. He declared his intention, on his departure from thence^ to go to St. Domingo, and pay his homage to the admiral|^^|^ having many things to tell him which were for his privWfP *j* s ear. He intimated to Roldan that the admiral had oiMpI^V pletely fallen into disgrace at court ; that there was a talk of taking from him his command ; and that the ffpeen his pa- troness was ill beyond all hopes of a recpterjTi; VUb indttiation it is presumed was referred i)l$1>y Roldan litHs displtGhes to S^Khe admiral, wherein he ioBeiitioned that certaiii tUij^ had been communicated to him ' by Ojeda, winch he did not think it safe to confide to a letter. Roldan now repaired to the ships. He found several persons on board with whom he was acquainted, and who had already been in Hispaniola. They confirmed the truth of what Ojeda had said; and showed a license signed by the bishop Fonseca, as superintendant of the affairs of the Indias, authorizing him to sail on a voyage of dis- covery*. It appeared, from the reports of Ojeda and his followeiSt that the glowing accounts sent home by Columbus of his late discoveries on the coast of Paria ; his magnificent spe- . culations with respect to the riches of the newly found coun- try; and the specimens of pearls which he had transmitted to the sovereigns, had inflamed the cupidity of various ad- venturers. Ojeda happened to be at that time in Spain. He was a favourite of the bishop Fonseca, and obtained a * Herrera, D. 1, L. 4, C. 3. %i. CHRISTOPHER COLUHBUS. sight of (he letter writtea tiy the admiral to the sovereigns, and the charts and maps of his route hy which it wai accotn* panied. Ojeda knew Columbus to be entangled by the se- ditions of Hispaniola;, he found, by his conversations with Fonseca, and other of the admiral's enemies,, that strong j^H^ottJits and jealousies existed in the mind of the king, with're- ^s|toGt to his conduct; and that his approaching downfall was , ^ilnfidently predicted. The idea struck Ojeda, to take ad- ^ nntage of these circumstances, and, by a private enterprise, to be the UrsI in gatheriDg the wcnlth of these newly disco- vered regions. He communicated his project to his patron Fonseca. The latter v/m but too ready to do any thing that might defeat the plans and obscare the glory of ColumbnsA^ and it may be addfd, that he always showed himself more disposed to patronize mercenary adventnrers, than upright and high-minded discoverers. He granted Ojeda every fa- cility, furnishing him with copies of the papers and charts of Columbus, by which to govern himself in his voyage, and granting him a letter of license signed with his own name, though not with that of the sovereigns. In this, it was stipulated that he should not touch at any land belong- ing to the king of Portugal, nor any thdt had been disco- ver^ by Columbus prior to 1495. The last provision shows the perfidious artifice of Fonseca, as it left Paria and lix pearl islands free to the visits of Ojeda ; they having been discovered by Columbus subsequent to the designated year. The ships were to be fitted out at the charges of the ' ^ adventarers, and certain proportions of the products of tiie Toyage were to be' rendered to the crown. Under this license, Ojeda fitted out four ships at Seville, assisted by many eager and wealthy speculators. Among the number was the celebrated Americo Vespucio, a Floren- VOL. II. 36 ii 282 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF tine merchant, who was considered well acquainted with geography and navigation. The principal pilot 4)f the ex- f>edition was Juan de la Cosa, a mariner of great repute, a disciple of the admiral, whom he had accompanied in his firfft voyage of discovery, and in that along the southern coast of Cuba, and round the island of Jamaica. There were several also of the mariners, and Bartholomew Roldan, a distinguish- ed pilot, who had been with Columbus in his voyage to Paria*. Such was the expedition which, b^ a singular train of circumstances, eventuated in giving the name of this Flo- . rentine merchant, Americo Vespucio, to the whole of the new world. J This expedition had saiW in May, 1499. Th^ adventu- - 1 rers had arrived on the southern continent, and had ranged along its coast, from two hundred leagues east of the Oro- noco to the gulf of Paria : guided by the chart of Columbus, they had passed through this gulf, and out at the Boca del Dragon ; had kept along westward to Cape de la Vela, visit- ing the Island of Margarita, and the adjacent continent, and discovering the gulf of Venezuela. They had subsequently touched at the Caribbee islands, where they had fought with the fierce natives, and made many captives, with the intention of selling them in the slave markets of Spain. From thence, being in need of supplies, they had sailed to Hispaniola ; having performed the most extensive voyage hitherto made _^^/* along the shores of the new world|. * - .'' ^Having collected all the information that lie could obtain t?' concerning these voyagers, their adventures and designs ; and ^ Las Casas. t Herrera, Hist. Ind. D. J, L. 4, C 4. Murioz, Hist. N. Mundo, part in M. S. unpublished. i^ ■V . ^ CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 283 trusting to the declaration of Ojeda that he should proceed forthwith ^ present himself before the admiral ; Roldan returned to St. Domingo to render in a report of his mis- .<«^. r ■*-* ■• :. ■\ M 1 ■ ^-TAi'i"^ . 4 284 UF£ ANB VOYi!G&S OF . a». CHAPTER VII. MANCEUVRES OF ROLDAN AND OJEDA. When intelligence was brought to Columbus of the' nature of the expedition of Ojeda, and the license tinder which he sailed, he considered himself deeply aggriev- ed, it being a direct infraction of his most important prero-- gatives, and sanctioned by authority that ought to have held them sacred. He awaited patiently, however, the promised visit of Alonzo de Ojeda to St. Domingo, to obtain fuller explanations. Nothing was further from the intention of that roving commander than to keep such promise. He had made it merely to elude the vigilance of Roldan. As soon as he had refitted his vessels, and obtained a supply of pro- ^sions, he sailed round to the coast of Xaragua, where he arrived in February. Here he was well received by the Spaniards resident in that province, who supplied all his wants. Among them were many of the late comrades of Roldan, loose random characters, impatient of all order and ^ restraint, and burning with animosity against the admiral^ for having again brought them under the wholesome autho- rity of the laws. Knowing the rash and fearless character of Ojeda, and find- ing that there were jealousies between him and the admiral, they hailed him as a new leader, come to redress their fancied t •.^' CHRISTOraER COLUMBUS. 28* •* / grievances, in place of Itoldan, who they considered as hav- - ing deserted them. They made clamorous complaints ta Ojeda of the injustice of the admiral, whom they charged with lyithholding from them the arrearages of their pay^ Ojeda was a hot-headed man, with somewhat of a vaunting spirit, and immediately set himself up for a redresser of grievances. It is said, also, that he gave himself out as authorized by government, in conjunction with Oaravajal^ to act as counsellors, or rather supervisors of the admiral ; and that one of the first measures they were to take, was to enforce the payment of all arrears due to the servants of the crown*. It i^ questionable, however, whether Ojeda made any jwetension of the kind, which could so readily be dis' proved, and would have tended to disgrace him with the government. It is probable that he was encouraged in his intermeddling, chiefly by his knowledge of the tottering state of the admiral's favour at court, and of his own security in the powerful protection of Fonseca. He may have imbibed also the opinion, diligently fostered, by those with whom he had chiefly communed in Spain, just before his departure^ that these people bad been driven to extremities by the op^ pression of the admiral and his brothers. Some feeling of generosity, therefore, it is probable, mingled with his usual love of action and enterprize, when he proposed to redress all their wrongs, to put himself at their head, march at once to St. Domingo, and oblige the admiral to pay them on the spot, or expel him from the island. The proposition -^ j> Ojeda was received with acclamations of transport by ddnf^'*':^ of the rebels ; others made objections. Quarrels arose. A ruffian scene of violence and brawl ensued, in which several * Hist, del Almirante, Cap. 84. 1" 286 ^LIPE AND VOYAGES OF A were killed and wounded on both sides ; but the party for 4 . the expedition to St. Domingo remained triumphant. Fortunately for the peace and safety of the admiral, Rol- dan arrived in the neighbourhood just at this critical junc- ture, attended by a crew of resolute followers. He had been dispatched by Columbus to watch the movements of Ojeda, on hearing of his arrival on the coast of XaragUa. On his way, Roldan had heard of the violent scenes which were taking place, and sent to his old confederate, Diego de Escobar, to follow him with all the trusty force he could col- lect. They reached Xaragua within a day of each other. An instance of the bad faith usual between bad men was now evinced. The former partisans of Roldan, finding him earnest in his intention of serving government, and that there was no hope of engaging him in their new sedition, sought to take him by surprise, and cut him off on his ap- - proach ; but his vigilance and celerity prevented, them*. Ojeda, when he heard of the approach of Roldan and Es- cobar, retired on board of his ships. Though of a faring spirit, he had no inclination, in the present instance, to come to blows, where there was a certainty of desperate fighting> and no gain, and where he must raise his arm against go- vernment. Roldan now held forth the doctrine which had so often been preached to himself in vain. He wrote to Ojeda, remonstrating on his conduct, and the confusion be was producing in the island, and invited him on shore to an amicable arrangement of all alleged grievances. Ojeda, knowing the crafty and violent character of Roldan, disre- ^> garded his repeated messages, and refused to venture within his power. He even seized one of his messengers, Diego de Hist, del Almirante, ubi sup. •If* CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 287 Truxillo, and landing suddenly at Xaragua, carried eff an- other of his followers, named Toribio de Lenares; both of whom he detained in irons on board of his vessel, as hosta- ges for a certain Juan Pinto r, a one-armed sailor, who had deserted ; threatening to hang them, if the deserter was not given up*. , Various manoeuvres took place between these two well- matched opponents, each wary of the address and prowess of the other. Ojeda made sail and stood twelve leagues to the northward, to the province of Cahay, one of the most beau- tiful and fertile parts of the country, and inhabited by a kind and gentle people. Here he landed with forty men, seizing upon whatever he could find of the provisions of the natives. Roldan and Escobar followed along shore, and were soon on his traces. Here Roldan dispatched Escobar in a light canoe, paddled swiftly by Indians, who, approaching warily within hail of the ship, informed Ojeda, that since he would not trust himself on shore, Roldan would come and confer with him on board, if he would send a boat for him. Ojeda now thought himself secure of his enemy. He immediately dispatched a boat within a short distance of the shore, where they lay on their oars, requiring Roldan to come to them. " How many may accompany me ?" demand- ed the latter. " Only five or six," was the reply. Upon this, Diego de Escobar and four others waded to the boat. The crew refused to admit more. Roldan then ordered one man to carry him to the barge, and another to walk by his side, and assist him. By this stratagem hl^ party was eight strong. The instant he entered the boat, he ordered the oarsmen to row to shore. On their refusing, he and his ¥ * Las Casas, Hist. Ind. L. 1, C. 169. MS. 4 288 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF companions attacked them sword in band, wounded several, and made all prisoners, excepting an Indian archer, who, plunging imder the water, escaped by swimming. This was an important triumph for Roldan. Ojeda, anxious for the recovery of his boat, which was indispensa- ble to the service of the ship, now made overtures of peace. He approached the shore in the smaller boat which was lefl^' him, taking with him his principal pilot, an arquebusier, and four oarsmen. Roldan entered the boat he had just cap^ tured, with seven rowers and fifteen fighting men, causing fifteen others to be ready on shore to embark in a large ca- noe in case of need. A characteristic interview took place between these doughty antagonists, each keeping warily on his guard. Their conference was carried on at a dis- tance. Ojeda justified his hostile movements, by alleging that Roldan had come with an armed force to seize him. This the latter positively denied, promising him the most amicable reception from the admiral, in case he would repair to St. Domingo. An arrangement was at length effected; the boat was restored ; a mutual restitution of the men took place, with the exception of Juan Pintor, the one-armed deserter, who had absconded; and on the following day, Ojeda, according to agreement, set sail to leave, the island; threatening, however, to return at a future time with more ships and men*. Roldan waited in the neighbourhood, doubting the truth of his departure. In the coarse of a few days word was brought him that Ojeda had landed on a distant part of the coast. He immediately pursued him with eighty men, in canoes, sending scouts by land. Before he arrived at the * Letter of Columbus to the nurse of Prince Juan. K %•* %' CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 289 place, Ojeda had again made sail, and Roldan saw and heard no more of him. Las Casas asserts, however, that ^' Ojeda departed either to some remote district of Hispaniola, or to the island of Porto Rico, where he made up what he called his eavalgadcj or drove of slaves; carrying offnum* ,i>er8of the unhappy natives, whom he sold in the slave mar^* ^et of Cadiz*. * Las Pasas, L 1, C« 169. VOL. II. 37 .^> 290 1.IFE AND VOYAGES OF CHAPTER VIIL fff CONSPIRACY OF GUEVARA AND MOXICA.. When men have been accustomed to act falsely^. 1500. ^^ they take vast merit to themselves for an exertion of common honesty. The followers of Roldan were loud in trum- peting forth their unwonted loyalty, and the great services they had rendered to government in driving Ojeda from the island* Like all ill reformed knaves, they expected that their good conduct would be amply rewarded. Looking upon their leader as having every thing in his gift, and being well pleased with the delightful province of Cahay, they requested him to share the land among them, that they might settle there. Roldan would have had no hesitation in granting their request had it been raade-.ifliring his freebooting ca- reer ; but he was now anxious to establish a character for adherence to the laws. He declined therefore acceding to their wishes, until sanctioned by the admiral. Knowing, however, that he had fostered a spirit among these men which it was dangerous to contradift, and that their r^^ity by long indulgence did not admit of delay, he shaftd among them certain lands of his own, in the territory of his ancient host Behechio, cacique of Xaragua. He then wrote to the admiral for permission to return to St. Domingo, and re- ceived b. letter in reply, giving him many thanks and com- ^ ■♦ » d ■ ,' »*■ « CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 291 mendataons for the diligence and address which he had mani<- fested, but requesting him to remain for a time in Xaragua^ lest Ojeda should be yet hovering about the coast, and dis- posed to make another descent in that province. The troubles of the island were not yet at an end, but wwe destined again to break forth, and from somewhat of a TOmantic cause. There arrived about this time at Xaragua a young cavalier of noble family, named Don Hernando de Guevara. He possessed an agreeable person and winning manners, but was rash in his passions, and dissolute in his principles. He was cousin to Adrian de Moxica, one of the most active ringleaders in the late rebellion of Roldan ; and had conducted himself with such licentiousness at St. Do- mingo, that Columbus had banished him from the island. There being no other opportunity of embarking, he had been Tsent to Xaragua, to return to Spain in one of the ships of Ojeda, but arrived after their departure. Roldan received him favourably, on account of his old comrade Adrian de Moxica, and permitted him to choose some place where he would reside, until further orders concerning him should ar- rive from the admiral. H% chose the province of Cahay, at the place where Roldan ]m)4 Captured the boat of Ojeda. It was a beautiful part of that delightful coast ; but the reason Vhy Guevara chose it, was its vicinity to Xaragua. While at the latter place, in consequence of the indulgence of Rol- dan, he was favourably received at the house of Anacaona, the wicMrof Caonabo, and ikter of the cacique Behechio. That reMlKable woman still retained her partiality to the Spaniards, notwithstanding the disgraceful scenes which had passed before her eyes ; and the native dignity of her charac- ter had commanded the respect even of the dissolutj, rabble which had infested her province. By her late husb^d, the |k 292 LIFE AlVD TOTA6ES OF "^- eaciq^e Caonabo^ she bad a daughter named HignaDiofaty JQ8t grown npi and greatty admired for ber beauty. Gueva** |. ra, lieing often in company witb ber, became enamoured, and his personal advantages soon won the heart of the sim^ pie Indian girl. It was to be near ber that be chose Cahay as a residence ; at a place where his cousin Adrian de Mozi^ ^fes ca kept a number of dogs and hawks, to be employed in the chase. Gneirara delayed bis departure. Roldan discovered the object that bound him to Xaragua, and warned him to de- sist from his pretensions and leave the province. Las Casas intimates that Roldan was himself attached to the young In* dian beauty, and jealous of ber preference of his rival< Anacaona, the mother, pleased witb the gallant appearance and ingratiating manners of the youthful cavalier, fa- voured his attachment; especially as be sought her daughter in marriage. Notwithstanding the orders of Roldan, Gue- vara still lingered in Xaragua, in the house of Anacaona; and sending for a priest, desired him to baptize his intended bride. When Roldan heard of this, he sent for Guevara, and re^ buked him sharply for remaining at Xaragua, and for at-* tempting to deceive a person of the importance of Anacaona, by ensnaring the affections of her daughter. Guevara avow- ed the strength of his passion, and his correct intentions, and entreated permission to remain. Roldan was inflexible. He alleged that some evil conistruction might be put on his conduct by the admiral : but it is probable his true motive was a desire to send away a rival, who interfered with his own amorous designs. Guevara obeyed, but had scarce been three days at Cahay, when, unable to remain longer absent from the object of his passion, he returned to Xaragua, ■■4i. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 293 i^ ^ accompanied by foar or five friends, and conceiailed himself in the dwelling of Anacaona. Roldan, who was at that time confined by a malady in 14* ^ eyes, being apprized of his return, sent persons to upbraid him with his disobedience to orders, and to command him to return instantly to Cahay. The young* cavalier now as- sumed a tone of defiance* He warned Roldan not to make ■^' foes when he had such great need of friends ; for to his cer- tain knowledge, the admiral intended to take ofi* his head. Upon this, Roldan, assuming the magistrate, ordered him to quit that part of the island, and repair to St. Domingo, to present himself before the admiral. The thoughts of being banished entirely from the vicinity of his Indian beauty, checked the vehemence of the youth. He changed his tone of haughty defiance into one of humble supplication.; and Roldan, appeased by this submission, permitted him to re- main, for the present, in that part of the island. Roldan was doomed to reap the fruits of the mischief he had sown. He had instilled wilfulness and violence into the hearts of his late followers, and now was exposed to the efiects. Guevara, incensed at this opposition to his passion, meditated revenge. He so^ made a party among the old comrades of Roldan, who detested as a magistrate, the man they had idolized as a leader. It was concerted to rise sud- denly upon him, and either to kill him or put out his eyes. Roldan was apprized of the^plot, and proceeded with his usual prooiptness. Guevara was seized in the dwelling of Anacaona, fki the presence of his intended bride. Seven of his accomplices were likewise arrested. Roldan im- mediately sent an account of the afiair to the admiral ; professing at present to do nothing without his authori- ty, and declaring himself not competent to judge impar- 4 rJf« A ^■i 294 UFE AXB TOTACKS OF lially in the caie.^ Golambos, wiio was at that InK at fiort Conceptioo in the Vega, ordered tiiat the prisoaen should be conducted to the fiMrtiess of St. Domingo. These viirorons measorev on the part of Roldan, towards his old comrades, prodoced immediate commotions in the island. When Adrian de Moxica heard that his coosin Gue- vara was a prisoner, and that too by command of his former ebitfede fa te, he was highly exasperated, and resolved on ven- geance. Hastening to Bonao, the old hannt c^ rebellion, he called upon the co-operation €f Pcflro Reqnelme, the re* cently appointed alcalde. It was readily yielded. They went round together to the various parts of the Vega, where their late companions in rebellion had received lands and settled, working upon their ready passions, and enlisting theirlfeelings in the cause of an old comrade. These men seem to have had an irresistible propensity to sedition. Ghie- vara was a favourite with them all ; the charms of the Indian beanty had probably their influence; and the conduct of Roldan was pronounced a tyrannical interference, to prevent a marriage agreeable to all parties, and beneficial to the co- lony. There is no being so odious to his former associates, as a reformed robber, or rebel, enlisted in the service of jus- tice. The old scenes of faction were renewed ; the weapons which had scarce been bung up from the recent rebellions, were again snatched down from the walls, and rash prepa- rations were f||a4B for action. Moxica soon saw a body of .daring and fibeidess men, ready with horse and weapon, to follow him on any desperate enterprize. Blinded by the impunity which had attended their former outrages, he now threatened acts of greater atrocity, meditating not merely the rescue of his cousin, but the deaths of Roldan and the admiral. % CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 295 ' ''> Columbus was at fort Conception, with an inconsiderable force, when this dangerous plot was concerted in his very neighbourhood. Not dreaming of any further hostilities fixim men on whom he had laviibed such favours, he woiiM doubtless have fallen in their power, had not intelligence been brought him of the plot by a deserter from the conspi- rators. He saw at a glance the perils by which he was sur- rounded, and the evils that were about to burst over the island. It was no longer a time for lenient measures ; be determined to strike aiblow, which should crush the very head of rebellion. Taking with him but six or seven trusty servants, and three esquires, all well armed, he set out in the night for the place where the ringleaders were quartered. Confiding in the secresy of their plot, and the late passiveness of Itk ad-* mirai, they appear to have been perfectly unguarded. Co- lumbus came upon them suddenly, and by surprise ; seized Moxica and several of his principal confederates, and bore them off prisoners to fort Conception. The moment was critical ; the Vega was ripe for a revolt ; he had the fo- menter of the conspiracy in his power, and an example wa» called for that should strike terror into the factions. He or- dered Moxica to be hanged on the top of the fortress. The latter, entreated that he might be allowed to confess himself previous to execution. A priest was summoned. The mi- serable Moxica, who had been so hardy anc^ arrogant in re- bellion, lost all courage at the near approach^xiirdeath.. He delayed to confess, beginning, and pausing, and recommen- cing, and again hesitating, as if he hoped, by whiling away time, to give a chance for rescue. Instead of confessing his own sins, he began to accuse others of criminality, who were known to be innocent, until Columbus, incensed at this false- ■#-^ > J 296 LIFE AND VOTftCnS 40 faood and treaifteiy, and losing all patience in Iris mingled indignation and scorn, ordered the dastard wretch to be flung headlong from the batttemeMte*. Several of the accomplices of Moxica were condemn^ to death, but reserved in con* finement for the present. This sudden act of severity was promptly followed up. Before the conspirators had time to recover from their asto- ■irislMneBt, Pedro Requelme was taken, with several of his edimpe^rs, in his ruffikn den at Bonao, and conveyed to the fortress of St. Domingo, where WMldio confined the original movflr of this second rebellion, Fernando de Guevara, the lovelr of the young Indian princess. These unlooked-for blows, from a quarter which had long been so lenient, had the desired effect. The conspirators, seized with constema« don, Hed for the most part to Xaragua, their old and &^ vourite retreat. They were not suffered to congregate there again, and concert new seditions. The adelantado, se- conded by Roldan, pursued them with his characteristic ra- pidity of movement, and vigour of arm. It has been said that he carried a priest with him, in order that, as he arrested delinquents, they mi^t be confessed and hanged upon the spot ; but the more probable account is, that he transmitted them prisoners to St. Domingo. He had seventeen of them at one time confined in one common dungeon, awaiting their trial, while he continued in indefatigable pursuit of the re- mainderf. These were prompt and severe measures ; but when we consider how long Columbus had borne with these men ; * Herrera, D. 1, L. 4, C. 6. t Las Gasas, Hist. Ind. L. 1, C. 170. MS. Herrera, D. L, L. 4, C. 7. ■ •v"' y. ■ •'■*■ *■ / . •* .« R COLUMBUS. 397 how much he had ceded and sacrificed to them ; how he had been interrupted in aU his great undertaJdngs, and die wet fare of the colony destroyed tar. their conteni^ble and sedi- tious brawls; how they had fbuseid hislenity, defied his authority, and at length attempted bis life, we cannot won- der that he should at last let fall the sword of justice, which he had hitherto held suspended* The power of faction was now completely prostcslj^ itti4 the good efiects of the various measures which Cohnifeus had taken since his iM arrival, for the benefit of the island, began to appear. The Indians, seeing the inefficacy of re- sistance, submitted patieYitly to the yoke. Many of them gave promising signs of civilization, having embraced Chris- tianity, and in some instances adopted clothing. The Spa- ' niards began to cultivate diligently their lands, assisted by the labours of the natives, and every thing gav^ assurance of settled and regular prosperity. Columbus considered all this happy change as brotight about by the especial intervention of heaven. Be expresses this opinion decidedly in one of his letters, recording an in- stance of those ^sionary fancies which at times visited his imagination, when distempered by illness or anxiety. In the preceding winter, about the festival of Christmas, when menaced with war by Indian foes, and insurrections among his people ; when full of distrust of those around him, and apprehensions of disgrace at court, he had for a time sunk into utter despondency. In the midst of his gloom, when he had abandoned himself to despair, he heard, he says, a voice calling to him : '* O man of little faith ! be not cast down; fear nothing; I will provide for thee. The seven VOL. II. 38 ^■■ .V- 4 • * 298 : ^ LIFB AND VOYAGES, UqA' ^ years of the lentt iif gold are. not expired* ; and in that and - ' -*.' in all other thingps I will take car^e of thee." On that very day, he adds, he received intelligence of the. discovery of a ^^ .V.iurge tract of country rich in minesf. Tbfe imaginary pro- ■^nnse o[ divine aid thus mysteriously and nlrapcalously given, •fqiieared to him siQce still more fully accomplished. The troubles and dang^ which had recently surrounded him, had at length broken away, and serene tranquillity had suc- ceeded. He now anticipated the prosperous prosecution of his favourite enterprise, so long interflqrted ; the exploring ot^^ t^ons of Paria, and the establishment of a fishery in Wf fSfiaHf of Pearls. How illuiive were his hopes ! At this moment a storm had gathered, and was about to burst over his head, that should overwhelm him with distress, strip him of his honours, and render him comparatively a wMjlck: for the remainder of his days* "T"^_ *T«lttkiiM|8 alludes here to -the vow which he made on dis- coTWBig tt0; new world, and expressed in a letter to the sove- reigns, 'that within seven years he would furnish, /rom the profits of his discoveries, fifly thousand foot, and five thousand horse^ for the deliverance of the holy sepulchre, and an additional force of like amount within five years afterwards. t Letter of Columbus to the nuri^e of Prince Juan. Hist del Almirante, Cap. 84. " w ' "# • ' ' ' r ,• lilFC AND TOYA6£S .' ^V ■ % 0^ J*-." CEOUSTOPHER COLUMBUSi ' fi.- '■ BOOK XUI. »''H- CHAPTER I. ' kEPRESENTATIONS AT COURT AGAINST COLUMBUS — BOBA- ^ DILLA EMPOWERED TO EXAMINE INTO HIS COIHOl^bl^ While Columbus had been involved in'*" 'ferles of 1500. . ... . difficulties in the factious island of Hispaniola, his enemies had been but too successful in underminifig his standing in the court of Spain. The report brought by Ojeda of his anticipated disgrace was not entirely unfound- ed. The event was considered as near at hand, and every perfidious e;i:ertion made to accelerate it. Every vessel that returned from the new world came freighted with complaints and complainants, representing the characters of Columbus and his brothers in the most odious point of view, as new men, inflated by their sudden rise from obscurity, unaccus- . i tomed to command, arrogant and insulting in their conduct fij^ towards men of birth and lofty spirit, oppressive in their rule . .''ip*" • *^ • • ■ ■ f. 4 ¥ ■ • '4 4 * ■■■^. * SOB^- «3^. -,. WFE AND VOYAGES OF ovrir tiie commob people* and cruel in their treatment ofibe natives. The insidious and illiberal insinuation was conti^ nniklly urged, that they were foreigners, who could have no interest in the gkny of Spain, or the prosperity of Spaniards f aady contemptible as Urn plea may seem, it had a most pow- 'irfU effect. It was even carried to such a lencrth, that Co* Iambus was accused of a design to cast off all allegiance ta Spain, and to make himself sovereign of the countries he had discovered, or to jrield them into the hands of -some other power : a slander which, however extravagant, was calcu* lated to startle the jealous mind of Ferdinand. It is true, that by every ship Columbus likewise sent home statements, written with all the frankness and energy of truth, setting forth the real cause and nature of the distractions of the island, and pointing out and imploring remedies' which, if properly applied, might have been efficacious. But his letters, arriving at distant intervals, made but single and transient impressions on the royal mind, which were speedily effaced by the influence of daily and active misrepresenta* tion. His enemies at court, having continual access to the ear of the soverei^s, were enabled to place every thing urged against him in the strongest point of view ; while they se- cretly neutraliied the force of his vindications. They had a plausible logic which they continually used, to prove either bad management or bad faith in Columbus. There was an incessant drain upon the treasury for the support of the colony. Was this compatible witli the extravagant pictures he had drawn of the wealth of the island, and its golden mountains, in which he had pretended to find the veritable Ophir, the source of all the riches of Solomon ? They in- ferred that he had either deceived the sovereigns by de- signing exaggerations, or he had grossly wronged theiii*^k^ '^r,' CHRtBTOPHER COLUMBUS, /; jfti ^^ .*r -■•■■■■ J* inalepractices, crifhe was totally incapable of .the datlos^ v '' . . w^ government. •'* * , ^ The disappointment of Ferdinand, in finding his newly discovered possessions, a source of expense instead of profit, was ktiown to press sorely on his mind. The wars dictatcail^' ^.^ by his ambition had straitened his resources, and invohmil^ \' him io perplexities. He had looked with confidence to the .. - new world for relief, and for ample means to pursue bis^^ triumphs ; s^nd he grew impatient at the 'repeated demands which it occasioned on his scanty treasury. To quicken bis irritability on this point, every disappointed and repining man who returned firomi the colony, was encouraged ^pbt in claims ibr pay withheld by Columbus, or losses sustiuned in his service. This was especially the case with the loose rabble«which bad been shipped ofiT to free the island from tbei^ seditions. Tbey found their way to the court at Gra- nada. They followed the king when he rode out, filling the ^ mr with their complaints, and clamouring for their pay. At one time, about fifty of these vagabonds found dililf J#iy into the inner court of the Alhambra, under the r.6yar|^part- ments, holding up bunches of grapes as the meagre diet left them by their poverty, and railing aloud at the deceits of Co- lumbus, and the cruel neglect of 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 hidalgos !*" The incessant repetition even of falsehood will gradually w^ar its way into the most candid mind. Isabella herself ^ Hist del Almirante, G. 86. * 3Q| '^^i^ ^^^^ '^^^ VOYAGES OF began to entertain doubts tepecting the condact of Colamr bus. Where there was such universal and incessant com- plaint, it seemed reasonable to conclude that there must exist some fault. If ^<3Dlumbus and his brothers were upright, they might be ihjudicious; and in government misdiief is , oftener produced dirough error of judgment, than iniquity of design. The lettiers written by Columbus himself pre- sented a lamentable picture of the confusion of the island. Might not this arise from the weakness'vnd incapacity of the rulers i Even granting that the prevalent abuses arose in a great measure from the enmity of the people to the admi- ral and his brothers, and their prejudices against them as fcnreigners, was it safe to intrust so important and distant a t^ommand to persons who were so unpopular with the com- munity? These consid^ations had much weiglftin the candid mind of Isabella, but ^ey were all powerful with the cautious and jealous Ferdinand. He had never regarded Columbus with real cordiality ; and, ever since he had ascertained the im- portance of his discoveries, had regretted the extensive pbw« ers he* had vested in his hands. The excessive clamours which had arisen during the brief administration of the ade- lantado, and the breaking out of the faction of Roldan, at length determined the king to send out some person of standing and ability, to investigate the affairs of the colony, ; and if necessary for its safety, to take upon himself the command. This important and critical measrure it appears had been decided upon, and the papers and powers actually drawn out, in the spring of 1499. It was not, however, carried into effect until the following year. Various reasons have '^J ^ ^ been assigned for this delay. The important services rjMh ■ ■»■* »* CHRISTOPHER ' CttLUMBUS. dered by Columbus, in the discoirer^lf Paria and tlie pearl islandsy may have bad some effect on the royal onnd* The necessity of fitting ont an armament just MlMft moment, to coHip^rate with the Venetians against the Ttirks; the me* nacing*movements of the new king of France, Louis XII; '' the rebellion of the Moors of the Alpuxaria mountains, in the lately conquered kingdom of Granada; all these have been alleged as reasons for postponing a measure which called for much consideration, and might have important effects upon the newly discovered possessions*. The most probable i:^son, however, was the strong disinclination of Isabella to take so harsh a step against a man for whom she entertained such ardent gratitude and high admiration. ' At length the arrival of the ships with the late followers of B4>ldan, according fitibeir capitulation, brought matters to a crisis. It is true, that Ballester and Borrantes came in these ships, to place the affairs of the island in a proper light ;^bnt they brought out a cloud of witnesses in favour of Roldan, and letters written by himself and his confede- rates, attributing HU their late conduct to the tyranny of Columbus and hift brothers. .Unfortunately, the testimony 01 the rebels had the greatest weight with Ferdinand ; and there was a circumstance in the case which suspended for a time the friendship of Isabella, which had hitherto been the great dependence of Columbus. The queen having taken a maternal interest in the wel* fare of the natives, had' been repeatedly offended by what appeared (o her pertinacity on the part of the admiral, in Jj[;(H}tinuing to make slaves of those taken in warfare, in con* ion of her known wishes. The same ships which , Hist N. Mundo— Part unpublished. ■K .W> I r^ 304 LIFE AND TOTA6ES OF brought bonne the companions of Roldan brought likewise a great number of slaves. Some Columbus had been obliged to grant to these men by the articles of capitulation ; others they had brought away clandestinely. Among them were several daughters of caciques, who had been seduced away from their families and their native island by these profli- gates. Some of these were in a Aate of pregnancy, others had new-bom infants. This was represented, in all its force, to Isabella, and described as the gratuitous act of Columbus. Her sensibility as a woman, and her dignity as a queen, were instantly in arms. *' What power,'' exclaim- ed she indignantly, ** has the admiral tQ give away my vas- sals*?" She determined, by one decided and peremptory act, to show her abhorrence of these outrages upon humani- ty, 9he ordered all the Indians to be restored to their coun- trjf^afMl 4!riendbiV Nay more, her measure was retrospective. She commanded that those which had formerly been sent home by the admifal should be sought out, and sent back to Hispaniola. Unfortunately for Columbus, at this very juncture, in one of his letters, he had advised the continu- ance of Indian slavery for some time longer, as a measure > important for the welfare of the colony. This contributed * , to heighten the indignation of Isabella, and induced her no longer to expose the sending out of a commission to investi- gate his conduct, and if necessary to supersede him in com- . mand. Ferdinand had been exceedingly embarrassed, in appoint- ing this commission, between his sense of what was due to the character and services of Columbus, and his anxiety to retract with decency the powers which he had vested in him. * Las Casas, L. 1. ■ ^ -'■k*,^- • > CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. ''■■ 305 4 A pretext at length was furnished loy the recent letters of the "^ admiral, ^d he seized upon it with avidity. Columbus had repeatedly requested that a person might be sent out, of talents and probity, learned in the law, to act as chief judge ; but whose powers should be so limited and defined, as not to interfere with his own authority as viceroy. He had also requested that an impartial umpire might be appointed, to decide in the affair between himself and Roldan. Ferdi- nand professed to consult his wishes, but to unite those two offices in one ; and as the person so appointed would have to decide in matters touching the highest functions of the ad- miral, and his brothers, he was empowered, should he find them* culpable, to supersede them in the government ; a sin- gular mode of ensuring partiality. The person chosen for this most momentous and delicate of- fice, was Don Francisco de Bobadilla, an officer of the roy- al household, and a commander of the military and "religious order of Calatrava. Oviedo pronounces him a very honest and religious man* ; but he is represented by others, and his actions corroborate the description, as needy, passionate, and ambitious ; three powerful objections to his exercising ar- bitrament in a case requiring the utmost patience, candour, and circumspection, and where the judge was to derive 'Wealth and power frcun the conviction of one of the parties. The authority vested in Bobadilla is defined in letters from the sovereigns still extant, and which deserve to he no- ticed chronologically ; for the royal intentions appear to have varied with times and circumstances. The first was da- ted on the 21st of March, 1499, and mentions the complaint of the admiral, that an alcalde and certain other persons had ^WQviedo, Cronica, L. 3, C. 6. VOL. IT. 39 ■ i 306 L|f£ AM> VOrAG£S OF risen in rebellion against him. ^' Wherefore," SNlds Xb»^ letter, '^ we order you to infinrm yourself of the tryth of the foregoing : who and what persons tjiey were who ro8i|J|gainst 4he said admiral, and our justices, and for what cause, and what robberies and other injuries tfiey have committed, and ■ of whatever else you find it necessary to inform yourself on this subject ; and the inforipation obtained, and the truth known, whomever you find culpable take their bodies and sequestrate their effects ; and thus taken, proceed agadnst them, and against the absent, to the greatest civil and crimi- nal punishments that you find they merit." To carry this into effect he was authorized, in case of ne- cessity, to call in the assistance of the admiral and of all other persons in authority. The powers here given are manifestly directed merely againfljyhifr rebels, and in consequence of the complaints of ColttmbufK Aaotber letter, dated on the 21st of May, two months subsequently, is of quite a difierent purport. It makes no mention of Columbus, but is addressed to the coun- sellors, justices, regidores, cavaliers, esquires, officers, and raen of property of the islands, and Terra Firma ; inform- ing tliem of the appointment of Bobadilla to the govern- ment, with full civil and criminal jurisdiction. Among the powers specified is the following : " It is our will that if the said commander, Francisco de Bobadilla, should think it necessary for our service, and the purposes of justice, that any cavaliers, or other persons, who are at present in those islands, or may arrive there, should leave them, and not return and reside in them, and that they should come and present themselves before us, he may com- mand it in our name, and oblige them to depart; and whomever he thus commands, we hereby order that immedi- atelv, without waiting to inquire or consult us, or to receive * CHRISTOPHER €OLUl|IBUSwt 307 ^. from mray other letter or command ; and without interpos- ing appeal or supplication, thJBjr obey whatever he shall say and filter, under the penalties which he shall impose on our part," &C. Another letter, dated likewise on the 21st of May, in which Columbus is styled simply, " admiral of the Ocean- »ea," or- ders him and hisbrotl{^ to surrender the fortresses, ships^ houses, arms, ammunition, cattle, and all other royal property, into the hands of Bobadilla as governor ; under penalty of incurring the punishments to which those subject tliemselves, who refuse to surrender fortresses and other trusts, when commanded by their sovereigns. A fourth letter, dated on the 26th of May, and addressed to Columbus simply by the title of admiral, is a mere letter of credence, ordering him to give faith and obedience to whatever Bobadilla should impart. . '■•'<. i^v The second and third of these letters were evid^ifly pro- visional ; and only to be produced, if on examination there should appear such delinquency on the part of Columbus and his brothers, as to warrant their being divested of com- mand. This heavy blow, as has been shown, remained sus- p^ded for a year ; yet, that it was whispered about, and triumphantly anticipated by the enemies of Columbus, is evi- dent from the assertions of Ojeda, who sailed from • Spain about the time of the signature of those letters, and had inti- mate communications with bishop Fonseca, who was con- sidered, instrumental in producing this measure. The very license granted by the bishop to Ojeda, to sail on a voyage of discovery in contravention of the prerogatives of the admiral, has the air of being given on a presumption of his speedy downfall ; and the same presumption, as has al- ready been observed, must have encouraged Ojeda in his turbulent conduct at Xafagua. % 4 iOlb LIFE AND VOYAGES OF At length the long projected measure was carried into el- feet. Bobadilla set sail for St. Domingo about the middle of July, 1500, with two caravels, in which were twenty-five men as a kind of guard, who were enlisted to serve for a year. There were six friars, likewise, who had charge of a number of Indians sent back to their country. Beside the letters patent, Bobadilla was authorised by a royal order to ascertain all arrears of pay due to persons in the service of the crown, and to discharge them ; and to oblige the ad- miral to pay what was due on his part, ** so that those peo- ple might receive what was owing to them, and there might be no more complaints." In addition to all these powers, Bobadilla was furnished with many blank letters signed by the sovereigns, to be filled up by him in such manner, and di- rected to such persons, as he might think important to the mission VIrlth which he was intrusted*. * Herrera, D. 1 , L. 4, C. 7. ITS- CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 309 CHAPTER 11. ARRIVAL OF BOBADILLA AT ST. DOMINGO— HIS VIOLENT ASSUMPTION OF THE COMMAND. Columbus was still at fort Conception, regulating the affairs of the Vega, after the catastrophe of the sedition of Moxica. His brother, the adelantado, accom- panied by Roldan, was pursuing and arresting the fugitive rebels in Xaragua, and Don Diego Coliunbus x^ljafinffA in temporary command at St. Domingo. Faction' had in a manner destroyed itself. The insurgents had pulled ruin upon their own heads ; and the island appeared delivered from the domination of violent and lawless men. f Such was the state of public affairs when, on the morn- ing of the 23d of August, two caravels were descried off the harbour of St. Domingo, about a league at sea. They' we^|tariding off and on, waiting until the sea-breeze, which gecfiiMlly prevails about ten o'clock, should bring them into port. Don Diego Columbus supposed them to be ships sent from Spain with supplies, and hoped to find on board his nephew Diego, who the admiral had requested might be sent out to assist him in his various concerns. A canoe was im- mediately dispatched to obtain information ; which approach- ing the caravels inquired what news they brought, and whe- ther Diego, the son of the admiral, was on board. Boba- i 310 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF dilla himself replied from the principal vessel, annoancing himself as a commissioner sent out to investigate the late re- bellion. The roaster of the caravel then inquired about the news of the island, and was informed of the recent transac- tions. Seven of the rebels, he was told, had been hanged that week, and five more were in the fortress of St. Domin- go, condemned to suffer the same fate. Among these were Pedro Requelme, and Fernando de Guevara, the young ca- valier whose passion for the daughter of Anacaona had been the original cause of the rebellion. Further conversation passed,, in the course of which Bobadilla ascertadned that the admiral and the adelantado were absent, and Don Diego Columbus in command. When the canoe returned to the city, and it was known that a coinmissioner had arrived to make inquisition into the late troubles, there was a great stir and agitation throughout the community. Knots of whisperers gathered in every di- rection. Those who were conscious of malepractices were filled with consternation ; while those who had grievances, real or imaginary, to complain of, especially those whose pay was in arrear, appeared with joyful countenances*. As the vessels entered the river, Bobadilla beheld on either bank a gibbet with the body of a Spaniard hanging on it, apparently but lately executed. He considered these as con- clusive proofs of the alleged cruelty of Columbus. Many boats came ofi* to the ship, every one being anxious to pay early court to this public censor. Bobadilla remained on board all day, in the course of which he collected much of the rumours of the place ; and as those who sought to se- * Las Casas, H. Ind. L. 1, G. 179. Herrera, H. Ind. D. 1; L. 4, C. 8. ~ CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 311 cure hia favour, were those who had most to fear from his investigations, it is evident that the nature of the rumours must generally have been unfavourable to Columbus. In fact, before Bobadilla landed, if not before he had arrived, the culpability of the admiral was decided in his mind. The next morning he landed with all his followers, and went to the church to attend mass, where he found Don Diego Columbus, Rodrigo Perez, the lieutenant of the ad- miral, and other persons of note. Mass being ended, and those persons, with a multitude of the populace, being as- ^ sembled at the door of the church, Bobadilla ordered his let- ters patent to be read, authorizing him to investigate the re- bellion, to seize the persons, and sequestrate the property of delinquents, and to proceed against them with the utmost rigour of the law; commanding also the admiral, and all others in authority, to assist him in the discharge of his du- ties. The letter being read, he demanded of Don Diego and the alcaldes to surrender to him the persons of Fernan- do Guevara, Pedro Requelme, and the other prisoners, with the processes that had been taken concerning them ; and or- dered that the parties by whom they were accused, and those by whose command they had been taken^ should appear be- fore him. Don Diego replied, that what had been dgne had been by order of the admiral, who held superior powers to ai||r that Bobadilla could possess, and without whose authority he could do nothing. He requested, at the same time, a copy of the letters patent, that he might send it to his brother, to whom alone the. matter appertained. This Bobadilla re- fused, observing that if Don Diego had power to do nothing, it was useless to give him a copy. He added^ that since the office and authority he had proclaimed appeared to have no i 312 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF weight, he would try what power and consequence there was in the name of governor, and would show them that he had command, not merely over them, but over the admiral him- self. The little community remained in breathless suspense, awaiting the portentous movements of Bobadilla. The next morning he appeared at mass, resolved on assuming those powers which were only to have been produced after full in- vestigation, and ample proof of the maleconduct of Colum- bus. When mass was over, and the eager populace had gathered round the door of the church, Bobadilla, in pre- sence of Don Diego and Rodrigo Perez, ordered his other royal patent to be read, investing him with the govemntient of the islands, and of Terra Firma. The patent being read, Bobadilla took the customary oath, and then claimed the obedience of Don Diego, Rodri- go Perez, and all present, to the royal instrument ; on the authority of which he again demanded the prisoners con- fined in the fortress. In reply, they professed the utmost deference to the letter of their majesties ; but again observed that they held the prisoners in obedience to the admira], to whom the sovereigns had granted letters of a higher na- ture. The self-importance of Bobadilla was incensed at this noncompliance, especially as he saw it had some effect upon the populace, who appeared to doubt his authority* He now produced the third mandate of the crown, ordering Co- lumbus and his brothers to deliver up all fortresses, ships, and other royal property. To win the public completely on his side, he read also the additional mandate, issued on the 30th of May, of the same year, ordering him to pay the ar- rears of wages due to all persons in the royal service, and to ■ *■■«■ ■'.I. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 313 compel the admiral to pay the arrears of those U> wliem he was accountable. This last document was received with shouts by tlie mul- titude, many having long arrears due to them, in consequence of the poverty of the treasury. Flushed with his growing importance, Bobadilla again demanded the prisoners, threat- ening, if refused, to take them by force. Meeting with the same reply, he repaired to the fortress to execute his threats. This post was commanded by Miguel Diaz, the same Arra- . gonian cavalier who had once taken refuge among the In- dians on the banks of the Ozema, won the affections of the female cacique Catalina, received from her information of the neighbouring gold mines, and had induced his coun- trymen to remove to these parts. When Bobadilla came before the fortress, he found the gates closed, and the alcayde Miguel Diaz upon the battle- ments. He ordered his letters patent to be read with a loud voice, the signatures and seals to be held up to view, and then demanded the surrender of the prisoners. Diaz re- quested, a copy of the letters ; but this Bobadilla refused, alleging that there was no time for delay, the prisoners being s under sentence of death, and liable at any moment to be exe- cuted. He threatened, at the same time, that if they were not given up, he would proceed to extremities, and Diaz would be answerable for the consequences. The wary al- cayde again required time to reply, and a copy of the let- ters, saying that he held the fortress for the king by the com- mand of the admiral, his lord, who had gained these territo- ries and islands, and that when the latter arrived be should obey his orders*. * Las Gasas, Hist Ind. L. 1, C. 179. VOL. II. 40 314 LIFE AND VOYAGES OP The whole spirit of Bobadilla was roused within him at the refusal of the alcayde. Assembling all the people he bad brought from Spain, together with tlie sailors from the ^' « ships, and the rabble of the place, he exhorted them to aid him in .getting possession of the prisoners, but to harm no one uoleM in case of resistance. The mob shouted assent, for Bobadilla was already the idol of the multitude. About the hour of vespers he set out, at the head of this motley ^ ^ army, to storm a fortress destitute of a garrison, and formi- JL ■J "^^^n dable only in name, being calculated to withstand only a y naked and slightly armed people. The accounts of this ' transaction have something in them bordering on the ludi- crous, and give it the air of an absurd rodomontade. Bo- badilla assailed the portal with great impetuosity, the frail bolts and locks of which gave way at the first shock, and gave him an easy admission. In the meantime, however, his zealous myrmidons applied ladders to the walls, as if about to carry the place by assault, and to experience a des- perate defence. The alcayde, -Miguel Diaz, and Don Diego de Alvarado alone appeared on the battlements ; they had drawn swords, but ofiered no resistance. Bobadilla entered the fortress in triumph and without molestation. The pri- soners were found in a chamber in irons. He ordered that they should be brought up to him to the top of the fortress, where having put a few questions to them as a matter of form, he gave them in charge to an alguazil, named Juan de £s- pinosa*. Such was the blustering and precipitate entrance into of- fice of Francisco de Bobadilla. He had reversed the order of his written instructions, having seized upon the govern- * Las Casas, ubi sup. Herrera, ubi sup. "W CHRISTOPHER COLUBIBUS. 315 ment before he had investigated the conduct of Columbus. He continued his career in the same spirii, acting as if the ^ case had been prejudged ife^ Spain, and he had been sent out merely to degrade the admiral from his employments, not to ascertain the manner in which he had fulfilled them. He took up his residence at the house of Colun](bift, seized upon his arms, gold, plate, jewels, horses, his book$^ tetters, and other writings, both public. and privalt, even to his *'/ . . most secret papers. He gave no account of the property f^ * thus seized, and which he no doubt considered already con- fiscated to the crown, excepting that he paid out of it the wages of those to whom the admiral was in arrears*. To increase his favour with the people, he proclaimed, on the second day of his assumption of power, a general license for the term of twenty years, to seek for gold, paying merely one eleventh to government, instead of a third as heretofore. At the same time, he spoke in the most disrespectful and un- qualified terms of Columbus, saying that he was empowered to send him home in chains, and that neither he nor any of his lineage would ever again be permitted to govern in the islandt. • Hist, del Almirante, C. 86, Las Casas. Herrera, ubi sup, f Letter of Columbus to the nurse of Prince Juan. ft « • I # 316 LIFE AiYD VOYAGES 6t CHAPTER III. COLUMBUS SUMMONED TO APPEAR BEFORE BOBADILLA. When the tidinirs reached Columbas at fort Con- 1500. , ception of the high-handed proceedings of BobadiK la, he considered them the unauthorized acts of some rash adventurer like Ojeda. Since government bad apparently thrown open the door to private enterprize, he might expect to have his path continually crossed, and his jurisdiction in- fringed, by bold intermeddlers, feigning or fancying them- selves authorized to interfere in the affairs of the colony. Since the departure of Ojeda, another squadron had touched upon the coast, and produced a transient alarm; being an expedition under one of the Pinzons, licensed by the sove- reigns to make discoveries. There had also been a ru- mour of another squadron hovering about the island ; which proved, however, to be unfounded*. The conduct of Bobadilla bore all the appearance of a lawless usurpation of some intruder of the kind. He had possessed himself forcibly of the fortress, and consequently of the town. He had issued extravagant licenses, injurious to ' • the government, and apparently intended only to make par- *^sans among the people ; and he had threatened to throw * Letter of Columb. to the nurse of Prince Juan. ^^ >■** ■ CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 317 Columbus himself in irons. That this man could really be ^ sanctioned by government, in such intemperate measures, was repugnant to belief. The admiral's consciousness of his own services; the repeated assurances of high considera- tion on the part of the sonirereigns ; and the perpetual pre- rogatives granted to him under their hand and seal, with all the solemnity that a compact could possess ; all forbade him to consider the transactions at St. Domingo in any other light than that of outrages on his authority, by some daring or misguided individual. To be nearer to St. Domingo, and obtain more correct information, he proceeded to Bonao, which was now begin- ning to assume the appearance of a settlement; several Spaniards having erected houses there, and cultivated the adjacent country. He had scarcely reached Bonao, when an alcalde, bearing a staff of office, arrived there from St. Domingo, proclaiming the appointment of Bobadilla to the government, and bearing copies of his letters patent. There was no especial letter or message sent to the admiral, nor , were any of the common 4jprms of courtesy and ceremony observed in superseding him in the command. All the pro- ceedings of Bobadilla towards him were abrupt and insulting. Columbus was exceedingly embarrassed how to act. It was evident that Bobadilla was intrusted with extensive pow- ers by the sovereigns : but that they could have exercised such a sudden, unmerited, and apparently capricious act of severity towards him, as that of divesting him of all his command^, he could not believe. He endeavoured to per- suade himself that Bobadilla was some person sent out to t^ exercise the functions of chief judge, according to the re* ^ ^ quest he had written home to the sovereigns; and that they r^ had intrusted him likewise with provisional powers, to make ^ i 318 MfE AND VOYAGES OF an inquest into the late troubles of the island. All beyond these powers, he tried to believe, were mere assumptions and exaggerations of authority, as in the case of Aguado. At all events, he was determined to act upon such presumption, and to endeavour to gain time. If the monarchs had really taken any harsh measures with respect to him, it must have been in consequence of misrepresentations. The least de- lay might give them an opportunity of ascertaining their error, and making the necessary amends. He wrote tolSo- badilla, therefore, in guarded terms ; welcoming him to the island ; cautioning him against precipitate measures, espe- cially in granting licenses to collect gold; informing him that he was on the point of going to Spain, and in a little time would leave him in command, with every thing fully and clearly explained. He wrote at the same time to the like purport to certain monks who had come out with Boba- dilla; thotigh he observes that these letters were only writ- ten to gain time*. He received no replies. But while an insulting silence was observed towards him, Bobadilla filled up several of the blank letters, of which he had a number, signed by the sovereigns, and sent them to Roldan and others of the admiral's enemies ; the very men whom he had been sent out to judge. These letters were full of civilities and promises of favourf . To prevent any mischief which might arise from the li- censes and indulgences so prodigally granted by Bobadilla, Columbus published, by word and letter, that the powers as- sumed by him could not be valid, nor his licenses availing, as he himself held superior powers, granted to him in perpe- 4 • Letter of Columb. to the nurse of Prince Juan. t Idem. Herrera, D. 1, L. 4, C. 9. CHRISTOPHER OOLUMBM; 319 tuity by th^ crown ; which could no more be superseded in this instance, than they had been in that of Aguado. For some short time, Columbus remained in this anxious and perplexed state ^of mind ; uncertain what line of conduct to pursue in so singular and unlooked-for a conjuncture. He was soon brought to a decision. Francisco Velasquez, de- puty treasurer, and Juan de Trasierra, a Franciscan friar, arrived at Bonao, and delivered to him the royal letter of credence, signed by ther sovereigns, on the 26th of May, 1499, in which they commanded him to give implicit faith and obedience to Bobadilla; and they delivered to him, at the same time, a summons from the latter to appear imme- diately before him. This laconic letter from the sovereigns struck at once at the root of all his dignity and power. He no longer made hesitation or demur, but complying with the peremptory summons of Bobadilla, departed almost alone and unattend- ed for St. Domingo*. * Herrera, D. 1, L. 4, G. 9. Letter to nurse of Prince Juan. v I i^O LIFE AND VOYAGES OF CHAPTER IV. COLUMBUS ANt HIS BROTHERS ARRESTED, AND SENT TO SPAIN IN CHAINS. The tidings that a new governor had arrived, and that Columbus was in disgrace, and was to be sent, home in chains, circulated rapidly throu^ the Vega ; and the colonists hastened from all parts to St. Domingo, to make interest with Bobadilla. It was soon perceived that there was no surer way than that of vilifying his predecessor. Bo- badilla felt that he had taken a rash step in seuing upon the government, and that his own safety required the conviction of Columbus. He listened eagerly, therefore, to all accusa- tions, public or private; and welcome was he who could bring any charge, however extravagant, against the admiral and his brothers. Hearing that the admiral was on his way to the city, he made a bustle of preparation and armed the troops, affecting to believe a rumour, that Columbus had called upon the ca- ciques of the Vega to aid him with their subjects in a resist- ance to the commands of government. No grounds appear for this absurd report, which was probably invented to give a colouring of precaution to subsequent measures of violence and insult. The admiral's brother Don Diego was seized, thrown in irons, and confined on board of a caravel, without any reason being assigned for his imprisonment. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 321 In the meantime Columbus pursued his journey to St. Domingo, travelling in a lonely manner, without guards or retinue. Most of his people were with the adelantado, and he had declined being attended by the remainder. He had heard of the rumours of his hostile intentions ; and, although he knew that violence was threatened to his person, he came in this simple and confiding way to manifest his pacific feel- ings, and to remove all suspicion*. No sooner did Bobadilla hear of his arrival, than he gave orders to put him in irons, and confine him in the fortress. This outrage to a person of such dignified and venerable ap- pearance, and such eminent merit, seemed for the time to shock even his enemies. When the irons were brought, every one present shrunk fi*om the task of putting them on him, either from a sentiment of compassion at so great a reverse of fortune, or out of a habitual reverence for his person. To fill the measure of ingratitude meted out to him, it was one of his own domestics, " a graceless and shameless cook," says Las Casas, '* who, with unwashed front, applied to him the manacles, as though he were serving him with choice and savoury viands. I knew the fellow,'' adds the venerable bis-' torian, '* and I think his name was Espinosa.'^' Columbus conducted himself with characteristic magnani- mity, under the injuries heaped upon him. There is a noble scorn which swells and supports the heart, and silences the. tongue of the truly great, when enduring the insults of the unworthy. Columbus could not stoop to deprecate the arro- gance of a weak and violent man like Bobadilla. He looked beyond this shallow agents and all his petty tyranny, to the sovereigns who had employed him. It was their injiistice, * Las Casae, Hist. Ind. L. 1, C. ISO. VOL. 11. 41 4 322 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF *• and their iDgratitude alone that could wound. his spirit; and he felt assured that when the truth came to be known, they ^ would blush to find how greatly they had wronged him. With this proud assurance he bore all present indignities ia silence. Bobadilla, although he had the admiral and Don Diego- n his power, and had> secured the venal populace, yet felt insecure and anxious. The adelantado, with ap armed force under his command, was still in the distant province of Xa- ragua, in pursuit of the rebels. .Knowing his soldierlike and determined spirit, he feared he might take some vio- lent measure, when he should hear of the ignominious treat- ment and imprisonment of his brothers. He doubted whe- ther any order from himself would have any effect,'^except to exasperate the stern Don Bartholomew. He sent a demand therefore to Columbus to write to his brother, requesting him to repair peaceably to St. Domingo, and forbidding him to execute the persons he held in confinement. Columbus rea- dily complied. He exhorted his brother to submit quietly to the authority of his sovereigns, and to endure all present wrongs and indignities ; under the confidence that when they arrived at Castile every thing would be explained and redressed*. * Peter Martyr mentions, as a vulgar rumour of the day, that the admiral not knowing what might happen, wrote a letter in cipher to the adelantado, urging him to come, with arms in his hands, to prevent any violence that might be contrived against him. That the adelantado advanced, in efiect, with his armed force ; but hav- ing the imprudence to proceed some distance ahead of it, was sur- prised by the governor, before his men could come to his succour ; and that the letter in cipher had been sent to Spain. This must have been one of the groundless rumours of the day, circulated to j>re;i!c]ice the public mind. Nothiner of the kind appears amoncc CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 323 On receiving this letter Don Bartholomew immediately t;omplied. Relinquishing his command, he hastened peace- fully to St. Domingo, and on arriving experienced the same treatment with his brothers, being put in irons and confined on board of a caravel. They were kept separate from each other, and no communication permitted between them. Bo- badilla did not see them himself, nor did he allow others to visit them, but kept them in ignorance of the cause of their imprisonment, the crimes with which they were charged, and the process that was going on against them*. It has been questioned whether Bobadilla really had au- thority for the arrest and imprisonment of the admiral and bis brotherst; and whether such violence and indignity was, the charges in the inquest made by Bobadilla ; and which was seen and extracts made from it by Las Casas for his history. It is in fact in total contradiction to the' statements of Las Casas, Herrera, and Fernando Columbus. * Charlevoix, in his history of St Domingo, (Lib. 3, p. 199,) states that the process against Columbus was conducted in writing ; that written charges were sent to him, to which he replied in the same way. This is contrary to the statements of Las Casas, Herrera, and Fernando Columbus. The admiral himself, in his letter to the nurse of Prince John, after relating the manner in which he and hisiirothers had been thrown in irons — and confined separately, without being visited by Bobadilla, or permitted to see any other person— expressly adds : '' I make oath that I do not know for what I am imprisoned." Again, in a letter written some time afterwards from Jamaica, he says — <' I Svas taken and thrown with two brothers in a ship, loaded with irons, with little cloth- ing, and much ill-treatment, without being summoned or convicted by justice." t Herrera, D. 1, L. 4, C. 10. Oviedo, Cronica, L. 3, C. 6. .' *- 324 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF * la any case, contemplated by the sovereigns. He may have fancied himself empowered to do so, by the clause in the letter of instructions, dated March 21st, 1499, in which, speaking of the rebellion of Roldan, he is authorized '^ to seize the persons and sequestrate the property of those who appeared to be culpable, and then to proceed against them and against the absent with the highest civil and criminal penalties." This evidently had reference to the persons of Roldan aqd his followers, who were then in arms, and against whom Columbus hjad sent home complaints ; and this, by a violent construction, Bobadilla seems to have wrested into an authority for seizing the person of the ad- miral himself. In fact, in the whole course of his proceed- ings, he reversed and confounded the order of his instruc- tions. His first step should have been to proceed against the rebels ; this he made the last. His last step should have been, in case of ample evidence against the admiral, to have superseded him in office ; and this he made the first, without waiting for evidence. Having predetermined, from the very outset, that Columbus was in the wrong; by the same rule, he had to presume that all the opposite parties were in the right. It became indispensable to bis own justification to inculpate the admiral and his brothers ; and the rebels he had been sent to judge, became, by this singular perversion of rule, necessary and cherished evidences, to criminate those against whom they had rebelled. The intentions of the crown, however^ are not to be vin- dicated at the expense of its miserable agent. If proper respect had been felt for the rights and dignities of Colum- bus, Bobadilla would never have been intrusted with powers so extensive, undefined and discretionary; nor would he have dared to proceed to such lengths, with such rudeness I ^ ♦ CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 325 and precipitation, had he not felt assured that it would not be displeasing to the jealous-minded Ferdinand. The old scenes of the time of Aguado were now renewed with tenfold virulence, and the old charges revived, with others still more extravagant. From the early and never to be forgotten outrage upon Castilian pride, of ■ compelling hidalgos, in a time of emergency, to labour in the construc- tion of works necessary to the public safety, down to the recent charge of levying war against the government ; there was not a hardship, misfortune, abuse or sedition in the island, that was not imputed to the misdeeds of Columbus and his brothers. Beside the usual accusations, of inflict- ing oppressive labour, unnecessary tasks, painful restric- tiops, short allowances of food, and cruel punishments, upon the Spaniards ; and waging unjust wars against the natives ; they were now charged with preventing the conversion of the latter, that they might send them slaves to Spain, and profit by their sale. This last charge, so contrary to the pious feelings of the admiral, was founded on his having objected to the baptism of certain Indians of mature age, until they could be instructed in the doctrines of Christiani- ty ; justly considering it an abuse of that holy sacrament to administer it thus blindly*. Columbus was charged, also, with having secreted pearls, and other precious articles, collected in his voyage along the coast of Paria, and of keeping the sovereigns in igno- rance of the nature of his discoveries there, in order to exact new privileges from them. Yet it was notorious that he had sent home specimens of the pearls, and journals and charts of his voyage, by which others had been enabled to pursue his track. * Munoz, Hist. N. Mundo — Part unpublished. 4 326 MFE AND VOYAGES OF Even the late tumults, now that the rebels were admitted as evidence, were all turned into matters of accusation. They were represented as spirited and loyal resistance to tyranny exercised upon the colonists and the natives. The well-me- rited punisbments inflicted upon certain of the ringleaders,' were cited as proofs of a cruel and revengeful disposition^ and a secret hatred of Spaniards. Bobadilla believed, or afiected to believe, all these charges. He had, in a manner, made the rebels his confederates in the ruin of Columbus* It was become a common cause with them. He could no longer, therefore, conduct himself towards them as a judge. Guevara, Reqnelme, and their fellow convicts, were dis- charged almost without the form of a trial ; and it is even said were received into favour and countenance. Roldau, from the very first, had been treated with confidence by Bo- badilla, and honoured with his correspondence. All the others, whose conduct had drawn upon them the frowns of justice, received either a special acquittal, or a general' par- don. It was enough to have been opposed in any way to Columbus, to obtain full justification in the eyes of Boba- dilla. The latter had now collected a weight of testimony, and produced a cloud of witnesses sufficient, as he conceived, to ensure the condemnation of the prisoners, and his own con- tinuance in command. He determined, therefi^re, to send the admiral and his brothers home in chains, in the vessels which were ready for sea, transmitting at the same time the inquest takeri in their case, and writing private letters, en- forcing the charges made against them, and advising that Cx)lumbus should, on no account, be restored to the com- mand which he had so shamefully abused. St. Domingo now swarmed with miscreants just delivered from the dungeon and the gibbet. It was a perfect jubilee CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 327 of triumphant villany and dastard malice. Every base spi- rit, which had been awed into obsequiousness by Columbus and his brothers when in power, now started up to revenge itself upon them when in chains. The most injurious slan- ders were loudly proclaimed in the streets ; insulting pasqui- nades and inflammatory libels were posted up at the corners ; and horns were blown in the neighbourhood of their prisons, to taunt them with the exultings of the rabble*. When these rejoicings of his enemies reached him in the dungeon in which he was confined, and Columbus reflected on the in- considerate violence already exhibited by Bobadilla, he knew not how far his rashness and confidence might carry him, and began to entertain apprehensions for his life. The vessels being ready to make sail, Alonzo de Villejo was appointed to take charge of the prisoners, and conduct them to Spain. He was an officer who had been brought up by an uncle of Fonseca, was in the employ of that bishop, and had come out with Bobadilla. The latter instructed bim, on arriving at Cadiz, to deliver his prisoners into the hands of Fonseca, or of his uncle, thinking thereby to give the malignant prelate a triumphant gratification. This cir- cumstance gave weight with many to an assertion which had been made, that Bobadilla was secretly instigated and en- couraged to his violent measures by Fonseca, and was pro- mised his protection and influence at court, in case of any complaints of his conductf • Villejo undertook the office assigned him, but he dis- charged it in a more generous manner than was intended. "This Alonzo de Villejo," says the worthy Las Casas, * Hist del Almirante, C. 86. t Las Casas, Hist. Ind. L. 1, C. 180. MS. 328 LIFE AND VOYAGES OP ^< was a hidalgo of honourable character, and my particular friAd." He certainly showed himself superior to the low malignity of his patrons. When he arrired with a guard to conduct the admiral from the prison to the ship, he found him in chains, in a state of silent despondency. So violently had he been treated, and so savage were the passions let loose against him, that he feared he should be sacrificed without an opportunity of being heard, and his name go down sullied and dishonoured to posterity. When he beheld the officer enter with the guard, he thought it was to conduct him to the scaffold. " Villejo," said he mournfully, ** whi- ther sgre you taking me ?" " To the ship, your excellency, to embark,"^ replied the other. " To embark !" repeated the admiral earnestly ; " Villejo ! do you speak the truth ?" " 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. Nothing can be more touching and expressive than this little colloquy, re- corded by the venerable Las Casas, who doubtless had it from the lips of his friend Villejof . The caravels set sail early in October, bearing off Colum- bus, shackled like the vilest of culprits, amidst the hoots, and scoffs, and shouts of a miscreant rabble, who took a brutal joy in heaping insults on his venerable head, and, as it were, sent 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 Villejo, though in the service of Fonseca, felt deeply moved at the unworthy * Las Casas, Hist. Ind. L. 1, C. 180. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 329 treatment of Columbus. The toaster of the caravel, An- dreas Martin, was equally grieved : they both treated the ad- miral 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 com- manded 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 afterwards as relics and memorials of the reward of my services." " He did«o," 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* !" * Hist, del Almirante, Cap. 86. VOL. If. 42 i ,f ?t LIFE AND V6irA6BS OF CHRISTOPEU;!! COLUMBUS, )*■- BOOK XIV. CHAPTER L SENSATION IN SPAIN ON THE ARRIVAL OP COLUMBUS IN IRONS — HIS APPEARANCE AT COURT. The arrival of Columbus at Cadiz, a prisoner, and m chains, produced almost as great a sensation as his triumphant return from his first voyage. It was one of those striking and obvious facts which speak to the feelings of the multitude, and preclude the necessity of reflection. No one stopped to inquire into the case. It was sufficient to be told that Columbus was brought home in irons from the world he had discovered. A general burst of indignation arose in Cadiz, and its neighbouring city Seville, which was imme*- diately echoed throughout all Spain. If the ruin of Colum- bus ha^ been the ilitention of his enemies, they had defeated their object by their own violence. There was one of those sudden reactions, frequent in the public mind, when perse- IT- i 332 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF ■« cation is pushed to an unguarded length. Those of the pc^* pulace who had recently been loud in their clamour against Columbus, were now as loud in their reprobation of his^ treatment, and a strong sympatic was expressed against which it would have been odious for the government to con* tend* The tidings of his arrival, and of the ignominious man* ner in which he had been brought, reached the court at Gra- nada, and filled the halls of die Alhambra with murmurs of astonishment. Columbus, fiill of his wrongs, lint ignorant bow far they had been authorized by the sovereigns, bad for- borne to write to them. In the course of his voyage, how- ever, be had penned a long letter to Donna Juana de la Torre, a lady of the court, high in favour with queen Isa- bella, who had been nurse to Prince Juan. This letter, on his arrival at Cadiz, Andreas Martin, the captain of the ca- ravel, had permitted Columbus to send off privately by ex- press ; it arrived, therefore, before the process of Bobadilla was received. It was from this letter that the sovereigns de- rived their first intimation of his treatment*. It contained a statement of the late transactions of the island, and of the wrongs he hadsufiered, written with his usual artlessness and energy. To specify the contents, would be but to re- capitulate events already recorded. Some expressions, how- ever, which burst from him in the warmth of his feelings, are worthy of being noted. " The slanders of worthless men (says he) have done me more injury than all my services have profited me." Speaking of the misrepresentations to which he was subjected, he observes, " such is the name I have acquired, that if I were to build hos]^i||pd9.■ CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 333 they would be called dens of robbers." After relating, in indignant terms, the conduct of Bobadilla, in seeking testi- mony respecting his administration from the very men who had rebelled against him ; and throwing himself and his brothers in irons, without letting them know the offences with which they were charged : *' I have been much ag- grieved,'' he adds, ^^ that a person should be sent out to in- vestigate ray conduct, who knew that if the inquest he sent home should be of a grave «aature, he would remain in the government." He complains that in forming an opinion of his adminis- tration, allowances had not been made for the extraordinary difficulties with which he had to contend, and the wild state of the country over which he had to rule. " I was judged," he observes, ^^ as a governor who had been sent to take charge of a well-regulated city, under the dominion of long established laws, where there was no danger of every thing running to disorder and ruin ; but I ought to be judged as a captain, sent to subdue a numerous and hostile people, of manners and religion opposite to ours, living, not in regu- lar towns, but in forests and mountains. It ought to be con- sidered that I have brought all these under subjection to th^ir majesties, giving them dominion over another world, by which Spain, heretofore poor, has suddenly become rich* Whatever errors I may have fallen into, they were not with an evil intention ; and I believe their majesties will credit what I say. I have known them to be merciful to those who have wilfully done them disservice ; I am convinced that they will have still more indulgence for me, who have erred innocently or by compulsion, as they will hereafter be more iuUy hMHbed ; and I trust they will consider my great services, the advantages of which are ^«ry day more and more apparent." J m ^ 334 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF When this letter was read to the noble-minded Isabella, and she found how grossly Columbus had been wronged^ and the royal authority abused, her soul was filled with min- gled sympathy and indignation. The tidings were confirm- ed by a letter from the alcayde or corregidor of Gadiz^ into whose hands Columbus and his brothers had been delivered until the pleasure of their majesties should be known*, and by another letter from Alonzo de Villejo, expressed in terms accordant with his humane and honourable conduct towards his illustrious prisoner. However Ferdinand might have secretly felt disposed to- wards Columbus, the momentary tide of pubUc feeling was not to be resisted. He joined with his generous queen in . her reprobation of the treatment of the admiral, and both sovereigns hastened to give evidence to the world, that his imprisonment had been without their authority, and contrary to their wishes. Without waiting to receive any process that might arrive from Bobadilla, they sent orders to Cadiz that the prisoners should be instantly set at liberty, and treated with all distinction. They wrote a letter to Columbus couched in terms of gratitude and afiection, expressing their grief at all that he had suffered, and inviting him to court* They ordered at the same time that two thousand ducats . , should be advanced to defray his expensesf . ^ The loyal heart of Columbus was again lifted up, by this ample declaration, of his sovereigns. He felt conscious of his integrity, and anticipated an immediate restitution of all his rights and dignities. He appeared at court in Granada, . » - * Oviedo Cronic. L. 3, C. 6. t Las Casas, L. 1, C. 182. 2,000 ducats, or^2^46 dollai:s, equivalent tp 8,538 dollars at the present day. « m$ CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 336 on the 17th of December, not as a man rained and dis* graced, but richly dressed, and attended by an honourable retinue. He was received by their majesties with unquali- fied favour and distinction. When the queen beheld this venerable man approach, and thought on all that he had de- served, and all that he had suffered) she was moved to tears. Columbus had borne up firmly against the rude conflicts of the world ; he had endured with lofty scorn the injuries and insults of ignoble men ; but he possessed strong and quick sensibility. When he found himself thus kindly received by his sovereigns, and beheld tears in the benign eyes of Isa- bella, his long suppressed feelings burst forth. He threw himself upon his knees, and for some time could not utter a word for the violence of his tears and sobbings*. Their majesties raised him from the ground, and endea- voured to reassure him by the most gracious expressions. As soon as he recovered self-possession, he entered into an eloquent and highminded vindication of his loyalty, and the zeal he had ever felt for the glory and advantage of the Spa- nish crown. If at any time he had erred, it was through inexperience in government, and the extraordinary difficul- ties by which he had been surrounded. There needed no vindication on his part. The intemper- ance of his enemies had been his best advocate. He stood in presence of his sovereigns a deeply injured man ; and it remained for them to vindicate themselves to the world from ■ the charge of ingratitude towards their most deserving sub- ject. They expressed their indignation at the proceedings of Bobadilla, which they disavowed as contrary to their in- * Herrera, D, I, L. 4, C. 10. dK^ UFE AND VOYAGSsSpP stnictionsi and they promised that he should be immediately dismissed from his command. In fact, no public notice was taken of the process scyit bome by Bobadilla, nor of the letters which had been writ- ten in sapport of it. The sovereigns took erary, occdsion to treat Colombas with favour and distinctidp; jifsuring him that his grievances should be redressed, his property restored, and that be should be reinstated in all his privikges and (Ug- nities. It was on die latter point that Columbus was chiefly so- licitous. Mercenary considerations had but secondary weight in his mind. Glory had been the great object of his am« bition; and he felt that as long as he remained suspended from his employments, a tacit censure rested on his name. He expected, therefore, that the moment ihe sovereigns should be satbfied of the rectitude of his conduct, they would be eager to make him amends ; that a restitution of his vice- royalty would immediately take place, and he should return in triumph to St. Domingo. Here, however, he was doom- ed to experience the grand disappointment which threw a shadow over the remainder of his days. To account for this flagrant want of justice and gratitude in the crown, it is expedient to notice a variety of events which had materially aflected the interests of Colun^Kis in the eyes of the politic Ferdinand. z>^ « ■. . CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUa. 337 > ■ .^ CHAPTER II. CONTEMPORARY VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY. The general license granted by the Spanish sovereigns in 1 495 to undertake voyages of discovery, had given rise to various expeditions by enterprising individuals, chiefly per- sons who had sailed with Columbus in his first voyages. The government, too poor to fit out many armaments itself, was pleased to have its territories thus extended, free of cost, and at the same time its treasury benefited by a share of one fourth or fifth of the proceeds of these voyages, which was reserved as a kind of duty to the crown. These expeditions had chiefly taken place while Columbus was under a cloud of imputation, and in partial disgrace with the sovereigns. His own charts and journals served as guides to the adven- turers ; and his magnificent accounts of Paria and the adja- cent coasts had chiefly excited their cupidity. Beside the expedition of Ojeda already noticed, in the course of which he had touched at Xaragua, one had been undertaken at the same time by Pedro Alonzo Nino, native of Moguer, an able pilot who had been with Columbus in the voyages to Cuba and Paria. Having obtained a license, he interested a rich merchant of Seville in the undertaking, who fitted out a caravel of fifty tons burthen, under condi- voL- II. 43 ■I . * \ 338 .LIFE AND VOYAGES OF L tion that his brother, Christoval Guevra, should have ibf command. They sailed from the bar of Saltes a few dsgOk after Ojeda had sailed from Cadiz, in the spring of 14i|j^** and arriving on the coast of Terra Fir ma, south of Paria|JKa. they ran along it for some distance, passed through the gulf, . and thence west one hundred and thirty leagues, along the seaboard of the present republic of Colombia, visiting what was afterwards called the pearl coast. They landed in va- rious places, disposed of their European trifles to immense pro6t, and returned with a . large store of gold and pearls, having made^in their diminutive bark, one of the most exten- sive and lucrative voyages that had yet been accomplished. About the same time, the Pinzons, that family of bold and opulent navigators, fitted out an armament of four caravels at Palos, manned in a great measure by their own relatives and friends. Several experienced pilots embarked in it, who bad been with Columbus to Paria, and it was commanded by Vicente Pinzon, who had been captain of a caravel in the squadron of the admiral on his firs} voyage. Pinzon was a hardy and experienced seaman ; and did not, like the others, follow closely in the track of Columbus. Sailing in December, 1499, he passed the Canary and Cape de Verd islands, standing southwest, until he lost sight of the polar star. Here he encountered a terrible storm, and was exceedingly perplexed and confounded by the new as- pect of the iKravens. Nothing was yet known of the south- ern hemisphere, nor of the beautiful constellation of the Cross, which in those regions has since supplied to mariners the place of the north star. The voyagers had expected to find at the south pole a star correspondent to that at the north. They were dismayed at beholding no guide of the kind ; and '•■i3t - * :» CHRISTOPHER COLUiMBUS. ^^^^^ «1 ^i^ thought there must be some prominent swelling of the earth, ' '. rwfiich hid the pole from their view*. .Pinzon continued on, however, with great intrepidity. ..jAOn the 26tk.«of January, 1500, he saw at a distanced great head-land, which he called Cape Santa Maria de la Conso- lacion ; but which has since been named Cape St. Augus- tine. He landed and took possession of the country in the name of their Catholic Majesties ; being on a part of the territories since called the Brazils. Standing westward from thence, he discovered the Maragnon, since called the river of Amazons, traversed the gulf of Paria, and continued across the Caribbean sea, and the gulf of Mexico, until he found himself among the Bahamas, where he lost two of his vessels on the rocks near the island of Jumeto. He returned to Pa- los in September ; having added to his former laurels that of being the first European that had crossed the equinoctial line, in the western ocean } and of having discovered the fa- mous kingdom of Brazil, from its commencement ait the river Maragnon, to its most eastern point. As a reward for his achievements, power was granted to him to colonize and govern the lands which he had discovered, and which ex- tended southward, from a little beyond the river of Marag- non to Cape St. Augustinet. The little port of Palos, which had been so slow to fur- nish out the first squadron for Columbus, was now continually agitated by the passion for discovery. Shoitly after the sailing of Pinzon, another expedition was fitted out there, by Diego de Lepe, a native of the place, and was manned by * P. Martyr, Decad. 1, L. 9. t Herrcra, D. 1, L. 4, C. 12. Munoz, Hist. N. Mundo — Part inedit. w 340 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF bis adventurous townsmen. He sailed in the same di with Pinzon ; but be discovered more of the southern tinent than any other voyager of the day, or for twelve afterwards. He doubled Cape St. Augustine, and ascer- tained that the coast beyond ran to the southwest. 1^ land- ed and performed the usual ceremonies of taking possession in the name of the Spanish sovereigns, and in one place carved their names on a magnificent tree, of such enormous magni- tude, that seventeen men with their bands joined, could not embrace the trunk. What enhanced the merit of his dis- coveries was that he had never sailed with Columbus. He had with him, however, several skilful pilots, who had accom- panied the admiral in his voyages*. f^ Another expedition of two vessels sailed from Cadlk in October, J 500, under command of Rodrigo Bastides o€ Seville. He explored the coast of Terra Firma, passing Cape de la Vela, the western limits of the previous discove- ries on the main land, continuing on to a port since called the Retreat, where afterwards was founded the seaport of Nombre de Dios. His vessels being nearly destroyed by the worms, which abound in those seas, he had great difficulty in reaching Xaragua in Hispaniola, where he lost his two caravels, and proceeded with his crew by land to St. Do- mingo. Here he was seized and imprisoned by Bobadilla, under pretext that he had traded for gold with the natives of Xaraguat* Such was the swarm of Spanish expeditions engendered by the enterprizes of Columbus ; but there were others undertaken by other nations. In the year 1497, Sebastian Cabot, son of * Las Casas, Hist. Tnrl. It. 2. C. 2. Mufioz — Parr unpublished. ^ THem. '^ ^'^ CHRISTOPHEK COLUMBUS. 341r .#i|.^anetian merchant resident in Bristol, sailing in the ser- of Henry VII of England, navigated to the northern seas € new world. Adopting the idea of Columbus, he was in quest of the shores of Cathay, and hoped to find a northwest passage to India. In this voyage he discovered Newfoundland, coasted Labrador to the 56th degree of north latitude, and then returning, ran down southwest to the Floridas, when, his provisions beginning to fail, he .returned to England*. But vague and scanty notices exist concerning this voyage, which is important as including the first discovery of the con- tinent of the new world. The discoveries of rival nations, however, which most ex- cited l|lfe attention and jealousy of *the Spanish crown, were thosCf of the Portuguese. Vasquez de Gama, '^ a man of rank, of heart and of handf ," had at length accomplished the great design of the late prince Henry of Portugal, and by doubling the Cape of Good Hope, in the year 1497, had opened the long sought-for route to India. Immediately after Gama's return, a fleet of thirteen sail was fitted out to visit the magnificent countries of which' he brought accounts. This expedition sailed on the 9th of March, 1500, for Calicut, under the command of Pedro Al- varez de Cabral. Having passed the Cape de Verd islands, he sought to avoid the calms prevalent on the coast of Gui- nea, by stretching far to the west. Suddenly on the 25th of of April he came in sight of land, unknown to any one in his squadron ; for as yet they had not heard of the discoveries of Pinzon and Lepe. He at first supposed it to be some great island; but after coasting it for some time, he be- * Hackluyt, Collect, of Voyages, vol. 3. p. 7. t Lafiteau, Conquests des Portugaia, Ti. 2. :* 'W' »i 342 LIFE AND VOYAGES OP - t, # came persuaded that it must be part of a continent* Hav- ing ranged along it somewhat beyond the fifteenth degree southern latitude, he landed at a harbour, which he called Porto Securo, and taking possession of the country fdr. the crown of Portugal, dispatched a ship to Lisbon witfi'l^e im- portant tidings*. In this way did the Brazils come into the possession of Portugal, being to the eastward of the conven- tional line settled with Spain as the boundary of their re- spective territories. Dr. Kobertson, in recording this voyage of Cabral, concludes with one of his just and elegant re- marks. " Columbus' discovery of the new world," he ob- serves, " was the effort of an active" genibs, guided by expe- rience, and acting upon a*regular plan, executed with no less courage than perseverance. But from this adventure of the Portuguese, it appears that chance might have accomplish- ed that great design, which it is now the pride of human reason to have formed and perfected. If the sagacity of Columbus had not conducted mankind to America, Cabral, by a fortunate accident, might have led them, a few years later, to the knowledge of that extensive continentt.'' * Lafiteau, L. 2. I Robertson, Hist. America, Book 2. ■^ 'r 9 ;^, CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 343 %r • ■ "J — • * • ■■_ \ f * CHAPTER III. NICHOLAS DE OVANDO APPOINTED TO SUPERSEDE BO- BADILLA. .The numerous discoveries briefly noticed in the 1501. ^ preceding chapter, had produced a powerful effect upon the -mind of Ferdinand. His ambition, his avarice, and his jealousy, were equally inflamed. He beheld bound- less regions, teeming with all kinds of riches, daily opening before the enterprizes of his subjects; but he beheld at the same time other nations launching forth in competition, emulous to share with him this golden world which he was eager to monopolize. The expeditions of the English, and the accidental discovery of the Brazils by the Portuguese, caused him much uneasiness. To secure his possession of the continent, he determined to establish local governments or commands, in the most Important places ; all to be sub- ject to a general government seated at St. Domingo, which was to be the metropolis. With these considerations, the government heretofore granted to Columbus had risen vastly in importance ; and while the restitution of it was the more desirable in his eyes, it became more and more a matter of repugnance to the self- ish and jealous monarch. He had long repented having ^% ■ft 344 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF vested such great powers and prerogatives in any subject, particularly in a foreigner. At the time of granting thenar ■: he ' had no anticipation of such boundless countries to be placed under his conunand. He appeared almost to consi- der himself outwitted by Columbus in the arranffement be had made ; and every succeeding discovery, instead of in- creasing his grateful sense of the obligation, only made him repine the more at the growing magnitude of the reward. He had at length, however, in the affair of Bobadilla, got the door closed, apparendy through the violence of another, between Columbus and his high office ; and the wary mo- narch secretly determined that it never again should be opened. Perhaps Ferdinand may really have entertained doubts as to the innocence of Columbus, with respect to the various charges made against him. He may have doubted also tfate > strength of bis loyalty, being a stranger, when he should * find himself firm in his command, at a great distance from the parent country, with immense and opulent regions under his control. Columbus himself, in his letters, alludes to re- ports circulated by his enemies, that he intended either to set up an independent sovereignty, or to deliver his discoveries into the hands of other potentates; and he appears to fear that these slanders may have made some impression on the mind of Ferdinand. But there was one other consideration which had no less force with the monarch, in withholding this great act of justice — Columbus was no longer indispen- sable to him. He had made his great discovery. He had struck out the route to the new world, and now any one could follow it. A number of able navigators had sprung up un- der his auspices, and acquired experience in his voyages. They were daily besieging the throne with ofters to fit out .*^' 9RRISTOPRER COLUMBtTS. #45 ^nterprizes at their own cost, and to yield a share of the firofits to the crown. Why should he, therefore, confer princely dignities and prerogatives for what men were daily offering to perform gratuitously ! Sudlifv irom his after conduct, appears to have been the jealous and selfish policy which actuated Ferdinand in fbr- l)earing to reinstate Columbus in those dignities and privi- leges which had so solemnly been granted to him by treaty, and which it was acknowledged that he had never forfeited by misconduct. This deprivation, however, was declared to be only temporary ; and plausible reasons were given for the delay in his reappointment. It was observed, that the ele- ments of those violent factions, which had recently been in arms against him^ yet existed in the island ; his imnfie- diate return might product firesh exasperation; his peiv sonal safety would be endangered, and the island again tlirown into confusion. Though Bobadilla, therefore, was to be immediately dismissed from command, it was deemed advisable to send out some officer of talent and discretion to supersede him ; who might dispassionately investigate the recent disorders, remedy the abuses which had arisen, and expel all dissolute and factious persons from the colony. He should hold the government for two years, by which time it was trusted that all angry passions would be allayed, and turbulentlndividuals removed. Columbus might then resume the command with comfort to himself and advantage to the crown. With these reasons, and the promise which accom^ panied them, Columbus was obliged to content himself. There can be no doubt that they were sincere on the part of Isabella, and that it was her intention to reinstate him in the full enjoyment of his rights and dignities^ after this appa- rently necessary suspension. Ferdinand, however, by hi3 VOL. II. 44 346 LIFE AND VOYAGES OF subsequent conduct, has forfeited all claim to any favourable opinion of the kind* The person chosen to supersede Bobadilla was Don Ni- cholas de Ovando, commander of Lares, of the order of Al- cantara. He is described as of the middle size, fair com- plexioned, with a red beard, and a mode$t look, yet a tone of authority. He was fluent in speech, and gracious and cour- teous in his manners. A man of great prudence, says Las Casas, and capable of governing many people, but not of governing Indians, on whom he inflicted incalculable inju- ries. He professed great veneration for justice, w^ an ene- my to avarice, yet sober in his mode of living, and of such humility, that when he rose afterwards to be grand command- er of the order of Alcantara, he would never allow himself to be addressed by the title of respect attached to it*. Such is the picture drawn of him by historians; but his conduct, in several important instances, is in direct contradiction to it* He appears to have been plausible and subtle, as well as flu- ent and courteous; his humility to have covered a great love of command ; and in bis transactions with Columbus, he was certainly both ungenerous and unjust. The various arrangements to be made, according to the new plan of colonial government,. delayed for some time the departure of Ovando. In the meantime, every arrival brought intelligence of the disastrous state of the^ island^, under the maleadministration of Bobadilla. He had com- menced his career by an opposite policy to that of Co- lumbus. Imagining that rigorous rule had been the rock on which his predecessor had split, he sought to conciliate the public by all kinds of indulgence. Having at the very * Las Casas, Hist. Ind. L. 2, C. 3. CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 347 outset relaxed the reigns of justice and morality, he lost all command over the community ; and such disorder and licen- tiousness ensued, that many even of the opponents of Colum- bus looked back with regret upon the strict but wholesome rule of himself and the adelantado. Bobadilla was n6t so much a bad, as an imprudent and a weak man. He had not foreseen the dangerous excesses to which his policy would lead. Rash in grasping authori- ty, he was feeble and temporizing in tbe exercise of it. He could not look beyond the present exigency ; one dangerous indulgence granted to the colonists called for another; each was ceded in its turn, and thus he went on from error to error; showing that in government there is as much danger to be apprehended from a weak as from a bad man* He had sold the farms and estates of the crown at low prices; observing that it was not the wish of the monarchs to enrich themselves by them, but that they should redound to the profit of their subjects. He granted universal permis- sion to work the mines, paying only an eleventh of the pro- duce to government. To prevent any diminution in the re- venue, it became necessary, of course, to increase the quan- tity of gold collected. ' He obliged the caciques, therefore, to furnish each Spaniard with Indians, to assist him both in the labours of the field and of the mine. To carry this into more complete efiect, he made an enumeration of all the natives of the island; then reduced them into classes, and distributed them, according to his favour or caprice, among the colonists. The latter, at his suggestion, associated « themselves in partnerships' of two persons each, who were to assist one another with their respective capitals and Indians; one superintending the labours of the field, and the other the search for goldr The only injunction of Bobadilla was 346 LIFE AND VOYAGSS OF to produce large quantities of ore. He had one saying^ continually in his moiith, which shows the pernicious and temporizing principle upon which he acted : ** make the most of your time," he would say, " there is no knowing how long it may last:" alluding to the possibility of his being speedily recalled. The colonists acted up to his advice ; and so hard did they drive the poor natives, that the eleventh yielded more revenue to the cro^wn than had ever been pro* duced by the third under the government of Columbus. . In the meantime the unhappy natives isuff^red under all kinds of cruelties from their inhuman taskmasters. Little used to labour, feeble of constitution, and accustomed in their beautiful and lu:i^uriant island, to a life of ease and freedom, they sunk under the toils imposed upon them, and the severities by which they were enforced. Las Casas gives an indignant picture of the capricious -.i^ tyranny exercised over the Indians by worthless Spaniards,^ \^^' many of whom .had been transported convicts from the dun- ' geons of Castile. These wretches, who in their own coun- try had been the vilest among the vile, here assumed the tone of grand cavaliers. They insisted upon being attended by trains of servants. They took the daughters and female relatives of caciques for the^r domestics, or rather for their concubines ; nor did they limit themselves in number. When they travelled, instead of using the horses and mules with which they were provided, they obliged the natives to trans- port them W^n their shoulders in litters or hamacs, with others attending to hold umbrellas of palm leaves over their heads to keep off the sun, and fans of feathers to cool them ; and Las Casas affirms that he has seen the backs and shoul- ders of the unfortunate Indians who bore the litters raw and bleeding from the task. When these arrogant upstarts ar- CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. ' 349 rived at an Indian village, they consumed and lavished away the provisions of the inhabitants, seizing upon whatever pleased their caprice, and obliging the cacique and his sub- jects to dance before them for their amusement* Their very pleasures were attended with cruelty. They never addressed the natives but by the most degrading terms ; and on the least offence, or the least freak of ill humour, they inflicted blows and lashes, and even death itself^. Such is but a faint picture of the evils which sprung up under the feeble rule, of Bobadilla; and which are darkly described by Las Casas, from actual observation, as he vi- sited the island just at the close of his administration. Bo- badilla had trusted to the immense amount of gold, wrung from the miseries of the natives, to atone for all errors, and to secure favour with the sovereigns; but he had totally ^j£ mistaken his course. The abuses of his government soon reach^d the royal ear, and above all, the wrongs of the na- tives reached the benevolent heart of Isabella. Notfiing was more calculated to arouse her indignation, and she urged the speedy departure of Ovando to put a stop to these enormities. In conformity to the plan already mentioned,, the govern- ment of Ovando extended over the islands and Terra Firma, of which Hispaniola was to be the metropoKs. He was to enter upon the exercise of his powers immediately on his ar- rival, by procuration, sending home Bobadilla by the return of the fleet. He was instructed to inquire ,368' LIFE and:toyages OP . A^ • These ideas, so repeatedly and solemnly andPartlessly ex- pressed, by a man of the fervent piety