The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1891-10-23
CHAPTER XI.

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the 14th of December to find the island
| Of Babeque, but was again baffled by
adverse winds. In the course of this
attempt he visited an island lying oppo-
site to the harbor of Conception, to
which, from its abonnding in turtle, he
gave the name of Tortugas. The ma
tives had fled to the rocks and forests,
and alarm fires blazed along the heights.
The country was so beautiful that he
gave to one Of the valleys the name of
Vale de Paraiso, or the Vale of Para
disc, and called fine stream the Quad
alquiver, after that renowned river
which flows through some of the fairest
provinces of Spain.
Setting sail on the 10th of December
at midnight, Columbus steered again
for Hispaniola. When half way across
the gulf which separates the islands, he
perceived canoe navigated by single
Indian, and, as on former occasion,
was astonished at his hardihood in ven
turing SO far from land in SO frail bark
and at his adroitness in keeping it above
water, as the wind was fresh and there
was some sea running. He ordered both
him and his canoe to be taken on board;
and having anchored near village on
the coast of Hispaniola, at present known
as Puerto de Paz, he sent him on shore
well regaled and enriched with various
presents.
In the early intercourse with these
people, kindness never seems to have
failed In it's effect. The favorable ac-
counts given by this Indian. and by those
with whom the Spaniards had communi.
Gated In their previous landings, dis
PEELED the fears of the islanders A
friendly intercourse soon took place, and
the ships were visited by oacique of
the neighborhood. From this chieftain
and his counselors Columbus had fur
ther information of the island of BIZ
beque, which was described as lying at
no great distance.
No mention Is afterward made Of this
island, nor does it appear that he mace
any further attempt to seek it. No such
island exists in the ancient charts, al. d
1t is probable that this was one Of tie
numerous misinterpretations of Indian
words which led the first discoverers
into SO many fruitless researches. The
people Of Hispaniola appeared hand
somer to Columbus than any he had yet
met with, and of a gentle and peaceable
disposition. Some Of them had orna-
ments of gold, which they readily gave
away or exchanged for any trifie. The
country was finely diversified with lofty
mountains and green valleya, which
stretched away inland as Far as the eye
could reach. The mountains were of
such easy ascent that the highest of
them might be plowed with oxen, and
the luxuriant growth.of the forests man
ifested the fertility of the soil. The val
ieys were watered by numerous clear
ana and beautiful streams; they appeared to
be cultivated in many places. and to be
fitted for grain. for orchards and pas.
t1rage,
While detained at this harbor by con
trary winds Columbus was visited by a
young cacique, who came borne by four
men on sort of litter and attended by
200 of his subjects. The admiral being
at dinner when he arrived, the young
chiaftain ordered his followers to remain
without. and entering the cabin took his
seat beside Columbus, not permitting
him to rise or use any ceremony. Only
two old men entered with him, who ap-
peared to be his counselors, and who
seated themselves at his feet. II any
thing We're given him to eat or drink he
merely tasted it and sent 1t to his fol-
lowers. maintaining an air of great gray
ity and dignity. He spoke but little,
his two counselors watching his lips and
catching and communicating his ideas.
After dinner he presented the admiral
with a belt eafiQHslF wrought and two
PIECES Of gold.
Columbus gave him piece Of cloth,
several amber beads. colored shoes and
flask OF orange flower water; he showed
him Spanish coin ON which were the
hkenesses of the king and Queen, and |
endeavored to explain to him the power
ena grandeur OF those sovereigns; he
displayed. also, the royal banners and
the standard Of the cross. but it was all |
IN vain TO attempt to convey any clear
Idea by these symbols. The cacique
could not be made to believe that there
was q region on the earth which pro-
duced these wonderful people and won
derfNl things He joined in the COM
mnon idea that the apaniards were more
than mortal, and that the country and |
soveTeigns they talked of must exist |
somewherA in. the skies.
In the evening tie s's 1ique was sent on |
shore in the boat with great ceremony,
and salute fired In hnaas OF him. He
departed Ia tha state IN which he had |
epiAa. carried ON litter. accompanied |
by great concourse of his subjects; not |
far behind him was his son, borne and
escorted in like manner, and his brother |
on foot, supported by two attendants
The presents which he had received from |
the admiral were carried triumphantly |
before him.
They procured but little said In this
place, though whatever ornaments the |
natiYAa possessed they readily gave
away. The region of promise lay still |
further on, and one of the old connselors
Of the cacique told Columbus that he |
would soan arrive at islands rich in the |
precious ore. Before leaving this place.
the admiral caused large crosa to- be |
erected in the center Of the village, and |
from the readiness with which the In
dams assisted, and their implicit imitay
tions OF the Spaniards in their aeta Of /
devotion, he inferred that II would be an
easy matter to convert themall to Chris
fanitY.
o. the 10th of December they made
sail before daylight. but with an un-