Christopher Columbus' Letter on the Discovery of America

General Information

• Source: Librivox recording, public domain
• Addressee: Magnificent Lord Rafael Sanchez, treasurer of King Ferdinand of Spain
• Translation: From Spanish to Latin by Aliander de Cosco, May 3, 1493
• Context: Columbus' letter detailing his discoveries during his voyage to the "Indian sea." The voyage was financed by King Ferdinand of Spain.

Key Points from the Voyage

Discovery of Islands

• Arrival: Columbus reached the Indian sea 33 days after leaving Cadiz.
• Islands: Discovered islands inhabited by numerous people.
  • Took possession of islands for King Ferdinand.
  • Named the first island "The Blessed Saviour" (Indigenous name: Gua Nahanni).
  • Other island names: Santa Maria of the Concepcion, Fernandina, Isabella, Juana.

Exploration of Juana (Cuba)

• Initial Exploration: Sailed along the coast, mistook it for a continental land.
• Local Inhabitants: Encountered villages but no large cities. Locals fled upon seeing Columbus' crew.
• Discovery of Juana as an Island: Confirmed through local informants.

Discovery of Hispaniola

• Navigation to Hispaniola: Traveled 54 miles east from Juana.
• Exploration: Sailed along 564 miles of the northern coast.
• Geographical Features: Described as fertile, with safe harbors and salubrious rivers.

Observations on the Native People

General Characteristics

• Appearance: Inhabitants go nude, some women cover with leaves or cotton cloth.
• Weapons: Lacked iron, carried simple weapons like sun-baked reeds.
• Behavior: Timid and fearful, but once reassured, they were generous and trustworthy.

Trade and Interaction

• Trade: Exchanged gold and cotton for items of little value (plates, keys, etc.).
• Cultural Beliefs: No idolatry; believed in a celestial origin for Columbus and his crew.
• Language and Communication: Communicated through gestures, signs, and eventually words.

Sociopolitical Structure

Governance

• Social Organization: Lacked structured government; no cities were discovered.
• Monogamy: Practiced generally, with exceptions for leaders.
• Community Property: Unclear, but observed communal sharing of goods.

Natural Resources and Geography

Juana (Cuba)

• Flora and Fauna: Variety of trees, including palm and pine, large plains and meadows.
• Resources: Abundant bird species, honey, and metals (excluding iron).

Hispaniola

• Geography: High mountains, fertile plains, and numerous rivers.
• Resources: Rich in spices, gold, and other metals.

Final Remarks and Recommendations

Potential for Conversion

• Religious Inclination: Columbus noted the inhabitants were inclined towards Christianity.
• Strategic Importance: Columbus suggested the islands were ripe for conversion and economic use.

Suggestions for Spain

• Potential Wealth: Emphasized the wealth of resources (gold, spices, cotton) available.
• Slavery: Alluded to the potential for acquiring slaves for the navy.
• Call to Action: Urged for religious and celebratory recognition of the discoveries.

Closing Statements

• Acknowledgment of Divine Providence: Attributed success to divine will rather than human merit.
• Impact: Suggested the discoveries were a victory for the Christian faith and Spanish monarchy.