Part 9

Mean time _Columbus_ selected 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, _Columbus_ afterwards built the City _Isabella_, fortified with Walls and Trenches against all Invasions, over which he made his Brother _Bartholomew Columbus_ first Governor.

Mean while the Admiral _Columbus_ himself march’d up into the Countrey with three hundred Men, in quest of the Gold Mines. Seventy two Leagues the Valley _Cibava_ lies distant from _Isabella_, to which _Columbus_ pass’d over swift Currents and high Mountains, where he built a Fort, which he call’d _St. 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: Whereupon _Luxanus_, 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.

[Sidenote: Goes to Sea to discover new Countreys.]

Mean time _Columbus_ being return’d with great Riches to his new City _Isabella_, 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 upon _Jamaica_, 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 a Peace. From thence putting to Sea, he next discover’d _Cuba_, 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 the _Spaniards_ following, 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 the _Spaniards_ made 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 Island _Guanabaini_ near _Cuba_, carried to _Spain_, 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.

[Illustration]

[Sidenote: Discovers not without great Accidents, several New Countreys.]

_Columbus_ from 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 the _Guaican_, 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 the _Guaican_, like an Arrow out 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 the _Spaniards_ having 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 Island _Cuba_; 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 informing _Columbus_ of 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.

Hence _Columbus_ again 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.

_Columbus_ now on his return home, and Landing once more on _Cuba_, found an antient Man stark naked, who speaking to him (_Didacus_ interpreted, the Language in some part agreeing with that of _Hispaniola_) 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._

_Columbus_ reply’d, _That he came a Scourge for the cruel Cannibals, but a Shield to protect the quiet and well-meaning Indians_.

[Sidenote: Great disturbance in _Hispaniola_.]

After this, returning to _Hispaniola_, much contrary to his expectation, he found all things which he had setled there turn’d topsie-turvy: for first the Governors at _Isabella_ jangled, and were at private contentions amongst themselves, and the _Benedictine_ Monk _Boilus_ and _Peter Margarites_ were return’d to _Spain_; there to make their complaints at Court: and besides, the _Spaniards_ had dealt very inhumanely with the Natives, by their frequent Rapes, Thefts, and Murders; wherefore the _Indians_, not unjustly incens’d, destroy’d all the _Spaniards_ they found stragling in any part without the Lines of their Fortification. _Caunaboa_ also lay about the Fort _St. Thomas_, and closely besieged _Hoieda_; but receiving intelligence of _Columbus_’s arrival, he broke up his Siege, and march’d from thence, but soon after was taken Prisoner by the _Spaniards_. Mean while upon Design (a Plot none of the wisest) the Natives of _Hispaniola_ had neither Till’d or Sow’d the Ground, or us’d Agriculture the year before, contriving by want of Provisions (not considering themselves) to starve out the _Spaniards_; 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 the _Spaniards_ made a saving, though hard shift with their own store, then, though too late, the Islanders repented of their folly, for they saw the _Spaniards_ making an advantage of their misery, not onely built more Houses in their City _Isabella_, but prepar’d their Weather-beaten Vessels, with which Sailing to the Gold Mountains of _Cipangi_ on the Hill, whence sprung several Fountains, they rais’d the Castle of the _Conception_. 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, and _Brazile_-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 to _Spain_.

[Sidenote: _Spaniards_ tyrannise there.]

In the mean while the Natives complain’d to _Columbus_ of the _Spanish_ Soldiers, 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; but _Columbus_ (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.

[Sidenote: Their Conquest.]

Whilst the Business remain’d in this ill posture, or rather confusion, _Cibanus_, Brother to the imprison’d _Caunaboa_, rais’d an Army of five thousand Men: the _Spaniards_, 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 the _Spanish_ Horse, many of them were taken Prisoners, and others forc’d to skulk and hide themselves on the tops of Mountains.

[Sidenote: Horible Tempest.]

[Sidenote: A remarkable passage concerning _Bartholomew Columbus_.]

[Sidenote: Brave reception of a King in _Hispaniola_.]

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. The _Spaniards_ expected 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 the _Spaniards_ wickedness. This Storm past, and the Air setled, _Columbus_ gave order for the building of two new Ships there, with which in _March_, _Anno 1495._ he return’d to _Spain_; where in _Medina del Campo_ he gave an account at the Court about the discover’d Countreys; where also Sentence was pass’d on several _Spaniards_, and chiefly concerning the _Benedictine_ Monk _Boilus_, 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 Brother _Bartholomew_ had found, sixty Leagues beyond _Isabella_, several deep Pits, the uppermost Ground of which Sifted, produced abundance of Gold. Moreover, that he had built the Castle _Aurea_ there in three Moneths time with little trouble: but because Provisions grew 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 to _Spain_. He also built the Castle _Dominico_, on the South-side of _Hispaniola_; from whence he had travell’d into the Countrey to the River _Naiba_: where, upon this Shore the King _Beuchio Anacauchoa_ Encamp’d himself against the _Naibans_, to bring them, besides several other People, under his subjection. That _Bartholomew_ demanded Tribute of _Anacauchoa_, which he immediately promis’d to pay, and disbanded his Forces, conducting _Bartholomew_ above thirty Leagues on his Way, along a Path on both sides sown with Hemp, and planted with Cotton-Trees, to his Palace _Xaraqua_, in the West of _Hispaniola_, 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 last _Bartholomew_ entring 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 Forts _Isabella_, _Sperancia_, _Catharina_, _St. Jago_, _Turrita_, _Conception_, and _Dominico_; where he found above three hundred _Spaniards_ starv’d of hunger, besides many that were sick.

[Illustration]

[Illustration: ANGRA op TERCERA.]

At that time _Guarionexius_ having been oppress’d by the _Spaniards_, 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 against _Columbus_; 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, _Columbus_ set 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 of _Roldanus Ximenez_, a _Spanish_ Commander, fled to the wild _Ciquano_’s, descended from the Canibals, and living on steep Mountains: Of these he desir’d aid against the _Spaniards_, and obtain’d not onely their Promise, but some Men; with which he robb’d and pillag’d the Countrey round about, and what _Spaniards_ he met with he kill’d, and with his Men did eat, as if a Venison Feast. Mean while _Ximenez_ made himself Leader of seventy Rebels, which like raging blood-hounds fell upon the Natives after a terrible manner.

[Sidenote: _Columbus_ Sails the third time to _Hispaniola_.]

[Sidenote: Description of the City _Angra_.]

Whilst all things were thus in disorder at _Hispaniola_, the Admiral _Christopher Columbus_ set Sail a third time with eight Ships from the Haven _Barrameda_, in the Year 1498. To shun the _French_ Pyrates, which watched for the _Indian_ Treasures, he directed his Course to _Madera_, a fruitful Island of Corn, Wine, Sugar, Wax, and Cattel, desolate till _Anno 1420._ Here coming to an Anchor, he sent six Ships away to _Hispaniola_, which himself afterwards followed with the remaining two, steering by the _Flemish_ Islands, or _Acores_, first so call’d from the _Flemings_, the first Planters: Here he dropt Anchor before the City _Angra_ on the Isle _Tercera_, 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 City _Angra_ is 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. In _Angra_ the chief Commander of all the _Flemish_ Isles 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 the _East_ or _West-Indies_; and on the other, all those that come from _Europe_: When they see above fifteen Sail, they put out the Kings great Flag upon the top of all the Rock.

This City of _Angra_ is 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 in _December_, by reason of the turbulent Waves.

_Christopher Columbus_ having refresh’d at _Angra_, Sail’d along the _African_ Coast between the _Hesperides_: 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 of _July_ he 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 the _Spaniards_ overtook the _Indian_ Boat, 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.

[Sidenote: Abundance of Pearl.]

_Columbus_ proceeding on his Journey came to _Paria_, 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, the _Spaniards_ had four long Strings of Pearl.

[Sidenote: _Columbus_ is in great danger.]

From thence anchoring in the River of _Cumana_, 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 the _Spaniards_ were 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, _Columbus_ thought 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 made _Columbus_ judge himself in the greatest danger imaginable, and withall Tack about; so that he came on the eight and twentieth of _August Anno 1498._ to an Anchor before _Hispaniola_, where all things were still in a sad confusion, as we before related.

[Sidenote: _Roldanus Ximenes_ opposes _Columbus_.]

[Sidenote: Strange _Indians_.]

_Roldanus Ximenes_ refus’d to follow _Christopher Columbus_’s, order and writ Letters to the King of _Spain_, in which he exceedingly aspersed both the Admiral _Columbus_ and his Brother; who were not backward in giving an account quite contrary by their Letters, of the horrid Villanies perpetrated by this _Ximenes_, and desir’d aid, that so great an Offender might receive condign punishment. Mean while the _Ciquano_’s came marching down with six thousand Men, which _Bartholomew_ went to meet with eighty Foot and some few Horse: The _Indians_ which 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 the _Spaniards_ in 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 shrubby and 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 intercept _Mayobanexius_, who with eight thousand _Ciquano_’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.

SECT. III.

[Sidenote: Hath very bad success in his fourth Expedition.]

[Sidenote: Fights with _Poresius_.]

[Sidenote: Dies.]