The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1891-11-06
IRVlNG'S COLUMBUS.
The Great DISCOVERIES First
Voyage to America.
CHAPTER xv.

iards in the construction OF their Tor
tress, and SO ample the assistance rem
dered by the natives. that in ten days it
was sufficiently complete for service. A
large vault had been made. over which
was erected strong wooden tower, and
the whole was surrounded by wide
ditch. It was stored with all the ann
munition saved from the wreck or that
could be spared from the caravel. and
the guns being mounted the whole had
formidable aspect, sufficient to over
awe and repulse this naked and unwar-
like people. Indeed, Columbus was Of
opinion that but little force was neces-
sary to subjugate the whole island. He
considered a fortress and the restrictions
of garrison more requisite to keep the
Spaniards themselves in order, and pre-
vent their wandering about and commit
ting acts of Iicentiousness among the
natives.
The fortress being finished. he gave 1t.
as well as the adjacent village and the
harbor, the name of La Navidad, or the
Nativity, in memorial Of their having
escaped from the shipwreck on Christ
mas day Many volunteered to remain
on the island, from whom he selected
thirty-nine Of the most able and exem-
plary. and among them a physician. ship
carpenter, calker, cooper, tailor and gun
ner, all expert at their several callings.
The command was given to Diego de
Arana, native of Cordova. and notary
and alguazil to the armament, who was
TO retain all the powers vested in him by
the catholic sovereigns. In case OF his
death, Pedro Gutierrez was to command,
and, he dying, Rodrigo de Escobedo
The boat Of the wreck was left with
them to be used in fishing. a variety Of
seeds to sow, and large quantity Of ar
ticles for traffic, that they might procure
as much gold as possible against the adj
miral's return.
As the time drew nigh for his depart
ure, Columbus assembled those who
were to remain in the island and made
them an earnest address, charging them,
in the name Of the sovereigns. to be obe-
dent to the officer left in command; to
maintain the utmost respect and rever-
ence for the cacique Guacanagari and
his chieftains. recollecting how deeply
they were indebted to his goodness, and
how important continuance Of it was
to their welfare; to be circumspect in
/ their intercourse with the natives, avoid
ing disputes and treating them always
with gentleness and justice. and, above
all, being discreet in their conduct to-
ward the Indian women, misconduct in
this respect being the frequent source Of
troubles and disasters in the intercourse
with savage nations. He warned them.
moreover, not to scatter themselves
asunder, but to keep together for mutual
safety, and not to stray beyond the
friendly territory Of Guacanagari. He
enjoined it upon Arana and the others
in command to acquire knowledge of
the productions and mines Of the island,
TO procure gold and spices, and to seek
along the coast q better situation for a
settlement. the present ,harbor being in
convenient and dangerous from the
rocks and shoals which beset its en-
trance.
On the I'd OF January, 1893. Columbus
landed to take farewell Of the gener-
GUS caoique and his chieftains, intending
the next day to set sail He gave them
parting feast at the house devoted to
his use, and commended to their kind
ness the men who were to remain, espe-
pecially Diego de Ara4s. Pedro Cutter
rez and Rodrigo de Escobedo, his lieu
tenants. assuring the cacique that when
he returned from CASTLE he would
I,rs,.rv oh,.~Iornn 80 ;avrxala ~s,S,ro x,,.a-
cious than any he or his people had yet
seen. The worthy Gqacanagari showed
great concern at the idea OF his depart
pre, and assured him that, as to those
who remained, he should furnish them
with provisions and render them every
service in his power.
Once more TO impress the Indians with
an idea of the warlike prowess Of the
white men. Columbus caused the crews
20 perform skirmishes and mock fights,
with swords. b4oklers. lances, cross
bows. arquebpses and cannon The In
dams were astonished at the keenness Of
the swords and at the deadly power Of
the crossbows and arquebuses, but they
were struck with awe when the heavy
fortssss wranning II ;n wreatbs of
s,,,oia ehal;,tg 3Sa Iorss+s .g,;tb tag;7 ~
renort and sb;var;np ths trees with tbe
halls ~ stons ,sed IN art;iIerv Il, those
times. As these tremendous powers,
hQYeYer, were all to be employed for
their protection. they rejoiced while they
trembled, since no CariB yoqld now dare
to invade their island.
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