Notes on Cuba : containing an account of its discovery and early history : a description of the face of the country, its population, resources, and wealth : its institutions, and the manners and customs of its inhabitants : with directions to travellers visiting the island / by a Physician.

Date:
1844
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Notes on Cuba : containing an account of its discovery and early history : a description of the face of the country, its population, resources, and wealth : its institutions, and the manners and customs of its inhabitants : with directions to travellers visiting the island / by a Physician. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    Alternately borne by four of the most distinguished citizens, it was conveyed to the Plaza des Armas, in front of the column erected there by the city, in commemoration of the first mass which, according to tradition, had been celebrated on that spot.* It was here placed in an ebony sarcophagus, having the form of a throne, beautifully wrought with gilt carvings. This was supported by a bier twelve feet long and five high, covered with folds of black velvet, ornamented with golden flakes and lacings; while from the four corners of the sarcophagus as many golden cords hung, terminating in tassels of the same material, which were held by those, who in their turn had the honor to escort the remains. Around this, six long, thick wax candles continually burned ; they were supported on cornucopias, of the same wood and workmanship as the sarcophagus. The pavements were carpeted around this sombre spectacle, and beside it, was a table covered with black velvet, supporting three cushions of the same material fringed with gold, and thirty-six lighted wax tapers. The coffin having been placed on this, the gov- ernor, the Captain-General, and the commander of the royal marines approached, and by order of the first it was opened. Within was seen a gilt leaden chest, about a foot and a half square, and one high, secured by an iron lock. This was opened by a key, and disclosed a plate of the same metal, and a small piece of bone, which, with the ashes it also* contained, was evidently that of a body. These were then formally pronounced by the governor, and the other illustrious examiners, to be the remains of * The tree, under which many of the good Hahaneros believed that Columbus said mass, is now removed ; and a chape] is erected on the spot in commemoration ot the same ; in front of this stands the column. The tradition is false, for Columbus never visited the port de Carenas.