The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1828-03-27
IKvlNG's LIFE OF COLUMBUS.

deserved compliment 10 the genius and
character OF Washington Irving. Indeed
ne mention OF his name, recalls the most
delightful associations in our literature.
and his example has probably done moro
I in purifying our national taste and in
Nndea,ing our claims TO literary distinc-
uon," than all his countrymen beside. In
the present undertaking he had lsbored
bard for the public favor; no longer a vow
/ Hgcr ln the world Of fiction, he is contenA
az. aciug the simple narrator Of matter
q .Aet and history, but the peculiar charm
OF hls manner is as obvious in this, az in
his earlier productions. We copy his de-
scrlpuon OF Columbus journey to the court
at Barcelona, 10 which he has impaired
the most exquisite grace and beauty.
Boston GastRe.
"The letter of Columbus 10 the Spanish
monarchs, announcing his discovery had
produced the greatest sensation at court,
The event II communicated, was consider
ed the most extraordinary Of their prospe-
rous reign; snd following so close upon
the conquest of Grenads, was pronounced
signal mark Of divine favor, for that ,ri-
umph achieved IN the cause of true faith.
The sovereigns themselves were for time
dszZled and bewidered by thus sudden
and easy acquisition of q new empire, Of
indefinite extent, and apparently bound
less wealth; and their first idea was to se-
cure II beyond the reach Of question or
competition. Shortly after his arrival in
Seville, Columbus received a letter from
them, expressing their great delight, and
requesting hun 10 repair mmed Iotely to
court 10 concert plans for u second and
more extensive expedition. As the sum
mer was already advancing, the time ia
vornbIe for voyage, they desired him tn
make any arrangement at Seville, or else
where, that might hasten the expedition,
and 10 inlorm them by the return of the
courier, what was necessary 10 be- done on
their part, THIS letter was addressed to
him by the title Of Don Christopher CO.
lUubus," our admiral of the Ocean sea, and
viceroy and governor Of the islands dis
covered in the lndns;" at the same umc
he was promised still further rewards. Co.
lumbus lost no time IN complying with tho
commands OF hIs sovereigns He sent n
memorandum OF The ships, men and muni-
tons that would be requisite; and having
mede such dispositions st ses,lls 90 wv
cumstHnces permitted, set ont on his jour
ney for Bnrcslons. taking with hlm iho SIX
Indians, and tie various curiosiiIes md
productions which lie had brought from
The new world,
The fame Of HE discovery had resound-
I'd throughout the nstlpn, aud as HE route
laUthrough several OF tho finest and most
popuous provinces Of Spain his journey
appeared like the progress Of a sovereign.
Wherever he passed, the surrounding
county poured forth its inhabitants. who
lined the road and tbrongcd the villages.
Ia the large towns, the streets. WINDOWS,
and balconies, were filed with eager spec:-
talors, who rent the slr with Dccloma,lons.
Ills journey was continually impeded by
the multitude pressing 10 gam sight OF
him, and OF the Indians, who were regard.
ed with as much admiration, as n they had
bton natives Of smother planet. IL vas
impossible 20 satisfy the craving curiosity
which assslled himself and his site endants,
at every stage, with innumerable ques.
tions; popular rumor, as usual had oxag-
gerated the truth and had filed the new
ly found country with all kinds Of wonders.
II wss about the middle Of April that
Columbus srrived at Barcelona, where ov-
n eolonn and magnificent reception. The
beauty aud serenity Of the weather in that
genial season, aud favored climate, contri-
buted to give splendor TO this memorable
ceremony, hs he drew near the plsco,
many Of The more youthful courtiers, snd
hidagos Of gallant bearing, together With
a vGst coDcourse Of the populace, came
forth 10 meet and welcome him. His en-.
trance into this noble city has been COM
rared to one Of those triumphs which the
Romans we're accustomed TO decree 10
conquerors. First were parsded the In
dlens, painted according 10 their savage
| fashion, and decorated With tropical feaih-
eu, and with their national ornaments Of
| pold: after these were borne various kinds
| OF live parrots, together with stofFed birds
and animals Of unknown species, and rare
/ plants supposed 10 be Of precious qualities;
while great care was taken TO make q
conspicuous display Of Indian cOronets,
/ bracelets sud other decorations Of gold,
! which night give an idea Of the wealth OF
/ he rev y discovered regions. After these
/ followed Columbus, on horseback, sur
| rounded by brilliant cavalcsde Of Span
/ ish catslry The balconies were crowd.
/ cd With the fair; the very roofs were COW
cred With spectators. II seemed as If tho
public eye could not be sated with gazing
ON these trophies Of an unknown world; or
on DE remarkable man by whom il had
been discovered. There was svblImity
in THE event, that mingled solemn feel
ing with the public joy. II was looked
upon as vast and signal dspcnsstion Of
providence in reward for the piety OF tho
fnonarchs; and the majestic and venerable
appearance Of the discoyerer. 30 different
from The youth and buoyoncy that arc
generally expected from rowing enterprise,
seemed in harmony with the grandeur and
| a,o,,,v of h,a sch,opement