M, Rodrigo de Triana, a seaman aboard the Pinta, cried loudly the first sight of the new world. The voyage from the Canaries had taken 33 days. The three ships sailed among the Bahama islands. Columbus named the first land sighted San Salvador. The ships boats were put over the side and Columbus, accompanied by officers and crewmen landed. They were carrying with them the royal banner of Ferdinand and Isabella. They were met by a band of curious and peaceful natives. The Spaniards gave thanks to god for the safe and successful voyage. Then while the natives watched, Columbus took possession of the island in the name of the rulers of Spain. The crewmen, delighted with the unexpected discovery of this land, begged Columbus forgiveness for their disobedience. The natives were friendly and helpful. Columbus, believing San Salvador to be an island of the Indies, called them Indians. Sailing on, Columbus stopped at island he named Santa Maria de la Conception, Fernandina, and Isabella. He then sailed south to the northern coast of Cuba. He named this island Juana. Everywhere he asked the Indians where gold could be found. On December 6, 1942, he reached the north coast of Hispaniola. The natives had told him of a gold mine in the center of the island. On Christmas morning the Santa Maria bottomed out at Cap Haitien. The ship was so badly damaged and torn that it had to be abandoned. From the Santa Marias wood, Columbus built a small fort, La Navidad. Columbus selected 39 sailors to stay as colonists. On January 16, 1493, the Nina and the Pinta began the return voyage. With them they carried gold, bright feathers, colored parrots, other strange animals and plants, Indian cloth and ornaments and several Indians as proof of his discovery. The two ships cam across heavy storms which separated them and did consider...
