Pet Bizari Res Genoan.lib. 16.
Christopher Colonus, generally (though by mistake) call’dColumbus, wasLib. 11. Hist. Georg.born inArbizolo, a Village in the Dominion ofGenoa, nearSavona; hisChristoph. Colonus’s Birth.Father liv’d by Fishing in the Midland-Sea: So thatSebastian Schroter, and others besides him, are mistaken, saying,Colonuswas born in the CityCucureum, and descended of the Noble FamilyPilistrelli: ForPeter Bezarus,Colonushis Countrey-man, gives unquestionable Proofs of his mean Extract; and amongst other things, That the Common-wealth ofGenoarefus’d to receive the great Legacy whichColonusleft them in his Will, because they fondly thought it a derogation to their Honor, being so great a Republick, to take any thing of Bequest from a Fishers Son: Yet his Majesty ofCastilethought otherwise, not onely enriching him with Wealth, and a fair Revenue for his Discovery of theWest-Indies; but also, though of a low derivation, rais’d him to great Honor, Ennobling him the first of his Family with Dignities, Titles, and Escutcheon, which rank’d him in place among his Prime Nobility.
His Life.
Strange Accident.Hist. Peru.
Makes his Address atGenoa.
To the Portuguese,
English,
AndCastilianKing, concerning a New World.
Sails fromCadizto discover New Countreys.
His People rebel.
DiscoversHispaniola.
Trades with the Natives.
Colonus, whom we shall henceforth callColumbus, spent his Youth near the Sea, where he was busie exploring the Winds, considering their Natures, and the Quarters whence they rose, especially with the setting of the Current from theAtlantickto theMediterrane. The Western Winds, which often, as well as theLevant, blow several days together from the great Ocean, much amusing him, hinted at last some Notions, that there might be another World, and new Places to be discover’d, beyond the setting of the Sun; and that theNe plus ultrashould not be, if he could help it, the commanding Terminary of the Earth that way. He also spent much time, being of a solid Judgment, in the Emendations of Charts and Maps, then very much improvable: And thePortuguese, who at that time had got the start in Navigation from all other People, being then busie to find a way by the South ofAfricato theEast-Indies, not contented to go by hearsay, he went himself in Person a Voyage with them. Soon afterColumbussettled himself in the IslandMadera, where an Accident hapned, whichFrancis Lopez de Gomesarelates thus: “The Master of a Ship, whose Name and Countrey lies buried in Oblivion (though some would have him to be ofSpain, some anAndalusianorBiscayner, and others aPortuguese) Trading theCanariesandFlemmish-Isles, was surpris’d by a hideous Tempestfrom the East, which hurried himnolens volensthrough dreadful Waves, where at last he found himself ingag’d upon a Western Coast, altogether unknown. The Storm ceasing, without making further Discoveries, he pick’d his way homeward, at last Landing in the Haven ofMadera: All his Crew but three and himself, with hardship, want, and the long Voyage having perish’d, himself dangerously sick, was carried intoColumbushis House; where lying on his Death-Bed, he bequeath’d toColumbushis Maps, Journals, and other Observations of this his unfortunate Voyage.”Columbusbeing by these Papers more confirm’d than ever in his Opinion of a New World in the West, declar’d what he verily believ’d, to the States ofGenoa; but they look’d upon him as a vain and idle Fellow; yetColumbusfull of his great Project, thus slighted and scornfully rejected, sate not so down, but address’d himself to the King ofPortugal, where they wearied him, spending long time with dilatory Answers, to no effect; the Opinion of a whole Court of expert Navigators having cast his Declaration out, as aChimeraor meer Fancy. Soon afterColumbussending his Brother intoEngland, to move the Business to KingHenrythe Seventh, he being taken Prisoner by the way, and lying long er’e his Release, came too late to theEnglishCourt, prevented by the News ofChristopher’s return with Success from his intended Voyage: For mean whileFerdinandoandIsabellaKing ofCastile, having finish’d his Wars with theMoors, had furnish’d him out for the Expedition; which he effected by the favor ofAlfonso MendotioandAlfonso Quintavilia, both great Ministers of State underFerdinandandIsabel, and obtain’d so much at last, that he was sent with a hundred and twenty Souldiers, besides Sea-men, in two Ships, and one Pinnace. Thus supplied, he set Sail fromCadizupon the Kings account the fourth ofAugust, Anno 1492.and first reach’d theCanary-Islands, and from thence steering South-West, the Wind in thirty three days scarce varying one Point: But though the Weather blew so constant, yet the Sea-men chang’d their Minds, and Storm’d quite contrary, crying, ThatColumbuswas guilty of all their Deaths:For(said they, after they had lost sight of theCanariesso many days, nothing appearing but Sea and Sky)Who can hope for any Success or happy conclusion of so desperate a Voyage, so rashly undertaken, and found now so full of eminent danger?YetColumbusbore bravely up, and weather’d all their Exclamations, although they threatned no less than his Murder: At last Articling, they came to this Agreement,That if after sailing forwards three days more, no Land were discover’d, they should return: But about two a Clock the next Night,Columbussaw a glimmering like Fire in the Sky, and in the Morning found himself close aboard a most pleasant Coast, where Landing with twelve Men, he erected a Cross cut out of a Tree. Thence he sail’d over toCuba, where the Sea was so rough, that he was forc’d to stand off, fearing Rocks and Shallow Water. Soon after he got to the Northward of the IslandHaytin, which he call’dHispaniola: Here his best Ship was bulged upon a Rock, on which they had all perish’d, had it not been flat on the top, so that the Soldiers and the whole Crew of Sea-men were sav’d by the two Vessels. The Inhabitants stark naked, seeing these Strangers, fled to the Woods; but theSpaniardsovertaking a Woman, they entertain’d her with Sweet-meats andSpanishWine, and putting her on a white Shirt, sent her again to the rest of the Natives, where return’d, she told what good Entertainment she had had to her Companions; whereupon divers of the Islanders came aboard of theSpaniards, in Boats made of one piece of Wood, where they barter’d Gold for Beads, pieces of Glass, Knives, Shells,and other Trifles. The King ofGuaccanarillogave testimony of peculiar inclination to theSpaniards, helping them to Fish up the remaining Goods of the Wreck, and inform’d them, That some Rivers flowing from the tops of high Mountains, wash’d down the Gold amongst the Sand: notwithstanding a strange Prophecy had been told to these Islanders, namely,That Bearded Men out of remote Countries should destroy their Goods, take their Land, and massacre their Children. He also told them what made them fly, and betake them to their Heels at the arrival of theSpaniards, because they were oftentimes surpris’d by theCannibals, who snatch’d up all they could lay hold on: Their Boys and Striplings they gelded, cooping and cramming them up, as we our Capons, for Feasts: The young and well-grown Men they chopp’d to pieces, salted, and Barrel’d up: Young Women they preserv’d for breed, and old ones they made Slaves. TheseCannibalswere so terrible to the Inhabitants ofHaytin, that a thousand of them durst not venture to engage against ten, but would run every way, dispers’d like Flocks of Sheep before the Wolf.
Lastly, Their King permitted theSpaniardsto build a Lodge or Hovel, wherein thirty or forty of them might shelter; but indeed so taking possession in right of the King ofSpain.
Returns toSpain.
Is highly honor’d.
Goes with seventeen Sail a second time toHispaniola.
Mean whileColumbusreturn’d in safety toSpain, and was receiv’d with great joy, KingFerdinandmaking him Admiral of the Sea, and sending his BrotherBartholomewGovernor toHaytin, now call’dHispaniola. The Gold, Parrots, Mastick, Aloes, the strange BreadJucca, whose extracted Juyce is rank Poyson, but the Body makes good Meal, which kneaded and bak’d, yields a fine Manchet and wholesom Food, they look’d upon with great delight and admiration; but two of the Natives being naked, with Gold Rings through their Noses and Ears, Ornaments with them of high esteem, and signifying their no mean Quality, the People old and young came in Throngs to wonder at, never weary of gazing upon them. But the King, encourag’d by this Success, took no dilatory Course, but suddenly, and before any could expect, built fourteen stout Carvels, and three Frigats, and as soon mann’d them with twelve hundred Soldiers, besides a great number of Artificers of all sorts, with their Wives and Children, freighting them with Horses, Swine, Goats, Cattel for Breed, all sorts ofEuropeanCorn to sow, Fruit-Trees and Vines to plant, and some Priests to instruct and convert the Natives to their Religion.
The Barbadoes,St. Christophers,&c.
The Huts of theCannibals.
The second ofSeptember,Anno 1493.they set sail fromCadiz, and Anchor’d beforeFerreo, the last and furthest of theCanary-Islands, where they could get no Water, but what dropp’d from the Dew hanging on Trees into Troughs. After that,Columbuscame on the one and twentieth day amongst theCaribby-Islands, where he dropp’d Anchor before one, which he call’dDominico; but finding it desolate, set sail further, and discover’d several other Coasts, where he likewise found nothing but very great Porcupines or Hedg-hogs, and sweet-smelling Trees. Steering forward, he found the Coasts of theCannibals, which inhabited along the Shore in little Huts or Hovels, built round of Wood, and stak’d about on the out-side with long Poles, likePalisado’s: They have also Posts within, which are shorter, pleited and fastned together with Cotton, or long Roots of Trees, plyant like our Osiars, over which they hang Cloths painted with horrible Figures and strange Representations: The Roofs rise like our Canopy’d Tents, highest in the middle, cover’d with Palm-Tree Leaves to keep off the Rain: At the Entrances hang two Hairy Images on Poles, not for Religion sake, but Ornament: Their Bed-steads being highfrom the Ground, are fill’d with a kind of Straw; and in long Hovels fitted for that purpose they store their Sugar.
IslandGuadalupe.
Columbuslanding here, found all theCannibalsfled; but their Houses full of Stone Vessels, Cruises, Pans, and Pots, boyling with Mens Flesh, Parrots, and Wild-foul; the Hanches and Sides of young Men, on Spits roasting at the Fire, with the Splinters of whose broken Bones they headed their Arrows. This Island by the Inhabitants call’dCarucueria,Columbuschang’d toGuadalupe, because the Mountains rise up with their tops not unlikeEstremadurainSpain, famous there for the wonderful Representation of our Lady, as that of the Lady ofLorettoinItaly. Thirty Women which he had taken from the neighboring Isles, he sent with Presents to the fledCanibals, which the next day returning, made a great appearance near the Shore; but when they had gaz’d a while upon theSpaniards, looking stedfastly on one another, they suddenly ran back again, sheltring themselves in the Covert of the Woods.Columbusthinking it not worth his while to expect their return, seeing their barbarous Life, burnt and destroy’d all their Boats, and spoiling whatever he could, sail’d toMatanino.
Strange Women inMatanino.
The releas’d Women inGuadalupe, that came back again, inform’d theSpaniards, ThatMataninowas an Isle onely inhabited by Women, which at accustom’d times row’d over to theseCannibals, where a while they drove a Trade and Commerce of Love, the Product of which, if Girls, they kept; but the Boys they sent over to their Fathers. They live in Caves, the Mouths and Entrances of which they maintain and stoutly make good with their Bowe, shooting Arrows as thick as Hail at the approach of Men, after their impregnating by theCannibals.
Remarkable Passage ofColumbus.
Salvageness of theIndians.
From hence the Fleet pass’d by several other fruitful Islands,Columbusgiving them the Names ofMontseratto,Rodondo,St. Martin,Santa Cruz, formerly by the Inhabitants call’dAyaya. On this last Island he landed thirty Men, who took four Women, which held out their Hands before them, as if Petitioners that begg’d Quarter, or praying, and then conceal’d themselves in Ambuscade, the better to surprize more; when by chance they spied anIndianCanooat Sea, with eight Men, and as many Women; whereupon those in Ambuscade made a Signal to the next Ship, which immediately sent off some Boats well Mann’d; but before they drew near them, or expected an On-set, one of theSpaniardswas kill’d, and another wounded with their Arrows; amongst whom a Woman, to whom all the rest shew’d greatest Respect and Reverence, aim’d very exactly. Their barbed Shafts were poyson’d; whereupon theSpaniardsenrag’d, stemm’d theCanoo, and oversetting, row’d quite over; which little or nothing avail’d; for they all swam, and though separated, shot their Arrows at them, as if the Boat had been a But. At last theIndiansgot upon a blind Rock, cover’d with Shole Water, which gave them fresh Courage; but theSpaniardshaving more aid sent them from the Fleet, took them all Prisoners; but the Queens Son being wounded in the Scuffle, and dying soon after, was thrown overboard. The Prisoners being brought beforeColumbus, foam’d at the Mouth for raging madness; and being afterwards carried toCastile, so retain’d their fierce and salvage Nature, that they scar’d away and frighted the safe Beholders.
Columbuscomes toHispaniola.
Finds theSpaniardsslain.
His Discourse with the KingGuaccanarillo.
Strange gathering of Gold.
Decas 1. De Orba Novo.
Mean while theSpanishFleet proceeded on their Voyage, between several Islands, toHispaniola, of which some appear desolate and barren, others green and Woody; the small Vessels sailing close under the Shore, and the great onesstanding further off at Sea, which was very turbulent, and beat exceedingly against the Shole Rocks. The IslandBurichema,Columbuscall’dSt. Johns, to which belong’d some of the Women sent forth inGuadalupe, who inform’d them, ThatBurichemawas well inhabited by a kind and hospitable People, who when theCannibalslanded there fought them, and if Conquerors, were so much exasperated with their inhumane Barbarisms, that they seiz’d on them like Mastiffs open-mouth’d, and tore them piece-meal with their Teeth; yet themselves abhorring the Custom of eating Mens Flesh. Here theSpaniardsfound onely a large House, surrounded with twelve lesser ones, all deserted; for the Inhabitants with their KingChiasichiowere then retir’d into the cool and more sheltring Woods, from the mid-day Heat. All this theIndianstold him, which he brought back with him fromSpain. Coming to an Anchor atHispaniola, he sent one of theIndiansashore, that he might tell what brave things he had seen in theSpanishCourt; but the remaining three took the advantage of the following Night, and leaping over-board, swam to Shore. But this Accident he not much regarded, trusting to have a sufficient Account from his eight and thirtySpaniardswhich he had left in the Fort upon the Island; and the more, because KingGuaccanarillo’s brother, in sign of Friendship, had presented him with two Golden Images: But all these Conjectures fail’d him, so that hearing nothing, he landed, where he found theSpanishGarrison utterly destroy’d, and the Royal Fort burnt down to the Ground, and lying in a heap of Ashes. Then they fired several Guns, to give notice, that if any of them had conceal’d themselves, and lay sculking in the Woods, or otherwise, they should discover themselves, and come to the succour of their Friends: But all in vain, for none came; for as they were afterwards inform’d, the Inhabitants had slain them, because of their insupportable behavior, insolently committing Robberies, Rapes, and Murders: Hereupon he sent Messengers to the KingGuaccanarillo, to inquire why they had fired his Fort, and what they had done with his Men, who brought him this Return, That over that mighty Island were many Princes, of which two being provok’d by the reports of the Strangers that were entertain’d in the Island, came marching upon them, each with their Armies; but that he endeavor’d what he could, and came with a Power to assist the Strangers; yet all he got for his Kindness, was a Wound in his Leg, which had been so sore and troublesom, that forc’d him to keep his Bed, and no less than seven Concubines to attend him, and dress the Wound: But he told his Tale so ill, and feign’d his Lameness worse, thatSibilius, one of the Messengers sent byColumbus, lifting up the Coverlet, saw that he ail’d nothing, which soon confirm’d his doubt, that he was confederated with the rest, and alike guilty of the Slaughter. At lastGuaccanarillobeing desir’d, came in Person toColumbus, in whose presence he held a long Discourse with anIndianWoman, which they had brought from the Island ofSanta Cruz, there Christned by the Name ofCatharine: At lengthGuaccanarillowas dismiss’d, and the Night following thisCatharine, with seven more of theIndianWomen, leap’d over-board, and swom almost a League to Shore, so going thence directly to their KingGuaccanarillo. This Accident gave more suspicion toColumbus, who thereupon sent three hundred Men, commanded byMelchior,Hoieda, andGorvalano, to march through the Island three several ways, and with special Commission to secure as their PrisonerGuaccanarillo.Melchiordiscover’d a wide River, full of Reaches and winding Bays, gliding between high Hills cover’d with Woods, resounding with the ecchoing noises of harmoniousBirds, and disemboguing his Waters, enlarg’d by two other Rivers, into the Sea, so making a convenient Harbor for Ships. Here a hundred of the Islanders, well Arm’d after their manner, met them, crying aloud,We are noCannibals,butTaynos, that is,a People more civil than they are cruel. TheSpaniardsmaking Signs of Peace, theTaynosapproach’d, and joyn’d their Forces in a friendly manner. Near the place of this Meeting appear’d a House built in an Oval fashion, being thirty two Paces in the Circumference, the Roof curiously pleited of divers colour’d Rushes, round about which stood thirty lesser Dwellings. Mean while, in his MarchHoiedadiscover’d a River that descended from a high Mountain, where the Inhabitants gather’d much Gold after this manner: They dig a Hole about two Foot deep; then taking up their left Hand full of Sand, with their right Hand they cull out the precious Ingots, which little accounting of, as they gather’d, they dealt away to theSpaniards. Most of the Pieces were as big as Pease, yet some so large, that they weigh’d nine Ounces.Peter Martyr, Councellor to the EmperorCharles, tells us, That he hath seen of them in theSpanishCourt, that were brought over thither byColumbus. Moreover,Hoiedawas inform’d here, That this Gold-River took its Original in the Province belonging toCacicus Caunaboa, signifying,The King of the Golden Palace.
Columbusbuilds a City.
Strange fruitfulness there.
Mean timeColumbusselected a piece of Ground on a rising Hill, on the North part of the Isle, where he intended to build a City, because close by the Hill on one side rises a Mountain, pregnant with Stone and Chalk; on the other, a Plain, so exceeding fruitful and pleasant, that the Sun scarce shines upon a more delightful and fertile Soil, which they found afterwards by experience. Here Melons are set and ripe in thirty six days; Corn, in two Months; twice a Year the Trees and Plants bring forth their several Products; the Vines come to maturity, and are loaden with Clusters of Grapes, in two Years, and Sugar-Canes grow as thick as a Mans Arm in fifteen days. On this pleasant Soil, accommodated with a convenient Haven,Columbusafterwards built the CityIsabella, fortified with Walls and Trenches against all Invasions, over which he made his BrotherBartholomew Columbusfirst Governor.
Mean while the AdmiralColumbushimself march’d up into the Countrey with three hundred Men, in quest of the Gold Mines. Seventy two Leagues the ValleyCibavalies distant fromIsabella, to whichColumbuspass’d over swift Currents and high Mountains, where he built a Fort, which he call’dSt. Thomas; and exchang’d with the Inhabitants Toys and Trifles, for Pieces and Ingots of Gold, which the Inhabitants, as before-mention’d, found in the Sand of their Rivers: And besides, they inform’d him, That about half a days Journey further, greater Quantities of Gold were to be found, in a browner colour’d Soil: WhereuponLuxanus, one of his Officers, was sent with a sufficient Party thither, who march’d through a delightful way, cool with shady Boughs, and pleasant with the prospect of spacious Meadows, where they mow’d Grass for their Horses, which in four days time grew up again higher than our tallest Wheat.
Goes to Sea to discover new Countreys.
Mean timeColumbusbeing return’d with great Riches to his new CityIsabella, went soon after by Sea, with three Vessels, to discover new Countreys more remote; which his Design fell out also successfully; for he fell first uponJamaica, where he found more stout Opposition than elsewhere, by the Natives, at his Landing; but finding themselves over-power’d, they came to Agreement, and accepting an amicable Composure, presently struck up aPeace. From thence putting to Sea, he next discover’dCuba, which sailing round about, he found also to be an Island; where Landing in a convenient Harbor, on each fenc’d with a high and jutting Rock, he espied two little Hovels, wherein was abundance of Fish, besides two great Snakes or Serpents, each having eight Feet, spitted, and ready to be laid to the Fire to be roasted; but neither Man, Woman, nor Child to be seen, they being gone with part of the Fish they had dress’d, into the adjacent Woods; whither theSpaniardsfollowing, saw hanging by small Strings, on the Branches of Trees, abundance of Snakes, some of which had their Mouths tied together, others their Tongue and Teeth pull’d out. Hence marching on, a little beyond they saw a Company of the Natives, which they judg’d to be about seventy Men, covering the top or summit of a Hill, to whom theSpaniardsmade Signs, and to entice them near, shew’d several of their gawdy Trifles; but in vain, till at last one adventur’d, descending from the Hill, to whom one of the Natives (who in the first Voyage that the Admiral made, was taken from the IslandGuanabaininearCuba, carried toSpain, and there Christned) call’d aloud, telling him they need not fear, they should have no harm done them; which said, they came down all together, and inform’d them, That they were sent by their King to catch Fish for another King, which was with him at Dinner; and if they had not eaten the Serpents, they gave them many thanks; for they were provided for the second Course, and very scarce to be got, being a greater Dainty than any Fish.
Discovers not without great Accidents, several New Countreys.
Columbusfrom hence proceeding on further Westward, discover’d a fruitful Coast, verging the Mouth of a River, whose Water runs boyling hot into the Sea. Somewhat further he saw very strange Fishes, especially theGuaican, not unlike an Eel, but with an extraordinary great Head, over which hangs a Skin like a Bag. This Fish is the Natives Fisher; for having a Line or handsom Cord fastned about him, so soon as a Turtel, or any other of his Prey, comes above Water, they give him Line; whereupon theGuaican, like an Arrowout of a Bowe, shoots towards the other Fish, and then gathering the Mouth of the Bag on his Head like a Purse-net holds them so fast, that he lets not loose till hal’d up out of the Water.
Here theSpaniardshaving Din’d on delicate Fish, went on still Westward, and came to an uninhabited Isle, but well stor’d with Geese, Pelicans, and ugly Dogs that could not bark. Here they came amongst so many Shoals, that the Keels of their Ships raked upon the Ground almost forty Leagues together, the Water thick and white like Milk. Lastly, they came again into deep Water, and Landed at the Foot of a high Mountain, on the IslandCuba; where they found two Springs of very sweet Water. A Musqueteer going into the Woods whilst the rest fill’d their Vessels with Water and cut Wood, he spied a tall Man in a Coat like a white Fryer’s Frock; behind whom came two more, and soon after thirty more follow’d, all alike Habited: the Musqueteer running away, they beckned him to stay, but he march’d off; and informingColumbusof his Adventure, he sent a Party well Arm’d to see farther into the Countrey; but they neither saw nor heard any Men, onely found on the other side of the Wood a great Plain, but so overgrown with deep Grass, that it was impossible to get through: The next day he sent out twenty five more, which found nothing else than the Prints of the Steps of great Beasts and Lyons, and also abundance of large Grapes, which hung on the Branches of Vines, clasping about the Bodies of the great Trees.
HenceColumbusagain putting to Sea, and Sailing Westerly, found a Shore overflow’d with Water, and abounding with Pearl-Mussles, and after that the whole Countrey full of Mountains, whose tops smoaked. By this time the Fleet was much damnified by the Shole-water; where, as we mention’d before, they often struck, and their Keels rak’d upon the Ground; so that having sprung several Leaks, and their Provisions growing mouldy with the Damp, they were forc’d to return; and Tacking about they ran against Turtles, which lay as thick in the Sea as if they had been sow’n.
Columbusnow on his return home, and Landing once more onCuba, found an antient Man stark naked, who speaking to him (Didacusinterpreted, the Language in some part agreeing with that ofHispaniola) to this effect:
You have to all admiration come to see this Countrey from another World, my advice to you is, That you hurt none; for the Souls of evil-doers go to dark places: But on the contrary, they shall enjoy the heighth of all Pleasures that are Friends to Peace.
Columbusreply’d,That he came a Scourge for the cruel Cannibals, but a Shield to protect the quiet and well-meaning Indians.
Great disturbance inHispaniola.
After this, returning toHispaniola, much contrary to his expectation, he found all things which he had setled there turn’d topsie-turvy: for first the Governors atIsabellajangled, and were at private contentions amongst themselves, and theBenedictineMonkBoilusandPeter Margariteswere return’d toSpain; there to make their complaints at Court: and besides, theSpaniardshad dealt very inhumanely with the Natives, by their frequent Rapes, Thefts, and Murders; wherefore theIndians, not unjustly incens’d, destroy’d all theSpaniardsthey found stragling in any part without the Lines of their Fortification.Caunaboaalso lay about the FortSt. Thomas, and closely besiegedHoieda; but receiving intelligence ofColumbus’s arrival, he broke up his Siege, and march’d from thence, but soon after was taken Prisoner by theSpaniards. Mean while upon Design (a Plot none of the wisest) the Natives ofHispaniolahad neither Till’d or Sow’d the Ground, or us’d Agriculture the year before, contrivingby want of Provisions (not considering themselves) to starve out theSpaniards; but the mischief fell upon the Contrivers: for so great a Famine hapned, that spreading over the whole Countrey, in a few Moneths fifty thousand were starv’d to death; but theSpaniardsmade a saving, though hard shift with their own store, then, though too late, the Islanders repented of their folly, for they saw theSpaniardsmaking an advantage of their misery, not onely built more Houses in their CityIsabella, but prepar’d their Weather-beaten Vessels, with which Sailing to the Gold Mountains ofCipangion the Hill, whence sprung several Fountains, they rais’d the Castle of theConception. Great benefit they reap’d by this Fort, to which they carry’d daily abundance of Amber, Brimstone, mix’d Ore of Silver and Gold, andBrazile-wood, besides great store of Gold: and they might have gotten ten times more, had they not been so much inclin’d to slothfulness, and minding other vain pleasures: yet notwithstanding all, the Fleet carry’d that year above one thousand two hundred pound weight of Gold toSpain.
Spaniardstyrannise there.
In the mean while the Natives complain’d toColumbusof theSpanishSoldiers, which under pretence to seek for Gold, committed many insufferable Outrages; therefore they desir’d that they might be retain’d in their Forts, and not straggle so much abroad, and they would willingly bring them every three Moneths a certain weight of Cotton, Amber,Brazile-wood, and Gold, more than equivalent to what they snatch’d; butColumbus(whose Soldiers, notwithstanding his severity, and using Martial Law upon some of them for their Crimes, and proud with their success) yet prevail’d at last, that they consented thereto; but the Inhabitants never perform’d their promise, who being almost famish’d, had much to do to preserve themselves alive, spending their time in picking Sallads.
Their Conquest.
Whilst the Business remain’d in this ill posture, or rather confusion,Cibanus, Brother to the imprison’dCaunaboa, rais’d an Army of five thousand Men: theSpaniards, divided into five Companies, march’d to meet him; and their Enemies being naked, and having no other Arms than Bowes, Arrows, and Clubs, after some little resistance, were soon dissipated and put to flight, but overtaken by theSpanishHorse, many of them were taken Prisoners, and others forc’d to skulk and hide themselves on the tops of Mountains.
Horible Tempest.
A remarkable passage concerningBartholomew Columbus.
Brave reception of a King inHispaniola.
Shortly after this Battel hapned a Huricane, mix’d with Thunder-claps, renting great pieces from the Rocks, and the Wind blowing out of the East, threw down Houses and Trees, some of which were carry’d a vast heighth into the Air; three Ships that rode in the Harbor, broke their new Cables, and split against the Rocks. TheSpaniardsexpected nought else, but that with this excessive Tempest the Day of Judgment was at hand. And on the other side, the Islanders ascribed this raging of Heavens to theSpaniardswickedness. This Storm past, and the Air setled,Columbusgave order for the building of two new Ships there, with which inMarch,Anno 1495.he return’d toSpain; where inMedina del Campohe gave an account at the Court about the discover’d Countreys; where also Sentence was pass’d on severalSpaniards, and chiefly concerning theBenedictineMonkBoilus, who out of meer malice pass’d by him at Mass with the Host, while he gave it to others, without any distinction. Then he gave a further account, that his BrotherBartholomewhad found, sixty Leagues beyondIsabella, several deep Pits, the uppermost Ground of which Sifted, produced abundance of Gold. Moreover, that he had built the CastleAureathere in three Moneths time with little trouble: but because Provisionsgrew scarce there, he found himself necessitated to remove, but left ten Men in the Garrison, and had sent three hundred of the Islanders with their Governors toSpain. He also built the CastleDominico, on the South-side ofHispaniola; from whence he had travell’d into the Countrey to the RiverNaiba: where, upon this Shore the KingBeuchio AnacauchoaEncamp’d himself against theNaibans, to bring them, besides several other People, under his subjection. ThatBartholomewdemanded Tribute ofAnacauchoa, which he immediately promis’d to pay, and disbanded his Forces, conductingBartholomewabove thirty Leagues on his Way, along a Path on both sides sown with Hemp, and planted with Cotton-Trees, to his PalaceXaraqua, in the West ofHispaniola, where he was received in great state: Thirty of the Kings Wives walk’d before, carrying in their Hands Boughs of Palm-trees, and both Sung and Danc’d very strangely; behind these came a considerable number of naked Virgins, very handsom; at lastBartholomewentring the Palace with the King, found a Table furnish’d with all manner of Dainties, and a very courteous Entertainment. The next day walking forth to a large Plain, and looking about he saw two Parties that deeply engag’d in Fight behind a Hill, with great slaughter on both sides, and had not he desir’d that they might be parted, there had been much more Blood shed. After he had been several days friendly entertain’d, he return’d to the FortsIsabella,Sperancia,Catharina,St. Jago,Turrita,Conception, andDominico; where he found above three hundredSpaniardsstarv’d of hunger, besides many that were sick.
ANGRA op TERCERA.
At that timeGuarionexiushaving been oppress’d by theSpaniards, and a long time watching for an opportunity, now thinking he had found it, rais’d an Army of fifteen thousand Men, with which he was resolv’d to try his fortune againstColumbus; who privately receiving intelligence thereof, fell upon him so on a sudden and unexpectedly, that he spoil’d his Design, and took all his Commanders Prisoners: But to oblige the Inhabitants, who begg’d for their King,Columbusset him at liberty, advising him to be careful of raising a War against him any more. But he not being able to endure the oppressions ofRoldanus Ximenez, aSpanishCommander, fled to the wildCiquano’s, descended from the Canibals, and living on steep Mountains: Of these he desir’d aid against theSpaniards, and obtain’d not onely their Promise, but some Men; with which he robb’d and pillag’d the Countrey round about, and whatSpaniardshe met with he kill’d, and with his Men did eat, as if a Venison Feast. Mean whileXimenezmade himself Leader of seventy Rebels, which like raging blood-hounds fell upon the Natives after a terrible manner.
ColumbusSails the third time toHispaniola.
Description of the CityAngra.
Whilst all things were thus in disorder atHispaniola, the AdmiralChristopher Columbusset Sail a third time with eight Ships from the HavenBarrameda, in the Year 1498. To shun theFrenchPyrates, which watched for theIndianTreasures, he directed his Course toMadera, a fruitful Island of Corn, Wine, Sugar, Wax, and Cattel, desolate tillAnno 1420.Here coming to an Anchor, he sent six Ships away toHispaniola, which himself afterwards followed with the remaining two, steering by theFlemishIslands, orAcores, first so call’d from theFlemings, the first Planters: Here he dropt Anchor before the CityAngraon the IsleTercera, which is sixteen Leagues in circumference, and very Mountainous; the tops whereof are like Spires, and abound with Grapes: the Plain Countrey produces great store of Corn, but it will not keep above twelve Moneths. The Ground is oftentimes terribly shaken by Earthquakes, and between several sulphurous Places, both Flames and Smoak ascend up to the Sky. Near the CityAngrais a Fountain which turns Wood into Stone. The Winds in this Place blow so fierce and strong, that they not onely beat down Houses, but wear out Iron, and all manner of Stone-work. InAngrathe chief Commander of all theFlemishIsles hath his Residence. The City, surrounded by steep Rocks, lies towards the Sea like a Crescent, or Half-Moon; for at both ends thereof the Mountains extend with deep Points into the Ocean. The uppermost part towards the West stands likewise fortifi’d by a high Rock, as also by another on the East: on both are continual Watches kept; whereof those on the first can discover Ships fifteen Leagues off at Sea, coming either from theEastorWest-Indies; and on the other, all those that come fromEurope: When they see above fifteen Sail, they put out the Kings great Flag upon the top of all the Rock.
This City ofAngrais divided into several Streets: the Governor and Archbishop live each in a stately Palace; five handsom Churches are no small ornament to it; the Sea before it abounds with Fish, but are not to be taken inDecember, by reason of the turbulent Waves.
Christopher Columbushaving refresh’d atAngra, Sail’d along theAfricanCoast between theHesperides: under the Equinoctial he was so miserably tormented by the Heat, that his Vessels seem’d to burn, the Hoops sprung from the Casks, so that the Water run about the Hold; and they could expect nothing but death from the insufferable Heat, and want of Water: eight days they had endur’d this hardship, when they met with a fresh Gale out of the South-East, so that they made great Way towards the West. On the last ofJulyhe discover’d three high Mountains; and approaching near the Shore, he smelt as in a Posie, all the sweet breathings of fragrant Flowers commix’d, and at last saw a convenient Haven; where going ashore he found cultivated Grounds, and steps of Beasts, but not a Man appear’d: the next day they spy’d a Boat with twenty young Men come rowing from the Shore into the Ocean. The Admiral hal’d them in vain to come aboard, for they made the greater hast ashore,still looking about continually with great admiration on the Ships: whereupon he commanded them to beat their Drums, and sound their Trumpets, that they might by that means entice them aboard; but they rather taking it as a sign of War, made themselves ready for resistance: mean while theSpaniardsovertook theIndianBoat, into which they threw a Hat, and other trifles; the Islanders amaz’d thereat, made signs to them to row ashore; but soon after they fled.
Abundance of Pearl.
Columbusproceeding on his Journey came toParia, where he found a Fishers Pink loaden with Oysters; which opening and taking out the Meat, were found full of Pearls, which because of their abundance were not regarded there; for a broken Dish and a rusty Knife, theSpaniardshad four long Strings of Pearl.
Columbusis in great danger.
From thence anchoring in the River ofCumana, several naked Men came aboard, adorn’d with Golden Armlets, and Strings of Pearl, These inform’d him, that they gather’d their Gold from the Mountains and Rivers, and caught their Pearl-oysters in the adjacent Seas. Some of theSpaniardswere nobly entertain’d by the King and his Son, who leading them into their Palace, placed them on Benches of Ebony-wood, curiously wrought, and on a sudden several Servants came in with variety of Dainties, and well-tasted Wine. But because Provisions grew scarce amongst the Sea-men, and their Meat tainted,Columbusthought it convenient to leave the Pearl-trade till some better opportunity. Then setting forward, the farther he went, the shallower he found the Sea, insomuch that his Ship scarce had Water enough to swim. This inconvenience was followed by a second; for the Sea being full of Weeds and Grass, scarce suffer’d any Passage. A River thirty Yards deep, and twenty Leagues broad, came rushing out betwixt two Shores into this Sea with such force, that the Waves went high like Mountains, which madeColumbusjudge himself in the greatest danger imaginable, and withall Tack about; so that he came on the eight and twentieth ofAugust Anno 1498.to an Anchor beforeHispaniola, where all things were still in a sad confusion, as we before related.
Roldanus XimenesopposesColumbus.
StrangeIndians.
Roldanus Ximenesrefus’d to followChristopher Columbus’s, order and writ Letters to the King ofSpain, in which he exceedingly aspersed both the AdmiralColumbusand his Brother; who were not backward in giving an account quite contrary by their Letters, of the horrid Villanies perpetrated by thisXimenes, and desir’d aid, that so great an Offender might receive condign punishment. Mean while theCiquano’s came marching down with six thousand Men, whichBartholomewwent to meet with eighty Foot and some few Horse: TheIndianswhich he was to encounter with, rather seeming like Furies than Men, for all of them were daub’d over with black smuts on their bare Skins from Head to Foot, and their hard Hair pleited in terrible, not in Lovelocks, hung playing, or dangling over their Shoulders. When theSpaniardsin their March drawing up to a River where it was best fordable, had no sooner left the Bank, and taken the Water, endeavoring to wade over, but the Salvages rush’d forth out of the Woods, and let flye a showre of Arrows, that had they not been provided with Shields and Targets, to keep off such a deadly Storm, so thick they flew, and so well aim’d, most of them had perish’d there: but having recover’d the opposite Bank, the Enemy play’d all hid, and in a thought shelter’d themselves under the protection of the Woods; where the Conqueror pursuing, found the Service very difficult and dangerous, for their Armes, especially their Shields, stopping and intangling them as in a Net, among the shrubbyand twining Branches; which they passing, rigled themselves, and made their way, like questing Spaniels following their Game, and still gawling them with their Arrows: whereupon they left their vain pursuit, marching another way to interceptMayobanexius, who with eight thousandCiquano’s were then coming down against them; which prov’d a harder task than was expected: for e’re he could reduce him and his stubborn Party, he spent three Moneths in the Service.
Hath very bad success in his fourth Expedition.
But the great and worthy Service of these two excellent Brothers deservingFights withPoresius.rather Statues and Trophies of everlasting Honor, Monuments never to beDies.demolish’d, in their due praise, who had found out after so many baffled Ages, a new World, richer, and not much less than the old, by the aspersing calumniations of one malicious Person, lost his whole Interest and Credit in theSpanishCourt, quite out of favour with his Prince, who by his insinuations had hinted so much the matter of Gain among the Courtiers, that every one studied no less than to get a Commission, and so going a Commander to theIndies, make up his Mouth, and become suddenly rich. FirstFrancisco Bombadillaprevailing, was sent with full Commission to succeedColumbusinHispaniola; where no sooner Landing, but he exercis’d the extremity of his Authority, and seizing the Admiral and his Brother, fetter’d their Hands and Feet, and put them aboard on two several Ships forSpain: where no sooner arriv’d, but the King, not altogether forgetting former Services, commanded them to be unmanacled, and waited on, not as Prisoners, with a civil Retinue to his Court; where they were well entertain’d three years. But they being active Persons, weary of so long repose, got a second Grant to make farther discoveries, and set forth the ninth ofMay, Anno 1504.with four Sail well appointed fromCadiz, and had a fair Passage from thence toHispaniola, where begun the Storm, forBombadilla, who had by the Kings Commission so evil treatedColumbusand his Brother, as aforemention’d, would not suffer him, though reconciled to the King, so much as to Land, and there refresh themselves and their Men; so he was forc’d to steer on to the IslandsGuamixaandVeragua, where a Huricane, or sudden stress of Weather sunk two of his Vessels; the other two standing off to Sea escap’d bilging, but so shatter’d and leaky, having also shipp’d abundance of Water, they were resolv’d to put in atJamaica; where weary with the long Voyage, and hatter’d with the Tempest, many of his Sea-men, spent with sickness, after their Landing, died. To these his sufferings from Wind and Weather, and his Enemies abroad, a greater and intestine mischief hapned:Francisco Poresio, one of his chief Commanders, absolutely rebell’d, and deserting him, with another Party of his Sea-men went intoHispaniola: which the Islanders observing, resolv’d to famish him, keeping from him both Water and all other Provisions; which had notColumbusstav’d off by a handsom Invention, they had compleated their Design, which was this: He told them that he was the offspring of the Moon, and if they refus’d to supply his want, the Moon, in vindication of her Son, would famish them, by spoiling what e’re they had planted or sow’d; and that this would prove true they should know by a sign, that on such a Night, she rising in her full glory, should first look red, and afterwards by degrees lose a great part of her light; which indeed so hapned, being Ecclips’d, as he could well prognosticate; and after that, they being ignorant of the cause, suppli’d him with all Necessaries.ButPoresio, not able to endure the Sea with his small Boats, resolv’d to surprize one of the Ships that lay beforeJamaica; butColumbusso much prevented him, that meeting him in his return, after a hot dispute made him his Prisoner. But thus ended not his misfortunes; for the Vessels which he fought in soon after sunk, and no ship to be found inJamaicato transport him thence. Lastly, he agreed with someIndianFishermen, to carryDidaco MendozatoSt. Dominica, that there he might hire two Vessels to carry him back toSpain: which Design taking effect, he arrived there in safety: where after he had refresh’d himself at theSpanishCourt, after his so long and unfortunate a Voyage he fell sick, and died on the eighth ofMay1506.
Mean while, the Affairs ofHispaniolagrew more out of order: forBombadillajoyning withXimenes, resolv’d to hoard up a huge Treasure of Gold, though with the infinite oppression of the Natives: of which KingFerdinandhaving intelligence, sentNicholas Olandathither with thirty Sail; who being nominated Vice-Roy, anchor’d in forty days beforeHispaniola. No sooner arriv’d, butBombadillaandXimenesfled, leaving their vast Treasure, amounting to ten hundred thousand Ducats; which guarded with four hundredSpaniardsin twenty four Ships was sent toSpain: but so it hapned, that they were all swallowed up in the main Ocean, none knowing to this day in what Latitude they were lost.