Volume 181301

A general collection of voyages and travels, including the most interesting records of navigators and travellers, from the discovery of America by Columbus, in 1492, to the travels of Lord Valentia / [William Fordyce Mavor].

  • William Fordyce Mavor
Date:
1813
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A general collection of voyages and travels, including the most interesting records of navigators and travellers, from the discovery of America by Columbus, in 1492, to the travels of Lord Valentia / [William Fordyce Mavor]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    . : COLUMBUS, a] which filled up the period till morning. A new world was now about to salute their eyes; and frigid must that soul be, who reads this narrative, and cannot en- ter into, the -feelings of Columbus, and participate in the joys of his men. ke ~The dawn approached: and disappointment was no more. They perceived an island about fifteen leagues in leneth, champaign and woody, supplied with de- licious streams, with a large lake in the middle. The inhabitants were numerous, and supposing the ships to be living creatures, ran down with astonishment to the shore. Meanwhile the Spaniards were inflamed with an irresistible curiosity to ascertain the circum- stances of this interesting discovery. The vessels were speedily brought to anchor; the admiral landed in his boat, well armed, with the royal standard displayed. His two captains proceeded also in their respective boats, with the distinguishing ensigns of this grand enterprise. Having reached the Jand, they knelt down, thank- ed God, and kissed the earth with tears of joy. ‘The admiral now standing up, named the island St. Salva- dor, now Cat-Island*, and took possession of it with the usual solemnities for their Catholic Majesties. The Spaniards now recognized him as admiral and Vieeroy ; and to extenuate their affronts and insults in the course of the voyage, implored his pardon, and swore a ready obedience to his commands. A number of Indians witnessed these transactions ; and; appearing to be a simple inoffensive people, Co- lumbus, to ingratiate himself with them, distributed some red caps, strings of glass-beads, and other tri- flies, which they received with transport; and when he returned to his ship, they followed him in canoes with parrots, spun cotton, javelins, and other produc- tions of the country, which they bartered for Eu- ropean toys. The natives were of an olive complexion, * One of the Bahamas.