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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Amerigo Vespucci, by Frederick A. Ober
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Amerigo Vespucci
+
+Author: Frederick A. Ober
+
+Release Date: December 3, 2006 [EBook #19997]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AMERIGO VESPUCCI ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell, Richard J. Shiffer and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+[Transcriber's Note: Every effort has been made to replicate this
+text as faithfully as possible, including obsolete and variant
+spellings and other inconsistencies. Text that has been changed to
+correct an obvious error by the publisher is noted at the end of this
+ebook.]
+
+
+
+
+    AMERIGO VESPUCCI
+
+    BY
+
+    FREDERICK A. OBER
+
+
+    HEROES OF AMERICAN HISTORY
+
+
+    _ILLUSTRATED_
+
+
+    [Illustration]
+
+
+    HARPER & BROTHERS PUBLISHERS
+    NEW YORK AND LONDON
+    1907
+
+
+    Copyright, 1907, by HARPER & BROTHERS.
+
+    _All rights reserved._
+
+    Published February, 1907.
+
+
+    [Illustration: AMERIGO VESPUCCI]
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+  CHAP.                                          PAGE
+
+  I.    YOUNG AMERIGO AND HIS FAMILY                1
+
+  II.   AMERIGO'S FRIENDS AND TEACHERS             15
+
+  III.  VESPUCCI'S FAVORITE AUTHORS                32
+
+  IV.   IN THE SERVICE OF SPAIN                    45
+
+  V.    CONVERSATIONS WITH COLUMBUS                59
+
+  VI.   VESPUCCI'S DEBATABLE VOYAGE                76
+
+  VII.  VESPUCCI'S "SECOND" VOYAGE                101
+
+  VIII. WITH OJEDA THE FIGHTER                    126
+
+  IX.   CANNIBALS, GIANTS, AND PEARLS             138
+
+  X.    FAMOUS FELLOW-VOYAGERS                    148
+
+  XI.   ON THE COAST OF BRAZIL                    165
+
+  XII.  THE "FOURTH PART OF THE EARTH"            179
+
+  XIII. THE FOURTH GREAT VOYAGE                   194
+
+  XIV.  KING FERDINAND'S FRIEND                   209
+
+  XV.   PILOT-MAJOR OF SPAIN                      221
+
+  XVI.  HOW AMERICA WAS NAMED                     237
+
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+  AMERIGO VESPUCCI                        _Frontispiece_
+
+  A CONJECTURAL RESTORATION OF
+      TOSCANELLI'S MAP             _Facing p._        20
+
+  MARCO POLO                             "            40
+
+  OJEDA'S FIRST VOYAGE                   "           130
+
+  ROUTES OF THE DISCOVERERS              "           166
+
+  NORTH AMERICA FROM THE GLOBE OF
+      JOHANN SCHÖNER                     "           244
+
+
+
+
+AUTHORITIES ON AMERIGO VESPUCCI
+
+
+XVIth CENTURY. Vespucci's letters to Soderini and L. P. F. de' Medici,
+reproduced in this volume.
+
+XVIIth CENTURY. Herrera, in his _Historia General_ (etc.), Madrid,
+1601; "probably followed Las Casas, whose MSS. he had."
+
+XVIIIth CENTURY. Dandini, A. M., _Vita e Lettere di Amerigo Vespucci_,
+Florence, 1745.
+
+Canovai, Stanislac, _Elogia di Amerigo Vespucci_, 1778.
+
+XIXth CENTURY. Navarrete, M. F. de, _Noticias Exactas de Americo
+Vespucio_, contained in his Coleccion, Madrid, 1825-1837.
+
+Humboldt, Alexander von, _Examen Critique de l'Histoire de la
+Géographie de Nouveau Continent_, Paris, 1836-1839.
+
+Lester, C. Edwards, _The Life and Voyages of Americus Vespucius_, New
+York, 1846; reprinted, in de luxe edition, New York, 1903.
+
+Varnhagen, F. A., Baron de Porto Seguro, _Amerigo Vespucci, son
+Caractère, ses Écrits_ (etc.), Lima, 1865; Vienna, 1874. A collection
+of monographs called by Fiske "the only intelligent modern treatise on
+the life and voyages of this navigator."
+
+Fiske, John, _The Discovery of America_, Boston, 1899; contains an
+exhaustive critical examination of Vespucci's voyages to which the
+reader should refer for more extended information.
+
+
+
+
+AMERIGO VESPUCCI[1]
+
+
+
+
+I
+
+YOUNG AMERIGO AND HIS FAMILY
+
+1451-1470
+
+
+Cradled in the valley of the Arno, its noble architecture fitly
+supplementing its numerous natural charms, lies the Tuscan city of
+Florence, the birthplace of immortal Dante, the early home of Michael
+Angelo, the seat of the Florentine Medici, the scene of Savonarola's
+triumphs and his tragic end. Fame has come to many sons of Florence,
+as poets, statesmen, sculptors, painters, travellers; but perhaps none
+has achieved a distinction so unique, apart, and high as the subject
+of this volume, after whom the continents of the western hemisphere
+were named.
+
+Amerigo Vespucci was born in Florence, March 9, 1451, just one hundred
+and fifty years after Dante was banished from the city in which both
+first saw the light. The Vespucci family had then resided in that city
+more than two hundred years, having come from Peretola, a little town
+adjacent, where the name was highly regarded, as attached to the most
+respected of the Italian nobility. Following the custom of that
+nobility, during the period of unrest in Italy, the Vespuccis
+established themselves in a stately mansion near one of the city
+gates, which is known as the Porta del Prato. Thus they were within
+touch of the gay society of Florence, and could enjoy its advantages,
+while at the same time in a position, in the event of an uprising, to
+flee to their estates and stronghold in the country.
+
+While the house in which Christopher Columbus was born remains
+unidentified, and the year of his birth undecided, no such ambiguity
+attaches to the place and year of Vespucci's nativity. Above the
+doorway of the mansion which "for centuries before the discovery of
+America was the dwelling-place of the ancestors of Amerigo Vespucci,
+and his own birthplace," a marble tablet was placed, in the second
+decade of the eighteenth century, bearing the following inscription:
+
+      "_To AMERICO VESPUCCIO, a noble Florentine,
+             Who, by the discovery of AMERICA,
+  Rendered his own and his Country's name illustrious,
+            [As] the AMPLIFIER OF THE WORLD.
+      Upon this ancient mansion of the VESPUCCI,
+              Inhabited by so great a man,
+          The holy fathers of Saint John of God
+      Have placed this Tablet, sacred to his memory._
+                      A.D. 1719."
+
+At that time, about midway between the date of Vespucci's death and
+the present, the evidence was strong and continuous as to the
+residence in that building (which was then used as a hospital) of the
+family whose name it commemorates. Here was born, in 1451, the third
+son of Anastasio and Elizabetta Vespucci, whose name, whether rightly
+or not, was to be bestowed upon a part of the world at that time
+unknown.
+
+The Vespuccis were then aristocrats, with a long and boasted lineage,
+but without great wealth to support their pretensions. They were
+relatively poor; they were proud; but they were not ashamed to engage
+in trade. Some of their ancestors had filled the highest offices
+within the gift of the state, such as _prioris_ and _gonfalonieres_,
+or magistrates and chief magistrates, while the first of the Vespuccis
+known to have borne the prænomen Amerigo was a secretary of the
+republic in 1336.
+
+It is incontestable that Amerigo Vespucci was well-born, and in his
+youth received the advantages of an education more thorough than was
+usually enjoyed by the sons of families which had "the respectability
+of wealth acquired in trade," and even the prestige of noble
+connections. No argument is needed to show that the position of a
+Florentine merchant was perfectly compatible with great
+respectability, for the Medici themselves, with the history of whose
+house that of Florence is bound up most intimately, were merchant
+princes. The vast wealth they acquired in their mercantile operations
+in various parts of Europe enabled them to pose as patrons of art and
+literature, and supported their pretensions to sovereign power. The
+Florentine Medici attained to greatest eminence during the latter
+half of the century in which Amerigo Vespucci was born, and he was
+acquainted both with Cosimo, that "Pater Patriæ, who began the
+glorious epoch of the family," and with "Lorenzo the Magnificent," who
+died in 1492.
+
+The Florentines, in fact, were known as great European traders or
+merchants as early as the eleventh century, while their bankers and
+capitalists not only controlled the financial affairs of several
+states, or nations, but exerted a powerful influence in the realm of
+statesmanship and diplomacy. The little wealth the Vespucci enjoyed at
+the time of Amerigo's advent was derived from an ancestor of the
+century previous, who, besides providing endowments for churches and
+hospitals, left a large fortune to his heirs. His monument may be seen
+within the chapel built by himself and his wife, and it bears this
+inscription, in old Gothic characters: "The tomb of Simone Piero
+Vespucci, a merchant, and of his children and descendants, and of his
+wife, who caused this chapel to be erected and decorated--for the
+salvation of her soul. Anno Dom. 1383."
+
+The immediate ancestors, then, of Amerigo Vespucci were highly
+respectable, and they were honorable, having held many positions of
+trust, with credit to themselves and profit to the state. At the time
+of Amerigo's birth his father, Anastasio Vespucci, was secretary of
+the Signori, or senate of the republic; an uncle, Juliano, was
+Florentine ambassador at Genoa; and a cousin, Piero Vespucci, so ably
+commanded a fleet of galleys despatched against the corsairs of the
+Barbary coast that he was sent as ambassador to the King of Naples, by
+whom he was specially honored.
+
+Another member of the family, one Guido Antonio, became locally famous
+as an expounder of the law and a diplomat. Respecting him an epitaph
+was composed, the last two lines of which might, if applied to
+Amerigo, have seemed almost prophetic:
+
+  "_Here lies GUIDO ANTONIO, in this sepulchre--
+          HE WHO SHOULD LIVE FOREVER,
+      Or else never have seen the light._"
+
+This epitaph was written of the lawyer, who departed unknown and
+unwept by the world, while his then obscure kinsman, Amerigo,
+subsequently achieved a fame that filled the four quarters of the
+earth.
+
+The youth of Amerigo is enshrouded in the obscurity which envelops
+that of the average boy in whatever age, for no one divined that he
+would become great or famous, and hence he was not provided with a
+biographer. This is unfortunate, of course, but we must console
+ourselves with the thought that he was not unusually precocious, and
+probably said little that would be considered worth preserving. It
+happened that after he became world-large in importance, tales and
+traditions respecting his earliest years crept out in abundance; but
+these may well be looked upon with suspicion. We know scarcely more
+than that his early years were happy, for he had a loving mother, and
+a father wise enough to direct him in the way he should travel.
+
+It does not always follow that the course the father prescribes is the
+best one in the end, for sometimes a boy develops in unsurmised
+directions; and this was the case with Amerigo Vespucci. The fortunes
+of the family being on the wane, he was selected as the one to
+retrieve them, and of four sons was the only one who did not receive a
+college education. The other three were sent to the University of
+Pisa, whence they returned with their "honors" thick upon them, and
+soon lapsed into obscurity, from which they never emerged. That is,
+they never "made a mark" in the world; save one brother, Girolamo, who
+made a pilgrimage to Palestine, where he lived nine years, suffered
+much, and lost what little fortune he carried with him.
+
+He may have thought, perhaps, in after years, that if he had not
+belonged to a family containing the world-famed navigator his exploits
+would have brought him reputation; but it is more probable that if he
+had not written a letter to his younger brother, Amerigo, the world
+would never have heard from him at all. However, he was the first
+traveller in the family, and with his university education he should
+have produced a good account of his adventures; but if he ever did so
+it has not been preserved from oblivion.
+
+Amerigo was not given a college education, but something--as it
+eventuated--vastly better. His father had a brother, a man of
+erudition for his time, who had studied for the Church. This learned
+uncle, Georgio Antonio Vespucci, was then a Dominican friar, respected
+in Florence for his piety and for his learning. About the year 1450,
+or not long before Amerigo was born, he opened a school for the sons
+of nobles, and in the garb of a monk pursued the calling of the
+preceptor. His fame was such that the school was always full, yet when
+his brother's child, Amerigo, desired to attend, having arrived at the
+age for receiving the rudiments of an education, he was greeted
+cordially and given a place in one of the lower classes. It may be
+imagined that he would have been favored by his uncle; but such seems
+not to have been the case, for the worthy friar was a disciplinarian
+first of all. He had ever in mind, however, the kind of education
+desired by his brother for Amerigo, which was to be commercial, and
+grounded him well in mathematics, languages, cosmography, and
+astronomy. His curriculum even embraced, it is said, statesmanship and
+the finesse of diplomacy, for the merchants of Vespucci's days were,
+like the Venetian consuls, "very important factors in developing
+friendly international relations."
+
+There was then a great rivalry between Venice, Florence, Genoa, and
+Pisa for the control of trading-posts in the Levant, which carried
+with them the vast commerce of the Orient, then conducted by way of
+the Mediterranean, the Black, and the Caspian seas, and overland by
+caravans with India and China. At the time our hero was growing into
+manhood, in the latter half of the fifteenth century, Florence, "under
+the brilliant leadership of the Medici and other shrewd merchant
+princes, gained control of strategic trading-posts in all parts of the
+[then known] world, and secured a practical monopoly in the trade
+through Armenia and Rhodes.... It was from banking, however, that
+Florence derived most of her wealth. For some time her bankers
+controlled the financial markets of the world. Most of the great loans
+made by sovereigns during this period, for carrying on wars or for
+other purposes, were made through the agency of Florentine bankers.
+Even Venetian merchants were glad to appeal to her banks for loans. In
+the fifteenth century Florence had eighty great banking-houses, many
+of which had branches in every part of the world."[2]
+
+It is evident, therefore, that the sagacious Anastasio Vespucci had
+mapped out a great career for the son whom he had chosen to recreate
+the fortunes of his house. He was to be a banker, a diplomat;
+eventually he might attain, like the greatest of the Medici, to the
+station and dignities of a merchant prince. To this end the worthy
+Georgio Antonio ever strove, and as he found his nephew a tractable
+and studious pupil, he congratulated himself and his family that in
+Amerigo they had the individual who was to restore the prestige of
+their ancient name.
+
+But alas! the sequel proved that Friar Georgio was too ambitious, and
+had overshot the mark. In his desire to turn out a finished product, a
+scholar that should be a credit to his school and an ornament to his
+family, he not only inculcated the essentials for a commercial
+education, but, as has already been mentioned, led his eager follower
+into the wider fields of astronomy and cosmography. All he knew--and
+that included all the ancients knew--of these abstruse sciences he
+imparted to Amerigo, and in the end, so far as we can judge, the young
+man became more proficient in them than any other person of his age
+and time. So it eventuated that those studies, which were intended
+merely as subsidiary to the more serious pursuit, became the prime
+factors in shaping his career. They were his stepping-stones to
+greatness, as were his mercantile transactions; but, anticipating
+somewhat the events of his later life, we shall find that they did not
+conduce to the acquisition of wealth.
+
+"In Florence," says the author previously quoted, "more than in any
+other Italian city during the Middle Ages, was displayed the direct
+influence of commerce upon the developments of all the finer elements
+of material and immaterial civilization. She was the Athens of Italy,
+and her art, literature, and science was the brightest gleam of
+intellectual light that was seen in Europe during that age. It was
+from Florence, more than from any other source, that came the
+awakening influence known as the Renaissance."
+
+This truth we see exemplified in the formative period of Amerigo
+Vespucci's life, for, in order to become qualified to adorn the high
+position of a prince of commerce, he was as carefully trained as if to
+fill a prelate's chair or grasp the helm of state. So reluctant was
+his uncle, the good old monk Georgio, to relinquish his talented
+nephew to the world, that we find them in company as late as 1471, as
+attested by this letter, written in Latin by Amerigo to his father, in
+October of that year:
+
+     "_To the Excellent and Honorable Signor Anastasio Vespucci._
+
+     "HONORED FATHER,--Do not wonder that I have not written to
+     you within the last few days. I thought that my uncle would
+     have satisfied you concerning me, and in his absence I
+     scarcely dare to address you in the Latin tongue, blushing
+     even at my deficiencies in my own language. I have, besides,
+     been industriously occupied of late in studying the rules of
+     Latin composition, and will show you my book on my return.
+     Whatever else I have accomplished, and how I have conducted
+     myself, you will have been able to learn from my uncle,
+     whose return I ardently desire, that, under his and your own
+     joint directions, I may follow with greater facility both my
+     studies and your kind precepts.
+
+     "George Antonio, three or four days ago, gave a number of
+     letters to you to a good priest, Signor Nerotto, to which he
+     desires your answer. There is nothing else that is new to
+     relate, unless that we all desire greatly to return to the
+     city. The day of our return is not yet fixed, but soon will
+     be, unless the pestilence should increase and occasion
+     greater alarm, which may God avert!
+
+     "He, George Antonio, commends to your consideration a poor
+     and wretched neighbor of his, whose only reliance and means
+     are in our house, concerning which he addresses you in full.
+     He asks you, therefore, that you would attend to his
+     affairs, so that they may suffer as little as possible in
+     his absence.
+
+     "Farewell, then, honored father. Salute all the family in
+     my behalf, and commend me to my mother and all my elder
+     relatives.
+
+               "Your son, with due obedience,
+                           "AMERIGO VESPUCCI."[3]
+
+The cause of Amerigo's absence from Florence was, it is said, the
+terrible plague which swept over that city and for a time paralyzed
+its activities. All who were able fled to the country, and, Friar
+Georgio's school having been broken up by the scattering of his
+pupils, he and Amerigo retired to their family estate, at or near
+Peretola, there to await the subsidence of the epidemic.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[1] This name is variously spelled, as, for example: Albericus,
+Alberico, Almerigo, Americo, Americus, Amerigo; Despuche, Vespuche,
+Vespuchy, Vespuccio, Vespucius, Vespucci. The best writers use either
+the Italian, Amerigo Vespucci, or the Latinized, Americus Vespucius,
+with good authority for both.
+
+[2] From the _General History of Commerce_, by W. C. Webster, Ph.D.
+
+[3] This letter was discovered by Signor Bandini, author of the _Vita
+e Lettre di Amerigo Vespucci_, 1745, in the Strozzi Library. Harrisse
+says, "This, and two or three signatures added to receipts, which were
+brought to light by Navarrete, constitute the only autographs of
+Vespucius known."
+
+In the original paper he uses the Latin form, Vespucius; but in a
+letter written in 1508, when he was pilot-major of Spain, he signs
+himself "Amerigo Vespucci."
+
+
+
+
+II
+
+AMERIGO'S FRIENDS AND TEACHERS
+
+1470-1482
+
+
+Florence, in Vespucci's day, was the home of genius, of culture, and
+of art. Amerigo, doubtless, was acquainted with some of her sons whose
+fame, like his own, has endured to the present day, and will last for
+all time. The great Michael Angelo, who was born at or near Florence
+in 1475, and whose patron was Lorenzo the Magnificent, was his
+contemporary, although the artist and sculptor survived the discoverer
+more than fifty years. Savonarola, who came to Florence in 1482, was
+just a year the junior of Amerigo, and is said to have been an
+intimate friend of his uncle, who, like himself, belonged to the
+Dominican order. The young man may not have been touched by
+Buonarroti's art, nor have been moved by Savonarola's preaching, but,
+like the former, he possessed an artistic temperament, and, like the
+latter, he was an enthusiast.
+
+The man, however, who, next to his uncle, shaped Amerigo's career and
+turned him from trade to exploration, was a learned Florentine named
+Toscanelli. If you have followed the fortunes of Christopher Columbus,
+reader, you have seen this name before, for it was Toscanelli who, in
+the year 1474, sent a letter and a chart to the so-called discoverer
+of America, which confirmed him in the impression that a route to
+India lay westward from Europe across the "Sea of Darkness."
+
+It is not known just when Amerigo first met "Paul the Physicist," as
+Toscanelli was called in Florence; but it may have been in youth or
+early manhood, for aside from the fact that "all the world" knew and
+reverenced the famous _savant_, there was the inclination arising from
+a mutual interest in cosmography and astronomy. Toscanelli was the
+foremost scientist of his age, and as he was born in 1397, at the time
+Amerigo met him he must have been a venerable man. He lived, however,
+until the year 1482, and as the younger man was in Florence during the
+first forty years of his life, and the last thirty of Toscanelli's, it
+is more than probable that their intercourse was long and friendly.
+
+It is known, at least, that they were acquainted at the time the
+learned doctor wrote Columbus, in 1474, and it does not require a
+stretch of the imagination to fancy them together, and wondering what
+effect that letter would have upon a man who entertained views similar
+to their own. Columbus, it is thought, had then been pondering several
+years over the possible discovery of land, presumably the eastern
+coast of India, by sailing westward. "It was in the year 1474," writes
+a modern historian, "that he had some correspondence with the Italian
+savant, Toscanelli, regarding this discovery of land. A belief in such
+a discovery was a natural corollary to the object which Prince Henry
+of Portugal had in view by circumnavigating Africa, in order to find a
+way to the countries of which Marco Polo had given golden accounts. It
+was, in brief, to substitute for the tedious indirection of the
+African route a direct western passage--a belief in the practicability
+of which was drawn from a confidence in the sphericity of the
+earth."[4]
+
+Later in life Columbus seems to have forgotten his indebtedness to
+Toscanelli, and "grew to imagine that he had been independent of the
+influences of his time," ascribing his great discovery to the
+inspiration of one chosen to accomplish the prophecy of Isaiah. But
+the venerable Florentine had pondered the problem many years before
+Columbus thought of it. "Some Italian writers even go to the extent of
+asserting that the idea of a western passage to India originated with
+Toscanelli, before it entered the mind of Columbus; and it is highly
+probable that this was the case."
+
+There is this in favor of Toscanelli: He was a learned man, while
+Columbus was comparatively ignorant. He was then advanced in years,
+and had given the greater portion of his life to the consideration of
+just such questions, having had his attention called to them by
+reading the travels of Marco Polo and comparing the information
+therein contained with that derived from Eastern merchants who had
+traded for many years in the Orient. He was not a sailor, nor a
+corsair--though Columbus had been both, and had followed the sea for
+years--but he was an astronomer, and he knew more of the starry
+heavens, as well as of the earth beneath them, than any other
+scientist alive. "It was Toscanelli who erected the famous solstitial
+gnomon at the cathedral of Florence." For his learning he was honored,
+when but thirty years of age, with the curatorship of the great
+Florentine library, and for nearly sixty years thereafter he passed
+his days amid books, charts, maps, and globes.
+
+As a speculative philosopher, he had arrived at a correct conclusion
+respecting the sphericity of the earth, and, with all the generosity
+of a humanitarian, he freely communicated his ideas to others.
+Columbus would have excluded every other human being from
+participating in his thoughts, and arrogated to himself alone the
+right to navigate westerly. This was the difference between the
+broad-minded philosopher and the narrow-minded sailor who by accident
+had stumbled upon a theory. The philosopher said, "It belongs to the
+world!" The ignorant sailor cried, "It is mine!"
+
+Toscanelli advanced the theory, but it was Columbus who put it to the
+test, and reaped all the rewards, as well as suffered for the
+mistakes. For mistakes there were, and the chief error lay in
+supposing the country "discovered" by Columbus pertained to the
+Indies. He died in that belief, and also Toscanelli, who passed away
+ten years before the first voyage made to that land, subsequently
+known as America. In one sense, perhaps, the Florentine doctor was the
+means of that first voyage of Columbus having been accomplished, for
+the chart he sent him made the distance between Europe and the western
+country seem so short that it was undertaken with less reluctance, and
+persisted in more stubbornly, than it might otherwise have been. But
+this was a mistake in detail only, and not in theory. A line was
+projected from about the latitude of Lisbon, on the western coast of
+Europe, to the "great city of Quinsai," as described by Marco Polo, on
+the opposite shores of Asia. This line was divided into twenty-six
+spaces, of two hundred and fifty miles each, making the total distance
+between the two points sixty-five hundred miles, which Toscanelli
+supposed to be one-third of the earth's circumference.
+
+[Illustration: A CONJECTURAL RESTORATION OF TOSCANELLI'S MAP]
+
+In short, Toscanelli calculated the distance, made a conjectural chart
+embodying the results of his readings of Aristotle, Strabo, and
+Ptolemy, of his conversations during many years with Oriental
+travellers, and his own observations. He sent this chart to Columbus;
+the latter adopted it as his guide, and by means of it, faulty as it
+was, achieved his great "discovery." Whose, then, is the merit of this
+achievement? Does it not belong as much to Toscanelli as to Columbus?
+
+To whomsoever the credit may be given--whether to the man who
+conceived the idea, or to him who developed it, and whether or not
+Columbus intentionally appropriated the honor and glory
+exclusively--by the irony of fate, there stood a man at Toscanelli's
+elbow, as it were, when he wrote to the Genoese, who was destined to
+rob him of his great discovery's richest reward. This man was Amerigo
+Vespucci, after whom--though unsuggested by him and unknown to
+him--the continents of America were named, by strangers, before
+Christopher Columbus had lain a year in his grave!
+
+It is not at all improbable that Vespucci was aware of the
+correspondence between Toscanelli and Columbus, as he was then
+acquainted with the former, and at the age of twenty-three was
+intensely interested in the pursuits of the learned physician. Next
+to Toscanelli, in fact, he was probably the best-informed man then
+living in Florence as to the studies to which his friend had devoted
+the better part of his life, and it is not unreasonable to suppose
+that he saw the letters before they were sent to Columbus.
+
+But this is a trivial matter compared with the importance of these
+letters, in a consideration of the effect they produced upon the mind
+of Columbus, for, if they did not suggest to him the idea of voyaging
+westerly to discover the Indies, they certainly confirmed him in the
+opinion that such a voyage could be successfully made. By a strange
+freak of fate these letters were preserved in the _Life of Columbus_,
+written by his son Fernando, and there can be no question of their
+authenticity. They breathe the spirit of benevolence for which
+Toscanelli was noted, and indicate the greatness of the man--a
+greatness decidedly in contrast to the mean and petty nature of his
+correspondent, who would have perished sooner than allow information
+so precious to escape from him to the world.
+
+Toscanelli's first letter was written in Florence, June 25, 1474, and
+is as follows:
+
+     "_To Christopher Columbus, Paul the Physicist wishes
+     health._
+
+     "I perceive your noble and earnest desire to sail to those
+     parts where the spice is produced, and therefore, in answer
+     to a letter of yours, I send you another letter which, some
+     days since, I wrote to a friend of mine, a servant of the
+     King of Portugal before the wars of Castile, in answer to
+     another that he wrote me by his highness's order, upon this
+     same account. And I also _send you another sea-chart_, like
+     the one I sent to him, which will satisfy your demands. This
+     is a copy of the letter:
+
+     "_'To Ferdinand Martinez, Canon of Lisbon, Paul the
+     Physicist wishes health._
+
+     "'I am very glad to hear of the familiarity you enjoy with
+     your most serene and magnificent king, and though I have
+     very often discoursed concerning _the short way there is
+     from hence to the Indies_, where the spice is produced, by
+     sea (which I look upon to be shorter than that you take by
+     the coast of Guinea), yet you now tell me that his highness
+     would have me make out and demonstrate it, so that it may be
+     understood and put in practice.
+
+     "'Therefore, though I could better show it to him with a
+     globe in my hand, and make him sensible of the figure of the
+     world, yet I have resolved, to make it more easy and
+     intelligible, to show the way on a chart, such as is used in
+     navigation, and therefore I send one to his majesty, made
+     and drawn with my own hand, wherein is set down the _utmost
+     bounds of the earth, from Ireland in the west to the
+     farthest parts of Guinea_, with all the islands that lie in
+     the way; opposite to which western coast is described the
+     beginning of the Indies, with the islands and places whither
+     you may go, and how far you may bend from the North Pole
+     towards the Equinoctial, and for how long a time--that is,
+     how many leagues you may sail before you come to those
+     places most fruitful in spices, jewels, and precious stones.
+
+     "'Do not wonder if I term that country where the spice
+     grows, _West_, that product being generally ascribed to the
+     _East_, because those who sail westward will always find
+     those countries in the west, and those who travel by land
+     eastward will always find those countries in the east! The
+     straight lines that lie lengthways in the chart show the
+     distance there is from west to east; the others, which cross
+     them, show the distance from north to south. I have also
+     marked down in the chart several places in India where ships
+     might put in, upon any storms or contrary winds, or other
+     unforeseen accident.
+
+     "'Moreover, to give you full information of all those places
+     which you are very desirous to know about, you must
+     understand that none but traders live and reside in all
+     those islands, and that there is as great a number of ships
+     and seafaring people, with merchandise, as in any other part
+     of the world, particularly in a most noble port called
+     Zaitun, where there are every year a hundred large ships of
+     pepper loaded and unloaded, besides many other ships that
+     take in other spices. This country is mighty populous, and
+     there are many provinces and kingdoms, and innumerable
+     cities, under the dominion of _a prince called the Grand
+     Khan_, which name signifies king of kings, who for the most
+     part resides in the province of Cathay. His predecessors
+     were very desirous to have commerce and be in amity with
+     Christians, and two hundred years since sent ambassadors to
+     the Pope, desiring him to send them many learned men and
+     doctors, to teach them our faith; but by reason of some
+     obstacles the ambassadors met with they returned back,
+     without coming to Rome. Besides, there came an ambassador to
+     Pope Eugenius IV., who told him of the great friendship
+     there was between those princes and their people, and the
+     Christians. _I discoursed with him a long while_ upon the
+     several matters of the grandeur of their royal structures,
+     and of the greatness, length, and breadth of their rivers,
+     and he told me many wonderful things of the multitude of
+     towns and cities along the banks of the rivers, upon a
+     single one of which there were two hundred cities, with
+     marble bridges of great length and breadth, adorned with
+     numerous pillars.
+
+     "'This country deserves as well as any other to be
+     discovered; and there may not only be great profit made
+     there, and many things of value found, but also gold,
+     silver, many sorts of precious stones, and spices in
+     abundance, which are not brought into our ports. And it is
+     certain that many wise men, philosophers, astrologers, and
+     other persons skilled in all arts and very ingenious, govern
+     that mighty province and command their armies. From Lisbon
+     directly westward there are in the chart twenty-six spaces,
+     each of which contains two hundred and fifty miles, to the
+     most noble and vast city of Quinsai, which is one hundred
+     miles in compass--that is, thirty-five leagues. In it there
+     are ten marble bridges. The name signifies a heavenly city,
+     of which wonderful things are reported, as to the ingenuity
+     of the people, the buildings, and the revenues.
+
+     "'This space above mentioned is _almost the third part of
+     the globe_. The city is in the province of Mangi, bordering
+     on that of _Cathay_, where the king for the most part
+     resides. From the island of Antilla, which you call the
+     Island of the Seven Cities, and whereof you have some
+     knowledge, to the most noble island of _Cipango_ are ten
+     spaces, which make two thousand five hundred miles. This
+     island abounds in gold, pearls, and precious stones; and,
+     you must understand, they cover their temples and palaces
+     with plates of pure gold; so that, for want of knowing the
+     way, all these things are concealed and hidden--and yet may
+     be gone to with safety.
+
+     "'Much more might be said; but having told you what is most
+     material, and you being wise and judicious, I am satisfied
+     there is nothing of it but what you understand, and
+     therefore will not be more prolix. Thus much may serve to
+     satisfy your curiosity, it being as much as the shortness of
+     time and my business would permit me to say. So, I remain
+     most ready to satisfy and serve his Highness to the utmost,
+     in all the commands he shall lay upon me.'"
+
+A second communication followed the reply of Columbus, in which
+Toscanelli wrote:
+
+     "I received your letters with the things you sent me, which
+     I take as a great favor, and commend your noble and ardent
+     desire of sailing from east to west, _as it is marked out
+     in the chart I sent you_, which would demonstrate itself
+     better in the form of a globe. I am glad it is well
+     understood, and that the voyage laid down is not only
+     possible, but certain, honorable, very advantageous, and
+     most glorious among all Christians. You cannot be perfect in
+     the knowledge of it but by experience and practice, as I
+     have had in great measure, and by the solid and true
+     information of worthy and wise men, who are come from those
+     parts to this court of Rome, and from merchants who have
+     traded long in those parts and who are persons of good
+     reputation. So that, when the said voyage is performed, it
+     will be to powerful kingdoms, and to most noble cities and
+     provinces, rich, and abounding in all things we stand in
+     need of, particularly all sorts of spice in great
+     quantities, and stores of jewels. This will, moreover, be
+     grateful to those kings and princes who are very desirous to
+     converse and trade with Christians, or else have
+     communication with the wise and ingenious men in these
+     parts, as well in point of religion as in all sciences,
+     because of the extraordinary account they have of the
+     kingdoms and government of these parts. For which reasons,
+     and many more that might be alleged, I do not at all wonder
+     that you, who have a great heart, and all the Portuguese
+     nation, which has ever had notable men in all undertakings,
+     be eagerly bent upon performing this voyage."
+
+In these letters we have outlined by Toscanelli the very voyage that
+Columbus took in 1492, eighteen years after he had received this
+precious information. In his journal of that voyage he makes mention
+of "_the islands marked on the chart_"; he was constantly seeking the
+island of Atlantis, and hoped eventually to arrive at the great and
+noble city of Quinsai, as well as at Cipango and Cathay. As for the
+"Grand Khan"--of whom he had been informed by Toscanelli, who obtained
+his information from Marco Polo's works--he not only sent an embassy
+in search of him, when in Cuba, but was looking for him throughout all
+his voyages.
+
+It is well known that Columbus was not aware that he had really
+discovered a new world, but to the end of his days believed he had
+merely arrived at the eastern coast of India. So persistent was he in
+this belief that he falsified documents, and forced his crew to swear
+to what they did not know--namely, that Cuba was a continent, and not
+an island! He believed he had arrived at Cipango, when he heard the
+Indian word, _cibao_, on the coast of Hispaniola; and he says, in a
+letter written to Luis Santangel in 1493, "In Española there are
+gold-mines, and thence to terra firma, as well as thence to the Grand
+Khan, everything is on a splendid scale." Also, "When I arrived at
+Juana [Cuba], I followed the coast to the westward, and found it so
+extensive that I considered it must be a continent and a _province of
+Cathay_!"
+
+Columbus, it has been said by some investigators, was a man of one
+idea--and that idea not his own! "It is impossible," says Washington
+Irving, in his _Life of Columbus_--which is, throughout, an elegant
+but labored apology for its hero--"to determine the precise time when
+Columbus first conceived the design of seeking a western route to
+India. It is certain, however, that he meditated it as early as the
+year 1474, though as yet it lay crude and unmatured in his mind."
+
+The year 1474, as we know, was that in which Toscanelli sent him the
+letter and the chart. In that letter the route to India was laid down,
+and on that chart it was made clear to any seafaring man how Cathay
+might be reached, by merely sailing westward! By setting his helm, and
+persisting in a westerly course, any one might reach the coast that
+was supposed to lie opposite to Europe and Africa. Columbus did that,
+according to directions received from Toscanelli eighteen years
+before. He did nothing more, and he reached, not the coast of India,
+but the outlying islands of a new world since called America.
+
+The idea, then, which Columbus claimed as exclusively his own was
+conveyed to him by Toscanelli--or, at least, it so appears--and
+Toscanelli obtained it from the ancients. For, says one having
+authority, "Eratosthenes, accepting the spherical theory, had advanced
+the identical notion which nearly seventeen hundred years later
+impelled Columbus to his voyage. He held the known world to span
+one-third of the circuit of the globe, as Strabo did at a later day,
+leaving an unknown two-thirds of sea; and if it were not that the vast
+extent of the Atlantic Sea rendered it impossible, one might even sail
+from the coast of Spain to that of India, along the same parallel."
+
+And again: "An important element in the problem was the statement of
+Marco Polo regarding a large island, which he called Cipango, and
+which he represented as lying in the ocean off the eastern coast of
+Asia. This carried the eastern verge of the Asiatic world farther
+than the ancients had known, and, on the spherical theory, brought
+land nearer westward from Europe than could earlier have been
+supposed.... Humboldt has pointed out that neither Christopher
+Columbus nor his son Ferdinand mentions Marco Polo; still, we know
+that the former had read his book."[5]
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[4] Justin Winsor, in _The Narrative and Critical History of America_.
+
+[5] _Narrative and Critical History of America._
+
+
+
+
+III
+
+VESPUCCI'S FAVORITE AUTHORS
+
+1485-1490
+
+
+Books of any sort were few and precious during the youthful period of
+Amerigo Vespucci's life, for the art of printing by the use of movable
+type was invented about the time he was born, and most of the great
+discoverers, including himself and Columbus, were to pass away before
+the printing-press was introduced into America.[6]
+
+In the library of Paul the Physicist, however, the ardent scholar,
+Vespucci, must have seen many manuscripts which he was permitted to
+read, and among them, doubtless, the account of Marco Polo's
+wonderful journeys. It is thought that Toscanelli may have possessed,
+indeed, one of the first copies of _Marco Polo_ ever printed, as it
+issued from a German press in 1477; or at least of the second edition,
+which appeared in 1481, the year before he died. A copy of the first
+Latin edition was once owned by Fernando Columbus, and has marginal
+marks ascribed to his father. This edition was printed in 1485, the
+year in which Hernando Cortés was born, and when Vespucci was
+thirty-four years old. Another Latin edition was brought out in 1490,
+an Italian in 1496, and a Portuguese in 1502, followed by many others.
+
+Marco Polo, the Venetian, exercised a strong and lasting influence
+upon the minds of Toscanelli, Columbus, Vespucci, and, through them,
+upon others, although he died in the first quarter of the century in
+which the first-named of this distinguished triad was born. All these
+had this birthright in common: they were Italians; and, moreover, it
+was in Genoa, the reputed birthplace of Columbus, that Marco Polo's
+adventures were first shaped into coherent narrative and given to the
+world.
+
+These adventures have been stigmatized as romances; but surely
+nothing could be more romantic than the manner in which they came to
+be published, finally, after existing many years in the crude form of
+notes and journals made by the traveller during his journeyings. In
+the year 1298, three years after he had returned from his wanderings
+and settled down in Venice, Polo was called upon to assist in the
+defence of Curzola, during the hostilities which existed between his
+own republic and that of Genoa. To oppose the Genoese admiral, Doria,
+who had invaded their seas with seventy galleys, the Venetians fitted
+out a fleet under Andrea Dandolo, and a great battle was fought off
+the island of Curzola. Marco Polo commanded a galley of his own, and
+fought with valor; but, in common with the commanders of more than
+eighty Venetian vessels, he was defeated, the Genoese winning an
+overwhelming victory.
+
+Taken as a prisoner to Genoa, he was cast into prison, where he
+remained immured for a year. That was the year in which his wonderful
+travels were woven into a story, for the entertainment of the young
+Genoese nobility, who, when they learned that the famous Marco Polo
+was a prisoner, flocked to his cell to see and converse with him.
+Yielding to their solicitations, he sent to Venice for his notes of
+travel, and during the days of his captivity dictated an account of
+his experiences to a fellow-captive, one Rusticiano, of Pisa.
+
+The delighted young nobles devoured his wonderful story with avidity,
+and they could scarcely wait its unfolding from day to day, for it was
+to them a veritable tale of the _Arabian Nights_. From the Italian, in
+which the traveller dictated his story, it was translated into Latin
+and French, and scattered over Europe for others to enjoy. Thus Marco
+Polo acquired fame through the misfortune which befell him when
+fighting for Venice, and long before printing was invented his name
+became almost a household word in Europe. As one who, though
+indirectly, stimulated by his Oriental researches the first great
+ventures into the Occident, Marco Polo deserves a monument, or, at
+least, should not be omitted from a memorial group that contains such
+famous Italians as Columbus, Vespucci, Toscanelli, and Verrazano.
+Admittedly, he deserves a chapter in this biography, and we cannot do
+better, perhaps, than glance at his history.
+
+If Marco had been consulted in the choice of his immediate ancestry,
+he could not have done better than fortune served him in the person of
+his father, Nicolo Polo, who was a nobleman and a merchant of Venice.
+He was a traveller prior to the birth of his son, for just previous to
+that event, which occurred nearly two hundred years before Amerigo
+Vespucci was born, he and his brother set out for Constantinople.
+Thence they went into Armenia, and around the south coast of the
+Caspian Sea to Bokhara, where they met some Persian envoys who were
+bound for Cathay, or China, and who persuaded them to go along.
+
+At Peking, it is supposed, they met the great and powerful Kublai
+Khan, Emperor of the Mongols, and Tartars, who received them kindly
+and at whose court they remained a year. They were the first Europeans
+he had ever seen, and such was his interest in their stories of
+strange peoples and governments that he commissioned them as envoys to
+the pope, giving them letters in which he expressed his desire that
+Europeans learned in the arts and sciences should be sent for the
+instruction of his people. Then they were reluctantly dismissed, with
+gifts of gold and spices, and after many perilous adventures finally
+reached their home in Venice. They had been gone almost ten years, and
+when Nicolo Polo first saw his son, on his return to Venice, Marco was
+a youth at school, well advanced in his studies.
+
+Two years later, when Marco was about twelve, the three Polos set out
+on their return to Cathay, accompanied by two friars, who were
+"endowed with ample powers and privileges, the authority to ordain
+priests and bishops, and to grant absolution in all cases, as fully as
+if the pope were personally present." They took with them rich
+presents for the khan, including a bottle of precious oil from the
+holy sepulchre in Jerusalem, which was supposed to possess miraculous
+virtues. The journey was commenced in or about the year 1271, but,
+owing to innumerable and vexatious delays on the way, the Polos did
+not reach the court of the grand khan until the spring of 1275. They
+were more than three years in making the journey, but in spite of
+difficulties and dangers these remarkable men persisted until the
+object of their travels was accomplished. The friars had become
+alarmed at the prospect of peril to themselves, and early in the
+undertaking beat a retreat to Acre, so the three Venetians alone
+arrived at Chambalu, and delivered to the grand khan the letters and
+presents from the pope. They were received with extreme cordiality by
+the khan, who was especially pleased with young Marco, and accepted
+the presents with delight, the holy oil from Jerusalem being
+reverently cherished.
+
+Marco was introduced to the khan by Nicolo, as "your majesty's servant
+and my son"; but had he been a son of the ruler himself he could not
+have received greater honors than were bestowed upon him by the
+emperor. Having a natural aptitude for acquiring languages, he soon
+could read and write four different dialects, and being possessed of
+great intelligence and shrewdness withal, he was sent by the khan on
+important missions to various parts of his kingdom. He acquitted
+himself so well on these embassies, some of which required his absence
+from the capital for many months, and he brought back such interesting
+accounts of the people he met and their customs, that he was
+constantly employed.
+
+In this manner he acquired, during many years of service in high
+positions, a most intimate acquaintance with the khan's dominions, and
+became immensely rich. His father and uncle shared wealth and honors
+with him, for they likewise were congenially employed; but the time
+came at last when their desire to revisit Venice became too strong to
+resist. They craved the khan's permission to depart; but when the old
+monarch heard their request he flew into a passion, declaring that he
+would never allow them to go. They should remain with him and become
+the richest men in the world.
+
+Marco was sent off on another mission, this time by sea, and,
+discovering that there was direct communication between Cathay and the
+Indies, he entreated the khan to allow the Polos to go on a voyage,
+promising faithfully that they would return after a short stay with
+their friends in Venice. The old khan gave his consent reluctantly,
+overwhelming them with gifts at their departure, among other things
+giving them a tablet of gold, on which were engraved his orders to all
+the subjects in his vast dominions to provide guides, escorts,
+pilots--every convenience for their voyage and journey--without cost.
+He also authorized them to serve as his ambassadors to the pope and
+other European potentates, presented them with many precious stones,
+including rubies of great value, and money enough to defray their
+expenses for at least two years. From all this it will be seen that
+the grand khan was a very munificent prince, whose deeds must have
+made a lasting impression upon the minds of the generation in which he
+lived.
+
+Fourteen large vessels were contained in the fleet he furnished the
+Polos, for with them was embarked, with a train of ambassadors, a
+noble maiden of Cathay who was to become the bride of a "king of the
+Indies" known as Argon. The voyage was so protracted that the king had
+died before she reached her destination, and whose bride she became
+was never known to the Polos, though they faithfully acquitted
+themselves of their charge, and then continued on towards the
+frontiers of Persia. Two years had been consumed in voyaging to Java,
+Sumatra, and along the coast of southern India. Three more elapsed
+before they finally reached their native city, in 1295, after an
+absence of nearly twenty-five years. Nobody in Venice knew them then,
+except by name, for Niccolo and his brother were advanced in age,
+and Marco had grown from a boy to manhood, while in their dress and
+manners they were more like Tartars than Venetians, and had almost
+completely lost their native speech.
+
+[Illustration: MARCO POLO]
+
+Many of their former friends and relations were dead, and the
+survivors were at first inclined to denounce them as impostors, until
+the fertile imagination of Marco hit upon an expedient. They were
+invited to a magnificent banquet, at which the three Polos appeared
+arrayed in robes of crimson velvet, which, after their guests had
+arrived, they threw off and gave to their attendants. Then, after the
+last course was served, they produced from their queer Tartarian
+garments, which they ripped open for the purpose, precious gems by the
+handful, and displayed them to the astonished guests as their
+credentials.
+
+They were promptly received into the best Venetian society, Maffei,
+the uncle, being appointed a magistrate, and Niccolo, the father,
+espousing a beautiful young lady. Such Polos as still bear the
+name--if there are any--must have descended from the children born of
+this second marriage, for though Marco himself took a wife, several
+years later, he left no male children to inherit the vast wealth that
+gave him the title, in Venice, of "Marco Millioni."
+
+It was about three years after his return to Venice that Marco fell
+into the hands of the Genoese, and a little later that, as narrated,
+he wrote the story of his travels. His books abound in romantic
+adventures, and many, probably, that are fabulous; but that it stamped
+itself upon the times in which he lived and those of succeeding
+generations, has been shown already. Nearly two hundred years after
+the story was written, we find the Spaniards seeking the great island
+of Cipango, of which the following is Marco Polo's description:
+
+     "This is a very large island, fifteen hundred miles from the
+     continent [of Asia]. The people are fair, handsome, and of
+     agreeable manners. They are idolaters, and live quite
+     separate from all other nations. Gold is very abundant, and
+     no man being allowed to export it, while no merchant goes
+     thence to the main-land, the people accumulate a vast
+     amount. But I, Marco Polo, will give you a wonderful account
+     of a very large palace all covered with that metal, as our
+     churches are with lead. The pavements of its court, the
+     halls, windows, and every other part, have it laid on two
+     inches thick, so that the riches of this palace are
+     incalculable. Here are also pearls, large and of equal value
+     with the white, with many other precious stones.
+
+     "Kublai, on hearing of this amazing wealth, desired to
+     conquer the island, and sent two of his barons with a very
+     large fleet containing warriors, both horsemen and on foot.
+     They sailed from Zaitun and Quinsai, reached the isle,
+     landed, and took possession of the plain and of a number of
+     houses; but they were unable to take any city or castle,
+     when a sad misadventure occurred. A storm threatened and
+     some of the troops were embarked; but about thirty thousand
+     were left upon a small and barren island by the sailing of
+     the ships. The sovereign and the people of the larger island
+     rejoiced greatly when they saw the host thus scattered and
+     many of them cast upon the islet. As soon as the sea calmed
+     they assembled a great number of ships, sailed thither and
+     landed, hoping to capture all those refugees. But when the
+     latter saw that their enemies had disembarked, leaving the
+     vessels unguarded, they skilfully retreated to another
+     quarter and continued moving about till they reached the
+     ships, when they went aboard without any opposition. They
+     then sailed direct for the principal island, where they
+     hoisted its own standards and ensigns.
+
+     "On seeing these, the people believed their own countrymen
+     had returned, and allowed them to enter the city. Finding it
+     defended only by old men, the Tartars soon drove them out,
+     retaining the women as slaves. When the king and his
+     warriors saw themselves thus deceived and their city
+     captured, they were like to die of grief; but they assembled
+     other ships, and invested it so closely as to prevent all
+     communication. The Tartars maintained themselves thus seven
+     months, and planned day and night how they might convey
+     tidings to their master of their condition; but finding this
+     impossible, they agreed with the besiegers to surrender,
+     securing only their lives. This took place in the year 1269.
+
+     "The grand khan ordered one of the commanders of the host
+     that had returned to lose his head, and the other to be sent
+     to the isle where he had caused the loss of so many men, and
+     there put to death. I have to relate, also, a very wonderful
+     thing: that these two barons took a number of persons in a
+     castle of Cipango, and because they had refused to surrender
+     ordered all their heads to be cut off. But there were eight
+     on whom they could not execute this sentence, because these
+     wore consecrated stones in their arms, between the skin and
+     the flesh, which so enchanted them that they could not die
+     by steel. They were therefore beaten to death with clubs,
+     and the stones, being extracted, were held very precious.
+     But I must leave this matter and go on with the narrative."
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[6] The first printing-press in America was set up in Mexico in 1535,
+the first book printed on it was probably _La Escala de San Juan
+Climaco_, date 1536, and the first printer was Juan Pablos. The oldest
+existing example of this first Mexican printing is said to be the
+_Manual de Adultos_, bearing date 1540.
+
+
+
+
+IV
+
+IN THE SERVICE OF SPAIN
+
+1490
+
+
+Before we revert to the real hero of this biography, let us seek to
+identify the various names we find in Marco Polo's book, and in
+Toscanelli's letter to Columbus, with the objects to which they were
+applied. We will imagine ourselves with the first-named in far Cathay,
+with the second in his library at Florence, and with the third as he
+gropes his way along the shores of islands for the first time then
+revealed to European eyes.
+
+If Columbus had known--what we now know--that thousands of miles
+intervened between the places he was seeking and those to which he
+misapplied their names, he would not have died in the belief that he
+had discovered a new way to the Old World. To anticipate a little what
+will be revealed later in the unfolding of this story: it was Amerigo
+Vespucci, and not Columbus, who first applied to this newly discovered
+hemisphere the title _Mundus Novus_, or New World. However, we will
+not discuss that question now, but merely remark that _Cathay_ was
+identical with northern China, while _Mangi_ was the southern
+territory of that vast empire which, in Marco Polo's time, was in
+possession of Kublai Khan. _Chambalu_, or Peking, was its capital,
+while the "most noble and vast city of _Quinsay_," or Cansay, is the
+ancient _King-sze_ connected with Peking by the grand canal.
+
+The large island of _Cipango_, or _Zipangu_, outlying upon the coast
+of Cathay, was probably Japan, or Formosa; though its golden-tiled
+temples may never have been seen by the Polos, nor its red pearls have
+come into their hands. Forty years after Columbus began his vain
+search, Pizarro found and plundered the gold-plated temples of Cuzco,
+which were as rich as any described by Marco Polo in his account of
+Cipango; and in the Bahamas archipelago, through which the Spaniards
+passed in the voyage of 1492, precious pink pearls have been
+discovered in great numbers and of surpassing beauty.
+
+Vasco da Gama, in 1497, was to open the way by water to the vast
+Oriental seas--to Calicut and Cathay--but until the last quarter of
+the fifteenth century the commerce of the eastern hemisphere depended
+mainly upon transportation by land. "Voyages of much extent were
+almost unknown, and the mariner confined himself to inland waters, or
+hovered along the shores of the great Western Ocean, without venturing
+out of sight of land.... The thriving republics of Italy were the
+carriers of the world. For many centuries their citizens were almost
+the only agents for commercial communication with the countries of the
+East. Venice and Genoa maintained establishments on the farthest
+shores of the Mediterranean and Black seas.
+
+"Immense caravans crossed the deserts of Arabia and Egypt, their
+camels laden with the costly fabrics of the Indies, which were
+received by the Italian traders from the hands of the Mahometans and
+distributed over Europe. Here and there upon the deserts a green
+oasis, with its bubbling spring or rippling rivulet, served these
+mighty trains for a resting-place, where man and beast halted to
+recover from the fatigues of their weary journeys. Occasionally, on
+these spots where the soil was of sufficient fertility to sustain a
+population, villages grew up. In rarer instances and in earlier ages,
+large cities had been built upon these stopping-places and were for
+the time the centres of the traffic.... Travellers of the present day
+occasionally visit their sites, and tell wonderful tales of the
+gigantic ruins of some Baalbec or Palmyra of the wilderness.
+
+"It was not to be supposed that the shrewd spirit of mercantile
+enterprise and speculation would remain dormant in this state of
+affairs. Traders in every part of Europe were alive to the advantages
+to be derived from the discovery of a new route of transportation.
+Several efforts were made, and in some cases attended with immense
+profit and success, to communicate with India by the long and arduous
+journey round the Black Sea, and through the almost unexplored regions
+of Circassia and Georgia. The far-off shores of the Caspian were
+reached by some travelling traders, and the geographical knowledge
+they circulated on their return gave a new impulse to the growing
+spirit of adventure. Apocryphal as the narratives of Marco Polo and
+Mandeville appeared, there was a sufficient mixture of truth with
+exaggeration to stimulate the minds of men, ever greedy of gain, and
+the endless wealth of the grand khan and his people were the subjects
+of many eager and longing anticipations."[7]
+
+The Polos were merely the forerunners, the pioneers, to the far
+Cathay, and in the fourteenth century missionaries and merchants
+followed on their trail with varying success. The death of Kublai Khan
+had relieved them from their obligation to return; but soon after they
+had reached Venice, in 1295, a Franciscan monk, John of Monte Corvino,
+penetrated to Chambalu and established missions there. In the year
+1338 an ambassador arrived at Avignon from the then reigning Khan of
+Cathay, and in return John de Marignoli, a Florentine, was sent to the
+court at Chambalu, where he remained four years as legate of the holy
+see. Commercial travellers followed after them, and about 1340 a
+guide-book was written by another Florentine, Francesco Pelotti, who
+was a clerk in the great trading-house of Bardi, or Berardi, with
+which, at a later date, Amerigo Vespucci was connected in Spain.
+
+"When the throne of the degenerate descendants of Ghengis Khan began
+to totter to its fall, missions and merchants alike disappeared from
+the field. Islam, with all its jealousies and exclusiveness, had
+recovered its grasp over Central Asia. Night again descended upon the
+farther East, covering Cathay, with those cities of which the old
+travellers had told such marvels, Chambalu and Cansay, Zaitun and
+Chinkalan. And when the veil rose before the Portuguese and Spanish
+explorers of the sixteenth century those names were heard of no
+more....
+
+"But for a long time all but a sagacious few continued to regard
+Cathay as a region distinct from any of the new-found Indies; while
+map-makers, well on into the seventeenth century, continued to
+represent it as a great country lying entirely to the north of China
+and stretching to the Arctic Sea. It was Cathay, with its outlying
+island of Zipangu, that Columbus sought to reach by sailing westward,
+penetrated as he was by his intense conviction of the smallness of the
+earth and of the vast extension of Asia to the eastward. To the day of
+his death he was full of the imagination of the proximity of the
+domain of the grand khan to the islands and coasts which he had
+discovered. And such imaginations are curiously embodied in some maps
+of the early sixteenth century, which intermingle on the same
+coast-line the new discoveries, from Labrador to Brazil, with the
+provinces and rivers of Marco Polo's Cathay."[8]
+
+Having shown the state of European geographical knowledge in the
+fifteenth century, in the hope thereby of throwing light upon the
+conditions which surrounded Vespucci at the time, we will now follow
+as closely as possible the career which was then opening before him.
+He was, as we have stated, keenly alive to what was taking place in
+the world around him, and especially interested in geographical
+discoveries. Although it is not likely that he had an abundance of
+ready money, having been so many years engaged in preparation for his
+great pursuit, without immediate recompense of any sort, yet we learn
+from the records of his life that he was already making a collection
+of all the charts, maps, and globes that he could find. He had
+assembled the best works of the most distinguished projectors, and for
+one of the finest then available, "a map of sea and land," made in
+1439 by one Gabriel de Valesca, he paid the large sum of one hundred
+and thirty ducats, equivalent to more than five hundred dollars at the
+present day. There was danger then, his parents and friends thought,
+of the abstruse and unprofitable science of cosmography absorbing him
+entirely; but, though he may have indulged in the hope of devoting his
+life to the studies which had so enriched the mind of his friend
+Toscanelli, he was rudely awakened from his day-dream by a family
+catastrophe.
+
+Mention has been made of one of his brothers, Girolamo, who, about the
+year 1480, left home and went to Asia Minor, including in his travels
+a trip to Palestine. He finally established himself in one of the
+Grecian cities, and, being of a hopeful turn, sent for and obtained
+the greater portion of his father's money, with which he engaged in
+trade. All went well for a time, and the Vespuccis congratulated
+themselves upon having a son of the family finally embarked on the
+full tide of commercial prosperity.
+
+Nine years went by, and nothing but good news came from the absent
+Girolamo; but one day, in 1489, disastrous tidings arrived. A
+Florentine pilgrim, returning from a pious visit to the holy sepulchre
+in Jerusalem, brought Amerigo a letter from his brother. It was dated
+July 24th, and contained information to the effect that while Girolamo
+was attending religious services at a convent in his neighborhood his
+house was broken open and robbed. "At one fell swoop," he wrote, he
+had been deprived of all his earnings during those nine years of toil,
+besides the money his father had sent him, which represented the
+accumulations of a lifetime.
+
+He did not explain how his entire capital was in cash at the time,
+when he was supposed to be in trade; but even if derelict, he was too
+far away to be sought out and his story investigated, so the loss was
+accepted by the family as an indication that Providence was not
+inclined to smile upon the substitution of the eldest for the youngest
+son as a retriever of the Vespucci fortunes. All looked now towards
+Amerigo to take up the distasteful business of money-making, for which
+he had been so long in training, but which hitherto he had so
+successfully evaded. In sorrow, it is said, but without a murmur, he
+turned his back upon his maps, globes, books, and astrolabes and faced
+the situation manfully.
+
+A position had long been open to him with the great trading-house of
+Lorenzo de Medici, who was own cousin to the world-famous Lorenzo the
+Magnificent, and he had only to apply in order to receive it. For the
+Medici well knew the value of men--good and faithful men--trained, as
+Amerigo was, in the diplomacy as well as the routine of commercial
+life in that age. They needed just such a man as he in their foreign
+agency, and bidding farewell to his family he set sail from Leghorn
+for the Spanish city of Barcelona.
+
+The Iberian peninsula afforded at that time a most attractive field
+for commercial as well as military adventure. The protracted wars with
+the Moors, which had been carried on for generations, were drawing to
+a close, but they had taken thither many a man athirst for glory, and
+the demand for supplies gave the merchants great opportunities for
+profits. The commerce of that day was, as we have seen, mainly in the
+hands of Italian merchants, and as early as 1486 the Florentine
+trader, Juan Berardi, obtained a safe conduct from Barcelona to
+Seville, where, a few years later, we find Amerigo busily engaged in
+outfitting vessels for the Spanish voyages of discovery.
+
+It was in the year 1490, or 1491, that Amerigo Vespucci went to Spain,
+accompanied by his nephew Giovanni, and several other young
+Florentines, who were placed in his charge by their parents that they
+might receive the benefit of his experience and the advantages of
+foreign travel. Giovanni, or Juan, was greatly attached to his uncle,
+and subsequently went with him on his voyages to America. Many years
+later the historian, Peter Martyr, wrote of him: "Young Vespucius is
+one to whom Americus, his uncle, left the exact knowledge of the
+mariner's faculties, as it were by inheritance, after his death, for
+he is a very expert master in the knowledge of the compass and the
+elevation of the pole star by the quadrant. He is my particular
+friend, a witty young man in whose company I take great pleasure, and
+therefore have him often for my guest."
+
+Whether Giovanni was associated with Amerigo in business is not
+exactly known, nor can we tell just when the latter removed from
+Barcelona into southern Spain; but there is a letter extant, written
+at Cadiz in 1492, signed jointly by himself and a young Florentine,
+Donato Nicollini, as agents either of the Medici or the house of
+Berardi. The following extract was copied by his biographer, Bandidi,
+from this manuscript in Amerigo's handwriting:
+
+     "As it is necessary for one of us, either Amerigo or Donato,
+     to proceed in a short time to Florence, we shall be able to
+     give you better information on all points by word of mouth
+     than can possibly be done by letter. As yet, it has been
+     impossible to do anything respecting the freight of salt,
+     for want of a vessel, as for some time past, we are sorry to
+     say, no ship has arrived here which was not chartered. Be
+     assured that if one arrives we shall be active for your
+     interests.
+
+     "You will have learned from the elder Donato the
+     good-fortune which has happened to his highness the king.
+     Assuredly the most high God has given him His aid; but I
+     cannot relate it in full. God preserve him many years--and
+     us with him.
+
+     "There is nothing new to communicate. Christ preserve you.
+
+                               "DONATO NICOLLINI.
+                               "AMERIGO VESPUCCI.
+
+     "We date this January 30, 1492."
+
+The last decade of the fifteenth century, which Amerigo was to pass
+chiefly in Spain, has been termed by historians the most important
+epoch in modern history. It was, admittedly, the most important for
+Spain, also for that country (then unknown) which her sailors were to
+discover and explore, and which was to receive the name of the
+Florentine merchant then living obscurely in Cadiz or Seville.
+
+"The foreign intercourse of the country," says the renowned author of
+_Ferdinand and Isabella_, "was every day more widely extended. Her
+agents and consuls were to be found in all the ports of the
+Mediterranean and the Baltic. The Spanish mariner, instead of creeping
+along the beaten track of inland navigation, now struck boldly across
+the great Western Ocean. The new discoveries had converted the land
+trade with India into a sea trade, and the nations of the peninsula,
+which had hitherto lain remote from the great highways of commerce,
+now became the factors and carriers of Europe.
+
+"The flourishing condition of the nation was seen in the wealth and
+population of its cities, the revenue of which, augmented in all to a
+surprising extent, had increased in some forty and even fifty fold
+beyond what they were at the commencement of Ferdinand and Isabella's
+reign: the ancient and lordly Toledo; Burgos, with its bustling
+industrious traders; Valladolid, sending forth thirty thousand
+warriors from its gates; Cordova, in the south, and the magnificent
+Granada, naturalizing in Europe the arts and luxuries of the East;
+Saragossa, 'the abundant,' as she was called from her fruitful
+territory; Valencia, 'the beautiful'; Barcelona, rivalling in
+independence and maritime enterprise the proudest of the Italian
+republics; Medina del Campo, whose fairs were already the great mart
+for the commercial exchanges of the peninsula; and Seville, the golden
+gate of the Indies, whose quays began to be thronged with merchants
+from the most distant countries of Europe."
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[7] _The Life and Voyages of Americus Vespucius_, by C. Edwards
+Lester, 1845.
+
+[8] Article, "China," in the _Encyclopædia Britannica_.
+
+
+
+
+V
+
+CONVERSATIONS WITH COLUMBUS
+
+1492 OR 1493
+
+
+While we cannot affirm that Christopher Columbus and Vespucci were
+acquainted previous to the voyage which made America known to Europe,
+it is well established that Amerigo was in Spain when his favored
+rival sailed from Palos, in August, 1492, and also when he returned,
+in March, 1493. In the very month of January, 1492, in which Vespucci
+wrote the letter quoted in the previous chapter, Columbus and the
+Spanish sovereigns signed the "capitulation" that set forth the
+demands of the discoverer and the concessions of the king and queen.
+That paper was signed and sealed in the palace of the Alhambra, not
+far distant from Cadiz, and still nearer to Seville, whither Vespucci
+removed soon after. He may have been there when Columbus passed
+through the latter city on his way to Palos, Seville being in the
+direct route between Granada and the Rio Tinto; but if he then saw and
+conversed with him there is no record of the fact.
+
+What must have been his feelings, though, when he learned of the
+transaction between Columbus and the sovereigns? Columbus had gained
+permission to make--what he himself was far better equipped for--a
+voyage across the Sea of Darkness, to the islands that lay on the
+route of Marco Polo's Cathay. And Columbus had merely corresponded
+with his master, Toscanelli, at whose feet he, Vespucci, had sat, and
+during days and hours discussed the problem that his rival was now
+going forth to solve!
+
+While Vespucci plodded, almost hopelessly, at Cadiz and Seville,
+Columbus pushed forward preparations for his voyage, and finally set
+sail. Did not Amerigo, then, send a sigh after him and his caravels,
+and think regretfully of his maps, his charts, globes, and nautical
+instruments lying dusty and disused in Florence? They were more to him
+than anything else in the world. With their aid, and countenanced by
+royal favor, _he_ might have been the fortunate one to adventure upon
+the ocean, and seek the unknown regions which he was positive lay
+there veiled from human sight. But he was pledged to repair the family
+fortune, he was committed to the interests of his employers, and even
+if the suggestion of embarking on a voyage of discovery came to him he
+could not entertain it for an instant. He could not then; but perhaps
+opportunity might yet offer, he thought, and so sent for his books,
+charts, and instruments, in order to perfect himself in cosmography
+and nautical science. He became so proficient that some years after he
+was appointed by King Ferdinand pilot-major of Spain, and even the
+charts that Columbus made were brought to him for correction or
+verification.
+
+The months went by, spent by Columbus in "making history," by Vespucci
+in lading ships for others to sail in, and in the intervals of
+business poring over his books and charts. At last, in the spring of
+1493, one day a courier came dashing into Seville with the news of
+Columbus's return, by way of Portugal, a letter having arrived from
+Lisbon addressed to the sovereigns, and another for Santangel,
+secretary to the king. Then Vespucci knew his opportunity had taken
+flight, for the New World had been discovered, the glory belonged to
+Columbus!
+
+Soon after the return of the voyagers to Palos, he may have seen the
+triumphal procession led by Columbus to Barcelona, and probably had
+speech with him and with some of his sailors. He saw the six Indians
+who had been made captive in the islands and were brought to Seville,
+for they remained there some time while Columbus was awaiting orders
+from Barcelona. A letter from the sovereigns came at last, addressed
+to "Don Cristobal Colon, Admiral of the Ocean Sea and Viceroy of the
+Indies," which probably Amerigo himself perused--with what a sickening
+of heart may be imagined--for it contained a memorandum from the
+sovereigns referring to the equipment of a second expedition, and his
+firm received the contract. Vespucci was then connected with the house
+of Berardi (having left the employ of the Medici), either as
+contracting agent or partner. Whatever relation he stood in to the
+firm, it was a most responsible one, for to him was committed the
+furnishing of a large fleet without delay.
+
+It was about the last of March, or early in April, that Columbus
+delivered to him the order from the king and queen, and then set out
+for Barcelona overland. He arrived there duly, to be received with
+almost royal honors, and meanwhile the house of Berardi, under the
+active supervision of Vespucci, was busy with the preparation of the
+fleet. Ships were sought and chartered; caravels built, bought, and
+repaired; munitions provided and crews of sailors assembled, which
+Vespucci was obliged to hold and keep together against the sailing of
+the squadron.
+
+And what was the personal appearance of these two great navigators,
+thus so strangely brought into business relations, and whose fame in
+after times was to fill the world? Although there is no portrait
+existing of Columbus which we can affirm to be authentic, still verbal
+portraits have been left by his contemporaries which convey to us the
+impression that the "Admiral" was tall and stalwart, dignified in
+bearing, with fair complexion, blue eyes, and hair then silvery gray.
+
+Amerigo Vespucci was his exact opposite, in superficial
+characteristics, for he was under rather than above the middle height,
+"thick-set and brawny," with a dark complexion, black hair mixed with
+gray, and flashing black eyes. An authentic portrait, painted at a
+later date, shows him with head nearly bald, encircled only by a
+fringe of hair, prominent cheek-bones, aquiline nose, a firm, sweet
+mouth, and without the thick black beard he wore when he first met
+Columbus. His temper was mild, while that of Columbus was hasty,
+though firmly controlled, save on a few occasions when, tried beyond
+measure, it burst its bounds and swept away all opposition. But both
+great men were courteous in speech, the dignified demeanor of Columbus
+commanding admiration, while the modesty of Vespucci won the
+friendship of all with whom he came in contact.
+
+The following dialogue between the two, or the purport of it, is
+thought to have taken place soon after the return of Columbus from
+Barcelona, either at Cadiz or Seville. It was but natural that the two
+should meet, that they should exchange views and compare notes, for,
+while Columbus had made the great discovery--through having been the
+first to apply the theories of Toscanelli and the ancients--Vespucci
+had for many years been thinking on the subject, and had enjoyed the
+friendship of the physicist, whom both revered. Whether this
+conversation is apocryphal or not, at least it embodies the divergent
+views of the two, and does no violence to their sentiments, as can be
+shown by their writings. It is adapted from Lester's _Americus
+Vespucius_.
+
+Having with him, it is believed, the charts and books from which he
+deduced his theories, Vespucci probably invited Columbus to his
+lodgings, where the two spent many an hour in good-natured
+controversy. Nearly twenty years had elapsed since the learned doctor
+sent the chart and letter to Columbus, and now the latter, with the
+laurels of the great "discovery" on his brow, was to engage in
+argument with the person best acquainted with his life-work--who had
+followed it from its very inception, and who was to enjoy its usufruct
+forever.
+
+Let us try to imagine them within the walls of Vespucci's
+house--whether in golden Seville or crystal Cadiz cannot be told; but
+it is easy to find one like it to-day, for the architecture of neither
+city has changed much since that time. The house is of stone, with
+thick white walls and roof of tiles. The rooms are large and dreary,
+but open on a court, or Moorish patio, around which they are ranged,
+and where a fountain tinkles merrily. The floor of Vespucci's room is
+tiled and damp, the furniture is scanty, but in the centre of the
+apartment is a large and massive table, upon which are spread his
+charts, while a globe--perhaps one of Behaim's, recently
+constructed--stands in a corner.
+
+The arrival of the distinguished stranger at Vespucci's modest
+lodgings causes a flutter of excitement, not only in the household,
+but in the street, which is lined with gaping citizens, anxious to see
+the new admiral, who has already taken on the dignities of his
+station, is costumed in velvet, wears a sword at his side, and is
+accompanied by a retinue of hired retainers. Vespucci, on the
+contrary, shows no ostentation in his garb, for he is but a man of
+business, and, entirely unconscious of any discrepancy in their
+apparel, conducts his guest to the room where lie his treasures.
+
+To the credit of Columbus, it should be said, he sees in Vespucci only
+the man of science, the student, the cosmographer, and, with the
+gentle dignity inseparable from this man who had appeared before
+kings and at courts, he compliments his host upon his collection.
+They are soon in earnest consultation, scanning the sea-charts,
+quoting authorities, advancing theories, becoming so absorbed as to
+ignore the yawning hangers-on of the admiral's staff, who soon retire,
+one after another, leaving the two geographers alone.
+
+Finally, Columbus says, looking up from the chart upon which he had
+been sketching the route of his voyage:
+
+"It grieves me much, worthy Signor Vespucci, to learn from our friend
+the Signor Berardi that you do not estimate as I do the result of our
+recent navigation to the west. With your well-known skill in
+cosmography, I fear me, you combine more of doubt than would be
+becoming to a Christian navigator."
+
+"Your excellency mistakes my views greatly, or has been misinformed of
+them," replies Vespucci, courteously. "Far from undervaluing the
+effect of the discoveries which your genius has accomplished, I am the
+rather disposed to place a greater estimate upon them than does the
+Admiral Colon himself. If I judged them in the light in which they are
+viewed by the most of those who hope to profit by them, then, indeed,
+the imputation would be just; but I look not to such things, and well
+I know that your own mind is above them."
+
+"In that respect you only do me justice. If I look for gain in aught
+that I have undertaken, it is only that I may devote it to a holy
+purpose. Have I not, even within the last few days, recorded my solemn
+oath that I would, in the event of my prosperous arrival at the court
+of the grand khan--whom, by the favor of God, I hope to convert to the
+true faith--employ the riches I shall acquire in the equipment of a
+force of four thousand horse and fifty thousand foot, for the recovery
+of the holy sepulchre from the hands of the infidels? I am unwilling
+to think that your speech tends to the end of imputing to me mercenary
+motives; but wherein do we differ? Is not the way opened, and will not
+the intercourse I mean to establish with the pagan monarch contribute
+greatly to the purpose I keep ever in view? The holy father at Rome
+himself lends me encouragement in my undertaking, and regards with
+approbation my efforts to lead into the true Church so mighty a
+potentate."
+
+"With all the deference that is due to your excellency's superior
+wisdom and experience, I would state that therein lies the very point
+of our difference. I deem it by no means certain that your ships have
+touched the territories of the grand khan at all, but rather land that
+has hitherto been alike unknown to him and to us. Thousands of leagues
+may yet intervene between that land and his dominions, whether of sea
+or earth remains to be discovered; and I judge in this wise as well
+from the accounts of cosmographers who have written on the subject, as
+from the description of the barbarous natives which you yourself have
+fallen in with in recent discoveries.
+
+"The accounts of those who have penetrated to distant regions of the
+East lead us to understand that the subjects of the grand khan live in
+the midst of the most profuse wealth and luxury, and bedeck themselves
+with superfine garments, gold, and jewelry. These people, however, are
+wild and naked, little if any superior to the beasts, and cannot, I
+think, be in any wise connected with a monarch of such magnificence.
+My own thoughts carry me to the conviction that there exists near unto
+the lands you have visited an immense country, which may possibly
+belong to and be part of the grand khan's dominions, though I doubt if
+such be the case. Marco Polo himself speaks of an island lying far out
+in the ocean which washes the eastern shores of Asia--the great
+Cipango, abounding in riches and precious stones, which has never been
+subdued by the sovereign of Cathay, although he has made attempts to
+conquer it. This island I deem it necessary to discover, in the first
+place; then, even after it is circumnavigated or passed over--and the
+last may be the easier way--a voyage of long duration will still have
+to be accomplished before the empire of Cathay is reached. When I
+speak of a passage over this unknown island, I do so in view of its
+great extent, as I estimate it to be of such size that it might more
+properly be designated _Terra Firma_,[9] being, according to my
+calculations, as large as, if not larger than, the whole of Europe.
+And herein do I estimate most highly the worth of the discoveries
+which your excellency has made, and their importance to this realm, as
+it will now be comparatively easy to pass the lands you have fallen
+in with by sailing either in a more northerly or a more southerly
+direction, in either case striking the country I have in my mind."
+
+"Nay, nay, good Signor Vespucci. I have the confidence in my heart
+that you are mistaken. I feel, indeed, persuaded, by the many and
+wonderful manifestations of divine Providence in my especial favor,
+that I am the chosen instrument of God in bringing to pass a great
+event: no less than the conversion of millions who are now existing in
+the darkness of paganism. I would, indeed, provide for the good of the
+poor natives we have already met, as well by building cities on their
+islands and cultivating their lands, as by the erection of churches
+and the establishment of Christian worship. But I would by no means
+forget the greater end in view--namely, that of bringing to bear upon
+the infidels the wealth and power of the vast kingdom of Cathay, that
+thus being encompassed, by the armies from Europe on the one side, and
+by the innumerable hosts of Asia on the other, they may be utterly
+destroyed, and the tomb of our Lord be again placed in the possession
+of the true believers.... In these things I marvel much at your
+incredulity, Signor Vespucci, seeing that you have often had
+opportunities of conversing with the learned physicist Paolo, your own
+countryman--peace to his ashes!--who in his lifetime so nearly
+coincided with me in opinion."
+
+"I have, indeed, as your excellency observes, oftentimes disputed and
+argued with the venerable Toscanelli, and to him is due much of the
+little knowledge I have been able to acquire in cosmography and
+astronomy. But from him I also learned that the descriptions which are
+given by Marco Polo were considered by many wise men as not altogether
+beyond the reach of doubt. If, then, he is in error in some
+particulars, how shall we draw the line, and say wherein he speaks the
+truth of his own knowledge? And how could he know the distance which
+exists between Cathay and the western shores of Europe, save by
+hearsay, and the reports of mariners on that unknown shore, who
+themselves must have been falsifiers, as it is well known that not one
+of them has ever appeared here who might have estimated the distance?
+I cannot, then, think that we are so near to Cathay as your excellency
+supposes, and had much rather follow the opinion that you have
+possibly approached the shore that has been hitherto represented as
+inaccessible to mortals."
+
+"You speak of the paradise, which so many sound and able divines
+assert to be still in existence on earth."
+
+"I do, though not so firmly believing in the relation as they do. If
+there be such a place existing, as described by the learned St. Basil,
+methinks it must be near unto those balmy isles which you have
+discovered, so similar in climate and in verdancy."
+
+"Such, in sooth, has often been my opinion, and I deem it not to be
+inconsistent with the other, which holds to the proximity of Cathay.
+Oh, that I might, through the grace of God and intercession of the
+saints, ever arrive at that blessed spot, where all is happiness and
+beauty; where the harmonious songs of birds ever fall gratefully on
+the ear; where the air is filled with the fragrance of flowers, and a
+perpetual spring, combining with its own beauties those of every other
+season of the year, continually prevails; where the limpid waters flow
+smoothly and gently, or gush forth in purest fountains; where all is
+suggestive of perennial youth, and decay and death are unknown!
+
+"But I perceive, Signor, that you are incredulous, as to this region
+of bliss, and even smile at my belief. Remember, then, that herein I
+only follow the opinions of the wise and learned fathers of our
+Church, but that in regard to Cathay I am supported by ample proof,
+from the discoveries of travellers and the relations of
+cosmographers."
+
+"I am ever willing to yield to proofs; but methinks that the
+foundation of the error under which your excellency seems to labor is
+this: that you do not make sufficient allowance for exaggeration in
+the accounts of the great traveller Marco Polo. It appears to me that
+he has deceived himself as to the extent to which he penetrated
+Cathay, and that he has thereby carried out the eastern coast too far
+into the ocean. That being so, the learned Paolo, my countryman, in
+following him, finds it necessary to shorten the extent of ocean which
+intervenes between Cathay and Europe, in order to render accurate his
+estimate of the circumference of the globe."
+
+"I note your objections, but cannot deem them correct, and yet hope to
+deliver the letters of my sovereigns, with which I was charged in my
+recent voyage, to the grand khan in person. But let us examine this
+question of longitude, for therein I am interested deeply, and have
+small doubt that I can turn you to my opinions."
+
+"Most gladly will I do so, most noble admiral, for I am strongly moved
+to tempt the ocean myself, in the hope of adding something to the
+knowledge of mariners."
+
+Within four or five years from the conjectural date of this dialogue,
+Vespucci made his first voyage, and saw for himself some of those
+"isles of paradise" which had so charmed Columbus. This was either in
+the year 1497 or 1499, depending upon whether we accept his own
+statement or the opinion of those who have challenged the authenticity
+of his narrative.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[9] In this sense, the main-land, or continent, as opposed to islands,
+the Latin form, _terra_, is almost invariably used by the Spaniards,
+instead of _tierra_.
+
+
+
+
+VI
+
+VESPUCCI'S DEBATABLE VOYAGE
+
+1497-1498
+
+
+It has been said that the house of Berardi, with which Vespucci was
+connected as a partner, outfitted the large fleet for the second
+voyage of Columbus in 1493; but this is true only in the sense that it
+served the crown in the capacity of sub-contractor. The real head of
+Indian affairs was the archdeacon of Seville, Juan Rodriguez de
+Fonseca, who first rose to prominence at this time as general
+superintendent of all the New-World business, and for thirty years
+controlled the same. Invested by King Ferdinand with great, almost
+unlimited, power, he has the credit of having founded the royal India
+house, which was of such importance in the colonizing of new
+territory, and by the favor of which alone any voyage of discovery
+could be projected and carried to a successful conclusion.
+
+Fonseca has been held up to obloquy by the admirable eulogist of
+Columbus, Mr. Irving, "as a warning example of those perfidious beings
+in office, who too often lie like worms at the root of honorable
+enterprise, blighting by their unseen influence the fruits of glorious
+action and disappointing the hopes of nations." This denunciation he
+incurred by thwarting the schemes of Columbus, in their minor details
+at first, afterwards becoming his open and determined enemy. The first
+instance in which the two great men fell out occurred when Fonseca
+opposed the pretensions of Columbus and attempted to check his
+extravagance in the matter of personal retinue. Among other
+requisitions which Columbus sent in, those for ten footmen and twenty
+menials for his domestic establishment were objected to by the
+superintendent as superfluous.
+
+In connection with the treasurer, Francisco Pinelo, and the
+_contador_, Juan de Soria, Fonseca used his utmost efforts to raise
+the necessary funds for the expedition, to provide for the vast
+expenses of which, says Mr. Irving himself, "the royal revenue arising
+from two-thirds of the Church tithes was placed at the disposition of
+Pinelo; and other funds were drawn from a disgraceful source--from
+the jewels and other valuables, the sequestrated property of the
+unfortunate Jews, banished from the kingdom according to a bigoted
+edict of the previous year. As these sources were still inadequate,
+Pinelo was authorized to supply the deficiency by a loan. Requisitions
+were likewise made for provisions of all kinds, as well as for
+artillery, powder, muskets, lances, corselets, and crossbows.... The
+military stores which had accumulated during the war with the Moors of
+Granada furnished a great part of these supplies."
+
+Having great difficulty, therefore, in meeting the really needful
+demands of the expedition, it was quite natural that Fonseca should
+desire to cut down those he deemed extravagant, and it must be
+admitted that among these he might rightfully class the requisitions
+of Columbus intended merely to support his newly acquired dignity as
+admiral and grandee. He was supported by the sovereigns, however, and
+Fonseca was rebuked for denying him anything he desired. He was
+reminded that the expedition was intended solely to extend the power
+and prestige of the crown, and that but for Columbus it would never
+have been assembled, hence he was to study his wishes and comply with
+his demands. This implied reproof cut the haughty prelate to the
+heart, and from these trivial differences, remarks Mr. Irving, "we
+must date the rise of that singular hostility which he ever afterwards
+manifested towards Columbus, which every year increased in rancor, and
+which he gratified in the most invidious manner by secretly
+multiplying impediments and vexations in his path."
+
+But for the fact that this enmity existing between Fonseca and
+Columbus made possible the first voyage of Amerigo Vespucci, we should
+not feel called upon to more than mention the first named in
+connection with an expedition in which all three were so deeply
+interested. The fleet finally sailed away, pursued by the maledictions
+of Fonseca, and followed by the heart-felt longings of Vespucci. Some
+historians have stated that the Florentine sailed with Columbus on
+this second voyage; but there are no records to prove this assertion,
+and he himself never made the claim. We have every reason for
+believing that he continued in his employment as purveyor to the crown
+and contractor for the furnishing of fleets, with his residence
+sometimes at Seville and sometimes at Cadiz, as occasion demanded, the
+office of the India house being at the former city, and the port of
+customs and sailing at the latter. He was, undoubtedly, brought into
+more or less intimate contact with Fonseca, whose supervision of
+colonial affairs and control of expeditionary fleets demanded his
+constant attention for many years. He probably appreciated such a man
+as Vespucci, whose even temper and mastery of detail, combined with
+great sagacity and learning, were invaluable to the man who was
+building up a government beyond the ocean. They were nearly of the
+same age--Fonseca having been born in 1441--and at this time in the
+fulness of their natural powers.
+
+Just what Vespucci was doing in the two years succeeding to the
+departure of Columbus is not definitely known; but in December, 1495,
+we find him actively engaged in settling the estate of Juan Berardi,
+who had died in that month and year. He was then, it appears, the most
+influential if not the sole member of the firm then resident in Spain,
+and after Berardi's death he undertook and carried out the contracts
+entered into by the senior partner with the government.
+
+About three hundred years after the death of Vespucci, some ancient
+documents were discovered by a Spanish historian, in which it was
+shown that on January 12, 1496, the royal treasurer, Pinelo, had paid
+to Vespucci the sum of ten thousand maravedis on account. He advanced
+pay and furnished subsistence for the mariners of an expedition which
+sailed on February 3, 1496, and was wrecked two weeks later, with the
+loss of several lives. The fragmentary records also show, apparently,
+that in the year 1497 and the early part of 1498, Vespucci was "busily
+engaged at Seville and San Lucar, in the equipment of the fleet with
+which Columbus sailed on his third voyage"; and yet, according to a
+letter which he wrote a former friend in 1504, he was himself upon the
+ocean at that very time, seeking to rival Columbus in the discovery of
+a continent!
+
+The exact truth may never be learned as to this reputed voyage of
+Vespucci, which he calls his "first," and which his enemies say was
+never made! It seems incredible that he should be the "sole authority"
+for this voyage, and that all contemporary history "is absolutely
+silent in regard to it"; yet, so far as we can ascertain, it is the
+truth. Leaving for future discussion, however, the proof and disproof
+of this voyage--merely pausing to remark that at the period mentioned
+a man holding his relations to Fonseca would have had no difficulty in
+obtaining permission to make such a voyage, even without the sanction
+of royal authority--we will now peruse the famous letter. It is
+addressed to "Piero Soderini, Perpetual Gonfaloniere of the Republic
+of Florence," and was written in 1504.
+
+     "MOST EXCELLENT SIR,-- ... The principal reason why I am
+     induced to write is the request of the bearer, Benvenuto
+     Benvenuti, the devoted servant of your Excellency and my
+     particular friend. He happened to be here in this city of
+     Lisbon, and requested that I would impart to your Excellency
+     a description of the things seen by me in various climes, in
+     the course of four voyages which I have made for the
+     discovery of new lands, two by the authority and command of
+     Don Ferdinand, King of Castile, in the great Western Ocean,
+     and the other two by order of Dom Manuel, King of Portugal,
+     towards the south. So I resolved to write, as requested, and
+     set about the performance of my task, because I am certain
+     that your Excellency counts me among the number of your most
+     devoted servants, remembering that in the time of our
+     youth, we were friends, going daily to study the rudiments
+     of grammar, under the excellent instruction of the venerable
+     brother of St. Mark, Friar Georgio Antonio Vespucci, my
+     uncle, whose counsels would to God I had followed! for then,
+     as Petrarch says, I should have been a different man from
+     what I am.
+
+     " ... Your Excellency will please to observe that I came
+     into the kingdom of Spain for the purpose of engaging in
+     mercantile affairs, and that I continued to be thus employed
+     about four years [six or seven], during which I saw and
+     experienced the fickle movements of fortune, and how she
+     ordered the changes of these transitory and perishing
+     worldly goods, at one time sustaining a man at the top of
+     the wheel, and at another returning him to the lowest part
+     thereof, and depriving him of her favors, which may truly be
+     said to be lent. Thus having experienced the continual labor
+     of one who would acquire her favors, subjecting myself to
+     very many inconveniences and dangers, I concluded to abandon
+     mercantile affairs and direct my attention to something more
+     laudable and stable. For this purpose I prepared myself to
+     visit various parts of the world, and see the wonderful
+     things which might be found therein. Time and place were
+     very opportunely offered me when I came to this conclusion.
+
+     "King Ferdinand of Castile had ordered four ships to go in
+     search of new lands, and I was selected by his highness to
+     go in that fleet, in order to assist in the discoveries. We
+     sailed from the port of Cadiz on the 10th of May, A.D.
+     1497, and steering our course through the great Western
+     Ocean, spent eighteen months in our expedition, discovering
+     much land and a great number of islands, the largest part of
+     which were inhabited. As these are not spoken of by the
+     ancient writers, I presume they were ignorant of them. If I
+     am not mistaken, I well remember to have read in one of
+     their books, which I possessed, that this ocean was
+     considered unpeopled. In this voyage I saw many astonishing
+     things, as your Excellency will perceive by the following
+     relation.
+
+     "We had sailed so rapidly that at the end of twenty-seven
+     days we came in sight of land, which we judged to be a
+     continent, being about a thousand leagues west of the
+     Fortunate Islands, now called the Grand Canaries. Here we
+     anchored our ships at a league and a half from the shore,
+     and, having cast off our boats and filled them with men and
+     arms, proceeded to land. Before we landed we were much
+     cheered by the sight of many people rambling along the
+     shore. We found that they were all in a state of nudity, and
+     they appeared to be afraid of us, as I suppose from seeing
+     us clothed and of a different stature from themselves. They
+     retreated to a mountain, and, notwithstanding all the signs
+     of peace and friendship we could make, we could not bring
+     them to parley with us; so, as the night was coming on and
+     the ships were anchored in an insecure place, we agreed to
+     leave there and go in search of some port or bay where we
+     could place our ships in safety.
+
+     "We sailed two days along the coast, and on the morning of
+     the third day, as dawn appeared, we saw on shore a great
+     number of men, with their wives and children, all laden
+     with provisions. Before we reached the land many of them
+     swam to meet us, the distance of a bow-shot into the sea (as
+     they are most excellent swimmers), and they treated us with
+     as much confidence as if we had had intercourse with them
+     for a long time, which gratified us much. All that we know
+     of their life and manners is that they go entirely naked,
+     not having the slightest covering whatever; they are of
+     middling stature and very well proportioned, and their flesh
+     is a reddish color, like the skin of a lion; but I think if
+     they had been accustomed to wear clothing they would have
+     been as white as we are. They have no hair on the body,
+     except very long hair on the head; but the women especially
+     derive attractiveness from this. Their countenances are not
+     handsome, as they have large faces, which might be compared
+     with those of the Tartars. Both men and women are very
+     agile, easy in their carriage, and swift in running or
+     walking, so that the women think nothing of speeding a
+     league or two, as we have many a time beheld.
+
+     "Their weapons are bows and arrows beautifully wrought, but
+     unfurnished with iron or any other hard metal, in place of
+     which they make use of the teeth of animals, or fish, or
+     sometimes a slip of hard-wood, made harder at the point by
+     fire. They are sure marksmen, who hit whatever they wish,
+     and in some parts the women also use the bow with dexterity.
+     They have other arms, such as lances and staves, with heads
+     finely wrought. When they make war they take their wives
+     with them--not to fight, but to carry provisions on their
+     backs, a woman frequently carrying a burden in this manner
+     for thirty or forty leagues, which the strongest man among
+     them could not do, as we have witnessed many times.
+
+     "These people have no captains, neither do they march in
+     order, but each one is his own master. The cause of their
+     wars is not a love of conquest, or of enlarging their
+     boundaries, neither are they incited to engage in them by
+     inordinate covetousness [unlike the Spaniards], but from
+     ancient enmity which has existed among them in times past;
+     and having been asked why they made war, they could give us
+     no other reason than that they did it to avenge the deaths
+     of their ancestors. Neither have these people kings or
+     lords, nor do they obey any one, but live in their own
+     entire liberty; and the manner in which they are incited to
+     go to war is this: when their enemies have killed or taken
+     prisoners any of their people, the oldest relative rises and
+     goes about proclaiming his wrongs aloud, and calling upon
+     them to go with him to avenge the death of his relation.
+     Thereupon they are moved with sympathy and make ready for
+     the fight.
+
+     "They have no tribunals of justice, neither do they punish
+     malefactors; and what is still more astonishing, neither
+     father nor mother chastises the children when they do wrong;
+     yet, astounding as it may seem, there is no strife between
+     them; or, to say the least, we never saw any. They appear
+     simple in speech, but in reality are very shrewd and cunning
+     in any matter which interests them. They speak but little,
+     and that little in a low tone of voice, using the same
+     accentuation that we use, and forming the words with the
+     palate, teeth, and lips; but they have a different mode of
+     diction. There is a great diversity of language among them,
+     inasmuch as every hundred leagues or so we found people who
+     could not understand one another. Their mode of life is most
+     barbarous; they do not eat at regular intervals; but it is a
+     matter of indifference to them whether appetite comes at
+     midnight or at mid-day, and they eat upon the ground at all
+     hours, without napkin or table-cloth, having their food in
+     earthen basins, which they manufacture, or in half-gourd
+     shells or calabashes. They sleep in nets of cotton, very
+     large and suspended in the air; and although this may seem a
+     very bad way of sleeping, I can vouch for the fact that it
+     is extremely pleasant, and one sleeps better thus than on a
+     mattress. They are neat and clean in their persons, which is
+     a natural consequence of their perpetual bathing; but some
+     of their habits are unmentionable....
+
+     " ... We are not aware that these people have any laws.
+     Neither are they like Moors or Jews, but worse than Gentiles
+     or Pagans, because we have never seen them offer any
+     sacrifice, and they have no houses of prayer. From their
+     voluptuous manner of life, I consider them as Epicureans.
+     Their dwellings are in communities and their houses are in
+     the form of huts, but strongly built of large tree-trunks
+     and covered with palm leaves, secure from winds and storms.
+     In some places they are of such great length that in a
+     single house we saw six hundred people, and we found that
+     the population of thirteen houses only amounted to four
+     thousand. They change their location every seven or eight
+     years, and on being asked why they did so they said it was
+     on account of the intense heat of the sun upon the soil,
+     which by that time became infected and corrupted, and caused
+     pains in their bodies, which seemed to us reasonable.
+
+     "The riches of these people consist in birds' feathers of
+     beautiful colors, of beads, which they fabricate from
+     fish-bones or colored stones, with which they decorate their
+     cheeks, lips, and ears, and of many other things which are
+     held in little or no esteem by us. They carry on no
+     commerce, neither buying nor selling, and, in short, live
+     contentedly with what nature gives them. The riches which we
+     esteem so highly in Europe and other parts--such as gold,
+     jewels, pearls, and other wealth--they have no regard for at
+     all. They are liberal in giving, never denying one anything,
+     and, on the other hand, are just as free in asking....
+
+     "In case of death they make use of various funeral
+     obsequies. Some bury their dead with water and provisions
+     placed at their heads, thinking they may have occasion to
+     eat and drink, but they make no parade in the way of funeral
+     ceremonies. In some places they have a most barbarous mode
+     of interment, which is thus: When one is sick or infirm, and
+     nearly at the point of death, his relatives carry him into a
+     large forest, and there attaching one of their
+     sleeping-hammocks to two trees, they place the sick person
+     in it, and continue to swing him about for a whole day, and
+     when night comes, after placing at his head water and
+     provisions sufficient to sustain him for five or six days,
+     they return to their village. If the sick person can help
+     himself to eat and drink, and recovers sufficiently to be
+     able to return to the village, his people receive him again
+     with great ceremony; but few are they who escape this mode
+     of treatment, as most of them die without being visited, and
+     that is their only burial.
+
+     "They use in their diseases various kinds of medicines, so
+     different from any in vogue with us that we are astonished
+     that any escaped. I often saw, for instance, that when a
+     person was sick with a fever, which was increasing upon him,
+     they bathed him from head to foot with cold water, and
+     making a great fire around him, they made him turn round in
+     a circle for about an hour or two, until they fatigued him
+     and left him to sleep. Many were cured in this way. They
+     also observe a strict diet, eating nothing for three or four
+     days. They practise blood-letting; not on the arm, unless in
+     the arm-pit, but generally taking it from the thighs and
+     haunches. Their blood or phlegm is much disordered on
+     account of their food, which consists mainly of the roots of
+     herbs, of fruit, and fish. They have no wheat or other
+     grain, but instead make use of the root of a tree [shrub]
+     from which they manufacture flour, which is very good and
+     called _huca_ [yucca]; the flour from another root is called
+     _kazabi_, and from another _igname_.
+
+     "They eat little meat except human flesh, and you will
+     notice that in this particular they are more savage than
+     beasts, because all their enemies who are killed or taken
+     prisoners, whether male or female, are devoured with so much
+     fierceness that it seems disgusting to relate, much more to
+     see it done, as I, with my own eyes, have many times
+     witnessed this proof of their inhumanity. Indeed, they
+     marvelled much to hear us say that we did not eat our
+     enemies.
+
+     "And your Excellency may rest assured that their other
+     barbarous customs are so numerous that it is impossible
+     herein to describe them all. As in these voyages I have
+     witnessed so many things at variance with our own customs, I
+     prepared myself to write a collection, which I call _The
+     Four Voyages_, in which I have related the major part of the
+     things I saw as clearly as my feeble capacity would permit.
+     This work is not yet published, though many advise me to
+     publish it. In it everything will appear minutely, therefore
+     I shall not enlarge any more in this letter, because in the
+     course of it we shall see many things which are peculiar.
+     Let this suffice for matters in general.
+
+     "In this commencement of discoveries we did not see anything
+     of much profit in the country, owing as I think to our
+     ignorance of the language, except some few indications of
+     gold. We concluded to leave this place and go onward, and
+     coasted along the shore, making many stops, and holding
+     discourses with many people, until after some days we came
+     into a harbor, where we fell into a very great danger, from
+     which it pleased the Holy Spirit to deliver us. It happened
+     in this manner: We landed in a port where we found a village
+     built over the water, like Venice. There were about
+     forty-four houses, shaped like bells, built upon very large
+     piles, having entrances by means of draw-bridges, so that by
+     laying the bridges from house to house the inhabitants could
+     pass through the whole.
+
+     "When the people saw us they appeared to be afraid of us,
+     and, to protect themselves, suddenly raised all their
+     bridges and shut themselves up in their houses. While we
+     were looking at them and wondering at this proceeding, we
+     saw, coming in from the sea, about two and twenty canoes,
+     which are the boats they make use of, and are carved out of
+     a single tree. They came directly towards our boats,
+     appearing to be astonished at our figures and dress, and
+     keeping at a little distance from us. This being the case,
+     we made signals of friendship to induce them to approach,
+     endeavoring to reassure them by every token of kindness; but
+     seeing that they did not come we went towards them. They
+     would not wait for us, however, but fled to the land, making
+     signs to us to wait, and giving us to understand that they
+     would return. They fled to a mountain, but did not tarry
+     long there, and when they returned brought with them sixteen
+     of their young maidens, and entering into their canoes came
+     near and put four of them into each boat, at which we were
+     very much astonished, as your Excellency may well imagine.
+     Then they mingled with their canoes among our boats, and we
+     considered their coming to us in this manner to be a token
+     of friendship. Taking this for granted, we saw a great crowd
+     of people swimming towards us from the houses without any
+     suspicion. At this juncture some old women showed themselves
+     at the doorways of the huts, wailing and tearing their hair,
+     as if in great distress. From this we began to be
+     suspicious, and had recourse to our weapons, when suddenly
+     the young girls, who were in our boats, threw themselves
+     into the sea, and the canoes at the same time moved away,
+     the people in them assailing us with their bows and arrows.
+
+     "Those who came swimming towards us brought each a lance,
+     concealed as much as possible under the water, and their
+     treachery being thus discovered, we began not only to defend
+     ourselves, but to act severely on the defensive. We
+     overturned many of the canoes with our boats, and making
+     considerable slaughter among them they soon abandoned the
+     canoes altogether and swam for the shore. Fifteen or twenty
+     were killed, and many wounded, on their side, while on ours
+     five were slightly wounded, all the rest escaping by divine
+     Providence, and these five being quickly cured. We took
+     prisoners two of their girls and three men, and on entering
+     their huts found one sick man and two old women. Returning
+     to our boats and thence to the ships, with the five
+     prisoners, we put irons upon the feet of each, excepting the
+     two young females; yet when night came the two girls and one
+     of the men escaped, in the most artful manner in the world.
+
+     "The next day we concluded to depart from this port, and at
+     length came to anchor at about eighty leagues distance, and
+     found another tribe of people whose customs and language
+     were very different from those we had last seen. We
+     determined to land, seeing there a great multitude numbering
+     about four thousand. They did not wait to receive us, but
+     fled precipitately to the woods, abandoning all their
+     things. We leaped ashore, and taking the path which led to
+     the wood, found their tents within the space of a bow-shot,
+     where they had made a great fire and two of them were
+     cooking their food, roasting many animals of various kinds.
+
+     "We noticed that they were roasting a certain animal that
+     looked like a serpent; it had no wings, and was so
+     disgusting in appearance that we were astonished at its
+     deformity. As we went through their huts or tents, we found
+     many of these serpents alive. Their feet were tied, and they
+     had a cord about their snouts so that they could not open
+     their mouths, as dogs are sometimes muzzled so they may not
+     bite. These animals had such a savage appearance that none
+     of us durst turn one over, thinking they might be
+     poisonous.[10] They are about the size of a kid, about the
+     length and a half of a man's arm, and have long, coarse feet
+     armed with large nails. Their skin is hard, and they are of
+     various colors. They have the snout and face of a serpent,
+     and from the nose there runs a crest, passing over the
+     middle of the back to the root of the tail. We finally
+     concluded that they were serpents, and poisonous; yet,
+     nevertheless, they were eaten by the natives.
+
+     " ... Finally these people became very friendly, told us
+     that this was not their place of dwelling, but that they had
+     come there only to carry on their fishery. They importuned
+     us so much to go to their village that, having taken
+     counsel, twenty-three of us Christians concluded to go with
+     them, well prepared, and with firm resolution to die
+     manfully if such was to be our fate. Three leagues from the
+     coast we arrived at a well-peopled village, where we were
+     received with so many and such barbarous ceremonies that no
+     pen is equal to the task of describing them. There was
+     dancing and singing, weeping mingled with rejoicing, and
+     great feasting. After having passed the night and half of
+     the next day, an immense number of people visiting us from
+     motives of curiosity, we determined to proceed still farther
+     inland, having been desired to visit other villages. And it
+     is impossible to tell how much honor they did us there. We
+     visited so many villages that we spent nine days in the
+     journey. On our return we were accompanied by a wonderful
+     number of both sexes, quite to the sea-shore; and when any
+     of us grew weary with walking, they carried us in their
+     hammocks, much at our ease. Many of them were laden with the
+     presents they made us, consisting of very rich plumage, many
+     bows and arrows, and an infinite variety of parrots,
+     beautiful and varied in colors. Others carried loads of
+     provisions and animals. For a greater wonder, I will tell
+     your Excellency that when we had to cross a river they
+     carried us on their backs.
+
+     "Having arrived at the sea and entered the boats, which had
+     come ashore for us, we are astonished at the crowd which
+     endeavored to get into the boats to go to see our ships, for
+     they were so overloaded that they were ofttimes on the point
+     of sinking. We carried as many as we could on board, and so
+     many more came by swimming that we were quite troubled at
+     the multitude, although they were all naked and unarmed.
+     They marvelled greatly at the size of our ships, our
+     equipments, and implements. Here quite a laughable
+     occurrence took place, at their expense. We concluded to try
+     the effect of discharging some of our artillery, and when
+     they heard the thunderous report the greater part of them
+     jumped into the sea from fright, acting like frogs sitting
+     on a bank, who plunge into the water on the approach of
+     anything that alarms them. Those who remained on the ship
+     were so timorous that we repented of having done this.
+     However, we reassured them by telling them that these were
+     our arms, with which we killed our enemies. After they had
+     amused themselves on the ship all day, we told them that
+     they must go, as we wished to depart in the night; so they
+     took leave of us with many demonstrations of friendship,
+     even affection, and went ashore.
+
+     "I saw more of the manners and customs of these people while
+     in their country than I care to dwell on here. Your
+     Excellency will notice that in each of my voyages I have
+     noted the most extraordinary things which have occurred, and
+     have compiled the whole into one volume, in the style of a
+     geography, and entitled it _The Four Voyages_. In this work
+     will be found a minute description of the things which I
+     saw; but, as there is no copy of it yet published, owing to
+     my being obliged to examine it carefully and make
+     corrections, it becomes necessary for me to impart them to
+     you herein.
+
+     "This country is full of inhabitants and contains a great
+     many rivers. Very few of the animals are similar to ours,
+     excepting the lions, panthers, stags, hogs, goats, and deer,
+     and even these are a little different in form. They have
+     neither horses, mules, nor asses; neither cows, dogs, nor
+     any kind of domestic animals. Their other animals, however,
+     are so very numerous that it is impossible to count them,
+     and all of them so wild that they cannot be employed for
+     serviceable uses. But what shall I say of the birds, which
+     are so numerous and of so many species and varieties of
+     plumage that it is astounding to behold them? The country is
+     pleasant and fruitful, full of woods and forests which are
+     always green, as they never lose their foliage. The fruits
+     are numberless and totally different from ours. The land
+     lies within the torrid zone, under the parallel which
+     describes the Tropic of Cancer, where the pole is elevated
+     twenty-three degrees above the horizon.
+
+     "A great many people came to see us and were astonished at
+     our features and the whiteness of our skins. They asked us
+     where we came from, and we gave them to understand that we
+     came from heaven, with the view of visiting the world, and
+     they believed us. In this country we established a baptismal
+     font, and great numbers were baptized. They called us, in
+     their language, _Carabi_, which means men of great wisdom.
+     The natives call this province _Lariab_. We left the port
+     and sailed along the coast, in sight of land, until we had
+     run, calculating our advances and retrogressions, eight
+     hundred and seventy leagues towards the northwest, making
+     many stops by the way and having intercourse with many
+     people. In some places we found traces of gold, but in small
+     quantities, it being sufficient for us to have discovered
+     the country and to know that there was gold in it.
+
+     "We had now been thirteen months on the voyage, and the
+     ships and rigging were much worn, the men very weary. So by
+     common consent we agreed to careen our ships on the beach in
+     order to calk and pitch them anew, as they leaked badly, and
+     then to return to Spain. When we took this resolution we
+     were near one of the best harbors in the world, entering
+     which we found a vast number of people, who received us most
+     kindly. We made a breastwork on shore with our boats and
+     casks, and placed our artillery so it would play over them;
+     then, having unloaded and lightened our ships, we hauled
+     them to land and repaired them wherever they needed it. The
+     natives were of great assistance to us, continually
+     providing food, so that in this port we consumed very little
+     of our own. This served us a very good turn, for our
+     provisions were poor and the stock so much reduced at this
+     time that we feared it would hardly last us on our return to
+     Spain.
+
+     "Having stayed here thirty-seven days, visiting their
+     villages many times, where they paid us the highest honors,
+     we wished to depart on our voyage. Before we set sail the
+     natives complained to us that at certain times in the year
+     there came from the sea into their territory a very cruel
+     tribe, who, either by treachery or force, killed many of
+     them and captured others, whom they ate, for they were
+     man-eaters. They signified to us that this tribe were
+     islanders, and lived at about one hundred leagues distance
+     at sea. They narrated this to us with so much simplicity and
+     feeling that we credited their story and promised to avenge
+     their great injuries; whereat they were rejoiced, and many
+     offered to go with us. We did not wish to take them for
+     many reasons, and only carried seven, on the condition that
+     they should come back in their own canoes, for we could not
+     enter into obligations to return them to their own country.
+     With this they were content, and then we parted from these
+     gentle people, leaving them very well disposed towards us.
+
+     "Our ships having been repaired, we set sail on our return,
+     taking a northeasterly course, and at the end of seven days
+     fell in with some islands. There were a great many of them,
+     some peopled, others uninhabited. We landed at one of them,
+     where we saw many people, who called the island _Iti_.
+     Having filled our boats with good men, and put three rounds
+     of shot in each boat, we proceeded towards the land, where
+     we saw about four hundred men and many women, all naked,
+     like those we had seen before. They were of good stature and
+     appeared to be very warlike men, being armed with bows and
+     arrows and lances. The greater part of them carried staves
+     of a square form, attached to their persons in such a manner
+     that they were not prevented from drawing the bow. As we
+     approached within bow-shot of the shore, they all leaped
+     into the water and shot their arrows at us to prevent our
+     landing. They were painted with various colors and plumed
+     with feathers, and the interpreters with us said that when
+     they were thus painted and plumed they showed a wish to
+     fight. They persisted so much in their endeavors to deter us
+     from landing that we were at last compelled to fire on them
+     with our artillery. Hearing the thunder of our cannon and
+     seeing some of their people fall dead, they all retreated to
+     the shore. Having consulted together, forty of us resolved
+     to leap ashore and, if they waited for us, to fight them.
+     Proceeding thus, they attacked us and we fought about two
+     hours, with little advantage, except that our bow-men and
+     gunners killed some of their people and they wounded some of
+     ours. This was because we could not get a chance to use
+     lance or sword. We finally, by desperate exertion, were
+     enabled to flash our swords, and as soon as they had a taste
+     of our weapons they fled to the woods and mountains, leaving
+     us masters of the field, with many of their people killed or
+     wounded. This day we did not pursue them, because we were
+     much fatigued, but returned to our ships, the seven men who
+     had come with us being highly rejoiced.
+
+     "The next day we saw a great number of people coming through
+     the country, still offering us signs of battle, sounding
+     horns and shells, and all painted and plumed, which gave
+     them a strange and ferocious appearance.[11] Whereupon all
+     in the ships held a grand council, and it was determined
+     that, since these people were determined to be at enmity
+     with us, we should go to meet them and do everything to
+     engage their friendship; but in case they would not receive
+     it, resolved to treat them as enemies and to make slaves of
+     all we could capture. Having armed ourselves in the best
+     manner possible, we immediately rowed ashore, where they did
+     not resist our landing, from fear, as I think, of our
+     bombardment. We disembarked in four squares, being
+     fifty-seven men, each captain with his own men, and then
+     engaged them in battle. After a protracted fight, having
+     killed many, we put them to flight and pursued them to their
+     village, taking about two hundred and fifty prisoners. We
+     then burned the village and returned victorious to the ships
+     with our prisoners, leaving many killed and wounded on their
+     side, while on ours only one died and not more than
+     twenty-two were wounded. The rest all escaped unhurt, for
+     which God be thanked!
+
+     "We soon arranged for our departure, and the seven men, of
+     whom five were wounded, took a canoe from the island and,
+     with three male and four female prisoners that we gave them,
+     returned to their own country, very merry and greatly
+     astonished at our power. We also set sail for Spain, with
+     two hundred and twenty-three prisoners, and arrived at the
+     port of Cadiz on October 15, 1498, where we were well
+     received and found a market for our slaves. This is what
+     happened to me on this, my first voyage, that may be
+     considered worth relating."
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[10] These "serpents" were iguanas, and were seen and described by
+Christopher and Bartholomew Columbus, long before Vespucci made his
+voyages.
+
+[11] The fierce islanders, so accurately described by Vespucci, were
+doubtless the Caribs, and the numerous islands were probably Grenada
+and the Grenadines, perhaps including St. Vincent, in the north, where
+descendants of those Caribs live to-day.
+
+
+
+
+VII
+
+VESPUCCI'S "SECOND" VOYAGE
+
+1499-1500
+
+
+That letter from Vespucci to the friend of his youth, Soderini,
+purporting to narrate the events of his first voyage, has proved a
+prolific source of doubt and perplexity. Although it was written
+before Columbus died, and although it was published while most of the
+actors therein mentioned were yet living, its authenticity was
+unchallenged until nearly a century after its appearance. Herrera, it
+is believed, was the first to accuse Vespucci of "artfully and
+wilfully falsifying in his narrative, with a view to stealing from
+Columbus the honor of being the discoverer of America." This charge
+was made public in his work on the West Indies, published in 1601, and
+ever since Vespucci has been stigmatized as an impostor.
+
+There is no official record of the voyage he claimed to have made in
+1497-1498, and historians are silent as to his actions, in fact,
+during the period between 1496 and 1504. This signifies little,
+according to the historian Gomara, who says: "Learning that the
+territories which Columbus had discovered were very extensive, many
+persons proceeded to continue the exploration of them. Some went at
+their own expense, others at that of the king, all thinking to enrich
+themselves, to acquire honor, and to gain the royal approbation. But,
+as most of these persons did nothing but discover, memorials of them
+all have not come to my knowledge, especially of those who went in the
+direction of Paria, from the year 1495 to the year 1500."
+
+Some writers have sought to "establish an alibi" by showing that
+Vespucci was in Spain throughout the period which, he says, was passed
+by him at sea, on this "first" voyage; but they have not been
+successful in doing so. Some, again, have declared that the narrative
+of the "four" voyages, beginning in May, 1497, was made up of that on
+which Vespucci certainly sailed with Ojeda, in May, 1499. "The points
+of resemblance"--as the reader may see for himself--"are so many and
+so striking as to seem not only conclusive, but to preclude any other
+theory," says Alexander Humboldt, who, in his _Examen Critique_, made
+an exhaustive research into the Vespucci letters. Humboldt completely
+vindicated the character of Vespucci, leaving no shade of doubt upon
+his integrity, but he did not unravel the mystery.
+
+How happens it that Vespucci could make a voyage of which no record
+exists or was ever known to exist? Why did he not mention the names of
+the fleet's commander? Why do his descriptions of scenery and people
+so closely resemble those of scenery and people seen on the second
+voyage? He alludes several times to his forthcoming book, _The Four
+Voyages_ (_Quattro Giornate_); but no trace has ever been found of
+that book, while the fragmentary letters to his "patrons," Soderini
+and Francesco de Medici, have survived to the present day.
+
+Men of the keenest acumen and perfectly equipped for historical
+research, such as Humboldt, Irving, and Navarrete, have devoted
+themselves to the solution of this problem, but without complete
+success. The first and the last named have cleared his name from the
+aspersions of centuries; the second and third, in their endeavors to
+magnify Columbus by belittling Vespucci, have not convinced posterity
+that the Florentine was a liar and a villain. He was neither one nor
+the other; and that he was far more humane than his friend Columbus
+has been amply shown in his treatment of the Indians. He and his
+companions made a few slaves; they attacked the cannibals in behalf of
+rival natives; but they did not, in their lust for gold, put Indians
+to the torture, enslave whole tribes and communities, and commit
+massacres.
+
+Vespucci's character is comparatively free from the stain of
+blood-guiltiness; from his dealings with men at all times, we infer
+him upright and honorable; yet he rests under a cloud of suspicion,
+because that so-called first voyage, which he says he took in
+1497-1498, cannot be explained. Suspicion also attaches to his name
+because it was chosen as an appellation for the New World, which
+Columbus was the means of revealing to Europe; but for this (as will
+be shown in a succeeding chapter) he was not accountable.
+
+Professor Fiske, following Vespucci's ardent defender, the Viscount
+Varnhagen, deduces from the vague generalizations in this letter that
+the voyage was made chiefly along the Honduras, Yucatan, Mexican, and
+Florida coasts, as far north, perhaps, as Chesapeake Bay. The
+cannibals attacked by the Spaniards were found, he says, in the
+Bermudas--where no Indians were ever seen, so far as known, and no
+cannibals inhabit, save, perhaps, the great Shakespeare's "Caliban."
+He accounts for the lost voyage by declaring that it may have been
+taken with Pinzon and Solis, who were said to have been on the coast
+of Honduras in 1506. There is no certainty as to that date, and the
+voyage may as well have been made in 1497-1498, as indirectly shown by
+a passage in Oviedo's history, as follows: "Some persons have
+attributed the discovery of the bay of Honduras to Don Christopher
+Columbus, the first admiral; but this is not true, for it was
+discovered by the pilots Vicente Yañez Pinzon, Juan Diaz de Solis, and
+Pedro de Ledesma, with three caravels; and that was before Vicente
+Yañez had discovered the river Amazon."
+
+The Amazon and a portion of the Brazil coast were discovered by Pinzon
+in January, 1500; and as the historian has proved to his own
+satisfaction that the gallant Vicente Yañez was in Spain during the
+years 1505 and 1506, it is probable that Oviedo is right. It is also
+probable, or at least possible, that Vespucci was with Pinzon on that
+Honduras voyage as consulting navigator, having been sent by the king,
+as he says, to "assist," in his capacity of astronomer and
+cosmographer. In this capacity, in fact, he went on all his voyages,
+for he rarely, if ever, held command. Captains, commanders, chief
+mates, and admirals there might be in plenty, but such a pilot and
+navigator as Vespucci was hard to find.
+
+It is not unreasonable to presume that they were together, for the one
+was a skilful sailor, the other a great navigator, and both renowned
+for their hardihood and daring. King Ferdinand had no more loyal
+servants than these two, and as they had served him faithfully in
+their respective professions, the one on land, the other at sea, and
+inasmuch as both were intimately acquainted with Columbus and his
+plans, it was like the crafty old king to send them off to scour the
+seas his exacting "Admiral" claimed to control. Thereafter--whether
+Pinzon and Vespucci sailed together or not--their voyages alternated
+along the coast of South America, first one and then the other, and in
+1505-1506 an expedition was actually projected, in which the king
+intended both should share. It did not sail, because the Portuguese
+objected, as its object was the exploration of the Brazilian coast
+south of the Tropic of Capricorn, to all which the great rivals of the
+Spaniards then made claim.
+
+A seeming confirmation of this voyage is found in the map Juan de la
+Cosa made, in the year 1500, after he had been in company with Ojeda
+and Vespucci to the coast of pearls. He was with Columbus, in 1494,
+when the Admiral forced all his men to swear that Cuba was, to the
+best of their belief, part of the Asian continent. Yet, within six
+years, La Cosa depicts it on his map as an island--and that was before
+Ocampo had proved it one, by sailing around it, in 1508. It is thought
+that La Cosa obtained his information as to the insular character of
+Cuba from Vespucci, when they voyaged together on the coast of Terra
+Firma, which we now know as the northern shores of South America.
+
+Admitting, still, the critics say, that Vespucci made the voyage he
+claimed, with Pinzon or with some one else, in 1497-1498, how does
+that affect the claim of Columbus? It does not affect it at all, for,
+though Vespucci may have discovered the continent a few months
+previous to his rival--and he never put forth the claim that he did
+so--Columbus, by his voyages of 1492 and 1493, led the way thither. If
+Vespucci, as some have asserted, claimed to have sailed in 1497, in
+order to establish a priority of discovery, he did it in a very
+bungling manner, and at a time when it might easily have been refuted,
+so many of his companions were then living. Besides, though his name
+was bestowed upon the newly discovered continent--perhaps as a
+consequence of the writing of this very letter--it was done without
+his knowledge and without the remotest suggestion of such a thing from
+him. This should be made clear: that Amerigo Vespucci had no thought
+of depriving his friend, Christopher Columbus, of a single leaf of his
+laurels, hard-won and well-deserved as he knew them to be.
+
+There is no doubt whatever that Vespucci made a voyage in 1499-1500,
+along with Alonzo de Ojeda and the great pilot Juan de la Cosa, but
+whether this may be styled his first or his second must be left to the
+intelligence of the reader, for the historians are at odds themselves,
+and it might seem presumptuous in the biographer to assume to decide.
+This voyage was narrated by him in the following letter, written
+within a month of his return, to Lorenzo di Pier Francesco de Medici,
+of Florence. It is dated, "Seville, July 18, 1500," and has been
+called by one of his countrymen "the oldest known writing of Amerigo
+relating to his voyages to the New World." Mr. John Fiske, in _The
+Discovery of America_, denounces this letter as a forgery; but why,
+and for what reason it should have been written by another, he does
+not state.
+
+     "MOST EXCELLENT AND DEAR LORD,--It is a long time since I
+     have written to your Excellency, and for no other reason
+     than that nothing has occurred to me worthy of being
+     commemorated. This present letter will inform you that about
+     a month ago I arrived from the Indies, by way of the great
+     ocean, brought by the grace of God safely to this city of
+     Seville. I think your Excellency will be gratified to learn
+     the results of my voyage, and the most surprising things
+     which have been presented to my observation. If I am
+     somewhat tedious, let my letter be read in your more idle
+     hours, as fruit is eaten after the cloth is removed from the
+     table.
+
+     "You will please to note that, commissioned by his highness
+     the King of Spain, I set out with two small ships, the 18th
+     of May, 1499, on a voyage of discovery to the southwest, by
+     way of the Fortunate Isles, which are now called the
+     Canaries. After having provided ourselves there with all
+     things necessary, first offering our prayers to God, we set
+     sail from an island which is called Gomera, and, turning our
+     prows southwardly, sailed twenty-four days with a fresh
+     wind, without seeing any land. At the end of that time we
+     came within sight of land, and found that we had sailed
+     about thirteen hundred leagues, and were at that distance
+     from the city of Cadiz, in a southwesterly direction. When
+     we saw the land we gave thanks to God, and then launched our
+     boats and, with sixteen men, went to the shore, which we
+     found thickly covered with trees, astonishing both on
+     account of their size and their verdure, for they never lose
+     their foliage. The sweet odors which they exhaled (for they
+     were all aromatic) highly delighted us, and we were rejoiced
+     in regaling our senses.
+
+     "We rowed along the shore in the boats to see if we could
+     find any suitable place for landing; but, after toiling from
+     morning till night, we found no way of passage, the land
+     being low and densely covered with trees. We concluded,
+     therefore, to return to the ships and make an attempt to
+     land at some other spot.
+
+     "One very remarkable circumstance we observed in these seas,
+     which was that, at fifteen leagues distance from the land,
+     we found the water fresh, like that of a river, and we
+     filled all our empty casks with it. Sailing in a southerly
+     direction, still along the coast, we saw two larger rivers
+     issuing from the land; and I think that these two rivers, by
+     reason of their magnitude, caused the freshness of the water
+     in the sea adjoining. Seeing that the coast was invariably
+     low, we determined to enter one of these rivers with the
+     boats, and did so, after furnishing them with provisions for
+     four days, and twenty men well armed. We entered the river
+     and rowed up it nearly two days, making a distance of about
+     eighteen leagues; but we found the low land still continuing
+     and so thickly covered with trees that a bird could scarcely
+     fly through them.
+
+     "We saw signs that the inland parts of the country were
+     inhabited; nevertheless, as our vessels were anchored in a
+     dangerous place, in case an adverse wind should arise, at
+     the end of two days we concluded to return. Here we saw an
+     immense number of birds, including parrots in great variety,
+     some crimson in color, others green and lemon, others
+     entirely green, and others again that were black and
+     flesh-colored [these last were probably toucans]. And oh!
+     the songs of other species of birds, so sweet and so
+     melodious, as we heard them among the trees, that we often
+     lingered, listening to their charming music. The trees, too,
+     were so beautiful and smelled so sweetly that we almost
+     imagined ourselves in a terrestrial paradise; yet none of
+     those trees, or the fruit of them, were similar to anything
+     in our part of the world.
+
+     "On our way back we saw many people of various descriptions
+     fishing in the river. Having arrived at our ships, we raised
+     anchor and set sail in a southerly direction, standing off
+     to sea about forty leagues. While sailing on this course, we
+     encountered a current running from southeast to northwest,
+     so strong and furious that we were put into great fear and
+     were exposed to imminent peril. This current was so strong
+     that the Strait of Gibraltar and that of the Faro of Messina
+     appeared to us like mere stagnant water in comparison with
+     it. We could scarcely make headway against it, though we had
+     the wind fresh and fair; so, seeing that we made no
+     progress, or but very little, we determined to turn our
+     prows to the northwest.[12]
+
+     "As, if I remember aright, your Excellency understands
+     something of cosmography, I intend to describe to you our
+     progress in our navigation by the latitude and longitude. We
+     sailed so far to the south that we entered the torrid zone
+     and penetrated the circle of Cancer.... Having passed the
+     equinoctial line and sailed six degrees to the south of it,
+     we lost sight of the north star altogether, and even the
+     stars of Ursa Major--or, to speak better, the guardians
+     which revolve about the firmament--were scarcely seen. Very
+     desirous of being the author who should designate the other
+     polar star of the firmament, I lost, many a time, my night's
+     sleep, while contemplating the movement of the stars about
+     the southern pole. I desired to ascertain which had the
+     least motion, and which might be nearest to the firmament;
+     but I was not able to accomplish it with such poor
+     instruments as I used, which were the quadrant and
+     astrolabe. I could not distinguish a star which had less
+     than ten degrees of motion; so that I was not satisfied,
+     within myself, to name any particular one for the pole of
+     the meridian, on account of the large revolution which they
+     all made around the firmament.
+
+     "While I was arriving at this conclusion, I recollected a
+     verse of our poet Dante, which may be found in the first
+     chapter of his "Purgatory," where he imagines he is leaving
+     this hemisphere to repair to the other and attempting to
+     describe the antarctic pole, and says:
+
+    "'To the right hand I turned, and fixed my mind
+      On the other pole attentive, where I saw
+    Four stars ne'er seen before, save by the ken
+      Of our first parents.  Heaven of their rays
+    Seemed joyous. O! thou northern site, bereft
+      Indeed, and widowed, since of these deprived!'
+
+     "It seems to me that the poet wished to describe in these
+     verses, by the four stars, the pole of the other firmament,
+     and I have little doubt, even now, that what he says may be
+     true. I observed four stars in the figure of an almond which
+     had but little motion; and if God gives me life and health I
+     hope to go again into that hemisphere and not to return
+     without observing the pole. In conclusion I would remark
+     that we extended our navigation so far south that our
+     difference in latitude from the city of Cadiz was sixty
+     degrees and a half, because, at that city, the pole is
+     elevated thirty-five degrees and a half, and we had passed
+     six degrees beyond the equinoctial line. Let this suffice as
+     to our latitude. You must observe that this our navigation
+     was in the months of July, August, and September, when, as
+     you know, the sun is longest above the horizon in our
+     hemisphere and describes the greatest arch in the day and
+     the least in the night. On the contrary, while we were at
+     the equinoctial line, or near it, the difference between the
+     day and night was not perceptible. They were of equal
+     length, or very nearly so....
+
+     "It appears to me, most excellent Lorenzo, that by this
+     voyage most of the philosophers are controverted who say
+     that the torrid zone cannot be inhabited on account of the
+     great heat. I have found the case to be quite the contrary.
+     The air is fresher and more temperate in that region than
+     beyond it, and the inhabitants are more numerous here than
+     they are in the other zones, for reasons which will be given
+     below. Thus, it is certain, that practice is more valuable
+     than theory.
+
+     "Thus far I have related the navigation I accomplished in
+     the South and West. It now remains for me to inform you of
+     the appearance of the country we discovered, the nature of
+     the inhabitants and their customs, the animals we saw, and
+     of many other things worthy of remembrance which fell under
+     my observation. After we turned our course to the north, the
+     first land we found inhabited was an island at ten degrees
+     distant from the equinoctial line [island of Trinidad]. When
+     we arrived at it we saw on the sea-shore a great many
+     people, who stood looking at us with astonishment.
+
+     "We anchored within about a mile of land, fitted out the
+     boats, and twenty-two men, well armed, made for the land.
+     The people, when they saw us landing and perceived that we
+     were different from themselves (because they have no beards
+     and wear no clothing of any description, being also of a
+     different color--brown, while we were white), began to be
+     afraid of us and all ran into the woods. With great
+     exertion, by means of signs, we reassured them and found
+     that they were a race called cannibals, the greater part, or
+     all of whom, live on human flesh. Your Excellency may be
+     assured of this fact. They do not eat one another, but,
+     navigating with certain barks which they call canoes, they
+     bring their prey from the neighboring islands or countries
+     inhabited by those who are their enemies, or of a different
+     tribe from their own. They never eat any women, unless they
+     consider them as outcasts. These things we verified in many
+     places where we found similar people. We often saw the bones
+     and heads of those who had been eaten, and they who had made
+     the repast admitted the fact and said that their enemies
+     stood in greater fear of them on that account.
+
+     "Still, they are a people of gentle disposition and fine
+     stature, of great activity and much courage. They go
+     entirely naked, and the arms which they carry are rare bows,
+     arrows, and spears, with which they are excellent marksmen.
+     In fine, we held much intercourse with them, and they took
+     us to one of their villages, about two leagues inland, and
+     gave us our breakfast. They gave whatever was asked of them,
+     though I think more through fear than affection; and after
+     having been with them all one day we returned to the ships,
+     sailing along the coasts, and finding another large village
+     of the same tribe. We landed in the boats and found they
+     were waiting for us, all loaded with provisions, and they
+     gave us enough to make a very good breakfast, according to
+     their ideas.
+
+     "Seeing they were such kind people and treated us so well,
+     we did not take anything from them, but made sail until we
+     arrived at a body of water which is called the Gulf of
+     Paria. We anchored off the mouth of a great river, which
+     causes the gulf to be fresh, and saw a large village close
+     to the sea. We were surprised at the great number of people
+     to be seen there, though they were without weapons and
+     peaceably disposed. We went ashore with the boats, and they
+     received us with great friendship and took us to their
+     houses, where they had made good preparations for a feast.
+     Here they gave us three sorts of wine to drink; not the
+     juice of the grape, but made of fruits, like beer, and they
+     were excellent. Here, also, we ate many fresh acorns, a most
+     royal fruit, and also others, all different from ours, and
+     all of aromatic flavor.
+
+     "What was more, they gave us some small pearls and eleven
+     large ones, telling us that if we would wait some days they
+     would go and fish for them and bring us many of the kind. We
+     did not wish to be detained, so, with many parrots of
+     different colors, and in good friendship, we parted from
+     them. From these people it was we learned that those of the
+     before-mentioned island were cannibals and ate human flesh.
+     We issued from the gulf and sailed along the coast, seeing
+     continually great numbers of people; and when we were so
+     disposed we treated with them, and they gave us everything
+     we desired. They all go as naked as they were born, without
+     being ashamed, and if all were related concerning the little
+     shame they have it would be bordering on impropriety,
+     therefore it is better to suppress it.
+
+     "After having sailed about four hundred leagues, continually
+     along the coast, we concluded that this land was a
+     continent, which might be bounded by the eastern parts of
+     Asia, this being the commencement of the western parts of
+     the continent, because it happened that we saw divers
+     animals, such as lions, stags, goats, wild hogs, rabbits,
+     and other land animals which are not found in islands, but
+     only on the main-land. Going inland one day with twenty men,
+     we saw a serpent all of twenty-four feet in length and as
+     large in girth as myself. We were very much afraid, and the
+     sight of it caused us to return immediately to the sea.
+     Ofttimes, indeed, I saw many ferocious animals and enormous
+     serpents. When we had navigated four hundred leagues along
+     the coast, we began to find people who did not wish for our
+     friendship, but stood waiting for us with their bows and
+     arrows. When we went ashore they disputed our landing in
+     such a manner that we were obliged to fight them, and at the
+     end of the battle they found they had the worst of it, for,
+     as they were naked, we always made great slaughter. Many
+     times not more than sixteen of us fought with no less than
+     two thousand, in the end defeating them, killing many, and
+     plundering their houses.
+
+     "One day we saw a great crowd of savages, all posted in
+     battle array, to prevent our landing. We fitted out
+     twenty-six men, well armed, and covered the boats on account
+     of the arrows which were shot at us and which always
+     wounded some before we landed. After they had hindered us as
+     long as they could, we leaped on shore and fought a hard
+     battle with them. The reason why they had so much courage
+     and made such great exertion against us was that they did
+     not know what kind of a weapon the sword was, or how it
+     cuts! So great was the multitude of people who charged upon
+     us, discharging at us such a cloud of arrows that we could
+     not withstand the assault, and, nearly abandoning the hope
+     of life, we turned our backs and ran for the boats. While
+     thus disheartened and flying, one of our sailors, a
+     Portuguese, who had remained to guard the boats, seeing the
+     danger we were in, leaped on shore and with a loud voice
+     called out to us: 'Face to the enemy, sons, and God will
+     give you the victory!' Throwing himself upon his knees, he
+     made a prayer, then rushed furiously upon the savages, and
+     we all joined him, wounded as we were. On that they turned
+     their backs and began to flee; and finally we routed them,
+     killing more than a hundred and fifty. We burned their
+     houses also--at least one hundred and eighty in number.
+     Then, as we were badly wounded and weary, we went into a
+     harbor to recruit, where we stayed twenty days, solely that
+     the physician might cure us. All escaped save one, who was
+     wounded in the left breast and died.
+
+     "After we were cured we recommenced our navigation; and
+     through the same cause we were often obliged to fight with a
+     great many people, and always had the victory over them.
+     Thus continuing our voyage, we came to an island fifteen
+     leagues distant from the main-land. As at our arrival we
+     saw no collection of people, eleven of us landed. Finding a
+     path inland, we walked nearly two leagues and came to a
+     village of about twelve houses, in which were seven women
+     who were so large that there was not one among them who was
+     not a span and a half taller than myself. When they saw us
+     they were very much frightened, and the principal one among
+     them, who seemed certainly a discreet woman, led us by signs
+     into a house and had refreshments prepared for us. They were
+     such large women that we were about determining to carry off
+     two of the younger ones as a present to our king; but while
+     we were debating this subject, thirty-six men entered the
+     hut where we were drinking. They were of such great stature
+     that each one was taller when upon his knees than I when
+     standing erect. In fact, they were giants; each of the women
+     appeared a Penthesilia, and the men Antei. When they came
+     in, some of our number were so frightened that they did not
+     consider themselves safe, for they were armed with very
+     large bows and arrows, besides immense clubs made in the
+     form of swords. Seeing that we were small of stature they
+     began to converse with us, in order to learn who we were and
+     from what parts we came. We gave them fair words, and
+     answered them, by signs, that we were men of peace and
+     intent only upon seeing the world. Finally, we held it our
+     wisest course to part from them without questioning in our
+     turn; so we returned by the same path in which we had
+     come--they accompanying us quite to the sea-shore, till we
+     went aboard the ships.
+
+     "Nearly half the trees on this island are of dye-woods, as
+     good as any from the East. Going from this island to another
+     in the vicinity, at ten leagues distance, we found a very
+     large village, the houses of which were built over the sea,
+     like those of Venice, with much ingenuity. While we were
+     struck with admiration at this circumstance, we determined
+     to go to see them; and as we went into their houses the
+     people owning them attempted to prevent us. They found out
+     at last the sharpness of our swords, and thought it best to
+     let us enter. Then we found these houses filled with the
+     finest cotton, and the beams of their dwellings are made of
+     dye-woods. In all the parts where we landed we found a great
+     quantity of cotton, and the country filled with
+     cotton-trees. All the vessels of the world, in fact, might
+     be laden in these parts with cotton and dye-wood.
+
+     "We sailed three hundred leagues farther along this coast,
+     constantly finding savage but brave people, and very often
+     fighting with and vanquishing them. We found seven different
+     languages among them, each of which was not understood by
+     those who spoke the others. It is said that there are not
+     more than seventy-seven languages in the world; but I say
+     that there are _more than a thousand_, as there are more
+     than forty which I have heard myself. After having sailed
+     seven hundred leagues or more our ships became leaky, so
+     that we could hardly keep them free, with two pumps going.
+     The men also were much fatigued, and the provisions growing
+     short. We were then within a hundred and twenty leagues of
+     the island called Hispaniola, discovered by the Admiral
+     Columbus six [eight] years before. So we determined to
+     proceed to it and, as it was inhabited by Christians, to
+     repair our ships there, allow our men a little repose, and
+     recruit our stock of provisions; because, from this island
+     to Castile there are three hundred leagues of ocean, without
+     any land intervening. In seven days we arrived at this
+     island, where we stayed two months, refitted our ships, and
+     obtained a supply of provisions.
+
+     "We afterwards sailed through a shoal of islands, more than
+     a thousand in number. We sailed in this sea nearly two
+     hundred leagues, directly north, until our people had become
+     worn with fatigue, through having been already nearly a year
+     at sea. Their allowance per diem was only six ounces of
+     bread for eating, and three small measures of water for
+     drinking. Whereupon we concluded to take some prisoners as
+     slaves, and loading the ships with them to return at once to
+     Spain. Going, therefore, to certain islands, we possessed
+     ourselves by force of two hundred and thirty-two, and then
+     steered our course for Castile. In sixty-seven days we
+     crossed the ocean, arriving at the Azores, thence sailed by
+     way of the Canary Islands and the Madeiras to Cadiz.
+
+     "We were absent thirteen months on this voyage, exposing
+     ourselves to awful dangers, discovering a very large country
+     of Asia, and a great many islands, the largest of them all
+     inhabited. According to the calculations I have made with
+     the compass, we have sailed about five thousand leagues....
+     We discovered immense regions, saw a vast number of people,
+     all naked, and speaking various languages, numerous wild
+     animals, various kinds of birds, and an infinite quantity of
+     trees, all aromatic. We brought home pearls in their
+     growing state, and gold in the grain; we brought two stones,
+     one of emerald color, the other of amethyst, which was very
+     hard, at least half a span long, and three fingers thick.
+     The sovereigns esteem them most highly and have preserved
+     them among their jewels. We brought home also a piece of
+     crystal, which some jewelers say is beryl, and, according to
+     what the Indians told us, they had a great quantity of the
+     same. We brought fourteen flesh-colored pearls, with which
+     the queen was highly delighted. We brought many other stones
+     which appeared beautiful to us; but of all these we did not
+     bring a large number, as we were continually busied in our
+     investigations and did not tarry long in any place.
+
+     "When we arrived at Cadiz we sold many slaves, two hundred
+     then remaining to us, the others having died at sea. After
+     deducting the expense of transportation we gained only about
+     five hundred ducats, which, having to be divided into
+     fifty-five parts, made the share of each very small.
+     However, we contented ourselves with life, and rendered
+     thanks to God that during the whole voyage, out of
+     fifty-seven Christian men, which was our number, only two
+     had died, they having been killed by Indians. I have had two
+     quartan agues since my return; but I hope, by the favor of
+     God, to be well soon, as they do not continue long now and
+     are without chills. I have passed over many things worthy of
+     being remembered, in order not to be more tedious than
+     necessary, all of which are reserved for the pen, and in the
+     memory.
+
+     "They are fitting out three ships for me here, that I may
+     go on a new voyage of discovery, and I think they will be
+     ready by the middle of September. May it please our Lord to
+     give me health and a good voyage, as I hope again to bring
+     very great news and discover the island of Trapobana, which
+     is between the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Ganges.
+     Afterwards I intend to return to my country and seek repose
+     in the days of my old age.... I have resolved, most
+     excellent Lorenzo, that as I have thus given you an account
+     by letter of what has occurred to me, to send you two plans
+     and descriptions of the world, made and arranged by my own
+     hand and skill. There will be a map on a plain surface, and
+     the other a view of the world in a spherical form, which I
+     intend to send you by sea, in care of one Francesco Lotti, a
+     Florentine, who is here. I think you will be pleased with
+     them, particularly the globe, as I made one, not long since,
+     for these sovereigns, and they esteem it highly. I could
+     have wished to come with them personally; but my new
+     departure for making other discoveries will not permit me
+     that great pleasure....
+
+     "I suppose your excellency has heard the news brought by the
+     fleet which the King of Portugal sent two years ago to make
+     discoveries on the coast of Guinea. I do not call such a
+     voyage as that one of discovery, but only a visit to
+     discovered lands; because, as you will see by the map, their
+     navigation was continually within sight of land, and they
+     sailed round the whole southern part of the continent of
+     Africa, which is proceeding by a way spoken of by all
+     cosmographical authors. It is true that the navigation has
+     been very profitable, which is a matter of great
+     consideration here in this kingdom, where inordinate
+     covetousness reigns.
+
+     "I understand they passed from the Red Sea and extended
+     their voyage into the Persian Gulf, to a city called
+     Calicut, which is situated between the Persian Gulf and the
+     river Indus. More lately, the King of Portugal has received
+     from sea twelve ships very richly laden, and he has sent
+     them again to those parts, where they will certainly do a
+     profitable business, if they arrive in safety.
+
+     "May our Lord preserve and increase the exalted state of
+     your excellency, as I desire.
+
+                              "AMERIGO VESPUCCI.
+
+     "_July 18th, 1500_."
+
+Respecting the letter in which the so-called first voyage is
+described, the same great authority, Mr. Fiske, from whom we have
+already quoted, says: "The perplexity surrounding the account of the
+first voyage of Vespucius is chiefly due to the lack of intelligence
+with which it has been read. There is no reason for imagining
+dishonesty in his narrative, and no reason for not admitting it as
+evidence on the same terms upon which we admit other contemporary
+documents." Perhaps we may be allowed to claim the same privilege for
+the foregoing letter; yet another historian, the amiable biographer of
+Columbus, Mr. Irving, while freely quoting from it, in his account of
+the voyage made with Alonzo de Ojeda, by imputation discredits it, and
+loses no occasion to disparage its author.
+
+In order that nothing may be lacking, for the purpose of forming an
+accurate estimate of Vespucci's character and doings, Mr. Irving's
+account of the Ojeda voyage, somewhat condensed, is presented in the
+succeeding chapter. In constructing this story he, to use his own
+words, "collated the narratives of Vespucci, Las Casas, Herrera, and
+Peter Martyr, and the evidence given in the lawsuit of Diego Columbus,
+and has endeavored as much as possible to reconcile them." That he did
+not altogether succeed is the opinion of Mr. Fiske, who says, rather
+caustically, that "from its mixing the first and second voyages of
+Vespucci [the account] is so full of blunders as to be worse than
+worthless to the general reader."
+
+However this may be, the story is interesting, and in a sense
+valuable, as it corroborates the statements of one to whom Mr. Irving
+was not favorably inclined.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[12] The river was the Orinoco, the currents caused by which set with
+great force in the direction given by Vespucci.
+
+
+
+
+VIII
+
+WITH OJEDA THE FIGHTER
+
+1499
+
+
+Those who have read the _History of Columbus_ will doubtless remember
+the character and exploits of Alonzo de Ojeda. He was about twenty-one
+years of age when he accompanied Columbus on his second voyage (1493);
+he had, however, already distinguished himself by his enterprising
+spirit and headlong valor, and his exploits during that voyage
+contributed to enhance his reputation. He returned to Spain with the
+Admiral, but did not go with him on his third voyage, in 1498. He had
+a cousin-german of his own name, Padre Alonzo de Ojeda, a Dominican
+friar, who was a great favorite with the Spanish sovereigns, and on
+intimate terms with Don Juan Rodriguez Fonseca, who had the chief
+management of affairs in the Indies.
+
+Through the good offices of this cousin, young Alonzo was introduced
+to Fonseca, to whose especial favor and patronage he was warmly
+recommended. While Ojeda was lingering about the court, letters were
+received from Columbus giving an account of the events of his third
+(1498) voyage, accompanied by charts descriptive of his route,
+specimens of pearls, gold, etc., in order to impress the sovereigns
+with the great value of his most recent discovery. The Admiral had
+good and sufficient reasons for making the most of this discovery, as
+his enemies in Spain and in the West Indies were seeking to belittle
+his great deeds, hence his indiscretion in placing the proofs of his
+achievement in the hands of his implacable foe, Bishop Fonseca. He
+could not return at that time, owing to the terrible condition of
+affairs in Hispaniola, which demanded his continued presence there--as
+narrated in his _Life_.
+
+The tidings he sent caused a great sensation among the maritime
+adventurers of Spain; but no one was more excited by them than Alonzo
+de Ojeda, who, from his intimacy with Fonseca, had full access to the
+charts and correspondence of Columbus, and who immediately conceived
+the project of making a voyage in the route thus marked out by the
+Admiral, and of seizing upon the first fruits of discovery which he
+had left ungathered. This scheme met with ready encouragement from
+Fonseca, who, as has heretofore been shown, was opposed to Columbus
+and willing to promote any measure that might injure or molest him.
+The bishop accordingly granted a commission to Ojeda, authorizing him
+to fit out an armament and proceed on a voyage of discovery, with the
+proviso merely that he should not visit any territories appertaining
+to Portugal, or any of the lands discovered in the name of Spain
+previous to the year 1495. The latter part of this provision appears
+to have been craftily worded by the bishop, so as to leave the coast
+of Paria and its pearl fisheries open to Ojeda, they having been
+recently discovered by Columbus in 1498.
+
+The commission was signed by Fonseca alone, in virtue of general
+powers vested in him for such purposes; but the signature of the
+sovereigns did not appear on the instrument, and it is doubtful
+whether their sanction was sought on the occasion. He knew that
+Columbus had recently remonstrated against a royal mandate issued in
+1495, permitting voyages of discovery by private adventurers, and that
+the sovereigns had in consequence revoked that mandate wherever it
+might be deemed prejudicial to the stipulated privileges of the
+Admiral.... Having thus obtained permission to make the voyage, the
+next consideration with Ojeda was to find the means. He was a young
+adventurer, a mere soldier of fortune, and destitute of wealth; but he
+had a high reputation for courage and enterprise, and hence had no
+difficulty in finding moneyed associates among the rich merchants of
+Seville, who, in that age of discovery, were ever ready to stake their
+property upon the schemes of roving navigators. With such assistance
+he soon equipped a squadron of four vessels, at Port St. Mary,
+opposite Cadiz.
+
+Among the seamen who engaged with him were several who had just
+returned from accompanying Columbus in his voyage to this very coast
+of Paria. The principal associate of Ojeda, and one on whom he placed
+great reliance, was Juan de la Cosa, who went with him as first mate,
+or, as it was termed, chief pilot. This was a bold Biscayan who may be
+regarded as a disciple of Columbus, with whom he had sailed on his
+second voyage, when he coasted Cuba and Jamaica, and he had also
+accompanied Rodrigo de Bastidas, in his expedition along the coast of
+Terra Firma. The hardy veteran was looked up to by his contemporaries
+as an oracle of the seas, and was pronounced one of the most able
+mariners of the day. He may be excused, therefore, if in his harmless
+vanity he considered himself on a par even with Columbus.
+
+Another conspicuous associate of Ojeda on this voyage was Amerigo
+Vespucci, _a Florentine merchant, induced by broken fortunes and a
+rambling disposition to seek adventures in the New World_. Whether he
+had any pecuniary interest in the expedition, and in what capacity he
+sailed, does not appear. His importance has entirely arisen from
+subsequent circumstances--from his having written and published a
+narrative of his voyages, and from his name having eventually been
+given to the New World.
+
+[Illustration: OJEDA'S FIRST VOYAGE]
+
+Ojeda sailed from Port St. Mary on May 20, 1499, and, having touched
+for supplies at the Canaries, took a departure from Gomera, pursuing
+the route of Columbus in his third voyage, being guided by the
+chart he had sent home, as well as by the mariners who had accompanied
+him on that occasion. At the end of twenty-four days he reached the
+continent of the New World, about two hundred leagues farther south
+than the part discovered by Columbus, being, as it is supposed, on the
+coast of Surinam. Hence he ran along the coast to the Gulf of Paria,
+passing the mouths of many rivers, but especially those of the Esquivo
+and the Orinoco. These, to the astonishment of the Spaniards,
+unaccustomed as yet to the mighty rivers of the New World, poured
+forth such a prodigious volume of water as to freshen the sea for a
+great extent. They beheld none of the natives until they arrived at
+the island of Trinidad, on which island they met with traces of the
+recent visit of Columbus. Vespucci, in his letters, gives a long
+description of the people of this island and of the coast of Paria,
+who were of the Carib race, tall, well-made, and vigorous, and expert
+with the bow, the lance, and the buckler. His description in general
+resembles those which have frequently been given of the aboriginals of
+the New World; there are two or three particulars, however, worthy of
+citation. [Here follows the narrative of Vespucci, as given in the
+preceding chapters, pages 82-124.]
+
+After touching at various parts of Trinidad and the Gulf of Paria,
+Ojeda passed through the strait of the Boca del Drago, or Dragon's
+Mouth, which Columbus had found so formidable, and then steered his
+course along the coast of Terra Firma, landing occasionally until he
+arrived at Curiana, or the Gulf of Pearls. From hence he stood to the
+opposite island of Margarita, previously discovered by Columbus, and
+since renowned for its pearl fishery. This, as well as several
+adjacent islands, he visited and explored, after which he returned to
+the main-land, and touched at Cumana and _Maracapana_, where he found
+the rivers infested with alligators resembling the crocodiles of the
+Nile. Finding a convenient harbor at Maracapana, he unloaded and
+careened his vessels there, and built a small brigantine. The natives
+came to him in great numbers, bringing abundance of venison, fish, and
+cassava bread, and aiding the seamen in their labors. Their
+hospitality was not certainly disinterested, for they sought to gain
+the protection of the Spaniards, whom they reverenced as superhuman
+beings.
+
+When they thought they had sufficiently secured their favor, they
+represented to Ojeda that their coast was subject to invasion from a
+distant island, the inhabitants of which were cannibals, and carried
+their people into captivity, to be devoured at their unnatural
+banquets. They besought Ojeda, therefore, to avenge them upon these
+ferocious enemies. The request was gratifying to the fighting
+propensities of Alonzo de Ojeda, and to his love of adventure, and was
+readily granted. Taking seven of the natives on board of his vessels,
+therefore, as guides, he set sail in quest of the cannibals. After
+sailing for seven days he came to a chain of islands, some of which
+were peopled, others uninhabited, and which are supposed to have been
+the Caribbee Islands. [Then ensues Vespucci's account of the fight,
+with the substitution of Ojeda as captain in command.]
+
+His crew being refreshed, and the wounded sufficiently recovered,
+Ojeda made sail and touched at the island of Curaçao, which, according
+to the accounts of Vespucci, was inhabited by a race of giants, "every
+woman appearing a Penthesilia, and every man an Antei." As Vespucci
+was a scholar, and as he supposed himself exploring the regions of
+the extreme East, the ancient realm of fable, it is probable his
+imagination deceived him, and construed the formidable accounts given
+by the Indians of their cannibal neighbors of the islands into
+something according with his recollections of classic fable. Certain
+it is that the reports of subsequent voyagers proved the inhabitants
+of the island to be of the ordinary size.
+
+Proceeding along the coast, he arrived at a vast, deep gulf,
+resembling a tranquil lake, entering which he beheld, on the eastern
+side, a village, the construction of which struck him with surprise.
+It consisted of twenty large houses, shaped like bells, and built on
+piles driven into the bottom of the lake, which in this part was
+limpid and of but little depth. Each house was provided with a
+draw-bridge, and with canoes, by which the communication was carried
+on. From these resemblances to the Italian city, Ojeda gave to the bay
+the name of the Gulf of Venice, and it is called at the present day
+Venezuela, or Little Venice. The Indian name was _Coquibacoa_. [In
+this connection Irving quotes freely from Vespucci's account of the
+Lake Dwellers, and also gives entire his description of the
+Spaniards' entertainment by Indians of the interior.]
+
+Continuing to explore this gulf, Ojeda penetrated to a port or harbor,
+to which he gave the name of St. Bartholomew, supposed to be the same
+at present known by the original Indian name of _Maracaibo_.... The
+Spaniards brought away with them several of the beautiful and
+hospitable females of this place, one of whom, named by them Isabel,
+was much prized by Ojeda, and accompanied him on a subsequent voyage.
+Leaving the friendly port of Coquibacoa, Ojeda continued along the
+western shores of the Venezuelan gulf, and standing out to sea,
+doubling Cape Maracaibo, he pursued his voyage from port to port, and
+promontory to promontory, of this unknown continent, until he reached
+that long stretching headland called Cape de la Vela, or Cape of the
+Sail. There the state of his vessels--and perhaps the disappointment
+of his hopes at not meeting with abundant sources of immediate
+wealth--induced him to abandon all further voyaging along the coast,
+and, changing his course, he stood across the Caribbean Sea for
+Hispaniola. The tenor of his commission forbade his visiting that
+island; but Ojeda was not a man to stand upon trifles when his
+interests or inclinations prompted him to the contrary. He trusted to
+excuse the infraction of his orders by the alleged necessity of
+touching at the island to calk and refit his vessels and to procure
+provisions; but his true object is supposed to have been to cut
+dye-wood, which abounds in Hispaniola.
+
+Columbus, at that time, held command of the island, and, hearing of
+this unlicensed intrusion, despatched Francesco Roldan, the quondam
+rebel, to call Ojeda to account. The contest of stratagem and
+management that took place between these two adroit and daring
+adventurers has already been detailed. Roldan was eventually
+successful, and Ojeda, being obliged to leave Hispaniola, resumed his
+rambling voyage. He at length arrived at Cadiz, in June, 1500, his
+ships crowded with captives, whom he sold as slaves. So meagre,
+however, was the result of this expedition that we are told [by
+Vespucci] that when all the expenses were deducted but five hundred
+ducats remained to be divided between fifty-five adventurers. What
+made this result the more mortifying was that a petty armament, which
+had sailed some time after that of Ojeda, had returned two months
+before him rich with the spoils of the New World.
+
+The successful armament alluded to was that of Pedro Niño, who had
+sailed with Columbus on his first voyage and on his third. With a
+caravel of only fifty tons, and a crew of thirty-three men, he sailed
+from Palos in June, 1499, returning in April, 1500, with a richer
+cargo of pearls than any other that had been brought from the new
+country. He had steered directly for the Pearl Coast, and at or near
+Cumana and Margarita, had amassed a fortune from the sea.
+
+In this connection it should be mentioned, that the country adjacent
+to the Pearl Coast, opposite Cumana, was known to the natives as
+_Amaraca-pan_; that the name _Amaraca_ occurs frequently in this
+region, as (_A_)_mar-aca-ibo_, the great gulf where the Lake-Dwellers
+live. It is regarded only as a coincidence that a name so nearly like
+that which was bestowed upon the continent by Europeans should be
+found applied to portions of that continent by the aborigines; but
+some enthusiasts have undertaken to show that it was from this native
+appellation the cartographers and cosmographers derived the first
+"America" placed upon the maps.
+
+
+
+
+IX
+
+CANNIBALS, GIANTS, AND PEARLS
+
+1499-1500
+
+
+Besides the letter written by Vespucci to Lorenzo de Medici, he sent
+an account of the second voyage to his friend Soderini, in which are
+some incidents not mentioned in the first, with very little repetition
+of others. He wrote:
+
+     "We set out from the port of Cadiz, three ships in company,
+     on the 18th of May, and steered directly for the Cape de
+     Verdes, passing within sight of the Grand Canary, and soon
+     arriving at an island called De Fuego, or Fire Island,
+     whence, having taken wood and water, we proceeded on our
+     voyage to the southwest. In forty-four days we arrived at a
+     new land, which we judged to be a continent, and a
+     continuation of that mentioned in my former voyage. It was
+     situated within the torrid zone, south of the equinoctial
+     line, where the south pole is elevated five degrees and
+     distant from said island, bearing south, about five hundred
+     leagues. Here we found the days and nights equal on the
+     27th of June, when the sun is near the tropic of Cancer.
+
+     "We did not see any people here, and, having anchored our
+     ships and cast off our boats, we proceeded to the land,
+     which we found to be inundated by very large rivers. We
+     attempted to enter these at many points, but from the
+     immense quantity of water brought down by them we could find
+     no place, after hard toiling, that was not over-flowed. We
+     saw many signs of the country's being inhabited, but as we
+     were unable to enter it we concluded to return to the ships
+     and make the attempt on some other part of the coast. We
+     raised our anchors accordingly, and sailed along southeast
+     by east, continually coasting the land which ran in that
+     direction. We found the currents so strong on this part of
+     the coast that they actually obstructed our sailing, and
+     they all ran from the southeast to the northwest. Seeing our
+     navigation was attended with so many inconveniences, we
+     concluded to turn our course to the northwest; and having
+     sailed some time in this direction we arrived at a very
+     beautiful harbor, which was made by a large island at the
+     entrance, inside of which was a very large bay. While
+     sailing along parallel with the island with a view of
+     entering the harbor, we saw many people on shore, and, being
+     much cheered, we manoeuvred our ships for the purpose of
+     anchoring and landing where they appeared. We might have
+     been then about four leagues out at sea. While proceeding on
+     our course for this purpose, we saw a canoe quite out at
+     sea, in which were several natives, and made sail on our
+     ships in order to come up with and take possession of them,
+     steering so as not to run them down. We saw that they stood
+     with their oars raised--I think either through astonishment
+     at beholding our ships, or by way of giving us to understand
+     that they meant to wait for and resist us; but as we neared
+     them they dropped the oars and began to row towards the
+     land.
+
+     "Having in our fleet a small vessel of forty-five tons, a
+     very fast sailer, she took a favorable wind and bore down
+     for the canoe. When the people in it found themselves
+     embarrassed between the schooner and the boats we had
+     lowered for the purpose of pursuing them, they all jumped
+     into the sea, being about twenty men, and at the distance of
+     two leagues from the shore. We followed them the whole day
+     with our boats, and could only take two, which was for them
+     an extraordinary feat; all the rest escaped to the shore.
+     Four boys remained in the canoe who were not of their tribe,
+     but had been taken prisoners by them, and brought from
+     another country. We were much surprised at the gross
+     injuries they had inflicted upon these boys, and, having
+     been taken on board the ships, they told us they had been
+     captured in order to be eaten. Accordingly, we knew that
+     those people were cannibals, who eat human flesh.
+
+     "We proceeded with the ships, taking the canoe with us
+     astern, and following the course which they pursued,
+     anchored at half a league from the shore. As we saw many
+     people on the shore, we landed in the boats, carrying with
+     us the two men we had taken. When we reached the beach all
+     the people fled into the woods, and we sent one of the men
+     to negotiate with them, giving them several trifles as
+     tokens of friendship--such as little bells, buttons, and
+     looking-glasses--and telling them that we wished to be their
+     friends. He brought the people all back with him, of whom
+     there were about four hundred men and many women, who came
+     unarmed to the place where we lay with the boats. Having
+     established friendship with them, we surrendered the other
+     prisoner and sent to the ships for the canoe, which we
+     restored. This canoe was twenty-six yards long and six feet
+     wide, made out of a single tree and very well wrought. When
+     they had carried it into a river near by, and put it in a
+     secure place, they all fled, and would have nothing more to
+     do with us, which appeared to us a very barbarous act, and
+     we judged them to be a faithless and evil-disposed people.
+     We saw among them a little gold, which they wore in their
+     ears.
+
+     "Leaving this place, we sailed about eighty leagues along
+     the coast and entered a bay, where we found a surprising
+     number of people, with whom we formed a friendship. Many of
+     us went to their village, in great safety, and were received
+     with much courtesy and confidence. In this place we procured
+     a hundred and fifty pearls (as they sold them to us for a
+     trifle) and some little gold, which they gave us
+     gratuitously. We noticed that in this country they drank
+     wine made of their fruits and seeds, which looked like beer,
+     both white and red; the best was made from acorns, and was
+     very good. We ate a great many of these acorns and found
+     them a very good fruit, savory to the taste and healthy to
+     the body. The country abounded with means of nourishment,
+     and the people were well disposed and pacific.
+
+     "We remained at this port seventeen days, with great
+     pleasure, and every day some new tribe of people came to see
+     us from inland parts of the country, who were greatly
+     surprised at our figures, at the whiteness of our skins, at
+     our clothes, at our arms, and the form and size of our
+     ships. We were informed by them of the existence of another
+     tribe, still farther west, who were their enemies, and that
+     they had great quantities of pearls. They said that those
+     which they had in their possession were some they had taken
+     from this other tribe in war. They told us how they fished
+     for pearls, and in what manner they grew, and we found that
+     they told us the truth--as your excellency shall hear.
+
+     "Sailing along the coast again, and finding an island about
+     fifteen leagues from it at sea, we resolved to see if it
+     were inhabited. We found on this island the most bestial and
+     filthy people that were ever seen, but at the same time
+     extremely pacific, so that I am able to describe their
+     habits and customs. Their manners and their faces were
+     filthy, and they all had their cheeks stuffed full of a
+     green herb which they were continually chewing, as beasts
+     chew the cud, so that they were scarcely able to speak. Each
+     one of them wore, hanging at the neck, two dried
+     gourd-shells, one of which was filled with the same kind of
+     herb they had in their mouths, and the other with a white
+     meal, which appeared to be chalk-dust. They also carried
+     with them a small stick, which they wetted in their mouths
+     from time to time and then put in the meal, afterwards
+     putting it into the herb with which both cheeks were filled,
+     and mixing the meal with it. We were surprised at their
+     conduct, and could not understand for what purpose they
+     indulged in the strange practice.
+
+     "As soon as these people saw us, they came to us with as
+     much familiarity as if we had been old friends. Walking with
+     them along the shore, and wishing to find some fresh water
+     to drink, they made us to understand by signs that they had
+     none, and offered us some of their herbs and meal; hence we
+     concluded that water was very scarce in this island, and
+     that they kept these herbs in their mouth in order to allay
+     their thirst. We walked about the island a day and a half
+     without finding any living water, and noticed that all they
+     had to drink was the dew which fell in the night upon
+     certain leaves that looked like asses' ears. These leaves
+     being filled with dew-water the islanders use it for their
+     drink, and most excellent water it was; but there were many
+     places where the leaves were not to be found.
+
+     "They had no victuals or roots, such as we found on the
+     main-land, but lived on fish, which they caught in the sea,
+     of which there was an abundance, and they were very expert
+     fishermen. They presented us with many turtles, and many
+     large and very good fish. The women did not chew the herb as
+     the men did, but carried a gourd with water in it, of which
+     they drank. They had no villages, houses, or cottages,
+     except some arbors which defended them from the sun, but not
+     from the rain; this appearing needless, for I think it very
+     seldom rained on that island. When they were fishing out at
+     sea, they each wore on the head a very large leaf, so broad
+     that they were covered by its shade. They fixed these leaves
+     also in the ground on shore, and as the sun moved turned
+     them about, so as to keep within the shadow. The island
+     contained many animals of various kinds, all of which drank
+     the muddy water of the marshes.
+
+     "Seeing there was no gain in staying there, we left and went
+     to another island, which we found inhabited by people of
+     very large stature. Going into the country in search of
+     fresh water, without thinking the island inhabited (as we
+     saw no people), as we were passing along the shore we
+     remarked very large footprints on the sands. We concluded
+     that if the other members corresponded with the feet they
+     must be very large men. While occupied with these
+     conjectures, we struck a path which led us inland, and after
+     we had gone about a league we saw in a valley five huts or
+     cottages which appeared to be inhabited. On going to them we
+     found only five women, two quite old, and three girls, all
+     so tall in stature that we regarded them with astonishment.
+     When they saw us they became so frightened that they had not
+     even courage to flee, and the two old women began to invite
+     us into the huts, and to bring us many things to eat, with
+     many signs of friendship. They were taller than a tall man,
+     and as large-bodied as Francisco of Albizzi, but better
+     proportioned than we are. While we were consulting as to the
+     expediency of taking the three girls by force and bringing
+     them to Castile to exhibit as wonders, there entered the
+     door of the hut thirty-six men, much larger than the women,
+     and so well made that it was a pleasure to look at them.
+     They put us in such perturbation, however, that we would
+     much rather have been in the ships than have found ourselves
+     with such people. They carried immense bows and arrows, and
+     large-headed clubs, and talked among themselves in a tone
+     which led us to think they were deliberating about attacking
+     us.
+
+     "Seeing we were in such danger, we formed various opinions
+     on the subject. Some were for falling upon them in the hut,
+     others thought it would be better to attack them in the
+     field, and others that we should not commence the strife
+     until we saw what they wished to do. We agreed, at length,
+     to go out of the hut and take our way quietly to the ships.
+     As soon as we did this they followed at a stone's-throw
+     behind us, talking earnestly among themselves, and I think
+     no less afraid of us than we were of them; for whenever we
+     stopped they did the same, never coming nearer to us. In
+     this way we at length arrived at the shore, where the boats
+     were waiting for us. We entered them, and as we were going
+     off in the distance they leaped forward and shot many arrows
+     after us; but we had little fear of them now. We discharged
+     two arquebuses at them, but more to frighten them than
+     injure, and on hearing the report they all fled to the
+     mountain. Thus we parted from them, and it appeared to us
+     that we had escaped a perilous day's work. These people were
+     quite naked, like the others we had seen, and on account of
+     their large stature I called this island the Island of
+     Giants. We proceeded onward in a direction parallel with the
+     main-land, on which it happened that we were frequently
+     obliged to fight with the people, who were not willing to
+     let us take anything away.
+
+     "When we had been at sea about a year, our minds were fully
+     prepared for returning to Castile, as we had then but little
+     provision left, and that little damaged, in consequence of
+     the great heat through which we had passed. From the time we
+     left Cape de Verde until then we had been sailing
+     continually in the torrid zone, having twice crossed the
+     equinoctial line (as before stated), having been five
+     degrees beyond it to the south, and then fifteen degrees
+     north of it. Being thus disposed for our return, it pleased
+     the Holy Spirit to give us some repose from our great
+     labors.
+
+     "Going in search of a harbor, in order to repair our ships,
+     we fell in with a people who received us with friendship,
+     and we found that they had a great quantity of Oriental
+     pearls, which were very good. We remained with them
+     forty-seven days and procured from them one hundred and
+     nineteen marks of pearls, in exchange for mere trifles of
+     our merchandise, which I think did not cost us the value of
+     forty ducats. We gave them nothing whatever but bells,
+     looking-glasses, beads, and brass plates; for a bell one
+     would give all he had.
+
+     "We learned from them how and where they fished for these
+     pearls, and they gave us many oysters in which they grew. We
+     procured one oyster in which a hundred and thirty pearls
+     were growing, but in others there were less number. The one
+     with the hundred and thirty the queen took from me, but the
+     others I kept to myself, that she might not see them. Your
+     excellency must know that if the pearls are not ripe and
+     loose in the shell they do not last, because they are soon
+     spoiled. Of this I have seen many examples. When they are
+     ripe they are loose in the oyster, mingled with the flesh,
+     and then are good. Even the bad ones which they had, which
+     for the most part were rough, were nevertheless worth a
+     considerable sum.
+
+     "At the end of forty-seven days we left these people, in
+     great friendship with us, and from the want of provisions
+     went to the island of Antilla [meaning Hispaniola], which
+     was discovered some years before by Christopher Columbus.
+     Here we obtained many supplies and stayed two months and
+     seventeen days. We passed through many dangers and troubles
+     with the Christians, who were settled in this island with
+     Columbus (I think through their envy), the relation of
+     which, in order not to be tedious, I omit. We left there on
+     the 22d of April, and, after sailing a month and a half,
+     entered the port of Cadiz, where we were received with much
+     honor on the 8th day of June. Thus terminated, by the favor
+     of God, my second voyage."
+
+
+
+
+X
+
+FAMOUS FELLOW-VOYAGERS
+
+1497-1500
+
+
+Though Amerigo Vespucci was on occasions intimately associated with
+Christopher Columbus, conversed with him, corresponded, and had much
+to do with the outfitting of his ships, it cannot be shown that the
+two ever went on a voyage together. Some have asserted that the
+Florentine accompanied the Genoese on his second voyage, in 1493, but
+such is not the case. From the friendship that existed between the
+two, it would doubtless have been gratifying to both could they have
+explored the New World in company, for each was a complement of the
+other, and much might have resulted from their conjoined efforts.
+
+Still, while the great Admiral himself was not favored by the presence
+of Vespucci on any of his voyages, it chanced that several of those
+who were with him at different times afterwards accompanied his
+rival, either as captains or pilots of his expeditions. Notable among
+these was Vicente Yañez Pinzon, one of the noble family that came to
+the rescue of Columbus when in straits at Palos, and furnished the
+funds with which the impecunious navigator provided and equipped the
+vessel he had promised his sovereigns to contribute. The Pinzons
+actually provided and manned this vessel, the _Niña_, though Columbus
+had the credit of it, and Vicente Yañez was its captain throughout the
+first voyage to America, in 1492-1493.
+
+The eldest of the three brothers, who "risked their lives and fortunes
+with Columbus in his doubtful enterprise," the first voyage to the
+unknown hemisphere, was Martin Alonzo, who commanded the _Pinta_. He
+ran counter to the commands of Columbus when off the coast of Cuba,
+and as a result fell into disgrace with the Spanish sovereigns, and
+died of chagrin soon after the first voyage was over. Columbus seemed
+to consider himself released from any obligations to the Pinzons,
+owing to the defection of Martin Alonzo, and they never received a
+single maravedi for their assistance at the most critical juncture of
+the Admiral's fortunes. As captain of the _Niña_, Vicente Yañez, the
+younger brother, stood by Columbus loyally, all through the voyage,
+and after the wreck of the flag-ship, off the north coast of Haiti,
+took his commander aboard the little caravel and brought him safely
+back to Spain.
+
+He seems to have received no recognition from Columbus, either for his
+pecuniary aid or loyal support to him in time of disaster, and after
+the voyage was accomplished he sank out of sight for a while, to
+emerge again in 1494 or 1495. About that time, says a learned
+historian, "Ferdinand and Isabella began to feel somewhat disappointed
+at the meagre results obtained by Columbus. The wealth of Cathay and
+Cipango had not been found; the colonists who had expected to meet
+with pearls and gold growing on bushes were sick and angry; Friar
+Boyle was preaching that the Admiral was a humbug, and the expensive
+work of discovery was going on at a snail's pace. Meanwhile, Vicente
+Yañez Pinzon and other bold spirits were grumbling at the monopoly
+granted to Columbus, and begging to be allowed to make ventures
+themselves.
+
+"Now, in this connection, several documents preserved in the archives
+of the Indies at Seville are very significant. On April 9, 1495, the
+sovereigns issued their letter of credentials to Juan Aguado, whom
+they were about sending to Hispaniola to inquire into the charges
+against Columbus. On that very day they signed the contract with
+Berardi [Vespucci's partner], whereby the latter bound himself to
+furnish twelve vessels, four to be ready at once, four in June, and
+four in September. On the next day they issued the decree throwing
+open the navigation to the Indies and granting to all native
+Spaniards, on certain prescribed conditions, the privilege of making
+voyages to the newly found coasts.
+
+"On the 12th they instructed Fonseca to put Aguado in command of the
+first four caravels, ... and it started off in August. The second
+squadron of four, which was to have been ready in June, was not yet
+fully equipped in December, when Berardi died. Then Vespucci,
+representing the house of Berardi, took up the work, and sent the four
+caravels to sea February 3, 1496. They were only two days out when a
+frightful storm overtook and wrecked them, though most of the crews
+were saved. The third squadron of four caravels was, I believe, that
+which finally sailed May 10, 1497. While it was getting ready, Vicente
+Yañez Pinzon returned from the Levant, whither he had been sent on
+important business by the sovereigns in December, 1495. Columbus, who
+had returned to Spain in June, 1496, protested against what he
+considered an invasion of his monopoly, and on June 2, 1497, the
+sovereigns issued a decree which for the moment was practically
+equivalent to a revocation of the general license accorded to
+navigators by the decree of April 10, 1495. Observe that this
+revocation was not issued until after the third squadron had sailed.
+The sovereigns were not going to be balked in the little scheme which
+they had set on foot two years before, and for which they had paid
+out, through Vespucci, so many thousand maravedis. So the expedition
+sailed, with Pinzon chief in command and Solis second; with Ledesma
+for one of the pilots, and Vespucci as pilot and cosmographer."
+
+In the foregoing the historian accounts for the sailing of Pinzon and
+Vespucci in company, on that "debatable voyage" described in chapter
+VI. In the year 1499 both Pinzon and Vespucci were to sail--though in
+separate fleets--for the coasts of the continent which Columbus had
+accidentally revealed in his voyage of 1498. Vespucci was to coast its
+northern shores, while Pinzon, with a confidence born of successive
+ventures on the ocean, was to strike farther southward than any had
+done before him (in the western hemisphere), cross the equinoctial
+line, and reveal to the knowledge of civilized man the great river,
+afterwards called the Amazon, and the country of Brazil. The fleet in
+which Vespucci took passage left Spain in the month of May, 1499, that
+commanded by Pinzon left in December; and it is still a moot question
+whether the first or the second was the first to arrive on the coast
+of Brazil. But Pinzon sailed beyond Vespucci on that voyage, though he
+was to be surpassed, the next year, in the generous rivalry that
+existed for making the "farthest south."
+
+Another companion of Vespucci worthy of note is the man called by Las
+Casas the best pilot of his day, Juan de la Cosa. He had been with
+Columbus on his first voyage, as owner and pilot of the _Santa Maria_,
+and also on his second, and may have had good grounds for believing
+himself as good a navigator as the Admiral, while as a cosmographer he
+was probably his superior. The historian, Peter Martyr, asserts that
+La Cosa and another pilot, Andres Morales, "were thought to be more
+cunning in that part of cosmography which teacheth the description and
+measurement of the sea" than any others in the world. In truth, the
+first map of importance made within a decade of the discovery of 1492
+was that produced by La Cosa, in the summer of 1500, after his return
+from the voyage (his third to the New World) with Ojeda and Vespucci.
+It is thought that he embodied in that map the results of Vespucci's
+voyage of 1497-1498, as communicated to him during their intimate
+companionship of thirteen months. La Cosa, the Biscayan pilot, was a
+man cast in the same generous mould as Vespucci, and shared none of
+the narrow notions of Columbus. His great regard for Columbus is shown
+in the vignette to his map, which represents the giant Christopher
+(the "Christ-bearer") carrying the infant Jesus on his shoulders.
+Beneath this vignette is the legend, "Juan de la Cosa made this map,
+in the port of Santa Maria [near Cadiz], year 1500." It is the best
+map that had been put forth up to that date, and for a long time
+thereafter remained as a guide to mariners.
+
+His services were in great request at that time, and in the month of
+October, 1500, he was engaged by Rodrigo Bastidas, a lawyer of
+Seville, to pilot a small expedition he had fitted out to search for
+gold and pearls. This was the expedition in which Vasco Nuñez de
+Balboa first embarked for the New World, and which was so profitable
+that the leaders returned (though their vessels had sunk at their
+anchors in a harbor of Haiti) with sufficient pearls to give them each
+a fortune. If they had been content to live at ease in Spain, they
+might have done so during the remainder of their days; but both
+Bastidas and La Cosa were lured back to the coast of Terra Firma by
+the prospect of further enrichment, and there they came to untimely
+ends.
+
+La Cosa was created _alguazil mayor_ of the territory he and Vespucci
+had coasted, and finding Ojeda in want--both of money and an
+opportunity to display his prowess as a fighter--he generously shared
+his fortune with him and fitted out a fleet containing a ship and two
+small brigantines. Thenceforth, as fate willed it, the great-hearted
+pilot and the fiery cavalier were inseparable until cut down by death.
+In the month of November, 1509, they set sail from Santo Domingo with
+their three vessels and three hundred men. La Cosa piloted the little
+fleet into a safe harbor, as he knew the coast well from two previous
+visits to Terra Firma, but he endeavored to induce Ojeda to attempt a
+settlement farther on towards the Isthmus of Darien, as the Indians of
+this region were very ferocious and used poisoned arrows.
+
+Ojeda, however, would not be turned from his purpose, which was to
+acquire a large number of slaves, either by stratagem or force. After
+the monks who accompanied his command had read a requisition to the
+savages, requiring them to submit gracefully and be converted, if they
+did not wish to incur the vengeance of the King of Spain, the Pope of
+Rome, and their emissaries there assembled, finding them obdurate,
+Ojeda gave the command to attack. The Indians, by this time, had
+assembled in great force, and if they understood the message (which
+was not likely, as it was in Spanish, a language they had never heard
+before) they manifested no inclination to heed its warnings. They
+brandished their spears, shot their arrows, and yelled defiance to the
+invaders. This was more than the rash Ojeda could endure, and he
+dashed headlong at the naked enemy without waiting for his men to
+follow.
+
+Only the gallant La Cosa was with him at first, continually
+remonstrating with his friend for his temerity, but fighting bravely
+at his side. The old pilot was a man of peace, but he was destined to
+die a violent and a horrible death. While pressing forward in advance
+of their men, the retreat of Ojeda and La Cosa was cut off by the wily
+savages, who had pretended to retire to the hills, whence they soon
+returned in great force. La Cosa took refuge in a hut, where he
+gallantly defended himself until a poisoned arrow pierced his breast
+and he fell to the ground. One companion survived, to whom he said, as
+he felt the chill of death creeping over him, "Brother, since God hath
+protected thee from harm, sally out and fly; and if ever thou shouldst
+see Alonzo de Ojeda, tell him of my fate."
+
+Thus expired Juan de la Cosa, former companion of Columbus and
+Vespucci, able pilot, skilled cartographer, loyal till death to the
+man who had led him into the forest where he met that fatal arrow.
+
+It is claimed by some that Vespucci and La Cosa made two voyages
+together, in the years 1505 and 1507, but this is doubtful. After
+their return from the voyage of 1499-1500 they separated, Amerigo to
+take service with the King of Portugal, and La Cosa, upon the
+completion of his chart and after his return from the Bastidas
+expedition of 1500-1501, settling down to the enjoyment of his
+fortune. The third famous member of the trio, Alonzo de Ojeda,
+obtained authority from the king to colonize Coquibacoa, on the coast
+of Terra Firma, and received in addition a grant of land six leagues
+square in the island of Hispaniola.
+
+The former venture had not been considered a success, but the
+merchants of Seville and Cadiz were persuaded to once more try their
+fortunes with the brave cavalier Ojeda, and fitted out for him a fleet
+of four large vessels. In command of these he set sail, in the year
+1502, and after touching at Cumana, where he pillaged the Indians and
+took many prisoners, he proceeded to Coquibacoa. Finding the place
+unsuited for a settlement, he went farther westward and attempted a
+colony at Bahia Honda, building there a fortress and huts for his
+people. The Indians were hostile at first, but gold was found in
+abundance--so much of it, in fact, that the adventurers began to
+quarrel over it, and soon came to blows. Ojeda, as usual, was foremost
+in the fight that followed, and, as his company turned against him, he
+was entrapped on one of the caravels and placed in irons. Then the
+entire company sailed for Hispaniola, intending to submit the cause of
+their dissension, which was their strong-box full of gold, to the
+courts of that island for a decision. They arrived at a port on the
+western coast of Hispaniola, and in the night the manacled Ojeda
+slipped overboard into the water, intending to swim ashore and make
+his escape. The fetters on his feet were heavy, however, though his
+arms were free, and he was nearly drowned before his companions,
+hearing his cries for help, pulled him out of the water and again
+confined him in the hold of the vessel.
+
+Taken to the city of Santo Domingo, he was placed on trial for
+attempting to defraud the government, and the decision was against
+him. He was not only deprived of his lands, but was stripped of
+everything he owned. For several years thereafter he roamed about the
+island, and made occasional voyages, but as a penniless, rather than
+an influential, adventurer. His good friend, the "ungodly bishop,"
+Fonseca, was still in power, but inaccessible through the great
+distance that separated them. One happy day, however, Ojeda met La
+Cosa, who was then in the enjoyment of a considerable fortune, and
+who, with the reckless generosity for which sailors are proverbial,
+placed all his means at his disposal. He went to Spain, where he saw
+the bishop, secured a fleet (as already mentioned), and in it sailed
+for Santo Domingo, where he was met by his partner, and together the
+soldier and the sailor set out for Terra Firma.
+
+Before they left the island, however, Ojeda must needs plunge himself
+into another difficulty by picking a quarrel with a rival discoverer,
+Nicuesa, whom he challenged to fight a duel. It seems that King
+Ferdinand had granted territory in Terra Firma to both these men; and,
+though there was certainly room enough and to spare in that vast
+region, they began to dispute over their perspective boundaries before
+they had staked them out. The hot-headed Ojeda was a skilled
+swordsman, but Nicuesa was artful enough to avoid an encounter, in
+which there was little doubt he would be killed, by insisting that
+each contestant should deposit five thousand castellanos with an
+umpire before engaging in the fight. As this was a larger sum than
+poor Ojeda could raise--which, of course, Nicuesa knew full well--the
+irate cavalier was obliged to sail without having obtained
+satisfaction.
+
+This was the expedition that ended so disastrously, as narrated in a
+previous chapter. The Spaniard who was charged with La Cosa's last
+message to Ojeda was the only survivor of seventy who had followed the
+rash commander in his headlong attack. What had become of Ojeda
+himself none of the survivors could tell, for several days passed
+without news of him. His body was not to be found among the slain, and
+no one who knew him believed that the Indians could have captured him
+alive. He had fought like a tiger to reach and defend his friend La
+Cosa, but had been borne back by the thronging savages, and since
+then nothing had been heard of him. The woods and shore were searched
+by scouts, and he was finally found extended on some mangrove roots on
+the borders of the forest. He was in such an exhausted state that he
+could not speak, but, intrepid to the last, still clung to his
+buckler, and in his right hand grasped the good sword with which he
+had cut his way through the savage hordes.
+
+Although famished, and so weak that he could not stand, it was
+discovered that he had not received a single wound; but on his shield
+were seen the dents made by more than three hundred arrows. His rescue
+had scarcely been effected before the ships of his deadly rival,
+Nicuesa, sailed into the harbor; but, instead of taking advantage of
+Ojeda's defenceless condition, the high-minded hidalgo offered to join
+with him in an attack upon the savages, in order to avenge his defeat.
+Combining their forces, the two erstwhile enemies fell upon the
+Indians while they were asleep, slaughtered an immense number, and
+then, after plundering their dwellings set them on fire.
+
+Thus the unfortunate pilot and his comrades were avenged, and the
+ships sailed on, leaving behind hundreds of mangled corpses and huts
+reduced to ashes. It was not strange, then, that the surviving savages
+should ceaselessly attack the settlement soon after founded by Ojeda
+on their coast, and with such persistency that finally it had to be
+abandoned. It was in one of these attacks that Ojeda received his
+first wound. He had hitherto considered himself invulnerable, but,
+falling into an Indian ambush, a poisoned arrow pierced his thigh.
+After wrenching it from the wound, he ordered his surgeon, on pain of
+death for refusal, to burn out the venom with red-hot irons, and by
+this means, though his life was saved, he received injuries that made
+him permanently lame.
+
+At last conditions in the settlement became so desperate that Ojeda
+seized the occasion of a pirate ship touching there to depart for
+Hispaniola in search of assistance. Leaving his company in charge of
+Francisco Pizarro--who in this manner began his conquering career--he
+embarked in the pirate ship, but had hardly cleared the harbor before
+he began a fierce quarrel with the commander, Talavera, by whose
+orders he was seized and fettered. Even when chained to the deck, the
+undaunted cavalier dared Talavera and his crew to fight him, two at a
+time, and when they refused denounced them all as cowards.
+
+A violent gale arose, with the result that their ship was wrecked on
+the southern coast of Cuba. Escaping to shore, they endured terrible
+sufferings for weeks, wandering half famished in forests and through
+swamps, until finally rescued by a tribe of Indians who had not heard
+of Spanish atrocities and who gave them freely all the provisions they
+needed. A canoe was despatched to Jamaica with the tidings of
+disaster, and in the end Ojeda reached Hispaniola, where he had the
+satisfaction of seeing his late companions hung for their crimes, and
+where he passed the remainder of his life in poverty. He died in 1515,
+so poor, says Bishop Las Casas, "that he did not leave money enough to
+provide for his interment, and so broken in spirit that, with his last
+breath, he entreated his body might be buried in the monastery of San
+Francisco [the ruins of which may still be seen in Santo Domingo],
+just at the portal, in humble expiation of his past pride, 'that every
+one who entered might tread upon his grave.'"
+
+
+
+
+XI
+
+ON THE COAST OF BRAZIL
+
+1501-1502
+
+
+The New World, subsequently to be called America, did not reveal
+itself to navigators during the lifetime of any one of those first
+engaged in its discovery. Its islands and coast-lines were brought to
+view one by one, and bit by bit, so that many years elapsed between
+the voyage of Columbus, in 1492, and that which finally enabled the
+map-makers to complete the outlines of the continents. It is
+interesting and instructive to trace the movements of the explorers,
+and note how, after the initial work of Columbus, they emulate one
+another in pushing farther and farther into the great ocean of
+darkness, their voyages overlapping at times, but ever extending,
+until at last the islands of the West Indies are all revealed and the
+vast southern continent is circumnavigated.
+
+Columbus, in his first three voyages, brought to view most of those
+islands now known as the Antilles, and on his fourth and last he
+skirted the eastern coast of Central America; but he left gaps here
+and there which it took many years to fill. On his third voyage, in
+1498, he discovered the island of Trinidad and the pearl islands off
+the coast of Cumana; but he did not proceed, as he should have done,
+along the coast of Terra Firma, and hence Ojeda, Vespucci, and La Cosa
+slipped in, guided by the very chart made by him and so treacherously
+furnished them by Fonseca.
+
+[Illustration: ROUTES OF THE DISCOVERERS]
+
+While doubts may be entertained as to the "first" voyage of Vespucci,
+none can exist as to that made by him in 1499-1500, as we have the
+sworn testimony to that effect by Ojeda himself, who, when called to
+give the same, in the great suit brought by Diego Columbus against the
+crown, declared that he had with him on that voyage both La Cosa and
+the Florentine. This testimony was given in 1513, a year after
+Vespucci's death, and its object was to show that the coast of Terra
+Firma, so called, had been first seen by Columbus. By establishing the
+fact of his priority, it disposed of any claim Vespucci or his
+friends may have made, as he and Ojeda were sailing with the
+track-chart of Columbus as their guide. Thus they picked up the route
+pursued by the Admiral, and extended it several degrees, Bastidas and
+La Cosa, the next year, carrying it still farther.
+
+In December, 1499, in June of which year Ojeda and Vespucci had set
+out together, Vicente Pinzon sailed along the Brazilian coast to a
+point eight degrees south of the equinoctial line. He returned to
+Spain in September, 1500, and in April of that year Pedro Alvarez
+Cabral, in command of a Portuguese fleet bound for the Spice Islands,
+over the route discovered by Da Gama, accidentally came in sight of
+land on the coast of the country since known as Brazil, in latitude
+sixteen degrees south of the line. Unable to prosecute explorations
+there, as he was bound for the East, around the Cape of Good Hope and
+along the west coast of Africa, Cabral sent a vessel of his fleet back
+to Portugal with the news, and proceeded on his way.
+
+Casting about for a navigator eminently qualified as pilot and
+cosmographer to pursue the exploration indicated by Cabral, along the
+coast of the country he had so strangely revealed, King Emanuel of
+Portugal made up his mind that Amerigo Vespucci was the man he wanted.
+Just when he came to this decision, and when Vespucci shifted his
+allegiance from Spain to Portugal, is not exactly known, but it was
+probably late in the year 1500, after his return, of course, from the
+voyage with Ojeda and La Cosa. The particulars of this transaction we
+will let him relate in the following letter contained in this chapter.
+He does not quite satisfactorily explain how he came to break with
+King Ferdinand, especially as both the sovereign and Fonseca had
+received him with marked attention, the latter having presented him at
+court, where he was consulted as to new expeditions, and "his accounts
+of what he had already seen listened to with the greatest interest."
+The affair is all the more inexplicable from the fact that during the
+interval between his return from the second voyage and his going to
+Portugal he was married to a charming lady of Seville. This lady, Doña
+Maria Cerezo, was his betrothed during the time he was engaged with
+the house of Berardi, but the mania for exploring having seized him,
+their marriage was not consummated until after the two voyages had
+been made. She went with him to the court, sharing there the honors
+heaped upon him by the king; but after this little is heard of her,
+though it is known that she survived him several years, and on account
+of his distinguished services to Spain received a liberal pension from
+the government.
+
+Leaving his newly wedded wife in Seville, Vespucci went to Portugal,
+"where he was received with open arms by King Emanuel, and commenced
+with ardor the preparation of the fleet." Respecting his sudden
+departure from Spain, his Italian eulogist, Canovai, has this to say:
+"It does not appear that King Ferdinand considered himself wronged by
+the sudden flight and, to say the least, apparent discourtesy of
+Amerigo in leaving the kingdom and the king, his patron, without
+salutation or leave-taking. It was probably looked upon as a trait of
+his reserved character, or an evidence of his aversion to idle and
+slanderous rumors, which he was unwilling to take the pains to
+contradict. Rumors and whisperings soon die away when they have
+nothing to feed upon, and when Vespucci returned, as though from a
+journey, the slight was forgotten, and he was treated with greater
+honor than before."
+
+To what cause King Emanuel owed this acquisition of King Ferdinand's
+skilled navigator does not appear; but he was not to retain him very
+long. He made, however, two voyages under the flag of Portugal, the
+first of which is outlined in this letter to his friend, the
+Gonfaloniere of Florence, Piero Soderini:
+
+     "I was reposing myself in Seville, after the many toils I
+     had undergone in the two voyages to the Indies, made for his
+     Serene Highness Ferdinand, King of Castile, yet indulging in
+     a willingness to return to the Land of Pearls, when Fortune,
+     not seeming to be satisfied with my former labors, inspired
+     the mind of his Majesty Emanuel, King of Portugal (I know
+     not through what circumstances), to attempt to avail himself
+     of my services. There came to me a royal letter from his
+     majesty, containing a solicitation that I would come to
+     Lisbon to speak with him, he promising to show me many
+     favors. I did not at once determine to go, and argued with
+     the messenger, telling him I was ill and indisposed for the
+     undertaking, but that when recovered, if his highness wished
+     me to serve him, I would do whatever he might command.
+
+     "Seeing that he could not obtain me thus, he sent Juliano di
+     Bartolomeo del Giocondo, who at that time resided in Lisbon,
+     with a commission to use every means to bring me back with
+     him. Juliano came to Seville, and on his arrival, and
+     induced by his urgent entreaties, I was persuaded to go,
+     though my going was looked upon with ill favor by all who
+     knew me. It was thus regarded by my friends, because I had
+     abandoned Castile, where I had been honored, and because
+     they thought the king had rightful possession of me; and it
+     was considered still worse that I departed without taking
+     leave of my host.
+
+     "Having, however, presented myself at the court of King
+     Emanuel, he appeared to be highly pleased with my coming,
+     and requested that I would accompany his three ships, which
+     were then ready to set out for the discovery of new lands.
+     Thus esteeming a request from a king as equivalent to a
+     command, I was obliged to consent to whatever he asked of
+     me.
+
+     "We set sail from the port of Lisbon with three ships in
+     company, on the l3th of May, 1501, and steered our course
+     directly for the Grand Canary Islands, which we passed
+     without stopping, and coasted along the western shores of
+     Africa. On this coast we found excellent fishing, taking
+     fish called porgies, and were detained three days. From
+     there we went to the coast of Ethiopia, arriving at a port
+     called Beseneghe, within the torrid zone, and situated on
+     the fourteenth degree of north latitude, in the first
+     climate. Here we remained eleven days, taking in wood and
+     water--as it was my intention to sail south through the
+     great Atlantic Ocean. Leaving this port of Ethiopia, we
+     sailed on our course, bearing a quarter south, and in
+     ninety-seven days we made land, at a distance of seven
+     hundred leagues from said port.
+
+     "In those ninety-seven days we had the worst weather that
+     ever man experienced who navigated the ocean, in a
+     succession of drenching rains, showers, and tempests. The
+     season was very unpropitious, as our navigation was
+     continually drawing us nearer the equinoctial line, where,
+     in the month of June, it is winter, and where we found the
+     days and nights of equal length, and our shadows falling
+     continually towards the south. It pleased God, however, to
+     show us new land, on the 17th day of August, at half a
+     league distance from which we anchored. We launched our
+     boats and went ashore, to see if the country was inhabited,
+     and, if so, by what kind of people, and we found at length a
+     population far more degraded than brutes.
+
+     "It should be understood that at first we did not see any
+     inhabitants, though we knew very well, by the many signs we
+     saw, that the country was peopled. We took possession of it,
+     in the name of his most serene majesty, and found it to be
+     pleasant and verdant, and situated five degrees south of the
+     equinoctial line. This much we ascertained and then returned
+     to the ships. On the next day, while we were ashore, we saw
+     people looking at us from the summit of a mountain, but they
+     did not venture to descend. They were naked, and of the same
+     color and figure as those heretofore discovered by me for
+     the King of Spain. We made much exertion to persuade them to
+     come and speak with us, but could not assure them
+     sufficiently to trust us. Seeing their obstinacy, as it was
+     growing late we returned to the ships, leaving on shore for
+     them many bells, looking-glasses, and other things, in
+     places where they could find them. When we had gone away
+     they descended from the mountain and took possession of the
+     things we had left, appearing to be filled with wonder while
+     viewing them. The next morning we saw from the ships that
+     the people of the land were making many bonfires, and,
+     taking them for signals to go ashore, we went and found that
+     many had arrived; but they kept always at a distance, though
+     they made signs that they wished us to accompany them
+     inland. Whereupon two Christians were induced to ask the
+     captain's permission to brave the danger and go with them,
+     in order to see what kind of people they were, and whether
+     they had any kind of riches, spices, or drugs. They
+     importuned him so much that he finally consented, and after
+     having been fitted out with many articles for trade they
+     left us, with orders not to be absent more than five days,
+     as we should expect them with great anxiety. So they took
+     their way into the country, and we returned to the ships to
+     wait for them, which we did for six days; but they never
+     came back, though nearly every day there came people to the
+     shore, who would not, however, speak with us.
+
+     "On the seventh day we landed and found that they had
+     brought their wives with them, whom they commanded, as we
+     reached the shore, to speak with us. We observed that they
+     hesitated to obey the order, and accordingly determined to
+     send one of our people, a very courageous young man, to
+     address them. In order to encourage them, we entered the
+     boats while he went to speak with the women. When he arrived
+     they formed themselves into a great circle around him,
+     touching and looking at him as with astonishment. While all
+     this was going on, we saw a woman coming from the mountains
+     carrying a large club in her hands. When she arrived where
+     our young Christian stood she came up behind him and,
+     raising the bludgeon, gave him such a blow with it that she
+     laid him dead on the spot, and immediately the other women
+     took him by the feet and dragged him away towards the
+     mountain. The men ran towards the shore forthwith and began
+     to assail us with their arrows, throwing our people into a
+     great fright, in consequence of the boats having grounded,
+     many arrows reaching them. No one resorted to arms, but for
+     a time all was terror and panic. After a while, however, we
+     discharged four swivels at them, which had no other effect
+     than to make them flee towards the mountain, when they heard
+     the report. There we saw that the women had already cut the
+     young Christian in pieces, and at a great fire which they
+     had made were roasting him in our sight, showing us the
+     several pieces as they ate them. The men also made signs to
+     us indicating that they had killed the other two Christians
+     and eaten them in the same manner, which grieved us very
+     much.
+
+     " ... We departed from this place and sailed along in a
+     southeasterly direction, on a line parallel with the coast,
+     making many landings, but never finding any people with whom
+     to converse. Continuing in this manner, we found at length
+     that the line of the coast made a turn to the south, and
+     after doubling a cape, which we called St. Augustine, we
+     began to sail in a southerly direction. This cape is a
+     hundred and fifty leagues distant, easterly, from the
+     aforementioned land where the three Christians were
+     murdered, and eight degrees south of the equinoctial line.
+     While sailing on this course, we one day saw many people
+     standing on the shore, apparently in great wonder at the
+     sight of our ships. We directed our course towards them,
+     and, having anchored in a good place, proceeded to land in
+     the boats, and found the people better disposed than those
+     we had passed. Though it cost us some exertion to tame them,
+     we nevertheless made them our friends and treated with them.
+     In this place we stayed five days, and here we found
+     cassia-stems very large and green, and some already dried on
+     the tops of the trees. We determined to take a couple of men
+     from the place, in order that they might learn the language,
+     and three of them came with us voluntarily, wishing to visit
+     Portugal.
+
+     "Being already wearied with so much writing, I will delay no
+     longer the information that we left this port and sailed
+     continually in a southerly direction in sight of the shore,
+     making frequent landings and treating with a great number of
+     people. We went so far to the south that we were beyond the
+     tropic of Capricorn, where the south pole is elevated
+     thirty-two degrees above the horizon. We had then entirely
+     lost sight of Ursa Minor, and even Ursa Major was very low,
+     nearly on the edge of the horizon; so we steered by the
+     stars of the south pole, which are many, and much brighter
+     than those of the north. I drew the figures of the greater
+     part of them, particularly those of the first and second
+     magnitude, with a description of the circles which they made
+     around the pole, and an account of their diameters and
+     semi-diameters, as may be seen in my _Quattro Giornate_, or
+     _Four Journeys_.
+
+     "We ran on this coast about seven hundred and fifty leagues:
+     one hundred and fifty from Cape St. Augustine towards the
+     west, and six hundred towards the south. If I were to relate
+     all the things that I saw on this coast, and others that we
+     passed, as many more sheets as I have already written upon
+     would not be sufficient for the purpose. We saw nothing of
+     utility here, save a great number of dye-wood and cassia
+     trees, and also of those trees which produce myrrh. There
+     were, however, many natural curiosities, which cannot be
+     recounted.
+
+     "Having been already full ten months on the voyage, and
+     seeing that we had found no minerals in the country, we
+     concluded to take leave of it, and attempt the ocean in some
+     other part. It was determined in council to pursue whatever
+     course of navigation appeared best to me, and I was invested
+     with full command of the fleet. I ordered that all the
+     people and the fleet should be provided with wood and water
+     for six months--as much as the officers of the ship should
+     deem prudent to sail with. Having laid in our provisions, we
+     commenced our navigation with a southeasterly wind, on the
+     15th of February, when the sun was already approaching the
+     equinoctial line, and tending towards this, our northern
+     hemisphere. We were in such high southern latitude at this
+     time that the south pole was elevated fifty-two degrees
+     above the horizon, and we no longer saw the stars either of
+     Ursa Minor or Major.
+
+     "On the 3d of April we had sailed five hundred leagues from
+     the port we had left, and on this day commenced a storm so
+     violent that we had to take in all our sails and run under
+     bare poles. It was so furious that the whole fleet was in
+     apprehension. The nights were very long, being fifteen hours
+     in duration, the sun then being in Aries, and winter
+     prevailing in this region. While driven by this storm, on
+     the 7th of April, we came in sight of new land, and ran
+     within twenty leagues of it, finding the coast wild, and
+     seeing neither harbor nor inhabitants. The cold was so
+     severe that no one in the fleet could withstand or endure
+     it--which I conceive to be the reason for this want of
+     population. Finding ourselves in great danger, and the storm
+     so violent that we could scarce distinguish one ship from
+     another, on account of the high seas that were running and
+     the misty darkness of the weather, we agreed that the
+     superior captain should make signals to the fleet to turn
+     about, leave the country, and steer direct for Portugal.
+
+     "This proved to be very good counsel, for certain it is, if
+     we had delayed that night, we should all have been lost. We
+     took the wind aft, and during the night and next day the
+     storm increased so much that we were apprehensive for our
+     safety, and made many vows of pilgrimage, and the
+     performance of other ceremonies usual with [superstitious]
+     mariners in such weather. We ran five days, making about two
+     hundred and fifty leagues, and continually approaching the
+     equinoctial line, finding the air more mild and the sea less
+     boisterous; till at last it pleased God to deliver us from
+     this our great danger.
+
+     "It was our intention to go and reconnoitre the coast of
+     Ethiopia, which was thirteen hundred leagues distant from
+     us, through the great Atlantic sea, and by the grace of God
+     we arrived at it, touching at a southern port called Sierra
+     Leone, where we stayed fifteen days, obtaining refreshments.
+     From this place we steered for the Azore Islands, about
+     seven hundred and fifty leagues distant, where we arrived in
+     the latter part of July, and stayed another fifteen days,
+     taking some recreation. Then we departed for Lisbon, three
+     hundred leagues farther, which port we entered on the 7th of
+     September, 1502--for which the All-Powerful be
+     thanked!--with only two ships, having burned the other in
+     Sierra Leone because it was no longer sea-worthy.
+
+     "In this voyage we were absent about fifteen months, and
+     sailed eleven of them without seeing the north star, or
+     either of the constellations Ursa Major and Minor (which are
+     called the "horn"), steering meanwhile by the stars of the
+     other pole. The above is what I saw in this my third voyage,
+     made for his Serene Highness the King of Portugal."
+
+
+
+
+XII
+
+THE "FOURTH PART OF THE EARTH"
+
+
+The following letter from Vespucci to Lorenzo di Pier Francesco de
+Medici, his friend and patron in Florence, was probably written in the
+spring of 1503.
+
+     "_To my most Excellent Patron, Lorenzo:_
+
+     "My last letter to your excellency was written from a place
+     on the coast of Guinea called Cape Verde, and in it you were
+     informed of the commencement of my voyage. The present
+     letter will advise you of its continuation and termination.
+
+     "We started from the above-mentioned cape, having first
+     taken in all necessary supplies of wood, water, etc., to
+     discover new lands in the ocean. We sailed on a
+     southwesterly course until, at the end of sixty-four days,
+     we discovered land, which, on many accounts, we concluded to
+     be Terra Firma. We coasted this land about eight hundred
+     leagues, in a direction west by south. It was well
+     inhabited, and I noticed many remarkable things, which I
+     will attempt to narrate.
+
+     "We sailed in those seas until we entered the torrid zone,
+     and passed to the south of the equinoctial line and the
+     tropic of Capricorn, so that we were fifty degrees south of
+     the line. We navigated four months and twenty-seven days,
+     seeing neither the arctic pole nor Ursa Major or Minor. We
+     discovered here many beautiful constellations, invisible in
+     the northern hemisphere, and noted their marvellous
+     movements and their grandeur.... To proceed, now, to a
+     description of the country, the plants therein, and of the
+     customs of the inhabitants, I would observe that this region
+     is most delightful, and covered with immense forests which
+     never lose their foliage, and throughout the year yield
+     aromatic odors and produce an infinite variety of fruit,
+     grateful to the taste and healthful for the body. In the
+     fields flourish so many sweet flowers and herbs, and the
+     fruits are so delicious and fragrant, that I fancied myself
+     near the terrestrial paradise. What shall I tell you of the
+     birds and the brilliant colors of their plumage? What of
+     their variety, their sweet songs, and their beauty? I dare
+     not enlarge upon this theme, for I fear I should not be
+     believed. How shall I enumerate the infinite variety of
+     sylvan animals: lions, catamounts, panthers--though not like
+     those of our regions--wolves, stags, and baboons of all
+     kinds? We saw more wild animals--such as wild hogs, kids,
+     deer, hares, and rabbits--than could ever have entered the
+     ark of Noah; but we saw no domestic animals whatever.
+
+     "Now, consider reasoning animals. We found the whole region
+     inhabited by people who were entirely naked, both men and
+     women. They were well proportioned in body, with black,
+     coarse hair, and little or no beard. I labored much to
+     investigate their customs, remaining twenty-seven days for
+     that purpose, and the following is the information I
+     acquired. They have no laws and no religious beliefs, but
+     live according to the dictates of nature alone. They know
+     nothing of the immortality of the soul; they have no private
+     property, but everything in common; they have no boundaries
+     of kingdom or province; they obey no king or lord, for it is
+     wholly unnecessary, as they have no laws, and each one is
+     his own master. They dwell together in houses made like
+     bells, in the construction of which they use neither iron
+     nor any other metal. This is very remarkable, for I have
+     seen houses two hundred and twenty feet long and thirty feet
+     wide, built with much skill, and containing five or six
+     hundred people. They sleep in hammocks made of cotton,
+     suspended in the air, without any covering; they eat seated
+     upon the ground, and their food consists of roots and herbs,
+     fruits and fish. They eat also lobsters, crabs, oysters, and
+     many other kinds of mussels and shell-fish which are found
+     in the sea. As to their meat, it is principally human flesh.
+     It is true that they devour the flesh of four-footed animals
+     and birds; but they do not catch many, because they have no
+     dogs, and the woods are thick and so filled with wild beasts
+     that they do not care to go into them, except in large
+     bodies and armed. The men are in the habit of decorating
+     their lips and cheeks with bones and stones, which they
+     suspend from holes they bore in them. I have seen some of
+     them with three, seven, and even as many as nine holes,
+     filled with white or green alabaster--a most barbarous
+     custom, which they follow in order, as they say, to make
+     themselves appear ferocious.... They are a people of great
+     longevity, for we met with many who had descendants of the
+     fourth degree. Not knowing how to compute time, and counting
+     neither days, months, nor years--excepting in so far as they
+     count the lunar months--when they wanted to signify to us
+     any particular duration of time, they did it by showing us a
+     stone for each moon; and, computing in this manner, we
+     discovered that the age of one man that we saw was seventeen
+     hundred moons, or about one hundred and thirty-two years,
+     reckoning thirteen moons to the year.
+
+     "They are a warlike race and extremely cruel. All their
+     weapons are, as Petrarch says, "committed to the winds"--for
+     they consist of spears, arrows, stones, and javelins. They
+     use no shields for the body, going to battle almost wholly
+     naked. There is no order or discipline in their fights,
+     except that they follow the counsels of the old men. Most
+     cruelly do they combat, and those who conquer in the field
+     bury their own dead, but cut up and eat the dead of their
+     enemies. Some who are taken prisoners are carried to their
+     villages for slaves. Females taken in war they frequently
+     marry, and sometimes the male prisoners are allowed to marry
+     the daughters of the tribe; but occasionally a diabolical
+     fury seems to come over them, and, calling together their
+     relations and the people, they sacrifice these slaves, the
+     children with the parents, accompanied by barbarous
+     ceremonies. This we know of a certainty, for we found much
+     human flesh in their huts, hung up to smoke, and we
+     purchased ten poor creatures from them, both men and women,
+     whom they were about to sacrifice, to save them from such a
+     fate. Much as we reproached them on this account, I cannot
+     say that they amended at all. The most astounding thing in
+     all their wars and cruelty was that we could not find out
+     any reason for them. They made war against each other,
+     although they had neither kings, kingdoms, nor property of
+     any kind, without any apparent desire to plunder, and
+     without any lust for power--which always appeared to me to
+     be the moving causes of wars and anarchy. When we asked them
+     about this they gave no reason other than that they did so
+     to avenge the murder of their ancestors. To conclude this
+     disgusting subject: one man confessed to me that he had
+     eaten of the flesh of over two hundred bodies, and I believe
+     it was the truth.
+
+     "In regard to the climate of this region, I should say it
+     was extremely pleasant and healthful; for in all the time
+     that we were there, which was ten months, not one of us
+     died, and only a few were sick. They suffer from no
+     infirmity, pestilence, or corruption of the atmosphere, and
+     die only natural deaths, unless they fall by their own hands
+     or in consequence of accident. In fact, physicians would
+     have a bad time in such a place.
+
+     "As we went solely to make discoveries, and started with
+     that view from Lisbon, without intending to look for any
+     profit, we did not trouble ourselves to explore the country
+     much, and found nothing of great value; though I am inclined
+     to believe that it is capable, from its climate and general
+     appearance, of containing every kind of natural wealth. It
+     is not to be wondered at that we did not discover at once
+     everything that might be turned to profit there, for the
+     inhabitants think nothing of gold or silver or precious
+     stones, and value only feathers and bones. But I hope that I
+     shall be sent again by the king to visit these regions, and
+     that many years will not elapse before they will bring
+     immense profits and revenue to the kingdom of Portugal.
+
+     "We found great quantities of dye-wood, enough to load all
+     the ships that float, and costing nothing. The same may be
+     said of cassia, crystals, spices, and drugs; but the
+     qualities of the last are unknown. The inhabitants of the
+     country tell of gold and other metals; but I am one of those
+     who, like St. Thomas, are slow to believe. Time will show
+     all, however. Most of the time of our stay the heavens were
+     serene and adorned with numerous bright and beautiful stars,
+     many of which I observed, with their revolutions.
+
+     "This may be considered a schedule, or, as it were, a
+     _capita rerum_, of the things which I have seen in these
+     parts. Many things are omitted which are worthy of being
+     mentioned, in order to avoid prolixity, and because they are
+     found in my account of the voyage. As yet I tarry at Lisbon,
+     waiting the pleasure of the king to determine what I shall
+     do. May it please God that I do whatever is most to His
+     glory and the salvation of my soul."
+
+A third and fuller account of the third voyage, written to Lorenzo di
+Pier Francesco de Medici:
+
+     "In days past I gave your excellency a full account of my
+     return, and, if I remember aright, wrote you a description
+     of all those parts of the New World which I had visited in
+     the ships of his Highness the King of Portugal. Carefully
+     considered, they appear truly to form another world, and
+     therefore we have, not without reason, called it the _New
+     World_.
+
+     "Not one of all the ancients had any knowledge of it, and
+     the things which have been lately ascertained by us
+     transcend all their ideas. They thought there was nothing
+     south of the equinoctial line but an immense sea and some
+     poor and barren islands. The sea they called the Atlantic,
+     and if sometimes they confessed that there might be land in
+     that region, they contended that it must be sterile, and
+     could not be otherwise than uninhabitable. The present
+     navigation has controverted their opinions, and openly
+     demonstrated to all that they were very far from the truth.
+     For, beyond the equinoctial line I found countries more
+     fertile and more densely inhabited than I have ever found
+     anywhere else, even in Asia, Africa, and Europe--as will be
+     more fully manifested by duly attending to the following
+     narration. Setting aside all minor matters, I shall relate
+     only those of the greatest importance, which are well worthy
+     of commemoration, and those which I have _personally seen_,
+     or heard of from men of credibility. I shall now speak with
+     much care concerning those parts most recently discovered,
+     and without any romantic addition to the truth.
+
+     "With happy omens of success, we sailed from Lisbon with
+     three armed caravels, on the 13th of May, 1501, to explore,
+     by command of the king, the regions of the New World.
+     Steering a southwest course, we sailed twenty months in a
+     manner which I shall now relate. In the first place, we went
+     to the Fortunate Islands, which are now called the Grand
+     Canaries. After navigating the ocean we ran along the coast
+     of Africa and the country of the blacks as far as the
+     promontory which is called by Ptolemy Etiopia, by our people
+     Cape Verde, and by the negroes Biseneghe, while the
+     inhabitants themselves call it Madanghan. The country is
+     situated within the torrid zone, in about fourteen degrees
+     south latitude, and is inhabited by the blacks. Here we
+     reposed awhile to refresh ourselves, took in every kind of
+     provision, and set sail, directing our course towards the
+     antarctic pole....
+
+     "To shorten my relation as much as possible, your excellency
+     must know that we sailed ninety-seven days, experiencing
+     harsh and cruel fortune. During forty-four days the heavens
+     were in great commotion, and we had nothing but thunder and
+     lightning and drenching rains. Dark clouds covered the sky,
+     so that by day we could see but little better than we could
+     in ordinary nights without moonshine. The fear of death came
+     over us, and the hope of life almost deserted us. After all
+     these heavy afflictions at last it pleased God in His mercy
+     to have compassion on us and save our lives. On a sudden,
+     the land appeared in view, and at the sight of it our
+     courage, which had fallen very low, and our strength, which
+     had become weakness, immediately revived. Thus it usually
+     happens to those who have passed through great afflictions,
+     and especially to those who have been preserved from the
+     rage of evil fortune.
+
+     "On the 17th of August, in the year 1501, we anchored by the
+     shore of that country, and rendered to the Supreme Being our
+     most sincere thanks, according to the Christian custom. The
+     land we discovered did not appear to be an island, but a
+     continent, as it extended far away in the distance, without
+     any appearance of termination. It was beautifully fertile
+     and very thickly inhabited, while all sorts of wild animals,
+     which are unknown in our parts, were there found in
+     abundance.... We were unanimously of the opinion that our
+     navigation should be continued along this coast and that we
+     should not lose sight of it. We sailed, therefore, till we
+     arrived at a certain cape, which makes a turn to the south,
+     and which is perhaps three hundred leagues distant from the
+     place where we first saw land. In sailing this distance we
+     often landed and held intercourse with the natives, and I
+     have omitted to state that this newly discovered land is
+     about seven hundred leagues distant from Cape Verde, though
+     I was persuaded that we had sailed at least eight hundred.
+     This was partly owing to a severe storm, our frequent
+     accidents, and partly to the ignorance of the pilot.
+
+     "We had arrived at a place which, if I had not possessed
+     some knowledge of cosmography, by the negligence of the
+     pilot would have finished the course of our lives. There was
+     no pilot who knew our situation within fifty leagues, and we
+     went rambling about, and should not have known whither we
+     were going if I had not provided, in season for my own
+     safety and that of my companions, the astrolabe and
+     quadrant, my astrological instruments. On this occasion I
+     acquired no little glory for myself, so that from that time
+     forward I was held in such estimation by my companions as
+     the learned are held in by people of quality....
+
+     "This continent commences at eight degrees south of the
+     equinoctial line, and we sailed so far along the coast that
+     we passed seventeen degrees beyond the winter tropic,
+     towards the antarctic pole, which was here elevated fifty
+     degrees above the horizon. The things which I saw here are
+     unknown to the men of our times. That is, the people, their
+     customs, their humanity, the fertility of the soil, the
+     mildness of the atmosphere, the celestial bodies, and, above
+     all, the fixed stars of the eighth sphere, of which no
+     mention has ever been made. In fact, until now they have
+     never been known, even by the most learned of the ancients,
+     and I shall speak of them, therefore, more particularly....
+     The climate is very temperate and the country supremely
+     delightful. Although it has many hills, yet it is watered by
+     a great number of springs and rivers, and the forests are so
+     closely studded that one cannot pass through them, on
+     account of the thickly standing trees. Among these ramble
+     ferocious animals of various kinds.... The country produces
+     no metal except gold; and though we in this first voyage
+     have brought home none, yet all the people certified to the
+     fact, affirming that the region abounded in gold, and saying
+     that among them it was little esteemed and nearly valueless.
+     They have many pearls and precious stones, as we have
+     recorded before. Now, though I should be willing to describe
+     all these things particularly, yet, from the great number
+     of them and their diverse nature, this history would become
+     too extensive a work. Pliny, a most learned man, who
+     compiled histories of many things, did not imagine the
+     thousandth part of these. If he had treated of each one of
+     them, he would have made a much larger but in truth a very
+     perfect work....
+
+     "If there is a terrestrial paradise in the world, it cannot
+     be far from this region. The country, as I have said before,
+     facing the south, has such a temperate climate that in
+     winter they have no cold and in summer are not troubled with
+     heat. The sky and atmosphere are seldom overshadowed with
+     clouds, and the days are almost always serene. Dew sometimes
+     falls, but very lightly, and only for the space of three or
+     four hours, and then vanishes like mist. They have scarcely
+     any vapors, and the sky is splendidly adorned with stars
+     unknown to us, of which I have retained a particular
+     remembrance, and have enumerated as many as twenty whose
+     brightness is equal to that of Venus or Jupiter. I
+     considered also their circuit and their various motions,
+     and, having a knowledge of geometry, I easily measured their
+     circumference and diameter, and am certain, therefore, that
+     they are of much greater magnitude than men imagine. Among
+     the others, I saw three _Canopi_, two being very bright,
+     while the third was dim and unlike the others.
+
+     "The antarctic pole has not the Ursa Major and Minor, which
+     can be seen at our arctic pole; neither are there any bright
+     stars touching the pole, but of those which revolve around
+     it there are four, in the form of a quadrangle. While these
+     are rising, there is seen at the left a brilliant Canopus,
+     of admirable magnitude, which, having reached mid-sky, forms
+     the figure of a triangle. To these succeed three other
+     brilliant stars, of which the one placed in the centre has
+     twelve degrees of circumference. In the midst of them is
+     another brilliant Canopus. After these follow six other
+     bright stars, whose splendor surpasses that of all others in
+     the eighth sphere.... These are all to be seen in the Milky
+     Way, and when they arrive at the meridian show the figure of
+     a triangle, but have two sides longer than the other. I saw
+     there many other stars, and carefully observed their various
+     motions, composing a book which treats of them particularly.
+     In this book I have related almost all the remarkable things
+     which I have encountered in the course of my navigation, and
+     with which I have become acquainted. The book is at present
+     in the possession of the king, and I hope he will return it
+     soon into my hands.
+
+     "I examined some things in that hemisphere very diligently,
+     which enables me to contradict the opinions of philosophers.
+     Among other things, I saw the rainbow--that is, the
+     celestial arch--which is white near midnight. Now, in the
+     opinion of some, it takes the color of the four elements:
+     the red from fire, the green from the earth, the white from
+     the air, and blue from the water. Aristotle, in his book
+     entitled _Meteors_, is of a very different opinion. He says:
+     'The celestial arch is a repercussion of the sun's rays in
+     the vapors of the clouds where they meet, as brightness
+     reflected from the water upon the wall returns to itself.
+     By its interposition it tempers the heat of the sun; by
+     resolving itself into rain it fertilizes the earth, and by
+     its splendor beautifies the heavens. It demonstrates that
+     the atmosphere is filled with humidity, which will disappear
+     forty years before the end of the world, which will be an
+     indication of the dryness of the elements. It announces
+     peace between God and man, is always opposite the sun, is
+     never seen at noon, because the sun is never in the north.'
+
+     "But Pliny says that after the autumnal equinox it appears
+     every hour. This I have extracted from the _Comments of
+     Landino_ on the fourth book of the _Æneid_, and I mention it
+     that no man may be deprived of the fruits of his labors, and
+     that due honors may be rendered to every one. I saw this bow
+     two or three times; neither am I alone in my reflections
+     upon this subject, for many mariners are also of my opinion.
+     We saw also the new moon at mid-day, as it came into
+     conjunction with the sun. There were seen also, every night,
+     vapors and burning flames flashing across the sky. A little
+     above, I called this region by the name of hemisphere,
+     which, if we would not speak improperly, cannot be so called
+     when comparing it with our own. It appeared to present that
+     form only partially, and it seemed to us speaking improperly
+     to call it a 'hemisphere.'
+
+     "As I have before stated, we sailed from Lisbon--which is
+     nearly forty degrees distant from the equinoctial line
+     towards the north--to this country, which is fifty degrees
+     on the other side of the line. The sum of these degrees is
+     _ninety_, and is the fourth part of the circumference of the
+     globe, according to the true reckoning of the ancients. It
+     is therefore manifest to all _that we measured the fourth
+     part of the earth_.[13]
+
+     "We who reside in Lisbon, nearly forty degrees north of the
+     equinoctial line, are distant from those who reside on the
+     other side of the line, in angular meridional length, ninety
+     degrees--that is, obliquely. In order that the case may be
+     more plainly understood, I would observe that a
+     perpendicular line starting from that part in the heavens
+     which is our zenith strikes those obliquely who are fifty
+     degrees beyond the equinoctial line: whence it appears that
+     we are in the direct line, and they, in comparison with us,
+     are in the oblique one, and this situation forms the figure
+     of a right-angled triangle, of which we have the direct
+     lines, as the figure more clearly demonstrates.
+
+     "Such are the things which in this, my last navigation, I
+     have considered worthy of being made known; nor have I,
+     without reason, called this work my _Third Journey_. I have
+     before composed two other books on navigation which, by
+     command of Ferdinand, King of Castile, I performed in the
+     West, in which many things not unworthy of being made known
+     are particularly described: especially those which appertain
+     to the glory of our Saviour, who, with marvellous skill,
+     built this machine, the world. And, in truth, who can ever
+     sufficiently praise God? I have related marvellous things
+     concerning him in the aforesaid work. I have stated briefly
+     that which relates to the position and ornaments of the
+     globe, so that when I shall be more at leisure I may be
+     able to write out, with greater care, a work upon
+     cosmography, in order that future ages may bear me in
+     remembrance. Such works teach me more fully, from day to
+     day, to honor the Supreme God, and finally to arrive at the
+     knowledge of those things with which our ancestors and the
+     ancient fathers had no acquaintance. With most humble
+     prayers I supplicate our Saviour, whose province it is to
+     have compassion upon mortals, that he prolong my life
+     sufficiently for me to perform what I have purposed to do."
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[13] See Chapter XVI.
+
+
+
+
+XIII
+
+THE FOURTH GREAT VOYAGE
+
+1503-1504
+
+
+Doubtless our readers share our wish that the personality of Vespucci
+could appear more strongly depicted than it has been presented in this
+volume; but that is a fault, not of the biographer so much as the hero
+of this biography. It must have been noticed, indeed, that Vespucci
+says little or nothing of his companions on these voyages, not even
+mentioning the commanders; but at the same time he makes rare mention
+of himself; so we cannot ascribe it to a desire for making himself
+prominent at their expense. It is simply a fault of style, or a result
+of his endeavor to be concise, and bring forward the most interesting
+events of the voyages and discoveries, with the least waste of time
+and effort.
+
+He was engaged in exploring new regions; his time was occupied in
+noting the salient features of the scenery, the traits of the barbaric
+peoples, and especially closely observing and enumerating the stars.
+Astronomy was a passion with him, and he passed many nights without
+sleep, during both voyages to the southern hemisphere, in rapt
+contemplation of the glorious constellations. As he rightly observed
+in one of his letters, his observations would surely bring him fame,
+and no worthier object could claim his attention, even to the
+exclusion of all other work. So it is as the self-absorbed astronomer,
+the open-minded man of science, seeking to penetrate the secrets of
+nature and achieve immortal fame, that we must regard our hero at this
+time.
+
+On his return from the third voyage, Vespucci was royally received by
+King Emanuel, even though he had come back almost empty-handed,
+without gold or gems, silver, spices, or pearls. He had sailed farther
+south than any of his predecessors, having gone beyond the latitude of
+the Cape of Good Hope, discovered the beautiful bay which he called
+Rio de Janeiro, and perhaps looked into the mouth of the River de la
+Plata. He had not discovered the "secret of the strait"--that passage
+through the land-mass which confronted all the voyagers from Columbus
+to Magellan; nor was it revealed until the last-named, in 1520,
+penetrated the great strait that now bears his name, and sailed
+through into the Pacific.
+
+It may be argued that not Vespucci, but another (name unknown), was
+the commander of this expedition; but while this other was nominally
+in command, the Florentine was the chief pilot, the navigator, and
+directed the ships along their courses without mishap. In fact, one of
+his biographers has pointed out that the navigating of this fleet,
+especially the sailing in almost a straight line from the northern
+coast of Brazil to Sierra Leone, on the northwest coast of Africa, was
+a triumph of scientific navigation. There is no question that Amerigo
+Vespucci was the greatest navigator of his time, and a recognition of
+this fact is found in his appointment by King Ferdinand, a few years
+later, as the chief pilot of his kingdom.
+
+Not alone King Emanuel and his court recognized the genius of
+Vespucci, but the people of Portugal and of Florence. He was received
+in Lisbon with transports of enthusiasm, and one of his ships, which
+had worn itself out in the voyage, was dismantled, "and portions of it
+were carried in solemn procession to a church, where they were
+suspended as precious relics." His fame extended far and wide, and in
+Florence, the city of his birth, public ceremonies were held, and
+honors bestowed upon his family.
+
+He returned to Lisbon in September, 1502, and eight months later, at
+the urgent request of the king, started on another voyage in
+continuation of the last, in the hope of finally finding a strait
+through the continent by which India might be reached. About this time
+two events took place which are worthy of note. His patron, Lorenzo,
+died in June, 1503, and a year later a Latin version of his letter to
+him was published under the title _Mundus Novus_, or New World.
+
+We must not lose sight of this title and this publication, for (as
+will be more fully explained in a succeeding chapter) they had much to
+do with the future defamation of Vespucci. He, it will be observed,
+was pursuing his voyage to, or from, that "New World," while that
+little quarto of only four leaves, with its significant title, was
+being printed and circulated in Europe. Both Vespucci and Columbus
+were then absent from Europe, and both engaged in a desperate struggle
+with adverse elements, at the time this pamphlet was published: the
+one on the coast of Brazil, the other on his last voyage to the West
+Indies, in which he suffered shipwreck and nearly perished of
+starvation.
+
+Both Columbus and Vespucci were innocent of promulgating this title,
+or this pamphlet, except that the latter had used the term "new world"
+as possibly applying to his discoveries in the south Atlantic. But,
+while they were perilling their lives in the service of their
+sovereigns, each striving for a common goal, though neither envious of
+the other, capricious Fame was weaving a web in which both were to be
+enmeshed, and from which Vespucci was not to escape until after the
+lapse of centuries.
+
+The inscription in this pamphlet states: "The interpreter Giocondo
+translated this letter from the Italian into the Latin language, that
+all who are versed in the latter may learn how many wonderful things
+are being discovered every day, and that the temerity of those who
+want to probe the Heavens and their majesty, and to know more than is
+allowed to know, be confounded: as, notwithstanding the long time
+since the world began to exist, the vastness of the earth and what it
+contains is still unknown."
+
+This inscription meant that Vespucci's letter had opened the eyes of
+even the clerics to the fact that there was much in the world then
+undiscovered, and existing contrary to their preconceived notions. The
+interpreter was a Dominican friar of erudition for his times, one
+Giovanni Giocondo, an eminent mathematician of Verona, and an
+architect, who was then living in Paris, where, it is said, he was
+engaged in building the bridge of Notre Dame. It was a Giocondo, and
+perhaps this same man, who was sent by King Emanuel to persuade
+Vespucci to enlist in his service (as told by him on page 170); but
+whether the same, or one of his family, he was intimately acquainted
+with the famous Florentines, including Vespucci, the Medici, and Piero
+Soderini. He, doubtless, saw the letters written by Vespucci when in
+manuscript, and condensed them into his narration, giving full credit
+to the author in his publication. He was the unconscious cause of an
+injustice to Columbus, perhaps, and also of undue prominence being
+given to the name of Amerigo Vespucci, for it was through the issue of
+his book that, in a roundabout way, the appellation _America_ came to
+be bestowed upon the western continents.
+
+We will elaborate this argument in another chapter; but (requesting
+the reader meanwhile to retain these premises in his mind) we will
+first follow Vespucci on his fourth, and last, important voyage to the
+southern hemisphere. In a passage appended to the letter quoted in the
+previous chapter, and which we herewith reproduce, Vespucci says:
+
+     "My three journeys I think I shall defer writing about in
+     full until another time. Probably when I have returned safe
+     and sound to my native country, with the aid and counsel of
+     learned men, and the encouragement of friends, I shall write
+     with care a larger work than this. Your excellency [Lorenzo
+     de Medici] will pardon me for not having sent you the
+     journals which I kept from day to day in this my last
+     navigation, as I had promised to do. The king has been the
+     cause of it, and he still retains my manuscripts. But,
+     since, I have delayed performing this work until the present
+     day, perhaps I shall add a _fourth journey_; for I
+     contemplate going again to explore that southern part of the
+     New World, and for the purpose of carrying out such
+     intention two vessels are already armed, equipped, and
+     supplied with provisions. I shall first go eastward, before
+     making the voyage south; I shall then sail to the southwest,
+     and when arrived there shall do many things for the praise
+     and glory of God, the benefit of my country, the perpetual
+     memory of my name, and particularly for the honor and solace
+     of my old age, which has nearly come upon me.
+
+     "There is nothing wanting in this affair but the leave of
+     the king, and when this is obtained, as it soon will be, we
+     shall sail on a long voyage; and may it please God to give
+     it a happy termination!"
+
+This voyage was undertaken in the spring, or early summer, of 1503,
+and extended over twelve months, only terminating with the return to
+Lisbon on June 18, 1504. It was, perhaps, the least satisfactory of
+any Vespucci had undertaken, and his disgust is plainly apparent in
+the following account of it, contained in a letter to Piero Soderini,
+written in Lisbon a few months after his return:
+
+     "It remains for me to relate the things which were seen by
+     me in my fourth voyage; and by reason that I have now become
+     wearied, and also because this voyage did not result
+     according to my wishes (in consequence of a misfortune
+     which happened in the Atlantic Sea), I shall endeavor to be
+     brief.
+
+     "We set sail from this port of Lisbon, six ships in company,
+     for the purpose of making discoveries with regard to an
+     island in the east called Malacca, which is reported very
+     rich. It is, as it were, the warehouse of all the ships
+     which come from the Sea of Ganges and the Indian Ocean, as
+     Cadiz is the storehouse for all ships that pass from east to
+     west, and from west to east, by way of Calcutta. This
+     Malacca is farther east, and much farther south, than
+     Calcutta, because we know that it is situated at the
+     parallel of three degrees north latitude.
+
+     "We set out on the 10th of May, 1503, and sailed directly
+     for the Cape Verde Islands, where we made up our cargo,
+     taking in every kind of refreshment. After remaining here
+     three days, we departed on our voyage, sailing in a
+     southerly direction. Our superior captain [Coelho] was a
+     presumptuous and very obstinate man; he would insist upon
+     going to reconnoitre Sierra Leone, a southern country of
+     Ethiopia, without there being any necessity for it, unless
+     to exhibit himself as the captain of six vessels. He acted
+     contrary to the wishes of all our captains in pursuing this
+     course. Sailing in this direction, when we arrived off the
+     coast of this country we had such bad weather that though we
+     remained in sight of the coast four days, it did not permit
+     us to land. We were compelled at length to leave the
+     country, sailing from there to the south, and bearing
+     southwest.
+
+     "When we had sailed three hundred leagues through the Great
+     Sea, being then three degrees south of the equinoctial line,
+     land was discovered, which might have been twenty-two
+     leagues distant from us, and which we found to be an island
+     in the midst of the sea. We were filled with wonder at
+     beholding it, considering it a natural curiosity, as it was
+     very high, and not more than two leagues in length by one in
+     width. This island was not inhabited by any people, and was
+     an evil island for the whole fleet, because, by the evil
+     counsel and bad management of our superior captain, he lost
+     his ship here. He ran her upon a rock, and she split open
+     and went to the bottom, on the night of the 10th of August,
+     and nothing was saved from her except the crew. She was a
+     carrack of three hundred tons, and carried everything of
+     most importance in the fleet.
+
+     "As the whole fleet was compelled to labor for the common
+     benefit, the captain ordered me to go with my ship to the
+     aforesaid island and look for a good harbor, where all the
+     ships might anchor. As my boat, filled with nine of my
+     mariners, was of service, and helped to keep up a
+     communication between the ships, he did not wish me to take
+     it, telling me they would bring it to me at the island. So I
+     left the fleet, as he ordered me, without a small boat, and
+     with less than half my men, and went to the said island,
+     about four leagues distant. There I found a very good
+     harbor, where all the ships might have anchored in perfect
+     safety. I waited for the captain and the fleet full eight
+     days, but they never came; so that we were very much
+     dissatisfied, and the people who remained with me in the
+     ship were in such great fear that I could not console them.
+     On the eighth day we saw the ship coming, off at sea, and
+     for fear those on board might not see us, we raised anchor
+     and went towards it, thinking they might bring me my boat
+     and men. When we arrived alongside, after the usual
+     salutations, they told us that the captain had gone to the
+     bottom, that all the crew had been saved, and that my boat
+     and men remained with the fleet, which had gone farther to
+     sea. This was a grievous thing to us, as your magnificence
+     may well think, for it was no trifle to find ourselves far
+     distant from Lisbon, in mid-ocean, with so few men. However,
+     we bore up under adverse fortune, and, returning to the
+     island, supplied ourselves with wood and water, using the
+     boat of my consort.
+
+     "This island we found uninhabited. It had plenty of fresh
+     water, and an abundance of trees filled with countless
+     numbers of land and marine birds, which were so simple that
+     they suffered themselves to be taken with the hand. We took
+     so many that we loaded a boat with them. We saw no other
+     animals, except some very large rats, some snakes, and
+     lizards with two tails. Having taken in our supplies we
+     departed for the southwest, as we had an order from the king
+     that if any vessel of the fleet, or its captain, should be
+     lost, I should make for the land of my last voyage. We
+     discovered a harbor which we called the bay of All Saints,
+     and it pleased God to give us such good weather that we
+     arrived at it in seventeen days. It was distant three
+     hundred leagues from the island we had left, and we found
+     neither our captain nor any other ship of the fleet in the
+     course of the voyage. We waited full two months and four
+     days in this harbor, and, seeing that no orders came for us,
+     we agreed, my consort and myself, to run along the coast. We
+     sailed two hundred and sixty leagues farther and arrived at
+     a harbor, where we determined to build a fortress. This we
+     accomplished, and left in it the twenty-four men that my
+     consort had received from the captain's ship that was lost.
+
+     "In this port we stayed five months, building the fortress
+     and loading our ships with dye-woods. We could not proceed
+     farther for want of men, and besides, I was destitute of
+     many equipments. Thus, having finished our labors, we
+     determined to return to Portugal, leaving the twenty-four
+     men in the fortress, with provisions for six months, with
+     twelve pieces of cannon, and many other arms. We made peace
+     with all the people of the country--who have not been
+     mentioned in this voyage, but not because we did not see and
+     treat with a great number of them. As many as thirty men of
+     us went forty leagues inland, where we saw so many things
+     that I omit to relate them, reserving them for my _Four
+     Journeys_.
+
+     "This country is situated eighteen degrees south of the
+     equinoctial line, and fifty-seven degrees farther west than
+     Lisbon, as our instruments showed us. All this being
+     performed, we bade farewell to the Christians we left behind
+     us, and to the country, and commenced our navigation on a
+     northeast course, with the intention of sailing directly to
+     this city of Lisbon. In seventy-seven days, after many toils
+     and dangers, we entered this port on the 18th of June,
+     1504--for which God be praised! We were well received,
+     although altogether unexpected, as the whole city had given
+     us up for lost. All the other ships of the fleet had been
+     lost, through the pride and folly of our commander, and thus
+     it is that God rewards haughtiness and vanity.
+
+     "At present, I find myself here in Lisbon again, and I do
+     not know what the king wishes me to do, but I am very
+     desirous of obtaining repose. The bearer of this, who is
+     Benvenuto di Domenico Benvenuti, will tell your magnificence
+     of my condition, and of any other things which have been
+     omitted, to avoid prolixity, but which I have seen and
+     experienced. I have abbreviated the letter as much as I
+     could, and omitted to say many things very natural to be
+     told, that I might not be tedious.
+
+     "Allow me to commend to you Sr. Antonio Vespucci, my
+     brother, and all my family. I remain, praying God that he
+     may prolong your life, and prosper that exalted republic of
+     Florence,
+
+                      "Your very humble servant,
+                                "AMERIGO VESPUCCI.
+
+     "_Lisbon, 4th September, 1504._"
+
+This was the last letter, so far as we can ascertain, written by
+Vespucci concerning his voyages--or, at least, the last that has been
+brought to light; though it is hoped that his manuscript journals, to
+which he repeatedly refers, may yet be found. They are, doubtless,
+buried in the secret archives of either the crown of Portugal or of
+Spain, as at different times he alludes to them as being in the hands
+of the kings, from whom he hopes to receive them at their pleasure.
+Both King Emanuel and King Ferdinand held Vespucci in great esteem;
+but, as consideration for their subjects, whether high or low, never
+entered their minds, they probably retained the manuscripts for years,
+and eventually these precious documents may have been buried beneath
+the vast accumulation of papers relating to the voyages and
+discoveries in both hemispheres.
+
+Vespucci was in error respecting the remaining ships of the fleet
+engaged in his fourth voyage, for a few months later they came back to
+Lisbon in a shattered condition, but, so far as known, with their
+crews intact. They had sailed farther to the south than Vespucci went
+on this voyage, probably as far as the mouth of the great river La
+Plata, which Solis has the credit of discovering a few years later. It
+had been learned by that time that the coasts brought to view by the
+constantly lengthening voyages into the south were situated to the
+west of the great line of demarcation separating the discoveries of
+Spain and Portugal, and hence belonged to the former. This fact has a
+bearing upon the departure of Vespucci and other noted captains from
+Portugal about this time, as, if they would pursue these explorations
+to their logical conclusion, they must enlist beneath the banner of
+King Ferdinand. Hence we find our hero, towards the end of 1504, once
+again in Spain, and in high favor with the king.
+
+
+
+
+XIV
+
+KING FERDINAND'S FRIEND
+
+1505-1508
+
+
+The summer of 1504 Vespucci passed in Portugal, attending to matters
+connected with his last voyage, which had such an unsatisfactory
+ending; but in the latter part of that year we find him once again in
+Seville. It is presumed he was warmly welcomed by his wife, after this
+long absence of nearly four years; but nothing exists at all to
+indicate his marital relations, and so far as furnishing material for
+his biographers is concerned, he might as well have remained single
+all his life. In point of fact, Amerigo Vespucci, though sterling in
+his friendships, ardent and even affectionate, was a true celibate. He
+was wedded to Science, his whole nature was absorbed by the pursuits
+to which he had, perhaps fortuitously, devoted his maturer years. If
+we contrast him with Columbus, in respect to the higher qualities of
+his character, we cannot but be impressed by the difference between
+these two, for, while the latter was weak, impressionable, if not
+passionate, the former was strong, flawless in his morals, devoted
+ever to the star-eyed goddess in whose service he had enlisted for
+life.
+
+He was humane, generous, unselfish, while Columbus, though of more
+heroic proportions than his rival, was at times selfish, ungenerous,
+cruel--as witness his treatment of the Pinzons, his claiming the
+reward for the discovery of land, which rightly belonged to Rodrigo de
+Triana, his massacres of Indians in Hispaniola and enslavement of the
+survivors. Against Amerigo Vespucci no such charges of immorality,
+cruelty, and bigotry can be brought as against Columbus, and the sole
+accusation against him, of falsifying the date of his "first" voyage,
+has not been sustained by the evidence.
+
+His eulogist, Canovai, says of him, in somewhat extravagant terms:
+"Behold the transport of that lively emulation which springs from the
+indisputable consciousness of talents, and is nourished by the pure
+and delicate essence of virtue, which shines uncontaminated in every
+footstep of the hero. It seems enmity, but is laudable strife; it
+seems envy, but is a generous ambition. If Columbus had found rivals
+and enemies resembling Amerigo, I should not see, as now, the
+magnificent scene of his triumph so suddenly changed into mourning and
+horror, the gloomy night of ignominy and mockery succeed the brief
+light of ephemeral happiness, and that invincible leader, who
+redoubled the power and dominions of ungrateful Castile, groaning
+under the weight of infamous chains, while he asks for nothing but
+liberty to carry her arms to the most distant shores of the West.
+
+"Go now, and turning your eyes from the atrocious metamorphosis,
+exclaim it is chance--it is fate; arbitrary sounds and sterile
+syllables, with which no distinct idea can ever be associated. Alas!
+are there not imperceptible threads by which a regulating hand guides
+us through a crooked labyrinth from causes to effects, and prepares in
+silence the events of the universe? Prostrated by implacable
+vengeance, and despoiled of the exclusive right to discoveries and
+honors, Columbus pines in inaction; but no new columns of Hercules,
+beyond which the pilot dares not pass, stand erect before the shores
+of Mexico. Amerigo Vespucci reunites the web of fortunate events.
+Amerigo succeeds Columbus!"
+
+In simpler diction, Columbus brought all his troubles upon himself. He
+dared much, but he demanded more than he was, by merit of mere
+achievement, entitled to receive. He was constantly warring for
+his alleged rights--with the king, with Fonseca, with his
+fellow-explorers, and especially with such commanders of ships
+or expeditions as might by their discoveries belittle his
+accomplishments. Hence resulted untold misery to the natives of the
+New World, consequent upon the crushing despotism he inaugurated in
+order to gain gold with which to vindicate himself to his sovereigns.
+Hence came Bodadilla and Ovando, sent out to investigate his doings,
+one of whom despatched him in fetters to Spain, and the other hastened
+the extinction of the Indians, already begun by Columbus himself.
+
+The aggressive insistence of Columbus in the matter of honors and
+privileges, which were in their nature but temporary, are in decided
+contrast to the modesty and simplicity of Vespucci, who indeed was
+ambitious to acquire an honorable name which should be "the comfort
+and solace of his old age," but who, "by his quiet and unobtrusive
+manners, made friends even among his rivals." He was scrupulously
+regardful of the rights of others, treating the helpless natives with
+especial tenderness. This statement may seem to be disproved by the
+fact that on two of his voyages he took home gangs of Indians to be
+sold as slaves; but it is not known that he himself was responsible
+for this, as he was not the real commander of the expeditions, though
+the actual scientific head and navigator.
+
+He was as deeply devout as Columbus himself, always rendering thanks
+to the Almighty for His favors, but was by no means a fanatic in
+religion. While Columbus ascribes his discoveries to the especial
+favor of some particular saint, on occasions, or his deliverance from
+danger to the direct interposition of Providence, Vespucci makes no
+such superstitious claims for himself, though acknowledging his
+dependence upon God and expressing gratitude for divine support. He
+believed, evidently, in the precept of the Golden Rule--"Do unto
+others as you would have them do to you"; and this, alas, cannot be
+said of Christopher Columbus. Though he married late in life, and had
+no children of his own, Vespucci "was full of affectionate feeling for
+his family, as his care and attention to the education and advancement
+of his nephew, and his memory of relatives in Florence, from whom he
+had been so long absent, amply testify."
+
+Finally, the structure which Columbus fain would have raised has
+crumbled to ruins, while that built by Vespucci, who labored without
+thought of himself, or hope of reward, has been strengthened by the
+lapse of time, and will stand so long as the world endures. Vespucci
+humbled himself, and was exalted, for the name bestowed upon the
+hemisphere which these two were instrumental in revealing to Europe
+was suggested by utter strangers to the Florentine--men of penetrating
+mind, who perceived an eternal fitness in calling it _America_.
+
+These reflections arise from the fact that, soon after the return of
+Vespucci to Seville, he met, and was probably entertained by,
+Christopher Columbus. The old Admiral had but recently returned from
+his fourth and last voyage to the West Indies, where he had escaped
+death by a miracle, and had suffered humiliation at the hands of the
+atrocious Ovando. He had come back to Spain to find his friend and
+protectress, Isabella, on a bed of death; to encounter the ingratitude
+of Ferdinand and meet the charges of his enemies. He was never to make
+another voyage until he embarked on that last long journey into the
+world unknown.
+
+Broken in fortune, worn by the ills of advancing age, crushed beneath
+the calumnies of his foes, Columbus felt the end approaching,
+probably, and perhaps looked upon Vespucci as, in a sense, his
+successor. At least he perceived that the latter's star was in the
+ascendant, for he knew him as a friend of King Ferdinand, who,
+mistrustful ever of the man who had discovered a new empire for him to
+rule, yet was inclined to favor Vespucci, whose sterling qualities he
+appreciated. He had always liked the Florentine for his manly, modest
+bearing, his sturdy good sense, his industry, patience, erudition, and
+eminent abilities in general. Here was a man who made voyages by which
+the pathways were opened to new countries, without stipulating in
+advance that he should be rewarded with the admiralty of the Ocean
+Sea, without bargaining for the viceroyship of the countries he
+discovered, or for a tenth of all their resources and trade. He seemed
+to have no thought of himself, so absorbed was he in performing a work
+which, he had every reason to believe, would redound to the honor of
+the land he was born in and the sovereigns he served.
+
+He had, to be sure, carried his talents to a rival sovereign, and
+served him as faithfully as he had King Ferdinand; but the latter bore
+him no ill-will for that. It is not certain, in truth, that he had not
+connived at Vespucci's entering the service of Portugal for a time,
+as, in view of his return to Spain, he received all the benefit of his
+experience. It was by means of Vespucci's voyage, most probably, that
+it was definitely ascertained how far Portugal had encroached upon
+territory assigned by the pope to her great rival, Spain. Deep and
+crafty was the diplomacy of King Ferdinand, and it is within the
+bounds of probability that he himself sent the silent, observant,
+faithful Vespucci to take service with King Emanuel for a season.
+
+The overlapping voyages of Vespucci and Pinzon, in 1499, 1500, 1501,
+and 1503, had decided the question of sovereignty in South America--at
+least its northern coasts--in favor of Spain. These two, then, were
+soon commissioned by Ferdinand to equip a fleet, of which they were to
+be the joint commanders. This fleet was to sail for Brazil, and
+thence, after establishing colonies, or forts, continue the
+explorations they had severally so auspiciously begun. On April 11,
+1505 (it is on record), the king made Vespucci a grant of twelve
+thousand maravedis, and on the 24th of the same month letters of
+naturalization were issued in his behalf, "in consideration of Amerigo
+Vespucci's fidelity, and his many valuable services to the crown."
+
+Before proceeding to relate the story of Vespucci's renewed service
+with King Ferdinand, let us, however, return to the subject of his
+intercourse with Columbus, with whom, as there is strong evidence in
+proof, he was on terms of intimate friendship. This proof is found in
+a letter written by Columbus, at a time (as already mentioned) when he
+was in disfavor at court, and after his return from the last and most
+unfortunate voyage. It furnishes evidence of the most positive
+character that Vespucci and Columbus did not consider themselves as
+rivals, but were actually on the best of terms. It was written nearly
+a year after the first publication of Vespucci's letter to Lorenzo de
+Medici, alluded to in the previous chapter; yet the relations between
+the two discoverers were such as might have existed between men united
+by fraternal ties.
+
+
+     "_To my very dear Son, Don Diego Columbus--at the Court._
+
+     "MY DEAR SON,--"Diego Mendez departed from this place on
+     Monday, the 3d of this month. After his departure I held
+     converse with Amerigo Vespucci, the bearer of this letter,
+     who goes to court on some business connected with
+     navigation. He has always been _desirous of serving me, and
+     is an honorable man_, though fortune has been unpropitious
+     to him, as to many others; and his labors have not been as
+     profitable as he deserves. He goes on my account, and with a
+     great desire to do something which may redound to my
+     advantage, if it is in his power.
+
+     "I know not here what instructions to give him that will
+     benefit me, because I am ignorant of what will be required
+     there; but he goes determined to do for me all that is
+     possible. See what can be done to advantage there, and labor
+     for it, that he may know and speak of everything, and devote
+     himself to the work; and let everything be done with
+     secrecy, that no suspicions may arise. I have said to him
+     all that I can say touching the business, and have informed
+     him of all payments which have been made me, and what is
+     due.
+
+     "This letter is also intended for the adelantado [Don
+     Bartholomew, Christopher's brother], that he may avail
+     himself of any advantage and advice on the subject. His
+     highness believes that the ships were in the best and
+     richest portion of the Indies, and if he desires to know
+     anything more on the subject, I will satisfy him by word of
+     mouth, for it is impossible for me to tell him by letter.
+
+     "May the Lord have you in His holy keeping.
+
+     "Done at Seville, the 5th of February, 1505.
+
+     "Thy father, who loves thee better than himself,
+                          CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS.
+                          "S.
+                       "S. A. S.
+                       "X. M. Y.
+                     "Xpo. Ferens."
+
+This precious document was found in the archives of Spain by
+Navarrete, whose volumes constitute a veritable mine of Spanish
+history. The superscription at the foot of the letter was adopted by
+Columbus after he became a "Don," and is supposed to mean: "Servus,
+Supplex Altissimi Salvatori; Christus, Maria, Josephus"; or, in
+English: "Humble Servant of the most high Saviour; Christ, Mary,
+Joseph." The original letter is contained in the collection of an
+indirect descendant of Columbus, the Duke of Veragua. It bears ample
+testimony to the important fact that, while the great Columbus was not
+permitted to present himself at court, his friend Vespucci not only
+had access to the throne but strong influence there.
+
+
+
+
+XV
+
+PILOT-MAJOR OF SPAIN
+
+1508-1512
+
+
+If Vespucci had been as heedful of posthumous fame as Columbus, who
+lost no opportunity for trumpeting his deeds to the world, we should
+be better prepared to present a continuous narrative of his life than
+it is possible to gather from the fragmentary material he has left
+behind him. "The transactions of Vespucci at court," says Mr. Fiske,
+the eminent historian, "and the nature of the maritime enterprises
+that were set on foot or carried to completion during the next few
+years, are to be gathered chiefly from old account-books, contracts,
+and other business documents, unearthed by the indefatigable
+Navarrete, and printed in his great collection.... Unfortunately,
+account-books and legal documents, having been written for other
+purposes than the gratification of the historian, are--like the
+'geological record'--imperfect. Too many links are missing, to enable
+us to determine with certainty just how the work was shared among
+these mariners (Vespucci, La Cosa, Pinzon, and Solis), or just how
+many voyages were undertaken. But it is clear that the first
+enterprise contemplated (by King Ferdinand) was a voyage by Pinzon, in
+company with either Solis or Vespucci, or both, for the purpose of
+finding an end to the continent or a passage into the Indian Ocean.
+What Vespucci had failed to do in his last voyage for Portugal, he now
+proposed to do in a voyage for Spain."
+
+While the large fleet for this purpose was being prepared, it is
+believed, Vespucci and La Cosa made two voyages, one in 1505 and
+another in 1507, to Darien and the Pearl Coast, which resulted more
+profitably to them than any others they had undertaken. As these
+voyages were simply for commercial purposes, and as Vespucci seems to
+have held in contempt the mere acquisition of riches, especially when
+the promotion of discovery was not the aim of his expeditions, he
+makes no mention of them whatever. In truth, but for the finding of
+two letters, sent to the Venetian senate by its diplomatic agents in
+Spain, dated 1505 and 1507, these fifth and sixth voyages of Vespucci
+would have been overlooked entirely. The omission illustrates his
+carelessness in respect to the chronicling of his deeds, his
+heedlessness as to fame and glory. As one of his eulogists truly says:
+"In none of his writings does Vespucci claim for himself advancement,
+honor, or emolument, nor does he seek to delude his patrons with
+visions of untold wealth. His letters are the easy effusions of a
+great mind filled with admiration at the fertile regions, balmy
+climate, and primitive races of the New World. Ever modest, he merges
+himself in the greatness of his undertaking; and if the civilized
+world with one accord gave his name to the regions he was the first in
+modern times to visit, it was a tribute which it deemed just and paid
+unasked."
+
+Owing to the protests of Portugal, it is thought, the great fleet
+intended for the extension of discovery along the southern coast of
+Brazil was dispersed and its vessels diverted to other seas. Vespucci
+had been active in its equipment, and during the uncertainty existing
+in Spain after the death of Queen Isabella, and the consequent
+derangement of affairs at court, he appears prominently in the
+business. He was despatched to court by the board of trade of Seville,
+especially commissioned to extricate them from the dilemma in which
+they found themselves: unable to determine whether they were to act in
+the name of the crazy princess, Juana, her foreign consort, Philip, or
+the old king, Ferdinand. In order to be able to meet any emergency,
+Vespucci was furnished with three different letters and sets of
+instructions. "You will take," wrote the president of the board of
+trade to Amerigo, "three letters: for the king, Vila, his grand
+chamberlain, and the secretary, Gricio, besides five memorials: one
+upon the despatch of the armament, two others received from Hispaniola
+concerning the tower which King Ferdinand commanded to be built upon
+the Pearl Coast, and the remaining two upon the caravels which are on
+service in Hispaniola, and concerning what things are necessary for
+the fortress which is building there. If Gricio is at court, and
+attends to the affairs of the Indies, give him the letter, show him
+the memorials, and he will guide you to the ear of the king and obtain
+for you good despatch. We are informed, however, that the king has
+intrusted the business of the Indies to M. de Vila, his grand
+chamberlain, and if that is the case go directly to him. What we
+principally desire is a full understanding of the agreement which has
+been entered into between the king, our lord (Philip, the consort of
+Juana Loca), and King Ferdinand, in order that we may be able to give
+to each prince that which is his."
+
+Without going further into the affairs of court at this period--merely
+pausing to remark that after the death of Philip the old king soon
+extricated his kingdom from the state of embarrassment into which it
+had been plunged--we cannot but note that Amerigo Vespucci must have
+been a man of weight and influence to be selected for such a mission.
+It was a visit to the court previous to this which Columbus had in
+mind when he gave him the letter to his son Don Diego. The biographer
+of Columbus, Mr. Irving, has tried to make it appear that he was used
+by Columbus to further his own ends, for he says: "Among the persons
+whom Columbus employed at this time in his missions to the court was
+Amerigo Vespucci. He describes him as a worthy but unfortunate man,
+who had not profited as much as he deserves by his undertakings, and
+who had always been disposed to render him a service. His object in
+employing him appears to have been to prove the value of his last
+voyage, and that he had been in the most opulent parts of the New
+World, Vespucci having since touched upon the same coast, in a voyage
+with Alonzo de Ojeda."
+
+Now, this amiable apologist, in his persistent efforts to thrust
+Amerigo Vespucci into positions subordinate to Columbus, defeats his
+own purpose and disparages his own hero, for by his very words can he
+be discredited. He himself says: "The incessant applications of
+Columbus [at court], both by letter and by the intervention of
+friends, appear to have been listened to with cool indifference. No
+compliance was yielded to his requests, and no deference paid to his
+opinions.... In short, he was not in any way consulted in the affairs
+of the New World."
+
+And this was at about the time that Amerigo Vespucci was intrusted
+with most important business at court by the board of trade of
+Seville; about the time that he was called to court and highly
+honored by the king; just before the time that he was made captain of
+a fleet, with a salary of thirty thousand maravedis per annum. There
+was, in truth, no man in the employ of Spain more highly regarded than
+Vespucci for his talents, for his honesty, for his loyalty to the
+government. At the settlement of accounts pertaining to the fleet
+which had been intended for South America, more than five million
+maravedis passed through his hands--and he was never charged with
+having diverted a single centavo to himself.
+
+Nothing can so abundantly testify to the respect in which Vespucci was
+held as his relations with King Ferdinand. While he has the unique
+honor of being almost the only man that Columbus never quarrelled
+with, it is also to his credit that he acquired, and retained to the
+last, the respect and confidence of the king. Ferdinand was always
+mistrustful of Columbus, and with good reason, but never refused
+Vespucci a favor--if he asked one--or hesitated to give him an
+audience. The reason was, most probably, that, aside from his
+deceitfulness (which was a quality the crafty Ferdinand could tolerate
+in no one but himself), Columbus was constantly importuning him for
+further honors and emoluments; while Vespucci rarely, if ever, craved
+glory or riches for himself. Nothing came of Vespucci's intercession
+at court for Columbus, and soon the latter dropped out of sight. He
+died in 1506, utterly neglected by the court and king, and in such
+obscurity that he was unnoticed in the local annals of the day.
+
+In the mean time, Amerigo Vespucci was at the height of his career,
+trusted by the sovereign and honored by all with whom he came in
+contact. On the return of King Ferdinand to absolute power in Spain,
+through the death of his son-in-law Philip and the regency for his
+insane daughter Juana, he called Vespucci and La Cosa to court in
+order to consult with them respecting nautical affairs and future
+discoveries. In February, 1508, Vespucci, Pinzon, and Solis, who,
+together with La Cosa, were then the most highly honored navigators in
+Spanish employ, were charged with the safe conduct to the king's
+treasury of six thousand ducats in gold, for which service they
+received six thousand maravedis each.
+
+Another consultation was held with the king, whose favorable opinion
+of Vespucci was so strengthened that the year following he created for
+him the office of pilot-major, as the most eminent navigator in his
+kingdom. This position was given him in March, 1508, and from that
+time till his death, in February, 1512, he received a salary of
+seventy-five thousand maravedis per annum. He was charged to examine
+and instruct all pilots in the use of the astrolabe "to ascertain
+whether their practical knowledge equalled their theoretical, and also
+to revise maps, and to make one of the new lands which should be
+regarded as the standard.... He was to correct the errors carried into
+the charts by the teachings and the maps of Columbus and others. The
+inaccuracy of the Columbus charts was so notorious that their use was
+subsequently prohibited, and a penalty imposed upon the pilot who
+should sail by them." Vespucci was at the head of a government
+department pertaining to pilotage, navigation, and charts. It was then
+unique in the world, and the weight of authority behind it was adverse
+to the use of charts made by Columbus; notwithstanding which Mr.
+Irving says: "When the passion for maritime discovery was seeking to
+facilitate its enterprises, the knowledge and skill of an able
+cosmographer like Columbus would be properly appreciated, and the
+superior correctness [?] of his maps and charts would give him
+notoriety among men of science."
+
+The importance of this position created for Vespucci will appear from
+the royal order, or commission, which reads: " ... We command that all
+pilots of our kingdom and lordships, who now are, shall henceforward
+be, or desire to be, pilots on the routes to the said islands and
+terra firma which we hold in the Indies, and other parts of the ocean
+sea, shall be instructed in and possess all necessary knowledge of the
+use of the quadrant and astrolabe; and in order that they may unite
+practice with theory, and profit thereby in the said voyages which
+they may make to the said lands, they shall not be able to embark as
+pilots in the said vessels, nor receive wages for pilotage, nor shall
+merchants be able to negotiate with them as such, nor captains receive
+them aboard their ships, without their _having been first examined by
+you, Amerigo Despuchi_, our pilot-major, and received from you a
+certificate of examination and approbation, certifying that they are
+possessed, each one, of the knowledge aforesaid; holding which
+certificate, we commend that they be held and received as expert
+pilots, wherever they shall show themselves--for it is our will and
+pleasure that you should be examiner of said pilots. And that those
+who do not possess the required knowledge shall the more easily
+acquire it, we command that you shall instruct, at your residence in
+Seville, all such as shall be desirous of learning and remunerating
+you for the trouble.... And as it has been told us that there are many
+different charts, by different captains, of the lands and islands of
+the Indies belonging to us, which charts differ greatly from each
+other--therefore, that there may be order in all things, it is our
+will and pleasure that a standard chart shall be made; and that it may
+be the more correct, we command the officers of our board of trade in
+Seville to call an assembly of our most able pilots that shall at that
+time be in the country, and, in the presence of you, Amerigo Despuchi,
+our pilot-major, there shall be planned and drawn a chart of all the
+lands and islands of the Indies, which have hitherto been discovered
+belonging to our kingdom; and upon this consultation, subject to the
+approval of you, our pilot-major, a standard chart shall be drawn
+which shall be called the Royal Chart, by which all pilots must direct
+and govern themselves. This shall remain in the possession of our said
+officers, and of you, our said pilot-major; and no pilot shall use any
+other chart, without incurring a penalty of fifty doubloons, to be
+paid to the board of trade in the city of Seville.... And it is our
+will and pleasure that, in virtue of the above, you, the said Amerigo
+Despuchi, shall use and exercise the said functions of our
+pilot-major, and shall be able to do, and shall do, all things
+pertaining to that office contained in this our letter."[14]
+
+The remainder of Amerigo Vespucci's life may almost be summed up in
+the statement that he held this responsible post during the four years
+succeeding to his appointment, for he received his commission on March
+22, 1508, and died on February 22, 1512. It was an onerous position,
+"and his appointment to it by Ferdinand was the highest proof of the
+estimation in which he was held by that monarch that could have been
+bestowed upon him." It was a recognition of his supereminent
+qualities, as cosmographer and navigator, at a time when Spanish
+enterprise was reaching out to every part of the western world; and as
+he discharged its duties with fidelity and skill, confining himself
+closely to his desk, no leisure was afforded him for further voyaging,
+for writing out the long-deferred accounts of his travels, or for
+recreation of any sort. He made one short visit to Florence, where he
+was received with honor, as the most distinguished son of a city
+world-famous for its great men, and where the portrait was painted
+which has been universally accepted as authentic, representing him as
+advanced in years.
+
+As already mentioned, authentic information relating to the latter
+years of Vespucci is of a fragmentary character, and is contained
+mainly in the official papers found in the archives of Simancas and
+Seville, by Don Martin Fernandez de Navarrete, to whom the biographers
+of Columbus were so deeply indebted. The date of the first of these
+papers is July, 1494, and relates to payments made to Berardi, as
+outfitter of the ships for the voyages of Columbus. By royal decree,
+April 11, 1505, the queen's treasurer is commanded to pay to Vespucci
+twelve thousand maravedis. Another decree, of March 22, 1508, grants
+Vespucci, as chief pilot of the kingdom, a salary of fifty thousand
+maravedis, subsequently increased to seventy-five thousand. Then
+follows the royal declaration (from which we have quoted), setting
+forth the duties of the pilot-major, which was issued during the
+regency of the crazy queen, Juana, and addressed to "Amerigo
+Despuchi."
+
+There is no reference to the date and place of Vespucci's death; but
+this is not considered singular, in view of the fact that the demise
+of Columbus was officially unnoticed at the time. There is, rather, no
+direct reference; though confirmation of that event occurs in the
+continuation of his accounts to the day of his death, and after, one
+of which relates to the payment of ten thousand nine hundred and
+thirty-seven maravedis to Manuel Catano, a canon of Seville, as the
+executor of Vespucci's will, "that amount being the balance of his
+salary due at the date of his death."
+
+One of the very few references to the wife of Vespucci is contained in
+a royal decree of May 22, 1512, which grants a pension for life to his
+widow, Maria Cerezo, of ten thousand maravedis per annum. By a later
+decree, this pension is declared a fixed charge against the salary of
+the chief pilot and his successors. These were, in order of
+succession, Juan Diaz de Solis and Sebastian Cabot, after whom came
+others not so famous as these great navigators.
+
+These papers are cited to show that Amerigo Vespucci was not looked
+upon as an adventurer by the dignitaries of Spain; that, on the
+contrary, he was held in great esteem, honored with the highest office
+in the gift of the king, in which his great accomplishments could have
+full scope. He filled that office with eminent ability, to the
+complete satisfaction of King Ferdinand, and when he died, on February
+22, 1512, he left behind a name untarnished, a reputation for probity
+unsullied. Despite the honors accorded him by the kings of Spain and
+Portugal, however, and the high positions he occupied, he left no
+fortune for his heirs. His valuable papers were bequeathed to his
+nephew, Juan Vespucci, whom he loved like a son; but his widow was
+left in circumstances so straitened that she was actually dependent
+upon the pension granted her by the crown.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[14] From Navarrete's _Coleccion de los Viajes y Descubrimientos_.
+
+
+
+
+XVI
+
+HOW AMERICA WAS NAMED
+
+1504-1541
+
+
+If, in the foregoing narrative, the author has seemed to champion his
+hero unduly, going perhaps unnecessarily into the details of his
+voyages, it may have been owing to anticipated opposition on the part
+of his readers. There has always been a wide divergence of opinion
+respecting the merits of Amerigo Vespucci, and the world has never
+reconciled itself to his so-called usurpation of the glory rightly
+belonging to Columbus.
+
+Even so great a writer as Emerson allowed himself to say: "Strange
+that broad America must wear the name of a thief! Amerigo Vespucci,
+the pickle-dealer at Seville, who went out in 1499, a subaltern with
+Hojeda, and whose highest naval rank was boatswain's mate, in an
+expedition that never sailed, managed in this lying world to supplant
+Columbus, and baptize half the earth with his own dishonest name!"
+
+We, who have followed the career of Amerigo Vespucci from its
+beginning to its ending, know that he was not a thief; that--except by
+implication, as having been a purveyor of naval stores--he was not a
+"pickle-dealer"; that he held a far higher rank than boatswain's
+mate--as attested by the royal proclamation we have cited, naming him
+to be chief pilot of Spain; and that, so far as the evidence of his
+contemporaries and his own letters show, he made no attempt whatever
+to thrust his personality upon the world.
+
+He did not "baptize half the earth with his own dishonest name,"
+though it is true that the appellation by which a hemisphere is known
+to-day was derived from Americus, Amerigo, or Americo--whether we
+speak it in Latin, in Italian, or in Spanish.
+
+How comes it then, the reader may well ask, that America derived its
+name from the Florentine, Vespucci, when it should, by right of
+"discovery," have been called after the Genoese, Columbus? The answer
+to this question involves the following of clews centuries old,
+through a labyrinth of falsehood and misstatement that was built up
+three hundred years ago. The first clew may be found on page 197 of
+this biography, where mention is made of the translation of Vespucci's
+letter to Lorenzo de Medici, by Giocondo, in 1504, and issued by him
+under the title _Mundus Novus_. This letter is said to have been first
+published in Lisbon and Augsburg in 1504, and in Strasburg in 1505.
+
+Pick up this book and nail it to the wall, where it may be observed by
+all, for it was the very beginning of Vespucci's posthumous troubles.
+We have read the letter and known it to have been a plain, unvarnished
+account of Vespucci's third voyage, in which he chanced to say that he
+thought he had discovered the fourth part of the globe, and proposed
+to call it _Mundus Novus_, or the New World. He was quite right, and
+within bounds, when he did this, for he was thinking only of that
+portion of the _southern hemisphere_ which he had found, and not of
+the entire western hemisphere. He did not extend the term to cover the
+northern regions, discovered by Columbus, for the latter had no idea
+that they pertained to a new world; in fact--as we know--believed to
+the last that they belonged to Asia or India.
+
+"At no time during the life of Columbus, nor for some years after his
+death," says a learned historian, "did anybody use the phrase 'New
+World' with conscious reference to his discoveries. At the time of his
+death their true significance had not yet begun to dawn upon the mind
+of any voyager or any writer. It was supposed that he had found a new
+route to the Indies by sailing west, and that in the course of this
+achievement he had discovered some new islands," etc.
+
+We must, then, acquit Vespucci of any intention of depriving Columbus
+of his laurels, when he said he believed he had found a new world, for
+he referred only to that portion of South America now known as Brazil.
+Nor, so far as we know, was he either responsible for, or aware of,
+the publication of his letters to Medici and Soderini--for those to
+the latter were afterwards translated and printed--as he was, at that
+time, on the ocean. In truth, as the letters were merely epistles to
+friends, who would naturally be interested in his discoveries, and of
+course overlook any defects of diction, he openly stated that he was
+only waiting leisure for improving and elaborating them for issue in
+pamphlet form. He never acquired this leisure, and the world, tired
+of waiting, seized upon his material and brought it out in print,
+without so much as saying "by your leave."
+
+The second person to take liberties with Vespucci's name was one
+Matthias Ringmann, a student in Paris, who was acquainted with Friar
+Giocondo, and of course saw the _Mundus Novus_, which he published in
+Strasburg in 1505. That same year he was offered the professorship of
+Latin in a college at Saint-Dié, a charming little town in the Vosges
+Mountains, which had long been a seat of learning. It is said to have
+been strangely associated with the discovery of America, from the fact
+that here was written, about 1410, the book called _Imago Mundi_,
+which Columbus read and probably took to sea with him on his first
+great voyage. In a double sense, this obscure town and college,
+nestling in a little-known valley of the Franco-German mountains, is
+known in connection with the name America, as will now be shown.
+
+Young Professor Ringmann found at Saint-Dié a select and distinguished
+company of scholars, composed of Martin Waldseemüller, professor of
+geography; Jean Basin de Sendacour, canon and Latinist; Walter Lud,
+secretary to Duke René, patron of literature, and especially of the
+college of Saint-Dié, which was to him as the apple of his eye. He was
+the reigning Duke of Lorraine, and titular "King of Sicily and
+Jerusalem," but had never strayed far from his own picturesque
+province, though he had won a great victory over Charles the Bold in
+1477. He is, no doubt, worthy an extended biographical sketch, but in
+this connection can only be referred to as the patron of these great
+teachers in Saint-Dié, who, soon after the appearance of Ringmann
+among them, conceived the plan of printing a new edition of _Ptolemy_.
+
+One of them, Walter Lud, was blessed with riches, and as he had
+introduced a printing-press, about the year 1500, the college was
+amply equipped. So many discoveries had been made since the last
+editions of _Ptolemy_ had appeared, that the Saint-Dié coterie felt
+the need of new works on the subject, and sent Ringmann to Italy
+hunting for the same. He, it is thought, brought back, among other
+"finds" of great value, the letter written by Vespucci to Soderini
+from Lisbon, in September, 1504, a certified manuscript copy of which
+was made in February, 1505, and printed at Florence before midsummer,
+1506.
+
+No extended explanation is needed now to elucidate the scheme by which
+Vespucci's letters were incorporated in the treatise published by
+those wise men of Saint-Dié, entitled _Cosmographie Introductio_, or
+"Rudiments of Geography," and taken from the press on April 25, 1507.
+
+It was a small pamphlet, with engravings of the crudest sort, but it
+made a stir in the world such as has been caused by but few books
+since. But one copy of this first edition is said to be extant, and
+that is in the Lenox Library, New York City. It caused a flutter in
+cosmographical circles, not alone at the time of its issue, but for
+centuries thereafter, for in it first occurs in print the suggestion
+that the "fourth part of the world," discovered by Amerigo Vespucci,
+should be called AMERICA.[15]
+
+Professor Martin Waldseemüller was the culprit, and not Amerigo
+Vespucci, for he says, in Latin, which herewith find turned into
+English: "But now these parts have been more extensively explored and
+_another fourth part has been discovered by Americus Vespucius_ (as
+will appear in what follows): _wherefore I do not see what is rightly
+to hinder us from calling it Amerige, or America--i.e., the land of
+Americus, after its discoverer, Americus, a man of sagacious mind_,
+since both Europe and Asia have got their names from women. Its
+situation and the manners and customs of its people will be clearly
+understood from the twice two voyages of Americus, which follow."
+
+It was a suggestion, merely, and by one who was a perfect stranger to
+Vespucci; but it promptly "took," for the word America was euphonious,
+it seemed applicable, and, moreover, it was to be applied only to that
+quarter in the southern hemisphere which had been revealed by Amerigo
+Vespucci. It was a suggestion innocently made, without any sort of
+communication from Amerigo himself, intended to influence the opinion
+of contemporaries or the verdict of posterity.
+
+[Illustration: NORTH AMERICA FROM THE GLOBE OF JOHANN SCHÖNER]
+
+"But for these nine lines written by an obscure geographer in a little
+village of the Vosges," says Henry Harrisse, "the western hemisphere
+might have been called 'The Land of the Holy Cross,' or 'Atlantis,'
+or 'Columbia,' 'Hesperides,' 'Iberia,' 'New India,' or simply 'The
+Indies,' as it is designated officially in Spain to this day." ... "As
+it was, however," says another writer, "the suggestion by
+Waldseemüller was immediately adopted by geographers everywhere; the
+new land beyond the Atlantic had, by a stroke of a pen, been
+christened for all time to come."
+
+The full title of the _Cosmographie Introductio_ reads: "An
+Introduction to Cosmography, together with some principles of Geometry
+necessary to the purpose. Also four voyages of Americus Vespucius. A
+description of universal Cosmography, both stereometrical and
+planometrical, together with what was unknown to Ptolemy and has been
+recently discovered."
+
+Notwithstanding the name was "promptly adopted" by the geographers, at
+the same time it "came slowly into use," for geographical knowledge
+was then in an inchoate state, especially as respected the New World.
+It is said to have first appeared on a map ascribed to Leonardo da
+Vinci in 1514; but in a pamphlet accompanying "the earliest known
+globe of Johann Schöner," made in 1515, the new region is described as
+the "fourth part of the globe named after its discoverer, Americus
+Vespucius, who found it in 1497." Vespucci did not find it, and he
+never made the claim that he discovered more than is given in his
+letters; but this misstatement by another caused him to be accused of
+falsifying the dates of his voyages in order to rob Columbus of his
+deserts.
+
+It will be perceived, however, that the name was not applied at first
+to the entire land masses of America, but merely to that portion now
+known as Brazil, called by Cabral "_Terra Sanctæ Crucis_," or "Land of
+the Holy Cross," and by Vespucci, who continued his explorations,
+"_Mundus Novus_." Further than this Vespucci never went, and,
+moreover, he passed away "before his name was applied to the new
+discoveries on any published map." He was living, of course, when the
+_Cosmographie_ appeared, and may have seen a copy of the book; but the
+argument advanced by some that he dedicated this work to Duke René of
+Lorraine, and hence must have written it, falls to the ground when
+that dedication is examined. The worthy canon who translated
+Vespucci's letter to Soderini into Latin, copied the dedication in the
+original, which was addressed to "His Magnificence, Piero Soderini,
+etc.," but substituted for the last-named his patron, Duke René. This
+is proved by the title "His Magnificence," which was used in
+addressing the Gonfaloniere of Florence, and never in connection with
+Duke René of Lorraine.
+
+It was not until near the middle of the sixteenth century that
+"America" was recognized "as the established continental name," when,
+after Mexico had been conquered by Cortés, Peru by Pizarro, and the
+Pacific revealed by Balboa and Magellan, it first appears on the great
+Mercator map of 1541. The appellation "America" had superseded _Mundus
+Novus_ on several maps previous to this, but only as a term applied to
+restricted regions. "The stage of development," says the learned
+author of the _Discovery of America_, "consisted of five distinct
+steps.... 1. Americus called the regions visited by him _beyond the
+equator_ a 'New World,' because they were unknown to the ancients; 2.
+Giocondo made this striking phrase, _Mundus Novus_, into a title for
+his translation of the letter, which he published at Paris (1504)
+while the author was absent from Europe, and probably without his
+knowledge; 3. The name _Mundus Novus_ got placed upon several maps as
+an equivalent for _Terra Sanctæ Crucis_, or what we call Brazil; 4.
+The suggestion was made that _Mundus Novus_ was the Fourth Part of the
+Earth, and might properly be named America, after its discoverer; 5.
+The name America thus got placed upon several maps as an equivalent
+for what we call Brazil, and sometimes came to stand alone for what we
+call South America, but still signified _only a part of the dry land
+beyond the Atlantic to which Columbus had led the way_."
+
+That there was no evil intention on Vespucci's part is amply proved by
+the fact that, while he himself lived four years after the
+_Introductio_ was published, a certain contemporary of his, one
+Ferdinand Columbus, who was most acutely interested in seeing justice
+done the name and deeds of his father, survived Vespucci twenty-seven
+years. He not only saw this book, but owned a copy, which, according
+to an autograph note on the flyleaf, he had bought in Venice in July,
+1521, "for five _sueldos_." This book is still contained in the
+library he founded at Seville, and as it was copiously annotated by
+him, it must have been carefully read; yet, though he has the credit
+of having written a life of his father, Christopher Columbus, he makes
+no mention whatever of the "usurpation" by Vespucci.
+
+Ferdinand Columbus knew the Florentine, and was an intimate friend of
+his nephew, Juan Vespucci; yet the question seems never to have arisen
+between them as to the great discoverers' respective shares of glory.
+The explanation lies in this fact: that Vespucci's name had been
+bestowed upon a region far remote from that explored by his father,
+who had never sailed south of the equator. Notwithstanding the good
+feeling that prevailed between them, however, long after Ferdinand's
+death, when the name America had become of almost universal
+application, the veteran Las Casas, in writing his great history,
+marvels that the son of the old Admiral could overlook the "theft and
+usurpation" of Vespucci. The old man's indignation was great, for he
+was a stanch friend of Columbus, and revered his memory. He made out a
+very strong case against Vespucci--being in ignorance of the manner in
+which his name came to be given to the lands discovered by
+Columbus--and when, in 1601, the historian Herrera, who made use of
+the Las Casas manuscripts, repeated his statements as those of a
+contemporary, all the world gave him credence.
+
+Vespucci's name rested under suspicion during more than three
+centuries, and was not even partially cleared until 1837, when
+Alexander von Humboldt undertook the gigantic task of vindication. It
+was not so much to vindicate Vespucci, however, as to ascertain the
+truth, that Humboldt made the critical and exhaustive examination
+which appeared in his Examen _Critique de l'Histoire de la Géographie
+de Nouveau Continent_.
+
+Even Humboldt, however, did not secure all the evidence available, but
+by the discovery of valuable documents the missing links in the chain
+were supplied: by Varnhagen, Vespucci's ardent eulogist, by Harrisse,
+and finally by Fiske. The last-named truthfully says: "No competent
+scholar anywhere will now be found to dissent from the emphatic
+statement of M. Harrisse--'After a diligent study of all the original
+documents, we feel constrained to say that there is not a particle of
+evidence, direct or indirect, implicating Amerigo Vespucci in an
+attempt to foist his name on this continent.'" And moreover, "no shade
+of doubt is left upon the integrity of Vespucci. So truth is strong,
+and prevails at last."
+
+This is the conclusion arrived at by the impartial historian, who,
+without disparaging the deeds of Columbus, without detracting in any
+manner from his great discoveries, has restored Amerigo Vespucci to
+the niche in which he was placed by the German geographers four
+hundred years ago, and from which he was torn by injudicious
+iconoclasts, fearful for the fame of Spain's great Admiral.
+
+It is enough for Columbus to have discovered America; it was far more
+than Amerigo Vespucci deserved to have this discovery given his name,
+by which it will be known forever; but this honor, though unmerited,
+was at the same time unsought.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[15] For an excellent article on Saint-Dié and the naming of America,
+see _Harper's Magazine_, vol. lxxxiv., p. 909 (1892).
+
+
+
+
+INDEX
+
+
+  Aborigines, described by Vespucci, 84-95;
+    seen in Vespucci's third voyage, 180-183.
+
+  Aguado, Juan, 151.
+
+  Amaraca, aboriginal name of province in South America, 137.
+
+  Amaraca-pan, the land of Amaraca, 137.
+
+  Amazon River discovered by Pinzon, 105.
+
+  America, may have been derived from _Amaraca_, 137;
+    when bestowed upon western continents, 200;
+    derivation of name, 238;
+    first applied to continents in 1507, 243, 244.
+
+  Antilla, island of, 26.
+
+  Arno, valley of the, 1.
+
+
+  Bahia Honda, reference to, 159.
+
+  Bastidas, Rodrigo de, reference to, 130;
+    expedition of, 155.
+
+  Berardi, trading-house of, 49, 76;
+    estate of Juan, 80.
+
+  Book, the first printed in America, 32.
+
+
+  Cabral, Pedro Alvarez, coasts South America, 167.
+
+  Cannibals, giants, and pearls, chap. ix.
+
+  Canopi seen by Vespucci, 189.
+
+  Canovai eulogizes Vespucci, 210, 211.
+
+  Carabi, aboriginal word, 96.
+
+  Caravans of the desert, 47.
+
+  Carib Indians described, 99.
+
+  Cathay, kingdom of, 26, 29, 36, 39, 46, 50.
+
+  Cerezo, Maria, married to Vespucci, 168, 235;
+    dependent upon  pension, 237.
+
+  Chambalu, or Peking, 38, 46, 49, 50.
+
+  Cibao, Indian word of Haiti, 28.
+
+  Cipango, island of, 26, 28, 30, 42, 44, 50.
+
+  Coelho, Gonçalo, reference to, 202.
+
+  Columbus, Christopher, compared with Toscanelli, 18;
+    uses Toscanelli's chart in crossing Atlantic, 1492, 22;
+    letter to, from Toscanelli, 23-27;
+    adopts Toscanelli's ideas, 30;
+    conversations with, chap. v.;
+    personal appearance of, 63;
+    second voyage of, 76;
+    extravagances of, 77;
+    and Bishop Fonseca, 77-79;
+    and the Pinzons, 149, 150;
+    in friendly rivalry with Vespucci, 198;
+    and Vespucci contrasted, 210-214;
+    misfortunes of, 215;
+    letter written by, with reference to Vespucci, 218.
+
+  Columbus, Diego, suit of, against the crown,  166.
+
+  Columbus, Ferdinand, books owned by, 248;
+    acquainted with Juan Vespucci, 249.
+
+  Commerce, European, of the fifteenth century, 47, 48;
+    of Spain, fifteenth century, 57, 58.
+
+  Constellations of the southern hemisphere, 189, 190.
+
+  Coquibacoa, coast of Venezuela, 134, 135, 158, 159.
+
+  Cosa, Juan de la, with Columbus in Cuba, 107;
+    sails with Ojeda, 129;
+    the great pilot, 153;
+    chart made by, in year 1500, 154;
+    sails with Bastidas, 155;
+    second voyage with Ojeda, 156;
+    horrible death of, 157.
+
+  _Cosmographie Introductio_, the first book containing name
+    of America, 243, 245.
+
+  Cumana, on coast of Venezuela, 132, 137.
+
+  Curiana, or Gulf of Pearls, 132.
+
+
+  Dragon's Mouth, strait of the, 132.
+
+
+  Emanuel, King of Portugal, 168;
+    invites Vespucci to Portugal, 169;
+    receives Vespucci at court, 171;
+    sends him on two voyages to the Indies, 170;
+    recognizes his genius, 196, 207.
+
+  Emerson, R. W., calls Vespucci a "thief and pickle-dealer," 237.
+
+  _Examen Critique_, the, by Humboldt, 103, 250.
+
+
+  Ferdinand, King of Spain, and Fonseca, 76;
+    parts with Vespucci, 168, 169;
+    diplomacy of, 216;
+    prefers Vespucci to Columbus, 227;
+    calls Vespucci to court, 228;
+    appoints him pilot-major, 229.
+
+  Fiske, John, explains "debatable voyage," 104;
+    on Vespucci's letter of July, 1500, 109;
+    quotations from, 124, 125;
+    on historical records, 221.
+
+  Florence, Vespucci's birthplace, 2, 3;
+     in the Middle Ages, 12.
+
+  Florentines, the, as merchants in fifteenth century, 5.
+
+  Fonseca, Bishop, reference to, 76, 77, 79, 82, 126, 127;
+    authorizes Ojeda's voyage, 128.
+
+  Fortunate Islands, or Grand Canaries, 186.
+
+  _Four Voyages_, or _Journeys_, of Vespucci, 90, 95;
+    no trace of book containing the, 103;
+     further reference to, 176, 200, 205.
+
+  "Fourth Part of the Earth," the, chap. ii.
+
+
+  Ghengis Khan, 50.
+
+  Giacondo, Giovanni, translator  of Vespucci's letter, 1504, 198, 199.
+
+  Giants seen in Curaçao, 119.
+
+  Gomara, historian, on explorations, 102.
+
+
+  Harrisse, Henry, observations on the naming of America, 244.
+
+  Herrera, Antonio de, accuses Vespucci of stealing from Columbus, 101.
+
+  Humboldt, Alexander von, vindicates Vespucci, 103.
+
+
+  _Igname_, Indian word, 89.
+
+  Iguana, described by Vespucci, 93.
+
+  _Imago Mundi_, book owned by Columbus, 241.
+
+  India house, the great, 80.
+
+  Irving, Washington, and his _Life of Columbus_, 29;
+    denounces Fonseca, 77;
+    narrates Vespucci's voyage with Ojeda, 125;
+    seeks to disparage Vespucci, 225, 226.
+
+  Iti, an island in the Caribbean Sea, 98.
+
+
+  _Kazabi_, or cassava, 89.
+
+  Khan, the Grand, 24, 28.
+
+  Kublai Khan, Mongol emperor, 36-40, 49.
+
+
+  Lake Dwellers, the, described by Vespucci, 90-95, 120.
+
+  Lariab, conjectural province of, 96.
+
+  Las Casas denounces Vespucci, 249.
+
+  Lud, Walter, 242.
+
+
+  Mandeville, Sir John, 49.
+
+  Mangi, province of, 26, 46.
+
+  Maracaibo, Gulf of, discovered by Ojeda,  135.
+
+  Maracapana (see Amaraca-pan), 132, 137.
+
+  Marco Polo's _Travels_, 33.
+
+  Marignoli, John de, traveller, 49.
+
+  Medici, the Florentine, 4, 5, 10.
+
+  Medici, Lorenzo de, letter written to, by Vespucci in 1501, 109;
+    in 1503, 179.
+
+  Michael Angelo, birthplace of, 15.
+
+  Monte Corvino, John of, 49.
+
+  _Mundus Novus_, or New World, 46, 239, 246, 248;
+    title of pamphlet containing first account of
+       Vespucci's voyage, 197;
+    when published, 239.
+
+
+  Navarrete, Spanish historian, 219, 221, 232, 233.
+
+  New World, the, southern hemisphere of America, so called
+    by Vespucci, 185.
+
+  Nicollini, Donato, Vespucci's friend, 56.
+
+  Nicuesa, explorer, quarrels with Ojeda, 160;
+    whom he rescues, 162.
+
+  Niño, Pedro, successful voyage of, 137.
+
+
+  Ojeda the Fighter, chap. viii.;
+    with Columbus, 126;
+    friend of Fonseca, 127;
+    receives authority for a voyage, 128;
+    accompanied by Vespucci, 130;
+    visits Trinidad, Pearl Islands, and Curaçao, 132, 133;
+    finds Lake Dwellers, 134;
+    takes cargo of slaves to Spain, 136;
+    second voyage of (1502), 158;
+    placed in irons, 159;
+    makes third voyage (1509), 156, 160;
+    wounded by poisoned arrow, 163;
+    poverty and death of, 164.
+
+  Oviedo, historian, on discovery of Bay of Honduras, 105.
+
+
+  Paria, Gulf of, 131, 132.
+
+  Paul the Physicist, 16.
+
+  Pearls, Gulf of, 132.
+
+  Pearls obtained by Vespucci, 122, 141, 146.
+
+  Pelotti, Francesco, 49.
+
+  Peretola, home of the Vespuccis, 2.
+
+  Pinelo, Francisco, 77, 78, 81.
+
+  Pinzon brothers, the, 149, 150, 152.
+
+  Pinzon, Vicente Yañez, discovers the Amazon, 167.
+
+  Pliny quoted by Vespucci, 191.
+
+  Polo, Marco, Vespucci's countryman, 33;
+    taken captive, 34;
+    _Travels_, 36-42.
+
+  Polo, Maffei, 41.
+
+  Polo, Nicolo, 36.
+
+  Prescott, historian, quotation from, 57.
+
+  Printing-press, the first in America, 32.
+
+  _Ptolemy_, an improved, 242.
+
+
+  _Quattro Giornate_ (Four Journeys), 176.
+
+  Quinsai, city of, 25, 43, 46.
+
+
+  René, Duke of Lorraine, 242, 246, 247.
+
+  Ringmann, Matthias, contemporary of Vespucci, 241.
+
+  Roldan, Francesco, combats Ojeda, 136.
+
+
+  Saint-Dié, town in which pamphlet was printed containing first
+    reference to America, 241, 242.
+
+  Savonarola, mention of, 15.
+
+  Schöner, Johann, globe made by, 245.
+
+  Sierra Leone, 178.
+
+  Soderini, Piero, letter written to, by Vespucci, 82, 101;
+    second letter, 170;
+    third letter, 201.
+
+
+  _Terra Firma_, definition of term, 70;
+    coast of, 166.
+
+  _Terra Sanctæ Crucis_, 246, 248.
+
+  Toscanelli, Florentine astronomer, 16;
+    friendly with Vespucci, 16;
+    great attainments of, 19;
+    corresponds with Columbus, 17, 23-27;
+    sends chart to Columbus, 21;
+    ideas of, adopted by Columbus, 30.
+
+  Trapobana, island of, 123.
+
+  Trinidad, visited by Columbus, 131;
+    by Vespucci, 132.
+
+
+  Varnhagen, Viscount, explains Vespucci's "second" voyage, 105.
+
+  Vela, Cape de la, 135.
+
+  Venezuela, origin of name, 134.
+
+  Veragua, Duke of, 220.
+
+  Vespucci, Amerigo, spelling of the name, 1;
+    birthplace of, 2;
+    parents, 3, 4;
+    ancestors, 5, 6;
+    birthplace of, 2;
+    parents, 3, 4;
+    ancestors, 5, 6;
+    youth, 7, 8, 9, 12-14;
+    favorite authors, chap. iii.;
+    begins his career, 51;
+    enters service with the Medici, 54;
+    goes to Spain, 55;
+    letter of, from Spain, 56;
+    personal appearance of, 63;
+    characteristics of, 64;
+    debatable voyage of, chap. vi.;
+    outfits fleet for Columbus, 76;
+    in pay of Spain, 81;
+    letter of, on alleged first voyage, 82-100;
+    letters to Soderini, 82, 101, 170, 201;
+    his _Four Voyages_, 90;
+    accused of purloining from Columbus, 101;
+    vindicated by Humboldt, 103;
+    more humane than Columbus, 104;
+    second voyage of, chap. vii.;
+    oldest known writing relating to his voyages, 109;
+    describes constellations of southern hemisphere, 112, 113;
+    in fight with Indians, 117, 118;
+    mentions giants, 119;
+    discovers Lake Dwellers, 120;
+    takes slaves to Spain, 121, 122;
+    with Ojeda in 1499, 130;
+    quoted by Irving, 134;
+    aborigines seen by, 140-144;
+    finds pearls, 146;
+    fellow-voyagers of, chap. x.;
+    head of house of Berardi, 151;
+    projected voyage with Pinzon, 153;
+    invited to Portugal, 168;
+    married to Maria Cerezo, 168;
+    leaves Spain for Portugal, 169;
+    makes two voyages under Portuguese flag, 170;
+    account of third voyage, 170-177;
+    encounters cannibals, 180-183;
+    calls his discovery the New World, 185;
+    royally received in Portugal, 195;
+    renowned navigator, 196;
+    first-published letter of, 197;
+    makes a "fourth" voyage to America,  200;
+    returns to Spain, 209;
+    contrasted with Columbus, 209-214;
+    mentioned in a letter by Columbus, 218;
+    pilot-major of Spain, chap. xv.;
+    at court, 224;
+    corrects charts made by Columbus, 229;
+    official papers relating to, 233;
+    last will and testament, 234;
+    death of, 235.
+
+  Vespucci, Anastasio, Amerigo's father, 3, 6.
+
+  Vespucci, Elizabetta, Amerigo's mother, 3.
+
+  Vespucci, Georgio Antonio, 8, 11.
+
+  Vespucci, Giovanni, or Juan, Amerigo's nephew, 55;
+    is bequeathed his uncle's valuable papers, 235.
+
+  Vespucci, Girolamo, Amerigo's brother, 52, 53.
+
+  Vespucci, Guido Antonio, epitaph of, 6.
+
+
+  Waldseemüller, Martin, German geographer, who gave the name
+    to America, 241-243.
+
+
+  Yucca, flour made from, 89
+
+
+  Zaitun, city of Cathay, 43, 50.
+
+  Zipangu. _See_ Cipango.
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+[Transcriber's Notes:
+
+The transcriber made the following changes to the text:
+
+ 1. p.  44, The grand Khan ordered --> "The grand Khan ordered
+ 2. p.  69, The accounts of those --> "The accounts of those
+ 3. p.  74, But I perceive, Signor --> "But I perceive, Signor
+ 4. p.  77, "Fonesca" --> "Fonseca"
+ 5. p. 137, "Ojeba"  --> "Ojeda"
+ 6. p. 143, They had no victuals --> "They had no victuals
+ 7. p. 170, There came to be a royal --> "There came to be a royal
+ 8. p. 205, In this part --> "In this part
+ 9. Index, Columbus Ferdinand, books owned by, 268; -->
+           Columbus Ferdinand, books owned by, 248;
+
+End of Transcriber's Notes]
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Amerigo Vespucci, by Frederick A. Ober
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Amerigo Vespucci, by Frederick A. Ober
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Amerigo Vespucci
+
+Author: Frederick A. Ober
+
+Release Date: December 3, 2006 [EBook #19997]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AMERIGO VESPUCCI ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell, Richard J. Shiffer and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<div class="trans-note">
+Transcriber's Note: Every effort has been made to replicate this text as
+faithfully as possible, including obsolete and variant spellings and other
+inconsistencies. Text that has been changed to correct an obvious error by
+the publisher is noted at the <a href="#trans-notes">end</a> of this ebook.
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h1>AMERIGO VESPUCCI</h1>
+
+<h3>BY</h3>
+
+<h2>FREDERICK A. OBER</h2>
+
+<br />
+<h4>HEROES OF AMERICAN HISTORY</h4>
+
+<br />
+
+<h4><i>ILLUSTRATED</i></h4>
+
+<br />
+<div class="figcenter">
+<img src="images/gs00.jpg" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<br />
+<h4>HARPER &amp; BROTHERS PUBLISHERS,<br />
+<span class="sc lowercase">NEW YORK AND LONDON</span><br />
+1907</h4>
+<br />
+
+<p class="center">
+Copyright, 1907, by <span class="sc">Harper &amp; Brothers.</span><br />
+<i>All rights reserved.</i><br />
+Published February, 1907.</p>
+
+<br />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 372px;">
+<a name="frontis" id="frontis">
+<img src="images/gs01-sm.jpg" width="372" height="450" alt="AMERIGO VESPUCCI"
+title="" /></a>
+<span class="caption">AMERIGO VESPUCCI</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr />
+
+<h2><a name="CONTENTS" id="CONTENTS" />CONTENTS</h2>
+<table summary="Table of Contents">
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#I">I.</a></td>
+<td><a href="#I"><span class="sc">Young Amerigo and his Family</span></a></td>
+<td class="page"><a href="#I">1</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#II">II.</a></td>
+<td><a href="#II"><span class="sc">Amerigo's Friends and Teachers</span></a></td>
+<td class="page"><a href="#II">15</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#III">III.</a></td>
+<td><a href="#III"><span class="sc">Vespucci's Favorite Authors</span></a></td>
+<td class="page"><a href="#III">32</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#IV">IV.</a></td>
+<td><a href="#IV"><span class="sc">In the Service of Spain</span></a></td>
+<td class="page"><a href="#IV">45</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#V">V.</a></td>
+<td><a href="#V"><span class="sc">Conversations with Columbus</span></a></td>
+<td class="page"><a href="#V">59</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#VI">VI.</a></td>
+<td><a href="#VI"><span class="sc">Conversations with Columbus</span></a></td>
+<td class="page"><a href="#VI">76</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#VII">VII.</a></td>
+<td><a href="#VII"><span class="sc">Vespucci's "Second" Voyage</span></a></td>
+<td class="page"><a href="#VII">101</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#VIII">VIII.</a></td>
+<td><a href="#VIII"><span class="sc">With Ojeda the Fighter</span></a></td>
+<td class="page"><a href="#VIII">126</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#IX">IX.</a></td>
+<td><a href="#IX"><span class="sc">Cannibals, Giants, and Pearls</span></a></td>
+<td class="page"><a href="#IX">138</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#X">X.</a></td>
+<td><a href="#X"><span class="sc">Famous Fellow-Voyagers</span></a></td>
+<td><a href="#X">148</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#XI">XI.</a></td>
+<td><a href="#XI"><span class="sc">On the Coast of Brazil</span></a></td>
+<td><a href="#XI">165</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#XII">XII.</a></td>
+<td><a href="#XII"><span class="sc">The "Fourth Part of the Earth"</span></a></td>
+<td class="page"><a href="#XII">179</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#XIII">XIII.</a></td>
+<td><a href="#XIII"><span class="sc">The Fourth Great Voyage</span></a></td>
+<td class="page"><a href="#XIII">194</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#XIV">XIV.</a></td>
+<td><a href="#XIV"><span class="sc">King Ferdinand's Friend</span></a></td>
+<td class="page"><a href="#XIV">209</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#XV">XV.</a></td>
+<td><a href="#XV"><span class="sc">Pilot-Major of Spain</span></a></td>
+<td class="page"><a href="#XV">221</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><a href="#XVI">XVI.</a></td>
+<td><a href="#XVI"><span class="sc">How America was Named</span></a></td>
+<td><a href="#XVI">237</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<hr />
+<h2><a name="ILLUSTRATIONS" id="ILLUSTRATIONS"></a>ILLUSTRATIONS</h2>
+<table summary="Illustrations">
+<tr>
+<td><span class="sc lowercase">AMERIGO VESPUCCI</span></td>
+<td class="page"><a href="#frontis"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><span class="sc lowercase">A CONJECTURAL RESTORATION OF TOSCANELLI'S MAP</span></td>
+<td class="page"><a href="#Page_20"><i>Facing p.</i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><span class="sc lowercase">MARCO POLO</span></td>
+<td class="page"><a href="#Page_40">"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;40</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><span class="sc lowercase">OJEDA'S FIRST VOYAGE</span></td>
+<td class="page"><a href="#Page_130">"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;130</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><span class="sc lowercase">ROUTES OF THE DISCOVERERS</span></td>
+<td class="page"><a href="#Page_166">"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;166</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td><span class="sc lowercase">NORTH AMERICA FROM THE GLOBE OF JOHANN SCH&Ouml;NER</span></td>
+<td class="page"><a href="#Page_244">"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;244</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+<hr />
+<h2><a name="AUTHORITIES" id="AUTHORITIES"></a>AUTHORITIES</h2>
+
+<h4>ON</h4>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Amerigo Vespucci</span></h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">XVIth Century</span>. Vespucci's letters to Soderini and L. P. F. de' Medici,
+reproduced in this volume.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">XVIIth Century</span>. Herrera, in his <i>Historia General</i> (etc.), Madrid,
+1601; "probably followed Las Casas, whose MSS. he had."</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">XVIIIth Century</span>. Dandini, A. M., <i>Vita e Lettere di Amerigo Vespucci</i>,
+Florence, 1745.</p>
+
+<p>Canovai, Stanislac, <i>Elogia di Amerigo Vespucci</i>, 1778.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">XIXth Century</span>. Navarrete, M. F. de, <i>Noticias Exactas de Americo
+Vespucio</i>, contained in his Coleccion, Madrid, 1825-1837.</p>
+
+<p>Humboldt, Alexander von, <i>Examen Critique de l'Histoire de la
+G&eacute;ographie de Nouveau Continent</i>, Paris, 1836-1839.</p>
+
+<p>Lester, C. Edwards, <i>The Life and Voyages of Americus Vespucius</i>, New
+York, 1846; reprinted, in de luxe edition, New York, 1903.</p>
+
+<p>Varnhagen, F. A., Baron de Porto Seguro, <i>Amerigo Vespucci, son
+Caract&egrave;re, ses &Eacute;crits</i> (etc.), Lima, 1865; Vienna, 1874. A collection
+of monographs called by Fiske "the only intelligent modern treatise on
+the life and voyages of this navigator."</p>
+
+<p>Fiske, John, <i>The Discovery of America</i>, Boston, 1899; contains an
+exhaustive critical examination of Vespucci's voyages to which the
+reader should refer for more extended information.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="AMERIGO_VESPUCCI1" id="AMERIGO_VESPUCCI1"></a>AMERIGO VESPUCCI<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></h2>
+
+<br />
+<br />
+
+<h2><a name="I" id="I"></a>I</h2>
+
+<h3>YOUNG AMERIGO AND HIS FAMILY</h3>
+
+<h4>1451-1470</h4>
+
+
+<p>Cradled in the valley of the Arno, its noble architecture fitly
+supplementing its numerous natural charms, lies the Tuscan city of
+Florence, the birthplace of immortal Dante, the early home of Michael
+Angelo, the seat of the Florentine Medici, the scene of Savonarola's
+triumphs and his tragic end. Fame has come to many sons of Florence,
+as poets, statesmen, sculptors, painters, travellers; but perhaps none
+has achieved<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span> a distinction so unique, apart, and high as the subject
+of this volume, after whom the continents of the western hemisphere
+were named.</p>
+
+<p>Amerigo Vespucci was born in Florence, March 9, 1451, just one hundred
+and fifty years after Dante was banished from the city in which both
+first saw the light. The Vespucci family had then resided in that city
+more than two hundred years, having come from Peretola, a little town
+adjacent, where the name was highly regarded, as attached to the most
+respected of the Italian nobility. Following the custom of that
+nobility, during the period of unrest in Italy, the Vespuccis
+established themselves in a stately mansion near one of the city
+gates, which is known as the Porta del Prato. Thus they were within
+touch of the gay society of Florence, and could enjoy its advantages,
+while at the same time in a position, in the event of an uprising, to
+flee to their estates and stronghold in the country.</p>
+
+<p>While the house in which Christopher Columbus was born remains
+unidentified, and the year of his birth undecided, no such ambiguity
+attaches to the place and year of Vespucci's nativity. Above the
+doorway<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> of the mansion which "for centuries before the discovery of
+America was the dwelling-place of the ancestors of Amerigo Vespucci,
+and his own birthplace," a marble tablet was placed, in the second
+decade of the eighteenth century, bearing the following inscription:</p>
+
+<p class="center">
+"<i>To</i> <span class="smcap">Americo Vespuccio</span>, <i>a noble Florentine</i>,<br />
+<i>Who, by the discovery of</i> <span class="smcap">America</span>,<br />
+<i>Rendered his own and his Country's name illustrious,</i><br />
+[<i>As</i>] <i>the</i> <span class="smcap">Amplifier of the World</span>.<br />
+<i>Upon this ancient mansion of the</i> <span class="smcap">Vespucci</span>,<br />
+<i>Inhabited by so great a man,<br />
+The holy fathers of Saint John of God<br />
+Have placed this Tablet, sacred to his memory</i>.<br />
+<span class="smcap">a.d.</span> 1719."<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>At that time, about midway between the date of Vespucci's death and
+the present, the evidence was strong and continuous as to the
+residence in that building (which was then used as a hospital) of the
+family whose name it commemorates. Here was born, in 1451, the third
+son of Anastasio and Elizabetta Vespucci, whose name, whether rightly
+or not, was to be bestowed upon a part of the world at that time
+unknown.</p>
+
+<p>The Vespuccis were then aristocrats, with a long and boasted lineage,
+but without great<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span> wealth to support their pretensions. They were
+relatively poor; they were proud; but they were not ashamed to engage
+in trade. Some of their ancestors had filled the highest offices
+within the gift of the state, such as <i>prioris</i> and <i>gonfalonieres</i>,
+or magistrates and chief magistrates, while the first of the Vespuccis
+known to have borne the pr&aelig;nomen Amerigo was a secretary of the
+republic in 1336.</p>
+
+<p>It is incontestable that Amerigo Vespucci was well-born, and in his
+youth received the advantages of an education more thorough than was
+usually enjoyed by the sons of families which had "the respectability
+of wealth acquired in trade," and even the prestige of noble
+connections. No argument is needed to show that the position of a
+Florentine merchant was perfectly compatible with great
+respectability, for the Medici themselves, with the history of whose
+house that of Florence is bound up most intimately, were merchant
+princes. The vast wealth they acquired in their mercantile operations
+in various parts of Europe enabled them to pose as patrons of art and
+literature, and supported their pretensions to sovereign power. The
+Florentine Medici attained to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span> greatest eminence during the latter
+half of the century in which Amerigo Vespucci was born, and he was
+acquainted both with Cosimo, that "Pater Patri&aelig;, who began the
+glorious epoch of the family," and with "Lorenzo the Magnificent," who
+died in 1492.</p>
+
+<p>The Florentines, in fact, were known as great European traders or
+merchants as early as the eleventh century, while their bankers and
+capitalists not only controlled the financial affairs of several
+states, or nations, but exerted a powerful influence in the realm of
+statesmanship and diplomacy. The little wealth the Vespucci enjoyed at
+the time of Amerigo's advent was derived from an ancestor of the
+century previous, who, besides providing endowments for churches and
+hospitals, left a large fortune to his heirs. His monument may be seen
+within the chapel built by himself and his wife, and it bears this
+inscription, in old Gothic characters: "The tomb of Simone Piero
+Vespucci, a merchant, and of his children and descendants, and of his
+wife, who caused this chapel to be erected and decorated&mdash;for the
+salvation of her soul. Anno Dom. 1383."</p>
+
+<p>The immediate ancestors, then, of Amerigo<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> Vespucci were highly
+respectable, and they were honorable, having held many positions of
+trust, with credit to themselves and profit to the state. At the time
+of Amerigo's birth his father, Anastasio Vespucci, was secretary of
+the Signori, or senate of the republic; an uncle, Juliano, was
+Florentine ambassador at Genoa; and a cousin, Piero Vespucci, so ably
+commanded a fleet of galleys despatched against the corsairs of the
+Barbary coast that he was sent as ambassador to the King of Naples, by
+whom he was specially honored.</p>
+
+<p>Another member of the family, one Guido Antonio, became locally famous
+as an expounder of the law and a diplomat. Respecting him an epitaph
+was composed, the last two lines of which might, if applied to
+Amerigo, have seemed almost prophetic:</p>
+
+<p class="center">
+"<i>Here lies</i> <span class="smcap">Guido Antonio</span>, <i>in this sepulchre</i>&mdash;<br />
+<span class="smcap">He who should live forever</span>,<br />
+<i>Or else never have seen the light.</i>"<br />
+</p>
+
+<p>This epitaph was written of the lawyer, who departed unknown and
+unwept by the world, while his then obscure kinsman, Amerigo,
+subsequently achieved a fame that filled the four quarters of the
+earth.</p>
+
+<p>The youth of Amerigo is enshrouded in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> the obscurity which envelops
+that of the average boy in whatever age, for no one divined that he
+would become great or famous, and hence he was not provided with a
+biographer. This is unfortunate, of course, but we must console
+ourselves with the thought that he was not unusually precocious, and
+probably said little that would be considered worth preserving. It
+happened that after he became world-large in importance, tales and
+traditions respecting his earliest years crept out in abundance; but
+these may well be looked upon with suspicion. We know scarcely more
+than that his early years were happy, for he had a loving mother, and
+a father wise enough to direct him in the way he should travel.</p>
+
+<p>It does not always follow that the course the father prescribes is the
+best one in the end, for sometimes a boy develops in unsurmised
+directions; and this was the case with Amerigo Vespucci. The fortunes
+of the family being on the wane, he was selected as the one to
+retrieve them, and of four sons was the only one who did not receive a
+college education. The other three were sent to the University of
+Pisa, whence they returned with their "honors" thick upon them, and
+soon<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> lapsed into obscurity, from which they never emerged. That is,
+they never "made a mark" in the world; save one brother, Girolamo, who
+made a pilgrimage to Palestine, where he lived nine years, suffered
+much, and lost what little fortune he carried with him.</p>
+
+<p>He may have thought, perhaps, in after years, that if he had not
+belonged to a family containing the world-famed navigator his exploits
+would have brought him reputation; but it is more probable that if he
+had not written a letter to his younger brother, Amerigo, the world
+would never have heard from him at all. However, he was the first
+traveller in the family, and with his university education he should
+have produced a good account of his adventures; but if he ever did so
+it has not been preserved from oblivion.</p>
+
+<p>Amerigo was not given a college education, but something&mdash;as it
+eventuated&mdash;vastly better. His father had a brother, a man of
+erudition for his time, who had studied for the Church. This learned
+uncle, Georgio Antonio Vespucci, was then a Dominican friar, respected
+in Florence for his piety and for his learning. About the year<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> 1450,
+or not long before Amerigo was born, he opened a school for the sons
+of nobles, and in the garb of a monk pursued the calling of the
+preceptor. His fame was such that the school was always full, yet when
+his brother's child, Amerigo, desired to attend, having arrived at the
+age for receiving the rudiments of an education, he was greeted
+cordially and given a place in one of the lower classes. It may be
+imagined that he would have been favored by his uncle; but such seems
+not to have been the case, for the worthy friar was a disciplinarian
+first of all. He had ever in mind, however, the kind of education
+desired by his brother for Amerigo, which was to be commercial, and
+grounded him well in mathematics, languages, cosmography, and
+astronomy. His curriculum even embraced, it is said, statesmanship and
+the finesse of diplomacy, for the merchants of Vespucci's days were,
+like the Venetian consuls, "very important factors in developing
+friendly international relations."</p>
+
+<p>There was then a great rivalry between Venice, Florence, Genoa, and
+Pisa for the control of trading-posts in the Levant, which carried
+with them the vast commerce of the Orient, then conducted by way of
+the Mediterranean,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> the Black, and the Caspian seas, and overland by
+caravans with India and China. At the time our hero was growing into
+manhood, in the latter half of the fifteenth century, Florence, "under
+the brilliant leadership of the Medici and other shrewd merchant
+princes, gained control of strategic trading-posts in all parts of the
+[then known] world, and secured a practical monopoly in the trade
+through Armenia and Rhodes.... It was from banking, however, that
+Florence derived most of her wealth. For some time her bankers
+controlled the financial markets of the world. Most of the great loans
+made by sovereigns during this period, for carrying on wars or for
+other purposes, were made through the agency of Florentine bankers.
+Even Venetian merchants were glad to appeal to her banks for loans. In
+the fifteenth century Florence had eighty great banking-houses, many
+of which had branches in every part of the world."<a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p>
+
+<p>It is evident, therefore, that the sagacious Anastasio Vespucci had
+mapped out a great career for the son whom he had chosen to recreate
+the fortunes of his house. He was to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> be a banker, a diplomat;
+eventually he might attain, like the greatest of the Medici, to the
+station and dignities of a merchant prince. To this end the worthy
+Georgio Antonio ever strove, and as he found his nephew a tractable
+and studious pupil, he congratulated himself and his family that in
+Amerigo they had the individual who was to restore the prestige of
+their ancient name.</p>
+
+<p>But alas! the sequel proved that Friar Georgio was too ambitious, and
+had overshot the mark. In his desire to turn out a finished product, a
+scholar that should be a credit to his school and an ornament to his
+family, he not only inculcated the essentials for a commercial
+education, but, as has already been mentioned, led his eager follower
+into the wider fields of astronomy and cosmography. All he knew&mdash;and
+that included all the ancients knew&mdash;of these abstruse sciences he
+imparted to Amerigo, and in the end, so far as we can judge, the young
+man became more proficient in them than any other person of his age
+and time. So it eventuated that those studies, which were intended
+merely as subsidiary to the more serious pursuit, became the prime
+factors in shaping his career. They were his stepping-stones<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> to
+greatness, as were his mercantile transactions; but, anticipating
+somewhat the events of his later life, we shall find that they did not
+conduce to the acquisition of wealth.</p>
+
+<p>"In Florence," says the author previously quoted, "more than in any
+other Italian city during the Middle Ages, was displayed the direct
+influence of commerce upon the developments of all the finer elements
+of material and immaterial civilization. She was the Athens of Italy,
+and her art, literature, and science was the brightest gleam of
+intellectual light that was seen in Europe during that age. It was
+from Florence, more than from any other source, that came the
+awakening influence known as the Renaissance."</p>
+
+<p>This truth we see exemplified in the formative period of Amerigo
+Vespucci's life, for, in order to become qualified to adorn the high
+position of a prince of commerce, he was as carefully trained as if to
+fill a prelate's chair or grasp the helm of state. So reluctant was
+his uncle, the good old monk Georgio, to relinquish his talented
+nephew to the world, that we find them in company as late as 1471, as
+attested by this letter, written in Latin by Amerigo to his father, in
+October of that year:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"<i>To the Excellent and Honorable Signor Anastasio Vespucci.</i></p>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Honored Father</span>,&mdash;Do not wonder that I have not written to
+you within the last few days. I thought that my uncle would
+have satisfied you concerning me, and in his absence I
+scarcely dare to address you in the Latin tongue, blushing
+even at my deficiencies in my own language. I have, besides,
+been industriously occupied of late in studying the rules of
+Latin composition, and will show you my book on my return.
+Whatever else I have accomplished, and how I have conducted
+myself, you will have been able to learn from my uncle,
+whose return I ardently desire, that, under his and your own
+joint directions, I may follow with greater facility both my
+studies and your kind precepts.</p>
+
+<p>"George Antonio, three or four days ago, gave a number of
+letters to you to a good priest, Signor Nerotto, to which he
+desires your answer. There is nothing else that is new to
+relate, unless that we all desire greatly to return to the
+city. The day of our return is not yet fixed, but soon will
+be, unless the pestilence should increase and occasion
+greater alarm, which may God avert!</p>
+
+<p>"He, George Antonio, commends to your consideration a poor
+and wretched neighbor of his, whose only reliance and means
+are in our house, concerning which he addresses you in full.
+He asks you, therefore, that you would attend to his
+affairs, so that they may suffer as little as possible in
+his absence.</p>
+
+<p>"Farewell, then, honored father. Salute all the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> family in
+my behalf, and commend me to my mother and all my elder
+relatives.</p>
+
+<p class="quotsig">"Your son, with due obedience,<br />
+"<span class="smcap">Amerigo Vespucci</span>."<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a><br />
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>The cause of Amerigo's absence from Florence was, it is said, the
+terrible plague which swept over that city and for a time paralyzed
+its activities. All who were able fled to the country, and, Friar
+Georgio's school having been broken up by the scattering of his
+pupils, he and Amerigo retired to their family estate, at or near
+Peretola, there to await the subsidence of the epidemic.</p>
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> This name is variously spelled, as, for example:
+Albericus, Alberico, Almerigo, Americo, Americus, Amerigo; Despuche,
+Vespuche, Vespuchy, Vespuccio, Vespucius, Vespucci. The best writers
+use either the Italian, Amerigo Vespucci, or the Latinized, Americus
+Vespucius, with good authority for both.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> From the <i>General History of Commerce</i>, by W. C. Webster,
+Ph.D.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> This letter was discovered by Signor Bandini, author of
+the <i>Vita e Lettre di Amerigo Vespucci</i>, 1745, in the Strozzi Library.
+Harrisse says, "This, and two or three signatures added to receipts,
+which were brought to light by Navarrete, constitute the only
+autographs of Vespucius known."
+</p><p>
+In the original paper he uses the Latin form, Vespucius; but in a
+letter written in 1508, when he was pilot-major of Spain, he signs
+himself "Amerigo Vespucci."</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="II" id="II"></a>II</h2>
+
+<h3>AMERIGO'S FRIENDS AND TEACHERS</h3>
+
+<h4>1470-1482</h4>
+
+
+<p>Florence, in Vespucci's day, was the home of genius, of culture, and
+of art. Amerigo, doubtless, was acquainted with some of her sons whose
+fame, like his own, has endured to the present day, and will last for
+all time. The great Michael Angelo, who was born at or near Florence
+in 1475, and whose patron was Lorenzo the Magnificent, was his
+contemporary, although the artist and sculptor survived the discoverer
+more than fifty years. Savonarola, who came to Florence in 1482, was
+just a year the junior of Amerigo, and is said to have been an
+intimate friend of his uncle, who, like himself, belonged to the
+Dominican order. The young man may not have been touched by
+Buonarroti's art, nor have been moved by Savonarola's preaching, but,
+like the former, he possessed an artistic temperament,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> and, like the
+latter, he was an enthusiast.</p>
+
+<p>The man, however, who, next to his uncle, shaped Amerigo's career and
+turned him from trade to exploration, was a learned Florentine named
+Toscanelli. If you have followed the fortunes of Christopher Columbus,
+reader, you have seen this name before, for it was Toscanelli who, in
+the year 1474, sent a letter and a chart to the so-called discoverer
+of America, which confirmed him in the impression that a route to
+India lay westward from Europe across the "Sea of Darkness."</p>
+
+<p>It is not known just when Amerigo first met "Paul the Physicist," as
+Toscanelli was called in Florence; but it may have been in youth or
+early manhood, for aside from the fact that "all the world" knew and
+reverenced the famous <i>savant</i>, there was the inclination arising from
+a mutual interest in cosmography and astronomy. Toscanelli was the
+foremost scientist of his age, and as he was born in 1397, at the time
+Amerigo met him he must have been a venerable man. He lived, however,
+until the year 1482, and as the younger man was in Florence during the
+first forty years of his life, and the last thirty of Toscanelli's, it
+is more than probable<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> that their intercourse was long and friendly.</p>
+
+<p>It is known, at least, that they were acquainted at the time the
+learned doctor wrote Columbus, in 1474, and it does not require a
+stretch of the imagination to fancy them together, and wondering what
+effect that letter would have upon a man who entertained views similar
+to their own. Columbus, it is thought, had then been pondering several
+years over the possible discovery of land, presumably the eastern
+coast of India, by sailing westward. "It was in the year 1474," writes
+a modern historian, "that he had some correspondence with the Italian
+savant, Toscanelli, regarding this discovery of land. A belief in such
+a discovery was a natural corollary to the object which Prince Henry
+of Portugal had in view by circumnavigating Africa, in order to find a
+way to the countries of which Marco Polo had given golden accounts. It
+was, in brief, to substitute for the tedious indirection of the
+African route a direct western passage&mdash;a belief in the practicability
+of which was drawn from a confidence in the sphericity of the
+earth."<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Later in life Columbus seems to have forgotten his indebtedness to
+Toscanelli, and "grew to imagine that he had been independent of the
+influences of his time," ascribing his great discovery to the
+inspiration of one chosen to accomplish the prophecy of Isaiah. But
+the venerable Florentine had pondered the problem many years before
+Columbus thought of it. "Some Italian writers even go to the extent of
+asserting that the idea of a western passage to India originated with
+Toscanelli, before it entered the mind of Columbus; and it is highly
+probable that this was the case."</p>
+
+<p>There is this in favor of Toscanelli: He was a learned man, while
+Columbus was comparatively ignorant. He was then advanced in years,
+and had given the greater portion of his life to the consideration of
+just such questions, having had his attention called to them by
+reading the travels of Marco Polo and comparing the information
+therein contained with that derived from Eastern merchants who had
+traded for many years in the Orient. He was not a sailor, nor a
+corsair&mdash;though Columbus had been both, and had followed the sea for
+years&mdash;but he was an astronomer, and he knew<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> more of the starry
+heavens, as well as of the earth beneath them, than any other
+scientist alive. "It was Toscanelli who erected the famous solstitial
+gnomon at the cathedral of Florence." For his learning he was honored,
+when but thirty years of age, with the curatorship of the great
+Florentine library, and for nearly sixty years thereafter he passed
+his days amid books, charts, maps, and globes.</p>
+
+<p>As a speculative philosopher, he had arrived at a correct conclusion
+respecting the sphericity of the earth, and, with all the generosity
+of a humanitarian, he freely communicated his ideas to others.
+Columbus would have excluded every other human being from
+participating in his thoughts, and arrogated to himself alone the
+right to navigate westerly. This was the difference between the
+broad-minded philosopher and the narrow-minded sailor who by accident
+had stumbled upon a theory. The philosopher said, "It belongs to the
+world!" The ignorant sailor cried, "It is mine!"</p>
+
+<p>Toscanelli advanced the theory, but it was Columbus who put it to the
+test, and reaped all the rewards, as well as suffered for the
+mistakes. For mistakes there were,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> and the chief error lay in
+supposing the country "discovered" by Columbus pertained to the
+Indies. He died in that belief, and also Toscanelli, who passed away
+ten years before the first voyage made to that land, subsequently
+known as America. In one sense, perhaps, the Florentine doctor was the
+means of that first voyage of Columbus having been accomplished, for
+the chart he sent him made the distance between Europe and the western
+country seem so short that it was undertaken with less reluctance, and
+persisted in more stubbornly, than it might otherwise have been. But
+this was a mistake in detail only, and not in theory. A line was
+projected from about the latitude of Lisbon, on the western coast of
+Europe, to the "great city of Quinsai," as described by Marco Polo, on
+the opposite shores of Asia. This line was divided into twenty-six
+spaces, of two hundred and fifty miles each, making the total distance
+between the two points sixty-five hundred miles, which Toscanelli
+supposed to be one-third of the earth's circumference.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/gs02-sm.jpg" width="500" height="336"
+alt="A CONJECTURAL RESTORATION OF TOSCANELLI&#39;S MAP" title="" />
+<p class="right"><a href="images/gs02-lg.jpg" name="fig02" id="fig02">Enlarge</a></p>
+<span class="caption">A CONJECTURAL RESTORATION OF TOSCANELLI&#39;S MAP</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>In short, Toscanelli calculated the distance, made a conjectural chart
+embodying the results of his readings of Aristotle, Strabo, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>and
+Ptolemy, of his conversations during many years with Oriental
+travellers, and his own observations. He sent this chart to Columbus;
+the latter adopted it as his guide, and by means of it, faulty as it
+was, achieved his great "discovery." Whose, then, is the merit of this
+achievement? Does it not belong as much to Toscanelli as to Columbus?</p>
+
+<p>To whomsoever the credit may be given&mdash;whether to the man who
+conceived the idea, or to him who developed it, and whether or not
+Columbus intentionally appropriated the honor and glory
+exclusively&mdash;by the irony of fate, there stood a man at Toscanelli's
+elbow, as it were, when he wrote to the Genoese, who was destined to
+rob him of his great discovery's richest reward. This man was Amerigo
+Vespucci, after whom&mdash;though unsuggested by him and unknown to
+him&mdash;the continents of America were named, by strangers, before
+Christopher Columbus had lain a year in his grave!</p>
+
+<p>It is not at all improbable that Vespucci was aware of the
+correspondence between Toscanelli and Columbus, as he was then
+acquainted with the former, and at the age of twenty-three was
+intensely interested in the pursuits of the learned physician. Next<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>
+to Toscanelli, in fact, he was probably the best-informed man then
+living in Florence as to the studies to which his friend had devoted
+the better part of his life, and it is not unreasonable to suppose
+that he saw the letters before they were sent to Columbus.</p>
+
+<p>But this is a trivial matter compared with the importance of these
+letters, in a consideration of the effect they produced upon the mind
+of Columbus, for, if they did not suggest to him the idea of voyaging
+westerly to discover the Indies, they certainly confirmed him in the
+opinion that such a voyage could be successfully made. By a strange
+freak of fate these letters were preserved in the <i>Life of Columbus</i>,
+written by his son Fernando, and there can be no question of their
+authenticity. They breathe the spirit of benevolence for which
+Toscanelli was noted, and indicate the greatness of the man&mdash;a
+greatness decidedly in contrast to the mean and petty nature of his
+correspondent, who would have perished sooner than allow information
+so precious to escape from him to the world.</p>
+
+<p>Toscanelli's first letter was written in Florence, June 25, 1474, and
+is as follows:<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"<i>To Christopher Columbus, Paul the Physicist wishes
+health.</i></p>
+
+<p>"I perceive your noble and earnest desire to sail to those
+parts where the spice is produced, and therefore, in answer
+to a letter of yours, I send you another letter which, some
+days since, I wrote to a friend of mine, a servant of the
+King of Portugal before the wars of Castile, in answer to
+another that he wrote me by his highness's order, upon this
+same account. And I also <i>send you another sea-chart</i>, like
+the one I sent to him, which will satisfy your demands. This
+is a copy of the letter:</p>
+
+<p>"<i>'To Ferdinand Martinez, Canon of Lisbon, Paul the
+Physicist wishes health.</i></p>
+
+<p>"'I am very glad to hear of the familiarity you enjoy with
+your most serene and magnificent king, and though I have
+very often discoursed concerning <i>the short way there is
+from hence to the Indies</i>, where the spice is produced, by
+sea (which I look upon to be shorter than that you take by
+the coast of Guinea), yet you now tell me that his highness
+would have me make out and demonstrate it, so that it may be
+understood and put in practice.</p>
+
+<p>"'Therefore, though I could better show it to him with a
+globe in my hand, and make him sensible of the figure of the
+world, yet I have resolved, to make it more easy and
+intelligible, to show the way on a chart, such as is used in
+navigation, and therefore I send one to his majesty, made
+and drawn with my own hand, wherein is set down the <i>utmost
+bounds of the earth, from Ireland in the west to the
+farthest parts of Guinea</i>, with all the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> islands that lie in
+the way; opposite to which western coast is described the
+beginning of the Indies, with the islands and places whither
+you may go, and how far you may bend from the North Pole
+towards the Equinoctial, and for how long a time&mdash;that is,
+how many leagues you may sail before you come to those
+places most fruitful in spices, jewels, and precious stones.</p>
+
+<p>"'Do not wonder if I term that country where the spice
+grows, <i>West</i>, that product being generally ascribed to the
+<i>East</i>, because those who sail westward will always find
+those countries in the west, and those who travel by land
+eastward will always find those countries in the east! The
+straight lines that lie lengthways in the chart show the
+distance there is from west to east; the others, which cross
+them, show the distance from north to south. I have also
+marked down in the chart several places in India where ships
+might put in, upon any storms or contrary winds, or other
+unforeseen accident.</p>
+
+<p>"'Moreover, to give you full information of all those places
+which you are very desirous to know about, you must
+understand that none but traders live and reside in all
+those islands, and that there is as great a number of ships
+and seafaring people, with merchandise, as in any other part
+of the world, particularly in a most noble port called
+Zaitun, where there are every year a hundred large ships of
+pepper loaded and unloaded, besides many other ships that
+take in other spices. This country is mighty populous, and
+there are many provinces and kingdoms, and innumerable
+cities, under the dominion of <i>a prince called the Grand
+Khan</i>, which name signifies king of kings, who for the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> most
+part resides in the province of Cathay. His predecessors
+were very desirous to have commerce and be in amity with
+Christians, and two hundred years since sent ambassadors to
+the Pope, desiring him to send them many learned men and
+doctors, to teach them our faith; but by reason of some
+obstacles the ambassadors met with they returned back,
+without coming to Rome. Besides, there came an ambassador to
+Pope Eugenius IV., who told him of the great friendship
+there was between those princes and their people, and the
+Christians. <i>I discoursed with him a long while</i> upon the
+several matters of the grandeur of their royal structures,
+and of the greatness, length, and breadth of their rivers,
+and he told me many wonderful things of the multitude of
+towns and cities along the banks of the rivers, upon a
+single one of which there were two hundred cities, with
+marble bridges of great length and breadth, adorned with
+numerous pillars.</p>
+
+<p>"'This country deserves as well as any other to be
+discovered; and there may not only be great profit made
+there, and many things of value found, but also gold,
+silver, many sorts of precious stones, and spices in
+abundance, which are not brought into our ports. And it is
+certain that many wise men, philosophers, astrologers, and
+other persons skilled in all arts and very ingenious, govern
+that mighty province and command their armies. From Lisbon
+directly westward there are in the chart twenty-six spaces,
+each of which contains two hundred and fifty miles, to the
+most noble and vast city of Quinsai, which is one hundred
+miles in compass&mdash;that is, thirty-five leagues. In it there
+are ten marble bridges. The name signifies a heavenly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> city,
+of which wonderful things are reported, as to the ingenuity
+of the people, the buildings, and the revenues.</p>
+
+<p>"'This space above mentioned is <i>almost the third part of
+the globe</i>. The city is in the province of Mangi, bordering
+on that of <i>Cathay</i>, where the king for the most part
+resides. From the island of Antilla, which you call the
+Island of the Seven Cities, and whereof you have some
+knowledge, to the most noble island of <i>Cipango</i> are ten
+spaces, which make two thousand five hundred miles. This
+island abounds in gold, pearls, and precious stones; and,
+you must understand, they cover their temples and palaces
+with plates of pure gold; so that, for want of knowing the
+way, all these things are concealed and hidden&mdash;and yet may
+be gone to with safety.</p>
+
+<p>"'Much more might be said; but having told you what is most
+material, and you being wise and judicious, I am satisfied
+there is nothing of it but what you understand, and
+therefore will not be more prolix. Thus much may serve to
+satisfy your curiosity, it being as much as the shortness of
+time and my business would permit me to say. So, I remain
+most ready to satisfy and serve his Highness to the utmost,
+in all the commands he shall lay upon me.'"</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>A second communication followed the reply of Columbus, in which
+Toscanelli wrote:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"I received your letters with the things you sent me, which
+I take as a great favor, and commend your noble and ardent
+desire of sailing from<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> east to west, <i>as it is marked out
+in the chart I sent you</i>, which would demonstrate itself
+better in the form of a globe. I am glad it is well
+understood, and that the voyage laid down is not only
+possible, but certain, honorable, very advantageous, and
+most glorious among all Christians. You cannot be perfect in
+the knowledge of it but by experience and practice, as I
+have had in great measure, and by the solid and true
+information of worthy and wise men, who are come from those
+parts to this court of Rome, and from merchants who have
+traded long in those parts and who are persons of good
+reputation. So that, when the said voyage is performed, it
+will be to powerful kingdoms, and to most noble cities and
+provinces, rich, and abounding in all things we stand in
+need of, particularly all sorts of spice in great
+quantities, and stores of jewels. This will, moreover, be
+grateful to those kings and princes who are very desirous to
+converse and trade with Christians, or else have
+communication with the wise and ingenious men in these
+parts, as well in point of religion as in all sciences,
+because of the extraordinary account they have of the
+kingdoms and government of these parts. For which reasons,
+and many more that might be alleged, I do not at all wonder
+that you, who have a great heart, and all the Portuguese
+nation, which has ever had notable men in all undertakings,
+be eagerly bent upon performing this voyage."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>In these letters we have outlined by Toscanelli the very voyage that
+Columbus<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> took in 1492, eighteen years after he had received this
+precious information. In his journal of that voyage he makes mention
+of "<i>the islands marked on the chart</i>"; he was constantly seeking the
+island of Atlantis, and hoped eventually to arrive at the great and
+noble city of Quinsai, as well as at Cipango and Cathay. As for the
+"Grand Khan"&mdash;of whom he had been informed by Toscanelli, who obtained
+his information from Marco Polo's works&mdash;he not only sent an embassy
+in search of him, when in Cuba, but was looking for him throughout all
+his voyages.</p>
+
+<p>It is well known that Columbus was not aware that he had really
+discovered a new world, but to the end of his days believed he had
+merely arrived at the eastern coast of India. So persistent was he in
+this belief that he falsified documents, and forced his crew to swear
+to what they did not know&mdash;namely, that Cuba was a continent, and not
+an island! He believed he had arrived at Cipango, when he heard the
+Indian word, <i>cibao</i>, on the coast of Hispaniola; and he says, in a
+letter written to Luis Santangel in 1493, "In Espa&ntilde;ola there are
+gold-mines, and thence to terra firma, as well as thence<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> to the Grand
+Khan, everything is on a splendid scale." Also, "When I arrived at
+Juana [Cuba], I followed the coast to the westward, and found it so
+extensive that I considered it must be a continent and a <i>province of
+Cathay</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>Columbus, it has been said by some investigators, was a man of one
+idea&mdash;and that idea not his own! "It is impossible," says Washington
+Irving, in his <i>Life of Columbus</i>&mdash;which is, throughout, an elegant
+but labored apology for its hero&mdash;"to determine the precise time when
+Columbus first conceived the design of seeking a western route to
+India. It is certain, however, that he meditated it as early as the
+year 1474, though as yet it lay crude and unmatured in his mind."</p>
+
+<p>The year 1474, as we know, was that in which Toscanelli sent him the
+letter and the chart. In that letter the route to India was laid down,
+and on that chart it was made clear to any seafaring man how Cathay
+might be reached, by merely sailing westward! By setting his helm, and
+persisting in a westerly course, any one might reach the coast that
+was supposed to lie opposite to Europe and Africa. Columbus did that,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>
+according to directions received from Toscanelli eighteen years
+before. He did nothing more, and he reached, not the coast of India,
+but the outlying islands of a new world since called America.</p>
+
+<p>The idea, then, which Columbus claimed as exclusively his own was
+conveyed to him by Toscanelli&mdash;or, at least, it so appears&mdash;and
+Toscanelli obtained it from the ancients. For, says one having
+authority, "Eratosthenes, accepting the spherical theory, had advanced
+the identical notion which nearly seventeen hundred years later
+impelled Columbus to his voyage. He held the known world to span
+one-third of the circuit of the globe, as Strabo did at a later day,
+leaving an unknown two-thirds of sea; and if it were not that the vast
+extent of the Atlantic Sea rendered it impossible, one might even sail
+from the coast of Spain to that of India, along the same parallel."</p>
+
+<p>And again: "An important element in the problem was the statement of
+Marco Polo regarding a large island, which he called Cipango, and
+which he represented as lying in the ocean off the eastern coast of
+Asia. This carried the eastern verge of the Asiatic<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> world farther
+than the ancients had known, and, on the spherical theory, brought
+land nearer westward from Europe than could earlier have been
+supposed.... Humboldt has pointed out that neither Christopher
+Columbus nor his son Ferdinand mentions Marco Polo; still, we know
+that the former had read his book."<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a></p>
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> Justin Winsor, in <i>The Narrative and Critical History of
+America</i>.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> <i>Narrative and Critical History of America.</i></p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="III" id="III"></a>III</h2>
+
+<h3>VESPUCCI'S FAVORITE AUTHORS</h3>
+
+<h4>1485-1490</h4>
+
+
+<p>Books of any sort were few and precious during the youthful period of
+Amerigo Vespucci's life, for the art of printing by the use of movable
+type was invented about the time he was born, and most of the great
+discoverers, including himself and Columbus, were to pass away before
+the printing-press was introduced into America.<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></p>
+
+<p>In the library of Paul the Physicist, however, the ardent scholar,
+Vespucci, must have seen many manuscripts which he was permitted to
+read, and among them, doubtless, the account of Marco Polo's
+wonderful<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> journeys. It is thought that Toscanelli may have possessed,
+indeed, one of the first copies of <i>Marco Polo</i> ever printed, as it
+issued from a German press in 1477; or at least of the second edition,
+which appeared in 1481, the year before he died. A copy of the first
+Latin edition was once owned by Fernando Columbus, and has marginal
+marks ascribed to his father. This edition was printed in 1485, the
+year in which Hernando Cort&eacute;s was born, and when Vespucci was
+thirty-four years old. Another Latin edition was brought out in 1490,
+an Italian in 1496, and a Portuguese in 1502, followed by many others.</p>
+
+<p>Marco Polo, the Venetian, exercised a strong and lasting influence
+upon the minds of Toscanelli, Columbus, Vespucci, and, through them,
+upon others, although he died in the first quarter of the century in
+which the first-named of this distinguished triad was born. All these
+had this birthright in common: they were Italians; and, moreover, it
+was in Genoa, the reputed birthplace of Columbus, that Marco Polo's
+adventures were first shaped into coherent narrative and given to the
+world.</p>
+
+<p>These adventures have been stigmatized<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> as romances; but surely
+nothing could be more romantic than the manner in which they came to
+be published, finally, after existing many years in the crude form of
+notes and journals made by the traveller during his journeyings. In
+the year 1298, three years after he had returned from his wanderings
+and settled down in Venice, Polo was called upon to assist in the
+defence of Curzola, during the hostilities which existed between his
+own republic and that of Genoa. To oppose the Genoese admiral, Doria,
+who had invaded their seas with seventy galleys, the Venetians fitted
+out a fleet under Andrea Dandolo, and a great battle was fought off
+the island of Curzola. Marco Polo commanded a galley of his own, and
+fought with valor; but, in common with the commanders of more than
+eighty Venetian vessels, he was defeated, the Genoese winning an
+overwhelming victory.</p>
+
+<p>Taken as a prisoner to Genoa, he was cast into prison, where he
+remained immured for a year. That was the year in which his wonderful
+travels were woven into a story, for the entertainment of the young
+Genoese nobility, who, when they learned that the famous Marco Polo
+was a prisoner, flocked<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> to his cell to see and converse with him.
+Yielding to their solicitations, he sent to Venice for his notes of
+travel, and during the days of his captivity dictated an account of
+his experiences to a fellow-captive, one Rusticiano, of Pisa.</p>
+
+<p>The delighted young nobles devoured his wonderful story with avidity,
+and they could scarcely wait its unfolding from day to day, for it was
+to them a veritable tale of the <i>Arabian Nights</i>. From the Italian, in
+which the traveller dictated his story, it was translated into Latin
+and French, and scattered over Europe for others to enjoy. Thus Marco
+Polo acquired fame through the misfortune which befell him when
+fighting for Venice, and long before printing was invented his name
+became almost a household word in Europe. As one who, though
+indirectly, stimulated by his Oriental researches the first great
+ventures into the Occident, Marco Polo deserves a monument, or, at
+least, should not be omitted from a memorial group that contains such
+famous Italians as Columbus, Vespucci, Toscanelli, and Verrazano.
+Admittedly, he deserves a chapter in this biography, and we cannot do
+better, perhaps, than glance at his history.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>If Marco had been consulted in the choice of his immediate ancestry,
+he could not have done better than fortune served him in the person of
+his father, Nicolo Polo, who was a nobleman and a merchant of Venice.
+He was a traveller prior to the birth of his son, for just previous to
+that event, which occurred nearly two hundred years before Amerigo
+Vespucci was born, he and his brother set out for Constantinople.
+Thence they went into Armenia, and around the south coast of the
+Caspian Sea to Bokhara, where they met some Persian envoys who were
+bound for Cathay, or China, and who persuaded them to go along.</p>
+
+<p>At Peking, it is supposed, they met the great and powerful Kublai
+Khan, Emperor of the Mongols, and Tartars, who received them kindly
+and at whose court they remained a year. They were the first Europeans
+he had ever seen, and such was his interest in their stories of
+strange peoples and governments that he commissioned them as envoys to
+the pope, giving them letters in which he expressed his desire that
+Europeans learned in the arts and sciences should be sent for the
+instruction of his people. Then they were reluctantly dismissed, with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>
+gifts of gold and spices, and after many perilous adventures finally
+reached their home in Venice. They had been gone almost ten years, and
+when Nicolo Polo first saw his son, on his return to Venice, Marco was
+a youth at school, well advanced in his studies.</p>
+
+<p>Two years later, when Marco was about twelve, the three Polos set out
+on their return to Cathay, accompanied by two friars, who were
+"endowed with ample powers and privileges, the authority to ordain
+priests and bishops, and to grant absolution in all cases, as fully as
+if the pope were personally present." They took with them rich
+presents for the khan, including a bottle of precious oil from the
+holy sepulchre in Jerusalem, which was supposed to possess miraculous
+virtues. The journey was commenced in or about the year 1271, but,
+owing to innumerable and vexatious delays on the way, the Polos did
+not reach the court of the grand khan until the spring of 1275. They
+were more than three years in making the journey, but in spite of
+difficulties and dangers these remarkable men persisted until the
+object of their travels was accomplished. The friars had become
+alarmed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> at the prospect of peril to themselves, and early in the
+undertaking beat a retreat to Acre, so the three Venetians alone
+arrived at Chambalu, and delivered to the grand khan the letters and
+presents from the pope. They were received with extreme cordiality by
+the khan, who was especially pleased with young Marco, and accepted
+the presents with delight, the holy oil from Jerusalem being
+reverently cherished.</p>
+
+<p>Marco was introduced to the khan by Nicolo, as "your majesty's servant
+and my son"; but had he been a son of the ruler himself he could not
+have received greater honors than were bestowed upon him by the
+emperor. Having a natural aptitude for acquiring languages, he soon
+could read and write four different dialects, and being possessed of
+great intelligence and shrewdness withal, he was sent by the khan on
+important missions to various parts of his kingdom. He acquitted
+himself so well on these embassies, some of which required his absence
+from the capital for many months, and he brought back such interesting
+accounts of the people he met and their customs, that he was
+constantly employed.</p>
+
+<p>In this manner he acquired, during many<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> years of service in high
+positions, a most intimate acquaintance with the khan's dominions, and
+became immensely rich. His father and uncle shared wealth and honors
+with him, for they likewise were congenially employed; but the time
+came at last when their desire to revisit Venice became too strong to
+resist. They craved the khan's permission to depart; but when the old
+monarch heard their request he flew into a passion, declaring that he
+would never allow them to go. They should remain with him and become
+the richest men in the world.</p>
+
+<p>Marco was sent off on another mission, this time by sea, and,
+discovering that there was direct communication between Cathay and the
+Indies, he entreated the khan to allow the Polos to go on a voyage,
+promising faithfully that they would return after a short stay with
+their friends in Venice. The old khan gave his consent reluctantly,
+overwhelming them with gifts at their departure, among other things
+giving them a tablet of gold, on which were engraved his orders to all
+the subjects in his vast dominions to provide guides, escorts,
+pilots&mdash;every convenience for their voyage and journey&mdash;without<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> cost.
+He also authorized them to serve as his ambassadors to the pope and
+other European potentates, presented them with many precious stones,
+including rubies of great value, and money enough to defray their
+expenses for at least two years. From all this it will be seen that
+the grand khan was a very munificent prince, whose deeds must have
+made a lasting impression upon the minds of the generation in which he
+lived.</p>
+
+<p>Fourteen large vessels were contained in the fleet he furnished the
+Polos, for with them was embarked, with a train of ambassadors, a
+noble maiden of Cathay who was to become the bride of a "king of the
+Indies" known as Argon. The voyage was so protracted that the king had
+died before she reached her destination, and whose bride she became
+was never known to the Polos, though they faithfully acquitted
+themselves of their charge, and then continued on towards the
+frontiers of Persia. Two years had been consumed in voyaging to Java,
+Sumatra, and along the coast of southern India. Three more elapsed
+before they finally reached their native city, in 1295, after an
+absence of nearly twenty-five years. Nobody in Venice knew them then,
+except <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>by name, for Niccolo and his brother were advanced in age,
+and Marco had grown from a boy to manhood, while in their dress and
+manners they were more like Tartars than Venetians, and had almost
+completely lost their native speech.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 329px;">
+<img src="images/gs03-sm.jpg" width="329" height="450" alt="MARCO POLO" title="" />
+<span class="caption">MARCO POLO</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Many of their former friends and relations were dead, and the
+survivors were at first inclined to denounce them as impostors, until
+the fertile imagination of Marco hit upon an expedient. They were
+invited to a magnificent banquet, at which the three Polos appeared
+arrayed in robes of crimson velvet, which, after their guests had
+arrived, they threw off and gave to their attendants. Then, after the
+last course was served, they produced from their queer Tartarian
+garments, which they ripped open for the purpose, precious gems by the
+handful, and displayed them to the astonished guests as their
+credentials.</p>
+
+<p>They were promptly received into the best Venetian society, Maffei,
+the uncle, being appointed a magistrate, and Niccolo, the father,
+espousing a beautiful young lady. Such Polos as still bear the
+name&mdash;if there are any&mdash;must have descended from the children born of
+this second marriage, for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> though Marco himself took a wife, several
+years later, he left no male children to inherit the vast wealth that
+gave him the title, in Venice, of "Marco Millioni."</p>
+
+<p>It was about three years after his return to Venice that Marco fell
+into the hands of the Genoese, and a little later that, as narrated,
+he wrote the story of his travels. His books abound in romantic
+adventures, and many, probably, that are fabulous; but that it stamped
+itself upon the times in which he lived and those of succeeding
+generations, has been shown already. Nearly two hundred years after
+the story was written, we find the Spaniards seeking the great island
+of Cipango, of which the following is Marco Polo's description:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"This is a very large island, fifteen hundred miles from the
+continent [of Asia]. The people are fair, handsome, and of
+agreeable manners. They are idolaters, and live quite
+separate from all other nations. Gold is very abundant, and
+no man being allowed to export it, while no merchant goes
+thence to the main-land, the people accumulate a vast
+amount. But I, Marco Polo, will give you a wonderful account
+of a very large palace all covered with that metal, as our
+churches are with lead. The pavements of its court, the
+halls, windows, and every other part, have it laid<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> on two
+inches thick, so that the riches of this palace are
+incalculable. Here are also pearls, large and of equal value
+with the white, with many other precious stones.</p>
+
+<p>"Kublai, on hearing of this amazing wealth, desired to
+conquer the island, and sent two of his barons with a very
+large fleet containing warriors, both horsemen and on foot.
+They sailed from Zaitun and Quinsai, reached the isle,
+landed, and took possession of the plain and of a number of
+houses; but they were unable to take any city or castle,
+when a sad misadventure occurred. A storm threatened and
+some of the troops were embarked; but about thirty thousand
+were left upon a small and barren island by the sailing of
+the ships. The sovereign and the people of the larger island
+rejoiced greatly when they saw the host thus scattered and
+many of them cast upon the islet. As soon as the sea calmed
+they assembled a great number of ships, sailed thither and
+landed, hoping to capture all those refugees. But when the
+latter saw that their enemies had disembarked, leaving the
+vessels unguarded, they skilfully retreated to another
+quarter and continued moving about till they reached the
+ships, when they went aboard without any opposition. They
+then sailed direct for the principal island, where they
+hoisted its own standards and ensigns.</p>
+
+<p>"On seeing these, the people believed their own countrymen
+had returned, and allowed them to enter the city. Finding it
+defended only by old men, the Tartars soon drove them out,
+retaining the women as slaves. When the king and his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>
+warriors saw themselves thus deceived and their city
+captured, they were like to die of grief; but they assembled
+other ships, and invested it so closely as to prevent all
+communication. The Tartars maintained themselves thus seven
+months, and planned day and night how they might convey
+tidings to their master of their condition; but finding this
+impossible, they agreed with the besiegers to surrender,
+securing only their lives. This took place in the year 1269.</p>
+
+<p>"The grand khan ordered one of the commanders of the host
+that had returned to lose his head, and the other to be sent
+to the isle where he had caused the loss of so many men, and
+there put to death. I have to relate, also, a very wonderful
+thing: that these two barons took a number of persons in a
+castle of Cipango, and because they had refused to surrender
+ordered all their heads to be cut off. But there were eight
+on whom they could not execute this sentence, because these
+wore consecrated stones in their arms, between the skin and
+the flesh, which so enchanted them that they could not die
+by steel. They were therefore beaten to death with clubs,
+and the stones, being extracted, were held very precious.
+But I must leave this matter and go on with the narrative."</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> The first printing-press in America was set up in Mexico
+in 1535, the first book printed on it was probably <i>La Escala de San
+Juan Climaco</i>, date 1536, and the first printer was Juan Pablos. The
+oldest existing example of this first Mexican printing is said to be
+the <i>Manual de Adultos</i>, bearing date 1540.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="IV" id="IV"></a>IV</h2>
+
+<h3>IN THE SERVICE OF SPAIN</h3>
+
+<h4>1490</h4>
+
+
+<p>Before we revert to the real hero of this biography, let us seek to
+identify the various names we find in Marco Polo's book, and in
+Toscanelli's letter to Columbus, with the objects to which they were
+applied. We will imagine ourselves with the first-named in far Cathay,
+with the second in his library at Florence, and with the third as he
+gropes his way along the shores of islands for the first time then
+revealed to European eyes.</p>
+
+<p>If Columbus had known&mdash;what we now know&mdash;that thousands of miles
+intervened between the places he was seeking and those to which he
+misapplied their names, he would not have died in the belief that he
+had discovered a new way to the Old World. To anticipate a little what
+will be revealed later in the unfolding of this story: it was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> Amerigo
+Vespucci, and not Columbus, who first applied to this newly discovered
+hemisphere the title <i>Mundus Novus</i>, or New World. However, we will
+not discuss that question now, but merely remark that <i>Cathay</i> was
+identical with northern China, while <i>Mangi</i> was the southern
+territory of that vast empire which, in Marco Polo's time, was in
+possession of Kublai Khan. <i>Chambalu</i>, or Peking, was its capital,
+while the "most noble and vast city of <i>Quinsay</i>," or Cansay, is the
+ancient <i>King-sze</i> connected with Peking by the grand canal.</p>
+
+<p>The large island of <i>Cipango</i>, or <i>Zipangu</i>, outlying upon the coast
+of Cathay, was probably Japan, or Formosa; though its golden-tiled
+temples may never have been seen by the Polos, nor its red pearls have
+come into their hands. Forty years after Columbus began his vain
+search, Pizarro found and plundered the gold-plated temples of Cuzco,
+which were as rich as any described by Marco Polo in his account of
+Cipango; and in the Bahamas archipelago, through which the Spaniards
+passed in the voyage of 1492, precious pink pearls have been
+discovered in great numbers and of surpassing beauty.</p>
+
+<p>Vasco da Gama, in 1497, was to open the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> way by water to the vast
+Oriental seas&mdash;to Calicut and Cathay&mdash;but until the last quarter of
+the fifteenth century the commerce of the eastern hemisphere depended
+mainly upon transportation by land. "Voyages of much extent were
+almost unknown, and the mariner confined himself to inland waters, or
+hovered along the shores of the great Western Ocean, without venturing
+out of sight of land.... The thriving republics of Italy were the
+carriers of the world. For many centuries their citizens were almost
+the only agents for commercial communication with the countries of the
+East. Venice and Genoa maintained establishments on the farthest
+shores of the Mediterranean and Black seas.</p>
+
+<p>"Immense caravans crossed the deserts of Arabia and Egypt, their
+camels laden with the costly fabrics of the Indies, which were
+received by the Italian traders from the hands of the Mahometans and
+distributed over Europe. Here and there upon the deserts a green
+oasis, with its bubbling spring or rippling rivulet, served these
+mighty trains for a resting-place, where man and beast halted to
+recover from the fatigues of their weary journeys. Occasionally,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> on
+these spots where the soil was of sufficient fertility to sustain a
+population, villages grew up. In rarer instances and in earlier ages,
+large cities had been built upon these stopping-places and were for
+the time the centres of the traffic.... Travellers of the present day
+occasionally visit their sites, and tell wonderful tales of the
+gigantic ruins of some Baalbec or Palmyra of the wilderness.</p>
+
+<p>"It was not to be supposed that the shrewd spirit of mercantile
+enterprise and speculation would remain dormant in this state of
+affairs. Traders in every part of Europe were alive to the advantages
+to be derived from the discovery of a new route of transportation.
+Several efforts were made, and in some cases attended with immense
+profit and success, to communicate with India by the long and arduous
+journey round the Black Sea, and through the almost unexplored regions
+of Circassia and Georgia. The far-off shores of the Caspian were
+reached by some travelling traders, and the geographical knowledge
+they circulated on their return gave a new impulse to the growing
+spirit of adventure. Apocryphal as the narratives of Marco Polo and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>
+Mandeville appeared, there was a sufficient mixture of truth with
+exaggeration to stimulate the minds of men, ever greedy of gain, and
+the endless wealth of the grand khan and his people were the subjects
+of many eager and longing anticipations."<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id="FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a></p>
+
+<p>The Polos were merely the forerunners, the pioneers, to the far
+Cathay, and in the fourteenth century missionaries and merchants
+followed on their trail with varying success. The death of Kublai Khan
+had relieved them from their obligation to return; but soon after they
+had reached Venice, in 1295, a Franciscan monk, John of Monte Corvino,
+penetrated to Chambalu and established missions there. In the year
+1338 an ambassador arrived at Avignon from the then reigning Khan of
+Cathay, and in return John de Marignoli, a Florentine, was sent to the
+court at Chambalu, where he remained four years as legate of the holy
+see. Commercial travellers followed after them, and about 1340 a
+guide-book was written by another Florentine, Francesco Pelotti, who
+was a clerk in the great trading-house of Bardi, or Berardi, with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>
+which, at a later date, Amerigo Vespucci was connected in Spain.</p>
+
+<p>"When the throne of the degenerate descendants of Ghengis Khan began
+to totter to its fall, missions and merchants alike disappeared from
+the field. Islam, with all its jealousies and exclusiveness, had
+recovered its grasp over Central Asia. Night again descended upon the
+farther East, covering Cathay, with those cities of which the old
+travellers had told such marvels, Chambalu and Cansay, Zaitun and
+Chinkalan. And when the veil rose before the Portuguese and Spanish
+explorers of the sixteenth century those names were heard of no
+more....</p>
+
+<p>"But for a long time all but a sagacious few continued to regard
+Cathay as a region distinct from any of the new-found Indies; while
+map-makers, well on into the seventeenth century, continued to
+represent it as a great country lying entirely to the north of China
+and stretching to the Arctic Sea. It was Cathay, with its outlying
+island of Zipangu, that Columbus sought to reach by sailing westward,
+penetrated as he was by his intense conviction of the smallness of the
+earth and of the vast extension of Asia to the eastward. To the day of
+his death<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> he was full of the imagination of the proximity of the
+domain of the grand khan to the islands and coasts which he had
+discovered. And such imaginations are curiously embodied in some maps
+of the early sixteenth century, which intermingle on the same
+coast-line the new discoveries, from Labrador to Brazil, with the
+provinces and rivers of Marco Polo's Cathay."<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id="FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a></p>
+
+<p>Having shown the state of European geographical knowledge in the
+fifteenth century, in the hope thereby of throwing light upon the
+conditions which surrounded Vespucci at the time, we will now follow
+as closely as possible the career which was then opening before him.
+He was, as we have stated, keenly alive to what was taking place in
+the world around him, and especially interested in geographical
+discoveries. Although it is not likely that he had an abundance of
+ready money, having been so many years engaged in preparation for his
+great pursuit, without immediate recompense of any sort, yet we learn
+from the records of his life that he was already making a collection
+of all the charts, maps, and globes that he could<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> find. He had
+assembled the best works of the most distinguished projectors, and for
+one of the finest then available, "a map of sea and land," made in
+1439 by one Gabriel de Valesca, he paid the large sum of one hundred
+and thirty ducats, equivalent to more than five hundred dollars at the
+present day. There was danger then, his parents and friends thought,
+of the abstruse and unprofitable science of cosmography absorbing him
+entirely; but, though he may have indulged in the hope of devoting his
+life to the studies which had so enriched the mind of his friend
+Toscanelli, he was rudely awakened from his day-dream by a family
+catastrophe.</p>
+
+<p>Mention has been made of one of his brothers, Girolamo, who, about the
+year 1480, left home and went to Asia Minor, including in his travels
+a trip to Palestine. He finally established himself in one of the
+Grecian cities, and, being of a hopeful turn, sent for and obtained
+the greater portion of his father's money, with which he engaged in
+trade. All went well for a time, and the Vespuccis congratulated
+themselves upon having a son of the family finally embarked on the
+full tide of commercial prosperity.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Nine years went by, and nothing but good news came from the absent
+Girolamo; but one day, in 1489, disastrous tidings arrived. A
+Florentine pilgrim, returning from a pious visit to the holy sepulchre
+in Jerusalem, brought Amerigo a letter from his brother. It was dated
+July 24th, and contained information to the effect that while Girolamo
+was attending religious services at a convent in his neighborhood his
+house was broken open and robbed. "At one fell swoop," he wrote, he
+had been deprived of all his earnings during those nine years of toil,
+besides the money his father had sent him, which represented the
+accumulations of a lifetime.</p>
+
+<p>He did not explain how his entire capital was in cash at the time,
+when he was supposed to be in trade; but even if derelict, he was too
+far away to be sought out and his story investigated, so the loss was
+accepted by the family as an indication that Providence was not
+inclined to smile upon the substitution of the eldest for the youngest
+son as a retriever of the Vespucci fortunes. All looked now towards
+Amerigo to take up the distasteful business of money-making, for which
+he had been so long in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> training, but which hitherto he had so
+successfully evaded. In sorrow, it is said, but without a murmur, he
+turned his back upon his maps, globes, books, and astrolabes and faced
+the situation manfully.</p>
+
+<p>A position had long been open to him with the great trading-house of
+Lorenzo de Medici, who was own cousin to the world-famous Lorenzo the
+Magnificent, and he had only to apply in order to receive it. For the
+Medici well knew the value of men&mdash;good and faithful men&mdash;trained, as
+Amerigo was, in the diplomacy as well as the routine of commercial
+life in that age. They needed just such a man as he in their foreign
+agency, and bidding farewell to his family he set sail from Leghorn
+for the Spanish city of Barcelona.</p>
+
+<p>The Iberian peninsula afforded at that time a most attractive field
+for commercial as well as military adventure. The protracted wars with
+the Moors, which had been carried on for generations, were drawing to
+a close, but they had taken thither many a man athirst for glory, and
+the demand for supplies gave the merchants great opportunities for
+profits. The commerce of that day was, as we have seen, mainly in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> the
+hands of Italian merchants, and as early as 1486 the Florentine
+trader, Juan Berardi, obtained a safe conduct from Barcelona to
+Seville, where, a few years later, we find Amerigo busily engaged in
+outfitting vessels for the Spanish voyages of discovery.</p>
+
+<p>It was in the year 1490, or 1491, that Amerigo Vespucci went to Spain,
+accompanied by his nephew Giovanni, and several other young
+Florentines, who were placed in his charge by their parents that they
+might receive the benefit of his experience and the advantages of
+foreign travel. Giovanni, or Juan, was greatly attached to his uncle,
+and subsequently went with him on his voyages to America. Many years
+later the historian, Peter Martyr, wrote of him: "Young Vespucius is
+one to whom Americus, his uncle, left the exact knowledge of the
+mariner's faculties, as it were by inheritance, after his death, for
+he is a very expert master in the knowledge of the compass and the
+elevation of the pole star by the quadrant. He is my particular
+friend, a witty young man in whose company I take great pleasure, and
+therefore have him often for my guest."</p>
+
+<p>Whether Giovanni was associated with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> Amerigo in business is not
+exactly known, nor can we tell just when the latter removed from
+Barcelona into southern Spain; but there is a letter extant, written
+at Cadiz in 1492, signed jointly by himself and a young Florentine,
+Donato Nicollini, as agents either of the Medici or the house of
+Berardi. The following extract was copied by his biographer, Bandidi,
+from this manuscript in Amerigo's handwriting:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"As it is necessary for one of us, either Amerigo or Donato,
+to proceed in a short time to Florence, we shall be able to
+give you better information on all points by word of mouth
+than can possibly be done by letter. As yet, it has been
+impossible to do anything respecting the freight of salt,
+for want of a vessel, as for some time past, we are sorry to
+say, no ship has arrived here which was not chartered. Be
+assured that if one arrives we shall be active for your
+interests.</p>
+
+<p>"You will have learned from the elder Donato the
+good-fortune which has happened to his highness the king.
+Assuredly the most high God has given him His aid; but I
+cannot relate it in full. God preserve him many years&mdash;and
+us with him.</p>
+
+<p>"There is nothing new to communicate. Christ preserve you.</p>
+
+<p class="author">"Donato Nicollini.<br />
+"Amerigo Vespucci.</p>
+<p>"We date this January 30, 1492."</p>
+</blockquote><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The last decade of the fifteenth century, which Amerigo was to pass
+chiefly in Spain, has been termed by historians the most important
+epoch in modern history. It was, admittedly, the most important for
+Spain, also for that country (then unknown) which her sailors were to
+discover and explore, and which was to receive the name of the
+Florentine merchant then living obscurely in Cadiz or Seville.</p>
+
+<p>"The foreign intercourse of the country," says the renowned author of
+<i>Ferdinand and Isabella</i>, "was every day more widely extended. Her
+agents and consuls were to be found in all the ports of the
+Mediterranean and the Baltic. The Spanish mariner, instead of creeping
+along the beaten track of inland navigation, now struck boldly across
+the great Western Ocean. The new discoveries had converted the land
+trade with India into a sea trade, and the nations of the peninsula,
+which had hitherto lain remote from the great highways of commerce,
+now became the factors and carriers of Europe.</p>
+
+<p>"The flourishing condition of the nation was seen in the wealth and
+population of its cities, the revenue of which, augmented in all to a
+surprising extent, had increased in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> some forty and even fifty fold
+beyond what they were at the commencement of Ferdinand and Isabella's
+reign: the ancient and lordly Toledo; Burgos, with its bustling
+industrious traders; Valladolid, sending forth thirty thousand
+warriors from its gates; Cordova, in the south, and the magnificent
+Granada, naturalizing in Europe the arts and luxuries of the East;
+Saragossa, 'the abundant,' as she was called from her fruitful
+territory; Valencia, 'the beautiful'; Barcelona, rivalling in
+independence and maritime enterprise the proudest of the Italian
+republics; Medina del Campo, whose fairs were already the great mart
+for the commercial exchanges of the peninsula; and Seville, the golden
+gate of the Indies, whose quays began to be thronged with merchants
+from the most distant countries of Europe."</p>
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> <i>The Life and Voyages of Americus Vespucius</i>, by C.
+Edwards Lester, 1845.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> Article, "China," in the <i>Encyclop&aelig;dia Britannica</i>.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="V" id="V"></a>V</h2>
+
+<h3>CONVERSATIONS WITH COLUMBUS</h3>
+
+<h4>1492 OR 1493</h4>
+
+
+<p>While we cannot affirm that Christopher Columbus and Vespucci were
+acquainted previous to the voyage which made America known to Europe,
+it is well established that Amerigo was in Spain when his favored
+rival sailed from Palos, in August, 1492, and also when he returned,
+in March, 1493. In the very month of January, 1492, in which Vespucci
+wrote the letter quoted in the previous chapter, Columbus and the
+Spanish sovereigns signed the "capitulation" that set forth the
+demands of the discoverer and the concessions of the king and queen.
+That paper was signed and sealed in the palace of the Alhambra, not
+far distant from Cadiz, and still nearer to Seville, whither Vespucci
+removed soon after. He may have been there when Columbus passed
+through the latter city<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> on his way to Palos, Seville being in the
+direct route between Granada and the Rio Tinto; but if he then saw and
+conversed with him there is no record of the fact.</p>
+
+<p>What must have been his feelings, though, when he learned of the
+transaction between Columbus and the sovereigns? Columbus had gained
+permission to make&mdash;what he himself was far better equipped for&mdash;a
+voyage across the Sea of Darkness, to the islands that lay on the
+route of Marco Polo's Cathay. And Columbus had merely corresponded
+with his master, Toscanelli, at whose feet he, Vespucci, had sat, and
+during days and hours discussed the problem that his rival was now
+going forth to solve!</p>
+
+<p>While Vespucci plodded, almost hopelessly, at Cadiz and Seville,
+Columbus pushed forward preparations for his voyage, and finally set
+sail. Did not Amerigo, then, send a sigh after him and his caravels,
+and think regretfully of his maps, his charts, globes, and nautical
+instruments lying dusty and disused in Florence? They were more to him
+than anything else in the world. With their aid, and countenanced by
+royal favor, <i>he</i> might have been the fortunate one to adventure upon
+the ocean, and seek the unknown<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> regions which he was positive lay
+there veiled from human sight. But he was pledged to repair the family
+fortune, he was committed to the interests of his employers, and even
+if the suggestion of embarking on a voyage of discovery came to him he
+could not entertain it for an instant. He could not then; but perhaps
+opportunity might yet offer, he thought, and so sent for his books,
+charts, and instruments, in order to perfect himself in cosmography
+and nautical science. He became so proficient that some years after he
+was appointed by King Ferdinand pilot-major of Spain, and even the
+charts that Columbus made were brought to him for correction or
+verification.</p>
+
+<p>The months went by, spent by Columbus in "making history," by Vespucci
+in lading ships for others to sail in, and in the intervals of
+business poring over his books and charts. At last, in the spring of
+1493, one day a courier came dashing into Seville with the news of
+Columbus's return, by way of Portugal, a letter having arrived from
+Lisbon addressed to the sovereigns, and another for Santangel,
+secretary to the king. Then Vespucci knew his opportunity had taken<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>
+flight, for the New World had been discovered, the glory belonged to
+Columbus!</p>
+
+<p>Soon after the return of the voyagers to Palos, he may have seen the
+triumphal procession led by Columbus to Barcelona, and probably had
+speech with him and with some of his sailors. He saw the six Indians
+who had been made captive in the islands and were brought to Seville,
+for they remained there some time while Columbus was awaiting orders
+from Barcelona. A letter from the sovereigns came at last, addressed
+to "Don Cristobal Colon, Admiral of the Ocean Sea and Viceroy of the
+Indies," which probably Amerigo himself perused&mdash;with what a sickening
+of heart may be imagined&mdash;for it contained a memorandum from the
+sovereigns referring to the equipment of a second expedition, and his
+firm received the contract. Vespucci was then connected with the house
+of Berardi (having left the employ of the Medici), either as
+contracting agent or partner. Whatever relation he stood in to the
+firm, it was a most responsible one, for to him was committed the
+furnishing of a large fleet without delay.</p>
+
+<p>It was about the last of March, or early<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> in April, that Columbus
+delivered to him the order from the king and queen, and then set out
+for Barcelona overland. He arrived there duly, to be received with
+almost royal honors, and meanwhile the house of Berardi, under the
+active supervision of Vespucci, was busy with the preparation of the
+fleet. Ships were sought and chartered; caravels built, bought, and
+repaired; munitions provided and crews of sailors assembled, which
+Vespucci was obliged to hold and keep together against the sailing of
+the squadron.</p>
+
+<p>And what was the personal appearance of these two great navigators,
+thus so strangely brought into business relations, and whose fame in
+after times was to fill the world? Although there is no portrait
+existing of Columbus which we can affirm to be authentic, still verbal
+portraits have been left by his contemporaries which convey to us the
+impression that the "Admiral" was tall and stalwart, dignified in
+bearing, with fair complexion, blue eyes, and hair then silvery gray.</p>
+
+<p>Amerigo Vespucci was his exact opposite, in superficial
+characteristics, for he was under rather than above the middle height,
+"thick-set and brawny," with a dark complexion,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> black hair mixed with
+gray, and flashing black eyes. An authentic portrait, painted at a
+later date, shows him with head nearly bald, encircled only by a
+fringe of hair, prominent cheek-bones, aquiline nose, a firm, sweet
+mouth, and without the thick black beard he wore when he first met
+Columbus. His temper was mild, while that of Columbus was hasty,
+though firmly controlled, save on a few occasions when, tried beyond
+measure, it burst its bounds and swept away all opposition. But both
+great men were courteous in speech, the dignified demeanor of Columbus
+commanding admiration, while the modesty of Vespucci won the
+friendship of all with whom he came in contact.</p>
+
+<p>The following dialogue between the two, or the purport of it, is
+thought to have taken place soon after the return of Columbus from
+Barcelona, either at Cadiz or Seville. It was but natural that the two
+should meet, that they should exchange views and compare notes, for,
+while Columbus had made the great discovery&mdash;through having been the
+first to apply the theories of Toscanelli and the ancients&mdash;Vespucci
+had for many years been thinking on the subject, and had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> enjoyed the
+friendship of the physicist, whom both revered. Whether this
+conversation is apocryphal or not, at least it embodies the divergent
+views of the two, and does no violence to their sentiments, as can be
+shown by their writings. It is adapted from Lester's <i>Americus
+Vespucius</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Having with him, it is believed, the charts and books from which he
+deduced his theories, Vespucci probably invited Columbus to his
+lodgings, where the two spent many an hour in good-natured
+controversy. Nearly twenty years had elapsed since the learned doctor
+sent the chart and letter to Columbus, and now the latter, with the
+laurels of the great "discovery" on his brow, was to engage in
+argument with the person best acquainted with his life-work&mdash;who had
+followed it from its very inception, and who was to enjoy its usufruct
+forever.</p>
+
+<p>Let us try to imagine them within the walls of Vespucci's
+house&mdash;whether in golden Seville or crystal Cadiz cannot be told; but
+it is easy to find one like it to-day, for the architecture of neither
+city has changed much since that time. The house is of stone, with
+thick white walls and roof of tiles. The rooms are large and dreary,
+but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> open on a court, or Moorish patio, around which they are ranged,
+and where a fountain tinkles merrily. The floor of Vespucci's room is
+tiled and damp, the furniture is scanty, but in the centre of the
+apartment is a large and massive table, upon which are spread his
+charts, while a globe&mdash;perhaps one of Behaim's, recently
+constructed&mdash;stands in a corner.</p>
+
+<p>The arrival of the distinguished stranger at Vespucci's modest
+lodgings causes a flutter of excitement, not only in the household,
+but in the street, which is lined with gaping citizens, anxious to see
+the new admiral, who has already taken on the dignities of his
+station, is costumed in velvet, wears a sword at his side, and is
+accompanied by a retinue of hired retainers. Vespucci, on the
+contrary, shows no ostentation in his garb, for he is but a man of
+business, and, entirely unconscious of any discrepancy in their
+apparel, conducts his guest to the room where lie his treasures.</p>
+
+<p>To the credit of Columbus, it should be said, he sees in Vespucci only
+the man of science, the student, the cosmographer, and, with the
+gentle dignity inseparable from this man who had appeared before
+kings<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> and at courts, he compliments his host upon his collection.
+They are soon in earnest consultation, scanning the sea-charts,
+quoting authorities, advancing theories, becoming so absorbed as to
+ignore the yawning hangers-on of the admiral's staff, who soon retire,
+one after another, leaving the two geographers alone.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, Columbus says, looking up from the chart upon which he had
+been sketching the route of his voyage:</p>
+
+<p>"It grieves me much, worthy Signor Vespucci, to learn from our friend
+the Signor Berardi that you do not estimate as I do the result of our
+recent navigation to the west. With your well-known skill in
+cosmography, I fear me, you combine more of doubt than would be
+becoming to a Christian navigator."</p>
+
+<p>"Your excellency mistakes my views greatly, or has been misinformed of
+them," replies Vespucci, courteously. "Far from undervaluing the
+effect of the discoveries which your genius has accomplished, I am the
+rather disposed to place a greater estimate upon them than does the
+Admiral Colon himself. If I judged them in the light in which they are
+viewed by the most of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> those who hope to profit by them, then, indeed,
+the imputation would be just; but I look not to such things, and well
+I know that your own mind is above them."</p>
+
+<p>"In that respect you only do me justice. If I look for gain in aught
+that I have undertaken, it is only that I may devote it to a holy
+purpose. Have I not, even within the last few days, recorded my solemn
+oath that I would, in the event of my prosperous arrival at the court
+of the grand khan&mdash;whom, by the favor of God, I hope to convert to the
+true faith&mdash;employ the riches I shall acquire in the equipment of a
+force of four thousand horse and fifty thousand foot, for the recovery
+of the holy sepulchre from the hands of the infidels? I am unwilling
+to think that your speech tends to the end of imputing to me mercenary
+motives; but wherein do we differ? Is not the way opened, and will not
+the intercourse I mean to establish with the pagan monarch contribute
+greatly to the purpose I keep ever in view? The holy father at Rome
+himself lends me encouragement in my undertaking, and regards with
+approbation my efforts to lead into the true Church so mighty a
+potentate."</p>
+
+<p>"With all the deference that is due to your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> excellency's superior
+wisdom and experience, I would state that therein lies the very point
+of our difference. I deem it by no means certain that your ships have
+touched the territories of the grand khan at all, but rather land that
+has hitherto been alike unknown to him and to us. Thousands of leagues
+may yet intervene between that land and his dominions, whether of sea
+or earth remains to be discovered; and I judge in this wise as well
+from the accounts of cosmographers who have written on the subject, as
+from the description of the barbarous natives which you yourself have
+fallen in with in recent discoveries.</p>
+
+<p>"The accounts of those who have penetrated to distant regions of the
+East lead us to understand that the subjects of the grand khan live in
+the midst of the most profuse wealth and luxury, and bedeck themselves
+with superfine garments, gold, and jewelry. These people, however, are
+wild and naked, little if any superior to the beasts, and cannot, I
+think, be in any wise connected with a monarch of such magnificence.
+My own thoughts carry me to the conviction that there exists near unto
+the lands you have visited an immense country, which may<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> possibly
+belong to and be part of the grand khan's dominions, though I doubt if
+such be the case. Marco Polo himself speaks of an island lying far out
+in the ocean which washes the eastern shores of Asia&mdash;the great
+Cipango, abounding in riches and precious stones, which has never been
+subdued by the sovereign of Cathay, although he has made attempts to
+conquer it. This island I deem it necessary to discover, in the first
+place; then, even after it is circumnavigated or passed over&mdash;and the
+last may be the easier way&mdash;a voyage of long duration will still have
+to be accomplished before the empire of Cathay is reached. When I
+speak of a passage over this unknown island, I do so in view of its
+great extent, as I estimate it to be of such size that it might more
+properly be designated <i>Terra Firma</i>,<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> being, according to my
+calculations, as large as, if not larger than, the whole of Europe.
+And herein do I estimate most highly the worth of the discoveries
+which your excellency has made, and their importance to this realm, as
+it will now be comparatively easy<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> to pass the lands you have fallen
+in with by sailing either in a more northerly or a more southerly
+direction, in either case striking the country I have in my mind."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, nay, good Signor Vespucci. I have the confidence in my heart
+that you are mistaken. I feel, indeed, persuaded, by the many and
+wonderful manifestations of divine Providence in my especial favor,
+that I am the chosen instrument of God in bringing to pass a great
+event: no less than the conversion of millions who are now existing in
+the darkness of paganism. I would, indeed, provide for the good of the
+poor natives we have already met, as well by building cities on their
+islands and cultivating their lands, as by the erection of churches
+and the establishment of Christian worship. But I would by no means
+forget the greater end in view&mdash;namely, that of bringing to bear upon
+the infidels the wealth and power of the vast kingdom of Cathay, that
+thus being encompassed, by the armies from Europe on the one side, and
+by the innumerable hosts of Asia on the other, they may be utterly
+destroyed, and the tomb of our Lord be again placed in the possession
+of the true believers.... In these things I marvel much<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> at your
+incredulity, Signor Vespucci, seeing that you have often had
+opportunities of conversing with the learned physicist Paolo, your own
+countryman&mdash;peace to his ashes!&mdash;who in his lifetime so nearly
+coincided with me in opinion."</p>
+
+<p>"I have, indeed, as your excellency observes, oftentimes disputed and
+argued with the venerable Toscanelli, and to him is due much of the
+little knowledge I have been able to acquire in cosmography and
+astronomy. But from him I also learned that the descriptions which are
+given by Marco Polo were considered by many wise men as not altogether
+beyond the reach of doubt. If, then, he is in error in some
+particulars, how shall we draw the line, and say wherein he speaks the
+truth of his own knowledge? And how could he know the distance which
+exists between Cathay and the western shores of Europe, save by
+hearsay, and the reports of mariners on that unknown shore, who
+themselves must have been falsifiers, as it is well known that not one
+of them has ever appeared here who might have estimated the distance?
+I cannot, then, think that we are so near to Cathay as your excellency
+supposes, and had much rather follow<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> the opinion that you have
+possibly approached the shore that has been hitherto represented as
+inaccessible to mortals."</p>
+
+<p>"You speak of the paradise, which so many sound and able divines
+assert to be still in existence on earth."</p>
+
+<p>"I do, though not so firmly believing in the relation as they do. If
+there be such a place existing, as described by the learned St. Basil,
+methinks it must be near unto those balmy isles which you have
+discovered, so similar in climate and in verdancy."</p>
+
+<p>"Such, in sooth, has often been my opinion, and I deem it not to be
+inconsistent with the other, which holds to the proximity of Cathay.
+Oh, that I might, through the grace of God and intercession of the
+saints, ever arrive at that blessed spot, where all is happiness and
+beauty; where the harmonious songs of birds ever fall gratefully on
+the ear; where the air is filled with the fragrance of flowers, and a
+perpetual spring, combining with its own beauties those of every other
+season of the year, continually prevails; where the limpid waters flow
+smoothly and gently, or gush forth in purest fountains; where all is
+suggestive of perennial youth, and decay and death are unknown!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But I perceive, Signor, that you are incredulous, as to this region
+of bliss, and even smile at my belief. Remember, then, that herein I
+only follow the opinions of the wise and learned fathers of our
+Church, but that in regard to Cathay I am supported by ample proof,
+from the discoveries of travellers and the relations of
+cosmographers."</p>
+
+<p>"I am ever willing to yield to proofs; but methinks that the
+foundation of the error under which your excellency seems to labor is
+this: that you do not make sufficient allowance for exaggeration in
+the accounts of the great traveller Marco Polo. It appears to me that
+he has deceived himself as to the extent to which he penetrated
+Cathay, and that he has thereby carried out the eastern coast too far
+into the ocean. That being so, the learned Paolo, my countryman, in
+following him, finds it necessary to shorten the extent of ocean which
+intervenes between Cathay and Europe, in order to render accurate his
+estimate of the circumference of the globe."</p>
+
+<p>"I note your objections, but cannot deem them correct, and yet hope to
+deliver the letters of my sovereigns, with which I was charged in my
+recent voyage, to the grand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> khan in person. But let us examine this
+question of longitude, for therein I am interested deeply, and have
+small doubt that I can turn you to my opinions."</p>
+
+<p>"Most gladly will I do so, most noble admiral, for I am strongly moved
+to tempt the ocean myself, in the hope of adding something to the
+knowledge of mariners."</p>
+
+<p>Within four or five years from the conjectural date of this dialogue,
+Vespucci made his first voyage, and saw for himself some of those
+"isles of paradise" which had so charmed Columbus. This was either in
+the year 1497 or 1499, depending upon whether we accept his own
+statement or the opinion of those who have challenged the authenticity
+of his narrative.</p>
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href="#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> In this sense, the main-land, or continent, as opposed to
+islands, the Latin form, <i>terra</i>, is almost invariably used by the
+Spaniards, instead of <i>tierra</i>.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="VI" id="VI"></a>VI</h2>
+
+<h3>VESPUCCI'S DEBATABLE VOYAGE</h3>
+
+<h4>1497-1498</h4>
+
+
+<p>It has been said that the house of Berardi, with which Vespucci was
+connected as a partner, outfitted the large fleet for the second
+voyage of Columbus in 1493; but this is true only in the sense that it
+served the crown in the capacity of sub-contractor. The real head of
+Indian affairs was the archdeacon of Seville, Juan Rodriguez de
+Fonseca, who first rose to prominence at this time as general
+superintendent of all the New-World business, and for thirty years
+controlled the same. Invested by King Ferdinand with great, almost
+unlimited, power, he has the credit of having founded the royal India
+house, which was of such importance in the colonizing of new
+territory, and by the favor of which alone any voyage of discovery
+could be projected and carried to a successful conclusion.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Fonseca has been held up to obloquy by the admirable eulogist of
+Columbus, Mr. Irving, "as a warning example of those perfidious beings
+in office, who too often lie like worms at the root of honorable
+enterprise, blighting by their unseen influence the fruits of glorious
+action and disappointing the hopes of nations." This denunciation he
+incurred by thwarting the schemes of Columbus, in their minor details
+at first, afterwards becoming his open and determined enemy. The first
+instance in which the two great men fell out occurred when Fonseca
+opposed the pretensions of Columbus and attempted to check his
+extravagance in the matter of personal retinue. Among other
+requisitions which Columbus sent in, those for ten footmen and twenty
+menials for his domestic establishment were objected to by the
+superintendent as superfluous.</p>
+
+<p>In connection with the treasurer, Francisco Pinelo, and the
+<i>contador</i>, Juan de Soria, Fonseca used his utmost efforts to raise
+the necessary funds for the expedition, to provide for the vast
+expenses of which, says Mr. Irving himself, "the royal revenue arising
+from two-thirds of the Church tithes was placed at the disposition of
+Pinelo; and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> other funds were drawn from a disgraceful source&mdash;from
+the jewels and other valuables, the sequestrated property of the
+unfortunate Jews, banished from the kingdom according to a bigoted
+edict of the previous year. As these sources were still inadequate,
+Pinelo was authorized to supply the deficiency by a loan. Requisitions
+were likewise made for provisions of all kinds, as well as for
+artillery, powder, muskets, lances, corselets, and crossbows.... The
+military stores which had accumulated during the war with the Moors of
+Granada furnished a great part of these supplies."</p>
+
+<p>Having great difficulty, therefore, in meeting the really needful
+demands of the expedition, it was quite natural that Fonseca should
+desire to cut down those he deemed extravagant, and it must be
+admitted that among these he might rightfully class the requisitions
+of Columbus intended merely to support his newly acquired dignity as
+admiral and grandee. He was supported by the sovereigns, however, and
+Fonseca was rebuked for denying him anything he desired. He was
+reminded that the expedition was intended solely to extend the power
+and prestige of the crown, and that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> but for Columbus it would never
+have been assembled, hence he was to study his wishes and comply with
+his demands. This implied reproof cut the haughty prelate to the
+heart, and from these trivial differences, remarks Mr. Irving, "we
+must date the rise of that singular hostility which he ever afterwards
+manifested towards Columbus, which every year increased in rancor, and
+which he gratified in the most invidious manner by secretly
+multiplying impediments and vexations in his path."</p>
+
+<p>But for the fact that this enmity existing between Fonseca and
+Columbus made possible the first voyage of Amerigo Vespucci, we should
+not feel called upon to more than mention the first named in
+connection with an expedition in which all three were so deeply
+interested. The fleet finally sailed away, pursued by the maledictions
+of Fonseca, and followed by the heart-felt longings of Vespucci. Some
+historians have stated that the Florentine sailed with Columbus on
+this second voyage; but there are no records to prove this assertion,
+and he himself never made the claim. We have every reason for
+believing that he continued in his employment as purveyor to the crown
+and contractor<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> for the furnishing of fleets, with his residence
+sometimes at Seville and sometimes at Cadiz, as occasion demanded, the
+office of the India house being at the former city, and the port of
+customs and sailing at the latter. He was, undoubtedly, brought into
+more or less intimate contact with Fonseca, whose supervision of
+colonial affairs and control of expeditionary fleets demanded his
+constant attention for many years. He probably appreciated such a man
+as Vespucci, whose even temper and mastery of detail, combined with
+great sagacity and learning, were invaluable to the man who was
+building up a government beyond the ocean. They were nearly of the
+same age&mdash;Fonseca having been born in 1441&mdash;and at this time in the
+fulness of their natural powers.</p>
+
+<p>Just what Vespucci was doing in the two years succeeding to the
+departure of Columbus is not definitely known; but in December, 1495,
+we find him actively engaged in settling the estate of Juan Berardi,
+who had died in that month and year. He was then, it appears, the most
+influential if not the sole member of the firm then resident in Spain,
+and after Berardi's death he undertook<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> and carried out the contracts
+entered into by the senior partner with the government.</p>
+
+<p>About three hundred years after the death of Vespucci, some ancient
+documents were discovered by a Spanish historian, in which it was
+shown that on January 12, 1496, the royal treasurer, Pinelo, had paid
+to Vespucci the sum of ten thousand maravedis on account. He advanced
+pay and furnished subsistence for the mariners of an expedition which
+sailed on February 3, 1496, and was wrecked two weeks later, with the
+loss of several lives. The fragmentary records also show, apparently,
+that in the year 1497 and the early part of 1498, Vespucci was "busily
+engaged at Seville and San Lucar, in the equipment of the fleet with
+which Columbus sailed on his third voyage"; and yet, according to a
+letter which he wrote a former friend in 1504, he was himself upon the
+ocean at that very time, seeking to rival Columbus in the discovery of
+a continent!</p>
+
+<p>The exact truth may never be learned as to this reputed voyage of
+Vespucci, which he calls his "first," and which his enemies say was
+never made! It seems incredible that he should be the "sole authority"
+for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> this voyage, and that all contemporary history "is absolutely
+silent in regard to it"; yet, so far as we can ascertain, it is the
+truth. Leaving for future discussion, however, the proof and disproof
+of this voyage&mdash;merely pausing to remark that at the period mentioned
+a man holding his relations to Fonseca would have had no difficulty in
+obtaining permission to make such a voyage, even without the sanction
+of royal authority&mdash;we will now peruse the famous letter. It is
+addressed to "Piero Soderini, Perpetual Gonfaloniere of the Republic
+of Florence," and was written in 1504.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"<span class="smcap">Most excellent Sir</span>,&mdash; ... The principal reason why I am
+induced to write is the request of the bearer, Benvenuto
+Benvenuti, the devoted servant of your Excellency and my
+particular friend. He happened to be here in this city of
+Lisbon, and requested that I would impart to your Excellency
+a description of the things seen by me in various climes, in
+the course of four voyages which I have made for the
+discovery of new lands, two by the authority and command of
+Don Ferdinand, King of Castile, in the great Western Ocean,
+and the other two by order of Dom Manuel, King of Portugal,
+towards the south. So I resolved to write, as requested, and
+set about the performance of my task, because I am certain
+that your Excellency counts me among the number of your most
+devoted<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> servants, remembering that in the time of our
+youth, we were friends, going daily to study the rudiments
+of grammar, under the excellent instruction of the venerable
+brother of St. Mark, Friar Georgio Antonio Vespucci, my
+uncle, whose counsels would to God I had followed! for then,
+as Petrarch says, I should have been a different man from
+what I am.</p>
+
+<p>" ... Your Excellency will please to observe that I came
+into the kingdom of Spain for the purpose of engaging in
+mercantile affairs, and that I continued to be thus employed
+about four years [six or seven], during which I saw and
+experienced the fickle movements of fortune, and how she
+ordered the changes of these transitory and perishing
+worldly goods, at one time sustaining a man at the top of
+the wheel, and at another returning him to the lowest part
+thereof, and depriving him of her favors, which may truly be
+said to be lent. Thus having experienced the continual labor
+of one who would acquire her favors, subjecting myself to
+very many inconveniences and dangers, I concluded to abandon
+mercantile affairs and direct my attention to something more
+laudable and stable. For this purpose I prepared myself to
+visit various parts of the world, and see the wonderful
+things which might be found therein. Time and place were
+very opportunely offered me when I came to this conclusion.</p>
+
+<p>"King Ferdinand of Castile had ordered four ships to go in
+search of new lands, and I was selected by his highness to
+go in that fleet, in order to assist in the discoveries. We
+sailed from the port of Cadiz on the 10th of May, <span class="smcap">a.d.</span>
+1497,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> and steering our course through the great Western
+Ocean, spent eighteen months in our expedition, discovering
+much land and a great number of islands, the largest part of
+which were inhabited. As these are not spoken of by the
+ancient writers, I presume they were ignorant of them. If I
+am not mistaken, I well remember to have read in one of
+their books, which I possessed, that this ocean was
+considered unpeopled. In this voyage I saw many astonishing
+things, as your Excellency will perceive by the following
+relation.</p>
+
+<p>"We had sailed so rapidly that at the end of twenty-seven
+days we came in sight of land, which we judged to be a
+continent, being about a thousand leagues west of the
+Fortunate Islands, now called the Grand Canaries. Here we
+anchored our ships at a league and a half from the shore,
+and, having cast off our boats and filled them with men and
+arms, proceeded to land. Before we landed we were much
+cheered by the sight of many people rambling along the
+shore. We found that they were all in a state of nudity, and
+they appeared to be afraid of us, as I suppose from seeing
+us clothed and of a different stature from themselves. They
+retreated to a mountain, and, notwithstanding all the signs
+of peace and friendship we could make, we could not bring
+them to parley with us; so, as the night was coming on and
+the ships were anchored in an insecure place, we agreed to
+leave there and go in search of some port or bay where we
+could place our ships in safety.</p>
+
+<p>"We sailed two days along the coast, and on the morning of
+the third day, as dawn appeared, we saw on shore a great
+number of men, with their<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> wives and children, all laden
+with provisions. Before we reached the land many of them
+swam to meet us, the distance of a bow-shot into the sea (as
+they are most excellent swimmers), and they treated us with
+as much confidence as if we had had intercourse with them
+for a long time, which gratified us much. All that we know
+of their life and manners is that they go entirely naked,
+not having the slightest covering whatever; they are of
+middling stature and very well proportioned, and their flesh
+is a reddish color, like the skin of a lion; but I think if
+they had been accustomed to wear clothing they would have
+been as white as we are. They have no hair on the body,
+except very long hair on the head; but the women especially
+derive attractiveness from this. Their countenances are not
+handsome, as they have large faces, which might be compared
+with those of the Tartars. Both men and women are very
+agile, easy in their carriage, and swift in running or
+walking, so that the women think nothing of speeding a
+league or two, as we have many a time beheld.</p>
+
+<p>"Their weapons are bows and arrows beautifully wrought, but
+unfurnished with iron or any other hard metal, in place of
+which they make use of the teeth of animals, or fish, or
+sometimes a slip of hard-wood, made harder at the point by
+fire. They are sure marksmen, who hit whatever they wish,
+and in some parts the women also use the bow with dexterity.
+They have other arms, such as lances and staves, with heads
+finely wrought. When they make war they take their wives
+with them&mdash;not to fight, but to carry provisions on their
+backs, a woman frequently carrying<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> a burden in this manner
+for thirty or forty leagues, which the strongest man among
+them could not do, as we have witnessed many times.</p>
+
+<p>"These people have no captains, neither do they march in
+order, but each one is his own master. The cause of their
+wars is not a love of conquest, or of enlarging their
+boundaries, neither are they incited to engage in them by
+inordinate covetousness [unlike the Spaniards], but from
+ancient enmity which has existed among them in times past;
+and having been asked why they made war, they could give us
+no other reason than that they did it to avenge the deaths
+of their ancestors. Neither have these people kings or
+lords, nor do they obey any one, but live in their own
+entire liberty; and the manner in which they are incited to
+go to war is this: when their enemies have killed or taken
+prisoners any of their people, the oldest relative rises and
+goes about proclaiming his wrongs aloud, and calling upon
+them to go with him to avenge the death of his relation.
+Thereupon they are moved with sympathy and make ready for
+the fight.</p>
+
+<p>"They have no tribunals of justice, neither do they punish
+malefactors; and what is still more astonishing, neither
+father nor mother chastises the children when they do wrong;
+yet, astounding as it may seem, there is no strife between
+them; or, to say the least, we never saw any. They appear
+simple in speech, but in reality are very shrewd and cunning
+in any matter which interests them. They speak but little,
+and that little in a low tone of voice, using the same
+accentuation that we use, and forming the words with the
+palate,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> teeth, and lips; but they have a different mode of
+diction. There is a great diversity of language among them,
+inasmuch as every hundred leagues or so we found people who
+could not understand one another. Their mode of life is most
+barbarous; they do not eat at regular intervals; but it is a
+matter of indifference to them whether appetite comes at
+midnight or at mid-day, and they eat upon the ground at all
+hours, without napkin or table-cloth, having their food in
+earthen basins, which they manufacture, or in half-gourd
+shells or calabashes. They sleep in nets of cotton, very
+large and suspended in the air; and although this may seem a
+very bad way of sleeping, I can vouch for the fact that it
+is extremely pleasant, and one sleeps better thus than on a
+mattress. They are neat and clean in their persons, which is
+a natural consequence of their perpetual bathing; but some
+of their habits are unmentionable....</p>
+
+<p>" ... We are not aware that these people have any laws.
+Neither are they like Moors or Jews, but worse than Gentiles
+or Pagans, because we have never seen them offer any
+sacrifice, and they have no houses of prayer. From their
+voluptuous manner of life, I consider them as Epicureans.
+Their dwellings are in communities and their houses are in
+the form of huts, but strongly built of large tree-trunks
+and covered with palm leaves, secure from winds and storms.
+In some places they are of such great length that in a
+single house we saw six hundred people, and we found that
+the population of thirteen houses only amounted to four
+thousand. They change their location every seven or eight
+years, and on being asked why they did so they<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span> said it was
+on account of the intense heat of the sun upon the soil,
+which by that time became infected and corrupted, and caused
+pains in their bodies, which seemed to us reasonable.</p>
+
+<p>"The riches of these people consist in birds' feathers of
+beautiful colors, of beads, which they fabricate from
+fish-bones or colored stones, with which they decorate their
+cheeks, lips, and ears, and of many other things which are
+held in little or no esteem by us. They carry on no
+commerce, neither buying nor selling, and, in short, live
+contentedly with what nature gives them. The riches which we
+esteem so highly in Europe and other parts&mdash;such as gold,
+jewels, pearls, and other wealth&mdash;they have no regard for at
+all. They are liberal in giving, never denying one anything,
+and, on the other hand, are just as free in asking....</p>
+
+<p>"In case of death they make use of various funeral
+obsequies. Some bury their dead with water and provisions
+placed at their heads, thinking they may have occasion to
+eat and drink, but they make no parade in the way of funeral
+ceremonies. In some places they have a most barbarous mode
+of interment, which is thus: When one is sick or infirm, and
+nearly at the point of death, his relatives carry him into a
+large forest, and there attaching one of their
+sleeping-hammocks to two trees, they place the sick person
+in it, and continue to swing him about for a whole day, and
+when night comes, after placing at his head water and
+provisions sufficient to sustain him for five or six days,
+they return to their village. If the sick person can help
+himself to eat and drink, and recovers<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> sufficiently to be
+able to return to the village, his people receive him again
+with great ceremony; but few are they who escape this mode
+of treatment, as most of them die without being visited, and
+that is their only burial.</p>
+
+<p>"They use in their diseases various kinds of medicines, so
+different from any in vogue with us that we are astonished
+that any escaped. I often saw, for instance, that when a
+person was sick with a fever, which was increasing upon him,
+they bathed him from head to foot with cold water, and
+making a great fire around him, they made him turn round in
+a circle for about an hour or two, until they fatigued him
+and left him to sleep. Many were cured in this way. They
+also observe a strict diet, eating nothing for three or four
+days. They practise blood-letting; not on the arm, unless in
+the arm-pit, but generally taking it from the thighs and
+haunches. Their blood or phlegm is much disordered on
+account of their food, which consists mainly of the roots of
+herbs, of fruit, and fish. They have no wheat or other
+grain, but instead make use of the root of a tree [shrub]
+from which they manufacture flour, which is very good and
+called <i>huca</i> [yucca]; the flour from another root is called
+<i>kazabi</i>, and from another <i>igname</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"They eat little meat except human flesh, and you will
+notice that in this particular they are more savage than
+beasts, because all their enemies who are killed or taken
+prisoners, whether male or female, are devoured with so much
+fierceness that it seems disgusting to relate, much more to
+see it done, as I, with my own eyes, have many times
+witnessed this proof of their inhumanity. Indeed,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> they
+marvelled much to hear us say that we did not eat our
+enemies.</p>
+
+<p>"And your Excellency may rest assured that their other
+barbarous customs are so numerous that it is impossible
+herein to describe them all. As in these voyages I have
+witnessed so many things at variance with our own customs, I
+prepared myself to write a collection, which I call <i>The
+Four Voyages</i>, in which I have related the major part of the
+things I saw as clearly as my feeble capacity would permit.
+This work is not yet published, though many advise me to
+publish it. In it everything will appear minutely, therefore
+I shall not enlarge any more in this letter, because in the
+course of it we shall see many things which are peculiar.
+Let this suffice for matters in general.</p>
+
+<p>"In this commencement of discoveries we did not see anything
+of much profit in the country, owing as I think to our
+ignorance of the language, except some few indications of
+gold. We concluded to leave this place and go onward, and
+coasted along the shore, making many stops, and holding
+discourses with many people, until after some days we came
+into a harbor, where we fell into a very great danger, from
+which it pleased the Holy Spirit to deliver us. It happened
+in this manner: We landed in a port where we found a village
+built over the water, like Venice. There were about
+forty-four houses, shaped like bells, built upon very large
+piles, having entrances by means of draw-bridges, so that by
+laying the bridges from house to house the inhabitants could
+pass through the whole.</p>
+
+<p>"When the people saw us they appeared to be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> afraid of us,
+and, to protect themselves, suddenly raised all their
+bridges and shut themselves up in their houses. While we
+were looking at them and wondering at this proceeding, we
+saw, coming in from the sea, about two and twenty canoes,
+which are the boats they make use of, and are carved out of
+a single tree. They came directly towards our boats,
+appearing to be astonished at our figures and dress, and
+keeping at a little distance from us. This being the case,
+we made signals of friendship to induce them to approach,
+endeavoring to reassure them by every token of kindness; but
+seeing that they did not come we went towards them. They
+would not wait for us, however, but fled to the land, making
+signs to us to wait, and giving us to understand that they
+would return. They fled to a mountain, but did not tarry
+long there, and when they returned brought with them sixteen
+of their young maidens, and entering into their canoes came
+near and put four of them into each boat, at which we were
+very much astonished, as your Excellency may well imagine.
+Then they mingled with their canoes among our boats, and we
+considered their coming to us in this manner to be a token
+of friendship. Taking this for granted, we saw a great crowd
+of people swimming towards us from the houses without any
+suspicion. At this juncture some old women showed themselves
+at the doorways of the huts, wailing and tearing their hair,
+as if in great distress. From this we began to be
+suspicious, and had recourse to our weapons, when suddenly
+the young girls, who were in our boats, threw themselves
+into the sea, and the canoes at the same time moved away,
+the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> people in them assailing us with their bows and arrows.</p>
+
+<p>"Those who came swimming towards us brought each a lance,
+concealed as much as possible under the water, and their
+treachery being thus discovered, we began not only to defend
+ourselves, but to act severely on the defensive. We
+overturned many of the canoes with our boats, and making
+considerable slaughter among them they soon abandoned the
+canoes altogether and swam for the shore. Fifteen or twenty
+were killed, and many wounded, on their side, while on ours
+five were slightly wounded, all the rest escaping by divine
+Providence, and these five being quickly cured. We took
+prisoners two of their girls and three men, and on entering
+their huts found one sick man and two old women. Returning
+to our boats and thence to the ships, with the five
+prisoners, we put irons upon the feet of each, excepting the
+two young females; yet when night came the two girls and one
+of the men escaped, in the most artful manner in the world.</p>
+
+<p>"The next day we concluded to depart from this port, and at
+length came to anchor at about eighty leagues distance, and
+found another tribe of people whose customs and language
+were very different from those we had last seen. We
+determined to land, seeing there a great multitude numbering
+about four thousand. They did not wait to receive us, but
+fled precipitately to the woods, abandoning all their
+things. We leaped ashore, and taking the path which led to
+the wood, found their tents within the space of a bow-shot,
+where they had made a great fire and two of them were
+cooking<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> their food, roasting many animals of various kinds.</p>
+
+<p>"We noticed that they were roasting a certain animal that
+looked like a serpent; it had no wings, and was so
+disgusting in appearance that we were astonished at its
+deformity. As we went through their huts or tents, we found
+many of these serpents alive. Their feet were tied, and they
+had a cord about their snouts so that they could not open
+their mouths, as dogs are sometimes muzzled so they may not
+bite. These animals had such a savage appearance that none
+of us durst turn one over, thinking they might be
+poisonous.<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> They are about the size of a kid, about the
+length and a half of a man's arm, and have long, coarse feet
+armed with large nails. Their skin is hard, and they are of
+various colors. They have the snout and face of a serpent,
+and from the nose there runs a crest, passing over the
+middle of the back to the root of the tail. We finally
+concluded that they were serpents, and poisonous; yet,
+nevertheless, they were eaten by the natives.</p>
+
+<p>" ... Finally these people became very friendly, told us
+that this was not their place of dwelling, but that they had
+come there only to carry on their fishery. They importuned
+us so much to go to their village that, having taken
+counsel, twenty-three of us Christians concluded to go with
+them, well prepared, and with firm resolution to die
+manfully if such was to be our fate. Three leagues<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> from the
+coast we arrived at a well-peopled village, where we were
+received with so many and such barbarous ceremonies that no
+pen is equal to the task of describing them. There was
+dancing and singing, weeping mingled with rejoicing, and
+great feasting. After having passed the night and half of
+the next day, an immense number of people visiting us from
+motives of curiosity, we determined to proceed still farther
+inland, having been desired to visit other villages. And it
+is impossible to tell how much honor they did us there. We
+visited so many villages that we spent nine days in the
+journey. On our return we were accompanied by a wonderful
+number of both sexes, quite to the sea-shore; and when any
+of us grew weary with walking, they carried us in their
+hammocks, much at our ease. Many of them were laden with the
+presents they made us, consisting of very rich plumage, many
+bows and arrows, and an infinite variety of parrots,
+beautiful and varied in colors. Others carried loads of
+provisions and animals. For a greater wonder, I will tell
+your Excellency that when we had to cross a river they
+carried us on their backs.</p>
+
+<p>"Having arrived at the sea and entered the boats, which had
+come ashore for us, we are astonished at the crowd which
+endeavored to get into the boats to go to see our ships, for
+they were so overloaded that they were ofttimes on the point
+of sinking. We carried as many as we could on board, and so
+many more came by swimming that we were quite troubled at
+the multitude, although they were all naked and unarmed.
+They marvelled greatly at the size of our ships, our
+equipments,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> and implements. Here quite a laughable
+occurrence took place, at their expense. We concluded to try
+the effect of discharging some of our artillery, and when
+they heard the thunderous report the greater part of them
+jumped into the sea from fright, acting like frogs sitting
+on a bank, who plunge into the water on the approach of
+anything that alarms them. Those who remained on the ship
+were so timorous that we repented of having done this.
+However, we reassured them by telling them that these were
+our arms, with which we killed our enemies. After they had
+amused themselves on the ship all day, we told them that
+they must go, as we wished to depart in the night; so they
+took leave of us with many demonstrations of friendship,
+even affection, and went ashore.</p>
+
+<p>"I saw more of the manners and customs of these people while
+in their country than I care to dwell on here. Your
+Excellency will notice that in each of my voyages I have
+noted the most extraordinary things which have occurred, and
+have compiled the whole into one volume, in the style of a
+geography, and entitled it <i>The Four Voyages</i>. In this work
+will be found a minute description of the things which I
+saw; but, as there is no copy of it yet published, owing to
+my being obliged to examine it carefully and make
+corrections, it becomes necessary for me to impart them to
+you herein.</p>
+
+<p>"This country is full of inhabitants and contains a great
+many rivers. Very few of the animals are similar to ours,
+excepting the lions, panthers, stags, hogs, goats, and deer,
+and even these are a little different in form. They have
+neither horses,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> mules, nor asses; neither cows, dogs, nor
+any kind of domestic animals. Their other animals, however,
+are so very numerous that it is impossible to count them,
+and all of them so wild that they cannot be employed for
+serviceable uses. But what shall I say of the birds, which
+are so numerous and of so many species and varieties of
+plumage that it is astounding to behold them? The country is
+pleasant and fruitful, full of woods and forests which are
+always green, as they never lose their foliage. The fruits
+are numberless and totally different from ours. The land
+lies within the torrid zone, under the parallel which
+describes the Tropic of Cancer, where the pole is elevated
+twenty-three degrees above the horizon.</p>
+
+<p>"A great many people came to see us and were astonished at
+our features and the whiteness of our skins. They asked us
+where we came from, and we gave them to understand that we
+came from heaven, with the view of visiting the world, and
+they believed us. In this country we established a baptismal
+font, and great numbers were baptized. They called us, in
+their language, <i>Carabi</i>, which means men of great wisdom.
+The natives call this province <i>Lariab</i>. We left the port
+and sailed along the coast, in sight of land, until we had
+run, calculating our advances and retrogressions, eight
+hundred and seventy leagues towards the northwest, making
+many stops by the way and having intercourse with many
+people. In some places we found traces of gold, but in small
+quantities, it being sufficient for us to have discovered
+the country and to know that there was gold in it.</p>
+
+<p>"We had now been thirteen months on the voyage,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> and the
+ships and rigging were much worn, the men very weary. So by
+common consent we agreed to careen our ships on the beach in
+order to calk and pitch them anew, as they leaked badly, and
+then to return to Spain. When we took this resolution we
+were near one of the best harbors in the world, entering
+which we found a vast number of people, who received us most
+kindly. We made a breastwork on shore with our boats and
+casks, and placed our artillery so it would play over them;
+then, having unloaded and lightened our ships, we hauled
+them to land and repaired them wherever they needed it. The
+natives were of great assistance to us, continually
+providing food, so that in this port we consumed very little
+of our own. This served us a very good turn, for our
+provisions were poor and the stock so much reduced at this
+time that we feared it would hardly last us on our return to
+Spain.</p>
+
+<p>"Having stayed here thirty-seven days, visiting their
+villages many times, where they paid us the highest honors,
+we wished to depart on our voyage. Before we set sail the
+natives complained to us that at certain times in the year
+there came from the sea into their territory a very cruel
+tribe, who, either by treachery or force, killed many of
+them and captured others, whom they ate, for they were
+man-eaters. They signified to us that this tribe were
+islanders, and lived at about one hundred leagues distance
+at sea. They narrated this to us with so much simplicity and
+feeling that we credited their story and promised to avenge
+their great injuries; whereat they were rejoiced, and many
+offered to go with us. We did not wish to take<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> them for
+many reasons, and only carried seven, on the condition that
+they should come back in their own canoes, for we could not
+enter into obligations to return them to their own country.
+With this they were content, and then we parted from these
+gentle people, leaving them very well disposed towards us.</p>
+
+<p>"Our ships having been repaired, we set sail on our return,
+taking a northeasterly course, and at the end of seven days
+fell in with some islands. There were a great many of them,
+some peopled, others uninhabited. We landed at one of them,
+where we saw many people, who called the island <i>Iti</i>.
+Having filled our boats with good men, and put three rounds
+of shot in each boat, we proceeded towards the land, where
+we saw about four hundred men and many women, all naked,
+like those we had seen before. They were of good stature and
+appeared to be very warlike men, being armed with bows and
+arrows and lances. The greater part of them carried staves
+of a square form, attached to their persons in such a manner
+that they were not prevented from drawing the bow. As we
+approached within bow-shot of the shore, they all leaped
+into the water and shot their arrows at us to prevent our
+landing. They were painted with various colors and plumed
+with feathers, and the interpreters with us said that when
+they were thus painted and plumed they showed a wish to
+fight. They persisted so much in their endeavors to deter us
+from landing that we were at last compelled to fire on them
+with our artillery. Hearing the thunder of our cannon and
+seeing some of their people fall dead, they all retreated to
+the shore. Having<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> consulted together, forty of us resolved
+to leap ashore and, if they waited for us, to fight them.
+Proceeding thus, they attacked us and we fought about two
+hours, with little advantage, except that our bow-men and
+gunners killed some of their people and they wounded some of
+ours. This was because we could not get a chance to use
+lance or sword. We finally, by desperate exertion, were
+enabled to flash our swords, and as soon as they had a taste
+of our weapons they fled to the woods and mountains, leaving
+us masters of the field, with many of their people killed or
+wounded. This day we did not pursue them, because we were
+much fatigued, but returned to our ships, the seven men who
+had come with us being highly rejoiced.</p>
+
+<p>"The next day we saw a great number of people coming through
+the country, still offering us signs of battle, sounding
+horns and shells, and all painted and plumed, which gave
+them a strange and ferocious appearance.<a name="FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> Whereupon all
+in the ships held a grand council, and it was determined
+that, since these people were determined to be at enmity
+with us, we should go to meet them and do everything to
+engage their friendship; but in case they would not receive
+it, resolved to treat them as enemies and to make slaves of
+all we could capture. Having armed ourselves in the best
+manner possible, we immediately rowed ashore, where they did
+not resist our landing, from fear, as I think, of our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>
+bombardment. We disembarked in four squares, being
+fifty-seven men, each captain with his own men, and then
+engaged them in battle. After a protracted fight, having
+killed many, we put them to flight and pursued them to their
+village, taking about two hundred and fifty prisoners. We
+then burned the village and returned victorious to the ships
+with our prisoners, leaving many killed and wounded on their
+side, while on ours only one died and not more than
+twenty-two were wounded. The rest all escaped unhurt, for
+which God be thanked!</p>
+
+<p>"We soon arranged for our departure, and the seven men, of
+whom five were wounded, took a canoe from the island and,
+with three male and four female prisoners that we gave them,
+returned to their own country, very merry and greatly
+astonished at our power. We also set sail for Spain, with
+two hundred and twenty-three prisoners, and arrived at the
+port of Cadiz on October 15, 1498, where we were well
+received and found a market for our slaves. This is what
+happened to me on this, my first voyage, that may be
+considered worth relating."</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href="#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> These "serpents" were iguanas, and were seen and
+described by Christopher and Bartholomew Columbus, long before
+Vespucci made his voyages.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href="#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> The fierce islanders, so accurately described by
+Vespucci, were doubtless the Caribs, and the numerous islands were
+probably Grenada and the Grenadines, perhaps including St. Vincent, in
+the north, where descendants of those Caribs live to-day.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="VII" id="VII"></a>VII</h2>
+
+<h3>VESPUCCI'S "SECOND" VOYAGE</h3>
+
+<h4>1499-1500</h4>
+
+
+<p>That letter from Vespucci to the friend of his youth, Soderini,
+purporting to narrate the events of his first voyage, has proved a
+prolific source of doubt and perplexity. Although it was written
+before Columbus died, and although it was published while most of the
+actors therein mentioned were yet living, its authenticity was
+unchallenged until nearly a century after its appearance. Herrera, it
+is believed, was the first to accuse Vespucci of "artfully and
+wilfully falsifying in his narrative, with a view to stealing from
+Columbus the honor of being the discoverer of America." This charge
+was made public in his work on the West Indies, published in 1601, and
+ever since Vespucci has been stigmatized as an impostor.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>There is no official record of the voyage he claimed to have made in
+1497-1498, and historians are silent as to his actions, in fact,
+during the period between 1496 and 1504. This signifies little,
+according to the historian Gomara, who says: "Learning that the
+territories which Columbus had discovered were very extensive, many
+persons proceeded to continue the exploration of them. Some went at
+their own expense, others at that of the king, all thinking to enrich
+themselves, to acquire honor, and to gain the royal approbation. But,
+as most of these persons did nothing but discover, memorials of them
+all have not come to my knowledge, especially of those who went in the
+direction of Paria, from the year 1495 to the year 1500."</p>
+
+<p>Some writers have sought to "establish an alibi" by showing that
+Vespucci was in Spain throughout the period which, he says, was passed
+by him at sea, on this "first" voyage; but they have not been
+successful in doing so. Some, again, have declared that the narrative
+of the "four" voyages, beginning in May, 1497, was made up of that on
+which Vespucci certainly sailed with Ojeda, in May, 1499. "The points
+of resemblance"&mdash;as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> the reader may see for himself&mdash;"are so many and
+so striking as to seem not only conclusive, but to preclude any other
+theory," says Alexander Humboldt, who, in his <i>Examen Critique</i>, made
+an exhaustive research into the Vespucci letters. Humboldt completely
+vindicated the character of Vespucci, leaving no shade of doubt upon
+his integrity, but he did not unravel the mystery.</p>
+
+<p>How happens it that Vespucci could make a voyage of which no record
+exists or was ever known to exist? Why did he not mention the names of
+the fleet's commander? Why do his descriptions of scenery and people
+so closely resemble those of scenery and people seen on the second
+voyage? He alludes several times to his forthcoming book, <i>The Four
+Voyages</i> (<i>Quattro Giornate</i>); but no trace has ever been found of
+that book, while the fragmentary letters to his "patrons," Soderini
+and Francesco de Medici, have survived to the present day.</p>
+
+<p>Men of the keenest acumen and perfectly equipped for historical
+research, such as Humboldt, Irving, and Navarrete, have devoted
+themselves to the solution of this problem, but without complete
+success.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> The first and the last named have cleared his name from the
+aspersions of centuries; the second and third, in their endeavors to
+magnify Columbus by belittling Vespucci, have not convinced posterity
+that the Florentine was a liar and a villain. He was neither one nor
+the other; and that he was far more humane than his friend Columbus
+has been amply shown in his treatment of the Indians. He and his
+companions made a few slaves; they attacked the cannibals in behalf of
+rival natives; but they did not, in their lust for gold, put Indians
+to the torture, enslave whole tribes and communities, and commit
+massacres.</p>
+
+<p>Vespucci's character is comparatively free from the stain of
+blood-guiltiness; from his dealings with men at all times, we infer
+him upright and honorable; yet he rests under a cloud of suspicion,
+because that so-called first voyage, which he says he took in
+1497-1498, cannot be explained. Suspicion also attaches to his name
+because it was chosen as an appellation for the New World, which
+Columbus was the means of revealing to Europe; but for this (as will
+be shown in a succeeding chapter) he was not accountable.</p>
+
+<p>Professor Fiske, following Vespucci's ardent<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> defender, the Viscount
+Varnhagen, deduces from the vague generalizations in this letter that
+the voyage was made chiefly along the Honduras, Yucatan, Mexican, and
+Florida coasts, as far north, perhaps, as Chesapeake Bay. The
+cannibals attacked by the Spaniards were found, he says, in the
+Bermudas&mdash;where no Indians were ever seen, so far as known, and no
+cannibals inhabit, save, perhaps, the great Shakespeare's "Caliban."
+He accounts for the lost voyage by declaring that it may have been
+taken with Pinzon and Solis, who were said to have been on the coast
+of Honduras in 1506. There is no certainty as to that date, and the
+voyage may as well have been made in 1497-1498, as indirectly shown by
+a passage in Oviedo's history, as follows: "Some persons have
+attributed the discovery of the bay of Honduras to Don Christopher
+Columbus, the first admiral; but this is not true, for it was
+discovered by the pilots Vicente Ya&ntilde;ez Pinzon, Juan Diaz de Solis, and
+Pedro de Ledesma, with three caravels; and that was before Vicente
+Ya&ntilde;ez had discovered the river Amazon."</p>
+
+<p>The Amazon and a portion of the Brazil coast were discovered by Pinzon
+in January,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> 1500; and as the historian has proved to his own
+satisfaction that the gallant Vicente Ya&ntilde;ez was in Spain during the
+years 1505 and 1506, it is probable that Oviedo is right. It is also
+probable, or at least possible, that Vespucci was with Pinzon on that
+Honduras voyage as consulting navigator, having been sent by the king,
+as he says, to "assist," in his capacity of astronomer and
+cosmographer. In this capacity, in fact, he went on all his voyages,
+for he rarely, if ever, held command. Captains, commanders, chief
+mates, and admirals there might be in plenty, but such a pilot and
+navigator as Vespucci was hard to find.</p>
+
+<p>It is not unreasonable to presume that they were together, for the one
+was a skilful sailor, the other a great navigator, and both renowned
+for their hardihood and daring. King Ferdinand had no more loyal
+servants than these two, and as they had served him faithfully in
+their respective professions, the one on land, the other at sea, and
+inasmuch as both were intimately acquainted with Columbus and his
+plans, it was like the crafty old king to send them off to scour the
+seas his exacting "Admiral" claimed to control. Thereafter&mdash;whether
+Pinzon and Vespucci<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> sailed together or not&mdash;their voyages alternated
+along the coast of South America, first one and then the other, and in
+1505-1506 an expedition was actually projected, in which the king
+intended both should share. It did not sail, because the Portuguese
+objected, as its object was the exploration of the Brazilian coast
+south of the Tropic of Capricorn, to all which the great rivals of the
+Spaniards then made claim.</p>
+
+<p>A seeming confirmation of this voyage is found in the map Juan de la
+Cosa made, in the year 1500, after he had been in company with Ojeda
+and Vespucci to the coast of pearls. He was with Columbus, in 1494,
+when the Admiral forced all his men to swear that Cuba was, to the
+best of their belief, part of the Asian continent. Yet, within six
+years, La Cosa depicts it on his map as an island&mdash;and that was before
+Ocampo had proved it one, by sailing around it, in 1508. It is thought
+that La Cosa obtained his information as to the insular character of
+Cuba from Vespucci, when they voyaged together on the coast of Terra
+Firma, which we now know as the northern shores of South America.</p>
+
+<p>Admitting, still, the critics say, that Vespucci<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> made the voyage he
+claimed, with Pinzon or with some one else, in 1497-1498, how does
+that affect the claim of Columbus? It does not affect it at all, for,
+though Vespucci may have discovered the continent a few months
+previous to his rival&mdash;and he never put forth the claim that he did
+so&mdash;Columbus, by his voyages of 1492 and 1493, led the way thither. If
+Vespucci, as some have asserted, claimed to have sailed in 1497, in
+order to establish a priority of discovery, he did it in a very
+bungling manner, and at a time when it might easily have been refuted,
+so many of his companions were then living. Besides, though his name
+was bestowed upon the newly discovered continent&mdash;perhaps as a
+consequence of the writing of this very letter&mdash;it was done without
+his knowledge and without the remotest suggestion of such a thing from
+him. This should be made clear: that Amerigo Vespucci had no thought
+of depriving his friend, Christopher Columbus, of a single leaf of his
+laurels, hard-won and well-deserved as he knew them to be.</p>
+
+<p>There is no doubt whatever that Vespucci made a voyage in 1499-1500,
+along with Alonzo de Ojeda and the great pilot Juan<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> de la Cosa, but
+whether this may be styled his first or his second must be left to the
+intelligence of the reader, for the historians are at odds themselves,
+and it might seem presumptuous in the biographer to assume to decide.
+This voyage was narrated by him in the following letter, written
+within a month of his return, to Lorenzo di Pier Francesco de Medici,
+of Florence. It is dated, "Seville, July 18, 1500," and has been
+called by one of his countrymen "the oldest known writing of Amerigo
+relating to his voyages to the New World." Mr. John Fiske, in <i>The
+Discovery of America</i>, denounces this letter as a forgery; but why,
+and for what reason it should have been written by another, he does
+not state.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"<span class="smcap">Most excellent and dear Lord</span>,&mdash;It is a long time since I
+have written to your Excellency, and for no other reason
+than that nothing has occurred to me worthy of being
+commemorated. This present letter will inform you that about
+a month ago I arrived from the Indies, by way of the great
+ocean, brought by the grace of God safely to this city of
+Seville. I think your Excellency will be gratified to learn
+the results of my voyage, and the most surprising things
+which have been presented to my observation. If I am
+somewhat tedious, let my letter be read in your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> more idle
+hours, as fruit is eaten after the cloth is removed from the
+table.</p>
+
+<p>"You will please to note that, commissioned by his highness
+the King of Spain, I set out with two small ships, the 18th
+of May, 1499, on a voyage of discovery to the southwest, by
+way of the Fortunate Isles, which are now called the
+Canaries. After having provided ourselves there with all
+things necessary, first offering our prayers to God, we set
+sail from an island which is called Gomera, and, turning our
+prows southwardly, sailed twenty-four days with a fresh
+wind, without seeing any land. At the end of that time we
+came within sight of land, and found that we had sailed
+about thirteen hundred leagues, and were at that distance
+from the city of Cadiz, in a southwesterly direction. When
+we saw the land we gave thanks to God, and then launched our
+boats and, with sixteen men, went to the shore, which we
+found thickly covered with trees, astonishing both on
+account of their size and their verdure, for they never lose
+their foliage. The sweet odors which they exhaled (for they
+were all aromatic) highly delighted us, and we were rejoiced
+in regaling our senses.</p>
+
+<p>"We rowed along the shore in the boats to see if we could
+find any suitable place for landing; but, after toiling from
+morning till night, we found no way of passage, the land
+being low and densely covered with trees. We concluded,
+therefore, to return to the ships and make an attempt to
+land at some other spot.</p>
+
+<p>"One very remarkable circumstance we observed in these seas,
+which was that, at fifteen leagues distance from the land,
+we found the water fresh, like<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> that of a river, and we
+filled all our empty casks with it. Sailing in a southerly
+direction, still along the coast, we saw two larger rivers
+issuing from the land; and I think that these two rivers, by
+reason of their magnitude, caused the freshness of the water
+in the sea adjoining. Seeing that the coast was invariably
+low, we determined to enter one of these rivers with the
+boats, and did so, after furnishing them with provisions for
+four days, and twenty men well armed. We entered the river
+and rowed up it nearly two days, making a distance of about
+eighteen leagues; but we found the low land still continuing
+and so thickly covered with trees that a bird could scarcely
+fly through them.</p>
+
+<p>"We saw signs that the inland parts of the country were
+inhabited; nevertheless, as our vessels were anchored in a
+dangerous place, in case an adverse wind should arise, at
+the end of two days we concluded to return. Here we saw an
+immense number of birds, including parrots in great variety,
+some crimson in color, others green and lemon, others
+entirely green, and others again that were black and
+flesh-colored [these last were probably toucans]. And oh!
+the songs of other species of birds, so sweet and so
+melodious, as we heard them among the trees, that we often
+lingered, listening to their charming music. The trees, too,
+were so beautiful and smelled so sweetly that we almost
+imagined ourselves in a terrestrial paradise; yet none of
+those trees, or the fruit of them, were similar to anything
+in our part of the world.</p>
+
+<p>"On our way back we saw many people of various descriptions
+fishing in the river. Having arrived at our ships, we raised
+anchor and set sail in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> a southerly direction, standing off
+to sea about forty leagues. While sailing on this course, we
+encountered a current running from southeast to northwest,
+so strong and furious that we were put into great fear and
+were exposed to imminent peril. This current was so strong
+that the Strait of Gibraltar and that of the Faro of Messina
+appeared to us like mere stagnant water in comparison with
+it. We could scarcely make headway against it, though we had
+the wind fresh and fair; so, seeing that we made no
+progress, or but very little, we determined to turn our
+prows to the northwest.<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id="FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a></p>
+
+<p>"As, if I remember aright, your Excellency understands
+something of cosmography, I intend to describe to you our
+progress in our navigation by the latitude and longitude. We
+sailed so far to the south that we entered the torrid zone
+and penetrated the circle of Cancer.... Having passed the
+equinoctial line and sailed six degrees to the south of it,
+we lost sight of the north star altogether, and even the
+stars of Ursa Major&mdash;or, to speak better, the guardians
+which revolve about the firmament&mdash;were scarcely seen. Very
+desirous of being the author who should designate the other
+polar star of the firmament, I lost, many a time, my night's
+sleep, while contemplating the movement of the stars about
+the southern pole. I desired to ascertain which had the
+least motion, and which might be nearest to the firmament;
+but I was not able to accomplish it with such poor
+instruments<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> as I used, which were the quadrant and
+astrolabe. I could not distinguish a star which had less
+than ten degrees of motion; so that I was not satisfied,
+within myself, to name any particular one for the pole of
+the meridian, on account of the large revolution which they
+all made around the firmament.</p>
+
+<p>"While I was arriving at this conclusion, I recollected a
+verse of our poet Dante, which may be found in the first
+chapter of his "Purgatory," where he imagines he is leaving
+this hemisphere to repair to the other and attempting to
+describe the antarctic pole, and says:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"'To the right hand I turned, and fixed my mind<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">On the other pole attentive, where I saw<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Four stars ne'er seen before, save by the ken<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Of our first parents.  Heaven of their rays<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Seemed joyous. O! thou northern site, bereft<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Indeed, and widowed, since of these deprived!'<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"It seems to me that the poet wished to describe in these
+verses, by the four stars, the pole of the other firmament,
+and I have little doubt, even now, that what he says may be
+true. I observed four stars in the figure of an almond which
+had but little motion; and if God gives me life and health I
+hope to go again into that hemisphere and not to return
+without observing the pole. In conclusion I would remark
+that we extended our navigation so far south that our
+difference in latitude from the city of Cadiz was sixty
+degrees and a half, because, at that city, the pole is
+elevated thirty-five degrees and a half, and we had passed
+six degrees beyond the equinoctial line. Let this suffice as
+to our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> latitude. You must observe that this our navigation
+was in the months of July, August, and September, when, as
+you know, the sun is longest above the horizon in our
+hemisphere and describes the greatest arch in the day and
+the least in the night. On the contrary, while we were at
+the equinoctial line, or near it, the difference between the
+day and night was not perceptible. They were of equal
+length, or very nearly so....</p>
+
+<p>"It appears to me, most excellent Lorenzo, that by this
+voyage most of the philosophers are controverted who say
+that the torrid zone cannot be inhabited on account of the
+great heat. I have found the case to be quite the contrary.
+The air is fresher and more temperate in that region than
+beyond it, and the inhabitants are more numerous here than
+they are in the other zones, for reasons which will be given
+below. Thus, it is certain, that practice is more valuable
+than theory.</p>
+
+<p>"Thus far I have related the navigation I accomplished in
+the South and West. It now remains for me to inform you of
+the appearance of the country we discovered, the nature of
+the inhabitants and their customs, the animals we saw, and
+of many other things worthy of remembrance which fell under
+my observation. After we turned our course to the north, the
+first land we found inhabited was an island at ten degrees
+distant from the equinoctial line [island of Trinidad]. When
+we arrived at it we saw on the sea-shore a great many
+people, who stood looking at us with astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"We anchored within about a mile of land, fitted out the
+boats, and twenty-two men, well<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> armed, made for the land.
+The people, when they saw us landing and perceived that we
+were different from themselves (because they have no beards
+and wear no clothing of any description, being also of a
+different color&mdash;brown, while we were white), began to be
+afraid of us and all ran into the woods. With great
+exertion, by means of signs, we reassured them and found
+that they were a race called cannibals, the greater part, or
+all of whom, live on human flesh. Your Excellency may be
+assured of this fact. They do not eat one another, but,
+navigating with certain barks which they call canoes, they
+bring their prey from the neighboring islands or countries
+inhabited by those who are their enemies, or of a different
+tribe from their own. They never eat any women, unless they
+consider them as outcasts. These things we verified in many
+places where we found similar people. We often saw the bones
+and heads of those who had been eaten, and they who had made
+the repast admitted the fact and said that their enemies
+stood in greater fear of them on that account.</p>
+
+<p>"Still, they are a people of gentle disposition and fine
+stature, of great activity and much courage. They go
+entirely naked, and the arms which they carry are rare bows,
+arrows, and spears, with which they are excellent marksmen.
+In fine, we held much intercourse with them, and they took
+us to one of their villages, about two leagues inland, and
+gave us our breakfast. They gave whatever was asked of them,
+though I think more through fear than affection; and after
+having been with them all one day we returned to the ships,
+sailing along the coasts, and finding another large village
+of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> same tribe. We landed in the boats and found they
+were waiting for us, all loaded with provisions, and they
+gave us enough to make a very good breakfast, according to
+their ideas.</p>
+
+<p>"Seeing they were such kind people and treated us so well,
+we did not take anything from them, but made sail until we
+arrived at a body of water which is called the Gulf of
+Paria. We anchored off the mouth of a great river, which
+causes the gulf to be fresh, and saw a large village close
+to the sea. We were surprised at the great number of people
+to be seen there, though they were without weapons and
+peaceably disposed. We went ashore with the boats, and they
+received us with great friendship and took us to their
+houses, where they had made good preparations for a feast.
+Here they gave us three sorts of wine to drink; not the
+juice of the grape, but made of fruits, like beer, and they
+were excellent. Here, also, we ate many fresh acorns, a most
+royal fruit, and also others, all different from ours, and
+all of aromatic flavor.</p>
+
+<p>"What was more, they gave us some small pearls and eleven
+large ones, telling us that if we would wait some days they
+would go and fish for them and bring us many of the kind. We
+did not wish to be detained, so, with many parrots of
+different colors, and in good friendship, we parted from
+them. From these people it was we learned that those of the
+before-mentioned island were cannibals and ate human flesh.
+We issued from the gulf and sailed along the coast, seeing
+continually great numbers of people; and when we were so
+disposed we treated with them, and they gave us everything
+we desired. They all go as naked as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> they were born, without
+being ashamed, and if all were related concerning the little
+shame they have it would be bordering on impropriety,
+therefore it is better to suppress it.</p>
+
+<p>"After having sailed about four hundred leagues, continually
+along the coast, we concluded that this land was a
+continent, which might be bounded by the eastern parts of
+Asia, this being the commencement of the western parts of
+the continent, because it happened that we saw divers
+animals, such as lions, stags, goats, wild hogs, rabbits,
+and other land animals which are not found in islands, but
+only on the main-land. Going inland one day with twenty men,
+we saw a serpent all of twenty-four feet in length and as
+large in girth as myself. We were very much afraid, and the
+sight of it caused us to return immediately to the sea.
+Ofttimes, indeed, I saw many ferocious animals and enormous
+serpents. When we had navigated four hundred leagues along
+the coast, we began to find people who did not wish for our
+friendship, but stood waiting for us with their bows and
+arrows. When we went ashore they disputed our landing in
+such a manner that we were obliged to fight them, and at the
+end of the battle they found they had the worst of it, for,
+as they were naked, we always made great slaughter. Many
+times not more than sixteen of us fought with no less than
+two thousand, in the end defeating them, killing many, and
+plundering their houses.</p>
+
+<p>"One day we saw a great crowd of savages, all posted in
+battle array, to prevent our landing. We fitted out
+twenty-six men, well armed, and covered the boats on account
+of the arrows which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> were shot at us and which always
+wounded some before we landed. After they had hindered us as
+long as they could, we leaped on shore and fought a hard
+battle with them. The reason why they had so much courage
+and made such great exertion against us was that they did
+not know what kind of a weapon the sword was, or how it
+cuts! So great was the multitude of people who charged upon
+us, discharging at us such a cloud of arrows that we could
+not withstand the assault, and, nearly abandoning the hope
+of life, we turned our backs and ran for the boats. While
+thus disheartened and flying, one of our sailors, a
+Portuguese, who had remained to guard the boats, seeing the
+danger we were in, leaped on shore and with a loud voice
+called out to us: 'Face to the enemy, sons, and God will
+give you the victory!' Throwing himself upon his knees, he
+made a prayer, then rushed furiously upon the savages, and
+we all joined him, wounded as we were. On that they turned
+their backs and began to flee; and finally we routed them,
+killing more than a hundred and fifty. We burned their
+houses also&mdash;at least one hundred and eighty in number.
+Then, as we were badly wounded and weary, we went into a
+harbor to recruit, where we stayed twenty days, solely that
+the physician might cure us. All escaped save one, who was
+wounded in the left breast and died.</p>
+
+<p>"After we were cured we recommenced our navigation; and
+through the same cause we were often obliged to fight with a
+great many people, and always had the victory over them.
+Thus continuing our voyage, we came to an island fifteen
+leagues distant from the main-land. As at our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> arrival we
+saw no collection of people, eleven of us landed. Finding a
+path inland, we walked nearly two leagues and came to a
+village of about twelve houses, in which were seven women
+who were so large that there was not one among them who was
+not a span and a half taller than myself. When they saw us
+they were very much frightened, and the principal one among
+them, who seemed certainly a discreet woman, led us by signs
+into a house and had refreshments prepared for us. They were
+such large women that we were about determining to carry off
+two of the younger ones as a present to our king; but while
+we were debating this subject, thirty-six men entered the
+hut where we were drinking. They were of such great stature
+that each one was taller when upon his knees than I when
+standing erect. In fact, they were giants; each of the women
+appeared a Penthesilia, and the men Antei. When they came
+in, some of our number were so frightened that they did not
+consider themselves safe, for they were armed with very
+large bows and arrows, besides immense clubs made in the
+form of swords. Seeing that we were small of stature they
+began to converse with us, in order to learn who we were and
+from what parts we came. We gave them fair words, and
+answered them, by signs, that we were men of peace and
+intent only upon seeing the world. Finally, we held it our
+wisest course to part from them without questioning in our
+turn; so we returned by the same path in which we had
+come&mdash;they accompanying us quite to the sea-shore, till we
+went aboard the ships.</p>
+
+<p>"Nearly half the trees on this island are of dye-woods,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> as
+good as any from the East. Going from this island to another
+in the vicinity, at ten leagues distance, we found a very
+large village, the houses of which were built over the sea,
+like those of Venice, with much ingenuity. While we were
+struck with admiration at this circumstance, we determined
+to go to see them; and as we went into their houses the
+people owning them attempted to prevent us. They found out
+at last the sharpness of our swords, and thought it best to
+let us enter. Then we found these houses filled with the
+finest cotton, and the beams of their dwellings are made of
+dye-woods. In all the parts where we landed we found a great
+quantity of cotton, and the country filled with
+cotton-trees. All the vessels of the world, in fact, might
+be laden in these parts with cotton and dye-wood.</p>
+
+<p>"We sailed three hundred leagues farther along this coast,
+constantly finding savage but brave people, and very often
+fighting with and vanquishing them. We found seven different
+languages among them, each of which was not understood by
+those who spoke the others. It is said that there are not
+more than seventy-seven languages in the world; but I say
+that there are <i>more than a thousand</i>, as there are more
+than forty which I have heard myself. After having sailed
+seven hundred leagues or more our ships became leaky, so
+that we could hardly keep them free, with two pumps going.
+The men also were much fatigued, and the provisions growing
+short. We were then within a hundred and twenty leagues of
+the island called Hispaniola, discovered by the Admiral
+Columbus six [eight] years before. So we determined to
+proceed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> to it and, as it was inhabited by Christians, to
+repair our ships there, allow our men a little repose, and
+recruit our stock of provisions; because, from this island
+to Castile there are three hundred leagues of ocean, without
+any land intervening. In seven days we arrived at this
+island, where we stayed two months, refitted our ships, and
+obtained a supply of provisions.</p>
+
+<p>"We afterwards sailed through a shoal of islands, more than
+a thousand in number. We sailed in this sea nearly two
+hundred leagues, directly north, until our people had become
+worn with fatigue, through having been already nearly a year
+at sea. Their allowance per diem was only six ounces of
+bread for eating, and three small measures of water for
+drinking. Whereupon we concluded to take some prisoners as
+slaves, and loading the ships with them to return at once to
+Spain. Going, therefore, to certain islands, we possessed
+ourselves by force of two hundred and thirty-two, and then
+steered our course for Castile. In sixty-seven days we
+crossed the ocean, arriving at the Azores, thence sailed by
+way of the Canary Islands and the Madeiras to Cadiz.</p>
+
+<p>"We were absent thirteen months on this voyage, exposing
+ourselves to awful dangers, discovering a very large country
+of Asia, and a great many islands, the largest of them all
+inhabited. According to the calculations I have made with
+the compass, we have sailed about five thousand leagues....
+We discovered immense regions, saw a vast number of people,
+all naked, and speaking various languages, numerous wild
+animals, various kinds of birds, and an infinite quantity of
+trees, all<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> aromatic. We brought home pearls in their
+growing state, and gold in the grain; we brought two stones,
+one of emerald color, the other of amethyst, which was very
+hard, at least half a span long, and three fingers thick.
+The sovereigns esteem them most highly and have preserved
+them among their jewels. We brought home also a piece of
+crystal, which some jewelers say is beryl, and, according to
+what the Indians told us, they had a great quantity of the
+same. We brought fourteen flesh-colored pearls, with which
+the queen was highly delighted. We brought many other stones
+which appeared beautiful to us; but of all these we did not
+bring a large number, as we were continually busied in our
+investigations and did not tarry long in any place.</p>
+
+<p>"When we arrived at Cadiz we sold many slaves, two hundred
+then remaining to us, the others having died at sea. After
+deducting the expense of transportation we gained only about
+five hundred ducats, which, having to be divided into
+fifty-five parts, made the share of each very small.
+However, we contented ourselves with life, and rendered
+thanks to God that during the whole voyage, out of
+fifty-seven Christian men, which was our number, only two
+had died, they having been killed by Indians. I have had two
+quartan agues since my return; but I hope, by the favor of
+God, to be well soon, as they do not continue long now and
+are without chills. I have passed over many things worthy of
+being remembered, in order not to be more tedious than
+necessary, all of which are reserved for the pen, and in the
+memory.</p>
+
+<p>"They are fitting out three ships for me here,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> that I may
+go on a new voyage of discovery, and I think they will be
+ready by the middle of September. May it please our Lord to
+give me health and a good voyage, as I hope again to bring
+very great news and discover the island of Trapobana, which
+is between the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Ganges.
+Afterwards I intend to return to my country and seek repose
+in the days of my old age.... I have resolved, most
+excellent Lorenzo, that as I have thus given you an account
+by letter of what has occurred to me, to send you two plans
+and descriptions of the world, made and arranged by my own
+hand and skill. There will be a map on a plain surface, and
+the other a view of the world in a spherical form, which I
+intend to send you by sea, in care of one Francesco Lotti, a
+Florentine, who is here. I think you will be pleased with
+them, particularly the globe, as I made one, not long since,
+for these sovereigns, and they esteem it highly. I could
+have wished to come with them personally; but my new
+departure for making other discoveries will not permit me
+that great pleasure....</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose your excellency has heard the news brought by the
+fleet which the King of Portugal sent two years ago to make
+discoveries on the coast of Guinea. I do not call such a
+voyage as that one of discovery, but only a visit to
+discovered lands; because, as you will see by the map, their
+navigation was continually within sight of land, and they
+sailed round the whole southern part of the continent of
+Africa, which is proceeding by a way spoken of by all
+cosmographical authors. It is true that the navigation has
+been very profitable,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> which is a matter of great
+consideration here in this kingdom, where inordinate
+covetousness reigns.</p>
+
+<p>"I understand they passed from the Red Sea and extended
+their voyage into the Persian Gulf, to a city called
+Calicut, which is situated between the Persian Gulf and the
+river Indus. More lately, the King of Portugal has received
+from sea twelve ships very richly laden, and he has sent
+them again to those parts, where they will certainly do a
+profitable business, if they arrive in safety.</p>
+
+<p>"May our Lord preserve and increase the exalted state of
+your excellency, as I desire.</p>
+
+<p class="author">"<span class="smcap">Amerigo Vespucci</span>.</p>
+<p>"<i>July 18th, 1500</i>."</p>
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>Respecting the letter in which the so-called first voyage is
+described, the same great authority, Mr. Fiske, from whom we have
+already quoted, says: "The perplexity surrounding the account of the
+first voyage of Vespucius is chiefly due to the lack of intelligence
+with which it has been read. There is no reason for imagining
+dishonesty in his narrative, and no reason for not admitting it as
+evidence on the same terms upon which we admit other contemporary
+documents." Perhaps we may be allowed to claim the same privilege for
+the foregoing letter; yet another historian, the amiable biographer of
+Columbus, Mr. Irving, while<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> freely quoting from it, in his account of
+the voyage made with Alonzo de Ojeda, by imputation discredits it, and
+loses no occasion to disparage its author.</p>
+
+<p>In order that nothing may be lacking, for the purpose of forming an
+accurate estimate of Vespucci's character and doings, Mr. Irving's
+account of the Ojeda voyage, somewhat condensed, is presented in the
+succeeding chapter. In constructing this story he, to use his own
+words, "collated the narratives of Vespucci, Las Casas, Herrera, and
+Peter Martyr, and the evidence given in the lawsuit of Diego Columbus,
+and has endeavored as much as possible to reconcile them." That he did
+not altogether succeed is the opinion of Mr. Fiske, who says, rather
+caustically, that "from its mixing the first and second voyages of
+Vespucci [the account] is so full of blunders as to be worse than
+worthless to the general reader."</p>
+
+<p>However this may be, the story is interesting, and in a sense
+valuable, as it corroborates the statements of one to whom Mr. Irving
+was not favorably inclined.</p>
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href="#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> The river was the Orinoco, the currents caused by which
+set with great force in the direction given by Vespucci.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="VIII" id="VIII"></a>VIII</h2>
+
+<h3>WITH OJEDA THE FIGHTER</h3>
+
+<h4>1499</h4>
+
+
+<p>Those who have read the <i>History of Columbus</i> will doubtless remember
+the character and exploits of Alonzo de Ojeda. He was about twenty-one
+years of age when he accompanied Columbus on his second voyage (1493);
+he had, however, already distinguished himself by his enterprising
+spirit and headlong valor, and his exploits during that voyage
+contributed to enhance his reputation. He returned to Spain with the
+Admiral, but did not go with him on his third voyage, in 1498. He had
+a cousin-german of his own name, Padre Alonzo de Ojeda, a Dominican
+friar, who was a great favorite with the Spanish sovereigns, and on
+intimate terms with Don Juan Rodriguez Fonseca, who had the chief
+management of affairs in the Indies.</p>
+
+<p>Through the good offices of this cousin,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> young Alonzo was introduced
+to Fonseca, to whose especial favor and patronage he was warmly
+recommended. While Ojeda was lingering about the court, letters were
+received from Columbus giving an account of the events of his third
+(1498) voyage, accompanied by charts descriptive of his route,
+specimens of pearls, gold, etc., in order to impress the sovereigns
+with the great value of his most recent discovery. The Admiral had
+good and sufficient reasons for making the most of this discovery, as
+his enemies in Spain and in the West Indies were seeking to belittle
+his great deeds, hence his indiscretion in placing the proofs of his
+achievement in the hands of his implacable foe, Bishop Fonseca. He
+could not return at that time, owing to the terrible condition of
+affairs in Hispaniola, which demanded his continued presence there&mdash;as
+narrated in his <i>Life</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The tidings he sent caused a great sensation among the maritime
+adventurers of Spain; but no one was more excited by them than Alonzo
+de Ojeda, who, from his intimacy with Fonseca, had full access to the
+charts and correspondence of Columbus, and who immediately conceived
+the project<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> of making a voyage in the route thus marked out by the
+Admiral, and of seizing upon the first fruits of discovery which he
+had left ungathered. This scheme met with ready encouragement from
+Fonseca, who, as has heretofore been shown, was opposed to Columbus
+and willing to promote any measure that might injure or molest him.
+The bishop accordingly granted a commission to Ojeda, authorizing him
+to fit out an armament and proceed on a voyage of discovery, with the
+proviso merely that he should not visit any territories appertaining
+to Portugal, or any of the lands discovered in the name of Spain
+previous to the year 1495. The latter part of this provision appears
+to have been craftily worded by the bishop, so as to leave the coast
+of Paria and its pearl fisheries open to Ojeda, they having been
+recently discovered by Columbus in 1498.</p>
+
+<p>The commission was signed by Fonseca alone, in virtue of general
+powers vested in him for such purposes; but the signature of the
+sovereigns did not appear on the instrument, and it is doubtful
+whether their sanction was sought on the occasion. He knew that
+Columbus had recently remonstrated<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> against a royal mandate issued in
+1495, permitting voyages of discovery by private adventurers, and that
+the sovereigns had in consequence revoked that mandate wherever it
+might be deemed prejudicial to the stipulated privileges of the
+Admiral.... Having thus obtained permission to make the voyage, the
+next consideration with Ojeda was to find the means. He was a young
+adventurer, a mere soldier of fortune, and destitute of wealth; but he
+had a high reputation for courage and enterprise, and hence had no
+difficulty in finding moneyed associates among the rich merchants of
+Seville, who, in that age of discovery, were ever ready to stake their
+property upon the schemes of roving navigators. With such assistance
+he soon equipped a squadron of four vessels, at Port St. Mary,
+opposite Cadiz.</p>
+
+<p>Among the seamen who engaged with him were several who had just
+returned from accompanying Columbus in his voyage to this very coast
+of Paria. The principal associate of Ojeda, and one on whom he placed
+great reliance, was Juan de la Cosa, who went with him as first mate,
+or, as it was termed, chief pilot. This was a bold Biscayan who may be
+regarded as a disciple<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> of Columbus, with whom he had sailed on his
+second voyage, when he coasted Cuba and Jamaica, and he had also
+accompanied Rodrigo de Bastidas, in his expedition along the coast of
+Terra Firma. The hardy veteran was looked up to by his contemporaries
+as an oracle of the seas, and was pronounced one of the most able
+mariners of the day. He may be excused, therefore, if in his harmless
+vanity he considered himself on a par even with Columbus.</p>
+
+<p>Another conspicuous associate of Ojeda on this voyage was Amerigo
+Vespucci, <i>a Florentine merchant, induced by broken fortunes and a
+rambling disposition to seek adventures in the New World</i>. Whether he
+had any pecuniary interest in the expedition, and in what capacity he
+sailed, does not appear. His importance has entirely arisen from
+subsequent circumstances&mdash;from his having written and published a
+narrative of his voyages, and from his name having eventually been
+given to the New World.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/gs04-sm.jpg" width="500" height="363" alt="OJEDA&#39;S FIRST VOYAGE" title="" />
+<p class="right"><a href="images/gs04-lg.jpg" name="fig04" id="fig04">Enlarge</a></p>
+<span class="caption">OJEDA&#39;S FIRST VOYAGE</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Ojeda sailed from Port St. Mary on May 20, 1499, and, having touched
+for supplies at the Canaries, took a departure from Gomera, pursuing
+the route of Columbus in his third voyage, being guided by the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>
+chart he had sent home, as well as by the mariners who had accompanied
+him on that occasion. At the end of twenty-four days he reached the
+continent of the New World, about two hundred leagues farther south
+than the part discovered by Columbus, being, as it is supposed, on the
+coast of Surinam. Hence he ran along the coast to the Gulf of Paria,
+passing the mouths of many rivers, but especially those of the Esquivo
+and the Orinoco. These, to the astonishment of the Spaniards,
+unaccustomed as yet to the mighty rivers of the New World, poured
+forth such a prodigious volume of water as to freshen the sea for a
+great extent. They beheld none of the natives until they arrived at
+the island of Trinidad, on which island they met with traces of the
+recent visit of Columbus. Vespucci, in his letters, gives a long
+description of the people of this island and of the coast of Paria,
+who were of the Carib race, tall, well-made, and vigorous, and expert
+with the bow, the lance, and the buckler. His description in general
+resembles those which have frequently been given of the aboriginals of
+the New World; there are two or three particulars, however, worthy of
+citation. [Here follows the narrative<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> of Vespucci, as given in the
+preceding chapters, pages 82-124.]</p>
+
+<p>After touching at various parts of Trinidad and the Gulf of Paria,
+Ojeda passed through the strait of the Boca del Drago, or Dragon's
+Mouth, which Columbus had found so formidable, and then steered his
+course along the coast of Terra Firma, landing occasionally until he
+arrived at Curiana, or the Gulf of Pearls. From hence he stood to the
+opposite island of Margarita, previously discovered by Columbus, and
+since renowned for its pearl fishery. This, as well as several
+adjacent islands, he visited and explored, after which he returned to
+the main-land, and touched at Cumana and <i>Maracapana</i>, where he found
+the rivers infested with alligators resembling the crocodiles of the
+Nile. Finding a convenient harbor at Maracapana, he unloaded and
+careened his vessels there, and built a small brigantine. The natives
+came to him in great numbers, bringing abundance of venison, fish, and
+cassava bread, and aiding the seamen in their labors. Their
+hospitality was not certainly disinterested, for they sought to gain
+the protection of the Spaniards, whom they reverenced as superhuman
+beings.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>When they thought they had sufficiently secured their favor, they
+represented to Ojeda that their coast was subject to invasion from a
+distant island, the inhabitants of which were cannibals, and carried
+their people into captivity, to be devoured at their unnatural
+banquets. They besought Ojeda, therefore, to avenge them upon these
+ferocious enemies. The request was gratifying to the fighting
+propensities of Alonzo de Ojeda, and to his love of adventure, and was
+readily granted. Taking seven of the natives on board of his vessels,
+therefore, as guides, he set sail in quest of the cannibals. After
+sailing for seven days he came to a chain of islands, some of which
+were peopled, others uninhabited, and which are supposed to have been
+the Caribbee Islands. [Then ensues Vespucci's account of the fight,
+with the substitution of Ojeda as captain in command.]</p>
+
+<p>His crew being refreshed, and the wounded sufficiently recovered,
+Ojeda made sail and touched at the island of Cura&ccedil;ao, which, according
+to the accounts of Vespucci, was inhabited by a race of giants, "every
+woman appearing a Penthesilia, and every man an Antei." As Vespucci
+was a scholar, and as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> he supposed himself exploring the regions of
+the extreme East, the ancient realm of fable, it is probable his
+imagination deceived him, and construed the formidable accounts given
+by the Indians of their cannibal neighbors of the islands into
+something according with his recollections of classic fable. Certain
+it is that the reports of subsequent voyagers proved the inhabitants
+of the island to be of the ordinary size.</p>
+
+<p>Proceeding along the coast, he arrived at a vast, deep gulf,
+resembling a tranquil lake, entering which he beheld, on the eastern
+side, a village, the construction of which struck him with surprise.
+It consisted of twenty large houses, shaped like bells, and built on
+piles driven into the bottom of the lake, which in this part was
+limpid and of but little depth. Each house was provided with a
+draw-bridge, and with canoes, by which the communication was carried
+on. From these resemblances to the Italian city, Ojeda gave to the bay
+the name of the Gulf of Venice, and it is called at the present day
+Venezuela, or Little Venice. The Indian name was <i>Coquibacoa</i>. [In
+this connection Irving quotes freely from Vespucci's account of the
+Lake Dwellers, and also gives<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> entire his description of the
+Spaniards' entertainment by Indians of the interior.]</p>
+
+<p>Continuing to explore this gulf, Ojeda penetrated to a port or harbor,
+to which he gave the name of St. Bartholomew, supposed to be the same
+at present known by the original Indian name of <i>Maracaibo</i>.... The
+Spaniards brought away with them several of the beautiful and
+hospitable females of this place, one of whom, named by them Isabel,
+was much prized by Ojeda, and accompanied him on a subsequent voyage.
+Leaving the friendly port of Coquibacoa, Ojeda continued along the
+western shores of the Venezuelan gulf, and standing out to sea,
+doubling Cape Maracaibo, he pursued his voyage from port to port, and
+promontory to promontory, of this unknown continent, until he reached
+that long stretching headland called Cape de la Vela, or Cape of the
+Sail. There the state of his vessels&mdash;and perhaps the disappointment
+of his hopes at not meeting with abundant sources of immediate
+wealth&mdash;induced him to abandon all further voyaging along the coast,
+and, changing his course, he stood across the Caribbean Sea for
+Hispaniola. The tenor of his commission forbade his visiting that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>
+island; but Ojeda was not a man to stand upon trifles when his
+interests or inclinations prompted him to the contrary. He trusted to
+excuse the infraction of his orders by the alleged necessity of
+touching at the island to calk and refit his vessels and to procure
+provisions; but his true object is supposed to have been to cut
+dye-wood, which abounds in Hispaniola.</p>
+
+<p>Columbus, at that time, held command of the island, and, hearing of
+this unlicensed intrusion, despatched Francesco Roldan, the quondam
+rebel, to call Ojeda to account. The contest of stratagem and
+management that took place between these two adroit and daring
+adventurers has already been detailed. Roldan was eventually
+successful, and Ojeda, being obliged to leave Hispaniola, resumed his
+rambling voyage. He at length arrived at Cadiz, in June, 1500, his
+ships crowded with captives, whom he sold as slaves. So meagre,
+however, was the result of this expedition that we are told [by
+Vespucci] that when all the expenses were deducted but five hundred
+ducats remained to be divided between fifty-five adventurers. What
+made this result the more mortifying was that a petty armament, which
+had sailed some time after<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> that of Ojeda, had returned two months
+before him rich with the spoils of the New World.</p>
+
+<p>The successful armament alluded to was that of Pedro Ni&ntilde;o, who had
+sailed with Columbus on his first voyage and on his third. With a
+caravel of only fifty tons, and a crew of thirty-three men, he sailed
+from Palos in June, 1499, returning in April, 1500, with a richer
+cargo of pearls than any other that had been brought from the new
+country. He had steered directly for the Pearl Coast, and at or near
+Cumana and Margarita, had amassed a fortune from the sea.</p>
+
+<p>In this connection it should be mentioned, that the country adjacent
+to the Pearl Coast, opposite Cumana, was known to the natives as
+<i>Amaraca-pan</i>; that the name <i>Amaraca</i> occurs frequently in this
+region, as (<i>A</i>)<i>mar-aca-ibo</i>, the great gulf where the Lake-Dwellers
+live. It is regarded only as a coincidence that a name so nearly like
+that which was bestowed upon the continent by Europeans should be
+found applied to portions of that continent by the aborigines; but
+some enthusiasts have undertaken to show that it was from this native
+appellation the cartographers and cosmographers derived the first
+"America" placed upon the maps.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="IX" id="IX"></a>IX</h2>
+
+<h3>CANNIBALS, GIANTS, AND PEARLS</h3>
+
+<h4>1499-1500</h4>
+
+
+<p>Besides the letter written by Vespucci to Lorenzo de Medici, he sent
+an account of the second voyage to his friend Soderini, in which are
+some incidents not mentioned in the first, with very little repetition
+of others. He wrote:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"We set out from the port of Cadiz, three ships in company,
+on the 18th of May, and steered directly for the Cape de
+Verdes, passing within sight of the Grand Canary, and soon
+arriving at an island called De Fuego, or Fire Island,
+whence, having taken wood and water, we proceeded on our
+voyage to the southwest. In forty-four days we arrived at a
+new land, which we judged to be a continent, and a
+continuation of that mentioned in my former voyage. It was
+situated within the torrid zone, south of the equinoctial
+line, where the south pole is elevated five degrees and
+distant from said island, bearing south, about five hundred
+leagues. Here we found the days and nights<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> equal on the
+27th of June, when the sun is near the tropic of Cancer.</p>
+
+<p>"We did not see any people here, and, having anchored our
+ships and cast off our boats, we proceeded to the land,
+which we found to be inundated by very large rivers. We
+attempted to enter these at many points, but from the
+immense quantity of water brought down by them we could find
+no place, after hard toiling, that was not over-flowed. We
+saw many signs of the country's being inhabited, but as we
+were unable to enter it we concluded to return to the ships
+and make the attempt on some other part of the coast. We
+raised our anchors accordingly, and sailed along southeast
+by east, continually coasting the land which ran in that
+direction. We found the currents so strong on this part of
+the coast that they actually obstructed our sailing, and
+they all ran from the southeast to the northwest. Seeing our
+navigation was attended with so many inconveniences, we
+concluded to turn our course to the northwest; and having
+sailed some time in this direction we arrived at a very
+beautiful harbor, which was made by a large island at the
+entrance, inside of which was a very large bay. While
+sailing along parallel with the island with a view of
+entering the harbor, we saw many people on shore, and, being
+much cheered, we man&oelig;uvred our ships for the purpose of
+anchoring and landing where they appeared. We might have
+been then about four leagues out at sea. While proceeding on
+our course for this purpose, we saw a canoe quite out at
+sea, in which were several natives, and made sail on our
+ships in order to come up with and take<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> possession of them,
+steering so as not to run them down. We saw that they stood
+with their oars raised&mdash;I think either through astonishment
+at beholding our ships, or by way of giving us to understand
+that they meant to wait for and resist us; but as we neared
+them they dropped the oars and began to row towards the
+land.</p>
+
+<p>"Having in our fleet a small vessel of forty-five tons, a
+very fast sailer, she took a favorable wind and bore down
+for the canoe. When the people in it found themselves
+embarrassed between the schooner and the boats we had
+lowered for the purpose of pursuing them, they all jumped
+into the sea, being about twenty men, and at the distance of
+two leagues from the shore. We followed them the whole day
+with our boats, and could only take two, which was for them
+an extraordinary feat; all the rest escaped to the shore.
+Four boys remained in the canoe who were not of their tribe,
+but had been taken prisoners by them, and brought from
+another country. We were much surprised at the gross
+injuries they had inflicted upon these boys, and, having
+been taken on board the ships, they told us they had been
+captured in order to be eaten. Accordingly, we knew that
+those people were cannibals, who eat human flesh.</p>
+
+<p>"We proceeded with the ships, taking the canoe with us
+astern, and following the course which they pursued,
+anchored at half a league from the shore. As we saw many
+people on the shore, we landed in the boats, carrying with
+us the two men we had taken. When we reached the beach all
+the people fled into the woods, and we sent one of the men
+to negotiate with them, giving them several trifles as<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>
+tokens of friendship&mdash;such as little bells, buttons, and
+looking-glasses&mdash;and telling them that we wished to be their
+friends. He brought the people all back with him, of whom
+there were about four hundred men and many women, who came
+unarmed to the place where we lay with the boats. Having
+established friendship with them, we surrendered the other
+prisoner and sent to the ships for the canoe, which we
+restored. This canoe was twenty-six yards long and six feet
+wide, made out of a single tree and very well wrought. When
+they had carried it into a river near by, and put it in a
+secure place, they all fled, and would have nothing more to
+do with us, which appeared to us a very barbarous act, and
+we judged them to be a faithless and evil-disposed people.
+We saw among them a little gold, which they wore in their
+ears.</p>
+
+<p>"Leaving this place, we sailed about eighty leagues along
+the coast and entered a bay, where we found a surprising
+number of people, with whom we formed a friendship. Many of
+us went to their village, in great safety, and were received
+with much courtesy and confidence. In this place we procured
+a hundred and fifty pearls (as they sold them to us for a
+trifle) and some little gold, which they gave us
+gratuitously. We noticed that in this country they drank
+wine made of their fruits and seeds, which looked like beer,
+both white and red; the best was made from acorns, and was
+very good. We ate a great many of these acorns and found
+them a very good fruit, savory to the taste and healthy to
+the body. The country abounded with means of nourishment,
+and the people were well disposed and pacific.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"We remained at this port seventeen days, with great
+pleasure, and every day some new tribe of people came to see
+us from inland parts of the country, who were greatly
+surprised at our figures, at the whiteness of our skins, at
+our clothes, at our arms, and the form and size of our
+ships. We were informed by them of the existence of another
+tribe, still farther west, who were their enemies, and that
+they had great quantities of pearls. They said that those
+which they had in their possession were some they had taken
+from this other tribe in war. They told us how they fished
+for pearls, and in what manner they grew, and we found that
+they told us the truth&mdash;as your excellency shall hear.</p>
+
+<p>"Sailing along the coast again, and finding an island about
+fifteen leagues from it at sea, we resolved to see if it
+were inhabited. We found on this island the most bestial and
+filthy people that were ever seen, but at the same time
+extremely pacific, so that I am able to describe their
+habits and customs. Their manners and their faces were
+filthy, and they all had their cheeks stuffed full of a
+green herb which they were continually chewing, as beasts
+chew the cud, so that they were scarcely able to speak. Each
+one of them wore, hanging at the neck, two dried
+gourd-shells, one of which was filled with the same kind of
+herb they had in their mouths, and the other with a white
+meal, which appeared to be chalk-dust. They also carried
+with them a small stick, which they wetted in their mouths
+from time to time and then put in the meal, afterwards
+putting it into the herb with which both cheeks were filled,
+and mixing the meal with it. We were surprised at their
+conduct,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> and could not understand for what purpose they
+indulged in the strange practice.</p>
+
+<p>"As soon as these people saw us, they came to us with as
+much familiarity as if we had been old friends. Walking with
+them along the shore, and wishing to find some fresh water
+to drink, they made us to understand by signs that they had
+none, and offered us some of their herbs and meal; hence we
+concluded that water was very scarce in this island, and
+that they kept these herbs in their mouth in order to allay
+their thirst. We walked about the island a day and a half
+without finding any living water, and noticed that all they
+had to drink was the dew which fell in the night upon
+certain leaves that looked like asses' ears. These leaves
+being filled with dew-water the islanders use it for their
+drink, and most excellent water it was; but there were many
+places where the leaves were not to be found.</p>
+
+<p>"They had no victuals or roots, such as we found on the
+main-land, but lived on fish, which they caught in the sea,
+of which there was an abundance, and they were very expert
+fishermen. They presented us with many turtles, and many
+large and very good fish. The women did not chew the herb as
+the men did, but carried a gourd with water in it, of which
+they drank. They had no villages, houses, or cottages,
+except some arbors which defended them from the sun, but not
+from the rain; this appearing needless, for I think it very
+seldom rained on that island. When they were fishing out at
+sea, they each wore on the head a very large leaf, so broad
+that they were covered by its shade. They fixed these leaves
+also in the ground on shore, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> as the sun moved turned
+them about, so as to keep within the shadow. The island
+contained many animals of various kinds, all of which drank
+the muddy water of the marshes.</p>
+
+<p>"Seeing there was no gain in staying there, we left and went
+to another island, which we found inhabited by people of
+very large stature. Going into the country in search of
+fresh water, without thinking the island inhabited (as we
+saw no people), as we were passing along the shore we
+remarked very large footprints on the sands. We concluded
+that if the other members corresponded with the feet they
+must be very large men. While occupied with these
+conjectures, we struck a path which led us inland, and after
+we had gone about a league we saw in a valley five huts or
+cottages which appeared to be inhabited. On going to them we
+found only five women, two quite old, and three girls, all
+so tall in stature that we regarded them with astonishment.
+When they saw us they became so frightened that they had not
+even courage to flee, and the two old women began to invite
+us into the huts, and to bring us many things to eat, with
+many signs of friendship. They were taller than a tall man,
+and as large-bodied as Francisco of Albizzi, but better
+proportioned than we are. While we were consulting as to the
+expediency of taking the three girls by force and bringing
+them to Castile to exhibit as wonders, there entered the
+door of the hut thirty-six men, much larger than the women,
+and so well made that it was a pleasure to look at them.
+They put us in such perturbation, however, that we would
+much rather have been in the ships than have found ourselves
+with such<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> people. They carried immense bows and arrows, and
+large-headed clubs, and talked among themselves in a tone
+which led us to think they were deliberating about attacking
+us.</p>
+
+<p>"Seeing we were in such danger, we formed various opinions
+on the subject. Some were for falling upon them in the hut,
+others thought it would be better to attack them in the
+field, and others that we should not commence the strife
+until we saw what they wished to do. We agreed, at length,
+to go out of the hut and take our way quietly to the ships.
+As soon as we did this they followed at a stone's-throw
+behind us, talking earnestly among themselves, and I think
+no less afraid of us than we were of them; for whenever we
+stopped they did the same, never coming nearer to us. In
+this way we at length arrived at the shore, where the boats
+were waiting for us. We entered them, and as we were going
+off in the distance they leaped forward and shot many arrows
+after us; but we had little fear of them now. We discharged
+two arquebuses at them, but more to frighten them than
+injure, and on hearing the report they all fled to the
+mountain. Thus we parted from them, and it appeared to us
+that we had escaped a perilous day's work. These people were
+quite naked, like the others we had seen, and on account of
+their large stature I called this island the Island of
+Giants. We proceeded onward in a direction parallel with the
+main-land, on which it happened that we were frequently
+obliged to fight with the people, who were not willing to
+let us take anything away.</p>
+
+<p>"When we had been at sea about a year, our<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> minds were fully
+prepared for returning to Castile, as we had then but little
+provision left, and that little damaged, in consequence of
+the great heat through which we had passed. From the time we
+left Cape de Verde until then we had been sailing
+continually in the torrid zone, having twice crossed the
+equinoctial line (as before stated), having been five
+degrees beyond it to the south, and then fifteen degrees
+north of it. Being thus disposed for our return, it pleased
+the Holy Spirit to give us some repose from our great
+labors.</p>
+
+<p>"Going in search of a harbor, in order to repair our ships,
+we fell in with a people who received us with friendship,
+and we found that they had a great quantity of Oriental
+pearls, which were very good. We remained with them
+forty-seven days and procured from them one hundred and
+nineteen marks of pearls, in exchange for mere trifles of
+our merchandise, which I think did not cost us the value of
+forty ducats. We gave them nothing whatever but bells,
+looking-glasses, beads, and brass plates; for a bell one
+would give all he had.</p>
+
+<p>"We learned from them how and where they fished for these
+pearls, and they gave us many oysters in which they grew. We
+procured one oyster in which a hundred and thirty pearls
+were growing, but in others there were less number. The one
+with the hundred and thirty the queen took from me, but the
+others I kept to myself, that she might not see them. Your
+excellency must know that if the pearls are not ripe and
+loose in the shell they do not last, because they are soon
+spoiled. Of this I have seen many examples. When they are
+ripe they are loose in the oyster, mingled with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> the flesh,
+and then are good. Even the bad ones which they had, which
+for the most part were rough, were nevertheless worth a
+considerable sum.</p>
+
+<p>"At the end of forty-seven days we left these people, in
+great friendship with us, and from the want of provisions
+went to the island of Antilla [meaning Hispaniola], which
+was discovered some years before by Christopher Columbus.
+Here we obtained many supplies and stayed two months and
+seventeen days. We passed through many dangers and troubles
+with the Christians, who were settled in this island with
+Columbus (I think through their envy), the relation of
+which, in order not to be tedious, I omit. We left there on
+the 22d of April, and, after sailing a month and a half,
+entered the port of Cadiz, where we were received with much
+honor on the 8th day of June. Thus terminated, by the favor
+of God, my second voyage."</p></blockquote>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="X" id="X"></a>X</h2>
+
+<h3>FAMOUS FELLOW-VOYAGERS</h3>
+
+<h4>1497-1500</h4>
+
+
+<p>Though Amerigo Vespucci was on occasions intimately associated with
+Christopher Columbus, conversed with him, corresponded, and had much
+to do with the outfitting of his ships, it cannot be shown that the
+two ever went on a voyage together. Some have asserted that the
+Florentine accompanied the Genoese on his second voyage, in 1493, but
+such is not the case. From the friendship that existed between the
+two, it would doubtless have been gratifying to both could they have
+explored the New World in company, for each was a complement of the
+other, and much might have resulted from their conjoined efforts.</p>
+
+<p>Still, while the great Admiral himself was not favored by the presence
+of Vespucci on any of his voyages, it chanced that several of those
+who were with him at different times<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> afterwards accompanied his
+rival, either as captains or pilots of his expeditions. Notable among
+these was Vicente Ya&ntilde;ez Pinzon, one of the noble family that came to
+the rescue of Columbus when in straits at Palos, and furnished the
+funds with which the impecunious navigator provided and equipped the
+vessel he had promised his sovereigns to contribute. The Pinzons
+actually provided and manned this vessel, the <i>Ni&ntilde;a</i>, though Columbus
+had the credit of it, and Vicente Ya&ntilde;ez was its captain throughout the
+first voyage to America, in 1492-1493.</p>
+
+<p>The eldest of the three brothers, who "risked their lives and fortunes
+with Columbus in his doubtful enterprise," the first voyage to the
+unknown hemisphere, was Martin Alonzo, who commanded the <i>Pinta</i>. He
+ran counter to the commands of Columbus when off the coast of Cuba,
+and as a result fell into disgrace with the Spanish sovereigns, and
+died of chagrin soon after the first voyage was over. Columbus seemed
+to consider himself released from any obligations to the Pinzons,
+owing to the defection of Martin Alonzo, and they never received a
+single maravedi for their assistance at the most critical juncture of
+the Admiral's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> fortunes. As captain of the <i>Ni&ntilde;a</i>, Vicente Ya&ntilde;ez, the
+younger brother, stood by Columbus loyally, all through the voyage,
+and after the wreck of the flag-ship, off the north coast of Haiti,
+took his commander aboard the little caravel and brought him safely
+back to Spain.</p>
+
+<p>He seems to have received no recognition from Columbus, either for his
+pecuniary aid or loyal support to him in time of disaster, and after
+the voyage was accomplished he sank out of sight for a while, to
+emerge again in 1494 or 1495. About that time, says a learned
+historian, "Ferdinand and Isabella began to feel somewhat disappointed
+at the meagre results obtained by Columbus. The wealth of Cathay and
+Cipango had not been found; the colonists who had expected to meet
+with pearls and gold growing on bushes were sick and angry; Friar
+Boyle was preaching that the Admiral was a humbug, and the expensive
+work of discovery was going on at a snail's pace. Meanwhile, Vicente
+Ya&ntilde;ez Pinzon and other bold spirits were grumbling at the monopoly
+granted to Columbus, and begging to be allowed to make ventures
+themselves.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, in this connection, several documents<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> preserved in the archives
+of the Indies at Seville are very significant. On April 9, 1495, the
+sovereigns issued their letter of credentials to Juan Aguado, whom
+they were about sending to Hispaniola to inquire into the charges
+against Columbus. On that very day they signed the contract with
+Berardi [Vespucci's partner], whereby the latter bound himself to
+furnish twelve vessels, four to be ready at once, four in June, and
+four in September. On the next day they issued the decree throwing
+open the navigation to the Indies and granting to all native
+Spaniards, on certain prescribed conditions, the privilege of making
+voyages to the newly found coasts.</p>
+
+<p>"On the 12th they instructed Fonseca to put Aguado in command of the
+first four caravels, ... and it started off in August. The second
+squadron of four, which was to have been ready in June, was not yet
+fully equipped in December, when Berardi died. Then Vespucci,
+representing the house of Berardi, took up the work, and sent the four
+caravels to sea February 3, 1496. They were only two days out when a
+frightful storm overtook and wrecked them, though most of the crews
+were saved. The third<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> squadron of four caravels was, I believe, that
+which finally sailed May 10, 1497. While it was getting ready, Vicente
+Ya&ntilde;ez Pinzon returned from the Levant, whither he had been sent on
+important business by the sovereigns in December, 1495. Columbus, who
+had returned to Spain in June, 1496, protested against what he
+considered an invasion of his monopoly, and on June 2, 1497, the
+sovereigns issued a decree which for the moment was practically
+equivalent to a revocation of the general license accorded to
+navigators by the decree of April 10, 1495. Observe that this
+revocation was not issued until after the third squadron had sailed.
+The sovereigns were not going to be balked in the little scheme which
+they had set on foot two years before, and for which they had paid
+out, through Vespucci, so many thousand maravedis. So the expedition
+sailed, with Pinzon chief in command and Solis second; with Ledesma
+for one of the pilots, and Vespucci as pilot and cosmographer."</p>
+
+<p>In the foregoing the historian accounts for the sailing of Pinzon and
+Vespucci in company, on that "debatable voyage" described in chapter
+VI. In the year 1499<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> both Pinzon and Vespucci were to sail&mdash;though in
+separate fleets&mdash;for the coasts of the continent which Columbus had
+accidentally revealed in his voyage of 1498. Vespucci was to coast its
+northern shores, while Pinzon, with a confidence born of successive
+ventures on the ocean, was to strike farther southward than any had
+done before him (in the western hemisphere), cross the equinoctial
+line, and reveal to the knowledge of civilized man the great river,
+afterwards called the Amazon, and the country of Brazil. The fleet in
+which Vespucci took passage left Spain in the month of May, 1499, that
+commanded by Pinzon left in December; and it is still a moot question
+whether the first or the second was the first to arrive on the coast
+of Brazil. But Pinzon sailed beyond Vespucci on that voyage, though he
+was to be surpassed, the next year, in the generous rivalry that
+existed for making the "farthest south."</p>
+
+<p>Another companion of Vespucci worthy of note is the man called by Las
+Casas the best pilot of his day, Juan de la Cosa. He had been with
+Columbus on his first voyage, as owner and pilot of the <i>Santa Maria</i>,
+and also on his second, and may have had good<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> grounds for believing
+himself as good a navigator as the Admiral, while as a cosmographer he
+was probably his superior. The historian, Peter Martyr, asserts that
+La Cosa and another pilot, Andres Morales, "were thought to be more
+cunning in that part of cosmography which teacheth the description and
+measurement of the sea" than any others in the world. In truth, the
+first map of importance made within a decade of the discovery of 1492
+was that produced by La Cosa, in the summer of 1500, after his return
+from the voyage (his third to the New World) with Ojeda and Vespucci.
+It is thought that he embodied in that map the results of Vespucci's
+voyage of 1497-1498, as communicated to him during their intimate
+companionship of thirteen months. La Cosa, the Biscayan pilot, was a
+man cast in the same generous mould as Vespucci, and shared none of
+the narrow notions of Columbus. His great regard for Columbus is shown
+in the vignette to his map, which represents the giant Christopher
+(the "Christ-bearer") carrying the infant Jesus on his shoulders.
+Beneath this vignette is the legend, "Juan de la Cosa made this map,
+in the port of Santa Maria [near Cadiz], year<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span> 1500." It is the best
+map that had been put forth up to that date, and for a long time
+thereafter remained as a guide to mariners.</p>
+
+<p>His services were in great request at that time, and in the month of
+October, 1500, he was engaged by Rodrigo Bastidas, a lawyer of
+Seville, to pilot a small expedition he had fitted out to search for
+gold and pearls. This was the expedition in which Vasco Nu&ntilde;ez de
+Balboa first embarked for the New World, and which was so profitable
+that the leaders returned (though their vessels had sunk at their
+anchors in a harbor of Haiti) with sufficient pearls to give them each
+a fortune. If they had been content to live at ease in Spain, they
+might have done so during the remainder of their days; but both
+Bastidas and La Cosa were lured back to the coast of Terra Firma by
+the prospect of further enrichment, and there they came to untimely
+ends.</p>
+
+<p>La Cosa was created <i>alguazil mayor</i> of the territory he and Vespucci
+had coasted, and finding Ojeda in want&mdash;both of money and an
+opportunity to display his prowess as a fighter&mdash;he generously shared
+his fortune with him and fitted out a fleet containing a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> ship and two
+small brigantines. Thenceforth, as fate willed it, the great-hearted
+pilot and the fiery cavalier were inseparable until cut down by death.
+In the month of November, 1509, they set sail from Santo Domingo with
+their three vessels and three hundred men. La Cosa piloted the little
+fleet into a safe harbor, as he knew the coast well from two previous
+visits to Terra Firma, but he endeavored to induce Ojeda to attempt a
+settlement farther on towards the Isthmus of Darien, as the Indians of
+this region were very ferocious and used poisoned arrows.</p>
+
+<p>Ojeda, however, would not be turned from his purpose, which was to
+acquire a large number of slaves, either by stratagem or force. After
+the monks who accompanied his command had read a requisition to the
+savages, requiring them to submit gracefully and be converted, if they
+did not wish to incur the vengeance of the King of Spain, the Pope of
+Rome, and their emissaries there assembled, finding them obdurate,
+Ojeda gave the command to attack. The Indians, by this time, had
+assembled in great force, and if they understood the message (which
+was not likely, as it was in Spanish, a language<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> they had never heard
+before) they manifested no inclination to heed its warnings. They
+brandished their spears, shot their arrows, and yelled defiance to the
+invaders. This was more than the rash Ojeda could endure, and he
+dashed headlong at the naked enemy without waiting for his men to
+follow.</p>
+
+<p>Only the gallant La Cosa was with him at first, continually
+remonstrating with his friend for his temerity, but fighting bravely
+at his side. The old pilot was a man of peace, but he was destined to
+die a violent and a horrible death. While pressing forward in advance
+of their men, the retreat of Ojeda and La Cosa was cut off by the wily
+savages, who had pretended to retire to the hills, whence they soon
+returned in great force. La Cosa took refuge in a hut, where he
+gallantly defended himself until a poisoned arrow pierced his breast
+and he fell to the ground. One companion survived, to whom he said, as
+he felt the chill of death creeping over him, "Brother, since God hath
+protected thee from harm, sally out and fly; and if ever thou shouldst
+see Alonzo de Ojeda, tell him of my fate."</p>
+
+<p>Thus expired Juan de la Cosa, former<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> companion of Columbus and
+Vespucci, able pilot, skilled cartographer, loyal till death to the
+man who had led him into the forest where he met that fatal arrow.</p>
+
+<p>It is claimed by some that Vespucci and La Cosa made two voyages
+together, in the years 1505 and 1507, but this is doubtful. After
+their return from the voyage of 1499-1500 they separated, Amerigo to
+take service with the King of Portugal, and La Cosa, upon the
+completion of his chart and after his return from the Bastidas
+expedition of 1500-1501, settling down to the enjoyment of his
+fortune. The third famous member of the trio, Alonzo de Ojeda,
+obtained authority from the king to colonize Coquibacoa, on the coast
+of Terra Firma, and received in addition a grant of land six leagues
+square in the island of Hispaniola.</p>
+
+<p>The former venture had not been considered a success, but the
+merchants of Seville and Cadiz were persuaded to once more try their
+fortunes with the brave cavalier Ojeda, and fitted out for him a fleet
+of four large vessels. In command of these he set sail, in the year
+1502, and after touching at Cumana, where he pillaged the Indians and
+took many prisoners, he proceeded to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> Coquibacoa. Finding the place
+unsuited for a settlement, he went farther westward and attempted a
+colony at Bahia Honda, building there a fortress and huts for his
+people. The Indians were hostile at first, but gold was found in
+abundance&mdash;so much of it, in fact, that the adventurers began to
+quarrel over it, and soon came to blows. Ojeda, as usual, was foremost
+in the fight that followed, and, as his company turned against him, he
+was entrapped on one of the caravels and placed in irons. Then the
+entire company sailed for Hispaniola, intending to submit the cause of
+their dissension, which was their strong-box full of gold, to the
+courts of that island for a decision. They arrived at a port on the
+western coast of Hispaniola, and in the night the manacled Ojeda
+slipped overboard into the water, intending to swim ashore and make
+his escape. The fetters on his feet were heavy, however, though his
+arms were free, and he was nearly drowned before his companions,
+hearing his cries for help, pulled him out of the water and again
+confined him in the hold of the vessel.</p>
+
+<p>Taken to the city of Santo Domingo, he was placed on trial for
+attempting to defraud<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> the government, and the decision was against
+him. He was not only deprived of his lands, but was stripped of
+everything he owned. For several years thereafter he roamed about the
+island, and made occasional voyages, but as a penniless, rather than
+an influential, adventurer. His good friend, the "ungodly bishop,"
+Fonseca, was still in power, but inaccessible through the great
+distance that separated them. One happy day, however, Ojeda met La
+Cosa, who was then in the enjoyment of a considerable fortune, and
+who, with the reckless generosity for which sailors are proverbial,
+placed all his means at his disposal. He went to Spain, where he saw
+the bishop, secured a fleet (as already mentioned), and in it sailed
+for Santo Domingo, where he was met by his partner, and together the
+soldier and the sailor set out for Terra Firma.</p>
+
+<p>Before they left the island, however, Ojeda must needs plunge himself
+into another difficulty by picking a quarrel with a rival discoverer,
+Nicuesa, whom he challenged to fight a duel. It seems that King
+Ferdinand had granted territory in Terra Firma to both these men; and,
+though there was certainly room enough and to spare in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> that vast
+region, they began to dispute over their perspective boundaries before
+they had staked them out. The hot-headed Ojeda was a skilled
+swordsman, but Nicuesa was artful enough to avoid an encounter, in
+which there was little doubt he would be killed, by insisting that
+each contestant should deposit five thousand castellanos with an
+umpire before engaging in the fight. As this was a larger sum than
+poor Ojeda could raise&mdash;which, of course, Nicuesa knew full well&mdash;the
+irate cavalier was obliged to sail without having obtained
+satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>This was the expedition that ended so disastrously, as narrated in a
+previous chapter. The Spaniard who was charged with La Cosa's last
+message to Ojeda was the only survivor of seventy who had followed the
+rash commander in his headlong attack. What had become of Ojeda
+himself none of the survivors could tell, for several days passed
+without news of him. His body was not to be found among the slain, and
+no one who knew him believed that the Indians could have captured him
+alive. He had fought like a tiger to reach and defend his friend La
+Cosa, but had been borne back by the thronging savages, and since
+then<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> nothing had been heard of him. The woods and shore were searched
+by scouts, and he was finally found extended on some mangrove roots on
+the borders of the forest. He was in such an exhausted state that he
+could not speak, but, intrepid to the last, still clung to his
+buckler, and in his right hand grasped the good sword with which he
+had cut his way through the savage hordes.</p>
+
+<p>Although famished, and so weak that he could not stand, it was
+discovered that he had not received a single wound; but on his shield
+were seen the dents made by more than three hundred arrows. His rescue
+had scarcely been effected before the ships of his deadly rival,
+Nicuesa, sailed into the harbor; but, instead of taking advantage of
+Ojeda's defenceless condition, the high-minded hidalgo offered to join
+with him in an attack upon the savages, in order to avenge his defeat.
+Combining their forces, the two erstwhile enemies fell upon the
+Indians while they were asleep, slaughtered an immense number, and
+then, after plundering their dwellings set them on fire.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the unfortunate pilot and his comrades were avenged, and the
+ships sailed on, leaving behind hundreds of mangled corpses<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> and huts
+reduced to ashes. It was not strange, then, that the surviving savages
+should ceaselessly attack the settlement soon after founded by Ojeda
+on their coast, and with such persistency that finally it had to be
+abandoned. It was in one of these attacks that Ojeda received his
+first wound. He had hitherto considered himself invulnerable, but,
+falling into an Indian ambush, a poisoned arrow pierced his thigh.
+After wrenching it from the wound, he ordered his surgeon, on pain of
+death for refusal, to burn out the venom with red-hot irons, and by
+this means, though his life was saved, he received injuries that made
+him permanently lame.</p>
+
+<p>At last conditions in the settlement became so desperate that Ojeda
+seized the occasion of a pirate ship touching there to depart for
+Hispaniola in search of assistance. Leaving his company in charge of
+Francisco Pizarro&mdash;who in this manner began his conquering career&mdash;he
+embarked in the pirate ship, but had hardly cleared the harbor before
+he began a fierce quarrel with the commander, Talavera, by whose
+orders he was seized and fettered. Even when chained to the deck, the
+undaunted cavalier dared<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> Talavera and his crew to fight him, two at a
+time, and when they refused denounced them all as cowards.</p>
+
+<p>A violent gale arose, with the result that their ship was wrecked on
+the southern coast of Cuba. Escaping to shore, they endured terrible
+sufferings for weeks, wandering half famished in forests and through
+swamps, until finally rescued by a tribe of Indians who had not heard
+of Spanish atrocities and who gave them freely all the provisions they
+needed. A canoe was despatched to Jamaica with the tidings of
+disaster, and in the end Ojeda reached Hispaniola, where he had the
+satisfaction of seeing his late companions hung for their crimes, and
+where he passed the remainder of his life in poverty. He died in 1515,
+so poor, says Bishop Las Casas, "that he did not leave money enough to
+provide for his interment, and so broken in spirit that, with his last
+breath, he entreated his body might be buried in the monastery of San
+Francisco [the ruins of which may still be seen in Santo Domingo],
+just at the portal, in humble expiation of his past pride, 'that every
+one who entered might tread upon his grave.'"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XI" id="XI"></a>XI</h2>
+
+<h3>ON THE COAST OF BRAZIL</h3>
+
+<h4>1501-1502</h4>
+
+
+<p>The New World, subsequently to be called America, did not reveal
+itself to navigators during the lifetime of any one of those first
+engaged in its discovery. Its islands and coast-lines were brought to
+view one by one, and bit by bit, so that many years elapsed between
+the voyage of Columbus, in 1492, and that which finally enabled the
+map-makers to complete the outlines of the continents. It is
+interesting and instructive to trace the movements of the explorers,
+and note how, after the initial work of Columbus, they emulate one
+another in pushing farther and farther into the great ocean of
+darkness, their voyages overlapping at times, but ever extending,
+until at last the islands of the West Indies are all revealed and the
+vast southern continent is circumnavigated.</p>
+
+<p>Columbus, in his first three voyages,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> brought to view most of those
+islands now known as the Antilles, and on his fourth and last he
+skirted the eastern coast of Central America; but he left gaps here
+and there which it took many years to fill. On his third voyage, in
+1498, he discovered the island of Trinidad and the pearl islands off
+the coast of Cumana; but he did not proceed, as he should have done,
+along the coast of Terra Firma, and hence Ojeda, Vespucci, and La Cosa
+slipped in, guided by the very chart made by him and so treacherously
+furnished them by Fonseca.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/gs05-sm.jpg" width="500" height="413" alt="ROUTES OF THE DISCOVERERS" title="" />
+<p class="right"><a href="images/gs05-lg.jpg" name="fig05" id="fig05">Enlarge</a></p>
+<span class="caption">ROUTES OF THE DISCOVERERS</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>While doubts may be entertained as to the "first" voyage of Vespucci,
+none can exist as to that made by him in 1499-1500, as we have the
+sworn testimony to that effect by Ojeda himself, who, when called to
+give the same, in the great suit brought by Diego Columbus against the
+crown, declared that he had with him on that voyage both La Cosa and
+the Florentine. This testimony was given in 1513, a year after
+Vespucci's death, and its object was to show that the coast of Terra
+Firma, so called, had been first seen by Columbus. By establishing the
+fact of his priority, it disposed of any claim Vespucci or his
+friends<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> may have made, as he and Ojeda were sailing with the
+track-chart of Columbus as their guide. Thus they picked up the route
+pursued by the Admiral, and extended it several degrees, Bastidas and
+La Cosa, the next year, carrying it still farther.</p>
+
+<p>In December, 1499, in June of which year Ojeda and Vespucci had set
+out together, Vicente Pinzon sailed along the Brazilian coast to a
+point eight degrees south of the equinoctial line. He returned to
+Spain in September, 1500, and in April of that year Pedro Alvarez
+Cabral, in command of a Portuguese fleet bound for the Spice Islands,
+over the route discovered by Da Gama, accidentally came in sight of
+land on the coast of the country since known as Brazil, in latitude
+sixteen degrees south of the line. Unable to prosecute explorations
+there, as he was bound for the East, around the Cape of Good Hope and
+along the west coast of Africa, Cabral sent a vessel of his fleet back
+to Portugal with the news, and proceeded on his way.</p>
+
+<p>Casting about for a navigator eminently qualified as pilot and
+cosmographer to pursue the exploration indicated by Cabral, along the
+coast of the country he had so<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> strangely revealed, King Emanuel of
+Portugal made up his mind that Amerigo Vespucci was the man he wanted.
+Just when he came to this decision, and when Vespucci shifted his
+allegiance from Spain to Portugal, is not exactly known, but it was
+probably late in the year 1500, after his return, of course, from the
+voyage with Ojeda and La Cosa. The particulars of this transaction we
+will let him relate in the following letter contained in this chapter.
+He does not quite satisfactorily explain how he came to break with
+King Ferdinand, especially as both the sovereign and Fonseca had
+received him with marked attention, the latter having presented him at
+court, where he was consulted as to new expeditions, and "his accounts
+of what he had already seen listened to with the greatest interest."
+The affair is all the more inexplicable from the fact that during the
+interval between his return from the second voyage and his going to
+Portugal he was married to a charming lady of Seville. This lady, Do&ntilde;a
+Maria Cerezo, was his betrothed during the time he was engaged with
+the house of Berardi, but the mania for exploring having seized him,
+their marriage was not consummated until after<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> the two voyages had
+been made. She went with him to the court, sharing there the honors
+heaped upon him by the king; but after this little is heard of her,
+though it is known that she survived him several years, and on account
+of his distinguished services to Spain received a liberal pension from
+the government.</p>
+
+<p>Leaving his newly wedded wife in Seville, Vespucci went to Portugal,
+"where he was received with open arms by King Emanuel, and commenced
+with ardor the preparation of the fleet." Respecting his sudden
+departure from Spain, his Italian eulogist, Canovai, has this to say:
+"It does not appear that King Ferdinand considered himself wronged by
+the sudden flight and, to say the least, apparent discourtesy of
+Amerigo in leaving the kingdom and the king, his patron, without
+salutation or leave-taking. It was probably looked upon as a trait of
+his reserved character, or an evidence of his aversion to idle and
+slanderous rumors, which he was unwilling to take the pains to
+contradict. Rumors and whisperings soon die away when they have
+nothing to feed upon, and when Vespucci returned, as though from a
+journey, the slight was forgotten,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> and he was treated with greater
+honor than before."</p>
+
+<p>To what cause King Emanuel owed this acquisition of King Ferdinand's
+skilled navigator does not appear; but he was not to retain him very
+long. He made, however, two voyages under the flag of Portugal, the
+first of which is outlined in this letter to his friend, the
+Gonfaloniere of Florence, Piero Soderini:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"I was reposing myself in Seville, after the many toils I
+had undergone in the two voyages to the Indies, made for his
+Serene Highness Ferdinand, King of Castile, yet indulging in
+a willingness to return to the Land of Pearls, when Fortune,
+not seeming to be satisfied with my former labors, inspired
+the mind of his Majesty Emanuel, King of Portugal (I know
+not through what circumstances), to attempt to avail himself
+of my services. There came to me a royal letter from his
+majesty, containing a solicitation that I would come to
+Lisbon to speak with him, he promising to show me many
+favors. I did not at once determine to go, and argued with
+the messenger, telling him I was ill and indisposed for the
+undertaking, but that when recovered, if his highness wished
+me to serve him, I would do whatever he might command.</p>
+
+<p>"Seeing that he could not obtain me thus, he sent Juliano di
+Bartolomeo del Giocondo, who at that time resided in Lisbon,
+with a commission to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> use every means to bring me back with
+him. Juliano came to Seville, and on his arrival, and
+induced by his urgent entreaties, I was persuaded to go,
+though my going was looked upon with ill favor by all who
+knew me. It was thus regarded by my friends, because I had
+abandoned Castile, where I had been honored, and because
+they thought the king had rightful possession of me; and it
+was considered still worse that I departed without taking
+leave of my host.</p>
+
+<p>"Having, however, presented myself at the court of King
+Emanuel, he appeared to be highly pleased with my coming,
+and requested that I would accompany his three ships, which
+were then ready to set out for the discovery of new lands.
+Thus esteeming a request from a king as equivalent to a
+command, I was obliged to consent to whatever he asked of
+me.</p>
+
+<p>"We set sail from the port of Lisbon with three ships in
+company, on the l3th of May, 1501, and steered our course
+directly for the Grand Canary Islands, which we passed
+without stopping, and coasted along the western shores of
+Africa. On this coast we found excellent fishing, taking
+fish called porgies, and were detained three days. From
+there we went to the coast of Ethiopia, arriving at a port
+called Beseneghe, within the torrid zone, and situated on
+the fourteenth degree of north latitude, in the first
+climate. Here we remained eleven days, taking in wood and
+water&mdash;as it was my intention to sail south through the
+great Atlantic Ocean. Leaving this port of Ethiopia, we
+sailed on our course, bearing a quarter south, and in
+ninety-seven days we made land, at<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> a distance of seven
+hundred leagues from said port.</p>
+
+<p>"In those ninety-seven days we had the worst weather that
+ever man experienced who navigated the ocean, in a
+succession of drenching rains, showers, and tempests. The
+season was very unpropitious, as our navigation was
+continually drawing us nearer the equinoctial line, where,
+in the month of June, it is winter, and where we found the
+days and nights of equal length, and our shadows falling
+continually towards the south. It pleased God, however, to
+show us new land, on the 17th day of August, at half a
+league distance from which we anchored. We launched our
+boats and went ashore, to see if the country was inhabited,
+and, if so, by what kind of people, and we found at length a
+population far more degraded than brutes.</p>
+
+<p>"It should be understood that at first we did not see any
+inhabitants, though we knew very well, by the many signs we
+saw, that the country was peopled. We took possession of it,
+in the name of his most serene majesty, and found it to be
+pleasant and verdant, and situated five degrees south of the
+equinoctial line. This much we ascertained and then returned
+to the ships. On the next day, while we were ashore, we saw
+people looking at us from the summit of a mountain, but they
+did not venture to descend. They were naked, and of the same
+color and figure as those heretofore discovered by me for
+the King of Spain. We made much exertion to persuade them to
+come and speak with us, but could not assure them
+sufficiently to trust us. Seeing their obstinacy,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> as it was
+growing late we returned to the ships, leaving on shore for
+them many bells, looking-glasses, and other things, in
+places where they could find them. When we had gone away
+they descended from the mountain and took possession of the
+things we had left, appearing to be filled with wonder while
+viewing them. The next morning we saw from the ships that
+the people of the land were making many bonfires, and,
+taking them for signals to go ashore, we went and found that
+many had arrived; but they kept always at a distance, though
+they made signs that they wished us to accompany them
+inland. Whereupon two Christians were induced to ask the
+captain's permission to brave the danger and go with them,
+in order to see what kind of people they were, and whether
+they had any kind of riches, spices, or drugs. They
+importuned him so much that he finally consented, and after
+having been fitted out with many articles for trade they
+left us, with orders not to be absent more than five days,
+as we should expect them with great anxiety. So they took
+their way into the country, and we returned to the ships to
+wait for them, which we did for six days; but they never
+came back, though nearly every day there came people to the
+shore, who would not, however, speak with us.</p>
+
+<p>"On the seventh day we landed and found that they had
+brought their wives with them, whom they commanded, as we
+reached the shore, to speak with us. We observed that they
+hesitated to obey the order, and accordingly determined to
+send one of our people, a very courageous young man, to
+address them. In order to encourage<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> them, we entered the
+boats while he went to speak with the women. When he arrived
+they formed themselves into a great circle around him,
+touching and looking at him as with astonishment. While all
+this was going on, we saw a woman coming from the mountains
+carrying a large club in her hands. When she arrived where
+our young Christian stood she came up behind him and,
+raising the bludgeon, gave him such a blow with it that she
+laid him dead on the spot, and immediately the other women
+took him by the feet and dragged him away towards the
+mountain. The men ran towards the shore forthwith and began
+to assail us with their arrows, throwing our people into a
+great fright, in consequence of the boats having grounded,
+many arrows reaching them. No one resorted to arms, but for
+a time all was terror and panic. After a while, however, we
+discharged four swivels at them, which had no other effect
+than to make them flee towards the mountain, when they heard
+the report. There we saw that the women had already cut the
+young Christian in pieces, and at a great fire which they
+had made were roasting him in our sight, showing us the
+several pieces as they ate them. The men also made signs to
+us indicating that they had killed the other two Christians
+and eaten them in the same manner, which grieved us very
+much.</p>
+
+<p>" ... We departed from this place and sailed along in a
+southeasterly direction, on a line parallel with the coast,
+making many landings, but never finding any people with whom
+to converse. Continuing in this manner, we found at length
+that the line of the coast made a turn to the south,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> and
+after doubling a cape, which we called St. Augustine, we
+began to sail in a southerly direction. This cape is a
+hundred and fifty leagues distant, easterly, from the
+aforementioned land where the three Christians were
+murdered, and eight degrees south of the equinoctial line.
+While sailing on this course, we one day saw many people
+standing on the shore, apparently in great wonder at the
+sight of our ships. We directed our course towards them,
+and, having anchored in a good place, proceeded to land in
+the boats, and found the people better disposed than those
+we had passed. Though it cost us some exertion to tame them,
+we nevertheless made them our friends and treated with them.
+In this place we stayed five days, and here we found
+cassia-stems very large and green, and some already dried on
+the tops of the trees. We determined to take a couple of men
+from the place, in order that they might learn the language,
+and three of them came with us voluntarily, wishing to visit
+Portugal.</p>
+
+<p>"Being already wearied with so much writing, I will delay no
+longer the information that we left this port and sailed
+continually in a southerly direction in sight of the shore,
+making frequent landings and treating with a great number of
+people. We went so far to the south that we were beyond the
+tropic of Capricorn, where the south pole is elevated
+thirty-two degrees above the horizon. We had then entirely
+lost sight of Ursa Minor, and even Ursa Major was very low,
+nearly on the edge of the horizon; so we steered by the
+stars of the south pole, which are many, and much brighter
+than those of the north. I drew the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> figures of the greater
+part of them, particularly those of the first and second
+magnitude, with a description of the circles which they made
+around the pole, and an account of their diameters and
+semi-diameters, as may be seen in my <i>Quattro Giornate</i>, or
+<i>Four Journeys</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"We ran on this coast about seven hundred and fifty leagues:
+one hundred and fifty from Cape St. Augustine towards the
+west, and six hundred towards the south. If I were to relate
+all the things that I saw on this coast, and others that we
+passed, as many more sheets as I have already written upon
+would not be sufficient for the purpose. We saw nothing of
+utility here, save a great number of dye-wood and cassia
+trees, and also of those trees which produce myrrh. There
+were, however, many natural curiosities, which cannot be
+recounted.</p>
+
+<p>"Having been already full ten months on the voyage, and
+seeing that we had found no minerals in the country, we
+concluded to take leave of it, and attempt the ocean in some
+other part. It was determined in council to pursue whatever
+course of navigation appeared best to me, and I was invested
+with full command of the fleet. I ordered that all the
+people and the fleet should be provided with wood and water
+for six months&mdash;as much as the officers of the ship should
+deem prudent to sail with. Having laid in our provisions, we
+commenced our navigation with a southeasterly wind, on the
+15th of February, when the sun was already approaching the
+equinoctial line, and tending towards this, our northern
+hemisphere. We were in such high southern latitude at this
+time<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> that the south pole was elevated fifty-two degrees
+above the horizon, and we no longer saw the stars either of
+Ursa Minor or Major.</p>
+
+<p>"On the 3d of April we had sailed five hundred leagues from
+the port we had left, and on this day commenced a storm so
+violent that we had to take in all our sails and run under
+bare poles. It was so furious that the whole fleet was in
+apprehension. The nights were very long, being fifteen hours
+in duration, the sun then being in Aries, and winter
+prevailing in this region. While driven by this storm, on
+the 7th of April, we came in sight of new land, and ran
+within twenty leagues of it, finding the coast wild, and
+seeing neither harbor nor inhabitants. The cold was so
+severe that no one in the fleet could withstand or endure
+it&mdash;which I conceive to be the reason for this want of
+population. Finding ourselves in great danger, and the storm
+so violent that we could scarce distinguish one ship from
+another, on account of the high seas that were running and
+the misty darkness of the weather, we agreed that the
+superior captain should make signals to the fleet to turn
+about, leave the country, and steer direct for Portugal.</p>
+
+<p>"This proved to be very good counsel, for certain it is, if
+we had delayed that night, we should all have been lost. We
+took the wind aft, and during the night and next day the
+storm increased so much that we were apprehensive for our
+safety, and made many vows of pilgrimage, and the
+performance of other ceremonies usual with [superstitious]
+mariners in such weather. We ran five days, making about two
+hundred and fifty leagues,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> and continually approaching the
+equinoctial line, finding the air more mild and the sea less
+boisterous; till at last it pleased God to deliver us from
+this our great danger.</p>
+
+<p>"It was our intention to go and reconnoitre the coast of
+Ethiopia, which was thirteen hundred leagues distant from
+us, through the great Atlantic sea, and by the grace of God
+we arrived at it, touching at a southern port called Sierra
+Leone, where we stayed fifteen days, obtaining refreshments.
+From this place we steered for the Azore Islands, about
+seven hundred and fifty leagues distant, where we arrived in
+the latter part of July, and stayed another fifteen days,
+taking some recreation. Then we departed for Lisbon, three
+hundred leagues farther, which port we entered on the 7th of
+September, 1502&mdash;for which the All-Powerful be
+thanked!&mdash;with only two ships, having burned the other in
+Sierra Leone because it was no longer sea-worthy.</p>
+
+<p>"In this voyage we were absent about fifteen months, and
+sailed eleven of them without seeing the north star, or
+either of the constellations Ursa Major and Minor (which are
+called the "horn"), steering meanwhile by the stars of the
+other pole. The above is what I saw in this my third voyage,
+made for his Serene Highness the King of Portugal."</p></blockquote>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XII" id="XII"></a>XII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE "FOURTH PART OF THE EARTH"</h3>
+
+
+<p>The following letter from Vespucci to Lorenzo di Pier Francesco de
+Medici, his friend and patron in Florence, was probably written in the
+spring of 1503.</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"<i>To my most Excellent Patron, Lorenzo:</i></p>
+
+<p>"My last letter to your excellency was written from a place
+on the coast of Guinea called Cape Verde, and in it you were
+informed of the commencement of my voyage. The present
+letter will advise you of its continuation and termination.</p>
+
+<p>"We started from the above-mentioned cape, having first
+taken in all necessary supplies of wood, water, etc., to
+discover new lands in the ocean. We sailed on a
+southwesterly course until, at the end of sixty-four days,
+we discovered land, which, on many accounts, we concluded to
+be Terra Firma. We coasted this land about eight hundred
+leagues, in a direction west by south. It was well
+inhabited, and I noticed many remarkable things, which I
+will attempt to narrate.</p>
+
+<p>"We sailed in those seas until we entered the torrid zone,
+and passed to the south of the equinoctial line and the
+tropic of Capricorn, so that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> we were fifty degrees south of
+the line. We navigated four months and twenty-seven days,
+seeing neither the arctic pole nor Ursa Major or Minor. We
+discovered here many beautiful constellations, invisible in
+the northern hemisphere, and noted their marvellous
+movements and their grandeur.... To proceed, now, to a
+description of the country, the plants therein, and of the
+customs of the inhabitants, I would observe that this region
+is most delightful, and covered with immense forests which
+never lose their foliage, and throughout the year yield
+aromatic odors and produce an infinite variety of fruit,
+grateful to the taste and healthful for the body. In the
+fields flourish so many sweet flowers and herbs, and the
+fruits are so delicious and fragrant, that I fancied myself
+near the terrestrial paradise. What shall I tell you of the
+birds and the brilliant colors of their plumage? What of
+their variety, their sweet songs, and their beauty? I dare
+not enlarge upon this theme, for I fear I should not be
+believed. How shall I enumerate the infinite variety of
+sylvan animals: lions, catamounts, panthers&mdash;though not like
+those of our regions&mdash;wolves, stags, and baboons of all
+kinds? We saw more wild animals&mdash;such as wild hogs, kids,
+deer, hares, and rabbits&mdash;than could ever have entered the
+ark of Noah; but we saw no domestic animals whatever.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, consider reasoning animals. We found the whole region
+inhabited by people who were entirely naked, both men and
+women. They were well proportioned in body, with black,
+coarse hair, and little or no beard. I labored much to
+investigate their customs, remaining twenty-seven days<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> for
+that purpose, and the following is the information I
+acquired. They have no laws and no religious beliefs, but
+live according to the dictates of nature alone. They know
+nothing of the immortality of the soul; they have no private
+property, but everything in common; they have no boundaries
+of kingdom or province; they obey no king or lord, for it is
+wholly unnecessary, as they have no laws, and each one is
+his own master. They dwell together in houses made like
+bells, in the construction of which they use neither iron
+nor any other metal. This is very remarkable, for I have
+seen houses two hundred and twenty feet long and thirty feet
+wide, built with much skill, and containing five or six
+hundred people. They sleep in hammocks made of cotton,
+suspended in the air, without any covering; they eat seated
+upon the ground, and their food consists of roots and herbs,
+fruits and fish. They eat also lobsters, crabs, oysters, and
+many other kinds of mussels and shell-fish which are found
+in the sea. As to their meat, it is principally human flesh.
+It is true that they devour the flesh of four-footed animals
+and birds; but they do not catch many, because they have no
+dogs, and the woods are thick and so filled with wild beasts
+that they do not care to go into them, except in large
+bodies and armed. The men are in the habit of decorating
+their lips and cheeks with bones and stones, which they
+suspend from holes they bore in them. I have seen some of
+them with three, seven, and even as many as nine holes,
+filled with white or green alabaster&mdash;a most barbarous
+custom, which they follow in order, as they say, to make
+themselves<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> appear ferocious.... They are a people of great
+longevity, for we met with many who had descendants of the
+fourth degree. Not knowing how to compute time, and counting
+neither days, months, nor years&mdash;excepting in so far as they
+count the lunar months&mdash;when they wanted to signify to us
+any particular duration of time, they did it by showing us a
+stone for each moon; and, computing in this manner, we
+discovered that the age of one man that we saw was seventeen
+hundred moons, or about one hundred and thirty-two years,
+reckoning thirteen moons to the year.</p>
+
+<p>"They are a warlike race and extremely cruel. All their
+weapons are, as Petrarch says, "committed to the winds"&mdash;for
+they consist of spears, arrows, stones, and javelins. They
+use no shields for the body, going to battle almost wholly
+naked. There is no order or discipline in their fights,
+except that they follow the counsels of the old men. Most
+cruelly do they combat, and those who conquer in the field
+bury their own dead, but cut up and eat the dead of their
+enemies. Some who are taken prisoners are carried to their
+villages for slaves. Females taken in war they frequently
+marry, and sometimes the male prisoners are allowed to marry
+the daughters of the tribe; but occasionally a diabolical
+fury seems to come over them, and, calling together their
+relations and the people, they sacrifice these slaves, the
+children with the parents, accompanied by barbarous
+ceremonies. This we know of a certainty, for we found much
+human flesh in their huts, hung up to smoke, and we
+purchased ten poor creatures from them, both men and women,
+whom they were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> about to sacrifice, to save them from such a
+fate. Much as we reproached them on this account, I cannot
+say that they amended at all. The most astounding thing in
+all their wars and cruelty was that we could not find out
+any reason for them. They made war against each other,
+although they had neither kings, kingdoms, nor property of
+any kind, without any apparent desire to plunder, and
+without any lust for power&mdash;which always appeared to me to
+be the moving causes of wars and anarchy. When we asked them
+about this they gave no reason other than that they did so
+to avenge the murder of their ancestors. To conclude this
+disgusting subject: one man confessed to me that he had
+eaten of the flesh of over two hundred bodies, and I believe
+it was the truth.</p>
+
+<p>"In regard to the climate of this region, I should say it
+was extremely pleasant and healthful; for in all the time
+that we were there, which was ten months, not one of us
+died, and only a few were sick. They suffer from no
+infirmity, pestilence, or corruption of the atmosphere, and
+die only natural deaths, unless they fall by their own hands
+or in consequence of accident. In fact, physicians would
+have a bad time in such a place.</p>
+
+<p>"As we went solely to make discoveries, and started with
+that view from Lisbon, without intending to look for any
+profit, we did not trouble ourselves to explore the country
+much, and found nothing of great value; though I am inclined
+to believe that it is capable, from its climate and general
+appearance, of containing every kind of natural wealth. It
+is not to be wondered at that we did not discover at once
+everything that might<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> be turned to profit there, for the
+inhabitants think nothing of gold or silver or precious
+stones, and value only feathers and bones. But I hope that I
+shall be sent again by the king to visit these regions, and
+that many years will not elapse before they will bring
+immense profits and revenue to the kingdom of Portugal.</p>
+
+<p>"We found great quantities of dye-wood, enough to load all
+the ships that float, and costing nothing. The same may be
+said of cassia, crystals, spices, and drugs; but the
+qualities of the last are unknown. The inhabitants of the
+country tell of gold and other metals; but I am one of those
+who, like St. Thomas, are slow to believe. Time will show
+all, however. Most of the time of our stay the heavens were
+serene and adorned with numerous bright and beautiful stars,
+many of which I observed, with their revolutions.</p>
+
+<p>"This may be considered a schedule, or, as it were, a
+<i>capita rerum</i>, of the things which I have seen in these
+parts. Many things are omitted which are worthy of being
+mentioned, in order to avoid prolixity, and because they are
+found in my account of the voyage. As yet I tarry at Lisbon,
+waiting the pleasure of the king to determine what I shall
+do. May it please God that I do whatever is most to His
+glory and the salvation of my soul."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>A third and fuller account of the third voyage, written to Lorenzo di
+Pier Francesco de Medici:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"In days past I gave your excellency a full account of my
+return, and, if I remember aright,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> wrote you a description
+of all those parts of the New World which I had visited in
+the ships of his Highness the King of Portugal. Carefully
+considered, they appear truly to form another world, and
+therefore we have, not without reason, called it the <i>New
+World</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Not one of all the ancients had any knowledge of it, and
+the things which have been lately ascertained by us
+transcend all their ideas. They thought there was nothing
+south of the equinoctial line but an immense sea and some
+poor and barren islands. The sea they called the Atlantic,
+and if sometimes they confessed that there might be land in
+that region, they contended that it must be sterile, and
+could not be otherwise than uninhabitable. The present
+navigation has controverted their opinions, and openly
+demonstrated to all that they were very far from the truth.
+For, beyond the equinoctial line I found countries more
+fertile and more densely inhabited than I have ever found
+anywhere else, even in Asia, Africa, and Europe&mdash;as will be
+more fully manifested by duly attending to the following
+narration. Setting aside all minor matters, I shall relate
+only those of the greatest importance, which are well worthy
+of commemoration, and those which I have <i>personally seen</i>,
+or heard of from men of credibility. I shall now speak with
+much care concerning those parts most recently discovered,
+and without any romantic addition to the truth.</p>
+
+<p>"With happy omens of success, we sailed from Lisbon with
+three armed caravels, on the 13th of May, 1501, to explore,
+by command of the king, the regions of the New World.
+Steering a southwest<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> course, we sailed twenty months in a
+manner which I shall now relate. In the first place, we went
+to the Fortunate Islands, which are now called the Grand
+Canaries. After navigating the ocean we ran along the coast
+of Africa and the country of the blacks as far as the
+promontory which is called by Ptolemy Etiopia, by our people
+Cape Verde, and by the negroes Biseneghe, while the
+inhabitants themselves call it Madanghan. The country is
+situated within the torrid zone, in about fourteen degrees
+south latitude, and is inhabited by the blacks. Here we
+reposed awhile to refresh ourselves, took in every kind of
+provision, and set sail, directing our course towards the
+antarctic pole....</p>
+
+<p>"To shorten my relation as much as possible, your excellency
+must know that we sailed ninety-seven days, experiencing
+harsh and cruel fortune. During forty-four days the heavens
+were in great commotion, and we had nothing but thunder and
+lightning and drenching rains. Dark clouds covered the sky,
+so that by day we could see but little better than we could
+in ordinary nights without moonshine. The fear of death came
+over us, and the hope of life almost deserted us. After all
+these heavy afflictions at last it pleased God in His mercy
+to have compassion on us and save our lives. On a sudden,
+the land appeared in view, and at the sight of it our
+courage, which had fallen very low, and our strength, which
+had become weakness, immediately revived. Thus it usually
+happens to those who have passed through great afflictions,
+and especially to those who have been preserved from the
+rage of evil fortune.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"On the 17th of August, in the year 1501, we anchored by the
+shore of that country, and rendered to the Supreme Being our
+most sincere thanks, according to the Christian custom. The
+land we discovered did not appear to be an island, but a
+continent, as it extended far away in the distance, without
+any appearance of termination. It was beautifully fertile
+and very thickly inhabited, while all sorts of wild animals,
+which are unknown in our parts, were there found in
+abundance.... We were unanimously of the opinion that our
+navigation should be continued along this coast and that we
+should not lose sight of it. We sailed, therefore, till we
+arrived at a certain cape, which makes a turn to the south,
+and which is perhaps three hundred leagues distant from the
+place where we first saw land. In sailing this distance we
+often landed and held intercourse with the natives, and I
+have omitted to state that this newly discovered land is
+about seven hundred leagues distant from Cape Verde, though
+I was persuaded that we had sailed at least eight hundred.
+This was partly owing to a severe storm, our frequent
+accidents, and partly to the ignorance of the pilot.</p>
+
+<p>"We had arrived at a place which, if I had not possessed
+some knowledge of cosmography, by the negligence of the
+pilot would have finished the course of our lives. There was
+no pilot who knew our situation within fifty leagues, and we
+went rambling about, and should not have known whither we
+were going if I had not provided, in season for my own
+safety and that of my companions, the astrolabe and
+quadrant, my astrological<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> instruments. On this occasion I
+acquired no little glory for myself, so that from that time
+forward I was held in such estimation by my companions as
+the learned are held in by people of quality....</p>
+
+<p>"This continent commences at eight degrees south of the
+equinoctial line, and we sailed so far along the coast that
+we passed seventeen degrees beyond the winter tropic,
+towards the antarctic pole, which was here elevated fifty
+degrees above the horizon. The things which I saw here are
+unknown to the men of our times. That is, the people, their
+customs, their humanity, the fertility of the soil, the
+mildness of the atmosphere, the celestial bodies, and, above
+all, the fixed stars of the eighth sphere, of which no
+mention has ever been made. In fact, until now they have
+never been known, even by the most learned of the ancients,
+and I shall speak of them, therefore, more particularly....
+The climate is very temperate and the country supremely
+delightful. Although it has many hills, yet it is watered by
+a great number of springs and rivers, and the forests are so
+closely studded that one cannot pass through them, on
+account of the thickly standing trees. Among these ramble
+ferocious animals of various kinds.... The country produces
+no metal except gold; and though we in this first voyage
+have brought home none, yet all the people certified to the
+fact, affirming that the region abounded in gold, and saying
+that among them it was little esteemed and nearly valueless.
+They have many pearls and precious stones, as we have
+recorded before. Now, though I should be willing to describe
+all these<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> things particularly, yet, from the great number
+of them and their diverse nature, this history would become
+too extensive a work. Pliny, a most learned man, who
+compiled histories of many things, did not imagine the
+thousandth part of these. If he had treated of each one of
+them, he would have made a much larger but in truth a very
+perfect work....</p>
+
+<p>"If there is a terrestrial paradise in the world, it cannot
+be far from this region. The country, as I have said before,
+facing the south, has such a temperate climate that in
+winter they have no cold and in summer are not troubled with
+heat. The sky and atmosphere are seldom overshadowed with
+clouds, and the days are almost always serene. Dew sometimes
+falls, but very lightly, and only for the space of three or
+four hours, and then vanishes like mist. They have scarcely
+any vapors, and the sky is splendidly adorned with stars
+unknown to us, of which I have retained a particular
+remembrance, and have enumerated as many as twenty whose
+brightness is equal to that of Venus or Jupiter. I
+considered also their circuit and their various motions,
+and, having a knowledge of geometry, I easily measured their
+circumference and diameter, and am certain, therefore, that
+they are of much greater magnitude than men imagine. Among
+the others, I saw three <i>Canopi</i>, two being very bright,
+while the third was dim and unlike the others.</p>
+
+<p>"The antarctic pole has not the Ursa Major and Minor, which
+can be seen at our arctic pole; neither are there any bright
+stars touching the pole, but of those which revolve around
+it there<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> are four, in the form of a quadrangle. While these
+are rising, there is seen at the left a brilliant Canopus,
+of admirable magnitude, which, having reached mid-sky, forms
+the figure of a triangle. To these succeed three other
+brilliant stars, of which the one placed in the centre has
+twelve degrees of circumference. In the midst of them is
+another brilliant Canopus. After these follow six other
+bright stars, whose splendor surpasses that of all others in
+the eighth sphere.... These are all to be seen in the Milky
+Way, and when they arrive at the meridian show the figure of
+a triangle, but have two sides longer than the other. I saw
+there many other stars, and carefully observed their various
+motions, composing a book which treats of them particularly.
+In this book I have related almost all the remarkable things
+which I have encountered in the course of my navigation, and
+with which I have become acquainted. The book is at present
+in the possession of the king, and I hope he will return it
+soon into my hands.</p>
+
+<p>"I examined some things in that hemisphere very diligently,
+which enables me to contradict the opinions of philosophers.
+Among other things, I saw the rainbow&mdash;that is, the
+celestial arch&mdash;which is white near midnight. Now, in the
+opinion of some, it takes the color of the four elements:
+the red from fire, the green from the earth, the white from
+the air, and blue from the water. Aristotle, in his book
+entitled <i>Meteors</i>, is of a very different opinion. He says:
+'The celestial arch is a repercussion of the sun's rays in
+the vapors of the clouds where they meet, as brightness
+reflected from the water upon the wall returns to itself.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>
+By its interposition it tempers the heat of the sun; by
+resolving itself into rain it fertilizes the earth, and by
+its splendor beautifies the heavens. It demonstrates that
+the atmosphere is filled with humidity, which will disappear
+forty years before the end of the world, which will be an
+indication of the dryness of the elements. It announces
+peace between God and man, is always opposite the sun, is
+never seen at noon, because the sun is never in the north.'</p>
+
+<p>"But Pliny says that after the autumnal equinox it appears
+every hour. This I have extracted from the <i>Comments of
+Landino</i> on the fourth book of the <i>&AElig;neid</i>, and I mention it
+that no man may be deprived of the fruits of his labors, and
+that due honors may be rendered to every one. I saw this bow
+two or three times; neither am I alone in my reflections
+upon this subject, for many mariners are also of my opinion.
+We saw also the new moon at mid-day, as it came into
+conjunction with the sun. There were seen also, every night,
+vapors and burning flames flashing across the sky. A little
+above, I called this region by the name of hemisphere,
+which, if we would not speak improperly, cannot be so called
+when comparing it with our own. It appeared to present that
+form only partially, and it seemed to us speaking improperly
+to call it a 'hemisphere.'</p>
+
+<p>"As I have before stated, we sailed from Lisbon&mdash;which is
+nearly forty degrees distant from the equinoctial line
+towards the north&mdash;to this country, which is fifty degrees
+on the other side of the line. The sum of these degrees is
+<i>ninety</i>, and is the fourth part of the circumference of the
+globe,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> according to the true reckoning of the ancients. It
+is therefore manifest to all <i>that we measured the fourth
+part of the earth</i>.<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id="FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a></p>
+
+<p>"We who reside in Lisbon, nearly forty degrees north of the
+equinoctial line, are distant from those who reside on the
+other side of the line, in angular meridional length, ninety
+degrees&mdash;that is, obliquely. In order that the case may be
+more plainly understood, I would observe that a
+perpendicular line starting from that part in the heavens
+which is our zenith strikes those obliquely who are fifty
+degrees beyond the equinoctial line: whence it appears that
+we are in the direct line, and they, in comparison with us,
+are in the oblique one, and this situation forms the figure
+of a right-angled triangle, of which we have the direct
+lines, as the figure more clearly demonstrates.</p>
+
+<p>"Such are the things which in this, my last navigation, I
+have considered worthy of being made known; nor have I,
+without reason, called this work my <i>Third Journey</i>. I have
+before composed two other books on navigation which, by
+command of Ferdinand, King of Castile, I performed in the
+West, in which many things not unworthy of being made known
+are particularly described: especially those which appertain
+to the glory of our Saviour, who, with marvellous skill,
+built this machine, the world. And, in truth, who can ever
+sufficiently praise God? I have related marvellous things
+concerning him in the aforesaid work. I have stated briefly
+that which relates to the position and ornaments of the
+globe, so that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> when I shall be more at leisure I may be
+able to write out, with greater care, a work upon
+cosmography, in order that future ages may bear me in
+remembrance. Such works teach me more fully, from day to
+day, to honor the Supreme God, and finally to arrive at the
+knowledge of those things with which our ancestors and the
+ancient fathers had no acquaintance. With most humble
+prayers I supplicate our Saviour, whose province it is to
+have compassion upon mortals, that he prolong my life
+sufficiently for me to perform what I have purposed to do."</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href="#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> See Chapter XVI.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XIII" id="XIII"></a>XIII</h2>
+
+<h3>THE FOURTH GREAT VOYAGE</h3>
+
+<h4>1503-1504</h4>
+
+
+<p>Doubtless our readers share our wish that the personality of Vespucci
+could appear more strongly depicted than it has been presented in this
+volume; but that is a fault, not of the biographer so much as the hero
+of this biography. It must have been noticed, indeed, that Vespucci
+says little or nothing of his companions on these voyages, not even
+mentioning the commanders; but at the same time he makes rare mention
+of himself; so we cannot ascribe it to a desire for making himself
+prominent at their expense. It is simply a fault of style, or a result
+of his endeavor to be concise, and bring forward the most interesting
+events of the voyages and discoveries, with the least waste of time
+and effort.</p>
+
+<p>He was engaged in exploring new regions;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> his time was occupied in
+noting the salient features of the scenery, the traits of the barbaric
+peoples, and especially closely observing and enumerating the stars.
+Astronomy was a passion with him, and he passed many nights without
+sleep, during both voyages to the southern hemisphere, in rapt
+contemplation of the glorious constellations. As he rightly observed
+in one of his letters, his observations would surely bring him fame,
+and no worthier object could claim his attention, even to the
+exclusion of all other work. So it is as the self-absorbed astronomer,
+the open-minded man of science, seeking to penetrate the secrets of
+nature and achieve immortal fame, that we must regard our hero at this
+time.</p>
+
+<p>On his return from the third voyage, Vespucci was royally received by
+King Emanuel, even though he had come back almost empty-handed,
+without gold or gems, silver, spices, or pearls. He had sailed farther
+south than any of his predecessors, having gone beyond the latitude of
+the Cape of Good Hope, discovered the beautiful bay which he called
+Rio de Janeiro, and perhaps looked into the mouth of the River de la<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span>
+Plata. He had not discovered the "secret of the strait"&mdash;that passage
+through the land-mass which confronted all the voyagers from Columbus
+to Magellan; nor was it revealed until the last-named, in 1520,
+penetrated the great strait that now bears his name, and sailed
+through into the Pacific.</p>
+
+<p>It may be argued that not Vespucci, but another (name unknown), was
+the commander of this expedition; but while this other was nominally
+in command, the Florentine was the chief pilot, the navigator, and
+directed the ships along their courses without mishap. In fact, one of
+his biographers has pointed out that the navigating of this fleet,
+especially the sailing in almost a straight line from the northern
+coast of Brazil to Sierra Leone, on the northwest coast of Africa, was
+a triumph of scientific navigation. There is no question that Amerigo
+Vespucci was the greatest navigator of his time, and a recognition of
+this fact is found in his appointment by King Ferdinand, a few years
+later, as the chief pilot of his kingdom.</p>
+
+<p>Not alone King Emanuel and his court recognized the genius of
+Vespucci, but the people of Portugal and of Florence. He<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> was received
+in Lisbon with transports of enthusiasm, and one of his ships, which
+had worn itself out in the voyage, was dismantled, "and portions of it
+were carried in solemn procession to a church, where they were
+suspended as precious relics." His fame extended far and wide, and in
+Florence, the city of his birth, public ceremonies were held, and
+honors bestowed upon his family.</p>
+
+<p>He returned to Lisbon in September, 1502, and eight months later, at
+the urgent request of the king, started on another voyage in
+continuation of the last, in the hope of finally finding a strait
+through the continent by which India might be reached. About this time
+two events took place which are worthy of note. His patron, Lorenzo,
+died in June, 1503, and a year later a Latin version of his letter to
+him was published under the title <i>Mundus Novus</i>, or New World.</p>
+
+<p>We must not lose sight of this title and this publication, for (as
+will be more fully explained in a succeeding chapter) they had much to
+do with the future defamation of Vespucci. He, it will be observed,
+was pursuing his voyage to, or from, that "New World," while that
+little quarto of only<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> four leaves, with its significant title, was
+being printed and circulated in Europe. Both Vespucci and Columbus
+were then absent from Europe, and both engaged in a desperate struggle
+with adverse elements, at the time this pamphlet was published: the
+one on the coast of Brazil, the other on his last voyage to the West
+Indies, in which he suffered shipwreck and nearly perished of
+starvation.</p>
+
+<p>Both Columbus and Vespucci were innocent of promulgating this title,
+or this pamphlet, except that the latter had used the term "new world"
+as possibly applying to his discoveries in the south Atlantic. But,
+while they were perilling their lives in the service of their
+sovereigns, each striving for a common goal, though neither envious of
+the other, capricious Fame was weaving a web in which both were to be
+enmeshed, and from which Vespucci was not to escape until after the
+lapse of centuries.</p>
+
+<p>The inscription in this pamphlet states: "The interpreter Giocondo
+translated this letter from the Italian into the Latin language, that
+all who are versed in the latter may learn how many wonderful things
+are being discovered every day, and that the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> temerity of those who
+want to probe the Heavens and their majesty, and to know more than is
+allowed to know, be confounded: as, notwithstanding the long time
+since the world began to exist, the vastness of the earth and what it
+contains is still unknown."</p>
+
+<p>This inscription meant that Vespucci's letter had opened the eyes of
+even the clerics to the fact that there was much in the world then
+undiscovered, and existing contrary to their preconceived notions. The
+interpreter was a Dominican friar of erudition for his times, one
+Giovanni Giocondo, an eminent mathematician of Verona, and an
+architect, who was then living in Paris, where, it is said, he was
+engaged in building the bridge of Notre Dame. It was a Giocondo, and
+perhaps this same man, who was sent by King Emanuel to persuade
+Vespucci to enlist in his service (as told by him on page 170); but
+whether the same, or one of his family, he was intimately acquainted
+with the famous Florentines, including Vespucci, the Medici, and Piero
+Soderini. He, doubtless, saw the letters written by Vespucci when in
+manuscript, and condensed them into his narration, giving full credit
+to the author in his publication. He was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> the unconscious cause of an
+injustice to Columbus, perhaps, and also of undue prominence being
+given to the name of Amerigo Vespucci, for it was through the issue of
+his book that, in a roundabout way, the appellation <i>America</i> came to
+be bestowed upon the western continents.</p>
+
+<p>We will elaborate this argument in another chapter; but (requesting
+the reader meanwhile to retain these premises in his mind) we will
+first follow Vespucci on his fourth, and last, important voyage to the
+southern hemisphere. In a passage appended to the letter quoted in the
+previous chapter, and which we herewith reproduce, Vespucci says:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"My three journeys I think I shall defer writing about in
+full until another time. Probably when I have returned safe
+and sound to my native country, with the aid and counsel of
+learned men, and the encouragement of friends, I shall write
+with care a larger work than this. Your excellency [Lorenzo
+de Medici] will pardon me for not having sent you the
+journals which I kept from day to day in this my last
+navigation, as I had promised to do. The king has been the
+cause of it, and he still retains my manuscripts. But,
+since, I have delayed performing this work until the present
+day, perhaps I shall add a <i>fourth journey</i>;<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span> for I
+contemplate going again to explore that southern part of the
+New World, and for the purpose of carrying out such
+intention two vessels are already armed, equipped, and
+supplied with provisions. I shall first go eastward, before
+making the voyage south; I shall then sail to the southwest,
+and when arrived there shall do many things for the praise
+and glory of God, the benefit of my country, the perpetual
+memory of my name, and particularly for the honor and solace
+of my old age, which has nearly come upon me.</p>
+
+<p>"There is nothing wanting in this affair but the leave of
+the king, and when this is obtained, as it soon will be, we
+shall sail on a long voyage; and may it please God to give
+it a happy termination!"</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>This voyage was undertaken in the spring, or early summer, of 1503,
+and extended over twelve months, only terminating with the return to
+Lisbon on June 18, 1504. It was, perhaps, the least satisfactory of
+any Vespucci had undertaken, and his disgust is plainly apparent in
+the following account of it, contained in a letter to Piero Soderini,
+written in Lisbon a few months after his return:</p>
+
+<blockquote><p>"It remains for me to relate the things which were seen by
+me in my fourth voyage; and by reason that I have now become
+wearied, and also because this voyage did not result
+according to my wishes (in consequence of a misfortune
+which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> happened in the Atlantic Sea), I shall endeavor to be
+brief.</p>
+
+<p>"We set sail from this port of Lisbon, six ships in company,
+for the purpose of making discoveries with regard to an
+island in the east called Malacca, which is reported very
+rich. It is, as it were, the warehouse of all the ships
+which come from the Sea of Ganges and the Indian Ocean, as
+Cadiz is the storehouse for all ships that pass from east to
+west, and from west to east, by way of Calcutta. This
+Malacca is farther east, and much farther south, than
+Calcutta, because we know that it is situated at the
+parallel of three degrees north latitude.</p>
+
+<p>"We set out on the 10th of May, 1503, and sailed directly
+for the Cape Verde Islands, where we made up our cargo,
+taking in every kind of refreshment. After remaining here
+three days, we departed on our voyage, sailing in a
+southerly direction. Our superior captain [Coelho] was a
+presumptuous and very obstinate man; he would insist upon
+going to reconnoitre Sierra Leone, a southern country of
+Ethiopia, without there being any necessity for it, unless
+to exhibit himself as the captain of six vessels. He acted
+contrary to the wishes of all our captains in pursuing this
+course. Sailing in this direction, when we arrived off the
+coast of this country we had such bad weather that though we
+remained in sight of the coast four days, it did not permit
+us to land. We were compelled at length to leave the
+country, sailing from there to the south, and bearing
+southwest.</p>
+
+<p>"When we had sailed three hundred leagues<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> through the Great
+Sea, being then three degrees south of the equinoctial line,
+land was discovered, which might have been twenty-two
+leagues distant from us, and which we found to be an island
+in the midst of the sea. We were filled with wonder at
+beholding it, considering it a natural curiosity, as it was
+very high, and not more than two leagues in length by one in
+width. This island was not inhabited by any people, and was
+an evil island for the whole fleet, because, by the evil
+counsel and bad management of our superior captain, he lost
+his ship here. He ran her upon a rock, and she split open
+and went to the bottom, on the night of the 10th of August,
+and nothing was saved from her except the crew. She was a
+carrack of three hundred tons, and carried everything of
+most importance in the fleet.</p>
+
+<p>"As the whole fleet was compelled to labor for the common
+benefit, the captain ordered me to go with my ship to the
+aforesaid island and look for a good harbor, where all the
+ships might anchor. As my boat, filled with nine of my
+mariners, was of service, and helped to keep up a
+communication between the ships, he did not wish me to take
+it, telling me they would bring it to me at the island. So I
+left the fleet, as he ordered me, without a small boat, and
+with less than half my men, and went to the said island,
+about four leagues distant. There I found a very good
+harbor, where all the ships might have anchored in perfect
+safety. I waited for the captain and the fleet full eight
+days, but they never came; so that we were very much
+dissatisfied, and the people who remained with me in the
+ship were in such great fear that I could not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> console them.
+On the eighth day we saw the ship coming, off at sea, and
+for fear those on board might not see us, we raised anchor
+and went towards it, thinking they might bring me my boat
+and men. When we arrived alongside, after the usual
+salutations, they told us that the captain had gone to the
+bottom, that all the crew had been saved, and that my boat
+and men remained with the fleet, which had gone farther to
+sea. This was a grievous thing to us, as your magnificence
+may well think, for it was no trifle to find ourselves far
+distant from Lisbon, in mid-ocean, with so few men. However,
+we bore up under adverse fortune, and, returning to the
+island, supplied ourselves with wood and water, using the
+boat of my consort.</p>
+
+<p>"This island we found uninhabited. It had plenty of fresh
+water, and an abundance of trees filled with countless
+numbers of land and marine birds, which were so simple that
+they suffered themselves to be taken with the hand. We took
+so many that we loaded a boat with them. We saw no other
+animals, except some very large rats, some snakes, and
+lizards with two tails. Having taken in our supplies we
+departed for the southwest, as we had an order from the king
+that if any vessel of the fleet, or its captain, should be
+lost, I should make for the land of my last voyage. We
+discovered a harbor which we called the bay of All Saints,
+and it pleased God to give us such good weather that we
+arrived at it in seventeen days. It was distant three
+hundred leagues from the island we had left, and we found
+neither our captain nor any other ship of the fleet in the
+course of the voyage. We waited full two<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> months and four
+days in this harbor, and, seeing that no orders came for us,
+we agreed, my consort and myself, to run along the coast. We
+sailed two hundred and sixty leagues farther and arrived at
+a harbor, where we determined to build a fortress. This we
+accomplished, and left in it the twenty-four men that my
+consort had received from the captain's ship that was lost.</p>
+
+<p>"In this port we stayed five months, building the fortress
+and loading our ships with dye-woods. We could not proceed
+farther for want of men, and besides, I was destitute of
+many equipments. Thus, having finished our labors, we
+determined to return to Portugal, leaving the twenty-four
+men in the fortress, with provisions for six months, with
+twelve pieces of cannon, and many other arms. We made peace
+with all the people of the country&mdash;who have not been
+mentioned in this voyage, but not because we did not see and
+treat with a great number of them. As many as thirty men of
+us went forty leagues inland, where we saw so many things
+that I omit to relate them, reserving them for my <i>Four
+Journeys</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"This country is situated eighteen degrees south of the
+equinoctial line, and fifty-seven degrees farther west than
+Lisbon, as our instruments showed us. All this being
+performed, we bade farewell to the Christians we left behind
+us, and to the country, and commenced our navigation on a
+northeast course, with the intention of sailing directly to
+this city of Lisbon. In seventy-seven days, after many toils
+and dangers, we entered this port on the 18th of June,
+1504&mdash;for which God be praised! We were well received,
+although<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> altogether unexpected, as the whole city had given
+us up for lost. All the other ships of the fleet had been
+lost, through the pride and folly of our commander, and thus
+it is that God rewards haughtiness and vanity.</p>
+
+<p>"At present, I find myself here in Lisbon again, and I do
+not know what the king wishes me to do, but I am very
+desirous of obtaining repose. The bearer of this, who is
+Benvenuto di Domenico Benvenuti, will tell your magnificence
+of my condition, and of any other things which have been
+omitted, to avoid prolixity, but which I have seen and
+experienced. I have abbreviated the letter as much as I
+could, and omitted to say many things very natural to be
+told, that I might not be tedious.</p>
+
+<p>"Allow me to commend to you Sr. Antonio Vespucci, my
+brother, and all my family. I remain, praying God that he
+may prolong your life, and prosper that exalted republic of
+Florence,</p>
+
+<p class="quotsig">"Your very humble servant,<br />
+"<span class="smcap">Amerigo Vespucci</span>.</p>
+<p>"<i>Lisbon, 4th September, 1504.</i>"</p>
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>This was the last letter, so far as we can ascertain, written by
+Vespucci concerning his voyages&mdash;or, at least, the last that has been
+brought to light; though it is hoped that his manuscript journals, to
+which he repeatedly refers, may yet be found. They are, doubtless,
+buried in the secret archives of either the crown of Portugal or of
+Spain,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span> as at different times he alludes to them as being in the hands
+of the kings, from whom he hopes to receive them at their pleasure.
+Both King Emanuel and King Ferdinand held Vespucci in great esteem;
+but, as consideration for their subjects, whether high or low, never
+entered their minds, they probably retained the manuscripts for years,
+and eventually these precious documents may have been buried beneath
+the vast accumulation of papers relating to the voyages and
+discoveries in both hemispheres.</p>
+
+<p>Vespucci was in error respecting the remaining ships of the fleet
+engaged in his fourth voyage, for a few months later they came back to
+Lisbon in a shattered condition, but, so far as known, with their
+crews intact. They had sailed farther to the south than Vespucci went
+on this voyage, probably as far as the mouth of the great river La
+Plata, which Solis has the credit of discovering a few years later. It
+had been learned by that time that the coasts brought to view by the
+constantly lengthening voyages into the south were situated to the
+west of the great line of demarcation separating the discoveries of
+Spain and Portugal, and hence belonged to the former. This<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> fact has a
+bearing upon the departure of Vespucci and other noted captains from
+Portugal about this time, as, if they would pursue these explorations
+to their logical conclusion, they must enlist beneath the banner of
+King Ferdinand. Hence we find our hero, towards the end of 1504, once
+again in Spain, and in high favor with the king.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XIV" id="XIV"></a>XIV</h2>
+
+<h3>KING FERDINAND'S FRIEND</h3>
+
+<h4>1505-1508</h4>
+
+
+<p>The summer of 1504 Vespucci passed in Portugal, attending to matters
+connected with his last voyage, which had such an unsatisfactory
+ending; but in the latter part of that year we find him once again in
+Seville. It is presumed he was warmly welcomed by his wife, after this
+long absence of nearly four years; but nothing exists at all to
+indicate his marital relations, and so far as furnishing material for
+his biographers is concerned, he might as well have remained single
+all his life. In point of fact, Amerigo Vespucci, though sterling in
+his friendships, ardent and even affectionate, was a true celibate. He
+was wedded to Science, his whole nature was absorbed by the pursuits
+to which he had, perhaps fortuitously, devoted his maturer years. If
+we contrast him with Columbus, in respect to the higher<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> qualities of
+his character, we cannot but be impressed by the difference between
+these two, for, while the latter was weak, impressionable, if not
+passionate, the former was strong, flawless in his morals, devoted
+ever to the star-eyed goddess in whose service he had enlisted for
+life.</p>
+
+<p>He was humane, generous, unselfish, while Columbus, though of more
+heroic proportions than his rival, was at times selfish, ungenerous,
+cruel&mdash;as witness his treatment of the Pinzons, his claiming the
+reward for the discovery of land, which rightly belonged to Rodrigo de
+Triana, his massacres of Indians in Hispaniola and enslavement of the
+survivors. Against Amerigo Vespucci no such charges of immorality,
+cruelty, and bigotry can be brought as against Columbus, and the sole
+accusation against him, of falsifying the date of his "first" voyage,
+has not been sustained by the evidence.</p>
+
+<p>His eulogist, Canovai, says of him, in somewhat extravagant terms:
+"Behold the transport of that lively emulation which springs from the
+indisputable consciousness of talents, and is nourished by the pure
+and delicate essence of virtue, which shines uncontaminated in every
+footstep of the hero.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> It seems enmity, but is laudable strife; it
+seems envy, but is a generous ambition. If Columbus had found rivals
+and enemies resembling Amerigo, I should not see, as now, the
+magnificent scene of his triumph so suddenly changed into mourning and
+horror, the gloomy night of ignominy and mockery succeed the brief
+light of ephemeral happiness, and that invincible leader, who
+redoubled the power and dominions of ungrateful Castile, groaning
+under the weight of infamous chains, while he asks for nothing but
+liberty to carry her arms to the most distant shores of the West.</p>
+
+<p>"Go now, and turning your eyes from the atrocious metamorphosis,
+exclaim it is chance&mdash;it is fate; arbitrary sounds and sterile
+syllables, with which no distinct idea can ever be associated. Alas!
+are there not imperceptible threads by which a regulating hand guides
+us through a crooked labyrinth from causes to effects, and prepares in
+silence the events of the universe? Prostrated by implacable
+vengeance, and despoiled of the exclusive right to discoveries and
+honors, Columbus pines in inaction; but no new columns of Hercules,
+beyond which the pilot dares not pass, stand erect before the shores<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>
+of Mexico. Amerigo Vespucci reunites the web of fortunate events.
+Amerigo succeeds Columbus!"</p>
+
+<p>In simpler diction, Columbus brought all his troubles upon himself. He
+dared much, but he demanded more than he was, by merit of mere
+achievement, entitled to receive. He was constantly warring for his
+alleged rights&mdash;with the king, with Fonseca, with his
+fellow-explorers, and especially with such commanders of ships or
+expeditions as might by their discoveries belittle his
+accomplishments. Hence resulted untold misery to the natives of the
+New World, consequent upon the crushing despotism he inaugurated in
+order to gain gold with which to vindicate himself to his sovereigns.
+Hence came Bodadilla and Ovando, sent out to investigate his doings,
+one of whom despatched him in fetters to Spain, and the other hastened
+the extinction of the Indians, already begun by Columbus himself.</p>
+
+<p>The aggressive insistence of Columbus in the matter of honors and
+privileges, which were in their nature but temporary, are in decided
+contrast to the modesty and simplicity of Vespucci, who indeed was
+ambitious to acquire an honorable name which<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span> should be "the comfort
+and solace of his old age," but who, "by his quiet and unobtrusive
+manners, made friends even among his rivals." He was scrupulously
+regardful of the rights of others, treating the helpless natives with
+especial tenderness. This statement may seem to be disproved by the
+fact that on two of his voyages he took home gangs of Indians to be
+sold as slaves; but it is not known that he himself was responsible
+for this, as he was not the real commander of the expeditions, though
+the actual scientific head and navigator.</p>
+
+<p>He was as deeply devout as Columbus himself, always rendering thanks
+to the Almighty for His favors, but was by no means a fanatic in
+religion. While Columbus ascribes his discoveries to the especial
+favor of some particular saint, on occasions, or his deliverance from
+danger to the direct interposition of Providence, Vespucci makes no
+such superstitious claims for himself, though acknowledging his
+dependence upon God and expressing gratitude for divine support. He
+believed, evidently, in the precept of the Golden Rule&mdash;"Do unto
+others as you would have them do to you"; and this, alas, cannot be
+said of Christopher<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> Columbus. Though he married late in life, and had
+no children of his own, Vespucci "was full of affectionate feeling for
+his family, as his care and attention to the education and advancement
+of his nephew, and his memory of relatives in Florence, from whom he
+had been so long absent, amply testify."</p>
+
+<p>Finally, the structure which Columbus fain would have raised has
+crumbled to ruins, while that built by Vespucci, who labored without
+thought of himself, or hope of reward, has been strengthened by the
+lapse of time, and will stand so long as the world endures. Vespucci
+humbled himself, and was exalted, for the name bestowed upon the
+hemisphere which these two were instrumental in revealing to Europe
+was suggested by utter strangers to the Florentine&mdash;men of penetrating
+mind, who perceived an eternal fitness in calling it <i>America</i>.</p>
+
+<p>These reflections arise from the fact that, soon after the return of
+Vespucci to Seville, he met, and was probably entertained by,
+Christopher Columbus. The old Admiral had but recently returned from
+his fourth and last voyage to the West Indies, where he had escaped
+death by a miracle, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> had suffered humiliation at the hands of the
+atrocious Ovando. He had come back to Spain to find his friend and
+protectress, Isabella, on a bed of death; to encounter the ingratitude
+of Ferdinand and meet the charges of his enemies. He was never to make
+another voyage until he embarked on that last long journey into the
+world unknown.</p>
+
+<p>Broken in fortune, worn by the ills of advancing age, crushed beneath
+the calumnies of his foes, Columbus felt the end approaching,
+probably, and perhaps looked upon Vespucci as, in a sense, his
+successor. At least he perceived that the latter's star was in the
+ascendant, for he knew him as a friend of King Ferdinand, who,
+mistrustful ever of the man who had discovered a new empire for him to
+rule, yet was inclined to favor Vespucci, whose sterling qualities he
+appreciated. He had always liked the Florentine for his manly, modest
+bearing, his sturdy good sense, his industry, patience, erudition, and
+eminent abilities in general. Here was a man who made voyages by which
+the pathways were opened to new countries, without stipulating in
+advance that he should be rewarded with the admiralty<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> of the Ocean
+Sea, without bargaining for the viceroyship of the countries he
+discovered, or for a tenth of all their resources and trade. He seemed
+to have no thought of himself, so absorbed was he in performing a work
+which, he had every reason to believe, would redound to the honor of
+the land he was born in and the sovereigns he served.</p>
+
+<p>He had, to be sure, carried his talents to a rival sovereign, and
+served him as faithfully as he had King Ferdinand; but the latter bore
+him no ill-will for that. It is not certain, in truth, that he had not
+connived at Vespucci's entering the service of Portugal for a time,
+as, in view of his return to Spain, he received all the benefit of his
+experience. It was by means of Vespucci's voyage, most probably, that
+it was definitely ascertained how far Portugal had encroached upon
+territory assigned by the pope to her great rival, Spain. Deep and
+crafty was the diplomacy of King Ferdinand, and it is within the
+bounds of probability that he himself sent the silent, observant,
+faithful Vespucci to take service with King Emanuel for a season.</p>
+
+<p>The overlapping voyages of Vespucci and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> Pinzon, in 1499, 1500, 1501,
+and 1503, had decided the question of sovereignty in South America&mdash;at
+least its northern coasts&mdash;in favor of Spain. These two, then, were
+soon commissioned by Ferdinand to equip a fleet, of which they were to
+be the joint commanders. This fleet was to sail for Brazil, and
+thence, after establishing colonies, or forts, continue the
+explorations they had severally so auspiciously begun. On April 11,
+1505 (it is on record), the king made Vespucci a grant of twelve
+thousand maravedis, and on the 24th of the same month letters of
+naturalization were issued in his behalf, "in consideration of Amerigo
+Vespucci's fidelity, and his many valuable services to the crown."</p>
+
+<p>Before proceeding to relate the story of Vespucci's renewed service
+with King Ferdinand, let us, however, return to the subject of his
+intercourse with Columbus, with whom, as there is strong evidence in
+proof, he was on terms of intimate friendship. This proof is found in
+a letter written by Columbus, at a time (as already mentioned) when he
+was in disfavor at court, and after his return from the last and most
+unfortunate voyage. It furnishes evidence of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> most positive
+character that Vespucci and Columbus did not consider themselves as
+rivals, but were actually on the best of terms. It was written nearly
+a year after the first publication of Vespucci's letter to Lorenzo de
+Medici, alluded to in the previous chapter; yet the relations between
+the two discoverers were such as might have existed between men united
+by fraternal ties.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>"<i>To my very dear Son, Don Diego Columbus&mdash;at the Court.</i></p>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">My dear Son</span>,&mdash;"Diego Mendez departed from this place on
+Monday, the 3d of this month. After his departure I held
+converse with Amerigo Vespucci, the bearer of this letter,
+who goes to court on some business connected with
+navigation. He has always been <i>desirous of serving me, and
+is an honorable man</i>, though fortune has been unpropitious
+to him, as to many others; and his labors have not been as
+profitable as he deserves. He goes on my account, and with a
+great desire to do something which may redound to my
+advantage, if it is in his power.</p>
+
+<p>"I know not here what instructions to give him that will
+benefit me, because I am ignorant of what will be required
+there; but he goes determined to do for me all that is
+possible. See what can be done to advantage there, and labor
+for it, that he may know and speak of everything, and devote
+himself to the work; and let everything be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span> done with
+secrecy, that no suspicions may arise. I have said to him
+all that I can say touching the business, and have informed
+him of all payments which have been made me, and what is
+due.</p>
+
+<p>"This letter is also intended for the adelantado [Don
+Bartholomew, Christopher's brother], that he may avail
+himself of any advantage and advice on the subject. His
+highness believes that the ships were in the best and
+richest portion of the Indies, and if he desires to know
+anything more on the subject, I will satisfy him by word of
+mouth, for it is impossible for me to tell him by letter.</p>
+
+<p>"May the Lord have you in His holy keeping.</p>
+
+<p>"Done at Seville, the 5th of February, 1505.</p>
+
+<p>
+"Thy father, who loves thee better than himself,</p>
+<p class="quotsig24"><span class="smcap">Christopher Columbus</span>.</p>
+<p class="center close">"S.<br />
+"S. A. S.<br />
+"X. M. Y.<br />
+"Xpo. Ferens."
+</p>
+</blockquote>
+
+<p>This precious document was found in the archives of Spain by
+Navarrete, whose volumes constitute a veritable mine of Spanish
+history. The superscription at the foot of the letter was adopted by
+Columbus after he became a "Don," and is supposed to mean: "Servus,
+Supplex Altissimi Salvatori; Christus, Maria, Josephus"; or, in
+English: "Humble Servant of the most high Saviour; Christ, Mary,
+Joseph." The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> original letter is contained in the collection of an
+indirect descendant of Columbus, the Duke of Veragua. It bears ample
+testimony to the important fact that, while the great Columbus was not
+permitted to present himself at court, his friend Vespucci not only
+had access to the throne but strong influence there.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XV" id="XV"></a>XV</h2>
+
+<h3>PILOT-MAJOR OF SPAIN</h3>
+
+<h4>1508-1512</h4>
+
+
+<p>If Vespucci had been as heedful of posthumous fame as Columbus, who
+lost no opportunity for trumpeting his deeds to the world, we should
+be better prepared to present a continuous narrative of his life than
+it is possible to gather from the fragmentary material he has left
+behind him. "The transactions of Vespucci at court," says Mr. Fiske,
+the eminent historian, "and the nature of the maritime enterprises
+that were set on foot or carried to completion during the next few
+years, are to be gathered chiefly from old account-books, contracts,
+and other business documents, unearthed by the indefatigable
+Navarrete, and printed in his great collection.... Unfortunately,
+account-books and legal documents, having been written for other
+purposes than the gratification of the historian, are&mdash;like the
+'geological<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span> record'&mdash;imperfect. Too many links are missing, to enable
+us to determine with certainty just how the work was shared among
+these mariners (Vespucci, La Cosa, Pinzon, and Solis), or just how
+many voyages were undertaken. But it is clear that the first
+enterprise contemplated (by King Ferdinand) was a voyage by Pinzon, in
+company with either Solis or Vespucci, or both, for the purpose of
+finding an end to the continent or a passage into the Indian Ocean.
+What Vespucci had failed to do in his last voyage for Portugal, he now
+proposed to do in a voyage for Spain."</p>
+
+<p>While the large fleet for this purpose was being prepared, it is
+believed, Vespucci and La Cosa made two voyages, one in 1505 and
+another in 1507, to Darien and the Pearl Coast, which resulted more
+profitably to them than any others they had undertaken. As these
+voyages were simply for commercial purposes, and as Vespucci seems to
+have held in contempt the mere acquisition of riches, especially when
+the promotion of discovery was not the aim of his expeditions, he
+makes no mention of them whatever. In truth, but for the finding of
+two letters, sent to the Venetian senate by its diplomatic<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> agents in
+Spain, dated 1505 and 1507, these fifth and sixth voyages of Vespucci
+would have been overlooked entirely. The omission illustrates his
+carelessness in respect to the chronicling of his deeds, his
+heedlessness as to fame and glory. As one of his eulogists truly says:
+"In none of his writings does Vespucci claim for himself advancement,
+honor, or emolument, nor does he seek to delude his patrons with
+visions of untold wealth. His letters are the easy effusions of a
+great mind filled with admiration at the fertile regions, balmy
+climate, and primitive races of the New World. Ever modest, he merges
+himself in the greatness of his undertaking; and if the civilized
+world with one accord gave his name to the regions he was the first in
+modern times to visit, it was a tribute which it deemed just and paid
+unasked."</p>
+
+<p>Owing to the protests of Portugal, it is thought, the great fleet
+intended for the extension of discovery along the southern coast of
+Brazil was dispersed and its vessels diverted to other seas. Vespucci
+had been active in its equipment, and during the uncertainty existing
+in Spain after the death of Queen Isabella, and the consequent
+derangement<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> of affairs at court, he appears prominently in the
+business. He was despatched to court by the board of trade of Seville,
+especially commissioned to extricate them from the dilemma in which
+they found themselves: unable to determine whether they were to act in
+the name of the crazy princess, Juana, her foreign consort, Philip, or
+the old king, Ferdinand. In order to be able to meet any emergency,
+Vespucci was furnished with three different letters and sets of
+instructions. "You will take," wrote the president of the board of
+trade to Amerigo, "three letters: for the king, Vila, his grand
+chamberlain, and the secretary, Gricio, besides five memorials: one
+upon the despatch of the armament, two others received from Hispaniola
+concerning the tower which King Ferdinand commanded to be built upon
+the Pearl Coast, and the remaining two upon the caravels which are on
+service in Hispaniola, and concerning what things are necessary for
+the fortress which is building there. If Gricio is at court, and
+attends to the affairs of the Indies, give him the letter, show him
+the memorials, and he will guide you to the ear of the king and obtain
+for you good despatch. We are informed,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> however, that the king has
+intrusted the business of the Indies to M. de Vila, his grand
+chamberlain, and if that is the case go directly to him. What we
+principally desire is a full understanding of the agreement which has
+been entered into between the king, our lord (Philip, the consort of
+Juana Loca), and King Ferdinand, in order that we may be able to give
+to each prince that which is his."</p>
+
+<p>Without going further into the affairs of court at this period&mdash;merely
+pausing to remark that after the death of Philip the old king soon
+extricated his kingdom from the state of embarrassment into which it
+had been plunged&mdash;we cannot but note that Amerigo Vespucci must have
+been a man of weight and influence to be selected for such a mission.
+It was a visit to the court previous to this which Columbus had in
+mind when he gave him the letter to his son Don Diego. The biographer
+of Columbus, Mr. Irving, has tried to make it appear that he was used
+by Columbus to further his own ends, for he says: "Among the persons
+whom Columbus employed at this time in his missions to the court was
+Amerigo Vespucci. He describes him as a worthy but<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> unfortunate man,
+who had not profited as much as he deserves by his undertakings, and
+who had always been disposed to render him a service. His object in
+employing him appears to have been to prove the value of his last
+voyage, and that he had been in the most opulent parts of the New
+World, Vespucci having since touched upon the same coast, in a voyage
+with Alonzo de Ojeda."</p>
+
+<p>Now, this amiable apologist, in his persistent efforts to thrust
+Amerigo Vespucci into positions subordinate to Columbus, defeats his
+own purpose and disparages his own hero, for by his very words can he
+be discredited. He himself says: "The incessant applications of
+Columbus [at court], both by letter and by the intervention of
+friends, appear to have been listened to with cool indifference. No
+compliance was yielded to his requests, and no deference paid to his
+opinions.... In short, he was not in any way consulted in the affairs
+of the New World."</p>
+
+<p>And this was at about the time that Amerigo Vespucci was intrusted
+with most important business at court by the board of trade of
+Seville; about the time that he was called to court and highly
+honored<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span> by the king; just before the time that he was made captain of
+a fleet, with a salary of thirty thousand maravedis per annum. There
+was, in truth, no man in the employ of Spain more highly regarded than
+Vespucci for his talents, for his honesty, for his loyalty to the
+government. At the settlement of accounts pertaining to the fleet
+which had been intended for South America, more than five million
+maravedis passed through his hands&mdash;and he was never charged with
+having diverted a single centavo to himself.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing can so abundantly testify to the respect in which Vespucci was
+held as his relations with King Ferdinand. While he has the unique
+honor of being almost the only man that Columbus never quarrelled
+with, it is also to his credit that he acquired, and retained to the
+last, the respect and confidence of the king. Ferdinand was always
+mistrustful of Columbus, and with good reason, but never refused
+Vespucci a favor&mdash;if he asked one&mdash;or hesitated to give him an
+audience. The reason was, most probably, that, aside from his
+deceitfulness (which was a quality the crafty Ferdinand could tolerate
+in no one but himself), Columbus<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> was constantly importuning him for
+further honors and emoluments; while Vespucci rarely, if ever, craved
+glory or riches for himself. Nothing came of Vespucci's intercession
+at court for Columbus, and soon the latter dropped out of sight. He
+died in 1506, utterly neglected by the court and king, and in such
+obscurity that he was unnoticed in the local annals of the day.</p>
+
+<p>In the mean time, Amerigo Vespucci was at the height of his career,
+trusted by the sovereign and honored by all with whom he came in
+contact. On the return of King Ferdinand to absolute power in Spain,
+through the death of his son-in-law Philip and the regency for his
+insane daughter Juana, he called Vespucci and La Cosa to court in
+order to consult with them respecting nautical affairs and future
+discoveries. In February, 1508, Vespucci, Pinzon, and Solis, who,
+together with La Cosa, were then the most highly honored navigators in
+Spanish employ, were charged with the safe conduct to the king's
+treasury of six thousand ducats in gold, for which service they
+received six thousand maravedis each.</p>
+
+<p>Another consultation was held with the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> king, whose favorable opinion
+of Vespucci was so strengthened that the year following he created for
+him the office of pilot-major, as the most eminent navigator in his
+kingdom. This position was given him in March, 1508, and from that
+time till his death, in February, 1512, he received a salary of
+seventy-five thousand maravedis per annum. He was charged to examine
+and instruct all pilots in the use of the astrolabe "to ascertain
+whether their practical knowledge equalled their theoretical, and also
+to revise maps, and to make one of the new lands which should be
+regarded as the standard.... He was to correct the errors carried into
+the charts by the teachings and the maps of Columbus and others. The
+inaccuracy of the Columbus charts was so notorious that their use was
+subsequently prohibited, and a penalty imposed upon the pilot who
+should sail by them." Vespucci was at the head of a government
+department pertaining to pilotage, navigation, and charts. It was then
+unique in the world, and the weight of authority behind it was adverse
+to the use of charts made by Columbus; notwithstanding which Mr.
+Irving says: "When the passion for maritime discovery was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> seeking to
+facilitate its enterprises, the knowledge and skill of an able
+cosmographer like Columbus would be properly appreciated, and the
+superior correctness [?] of his maps and charts would give him
+notoriety among men of science."</p>
+
+<p>The importance of this position created for Vespucci will appear from
+the royal order, or commission, which reads: " ... We command that all
+pilots of our kingdom and lordships, who now are, shall henceforward
+be, or desire to be, pilots on the routes to the said islands and
+terra firma which we hold in the Indies, and other parts of the ocean
+sea, shall be instructed in and possess all necessary knowledge of the
+use of the quadrant and astrolabe; and in order that they may unite
+practice with theory, and profit thereby in the said voyages which
+they may make to the said lands, they shall not be able to embark as
+pilots in the said vessels, nor receive wages for pilotage, nor shall
+merchants be able to negotiate with them as such, nor captains receive
+them aboard their ships, without their <i>having been first examined by
+you, Amerigo Despuchi</i>, our pilot-major, and received from you a
+certificate of examination<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> and approbation, certifying that they are
+possessed, each one, of the knowledge aforesaid; holding which
+certificate, we commend that they be held and received as expert
+pilots, wherever they shall show themselves&mdash;for it is our will and
+pleasure that you should be examiner of said pilots. And that those
+who do not possess the required knowledge shall the more easily
+acquire it, we command that you shall instruct, at your residence in
+Seville, all such as shall be desirous of learning and remunerating
+you for the trouble.... And as it has been told us that there are many
+different charts, by different captains, of the lands and islands of
+the Indies belonging to us, which charts differ greatly from each
+other&mdash;therefore, that there may be order in all things, it is our
+will and pleasure that a standard chart shall be made; and that it may
+be the more correct, we command the officers of our board of trade in
+Seville to call an assembly of our most able pilots that shall at that
+time be in the country, and, in the presence of you, Amerigo Despuchi,
+our pilot-major, there shall be planned and drawn a chart of all the
+lands and islands of the Indies, which have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> hitherto been discovered
+belonging to our kingdom; and upon this consultation, subject to the
+approval of you, our pilot-major, a standard chart shall be drawn
+which shall be called the Royal Chart, by which all pilots must direct
+and govern themselves. This shall remain in the possession of our said
+officers, and of you, our said pilot-major; and no pilot shall use any
+other chart, without incurring a penalty of fifty doubloons, to be
+paid to the board of trade in the city of Seville.... And it is our
+will and pleasure that, in virtue of the above, you, the said Amerigo
+Despuchi, shall use and exercise the said functions of our
+pilot-major, and shall be able to do, and shall do, all things
+pertaining to that office contained in this our letter."<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id="FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a></p>
+
+<p>The remainder of Amerigo Vespucci's life may almost be summed up in
+the statement that he held this responsible post during the four years
+succeeding to his appointment, for he received his commission on March
+22, 1508, and died on February 22, 1512. It was an onerous position,
+"and his appointment to it by Ferdinand was the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span> highest proof of the
+estimation in which he was held by that monarch that could have been
+bestowed upon him." It was a recognition of his supereminent
+qualities, as cosmographer and navigator, at a time when Spanish
+enterprise was reaching out to every part of the western world; and as
+he discharged its duties with fidelity and skill, confining himself
+closely to his desk, no leisure was afforded him for further voyaging,
+for writing out the long-deferred accounts of his travels, or for
+recreation of any sort. He made one short visit to Florence, where he
+was received with honor, as the most distinguished son of a city
+world-famous for its great men, and where the portrait was painted
+which has been universally accepted as authentic, representing him as
+advanced in years.</p>
+
+<p>As already mentioned, authentic information relating to the latter
+years of Vespucci is of a fragmentary character, and is contained
+mainly in the official papers found in the archives of Simancas and
+Seville, by Don Martin Fernandez de Navarrete, to whom the biographers
+of Columbus were so deeply indebted. The date of the first of these
+papers is July, 1494, and relates to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> payments made to Berardi, as
+outfitter of the ships for the voyages of Columbus. By royal decree,
+April 11, 1505, the queen's treasurer is commanded to pay to Vespucci
+twelve thousand maravedis. Another decree, of March 22, 1508, grants
+Vespucci, as chief pilot of the kingdom, a salary of fifty thousand
+maravedis, subsequently increased to seventy-five thousand. Then
+follows the royal declaration (from which we have quoted), setting
+forth the duties of the pilot-major, which was issued during the
+regency of the crazy queen, Juana, and addressed to "Amerigo
+Despuchi."</p>
+
+<p>There is no reference to the date and place of Vespucci's death; but
+this is not considered singular, in view of the fact that the demise
+of Columbus was officially unnoticed at the time. There is, rather, no
+direct reference; though confirmation of that event occurs in the
+continuation of his accounts to the day of his death, and after, one
+of which relates to the payment of ten thousand nine hundred and
+thirty-seven maravedis to Manuel Catano, a canon of Seville, as the
+executor of Vespucci's will, "that amount being the balance of his
+salary due at the date of his death."<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>One of the very few references to the wife of Vespucci is contained in
+a royal decree of May 22, 1512, which grants a pension for life to his
+widow, Maria Cerezo, of ten thousand maravedis per annum. By a later
+decree, this pension is declared a fixed charge against the salary of
+the chief pilot and his successors. These were, in order of
+succession, Juan Diaz de Solis and Sebastian Cabot, after whom came
+others not so famous as these great navigators.</p>
+
+<p>These papers are cited to show that Amerigo Vespucci was not looked
+upon as an adventurer by the dignitaries of Spain; that, on the
+contrary, he was held in great esteem, honored with the highest office
+in the gift of the king, in which his great accomplishments could have
+full scope. He filled that office with eminent ability, to the
+complete satisfaction of King Ferdinand, and when he died, on February
+22, 1512, he left behind a name untarnished, a reputation for probity
+unsullied. Despite the honors accorded him by the kings of Spain and
+Portugal, however, and the high positions he occupied, he left no
+fortune for his heirs. His valuable papers were bequeathed to his
+nephew, Juan Vespucci,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> whom he loved like a son; but his widow was
+left in circumstances so straitened that she was actually dependent
+upon the pension granted her by the crown.</p>
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href="#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> From Navarrete's <i>Coleccion de los Viajes y
+Descubrimientos</i>.</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="XVI" id="XVI"></a>XVI</h2>
+
+<h3>HOW AMERICA WAS NAMED</h3>
+
+<h4>1504-1541</h4>
+
+
+<p>If, in the foregoing narrative, the author has seemed to champion his
+hero unduly, going perhaps unnecessarily into the details of his
+voyages, it may have been owing to anticipated opposition on the part
+of his readers. There has always been a wide divergence of opinion
+respecting the merits of Amerigo Vespucci, and the world has never
+reconciled itself to his so-called usurpation of the glory rightly
+belonging to Columbus.</p>
+
+<p>Even so great a writer as Emerson allowed himself to say: "Strange
+that broad America must wear the name of a thief! Amerigo Vespucci,
+the pickle-dealer at Seville, who went out in 1499, a subaltern with
+Hojeda, and whose highest naval rank was boatswain's mate, in an
+expedition that never sailed, managed in this lying world to supplant<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span>
+Columbus, and baptize half the earth with his own dishonest name!"</p>
+
+<p>We, who have followed the career of Amerigo Vespucci from its
+beginning to its ending, know that he was not a thief; that&mdash;except by
+implication, as having been a purveyor of naval stores&mdash;he was not a
+"pickle-dealer"; that he held a far higher rank than boatswain's
+mate&mdash;as attested by the royal proclamation we have cited, naming him
+to be chief pilot of Spain; and that, so far as the evidence of his
+contemporaries and his own letters show, he made no attempt whatever
+to thrust his personality upon the world.</p>
+
+<p>He did not "baptize half the earth with his own dishonest name,"
+though it is true that the appellation by which a hemisphere is known
+to-day was derived from Americus, Amerigo, or Americo&mdash;whether we
+speak it in Latin, in Italian, or in Spanish.</p>
+
+<p>How comes it then, the reader may well ask, that America derived its
+name from the Florentine, Vespucci, when it should, by right of
+"discovery," have been called after the Genoese, Columbus? The answer
+to this question involves the following of clews centuries old,
+through a labyrinth of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span> falsehood and misstatement that was built up
+three hundred years ago. The first clew may be found on page 197 of
+this biography, where mention is made of the translation of Vespucci's
+letter to Lorenzo de Medici, by Giocondo, in 1504, and issued by him
+under the title <i>Mundus Novus</i>. This letter is said to have been first
+published in Lisbon and Augsburg in 1504, and in Strasburg in 1505.</p>
+
+<p>Pick up this book and nail it to the wall, where it may be observed by
+all, for it was the very beginning of Vespucci's posthumous troubles.
+We have read the letter and known it to have been a plain, unvarnished
+account of Vespucci's third voyage, in which he chanced to say that he
+thought he had discovered the fourth part of the globe, and proposed
+to call it <i>Mundus Novus</i>, or the New World. He was quite right, and
+within bounds, when he did this, for he was thinking only of that
+portion of the <i>southern hemisphere</i> which he had found, and not of
+the entire western hemisphere. He did not extend the term to cover the
+northern regions, discovered by Columbus, for the latter had no idea
+that they pertained to a new world; in fact&mdash;as we know&mdash;believed to
+the last that they belonged to Asia or India.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"At no time during the life of Columbus, nor for some years after his
+death," says a learned historian, "did anybody use the phrase 'New
+World' with conscious reference to his discoveries. At the time of his
+death their true significance had not yet begun to dawn upon the mind
+of any voyager or any writer. It was supposed that he had found a new
+route to the Indies by sailing west, and that in the course of this
+achievement he had discovered some new islands," etc.</p>
+
+<p>We must, then, acquit Vespucci of any intention of depriving Columbus
+of his laurels, when he said he believed he had found a new world, for
+he referred only to that portion of South America now known as Brazil.
+Nor, so far as we know, was he either responsible for, or aware of,
+the publication of his letters to Medici and Soderini&mdash;for those to
+the latter were afterwards translated and printed&mdash;as he was, at that
+time, on the ocean. In truth, as the letters were merely epistles to
+friends, who would naturally be interested in his discoveries, and of
+course overlook any defects of diction, he openly stated that he was
+only waiting leisure for improving and elaborating them for issue in
+pamphlet form. He never acquired<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> this leisure, and the world, tired
+of waiting, seized upon his material and brought it out in print,
+without so much as saying "by your leave."</p>
+
+<p>The second person to take liberties with Vespucci's name was one
+Matthias Ringmann, a student in Paris, who was acquainted with Friar
+Giocondo, and of course saw the <i>Mundus Novus</i>, which he published in
+Strasburg in 1505. That same year he was offered the professorship of
+Latin in a college at Saint-Di&eacute;, a charming little town in the Vosges
+Mountains, which had long been a seat of learning. It is said to have
+been strangely associated with the discovery of America, from the fact
+that here was written, about 1410, the book called <i>Imago Mundi</i>,
+which Columbus read and probably took to sea with him on his first
+great voyage. In a double sense, this obscure town and college,
+nestling in a little-known valley of the Franco-German mountains, is
+known in connection with the name America, as will now be shown.</p>
+
+<p>Young Professor Ringmann found at Saint-Di&eacute; a select and distinguished
+company of scholars, composed of Martin Waldseem&uuml;ller, professor of
+geography; Jean Basin de Sendacour,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> canon and Latinist; Walter Lud,
+secretary to Duke Ren&eacute;, patron of literature, and especially of the
+college of Saint-Di&eacute;, which was to him as the apple of his eye. He was
+the reigning Duke of Lorraine, and titular "King of Sicily and
+Jerusalem," but had never strayed far from his own picturesque
+province, though he had won a great victory over Charles the Bold in
+1477. He is, no doubt, worthy an extended biographical sketch, but in
+this connection can only be referred to as the patron of these great
+teachers in Saint-Di&eacute;, who, soon after the appearance of Ringmann
+among them, conceived the plan of printing a new edition of <i>Ptolemy</i>.</p>
+
+<p>One of them, Walter Lud, was blessed with riches, and as he had
+introduced a printing-press, about the year 1500, the college was
+amply equipped. So many discoveries had been made since the last
+editions of <i>Ptolemy</i> had appeared, that the Saint-Di&eacute; coterie felt
+the need of new works on the subject, and sent Ringmann to Italy
+hunting for the same. He, it is thought, brought back, among other
+"finds" of great value, the letter written by Vespucci to Soderini
+from Lisbon, in September, 1504, a certified manuscript copy of which
+was made<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span> in February, 1505, and printed at Florence before midsummer,
+1506.</p>
+
+<p>No extended explanation is needed now to elucidate the scheme by which
+Vespucci's letters were incorporated in the treatise published by
+those wise men of Saint-Di&eacute;, entitled <i>Cosmographie Introductio</i>, or
+"Rudiments of Geography," and taken from the press on April 25, 1507.</p>
+
+<p>It was a small pamphlet, with engravings of the crudest sort, but it
+made a stir in the world such as has been caused by but few books
+since. But one copy of this first edition is said to be extant, and
+that is in the Lenox Library, New York City. It caused a flutter in
+cosmographical circles, not alone at the time of its issue, but for
+centuries thereafter, for in it first occurs in print the suggestion
+that the "fourth part of the world," discovered by Amerigo Vespucci,
+should be called <span class="smcap">America</span>.<a name="FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a></p>
+
+<p>Professor Martin Waldseem&uuml;ller was the culprit, and not Amerigo
+Vespucci, for he says, in Latin, which herewith find turned into
+English: "But now these parts have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span> been more extensively explored and
+<i>another fourth part has been discovered by Americus Vespucius</i> (as
+will appear in what follows): <i>wherefore I do not see what is rightly
+to hinder us from calling it Amerige, or America&mdash;i.e., the land of
+Americus, after its discoverer, Americus, a man of sagacious mind</i>,
+since both Europe and Asia have got their names from women. Its
+situation and the manners and customs of its people will be clearly
+understood from the twice two voyages of Americus, which follow."</p>
+
+<p>It was a suggestion, merely, and by one who was a perfect stranger to
+Vespucci; but it promptly "took," for the word America was euphonious,
+it seemed applicable, and, moreover, it was to be applied only to that
+quarter in the southern hemisphere which had been revealed by Amerigo
+Vespucci. It was a suggestion innocently made, without any sort of
+communication from Amerigo himself, intended to influence the opinion
+of contemporaries or the verdict of posterity.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/gs06-sm.jpg" width="500" height="308" alt="NORTH AMERICA FROM THE GLOBE OF JOHANN SCH&Ouml;NER" title="" />
+<p class="right"><a href="images/gs06-lg.jpg" name="fig06" id="fig06">Enlarge</a></p>
+<span class="caption">NORTH AMERICA FROM THE GLOBE OF JOHANN SCH&Ouml;NER</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>"But for these nine lines written by an obscure geographer in a little
+village of the Vosges," says Henry Harrisse, "the western hemisphere
+might have been called 'The Land of the Holy Cross,' or 'Atlantis,'
+or<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span> 'Columbia,' 'Hesperides,' 'Iberia,' 'New India,' or simply 'The
+Indies,' as it is designated officially in Spain to this day." ... "As
+it was, however," says another writer, "the suggestion by
+Waldseem&uuml;ller was immediately adopted by geographers everywhere; the
+new land beyond the Atlantic had, by a stroke of a pen, been
+christened for all time to come."</p>
+
+<p>The full title of the <i>Cosmographie Introductio</i> reads: "An
+Introduction to Cosmography, together with some principles of Geometry
+necessary to the purpose. Also four voyages of Americus Vespucius. A
+description of universal Cosmography, both stereometrical and
+planometrical, together with what was unknown to Ptolemy and has been
+recently discovered."</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the name was "promptly adopted" by the geographers, at
+the same time it "came slowly into use," for geographical knowledge
+was then in an inchoate state, especially as respected the New World.
+It is said to have first appeared on a map ascribed to Leonardo da
+Vinci in 1514; but in a pamphlet accompanying "the earliest known
+globe of Johann Sch&ouml;ner," made in 1515, the new region is described as
+the "fourth part of the globe named after<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span> its discoverer, Americus
+Vespucius, who found it in 1497." Vespucci did not find it, and he
+never made the claim that he discovered more than is given in his
+letters; but this misstatement by another caused him to be accused of
+falsifying the dates of his voyages in order to rob Columbus of his
+deserts.</p>
+
+<p>It will be perceived, however, that the name was not applied at first
+to the entire land masses of America, but merely to that portion now
+known as Brazil, called by Cabral "<i>Terra Sanct&aelig; Crucis</i>," or "Land of
+the Holy Cross," and by Vespucci, who continued his explorations,
+"<i>Mundus Novus</i>." Further than this Vespucci never went, and,
+moreover, he passed away "before his name was applied to the new
+discoveries on any published map." He was living, of course, when the
+<i>Cosmographie</i> appeared, and may have seen a copy of the book; but the
+argument advanced by some that he dedicated this work to Duke Ren&eacute; of
+Lorraine, and hence must have written it, falls to the ground when
+that dedication is examined. The worthy canon who translated
+Vespucci's letter to Soderini into Latin, copied the dedication in the
+original, which was addressed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> to "His Magnificence, Piero Soderini,
+etc.," but substituted for the last-named his patron, Duke Ren&eacute;. This
+is proved by the title "His Magnificence," which was used in
+addressing the Gonfaloniere of Florence, and never in connection with
+Duke Ren&eacute; of Lorraine.</p>
+
+<p>It was not until near the middle of the sixteenth century that
+"America" was recognized "as the established continental name," when,
+after Mexico had been conquered by Cort&eacute;s, Peru by Pizarro, and the
+Pacific revealed by Balboa and Magellan, it first appears on the great
+Mercator map of 1541. The appellation "America" had superseded <i>Mundus
+Novus</i> on several maps previous to this, but only as a term applied to
+restricted regions. "The stage of development," says the learned
+author of the <i>Discovery of America</i>, "consisted of five distinct
+steps.... 1. Americus called the regions visited by him <i>beyond the
+equator</i> a 'New World,' because they were unknown to the ancients; 2.
+Giocondo made this striking phrase, <i>Mundus Novus</i>, into a title for
+his translation of the letter, which he published at Paris (1504)
+while the author was absent from Europe, and probably without his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span>
+knowledge; 3. The name <i>Mundus Novus</i> got placed upon several maps as
+an equivalent for <i>Terra Sanct&aelig; Crucis</i>, or what we call Brazil; 4.
+The suggestion was made that <i>Mundus Novus</i> was the Fourth Part of the
+Earth, and might properly be named America, after its discoverer; 5.
+The name America thus got placed upon several maps as an equivalent
+for what we call Brazil, and sometimes came to stand alone for what we
+call South America, but still signified <i>only a part of the dry land
+beyond the Atlantic to which Columbus had led the way</i>."</p>
+
+<p>That there was no evil intention on Vespucci's part is amply proved by
+the fact that, while he himself lived four years after the
+<i>Introductio</i> was published, a certain contemporary of his, one
+Ferdinand Columbus, who was most acutely interested in seeing justice
+done the name and deeds of his father, survived Vespucci twenty-seven
+years. He not only saw this book, but owned a copy, which, according
+to an autograph note on the flyleaf, he had bought in Venice in July,
+1521, "for five <i>sueldos</i>." This book is still contained in the
+library he founded at Seville, and as it was copiously annotated by
+him, it must have been carefully read; yet,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> though he has the credit
+of having written a life of his father, Christopher Columbus, he makes
+no mention whatever of the "usurpation" by Vespucci.</p>
+
+<p>Ferdinand Columbus knew the Florentine, and was an intimate friend of
+his nephew, Juan Vespucci; yet the question seems never to have arisen
+between them as to the great discoverers' respective shares of glory.
+The explanation lies in this fact: that Vespucci's name had been
+bestowed upon a region far remote from that explored by his father,
+who had never sailed south of the equator. Notwithstanding the good
+feeling that prevailed between them, however, long after Ferdinand's
+death, when the name America had become of almost universal
+application, the veteran Las Casas, in writing his great history,
+marvels that the son of the old Admiral could overlook the "theft and
+usurpation" of Vespucci. The old man's indignation was great, for he
+was a stanch friend of Columbus, and revered his memory. He made out a
+very strong case against Vespucci&mdash;being in ignorance of the manner in
+which his name came to be given to the lands discovered by
+Columbus&mdash;and when, in 1601, the historian<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> Herrera, who made use of
+the Las Casas manuscripts, repeated his statements as those of a
+contemporary, all the world gave him credence.</p>
+
+<p>Vespucci's name rested under suspicion during more than three
+centuries, and was not even partially cleared until 1837, when
+Alexander von Humboldt undertook the gigantic task of vindication. It
+was not so much to vindicate Vespucci, however, as to ascertain the
+truth, that Humboldt made the critical and exhaustive examination
+which appeared in his Examen <i>Critique de l'Histoire de la G&eacute;ographie
+de Nouveau Continent</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Even Humboldt, however, did not secure all the evidence available, but
+by the discovery of valuable documents the missing links in the chain
+were supplied: by Varnhagen, Vespucci's ardent eulogist, by Harrisse,
+and finally by Fiske. The last-named truthfully says: "No competent
+scholar anywhere will now be found to dissent from the emphatic
+statement of M. Harrisse&mdash;'After a diligent study of all the original
+documents, we feel constrained to say that there is not a particle of
+evidence, direct or indirect, implicating Amerigo Vespucci<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span> in an
+attempt to foist his name on this continent.'" And moreover, "no shade
+of doubt is left upon the integrity of Vespucci. So truth is strong,
+and prevails at last."</p>
+
+<p>This is the conclusion arrived at by the impartial historian, who,
+without disparaging the deeds of Columbus, without detracting in any
+manner from his great discoveries, has restored Amerigo Vespucci to
+the niche in which he was placed by the German geographers four
+hundred years ago, and from which he was torn by injudicious
+iconoclasts, fearful for the fame of Spain's great Admiral.</p>
+
+<p>It is enough for Columbus to have discovered America; it was far more
+than Amerigo Vespucci deserved to have this discovery given his name,
+by which it will be known forever; but this honor, though unmerited,
+was at the same time unsought.</p>
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href="#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> For an excellent article on Saint-Di&eacute; and the naming of
+America, see <i>Harper's Magazine</i>, vol. lxxxiv., p. 909 (1892).</p></div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="INDEX" id="INDEX"></a>INDEX</h2>
+
+<table style="width:75%;" border="0" summary="Index">
+<tr>
+	<td><a href="#IX_A">A</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_B">B</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_C">C</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_D">D</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_E">E</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_F">F</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_G">G</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_H">H</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_I">I</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_I">J</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_K">K</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_L">L</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_M">M</a></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+	<td><a href="#IX_N">N</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_O">O</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_P">P</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_Q">Q</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_R">R</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_S">S</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_T">T</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_T">U</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_V">V</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_W">W</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_W">X</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_Y">Y</a></td>
+	<td><a href="#IX_Z">Z</a></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<br />
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_A" name="IX_A"></a>Aborigines, described by Vespucci, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>-<a href="#Page_95">95</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>seen in Vespucci's third voyage, <a href="#Page_180">180</a>-<a href="#Page_183">183</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li>Aguado, Juan, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>.</li>
+<li>Amaraca, aboriginal name of province in South America, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.</li>
+<li><a id="Amaraca" name="Amaraca"></a>Amaraca-pan, the land of Amaraca, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.</li>
+<li>Amazon River discovered by Pinzon, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>.</li>
+<li>America, may have been derived from <i>Amaraca</i>, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>when bestowed upon western continents, <a href="#Page_200">200</a>;</li>
+    <li>derivation of name, <a href="#Page_238">238</a>;</li>
+    <li>first applied to continents in 1507, <a href="#Page_243">243</a>, <a href="#Page_244">244</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li>Antilla, island of, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>.</li>
+<li>Arno, valley of the, <a href="#Page_1">1</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_B" name="IX_B"></a>Bahia Honda, reference to, <a href="#Page_159">159</a>.</li>
+<li>Bastidas, Rodrigo de, reference to, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>expedition of, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>.</li>
+    <li>estate of Juan, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li>Book, the first printed in America, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_C" name="IX_C"></a>Cabral, Pedro Alvarez, coasts South America, <a href="#Page_167">167</a>.</li>
+<li>Cannibals, giants, and pearls, <a href="#IX">chap. ix.</a></li>
+<li>Canopi seen by Vespucci, <a href="#Page_189">189</a>.</li>
+<li>Canovai eulogizes Vespucci, <a href="#Page_210">210</a>, <a href="#Page_211">211</a>.</li>
+<li>Carabi, aboriginal word, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>.</li>
+<li>Caravans of the desert, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>.</li>
+<li>Carib Indians described, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>.</li>
+<li>Cathay, kingdom of, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.</li>
+<li>Cerezo, Maria, married to Vespucci, <a href="#Page_168">168</a>, <a href="#Page_235">235</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>dependent upon  pension, <a href="#Page_237">237</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li>Chambalu, or Peking, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.</li>
+<li>Cibao, Indian word of Haiti, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>.</li>
+<li><a id="Cipango" name="Cipango"></a>Cipango, island of, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.</li>
+<li>Coelho, Gon&ccedil;alo, reference to, <a href="#Page_202">202</a>.</li>
+<li>Columbus, Christopher, compared with Toscanelli, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>uses Toscanelli's chart in crossing Atlantic, 1492, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>;</li>
+    <li>letter to, from Toscanelli, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>-<a href="#Page_27">27</a>;</li>
+    <li>adopts Toscanelli's ideas, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>;</li>
+    <li>conversations with, chap. v.;</li>
+    <li>personal appearance of, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>;</li>
+    <li>second voyage of, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>;</li>
+    <li>extravagances of, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>;</li>
+    <li>and Bishop Fonseca, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>-<a href="#Page_79">79</a>;</li>
+    <li>and the Pinzons, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_150">150</a>;</li>
+    <li>in friendly rivalry with Vespucci, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>;</li>
+    <li>and Vespucci contrasted, <a href="#Page_210">210</a>-<a href="#Page_214">214</a>;</li>
+    <li>misfortunes of, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>;</li>
+    <li>letter written by, with reference to Vespucci, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li>Columbus, Diego, suit of, against the crown,  <a href="#Page_166">166</a>.</li>
+<li>Columbus, Ferdinand, books owned by, <a href="#Page_248">248</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>acquainted with Juan Vespucci, <a href="#Page_249">249</a>.</li>
+    <li>of Spain, fifteenth century, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li>Constellations of the southern hemisphere, <a href="#Page_189">189</a>, <a href="#Page_190">190</a>.</li>
+<li>Coquibacoa, coast of Venezuela, <a href="#Page_134">134</a>, <a href="#Page_135">135</a>, <a href="#Page_158">158</a>, <a href="#Page_159">159</a>.</li>
+<li>Cosa, Juan de la, with Columbus in Cuba, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>sails with Ojeda, <a href="#Page_129">129</a>;</li>
+    <li>the great pilot, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>;</li>
+    <li>chart made by, in year 1500, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>;</li>
+    <li>sails with Bastidas, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>;</li>
+    <li>second voyage with Ojeda, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>;</li>
+    <li>horrible death of, <a href="#Page_157">157</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li><i>Cosmographie Introductio</i>, the first book containing name
+    of America, <a href="#Page_243">243</a>, <a href="#Page_245">245</a>.</li>
+<li>Cumana, on coast of Venezuela, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.</li>
+<li>Curiana, or Gulf of Pearls, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_D" name="IX_D"></a>Dragon's Mouth, strait of the, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_E" name="IX_E"></a>Emanuel, King of Portugal, <a href="#Page_168">168</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>invites Vespucci to Portugal, <a href="#Page_169">169</a>;</li>
+    <li>receives Vespucci at court, <a href="#Page_171">171</a>;</li>
+    <li>sends him on two voyages to the Indies, <a href="#Page_170">170</a>;</li>
+    <li>recognizes his genius, <a href="#Page_196">196</a>, <a href="#Page_207">207</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li>Emerson, R. W., calls Vespucci a "thief and pickle-dealer," <a href="#Page_237">237</a>.</li>
+<li><i>Examen Critique</i>, the, by Humboldt, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_250">250</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_F" name="IX_F"></a>Ferdinand, King of Spain, and Fonseca, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>parts with Vespucci, <a href="#Page_168">168</a>, <a href="#Page_169">169</a>;</li>
+    <li>diplomacy of, <a href="#Page_216">216</a>;</li>
+    <li>prefers Vespucci to Columbus, <a href="#Page_227">227</a>;</li>
+    <li>calls Vespucci to court, <a href="#Page_228">228</a>;</li>
+    <li>appoints him pilot-major, <a href="#Page_229">229</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li>Fiske, John, explains "debatable voyage," <a href="#Page_104">104</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>on Vespucci's letter of July, 1500, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>;</li>
+    <li>quotations from, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>;</li>
+    <li>on historical records, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li>Florence, Vespucci's birthplace, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>, <a href="#Page_3">3</a>;
+     <ul class="IX">
+     <li>in the Middle Ages, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>.</li>
+     </ul></li>
+<li>Florentines, the, as merchants in fifteenth century, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>.</li>
+<li>Fonseca, Bishop, reference to, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>authorizes Ojeda's voyage, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li>Fortunate Islands, or Grand Canaries, <a href="#Page_186">186</a>.</li>
+<li><i>Four Voyages</i>, or <i>Journeys</i>, of Vespucci, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>no trace of book containing the, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>;</li>
+    <li>further reference to, <a href="#Page_176">176</a>, <a href="#Page_200">200</a>, <a href="#Page_205">205</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li>"Fourth Part of the Earth," the, <a href="#II">chap. ii.</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_G" name="IX_G"></a>Ghengis Khan, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.</li>
+<li>Giacondo, Giovanni, translator  of Vespucci's letter, 1504, <a href="#Page_198">198</a>, <a href="#Page_199">199</a>.</li>
+<li>Giants seen in Cura&ccedil;ao, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>.</li>
+<li>Gomara, historian, on explorations, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_H" name="IX_H"></a>Harrisse, Henry, observations on the naming of America, <a href="#Page_244">244</a>.</li>
+<li>Herrera, Antonio de, accuses Vespucci of stealing from Columbus, <a href="#Page_101">101</a>.</li>
+<li>Humboldt, Alexander von, vindicates Vespucci, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_I" name="IX_I"></a><i>Igname</i>, Indian word, <a href="#Page_89">89</a>.</li>
+<li>Iguana, described by Vespucci, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>.</li>
+<li><i>Imago Mundi</i>, book owned by Columbus, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>.</li>
+<li>India house, the great, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>.</li>
+<li>Irving, Washington, and his <i>Life of Columbus</i>, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>denounces Fonseca, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>;</li>
+    <li>narrates Vespucci's voyage with Ojeda, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>;</li>
+    <li>seeks to disparage Vespucci, <a href="#Page_225">225</a>, <a href="#Page_226">226</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li>Iti, an island in the Caribbean Sea, <a href="#Page_98">98</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_K" name="IX_K"></a><i>Kazabi</i>, or cassava, <a href="#Page_89">89</a>.</li>
+<li>Khan, the Grand, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>.</li>
+<li>Kublai Khan, Mongol emperor, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>-<a href="#Page_40">40</a>, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_L" name="IX_L"></a>Lake Dwellers, the, described by Vespucci, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>-<a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_120">120</a>.</li>
+<li>Lariab, conjectural province of, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>.</li>
+<li>Las Casas denounces Vespucci, <a href="#Page_249">249</a>.</li>
+<li>Lud, Walter, <a href="#Page_242">242</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_M" name="IX_M"></a>Mandeville, Sir John, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>.</li>
+<li>Mangi, province of, <a href="#Page_26">26</a>, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>.</li>
+<li>Maracaibo, Gulf of, discovered by Ojeda,  <a href="#Page_135">135</a>.</li>
+<li>Maracapana (see <a href="#Amaraca">Amaraca-pan</a>), <a href="#Page_132">132</a>, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.</li>
+<li>Marco Polo's <i>Travels</i>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>.</li>
+<li>Marignoli, John de, traveller, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>.</li>
+<li>Medici, the Florentine, <a href="#Page_4">4</a>, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_10">10</a>.</li>
+<li>Medici, Lorenzo de, letter written to, by Vespucci in 1501, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>in 1503, <a href="#Page_179">179</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li>Michael Angelo, birthplace of, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>.</li>
+<li>Monte Corvino, John of, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>.</li>
+<li><i>Mundus Novus</i>, or New World, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_239">239</a>, <a href="#Page_246">246</a>, <a href="#Page_248">248</a>;
+     <ul class="IX">
+    <li>title of pamphlet containing first account of Vespucci's voyage, <a href="#Page_197">197</a>;</li>
+    <li>when published, <a href="#Page_239">239</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_N" name="IX_N"></a>Navarrete, Spanish historian, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>, <a href="#Page_232">232</a>, <a href="#Page_233">233</a>.</li>
+<li>New World, the, southern hemisphere of America, so called
+    by Vespucci, <a href="#Page_185">185</a>.</li>
+<li>Nicollini, Donato, Vespucci's friend, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>.</li>
+<li>Nicuesa, explorer, quarrels with Ojeda, <a href="#Page_160">160</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>whom he rescues, <a href="#Page_162">162</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li>Ni&ntilde;o, Pedro, successful voyage of, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_O" name="IX_O"></a>Ojeda the Fighter, <a href="#VIII">chap. viii.</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>with Columbus, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>;</li>
+    <li>friend of Fonseca, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>;</li>
+    <li>receives authority for a voyage, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>;</li>
+    <li>accompanied by Vespucci, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>;</li>
+    <li>visits Trinidad, Pearl Islands, and Cura&ccedil;ao, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>, <a href="#Page_133">133</a>;</li>
+    <li>finds Lake Dwellers, <a href="#Page_134">134</a>;</li>
+    <li>takes cargo of slaves to Spain, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>;</li>
+    <li>second voyage of (1502), <a href="#Page_158">158</a>;</li>
+    <li>placed in irons, <a href="#Page_159">159</a>;</li>
+    <li>makes third voyage (1509), <a href="#Page_156">156</a>, <a href="#Page_160">160</a>;</li>
+    <li>wounded by poisoned arrow, <a href="#Page_163">163</a>;</li>
+    <li>poverty and death of, <a href="#Page_164">164</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li>Oviedo, historian, on discovery of Bay of Honduras, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_P" name="IX_P"></a>Paria, Gulf of, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>.</li>
+<li>Paul the Physicist, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>.</li>
+<li>Pearls, Gulf of, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>.</li>
+<li>Pearls obtained by Vespucci, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>, <a href="#Page_141">141</a>, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>.</li>
+<li>Pelotti, Francesco, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>.</li>
+<li>Peretola, home of the Vespuccis, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>.</li>
+<li>Pinelo, Francisco, <a href="#Page_77">77</a>, <a href="#Page_78">78</a>, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>.</li>
+<li>Pinzon brothers, the, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_150">150</a>, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>.</li>
+<li>Pinzon, Vicente Ya&ntilde;ez, discovers the Amazon, <a href="#Page_167">167</a>.</li>
+<li>Pliny quoted by Vespucci, <a href="#Page_191">191</a>.</li>
+<li>Polo, Marco, Vespucci's countryman, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>taken captive, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>;</li>
+    <li><i>Travels</i>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>-<a href="#Page_42">42</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li>Polo, Maffei, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>.</li>
+<li>Polo, Nicolo, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>.</li>
+<li>Prescott, historian, quotation from, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>.</li>
+<li>Printing-press, the first in America, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>.</li>
+<li><i>Ptolemy</i>, an improved, <a href="#Page_242">242</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_Q" name="IX_Q"></a><i>Quattro Giornate</i> (Four Journeys), <a href="#Page_176">176</a>.</li>
+<li>Quinsai, city of, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_R" name="IX_R"></a>Ren&eacute;, Duke of Lorraine, <a href="#Page_242">242</a>, <a href="#Page_246">246</a>, <a href="#Page_247">247</a>.</li>
+<li>Ringmann, Matthias, contemporary of Vespucci, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>.</li>
+<li>Roldan, Francesco, combats Ojeda, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_S" name="IX_S"></a>Saint-Di&eacute;, town in which pamphlet was printed containing first
+    reference to America, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>, <a href="#Page_242">242</a>.</li>
+<li>Savonarola, mention of, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>.</li>
+<li>Sch&ouml;ner, Johann, globe made by, <a href="#Page_245">245</a>.</li>
+<li>Sierra Leone, <a href="#Page_178">178</a>.</li>
+<li>Soderini, Piero, letter written to, by Vespucci, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>, <a href="#Page_101">101</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>second letter, <a href="#Page_170">170</a>;</li>
+    <li>third letter, <a href="#Page_201">201</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_T" name="IX_T"></a><i>Terra Firma</i>, definition of term, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>coast of, <a href="#Page_166">166</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li><i>Terra Sanct&aelig; Crucis</i>, <a href="#Page_246">246</a>, <a href="#Page_248">248</a>.</li>
+<li>Toscanelli, Florentine astronomer, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>friendly with Vespucci, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>;</li>
+    <li>great attainments of, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>;</li>
+    <li>corresponds with Columbus, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>-<a href="#Page_27">27</a>;</li>
+    <li>sends chart to Columbus, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>;</li>
+    <li>ideas of, adopted by Columbus, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li>Trapobana, island of, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>.</li>
+<li>Trinidad, visited by Columbus, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>by Vespucci, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_V" name="IX_V"></a>Varnhagen, Viscount, explains Vespucci's "second" voyage, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>.</li>
+<li>Vela, Cape de la, <a href="#Page_135">135</a>.</li>
+<li>Venezuela, origin of name, <a href="#Page_134">134</a>.</li>
+<li>Veragua, Duke of, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>.</li>
+<li>Vespucci, Amerigo, spelling of the name, <a href="#Page_1">1</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>birthplace of, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>;</li>
+    <li>parents, <a href="#Page_3">3</a>, <a href="#Page_4">4</a>;</li>
+    <li>ancestors, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_6">6</a>;</li>
+    <li>birthplace of, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>;</li>
+    <li>parents, <a href="#Page_3">3</a>, <a href="#Page_4">4</a>;</li>
+    <li>ancestors, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_6">6</a>;</li>
+    <li>youth, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>-<a href="#Page_14">14</a>;</li>
+    <li>favorite authors, <a href="#III">chap. iii.</a>;</li>
+    <li>begins his career, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>;</li>
+    <li>enters service with the Medici, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>;</li>
+    <li>goes to Spain, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>;</li>
+    <li>letter of, from Spain, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>;</li>
+    <li>personal appearance of, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>;</li>
+    <li>characteristics of, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>;</li>
+    <li>debatable voyage of, <a href="#VI">chap. vi.</a>;</li>
+    <li>outfits fleet for Columbus, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>;</li>
+    <li>in pay of Spain, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>;</li>
+    <li>letter of, on alleged first voyage, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>-<a href="#Page_100">100</a>;</li>
+    <li>letters to Soderini, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>, <a href="#Page_101">101</a>, <a href="#Page_170">170</a>, <a href="#Page_201">201</a>;</li>
+    <li>his <i>Four Voyages</i>, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>;</li>
+    <li>accused of purloining from Columbus, <a href="#Page_101">101</a>;</li>
+    <li>vindicated by Humboldt, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>;</li>
+    <li>more humane than Columbus, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>;</li>
+    <li>second voyage of, <a href="#VII">chap. vii.</a>;</li>
+    <li>oldest known writing relating to his voyages, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>;</li>
+    <li>describes constellations of southern hemisphere, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>;</li>
+    <li>in fight with Indians, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>;</li>
+    <li>mentions giants, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>;</li>
+    <li>discovers Lake Dwellers, <a href="#Page_120">120</a>;</li>
+    <li>takes slaves to Spain, <a href="#Page_121">121</a>, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>;</li>
+    <li>with Ojeda in 1499, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>;</li>
+    <li>quoted by Irving, <a href="#Page_134">134</a>;</li>
+    <li>aborigines seen by, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>-<a href="#Page_144">144</a>;</li>
+    <li>finds pearls, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>;</li>
+    <li>fellow-voyagers of, <a href="#X">chap. x.</a>;</li>
+    <li>head of house of Berardi, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>;</li>
+    <li>projected voyage with Pinzon, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>;</li>
+    <li>invited to Portugal, <a href="#Page_168">168</a>;</li>
+    <li>married to Maria Cerezo, <a href="#Page_168">168</a>;</li>
+    <li>leaves Spain for Portugal, <a href="#Page_169">169</a>;</li>
+    <li>makes two voyages under Portuguese flag, <a href="#Page_170">170</a>;</li>
+    <li>account of third voyage, <a href="#Page_170">170</a>-<a href="#Page_177">177</a>;</li>
+    <li>encounters cannibals, <a href="#Page_180">180</a>-<a href="#Page_183">183</a>;</li>
+    <li>calls his discovery the New World, <a href="#Page_185">185</a>;</li>
+    <li>royally received in Portugal, <a href="#Page_195">195</a>;</li>
+    <li>renowned navigator, <a href="#Page_196">196</a>;</li>
+    <li>first-published letter of, <a href="#Page_197">197</a>;</li>
+    <li>makes a "fourth" voyage to America,  <a href="#Page_200">200</a>;</li>
+    <li>returns to Spain, <a href="#Page_209">209</a>;</li>
+    <li>contrasted with Columbus, <a href="#Page_209">209</a>-<a href="#Page_214">214</a>;</li>
+    <li>mentioned in a letter by Columbus, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>;</li>
+    <li>pilot-major of Spain, <a href="#XV">chap. xv.</a>;</li>
+    <li>at court, <a href="#Page_224">224</a>;</li>
+    <li>corrects charts made by Columbus, <a href="#Page_229">229</a>;</li>
+    <li>official papers relating to, <a href="#Page_233">233</a>;</li>
+    <li>last will and testament, <a href="#Page_234">234</a>;</li>
+    <li>death of, <a href="#Page_235">235</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li>Vespucci, Anastasio, Amerigo's father, <a href="#Page_3">3</a>, <a href="#Page_6">6</a>.</li>
+<li>Vespucci, Elizabetta, Amerigo's mother, <a href="#Page_3">3</a>.</li>
+<li>Vespucci, Georgio Antonio, <a href="#Page_8">8</a>, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>.</li>
+<li>Vespucci, Giovanni, or Juan, Amerigo's nephew, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>;
+    <ul class="IX">
+    <li>is bequeathed his uncle's valuable papers, <a href="#Page_235">235</a>.</li>
+    </ul></li>
+<li>Vespucci, Girolamo, Amerigo's brother, <a href="#Page_52">52</a>, <a href="#Page_53">53</a>.</li>
+<li>Vespucci, Guido Antonio, epitaph of, <a href="#Page_6">6</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_W" name="IX_W"></a>Waldseem&uuml;ller, Martin, German geographer, who gave the name
+    to America, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>-<a href="#Page_243">243</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_Y" name="IX_Y"></a>Yucca, flour made from, <a href="#Page_89">89</a></li>
+</ul>
+
+<ul class="IX">
+<li><a id="IX_Z" name="IX_Z"></a>Zaitun, city of Cathay, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.</li>
+<li>Zipangu. <i>See</i> <a href="#Cipango">Cipango</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+<p class="heading">THE END</p>
+
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<a name="trans-notes" id="trans-notes"></a>
+<pre>
+Transcriber's Notes:
+
+The transcriber made the following changes to the text:
+
+ 1. p.  44, The grand Khan ordered --> "The grand Khan ordered
+ 2. p.  69, The accounts of those --> "The accounts of those
+ 3. p.  74, But I perceive, Signor --> "But I perceive, Signor
+ 4. p.  77, "Fonesca" --> "Fonseca"
+ 5. p. 137, "Ojeba"  --> "Ojeda"
+ 6. p. 143, They had no victuals --> "They had no victuals
+ 7. p. 170, There came to be a royal --> "There came to be a royal
+ 8. p. 205, In this part --> "In this part
+ 9. Index, Columbus Ferdinand, books owned by, 268; -->
+           Columbus Ferdinand, books owned by, 248;
+
+End of Transcriber's Notes
+</pre>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Amerigo Vespucci, by Frederick A. Ober
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Amerigo Vespucci, by Frederick A. Ober
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
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+
+
+Title: Amerigo Vespucci
+
+Author: Frederick A. Ober
+
+Release Date: December 3, 2006 [EBook #19997]
+
+Language: English
+
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+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AMERIGO VESPUCCI ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell, Richard J. Shiffer and the
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+[Transcriber's Note: Every effort has been made to replicate this
+text as faithfully as possible, including obsolete and variant
+spellings and other inconsistencies. Text that has been changed to
+correct an obvious error by the publisher is noted at the end of this
+ebook.]
+
+
+
+
+    AMERIGO VESPUCCI
+
+    BY
+
+    FREDERICK A. OBER
+
+
+    HEROES OF AMERICAN HISTORY
+
+
+    _ILLUSTRATED_
+
+
+    [Illustration]
+
+
+    HARPER & BROTHERS PUBLISHERS
+    NEW YORK AND LONDON
+    1907
+
+
+    Copyright, 1907, by HARPER & BROTHERS.
+
+    _All rights reserved._
+
+    Published February, 1907.
+
+
+    [Illustration: AMERIGO VESPUCCI]
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+  CHAP.                                          PAGE
+
+  I.    YOUNG AMERIGO AND HIS FAMILY                1
+
+  II.   AMERIGO'S FRIENDS AND TEACHERS             15
+
+  III.  VESPUCCI'S FAVORITE AUTHORS                32
+
+  IV.   IN THE SERVICE OF SPAIN                    45
+
+  V.    CONVERSATIONS WITH COLUMBUS                59
+
+  VI.   VESPUCCI'S DEBATABLE VOYAGE                76
+
+  VII.  VESPUCCI'S "SECOND" VOYAGE                101
+
+  VIII. WITH OJEDA THE FIGHTER                    126
+
+  IX.   CANNIBALS, GIANTS, AND PEARLS             138
+
+  X.    FAMOUS FELLOW-VOYAGERS                    148
+
+  XI.   ON THE COAST OF BRAZIL                    165
+
+  XII.  THE "FOURTH PART OF THE EARTH"            179
+
+  XIII. THE FOURTH GREAT VOYAGE                   194
+
+  XIV.  KING FERDINAND'S FRIEND                   209
+
+  XV.   PILOT-MAJOR OF SPAIN                      221
+
+  XVI.  HOW AMERICA WAS NAMED                     237
+
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+  AMERIGO VESPUCCI                        _Frontispiece_
+
+  A CONJECTURAL RESTORATION OF
+      TOSCANELLI'S MAP             _Facing p._        20
+
+  MARCO POLO                             "            40
+
+  OJEDA'S FIRST VOYAGE                   "           130
+
+  ROUTES OF THE DISCOVERERS              "           166
+
+  NORTH AMERICA FROM THE GLOBE OF
+      JOHANN SCHOeNER                     "           244
+
+
+
+
+AUTHORITIES ON AMERIGO VESPUCCI
+
+
+XVIth CENTURY. Vespucci's letters to Soderini and L. P. F. de' Medici,
+reproduced in this volume.
+
+XVIIth CENTURY. Herrera, in his _Historia General_ (etc.), Madrid,
+1601; "probably followed Las Casas, whose MSS. he had."
+
+XVIIIth CENTURY. Dandini, A. M., _Vita e Lettere di Amerigo Vespucci_,
+Florence, 1745.
+
+Canovai, Stanislac, _Elogia di Amerigo Vespucci_, 1778.
+
+XIXth CENTURY. Navarrete, M. F. de, _Noticias Exactas de Americo
+Vespucio_, contained in his Coleccion, Madrid, 1825-1837.
+
+Humboldt, Alexander von, _Examen Critique de l'Histoire de la
+Geographie de Nouveau Continent_, Paris, 1836-1839.
+
+Lester, C. Edwards, _The Life and Voyages of Americus Vespucius_, New
+York, 1846; reprinted, in de luxe edition, New York, 1903.
+
+Varnhagen, F. A., Baron de Porto Seguro, _Amerigo Vespucci, son
+Caractere, ses Ecrits_ (etc.), Lima, 1865; Vienna, 1874. A collection
+of monographs called by Fiske "the only intelligent modern treatise on
+the life and voyages of this navigator."
+
+Fiske, John, _The Discovery of America_, Boston, 1899; contains an
+exhaustive critical examination of Vespucci's voyages to which the
+reader should refer for more extended information.
+
+
+
+
+AMERIGO VESPUCCI[1]
+
+
+
+
+I
+
+YOUNG AMERIGO AND HIS FAMILY
+
+1451-1470
+
+
+Cradled in the valley of the Arno, its noble architecture fitly
+supplementing its numerous natural charms, lies the Tuscan city of
+Florence, the birthplace of immortal Dante, the early home of Michael
+Angelo, the seat of the Florentine Medici, the scene of Savonarola's
+triumphs and his tragic end. Fame has come to many sons of Florence,
+as poets, statesmen, sculptors, painters, travellers; but perhaps none
+has achieved a distinction so unique, apart, and high as the subject
+of this volume, after whom the continents of the western hemisphere
+were named.
+
+Amerigo Vespucci was born in Florence, March 9, 1451, just one hundred
+and fifty years after Dante was banished from the city in which both
+first saw the light. The Vespucci family had then resided in that city
+more than two hundred years, having come from Peretola, a little town
+adjacent, where the name was highly regarded, as attached to the most
+respected of the Italian nobility. Following the custom of that
+nobility, during the period of unrest in Italy, the Vespuccis
+established themselves in a stately mansion near one of the city
+gates, which is known as the Porta del Prato. Thus they were within
+touch of the gay society of Florence, and could enjoy its advantages,
+while at the same time in a position, in the event of an uprising, to
+flee to their estates and stronghold in the country.
+
+While the house in which Christopher Columbus was born remains
+unidentified, and the year of his birth undecided, no such ambiguity
+attaches to the place and year of Vespucci's nativity. Above the
+doorway of the mansion which "for centuries before the discovery of
+America was the dwelling-place of the ancestors of Amerigo Vespucci,
+and his own birthplace," a marble tablet was placed, in the second
+decade of the eighteenth century, bearing the following inscription:
+
+      "_To AMERICO VESPUCCIO, a noble Florentine,
+             Who, by the discovery of AMERICA,
+  Rendered his own and his Country's name illustrious,
+            [As] the AMPLIFIER OF THE WORLD.
+      Upon this ancient mansion of the VESPUCCI,
+              Inhabited by so great a man,
+          The holy fathers of Saint John of God
+      Have placed this Tablet, sacred to his memory._
+                      A.D. 1719."
+
+At that time, about midway between the date of Vespucci's death and
+the present, the evidence was strong and continuous as to the
+residence in that building (which was then used as a hospital) of the
+family whose name it commemorates. Here was born, in 1451, the third
+son of Anastasio and Elizabetta Vespucci, whose name, whether rightly
+or not, was to be bestowed upon a part of the world at that time
+unknown.
+
+The Vespuccis were then aristocrats, with a long and boasted lineage,
+but without great wealth to support their pretensions. They were
+relatively poor; they were proud; but they were not ashamed to engage
+in trade. Some of their ancestors had filled the highest offices
+within the gift of the state, such as _prioris_ and _gonfalonieres_,
+or magistrates and chief magistrates, while the first of the Vespuccis
+known to have borne the praenomen Amerigo was a secretary of the
+republic in 1336.
+
+It is incontestable that Amerigo Vespucci was well-born, and in his
+youth received the advantages of an education more thorough than was
+usually enjoyed by the sons of families which had "the respectability
+of wealth acquired in trade," and even the prestige of noble
+connections. No argument is needed to show that the position of a
+Florentine merchant was perfectly compatible with great
+respectability, for the Medici themselves, with the history of whose
+house that of Florence is bound up most intimately, were merchant
+princes. The vast wealth they acquired in their mercantile operations
+in various parts of Europe enabled them to pose as patrons of art and
+literature, and supported their pretensions to sovereign power. The
+Florentine Medici attained to greatest eminence during the latter
+half of the century in which Amerigo Vespucci was born, and he was
+acquainted both with Cosimo, that "Pater Patriae, who began the
+glorious epoch of the family," and with "Lorenzo the Magnificent," who
+died in 1492.
+
+The Florentines, in fact, were known as great European traders or
+merchants as early as the eleventh century, while their bankers and
+capitalists not only controlled the financial affairs of several
+states, or nations, but exerted a powerful influence in the realm of
+statesmanship and diplomacy. The little wealth the Vespucci enjoyed at
+the time of Amerigo's advent was derived from an ancestor of the
+century previous, who, besides providing endowments for churches and
+hospitals, left a large fortune to his heirs. His monument may be seen
+within the chapel built by himself and his wife, and it bears this
+inscription, in old Gothic characters: "The tomb of Simone Piero
+Vespucci, a merchant, and of his children and descendants, and of his
+wife, who caused this chapel to be erected and decorated--for the
+salvation of her soul. Anno Dom. 1383."
+
+The immediate ancestors, then, of Amerigo Vespucci were highly
+respectable, and they were honorable, having held many positions of
+trust, with credit to themselves and profit to the state. At the time
+of Amerigo's birth his father, Anastasio Vespucci, was secretary of
+the Signori, or senate of the republic; an uncle, Juliano, was
+Florentine ambassador at Genoa; and a cousin, Piero Vespucci, so ably
+commanded a fleet of galleys despatched against the corsairs of the
+Barbary coast that he was sent as ambassador to the King of Naples, by
+whom he was specially honored.
+
+Another member of the family, one Guido Antonio, became locally famous
+as an expounder of the law and a diplomat. Respecting him an epitaph
+was composed, the last two lines of which might, if applied to
+Amerigo, have seemed almost prophetic:
+
+  "_Here lies GUIDO ANTONIO, in this sepulchre--
+          HE WHO SHOULD LIVE FOREVER,
+      Or else never have seen the light._"
+
+This epitaph was written of the lawyer, who departed unknown and
+unwept by the world, while his then obscure kinsman, Amerigo,
+subsequently achieved a fame that filled the four quarters of the
+earth.
+
+The youth of Amerigo is enshrouded in the obscurity which envelops
+that of the average boy in whatever age, for no one divined that he
+would become great or famous, and hence he was not provided with a
+biographer. This is unfortunate, of course, but we must console
+ourselves with the thought that he was not unusually precocious, and
+probably said little that would be considered worth preserving. It
+happened that after he became world-large in importance, tales and
+traditions respecting his earliest years crept out in abundance; but
+these may well be looked upon with suspicion. We know scarcely more
+than that his early years were happy, for he had a loving mother, and
+a father wise enough to direct him in the way he should travel.
+
+It does not always follow that the course the father prescribes is the
+best one in the end, for sometimes a boy develops in unsurmised
+directions; and this was the case with Amerigo Vespucci. The fortunes
+of the family being on the wane, he was selected as the one to
+retrieve them, and of four sons was the only one who did not receive a
+college education. The other three were sent to the University of
+Pisa, whence they returned with their "honors" thick upon them, and
+soon lapsed into obscurity, from which they never emerged. That is,
+they never "made a mark" in the world; save one brother, Girolamo, who
+made a pilgrimage to Palestine, where he lived nine years, suffered
+much, and lost what little fortune he carried with him.
+
+He may have thought, perhaps, in after years, that if he had not
+belonged to a family containing the world-famed navigator his exploits
+would have brought him reputation; but it is more probable that if he
+had not written a letter to his younger brother, Amerigo, the world
+would never have heard from him at all. However, he was the first
+traveller in the family, and with his university education he should
+have produced a good account of his adventures; but if he ever did so
+it has not been preserved from oblivion.
+
+Amerigo was not given a college education, but something--as it
+eventuated--vastly better. His father had a brother, a man of
+erudition for his time, who had studied for the Church. This learned
+uncle, Georgio Antonio Vespucci, was then a Dominican friar, respected
+in Florence for his piety and for his learning. About the year 1450,
+or not long before Amerigo was born, he opened a school for the sons
+of nobles, and in the garb of a monk pursued the calling of the
+preceptor. His fame was such that the school was always full, yet when
+his brother's child, Amerigo, desired to attend, having arrived at the
+age for receiving the rudiments of an education, he was greeted
+cordially and given a place in one of the lower classes. It may be
+imagined that he would have been favored by his uncle; but such seems
+not to have been the case, for the worthy friar was a disciplinarian
+first of all. He had ever in mind, however, the kind of education
+desired by his brother for Amerigo, which was to be commercial, and
+grounded him well in mathematics, languages, cosmography, and
+astronomy. His curriculum even embraced, it is said, statesmanship and
+the finesse of diplomacy, for the merchants of Vespucci's days were,
+like the Venetian consuls, "very important factors in developing
+friendly international relations."
+
+There was then a great rivalry between Venice, Florence, Genoa, and
+Pisa for the control of trading-posts in the Levant, which carried
+with them the vast commerce of the Orient, then conducted by way of
+the Mediterranean, the Black, and the Caspian seas, and overland by
+caravans with India and China. At the time our hero was growing into
+manhood, in the latter half of the fifteenth century, Florence, "under
+the brilliant leadership of the Medici and other shrewd merchant
+princes, gained control of strategic trading-posts in all parts of the
+[then known] world, and secured a practical monopoly in the trade
+through Armenia and Rhodes.... It was from banking, however, that
+Florence derived most of her wealth. For some time her bankers
+controlled the financial markets of the world. Most of the great loans
+made by sovereigns during this period, for carrying on wars or for
+other purposes, were made through the agency of Florentine bankers.
+Even Venetian merchants were glad to appeal to her banks for loans. In
+the fifteenth century Florence had eighty great banking-houses, many
+of which had branches in every part of the world."[2]
+
+It is evident, therefore, that the sagacious Anastasio Vespucci had
+mapped out a great career for the son whom he had chosen to recreate
+the fortunes of his house. He was to be a banker, a diplomat;
+eventually he might attain, like the greatest of the Medici, to the
+station and dignities of a merchant prince. To this end the worthy
+Georgio Antonio ever strove, and as he found his nephew a tractable
+and studious pupil, he congratulated himself and his family that in
+Amerigo they had the individual who was to restore the prestige of
+their ancient name.
+
+But alas! the sequel proved that Friar Georgio was too ambitious, and
+had overshot the mark. In his desire to turn out a finished product, a
+scholar that should be a credit to his school and an ornament to his
+family, he not only inculcated the essentials for a commercial
+education, but, as has already been mentioned, led his eager follower
+into the wider fields of astronomy and cosmography. All he knew--and
+that included all the ancients knew--of these abstruse sciences he
+imparted to Amerigo, and in the end, so far as we can judge, the young
+man became more proficient in them than any other person of his age
+and time. So it eventuated that those studies, which were intended
+merely as subsidiary to the more serious pursuit, became the prime
+factors in shaping his career. They were his stepping-stones to
+greatness, as were his mercantile transactions; but, anticipating
+somewhat the events of his later life, we shall find that they did not
+conduce to the acquisition of wealth.
+
+"In Florence," says the author previously quoted, "more than in any
+other Italian city during the Middle Ages, was displayed the direct
+influence of commerce upon the developments of all the finer elements
+of material and immaterial civilization. She was the Athens of Italy,
+and her art, literature, and science was the brightest gleam of
+intellectual light that was seen in Europe during that age. It was
+from Florence, more than from any other source, that came the
+awakening influence known as the Renaissance."
+
+This truth we see exemplified in the formative period of Amerigo
+Vespucci's life, for, in order to become qualified to adorn the high
+position of a prince of commerce, he was as carefully trained as if to
+fill a prelate's chair or grasp the helm of state. So reluctant was
+his uncle, the good old monk Georgio, to relinquish his talented
+nephew to the world, that we find them in company as late as 1471, as
+attested by this letter, written in Latin by Amerigo to his father, in
+October of that year:
+
+     "_To the Excellent and Honorable Signor Anastasio Vespucci._
+
+     "HONORED FATHER,--Do not wonder that I have not written to
+     you within the last few days. I thought that my uncle would
+     have satisfied you concerning me, and in his absence I
+     scarcely dare to address you in the Latin tongue, blushing
+     even at my deficiencies in my own language. I have, besides,
+     been industriously occupied of late in studying the rules of
+     Latin composition, and will show you my book on my return.
+     Whatever else I have accomplished, and how I have conducted
+     myself, you will have been able to learn from my uncle,
+     whose return I ardently desire, that, under his and your own
+     joint directions, I may follow with greater facility both my
+     studies and your kind precepts.
+
+     "George Antonio, three or four days ago, gave a number of
+     letters to you to a good priest, Signor Nerotto, to which he
+     desires your answer. There is nothing else that is new to
+     relate, unless that we all desire greatly to return to the
+     city. The day of our return is not yet fixed, but soon will
+     be, unless the pestilence should increase and occasion
+     greater alarm, which may God avert!
+
+     "He, George Antonio, commends to your consideration a poor
+     and wretched neighbor of his, whose only reliance and means
+     are in our house, concerning which he addresses you in full.
+     He asks you, therefore, that you would attend to his
+     affairs, so that they may suffer as little as possible in
+     his absence.
+
+     "Farewell, then, honored father. Salute all the family in
+     my behalf, and commend me to my mother and all my elder
+     relatives.
+
+               "Your son, with due obedience,
+                           "AMERIGO VESPUCCI."[3]
+
+The cause of Amerigo's absence from Florence was, it is said, the
+terrible plague which swept over that city and for a time paralyzed
+its activities. All who were able fled to the country, and, Friar
+Georgio's school having been broken up by the scattering of his
+pupils, he and Amerigo retired to their family estate, at or near
+Peretola, there to await the subsidence of the epidemic.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[1] This name is variously spelled, as, for example: Albericus,
+Alberico, Almerigo, Americo, Americus, Amerigo; Despuche, Vespuche,
+Vespuchy, Vespuccio, Vespucius, Vespucci. The best writers use either
+the Italian, Amerigo Vespucci, or the Latinized, Americus Vespucius,
+with good authority for both.
+
+[2] From the _General History of Commerce_, by W. C. Webster, Ph.D.
+
+[3] This letter was discovered by Signor Bandini, author of the _Vita
+e Lettre di Amerigo Vespucci_, 1745, in the Strozzi Library. Harrisse
+says, "This, and two or three signatures added to receipts, which were
+brought to light by Navarrete, constitute the only autographs of
+Vespucius known."
+
+In the original paper he uses the Latin form, Vespucius; but in a
+letter written in 1508, when he was pilot-major of Spain, he signs
+himself "Amerigo Vespucci."
+
+
+
+
+II
+
+AMERIGO'S FRIENDS AND TEACHERS
+
+1470-1482
+
+
+Florence, in Vespucci's day, was the home of genius, of culture, and
+of art. Amerigo, doubtless, was acquainted with some of her sons whose
+fame, like his own, has endured to the present day, and will last for
+all time. The great Michael Angelo, who was born at or near Florence
+in 1475, and whose patron was Lorenzo the Magnificent, was his
+contemporary, although the artist and sculptor survived the discoverer
+more than fifty years. Savonarola, who came to Florence in 1482, was
+just a year the junior of Amerigo, and is said to have been an
+intimate friend of his uncle, who, like himself, belonged to the
+Dominican order. The young man may not have been touched by
+Buonarroti's art, nor have been moved by Savonarola's preaching, but,
+like the former, he possessed an artistic temperament, and, like the
+latter, he was an enthusiast.
+
+The man, however, who, next to his uncle, shaped Amerigo's career and
+turned him from trade to exploration, was a learned Florentine named
+Toscanelli. If you have followed the fortunes of Christopher Columbus,
+reader, you have seen this name before, for it was Toscanelli who, in
+the year 1474, sent a letter and a chart to the so-called discoverer
+of America, which confirmed him in the impression that a route to
+India lay westward from Europe across the "Sea of Darkness."
+
+It is not known just when Amerigo first met "Paul the Physicist," as
+Toscanelli was called in Florence; but it may have been in youth or
+early manhood, for aside from the fact that "all the world" knew and
+reverenced the famous _savant_, there was the inclination arising from
+a mutual interest in cosmography and astronomy. Toscanelli was the
+foremost scientist of his age, and as he was born in 1397, at the time
+Amerigo met him he must have been a venerable man. He lived, however,
+until the year 1482, and as the younger man was in Florence during the
+first forty years of his life, and the last thirty of Toscanelli's, it
+is more than probable that their intercourse was long and friendly.
+
+It is known, at least, that they were acquainted at the time the
+learned doctor wrote Columbus, in 1474, and it does not require a
+stretch of the imagination to fancy them together, and wondering what
+effect that letter would have upon a man who entertained views similar
+to their own. Columbus, it is thought, had then been pondering several
+years over the possible discovery of land, presumably the eastern
+coast of India, by sailing westward. "It was in the year 1474," writes
+a modern historian, "that he had some correspondence with the Italian
+savant, Toscanelli, regarding this discovery of land. A belief in such
+a discovery was a natural corollary to the object which Prince Henry
+of Portugal had in view by circumnavigating Africa, in order to find a
+way to the countries of which Marco Polo had given golden accounts. It
+was, in brief, to substitute for the tedious indirection of the
+African route a direct western passage--a belief in the practicability
+of which was drawn from a confidence in the sphericity of the
+earth."[4]
+
+Later in life Columbus seems to have forgotten his indebtedness to
+Toscanelli, and "grew to imagine that he had been independent of the
+influences of his time," ascribing his great discovery to the
+inspiration of one chosen to accomplish the prophecy of Isaiah. But
+the venerable Florentine had pondered the problem many years before
+Columbus thought of it. "Some Italian writers even go to the extent of
+asserting that the idea of a western passage to India originated with
+Toscanelli, before it entered the mind of Columbus; and it is highly
+probable that this was the case."
+
+There is this in favor of Toscanelli: He was a learned man, while
+Columbus was comparatively ignorant. He was then advanced in years,
+and had given the greater portion of his life to the consideration of
+just such questions, having had his attention called to them by
+reading the travels of Marco Polo and comparing the information
+therein contained with that derived from Eastern merchants who had
+traded for many years in the Orient. He was not a sailor, nor a
+corsair--though Columbus had been both, and had followed the sea for
+years--but he was an astronomer, and he knew more of the starry
+heavens, as well as of the earth beneath them, than any other
+scientist alive. "It was Toscanelli who erected the famous solstitial
+gnomon at the cathedral of Florence." For his learning he was honored,
+when but thirty years of age, with the curatorship of the great
+Florentine library, and for nearly sixty years thereafter he passed
+his days amid books, charts, maps, and globes.
+
+As a speculative philosopher, he had arrived at a correct conclusion
+respecting the sphericity of the earth, and, with all the generosity
+of a humanitarian, he freely communicated his ideas to others.
+Columbus would have excluded every other human being from
+participating in his thoughts, and arrogated to himself alone the
+right to navigate westerly. This was the difference between the
+broad-minded philosopher and the narrow-minded sailor who by accident
+had stumbled upon a theory. The philosopher said, "It belongs to the
+world!" The ignorant sailor cried, "It is mine!"
+
+Toscanelli advanced the theory, but it was Columbus who put it to the
+test, and reaped all the rewards, as well as suffered for the
+mistakes. For mistakes there were, and the chief error lay in
+supposing the country "discovered" by Columbus pertained to the
+Indies. He died in that belief, and also Toscanelli, who passed away
+ten years before the first voyage made to that land, subsequently
+known as America. In one sense, perhaps, the Florentine doctor was the
+means of that first voyage of Columbus having been accomplished, for
+the chart he sent him made the distance between Europe and the western
+country seem so short that it was undertaken with less reluctance, and
+persisted in more stubbornly, than it might otherwise have been. But
+this was a mistake in detail only, and not in theory. A line was
+projected from about the latitude of Lisbon, on the western coast of
+Europe, to the "great city of Quinsai," as described by Marco Polo, on
+the opposite shores of Asia. This line was divided into twenty-six
+spaces, of two hundred and fifty miles each, making the total distance
+between the two points sixty-five hundred miles, which Toscanelli
+supposed to be one-third of the earth's circumference.
+
+[Illustration: A CONJECTURAL RESTORATION OF TOSCANELLI'S MAP]
+
+In short, Toscanelli calculated the distance, made a conjectural chart
+embodying the results of his readings of Aristotle, Strabo, and
+Ptolemy, of his conversations during many years with Oriental
+travellers, and his own observations. He sent this chart to Columbus;
+the latter adopted it as his guide, and by means of it, faulty as it
+was, achieved his great "discovery." Whose, then, is the merit of this
+achievement? Does it not belong as much to Toscanelli as to Columbus?
+
+To whomsoever the credit may be given--whether to the man who
+conceived the idea, or to him who developed it, and whether or not
+Columbus intentionally appropriated the honor and glory
+exclusively--by the irony of fate, there stood a man at Toscanelli's
+elbow, as it were, when he wrote to the Genoese, who was destined to
+rob him of his great discovery's richest reward. This man was Amerigo
+Vespucci, after whom--though unsuggested by him and unknown to
+him--the continents of America were named, by strangers, before
+Christopher Columbus had lain a year in his grave!
+
+It is not at all improbable that Vespucci was aware of the
+correspondence between Toscanelli and Columbus, as he was then
+acquainted with the former, and at the age of twenty-three was
+intensely interested in the pursuits of the learned physician. Next
+to Toscanelli, in fact, he was probably the best-informed man then
+living in Florence as to the studies to which his friend had devoted
+the better part of his life, and it is not unreasonable to suppose
+that he saw the letters before they were sent to Columbus.
+
+But this is a trivial matter compared with the importance of these
+letters, in a consideration of the effect they produced upon the mind
+of Columbus, for, if they did not suggest to him the idea of voyaging
+westerly to discover the Indies, they certainly confirmed him in the
+opinion that such a voyage could be successfully made. By a strange
+freak of fate these letters were preserved in the _Life of Columbus_,
+written by his son Fernando, and there can be no question of their
+authenticity. They breathe the spirit of benevolence for which
+Toscanelli was noted, and indicate the greatness of the man--a
+greatness decidedly in contrast to the mean and petty nature of his
+correspondent, who would have perished sooner than allow information
+so precious to escape from him to the world.
+
+Toscanelli's first letter was written in Florence, June 25, 1474, and
+is as follows:
+
+     "_To Christopher Columbus, Paul the Physicist wishes
+     health._
+
+     "I perceive your noble and earnest desire to sail to those
+     parts where the spice is produced, and therefore, in answer
+     to a letter of yours, I send you another letter which, some
+     days since, I wrote to a friend of mine, a servant of the
+     King of Portugal before the wars of Castile, in answer to
+     another that he wrote me by his highness's order, upon this
+     same account. And I also _send you another sea-chart_, like
+     the one I sent to him, which will satisfy your demands. This
+     is a copy of the letter:
+
+     "_'To Ferdinand Martinez, Canon of Lisbon, Paul the
+     Physicist wishes health._
+
+     "'I am very glad to hear of the familiarity you enjoy with
+     your most serene and magnificent king, and though I have
+     very often discoursed concerning _the short way there is
+     from hence to the Indies_, where the spice is produced, by
+     sea (which I look upon to be shorter than that you take by
+     the coast of Guinea), yet you now tell me that his highness
+     would have me make out and demonstrate it, so that it may be
+     understood and put in practice.
+
+     "'Therefore, though I could better show it to him with a
+     globe in my hand, and make him sensible of the figure of the
+     world, yet I have resolved, to make it more easy and
+     intelligible, to show the way on a chart, such as is used in
+     navigation, and therefore I send one to his majesty, made
+     and drawn with my own hand, wherein is set down the _utmost
+     bounds of the earth, from Ireland in the west to the
+     farthest parts of Guinea_, with all the islands that lie in
+     the way; opposite to which western coast is described the
+     beginning of the Indies, with the islands and places whither
+     you may go, and how far you may bend from the North Pole
+     towards the Equinoctial, and for how long a time--that is,
+     how many leagues you may sail before you come to those
+     places most fruitful in spices, jewels, and precious stones.
+
+     "'Do not wonder if I term that country where the spice
+     grows, _West_, that product being generally ascribed to the
+     _East_, because those who sail westward will always find
+     those countries in the west, and those who travel by land
+     eastward will always find those countries in the east! The
+     straight lines that lie lengthways in the chart show the
+     distance there is from west to east; the others, which cross
+     them, show the distance from north to south. I have also
+     marked down in the chart several places in India where ships
+     might put in, upon any storms or contrary winds, or other
+     unforeseen accident.
+
+     "'Moreover, to give you full information of all those places
+     which you are very desirous to know about, you must
+     understand that none but traders live and reside in all
+     those islands, and that there is as great a number of ships
+     and seafaring people, with merchandise, as in any other part
+     of the world, particularly in a most noble port called
+     Zaitun, where there are every year a hundred large ships of
+     pepper loaded and unloaded, besides many other ships that
+     take in other spices. This country is mighty populous, and
+     there are many provinces and kingdoms, and innumerable
+     cities, under the dominion of _a prince called the Grand
+     Khan_, which name signifies king of kings, who for the most
+     part resides in the province of Cathay. His predecessors
+     were very desirous to have commerce and be in amity with
+     Christians, and two hundred years since sent ambassadors to
+     the Pope, desiring him to send them many learned men and
+     doctors, to teach them our faith; but by reason of some
+     obstacles the ambassadors met with they returned back,
+     without coming to Rome. Besides, there came an ambassador to
+     Pope Eugenius IV., who told him of the great friendship
+     there was between those princes and their people, and the
+     Christians. _I discoursed with him a long while_ upon the
+     several matters of the grandeur of their royal structures,
+     and of the greatness, length, and breadth of their rivers,
+     and he told me many wonderful things of the multitude of
+     towns and cities along the banks of the rivers, upon a
+     single one of which there were two hundred cities, with
+     marble bridges of great length and breadth, adorned with
+     numerous pillars.
+
+     "'This country deserves as well as any other to be
+     discovered; and there may not only be great profit made
+     there, and many things of value found, but also gold,
+     silver, many sorts of precious stones, and spices in
+     abundance, which are not brought into our ports. And it is
+     certain that many wise men, philosophers, astrologers, and
+     other persons skilled in all arts and very ingenious, govern
+     that mighty province and command their armies. From Lisbon
+     directly westward there are in the chart twenty-six spaces,
+     each of which contains two hundred and fifty miles, to the
+     most noble and vast city of Quinsai, which is one hundred
+     miles in compass--that is, thirty-five leagues. In it there
+     are ten marble bridges. The name signifies a heavenly city,
+     of which wonderful things are reported, as to the ingenuity
+     of the people, the buildings, and the revenues.
+
+     "'This space above mentioned is _almost the third part of
+     the globe_. The city is in the province of Mangi, bordering
+     on that of _Cathay_, where the king for the most part
+     resides. From the island of Antilla, which you call the
+     Island of the Seven Cities, and whereof you have some
+     knowledge, to the most noble island of _Cipango_ are ten
+     spaces, which make two thousand five hundred miles. This
+     island abounds in gold, pearls, and precious stones; and,
+     you must understand, they cover their temples and palaces
+     with plates of pure gold; so that, for want of knowing the
+     way, all these things are concealed and hidden--and yet may
+     be gone to with safety.
+
+     "'Much more might be said; but having told you what is most
+     material, and you being wise and judicious, I am satisfied
+     there is nothing of it but what you understand, and
+     therefore will not be more prolix. Thus much may serve to
+     satisfy your curiosity, it being as much as the shortness of
+     time and my business would permit me to say. So, I remain
+     most ready to satisfy and serve his Highness to the utmost,
+     in all the commands he shall lay upon me.'"
+
+A second communication followed the reply of Columbus, in which
+Toscanelli wrote:
+
+     "I received your letters with the things you sent me, which
+     I take as a great favor, and commend your noble and ardent
+     desire of sailing from east to west, _as it is marked out
+     in the chart I sent you_, which would demonstrate itself
+     better in the form of a globe. I am glad it is well
+     understood, and that the voyage laid down is not only
+     possible, but certain, honorable, very advantageous, and
+     most glorious among all Christians. You cannot be perfect in
+     the knowledge of it but by experience and practice, as I
+     have had in great measure, and by the solid and true
+     information of worthy and wise men, who are come from those
+     parts to this court of Rome, and from merchants who have
+     traded long in those parts and who are persons of good
+     reputation. So that, when the said voyage is performed, it
+     will be to powerful kingdoms, and to most noble cities and
+     provinces, rich, and abounding in all things we stand in
+     need of, particularly all sorts of spice in great
+     quantities, and stores of jewels. This will, moreover, be
+     grateful to those kings and princes who are very desirous to
+     converse and trade with Christians, or else have
+     communication with the wise and ingenious men in these
+     parts, as well in point of religion as in all sciences,
+     because of the extraordinary account they have of the
+     kingdoms and government of these parts. For which reasons,
+     and many more that might be alleged, I do not at all wonder
+     that you, who have a great heart, and all the Portuguese
+     nation, which has ever had notable men in all undertakings,
+     be eagerly bent upon performing this voyage."
+
+In these letters we have outlined by Toscanelli the very voyage that
+Columbus took in 1492, eighteen years after he had received this
+precious information. In his journal of that voyage he makes mention
+of "_the islands marked on the chart_"; he was constantly seeking the
+island of Atlantis, and hoped eventually to arrive at the great and
+noble city of Quinsai, as well as at Cipango and Cathay. As for the
+"Grand Khan"--of whom he had been informed by Toscanelli, who obtained
+his information from Marco Polo's works--he not only sent an embassy
+in search of him, when in Cuba, but was looking for him throughout all
+his voyages.
+
+It is well known that Columbus was not aware that he had really
+discovered a new world, but to the end of his days believed he had
+merely arrived at the eastern coast of India. So persistent was he in
+this belief that he falsified documents, and forced his crew to swear
+to what they did not know--namely, that Cuba was a continent, and not
+an island! He believed he had arrived at Cipango, when he heard the
+Indian word, _cibao_, on the coast of Hispaniola; and he says, in a
+letter written to Luis Santangel in 1493, "In Espanola there are
+gold-mines, and thence to terra firma, as well as thence to the Grand
+Khan, everything is on a splendid scale." Also, "When I arrived at
+Juana [Cuba], I followed the coast to the westward, and found it so
+extensive that I considered it must be a continent and a _province of
+Cathay_!"
+
+Columbus, it has been said by some investigators, was a man of one
+idea--and that idea not his own! "It is impossible," says Washington
+Irving, in his _Life of Columbus_--which is, throughout, an elegant
+but labored apology for its hero--"to determine the precise time when
+Columbus first conceived the design of seeking a western route to
+India. It is certain, however, that he meditated it as early as the
+year 1474, though as yet it lay crude and unmatured in his mind."
+
+The year 1474, as we know, was that in which Toscanelli sent him the
+letter and the chart. In that letter the route to India was laid down,
+and on that chart it was made clear to any seafaring man how Cathay
+might be reached, by merely sailing westward! By setting his helm, and
+persisting in a westerly course, any one might reach the coast that
+was supposed to lie opposite to Europe and Africa. Columbus did that,
+according to directions received from Toscanelli eighteen years
+before. He did nothing more, and he reached, not the coast of India,
+but the outlying islands of a new world since called America.
+
+The idea, then, which Columbus claimed as exclusively his own was
+conveyed to him by Toscanelli--or, at least, it so appears--and
+Toscanelli obtained it from the ancients. For, says one having
+authority, "Eratosthenes, accepting the spherical theory, had advanced
+the identical notion which nearly seventeen hundred years later
+impelled Columbus to his voyage. He held the known world to span
+one-third of the circuit of the globe, as Strabo did at a later day,
+leaving an unknown two-thirds of sea; and if it were not that the vast
+extent of the Atlantic Sea rendered it impossible, one might even sail
+from the coast of Spain to that of India, along the same parallel."
+
+And again: "An important element in the problem was the statement of
+Marco Polo regarding a large island, which he called Cipango, and
+which he represented as lying in the ocean off the eastern coast of
+Asia. This carried the eastern verge of the Asiatic world farther
+than the ancients had known, and, on the spherical theory, brought
+land nearer westward from Europe than could earlier have been
+supposed.... Humboldt has pointed out that neither Christopher
+Columbus nor his son Ferdinand mentions Marco Polo; still, we know
+that the former had read his book."[5]
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[4] Justin Winsor, in _The Narrative and Critical History of America_.
+
+[5] _Narrative and Critical History of America._
+
+
+
+
+III
+
+VESPUCCI'S FAVORITE AUTHORS
+
+1485-1490
+
+
+Books of any sort were few and precious during the youthful period of
+Amerigo Vespucci's life, for the art of printing by the use of movable
+type was invented about the time he was born, and most of the great
+discoverers, including himself and Columbus, were to pass away before
+the printing-press was introduced into America.[6]
+
+In the library of Paul the Physicist, however, the ardent scholar,
+Vespucci, must have seen many manuscripts which he was permitted to
+read, and among them, doubtless, the account of Marco Polo's
+wonderful journeys. It is thought that Toscanelli may have possessed,
+indeed, one of the first copies of _Marco Polo_ ever printed, as it
+issued from a German press in 1477; or at least of the second edition,
+which appeared in 1481, the year before he died. A copy of the first
+Latin edition was once owned by Fernando Columbus, and has marginal
+marks ascribed to his father. This edition was printed in 1485, the
+year in which Hernando Cortes was born, and when Vespucci was
+thirty-four years old. Another Latin edition was brought out in 1490,
+an Italian in 1496, and a Portuguese in 1502, followed by many others.
+
+Marco Polo, the Venetian, exercised a strong and lasting influence
+upon the minds of Toscanelli, Columbus, Vespucci, and, through them,
+upon others, although he died in the first quarter of the century in
+which the first-named of this distinguished triad was born. All these
+had this birthright in common: they were Italians; and, moreover, it
+was in Genoa, the reputed birthplace of Columbus, that Marco Polo's
+adventures were first shaped into coherent narrative and given to the
+world.
+
+These adventures have been stigmatized as romances; but surely
+nothing could be more romantic than the manner in which they came to
+be published, finally, after existing many years in the crude form of
+notes and journals made by the traveller during his journeyings. In
+the year 1298, three years after he had returned from his wanderings
+and settled down in Venice, Polo was called upon to assist in the
+defence of Curzola, during the hostilities which existed between his
+own republic and that of Genoa. To oppose the Genoese admiral, Doria,
+who had invaded their seas with seventy galleys, the Venetians fitted
+out a fleet under Andrea Dandolo, and a great battle was fought off
+the island of Curzola. Marco Polo commanded a galley of his own, and
+fought with valor; but, in common with the commanders of more than
+eighty Venetian vessels, he was defeated, the Genoese winning an
+overwhelming victory.
+
+Taken as a prisoner to Genoa, he was cast into prison, where he
+remained immured for a year. That was the year in which his wonderful
+travels were woven into a story, for the entertainment of the young
+Genoese nobility, who, when they learned that the famous Marco Polo
+was a prisoner, flocked to his cell to see and converse with him.
+Yielding to their solicitations, he sent to Venice for his notes of
+travel, and during the days of his captivity dictated an account of
+his experiences to a fellow-captive, one Rusticiano, of Pisa.
+
+The delighted young nobles devoured his wonderful story with avidity,
+and they could scarcely wait its unfolding from day to day, for it was
+to them a veritable tale of the _Arabian Nights_. From the Italian, in
+which the traveller dictated his story, it was translated into Latin
+and French, and scattered over Europe for others to enjoy. Thus Marco
+Polo acquired fame through the misfortune which befell him when
+fighting for Venice, and long before printing was invented his name
+became almost a household word in Europe. As one who, though
+indirectly, stimulated by his Oriental researches the first great
+ventures into the Occident, Marco Polo deserves a monument, or, at
+least, should not be omitted from a memorial group that contains such
+famous Italians as Columbus, Vespucci, Toscanelli, and Verrazano.
+Admittedly, he deserves a chapter in this biography, and we cannot do
+better, perhaps, than glance at his history.
+
+If Marco had been consulted in the choice of his immediate ancestry,
+he could not have done better than fortune served him in the person of
+his father, Nicolo Polo, who was a nobleman and a merchant of Venice.
+He was a traveller prior to the birth of his son, for just previous to
+that event, which occurred nearly two hundred years before Amerigo
+Vespucci was born, he and his brother set out for Constantinople.
+Thence they went into Armenia, and around the south coast of the
+Caspian Sea to Bokhara, where they met some Persian envoys who were
+bound for Cathay, or China, and who persuaded them to go along.
+
+At Peking, it is supposed, they met the great and powerful Kublai
+Khan, Emperor of the Mongols, and Tartars, who received them kindly
+and at whose court they remained a year. They were the first Europeans
+he had ever seen, and such was his interest in their stories of
+strange peoples and governments that he commissioned them as envoys to
+the pope, giving them letters in which he expressed his desire that
+Europeans learned in the arts and sciences should be sent for the
+instruction of his people. Then they were reluctantly dismissed, with
+gifts of gold and spices, and after many perilous adventures finally
+reached their home in Venice. They had been gone almost ten years, and
+when Nicolo Polo first saw his son, on his return to Venice, Marco was
+a youth at school, well advanced in his studies.
+
+Two years later, when Marco was about twelve, the three Polos set out
+on their return to Cathay, accompanied by two friars, who were
+"endowed with ample powers and privileges, the authority to ordain
+priests and bishops, and to grant absolution in all cases, as fully as
+if the pope were personally present." They took with them rich
+presents for the khan, including a bottle of precious oil from the
+holy sepulchre in Jerusalem, which was supposed to possess miraculous
+virtues. The journey was commenced in or about the year 1271, but,
+owing to innumerable and vexatious delays on the way, the Polos did
+not reach the court of the grand khan until the spring of 1275. They
+were more than three years in making the journey, but in spite of
+difficulties and dangers these remarkable men persisted until the
+object of their travels was accomplished. The friars had become
+alarmed at the prospect of peril to themselves, and early in the
+undertaking beat a retreat to Acre, so the three Venetians alone
+arrived at Chambalu, and delivered to the grand khan the letters and
+presents from the pope. They were received with extreme cordiality by
+the khan, who was especially pleased with young Marco, and accepted
+the presents with delight, the holy oil from Jerusalem being
+reverently cherished.
+
+Marco was introduced to the khan by Nicolo, as "your majesty's servant
+and my son"; but had he been a son of the ruler himself he could not
+have received greater honors than were bestowed upon him by the
+emperor. Having a natural aptitude for acquiring languages, he soon
+could read and write four different dialects, and being possessed of
+great intelligence and shrewdness withal, he was sent by the khan on
+important missions to various parts of his kingdom. He acquitted
+himself so well on these embassies, some of which required his absence
+from the capital for many months, and he brought back such interesting
+accounts of the people he met and their customs, that he was
+constantly employed.
+
+In this manner he acquired, during many years of service in high
+positions, a most intimate acquaintance with the khan's dominions, and
+became immensely rich. His father and uncle shared wealth and honors
+with him, for they likewise were congenially employed; but the time
+came at last when their desire to revisit Venice became too strong to
+resist. They craved the khan's permission to depart; but when the old
+monarch heard their request he flew into a passion, declaring that he
+would never allow them to go. They should remain with him and become
+the richest men in the world.
+
+Marco was sent off on another mission, this time by sea, and,
+discovering that there was direct communication between Cathay and the
+Indies, he entreated the khan to allow the Polos to go on a voyage,
+promising faithfully that they would return after a short stay with
+their friends in Venice. The old khan gave his consent reluctantly,
+overwhelming them with gifts at their departure, among other things
+giving them a tablet of gold, on which were engraved his orders to all
+the subjects in his vast dominions to provide guides, escorts,
+pilots--every convenience for their voyage and journey--without cost.
+He also authorized them to serve as his ambassadors to the pope and
+other European potentates, presented them with many precious stones,
+including rubies of great value, and money enough to defray their
+expenses for at least two years. From all this it will be seen that
+the grand khan was a very munificent prince, whose deeds must have
+made a lasting impression upon the minds of the generation in which he
+lived.
+
+Fourteen large vessels were contained in the fleet he furnished the
+Polos, for with them was embarked, with a train of ambassadors, a
+noble maiden of Cathay who was to become the bride of a "king of the
+Indies" known as Argon. The voyage was so protracted that the king had
+died before she reached her destination, and whose bride she became
+was never known to the Polos, though they faithfully acquitted
+themselves of their charge, and then continued on towards the
+frontiers of Persia. Two years had been consumed in voyaging to Java,
+Sumatra, and along the coast of southern India. Three more elapsed
+before they finally reached their native city, in 1295, after an
+absence of nearly twenty-five years. Nobody in Venice knew them then,
+except by name, for Niccolo and his brother were advanced in age,
+and Marco had grown from a boy to manhood, while in their dress and
+manners they were more like Tartars than Venetians, and had almost
+completely lost their native speech.
+
+[Illustration: MARCO POLO]
+
+Many of their former friends and relations were dead, and the
+survivors were at first inclined to denounce them as impostors, until
+the fertile imagination of Marco hit upon an expedient. They were
+invited to a magnificent banquet, at which the three Polos appeared
+arrayed in robes of crimson velvet, which, after their guests had
+arrived, they threw off and gave to their attendants. Then, after the
+last course was served, they produced from their queer Tartarian
+garments, which they ripped open for the purpose, precious gems by the
+handful, and displayed them to the astonished guests as their
+credentials.
+
+They were promptly received into the best Venetian society, Maffei,
+the uncle, being appointed a magistrate, and Niccolo, the father,
+espousing a beautiful young lady. Such Polos as still bear the
+name--if there are any--must have descended from the children born of
+this second marriage, for though Marco himself took a wife, several
+years later, he left no male children to inherit the vast wealth that
+gave him the title, in Venice, of "Marco Millioni."
+
+It was about three years after his return to Venice that Marco fell
+into the hands of the Genoese, and a little later that, as narrated,
+he wrote the story of his travels. His books abound in romantic
+adventures, and many, probably, that are fabulous; but that it stamped
+itself upon the times in which he lived and those of succeeding
+generations, has been shown already. Nearly two hundred years after
+the story was written, we find the Spaniards seeking the great island
+of Cipango, of which the following is Marco Polo's description:
+
+     "This is a very large island, fifteen hundred miles from the
+     continent [of Asia]. The people are fair, handsome, and of
+     agreeable manners. They are idolaters, and live quite
+     separate from all other nations. Gold is very abundant, and
+     no man being allowed to export it, while no merchant goes
+     thence to the main-land, the people accumulate a vast
+     amount. But I, Marco Polo, will give you a wonderful account
+     of a very large palace all covered with that metal, as our
+     churches are with lead. The pavements of its court, the
+     halls, windows, and every other part, have it laid on two
+     inches thick, so that the riches of this palace are
+     incalculable. Here are also pearls, large and of equal value
+     with the white, with many other precious stones.
+
+     "Kublai, on hearing of this amazing wealth, desired to
+     conquer the island, and sent two of his barons with a very
+     large fleet containing warriors, both horsemen and on foot.
+     They sailed from Zaitun and Quinsai, reached the isle,
+     landed, and took possession of the plain and of a number of
+     houses; but they were unable to take any city or castle,
+     when a sad misadventure occurred. A storm threatened and
+     some of the troops were embarked; but about thirty thousand
+     were left upon a small and barren island by the sailing of
+     the ships. The sovereign and the people of the larger island
+     rejoiced greatly when they saw the host thus scattered and
+     many of them cast upon the islet. As soon as the sea calmed
+     they assembled a great number of ships, sailed thither and
+     landed, hoping to capture all those refugees. But when the
+     latter saw that their enemies had disembarked, leaving the
+     vessels unguarded, they skilfully retreated to another
+     quarter and continued moving about till they reached the
+     ships, when they went aboard without any opposition. They
+     then sailed direct for the principal island, where they
+     hoisted its own standards and ensigns.
+
+     "On seeing these, the people believed their own countrymen
+     had returned, and allowed them to enter the city. Finding it
+     defended only by old men, the Tartars soon drove them out,
+     retaining the women as slaves. When the king and his
+     warriors saw themselves thus deceived and their city
+     captured, they were like to die of grief; but they assembled
+     other ships, and invested it so closely as to prevent all
+     communication. The Tartars maintained themselves thus seven
+     months, and planned day and night how they might convey
+     tidings to their master of their condition; but finding this
+     impossible, they agreed with the besiegers to surrender,
+     securing only their lives. This took place in the year 1269.
+
+     "The grand khan ordered one of the commanders of the host
+     that had returned to lose his head, and the other to be sent
+     to the isle where he had caused the loss of so many men, and
+     there put to death. I have to relate, also, a very wonderful
+     thing: that these two barons took a number of persons in a
+     castle of Cipango, and because they had refused to surrender
+     ordered all their heads to be cut off. But there were eight
+     on whom they could not execute this sentence, because these
+     wore consecrated stones in their arms, between the skin and
+     the flesh, which so enchanted them that they could not die
+     by steel. They were therefore beaten to death with clubs,
+     and the stones, being extracted, were held very precious.
+     But I must leave this matter and go on with the narrative."
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[6] The first printing-press in America was set up in Mexico in 1535,
+the first book printed on it was probably _La Escala de San Juan
+Climaco_, date 1536, and the first printer was Juan Pablos. The oldest
+existing example of this first Mexican printing is said to be the
+_Manual de Adultos_, bearing date 1540.
+
+
+
+
+IV
+
+IN THE SERVICE OF SPAIN
+
+1490
+
+
+Before we revert to the real hero of this biography, let us seek to
+identify the various names we find in Marco Polo's book, and in
+Toscanelli's letter to Columbus, with the objects to which they were
+applied. We will imagine ourselves with the first-named in far Cathay,
+with the second in his library at Florence, and with the third as he
+gropes his way along the shores of islands for the first time then
+revealed to European eyes.
+
+If Columbus had known--what we now know--that thousands of miles
+intervened between the places he was seeking and those to which he
+misapplied their names, he would not have died in the belief that he
+had discovered a new way to the Old World. To anticipate a little what
+will be revealed later in the unfolding of this story: it was Amerigo
+Vespucci, and not Columbus, who first applied to this newly discovered
+hemisphere the title _Mundus Novus_, or New World. However, we will
+not discuss that question now, but merely remark that _Cathay_ was
+identical with northern China, while _Mangi_ was the southern
+territory of that vast empire which, in Marco Polo's time, was in
+possession of Kublai Khan. _Chambalu_, or Peking, was its capital,
+while the "most noble and vast city of _Quinsay_," or Cansay, is the
+ancient _King-sze_ connected with Peking by the grand canal.
+
+The large island of _Cipango_, or _Zipangu_, outlying upon the coast
+of Cathay, was probably Japan, or Formosa; though its golden-tiled
+temples may never have been seen by the Polos, nor its red pearls have
+come into their hands. Forty years after Columbus began his vain
+search, Pizarro found and plundered the gold-plated temples of Cuzco,
+which were as rich as any described by Marco Polo in his account of
+Cipango; and in the Bahamas archipelago, through which the Spaniards
+passed in the voyage of 1492, precious pink pearls have been
+discovered in great numbers and of surpassing beauty.
+
+Vasco da Gama, in 1497, was to open the way by water to the vast
+Oriental seas--to Calicut and Cathay--but until the last quarter of
+the fifteenth century the commerce of the eastern hemisphere depended
+mainly upon transportation by land. "Voyages of much extent were
+almost unknown, and the mariner confined himself to inland waters, or
+hovered along the shores of the great Western Ocean, without venturing
+out of sight of land.... The thriving republics of Italy were the
+carriers of the world. For many centuries their citizens were almost
+the only agents for commercial communication with the countries of the
+East. Venice and Genoa maintained establishments on the farthest
+shores of the Mediterranean and Black seas.
+
+"Immense caravans crossed the deserts of Arabia and Egypt, their
+camels laden with the costly fabrics of the Indies, which were
+received by the Italian traders from the hands of the Mahometans and
+distributed over Europe. Here and there upon the deserts a green
+oasis, with its bubbling spring or rippling rivulet, served these
+mighty trains for a resting-place, where man and beast halted to
+recover from the fatigues of their weary journeys. Occasionally, on
+these spots where the soil was of sufficient fertility to sustain a
+population, villages grew up. In rarer instances and in earlier ages,
+large cities had been built upon these stopping-places and were for
+the time the centres of the traffic.... Travellers of the present day
+occasionally visit their sites, and tell wonderful tales of the
+gigantic ruins of some Baalbec or Palmyra of the wilderness.
+
+"It was not to be supposed that the shrewd spirit of mercantile
+enterprise and speculation would remain dormant in this state of
+affairs. Traders in every part of Europe were alive to the advantages
+to be derived from the discovery of a new route of transportation.
+Several efforts were made, and in some cases attended with immense
+profit and success, to communicate with India by the long and arduous
+journey round the Black Sea, and through the almost unexplored regions
+of Circassia and Georgia. The far-off shores of the Caspian were
+reached by some travelling traders, and the geographical knowledge
+they circulated on their return gave a new impulse to the growing
+spirit of adventure. Apocryphal as the narratives of Marco Polo and
+Mandeville appeared, there was a sufficient mixture of truth with
+exaggeration to stimulate the minds of men, ever greedy of gain, and
+the endless wealth of the grand khan and his people were the subjects
+of many eager and longing anticipations."[7]
+
+The Polos were merely the forerunners, the pioneers, to the far
+Cathay, and in the fourteenth century missionaries and merchants
+followed on their trail with varying success. The death of Kublai Khan
+had relieved them from their obligation to return; but soon after they
+had reached Venice, in 1295, a Franciscan monk, John of Monte Corvino,
+penetrated to Chambalu and established missions there. In the year
+1338 an ambassador arrived at Avignon from the then reigning Khan of
+Cathay, and in return John de Marignoli, a Florentine, was sent to the
+court at Chambalu, where he remained four years as legate of the holy
+see. Commercial travellers followed after them, and about 1340 a
+guide-book was written by another Florentine, Francesco Pelotti, who
+was a clerk in the great trading-house of Bardi, or Berardi, with
+which, at a later date, Amerigo Vespucci was connected in Spain.
+
+"When the throne of the degenerate descendants of Ghengis Khan began
+to totter to its fall, missions and merchants alike disappeared from
+the field. Islam, with all its jealousies and exclusiveness, had
+recovered its grasp over Central Asia. Night again descended upon the
+farther East, covering Cathay, with those cities of which the old
+travellers had told such marvels, Chambalu and Cansay, Zaitun and
+Chinkalan. And when the veil rose before the Portuguese and Spanish
+explorers of the sixteenth century those names were heard of no
+more....
+
+"But for a long time all but a sagacious few continued to regard
+Cathay as a region distinct from any of the new-found Indies; while
+map-makers, well on into the seventeenth century, continued to
+represent it as a great country lying entirely to the north of China
+and stretching to the Arctic Sea. It was Cathay, with its outlying
+island of Zipangu, that Columbus sought to reach by sailing westward,
+penetrated as he was by his intense conviction of the smallness of the
+earth and of the vast extension of Asia to the eastward. To the day of
+his death he was full of the imagination of the proximity of the
+domain of the grand khan to the islands and coasts which he had
+discovered. And such imaginations are curiously embodied in some maps
+of the early sixteenth century, which intermingle on the same
+coast-line the new discoveries, from Labrador to Brazil, with the
+provinces and rivers of Marco Polo's Cathay."[8]
+
+Having shown the state of European geographical knowledge in the
+fifteenth century, in the hope thereby of throwing light upon the
+conditions which surrounded Vespucci at the time, we will now follow
+as closely as possible the career which was then opening before him.
+He was, as we have stated, keenly alive to what was taking place in
+the world around him, and especially interested in geographical
+discoveries. Although it is not likely that he had an abundance of
+ready money, having been so many years engaged in preparation for his
+great pursuit, without immediate recompense of any sort, yet we learn
+from the records of his life that he was already making a collection
+of all the charts, maps, and globes that he could find. He had
+assembled the best works of the most distinguished projectors, and for
+one of the finest then available, "a map of sea and land," made in
+1439 by one Gabriel de Valesca, he paid the large sum of one hundred
+and thirty ducats, equivalent to more than five hundred dollars at the
+present day. There was danger then, his parents and friends thought,
+of the abstruse and unprofitable science of cosmography absorbing him
+entirely; but, though he may have indulged in the hope of devoting his
+life to the studies which had so enriched the mind of his friend
+Toscanelli, he was rudely awakened from his day-dream by a family
+catastrophe.
+
+Mention has been made of one of his brothers, Girolamo, who, about the
+year 1480, left home and went to Asia Minor, including in his travels
+a trip to Palestine. He finally established himself in one of the
+Grecian cities, and, being of a hopeful turn, sent for and obtained
+the greater portion of his father's money, with which he engaged in
+trade. All went well for a time, and the Vespuccis congratulated
+themselves upon having a son of the family finally embarked on the
+full tide of commercial prosperity.
+
+Nine years went by, and nothing but good news came from the absent
+Girolamo; but one day, in 1489, disastrous tidings arrived. A
+Florentine pilgrim, returning from a pious visit to the holy sepulchre
+in Jerusalem, brought Amerigo a letter from his brother. It was dated
+July 24th, and contained information to the effect that while Girolamo
+was attending religious services at a convent in his neighborhood his
+house was broken open and robbed. "At one fell swoop," he wrote, he
+had been deprived of all his earnings during those nine years of toil,
+besides the money his father had sent him, which represented the
+accumulations of a lifetime.
+
+He did not explain how his entire capital was in cash at the time,
+when he was supposed to be in trade; but even if derelict, he was too
+far away to be sought out and his story investigated, so the loss was
+accepted by the family as an indication that Providence was not
+inclined to smile upon the substitution of the eldest for the youngest
+son as a retriever of the Vespucci fortunes. All looked now towards
+Amerigo to take up the distasteful business of money-making, for which
+he had been so long in training, but which hitherto he had so
+successfully evaded. In sorrow, it is said, but without a murmur, he
+turned his back upon his maps, globes, books, and astrolabes and faced
+the situation manfully.
+
+A position had long been open to him with the great trading-house of
+Lorenzo de Medici, who was own cousin to the world-famous Lorenzo the
+Magnificent, and he had only to apply in order to receive it. For the
+Medici well knew the value of men--good and faithful men--trained, as
+Amerigo was, in the diplomacy as well as the routine of commercial
+life in that age. They needed just such a man as he in their foreign
+agency, and bidding farewell to his family he set sail from Leghorn
+for the Spanish city of Barcelona.
+
+The Iberian peninsula afforded at that time a most attractive field
+for commercial as well as military adventure. The protracted wars with
+the Moors, which had been carried on for generations, were drawing to
+a close, but they had taken thither many a man athirst for glory, and
+the demand for supplies gave the merchants great opportunities for
+profits. The commerce of that day was, as we have seen, mainly in the
+hands of Italian merchants, and as early as 1486 the Florentine
+trader, Juan Berardi, obtained a safe conduct from Barcelona to
+Seville, where, a few years later, we find Amerigo busily engaged in
+outfitting vessels for the Spanish voyages of discovery.
+
+It was in the year 1490, or 1491, that Amerigo Vespucci went to Spain,
+accompanied by his nephew Giovanni, and several other young
+Florentines, who were placed in his charge by their parents that they
+might receive the benefit of his experience and the advantages of
+foreign travel. Giovanni, or Juan, was greatly attached to his uncle,
+and subsequently went with him on his voyages to America. Many years
+later the historian, Peter Martyr, wrote of him: "Young Vespucius is
+one to whom Americus, his uncle, left the exact knowledge of the
+mariner's faculties, as it were by inheritance, after his death, for
+he is a very expert master in the knowledge of the compass and the
+elevation of the pole star by the quadrant. He is my particular
+friend, a witty young man in whose company I take great pleasure, and
+therefore have him often for my guest."
+
+Whether Giovanni was associated with Amerigo in business is not
+exactly known, nor can we tell just when the latter removed from
+Barcelona into southern Spain; but there is a letter extant, written
+at Cadiz in 1492, signed jointly by himself and a young Florentine,
+Donato Nicollini, as agents either of the Medici or the house of
+Berardi. The following extract was copied by his biographer, Bandidi,
+from this manuscript in Amerigo's handwriting:
+
+     "As it is necessary for one of us, either Amerigo or Donato,
+     to proceed in a short time to Florence, we shall be able to
+     give you better information on all points by word of mouth
+     than can possibly be done by letter. As yet, it has been
+     impossible to do anything respecting the freight of salt,
+     for want of a vessel, as for some time past, we are sorry to
+     say, no ship has arrived here which was not chartered. Be
+     assured that if one arrives we shall be active for your
+     interests.
+
+     "You will have learned from the elder Donato the
+     good-fortune which has happened to his highness the king.
+     Assuredly the most high God has given him His aid; but I
+     cannot relate it in full. God preserve him many years--and
+     us with him.
+
+     "There is nothing new to communicate. Christ preserve you.
+
+                               "DONATO NICOLLINI.
+                               "AMERIGO VESPUCCI.
+
+     "We date this January 30, 1492."
+
+The last decade of the fifteenth century, which Amerigo was to pass
+chiefly in Spain, has been termed by historians the most important
+epoch in modern history. It was, admittedly, the most important for
+Spain, also for that country (then unknown) which her sailors were to
+discover and explore, and which was to receive the name of the
+Florentine merchant then living obscurely in Cadiz or Seville.
+
+"The foreign intercourse of the country," says the renowned author of
+_Ferdinand and Isabella_, "was every day more widely extended. Her
+agents and consuls were to be found in all the ports of the
+Mediterranean and the Baltic. The Spanish mariner, instead of creeping
+along the beaten track of inland navigation, now struck boldly across
+the great Western Ocean. The new discoveries had converted the land
+trade with India into a sea trade, and the nations of the peninsula,
+which had hitherto lain remote from the great highways of commerce,
+now became the factors and carriers of Europe.
+
+"The flourishing condition of the nation was seen in the wealth and
+population of its cities, the revenue of which, augmented in all to a
+surprising extent, had increased in some forty and even fifty fold
+beyond what they were at the commencement of Ferdinand and Isabella's
+reign: the ancient and lordly Toledo; Burgos, with its bustling
+industrious traders; Valladolid, sending forth thirty thousand
+warriors from its gates; Cordova, in the south, and the magnificent
+Granada, naturalizing in Europe the arts and luxuries of the East;
+Saragossa, 'the abundant,' as she was called from her fruitful
+territory; Valencia, 'the beautiful'; Barcelona, rivalling in
+independence and maritime enterprise the proudest of the Italian
+republics; Medina del Campo, whose fairs were already the great mart
+for the commercial exchanges of the peninsula; and Seville, the golden
+gate of the Indies, whose quays began to be thronged with merchants
+from the most distant countries of Europe."
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[7] _The Life and Voyages of Americus Vespucius_, by C. Edwards
+Lester, 1845.
+
+[8] Article, "China," in the _Encyclopaedia Britannica_.
+
+
+
+
+V
+
+CONVERSATIONS WITH COLUMBUS
+
+1492 OR 1493
+
+
+While we cannot affirm that Christopher Columbus and Vespucci were
+acquainted previous to the voyage which made America known to Europe,
+it is well established that Amerigo was in Spain when his favored
+rival sailed from Palos, in August, 1492, and also when he returned,
+in March, 1493. In the very month of January, 1492, in which Vespucci
+wrote the letter quoted in the previous chapter, Columbus and the
+Spanish sovereigns signed the "capitulation" that set forth the
+demands of the discoverer and the concessions of the king and queen.
+That paper was signed and sealed in the palace of the Alhambra, not
+far distant from Cadiz, and still nearer to Seville, whither Vespucci
+removed soon after. He may have been there when Columbus passed
+through the latter city on his way to Palos, Seville being in the
+direct route between Granada and the Rio Tinto; but if he then saw and
+conversed with him there is no record of the fact.
+
+What must have been his feelings, though, when he learned of the
+transaction between Columbus and the sovereigns? Columbus had gained
+permission to make--what he himself was far better equipped for--a
+voyage across the Sea of Darkness, to the islands that lay on the
+route of Marco Polo's Cathay. And Columbus had merely corresponded
+with his master, Toscanelli, at whose feet he, Vespucci, had sat, and
+during days and hours discussed the problem that his rival was now
+going forth to solve!
+
+While Vespucci plodded, almost hopelessly, at Cadiz and Seville,
+Columbus pushed forward preparations for his voyage, and finally set
+sail. Did not Amerigo, then, send a sigh after him and his caravels,
+and think regretfully of his maps, his charts, globes, and nautical
+instruments lying dusty and disused in Florence? They were more to him
+than anything else in the world. With their aid, and countenanced by
+royal favor, _he_ might have been the fortunate one to adventure upon
+the ocean, and seek the unknown regions which he was positive lay
+there veiled from human sight. But he was pledged to repair the family
+fortune, he was committed to the interests of his employers, and even
+if the suggestion of embarking on a voyage of discovery came to him he
+could not entertain it for an instant. He could not then; but perhaps
+opportunity might yet offer, he thought, and so sent for his books,
+charts, and instruments, in order to perfect himself in cosmography
+and nautical science. He became so proficient that some years after he
+was appointed by King Ferdinand pilot-major of Spain, and even the
+charts that Columbus made were brought to him for correction or
+verification.
+
+The months went by, spent by Columbus in "making history," by Vespucci
+in lading ships for others to sail in, and in the intervals of
+business poring over his books and charts. At last, in the spring of
+1493, one day a courier came dashing into Seville with the news of
+Columbus's return, by way of Portugal, a letter having arrived from
+Lisbon addressed to the sovereigns, and another for Santangel,
+secretary to the king. Then Vespucci knew his opportunity had taken
+flight, for the New World had been discovered, the glory belonged to
+Columbus!
+
+Soon after the return of the voyagers to Palos, he may have seen the
+triumphal procession led by Columbus to Barcelona, and probably had
+speech with him and with some of his sailors. He saw the six Indians
+who had been made captive in the islands and were brought to Seville,
+for they remained there some time while Columbus was awaiting orders
+from Barcelona. A letter from the sovereigns came at last, addressed
+to "Don Cristobal Colon, Admiral of the Ocean Sea and Viceroy of the
+Indies," which probably Amerigo himself perused--with what a sickening
+of heart may be imagined--for it contained a memorandum from the
+sovereigns referring to the equipment of a second expedition, and his
+firm received the contract. Vespucci was then connected with the house
+of Berardi (having left the employ of the Medici), either as
+contracting agent or partner. Whatever relation he stood in to the
+firm, it was a most responsible one, for to him was committed the
+furnishing of a large fleet without delay.
+
+It was about the last of March, or early in April, that Columbus
+delivered to him the order from the king and queen, and then set out
+for Barcelona overland. He arrived there duly, to be received with
+almost royal honors, and meanwhile the house of Berardi, under the
+active supervision of Vespucci, was busy with the preparation of the
+fleet. Ships were sought and chartered; caravels built, bought, and
+repaired; munitions provided and crews of sailors assembled, which
+Vespucci was obliged to hold and keep together against the sailing of
+the squadron.
+
+And what was the personal appearance of these two great navigators,
+thus so strangely brought into business relations, and whose fame in
+after times was to fill the world? Although there is no portrait
+existing of Columbus which we can affirm to be authentic, still verbal
+portraits have been left by his contemporaries which convey to us the
+impression that the "Admiral" was tall and stalwart, dignified in
+bearing, with fair complexion, blue eyes, and hair then silvery gray.
+
+Amerigo Vespucci was his exact opposite, in superficial
+characteristics, for he was under rather than above the middle height,
+"thick-set and brawny," with a dark complexion, black hair mixed with
+gray, and flashing black eyes. An authentic portrait, painted at a
+later date, shows him with head nearly bald, encircled only by a
+fringe of hair, prominent cheek-bones, aquiline nose, a firm, sweet
+mouth, and without the thick black beard he wore when he first met
+Columbus. His temper was mild, while that of Columbus was hasty,
+though firmly controlled, save on a few occasions when, tried beyond
+measure, it burst its bounds and swept away all opposition. But both
+great men were courteous in speech, the dignified demeanor of Columbus
+commanding admiration, while the modesty of Vespucci won the
+friendship of all with whom he came in contact.
+
+The following dialogue between the two, or the purport of it, is
+thought to have taken place soon after the return of Columbus from
+Barcelona, either at Cadiz or Seville. It was but natural that the two
+should meet, that they should exchange views and compare notes, for,
+while Columbus had made the great discovery--through having been the
+first to apply the theories of Toscanelli and the ancients--Vespucci
+had for many years been thinking on the subject, and had enjoyed the
+friendship of the physicist, whom both revered. Whether this
+conversation is apocryphal or not, at least it embodies the divergent
+views of the two, and does no violence to their sentiments, as can be
+shown by their writings. It is adapted from Lester's _Americus
+Vespucius_.
+
+Having with him, it is believed, the charts and books from which he
+deduced his theories, Vespucci probably invited Columbus to his
+lodgings, where the two spent many an hour in good-natured
+controversy. Nearly twenty years had elapsed since the learned doctor
+sent the chart and letter to Columbus, and now the latter, with the
+laurels of the great "discovery" on his brow, was to engage in
+argument with the person best acquainted with his life-work--who had
+followed it from its very inception, and who was to enjoy its usufruct
+forever.
+
+Let us try to imagine them within the walls of Vespucci's
+house--whether in golden Seville or crystal Cadiz cannot be told; but
+it is easy to find one like it to-day, for the architecture of neither
+city has changed much since that time. The house is of stone, with
+thick white walls and roof of tiles. The rooms are large and dreary,
+but open on a court, or Moorish patio, around which they are ranged,
+and where a fountain tinkles merrily. The floor of Vespucci's room is
+tiled and damp, the furniture is scanty, but in the centre of the
+apartment is a large and massive table, upon which are spread his
+charts, while a globe--perhaps one of Behaim's, recently
+constructed--stands in a corner.
+
+The arrival of the distinguished stranger at Vespucci's modest
+lodgings causes a flutter of excitement, not only in the household,
+but in the street, which is lined with gaping citizens, anxious to see
+the new admiral, who has already taken on the dignities of his
+station, is costumed in velvet, wears a sword at his side, and is
+accompanied by a retinue of hired retainers. Vespucci, on the
+contrary, shows no ostentation in his garb, for he is but a man of
+business, and, entirely unconscious of any discrepancy in their
+apparel, conducts his guest to the room where lie his treasures.
+
+To the credit of Columbus, it should be said, he sees in Vespucci only
+the man of science, the student, the cosmographer, and, with the
+gentle dignity inseparable from this man who had appeared before
+kings and at courts, he compliments his host upon his collection.
+They are soon in earnest consultation, scanning the sea-charts,
+quoting authorities, advancing theories, becoming so absorbed as to
+ignore the yawning hangers-on of the admiral's staff, who soon retire,
+one after another, leaving the two geographers alone.
+
+Finally, Columbus says, looking up from the chart upon which he had
+been sketching the route of his voyage:
+
+"It grieves me much, worthy Signor Vespucci, to learn from our friend
+the Signor Berardi that you do not estimate as I do the result of our
+recent navigation to the west. With your well-known skill in
+cosmography, I fear me, you combine more of doubt than would be
+becoming to a Christian navigator."
+
+"Your excellency mistakes my views greatly, or has been misinformed of
+them," replies Vespucci, courteously. "Far from undervaluing the
+effect of the discoveries which your genius has accomplished, I am the
+rather disposed to place a greater estimate upon them than does the
+Admiral Colon himself. If I judged them in the light in which they are
+viewed by the most of those who hope to profit by them, then, indeed,
+the imputation would be just; but I look not to such things, and well
+I know that your own mind is above them."
+
+"In that respect you only do me justice. If I look for gain in aught
+that I have undertaken, it is only that I may devote it to a holy
+purpose. Have I not, even within the last few days, recorded my solemn
+oath that I would, in the event of my prosperous arrival at the court
+of the grand khan--whom, by the favor of God, I hope to convert to the
+true faith--employ the riches I shall acquire in the equipment of a
+force of four thousand horse and fifty thousand foot, for the recovery
+of the holy sepulchre from the hands of the infidels? I am unwilling
+to think that your speech tends to the end of imputing to me mercenary
+motives; but wherein do we differ? Is not the way opened, and will not
+the intercourse I mean to establish with the pagan monarch contribute
+greatly to the purpose I keep ever in view? The holy father at Rome
+himself lends me encouragement in my undertaking, and regards with
+approbation my efforts to lead into the true Church so mighty a
+potentate."
+
+"With all the deference that is due to your excellency's superior
+wisdom and experience, I would state that therein lies the very point
+of our difference. I deem it by no means certain that your ships have
+touched the territories of the grand khan at all, but rather land that
+has hitherto been alike unknown to him and to us. Thousands of leagues
+may yet intervene between that land and his dominions, whether of sea
+or earth remains to be discovered; and I judge in this wise as well
+from the accounts of cosmographers who have written on the subject, as
+from the description of the barbarous natives which you yourself have
+fallen in with in recent discoveries.
+
+"The accounts of those who have penetrated to distant regions of the
+East lead us to understand that the subjects of the grand khan live in
+the midst of the most profuse wealth and luxury, and bedeck themselves
+with superfine garments, gold, and jewelry. These people, however, are
+wild and naked, little if any superior to the beasts, and cannot, I
+think, be in any wise connected with a monarch of such magnificence.
+My own thoughts carry me to the conviction that there exists near unto
+the lands you have visited an immense country, which may possibly
+belong to and be part of the grand khan's dominions, though I doubt if
+such be the case. Marco Polo himself speaks of an island lying far out
+in the ocean which washes the eastern shores of Asia--the great
+Cipango, abounding in riches and precious stones, which has never been
+subdued by the sovereign of Cathay, although he has made attempts to
+conquer it. This island I deem it necessary to discover, in the first
+place; then, even after it is circumnavigated or passed over--and the
+last may be the easier way--a voyage of long duration will still have
+to be accomplished before the empire of Cathay is reached. When I
+speak of a passage over this unknown island, I do so in view of its
+great extent, as I estimate it to be of such size that it might more
+properly be designated _Terra Firma_,[9] being, according to my
+calculations, as large as, if not larger than, the whole of Europe.
+And herein do I estimate most highly the worth of the discoveries
+which your excellency has made, and their importance to this realm, as
+it will now be comparatively easy to pass the lands you have fallen
+in with by sailing either in a more northerly or a more southerly
+direction, in either case striking the country I have in my mind."
+
+"Nay, nay, good Signor Vespucci. I have the confidence in my heart
+that you are mistaken. I feel, indeed, persuaded, by the many and
+wonderful manifestations of divine Providence in my especial favor,
+that I am the chosen instrument of God in bringing to pass a great
+event: no less than the conversion of millions who are now existing in
+the darkness of paganism. I would, indeed, provide for the good of the
+poor natives we have already met, as well by building cities on their
+islands and cultivating their lands, as by the erection of churches
+and the establishment of Christian worship. But I would by no means
+forget the greater end in view--namely, that of bringing to bear upon
+the infidels the wealth and power of the vast kingdom of Cathay, that
+thus being encompassed, by the armies from Europe on the one side, and
+by the innumerable hosts of Asia on the other, they may be utterly
+destroyed, and the tomb of our Lord be again placed in the possession
+of the true believers.... In these things I marvel much at your
+incredulity, Signor Vespucci, seeing that you have often had
+opportunities of conversing with the learned physicist Paolo, your own
+countryman--peace to his ashes!--who in his lifetime so nearly
+coincided with me in opinion."
+
+"I have, indeed, as your excellency observes, oftentimes disputed and
+argued with the venerable Toscanelli, and to him is due much of the
+little knowledge I have been able to acquire in cosmography and
+astronomy. But from him I also learned that the descriptions which are
+given by Marco Polo were considered by many wise men as not altogether
+beyond the reach of doubt. If, then, he is in error in some
+particulars, how shall we draw the line, and say wherein he speaks the
+truth of his own knowledge? And how could he know the distance which
+exists between Cathay and the western shores of Europe, save by
+hearsay, and the reports of mariners on that unknown shore, who
+themselves must have been falsifiers, as it is well known that not one
+of them has ever appeared here who might have estimated the distance?
+I cannot, then, think that we are so near to Cathay as your excellency
+supposes, and had much rather follow the opinion that you have
+possibly approached the shore that has been hitherto represented as
+inaccessible to mortals."
+
+"You speak of the paradise, which so many sound and able divines
+assert to be still in existence on earth."
+
+"I do, though not so firmly believing in the relation as they do. If
+there be such a place existing, as described by the learned St. Basil,
+methinks it must be near unto those balmy isles which you have
+discovered, so similar in climate and in verdancy."
+
+"Such, in sooth, has often been my opinion, and I deem it not to be
+inconsistent with the other, which holds to the proximity of Cathay.
+Oh, that I might, through the grace of God and intercession of the
+saints, ever arrive at that blessed spot, where all is happiness and
+beauty; where the harmonious songs of birds ever fall gratefully on
+the ear; where the air is filled with the fragrance of flowers, and a
+perpetual spring, combining with its own beauties those of every other
+season of the year, continually prevails; where the limpid waters flow
+smoothly and gently, or gush forth in purest fountains; where all is
+suggestive of perennial youth, and decay and death are unknown!
+
+"But I perceive, Signor, that you are incredulous, as to this region
+of bliss, and even smile at my belief. Remember, then, that herein I
+only follow the opinions of the wise and learned fathers of our
+Church, but that in regard to Cathay I am supported by ample proof,
+from the discoveries of travellers and the relations of
+cosmographers."
+
+"I am ever willing to yield to proofs; but methinks that the
+foundation of the error under which your excellency seems to labor is
+this: that you do not make sufficient allowance for exaggeration in
+the accounts of the great traveller Marco Polo. It appears to me that
+he has deceived himself as to the extent to which he penetrated
+Cathay, and that he has thereby carried out the eastern coast too far
+into the ocean. That being so, the learned Paolo, my countryman, in
+following him, finds it necessary to shorten the extent of ocean which
+intervenes between Cathay and Europe, in order to render accurate his
+estimate of the circumference of the globe."
+
+"I note your objections, but cannot deem them correct, and yet hope to
+deliver the letters of my sovereigns, with which I was charged in my
+recent voyage, to the grand khan in person. But let us examine this
+question of longitude, for therein I am interested deeply, and have
+small doubt that I can turn you to my opinions."
+
+"Most gladly will I do so, most noble admiral, for I am strongly moved
+to tempt the ocean myself, in the hope of adding something to the
+knowledge of mariners."
+
+Within four or five years from the conjectural date of this dialogue,
+Vespucci made his first voyage, and saw for himself some of those
+"isles of paradise" which had so charmed Columbus. This was either in
+the year 1497 or 1499, depending upon whether we accept his own
+statement or the opinion of those who have challenged the authenticity
+of his narrative.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[9] In this sense, the main-land, or continent, as opposed to islands,
+the Latin form, _terra_, is almost invariably used by the Spaniards,
+instead of _tierra_.
+
+
+
+
+VI
+
+VESPUCCI'S DEBATABLE VOYAGE
+
+1497-1498
+
+
+It has been said that the house of Berardi, with which Vespucci was
+connected as a partner, outfitted the large fleet for the second
+voyage of Columbus in 1493; but this is true only in the sense that it
+served the crown in the capacity of sub-contractor. The real head of
+Indian affairs was the archdeacon of Seville, Juan Rodriguez de
+Fonseca, who first rose to prominence at this time as general
+superintendent of all the New-World business, and for thirty years
+controlled the same. Invested by King Ferdinand with great, almost
+unlimited, power, he has the credit of having founded the royal India
+house, which was of such importance in the colonizing of new
+territory, and by the favor of which alone any voyage of discovery
+could be projected and carried to a successful conclusion.
+
+Fonseca has been held up to obloquy by the admirable eulogist of
+Columbus, Mr. Irving, "as a warning example of those perfidious beings
+in office, who too often lie like worms at the root of honorable
+enterprise, blighting by their unseen influence the fruits of glorious
+action and disappointing the hopes of nations." This denunciation he
+incurred by thwarting the schemes of Columbus, in their minor details
+at first, afterwards becoming his open and determined enemy. The first
+instance in which the two great men fell out occurred when Fonseca
+opposed the pretensions of Columbus and attempted to check his
+extravagance in the matter of personal retinue. Among other
+requisitions which Columbus sent in, those for ten footmen and twenty
+menials for his domestic establishment were objected to by the
+superintendent as superfluous.
+
+In connection with the treasurer, Francisco Pinelo, and the
+_contador_, Juan de Soria, Fonseca used his utmost efforts to raise
+the necessary funds for the expedition, to provide for the vast
+expenses of which, says Mr. Irving himself, "the royal revenue arising
+from two-thirds of the Church tithes was placed at the disposition of
+Pinelo; and other funds were drawn from a disgraceful source--from
+the jewels and other valuables, the sequestrated property of the
+unfortunate Jews, banished from the kingdom according to a bigoted
+edict of the previous year. As these sources were still inadequate,
+Pinelo was authorized to supply the deficiency by a loan. Requisitions
+were likewise made for provisions of all kinds, as well as for
+artillery, powder, muskets, lances, corselets, and crossbows.... The
+military stores which had accumulated during the war with the Moors of
+Granada furnished a great part of these supplies."
+
+Having great difficulty, therefore, in meeting the really needful
+demands of the expedition, it was quite natural that Fonseca should
+desire to cut down those he deemed extravagant, and it must be
+admitted that among these he might rightfully class the requisitions
+of Columbus intended merely to support his newly acquired dignity as
+admiral and grandee. He was supported by the sovereigns, however, and
+Fonseca was rebuked for denying him anything he desired. He was
+reminded that the expedition was intended solely to extend the power
+and prestige of the crown, and that but for Columbus it would never
+have been assembled, hence he was to study his wishes and comply with
+his demands. This implied reproof cut the haughty prelate to the
+heart, and from these trivial differences, remarks Mr. Irving, "we
+must date the rise of that singular hostility which he ever afterwards
+manifested towards Columbus, which every year increased in rancor, and
+which he gratified in the most invidious manner by secretly
+multiplying impediments and vexations in his path."
+
+But for the fact that this enmity existing between Fonseca and
+Columbus made possible the first voyage of Amerigo Vespucci, we should
+not feel called upon to more than mention the first named in
+connection with an expedition in which all three were so deeply
+interested. The fleet finally sailed away, pursued by the maledictions
+of Fonseca, and followed by the heart-felt longings of Vespucci. Some
+historians have stated that the Florentine sailed with Columbus on
+this second voyage; but there are no records to prove this assertion,
+and he himself never made the claim. We have every reason for
+believing that he continued in his employment as purveyor to the crown
+and contractor for the furnishing of fleets, with his residence
+sometimes at Seville and sometimes at Cadiz, as occasion demanded, the
+office of the India house being at the former city, and the port of
+customs and sailing at the latter. He was, undoubtedly, brought into
+more or less intimate contact with Fonseca, whose supervision of
+colonial affairs and control of expeditionary fleets demanded his
+constant attention for many years. He probably appreciated such a man
+as Vespucci, whose even temper and mastery of detail, combined with
+great sagacity and learning, were invaluable to the man who was
+building up a government beyond the ocean. They were nearly of the
+same age--Fonseca having been born in 1441--and at this time in the
+fulness of their natural powers.
+
+Just what Vespucci was doing in the two years succeeding to the
+departure of Columbus is not definitely known; but in December, 1495,
+we find him actively engaged in settling the estate of Juan Berardi,
+who had died in that month and year. He was then, it appears, the most
+influential if not the sole member of the firm then resident in Spain,
+and after Berardi's death he undertook and carried out the contracts
+entered into by the senior partner with the government.
+
+About three hundred years after the death of Vespucci, some ancient
+documents were discovered by a Spanish historian, in which it was
+shown that on January 12, 1496, the royal treasurer, Pinelo, had paid
+to Vespucci the sum of ten thousand maravedis on account. He advanced
+pay and furnished subsistence for the mariners of an expedition which
+sailed on February 3, 1496, and was wrecked two weeks later, with the
+loss of several lives. The fragmentary records also show, apparently,
+that in the year 1497 and the early part of 1498, Vespucci was "busily
+engaged at Seville and San Lucar, in the equipment of the fleet with
+which Columbus sailed on his third voyage"; and yet, according to a
+letter which he wrote a former friend in 1504, he was himself upon the
+ocean at that very time, seeking to rival Columbus in the discovery of
+a continent!
+
+The exact truth may never be learned as to this reputed voyage of
+Vespucci, which he calls his "first," and which his enemies say was
+never made! It seems incredible that he should be the "sole authority"
+for this voyage, and that all contemporary history "is absolutely
+silent in regard to it"; yet, so far as we can ascertain, it is the
+truth. Leaving for future discussion, however, the proof and disproof
+of this voyage--merely pausing to remark that at the period mentioned
+a man holding his relations to Fonseca would have had no difficulty in
+obtaining permission to make such a voyage, even without the sanction
+of royal authority--we will now peruse the famous letter. It is
+addressed to "Piero Soderini, Perpetual Gonfaloniere of the Republic
+of Florence," and was written in 1504.
+
+     "MOST EXCELLENT SIR,-- ... The principal reason why I am
+     induced to write is the request of the bearer, Benvenuto
+     Benvenuti, the devoted servant of your Excellency and my
+     particular friend. He happened to be here in this city of
+     Lisbon, and requested that I would impart to your Excellency
+     a description of the things seen by me in various climes, in
+     the course of four voyages which I have made for the
+     discovery of new lands, two by the authority and command of
+     Don Ferdinand, King of Castile, in the great Western Ocean,
+     and the other two by order of Dom Manuel, King of Portugal,
+     towards the south. So I resolved to write, as requested, and
+     set about the performance of my task, because I am certain
+     that your Excellency counts me among the number of your most
+     devoted servants, remembering that in the time of our
+     youth, we were friends, going daily to study the rudiments
+     of grammar, under the excellent instruction of the venerable
+     brother of St. Mark, Friar Georgio Antonio Vespucci, my
+     uncle, whose counsels would to God I had followed! for then,
+     as Petrarch says, I should have been a different man from
+     what I am.
+
+     " ... Your Excellency will please to observe that I came
+     into the kingdom of Spain for the purpose of engaging in
+     mercantile affairs, and that I continued to be thus employed
+     about four years [six or seven], during which I saw and
+     experienced the fickle movements of fortune, and how she
+     ordered the changes of these transitory and perishing
+     worldly goods, at one time sustaining a man at the top of
+     the wheel, and at another returning him to the lowest part
+     thereof, and depriving him of her favors, which may truly be
+     said to be lent. Thus having experienced the continual labor
+     of one who would acquire her favors, subjecting myself to
+     very many inconveniences and dangers, I concluded to abandon
+     mercantile affairs and direct my attention to something more
+     laudable and stable. For this purpose I prepared myself to
+     visit various parts of the world, and see the wonderful
+     things which might be found therein. Time and place were
+     very opportunely offered me when I came to this conclusion.
+
+     "King Ferdinand of Castile had ordered four ships to go in
+     search of new lands, and I was selected by his highness to
+     go in that fleet, in order to assist in the discoveries. We
+     sailed from the port of Cadiz on the 10th of May, A.D.
+     1497, and steering our course through the great Western
+     Ocean, spent eighteen months in our expedition, discovering
+     much land and a great number of islands, the largest part of
+     which were inhabited. As these are not spoken of by the
+     ancient writers, I presume they were ignorant of them. If I
+     am not mistaken, I well remember to have read in one of
+     their books, which I possessed, that this ocean was
+     considered unpeopled. In this voyage I saw many astonishing
+     things, as your Excellency will perceive by the following
+     relation.
+
+     "We had sailed so rapidly that at the end of twenty-seven
+     days we came in sight of land, which we judged to be a
+     continent, being about a thousand leagues west of the
+     Fortunate Islands, now called the Grand Canaries. Here we
+     anchored our ships at a league and a half from the shore,
+     and, having cast off our boats and filled them with men and
+     arms, proceeded to land. Before we landed we were much
+     cheered by the sight of many people rambling along the
+     shore. We found that they were all in a state of nudity, and
+     they appeared to be afraid of us, as I suppose from seeing
+     us clothed and of a different stature from themselves. They
+     retreated to a mountain, and, notwithstanding all the signs
+     of peace and friendship we could make, we could not bring
+     them to parley with us; so, as the night was coming on and
+     the ships were anchored in an insecure place, we agreed to
+     leave there and go in search of some port or bay where we
+     could place our ships in safety.
+
+     "We sailed two days along the coast, and on the morning of
+     the third day, as dawn appeared, we saw on shore a great
+     number of men, with their wives and children, all laden
+     with provisions. Before we reached the land many of them
+     swam to meet us, the distance of a bow-shot into the sea (as
+     they are most excellent swimmers), and they treated us with
+     as much confidence as if we had had intercourse with them
+     for a long time, which gratified us much. All that we know
+     of their life and manners is that they go entirely naked,
+     not having the slightest covering whatever; they are of
+     middling stature and very well proportioned, and their flesh
+     is a reddish color, like the skin of a lion; but I think if
+     they had been accustomed to wear clothing they would have
+     been as white as we are. They have no hair on the body,
+     except very long hair on the head; but the women especially
+     derive attractiveness from this. Their countenances are not
+     handsome, as they have large faces, which might be compared
+     with those of the Tartars. Both men and women are very
+     agile, easy in their carriage, and swift in running or
+     walking, so that the women think nothing of speeding a
+     league or two, as we have many a time beheld.
+
+     "Their weapons are bows and arrows beautifully wrought, but
+     unfurnished with iron or any other hard metal, in place of
+     which they make use of the teeth of animals, or fish, or
+     sometimes a slip of hard-wood, made harder at the point by
+     fire. They are sure marksmen, who hit whatever they wish,
+     and in some parts the women also use the bow with dexterity.
+     They have other arms, such as lances and staves, with heads
+     finely wrought. When they make war they take their wives
+     with them--not to fight, but to carry provisions on their
+     backs, a woman frequently carrying a burden in this manner
+     for thirty or forty leagues, which the strongest man among
+     them could not do, as we have witnessed many times.
+
+     "These people have no captains, neither do they march in
+     order, but each one is his own master. The cause of their
+     wars is not a love of conquest, or of enlarging their
+     boundaries, neither are they incited to engage in them by
+     inordinate covetousness [unlike the Spaniards], but from
+     ancient enmity which has existed among them in times past;
+     and having been asked why they made war, they could give us
+     no other reason than that they did it to avenge the deaths
+     of their ancestors. Neither have these people kings or
+     lords, nor do they obey any one, but live in their own
+     entire liberty; and the manner in which they are incited to
+     go to war is this: when their enemies have killed or taken
+     prisoners any of their people, the oldest relative rises and
+     goes about proclaiming his wrongs aloud, and calling upon
+     them to go with him to avenge the death of his relation.
+     Thereupon they are moved with sympathy and make ready for
+     the fight.
+
+     "They have no tribunals of justice, neither do they punish
+     malefactors; and what is still more astonishing, neither
+     father nor mother chastises the children when they do wrong;
+     yet, astounding as it may seem, there is no strife between
+     them; or, to say the least, we never saw any. They appear
+     simple in speech, but in reality are very shrewd and cunning
+     in any matter which interests them. They speak but little,
+     and that little in a low tone of voice, using the same
+     accentuation that we use, and forming the words with the
+     palate, teeth, and lips; but they have a different mode of
+     diction. There is a great diversity of language among them,
+     inasmuch as every hundred leagues or so we found people who
+     could not understand one another. Their mode of life is most
+     barbarous; they do not eat at regular intervals; but it is a
+     matter of indifference to them whether appetite comes at
+     midnight or at mid-day, and they eat upon the ground at all
+     hours, without napkin or table-cloth, having their food in
+     earthen basins, which they manufacture, or in half-gourd
+     shells or calabashes. They sleep in nets of cotton, very
+     large and suspended in the air; and although this may seem a
+     very bad way of sleeping, I can vouch for the fact that it
+     is extremely pleasant, and one sleeps better thus than on a
+     mattress. They are neat and clean in their persons, which is
+     a natural consequence of their perpetual bathing; but some
+     of their habits are unmentionable....
+
+     " ... We are not aware that these people have any laws.
+     Neither are they like Moors or Jews, but worse than Gentiles
+     or Pagans, because we have never seen them offer any
+     sacrifice, and they have no houses of prayer. From their
+     voluptuous manner of life, I consider them as Epicureans.
+     Their dwellings are in communities and their houses are in
+     the form of huts, but strongly built of large tree-trunks
+     and covered with palm leaves, secure from winds and storms.
+     In some places they are of such great length that in a
+     single house we saw six hundred people, and we found that
+     the population of thirteen houses only amounted to four
+     thousand. They change their location every seven or eight
+     years, and on being asked why they did so they said it was
+     on account of the intense heat of the sun upon the soil,
+     which by that time became infected and corrupted, and caused
+     pains in their bodies, which seemed to us reasonable.
+
+     "The riches of these people consist in birds' feathers of
+     beautiful colors, of beads, which they fabricate from
+     fish-bones or colored stones, with which they decorate their
+     cheeks, lips, and ears, and of many other things which are
+     held in little or no esteem by us. They carry on no
+     commerce, neither buying nor selling, and, in short, live
+     contentedly with what nature gives them. The riches which we
+     esteem so highly in Europe and other parts--such as gold,
+     jewels, pearls, and other wealth--they have no regard for at
+     all. They are liberal in giving, never denying one anything,
+     and, on the other hand, are just as free in asking....
+
+     "In case of death they make use of various funeral
+     obsequies. Some bury their dead with water and provisions
+     placed at their heads, thinking they may have occasion to
+     eat and drink, but they make no parade in the way of funeral
+     ceremonies. In some places they have a most barbarous mode
+     of interment, which is thus: When one is sick or infirm, and
+     nearly at the point of death, his relatives carry him into a
+     large forest, and there attaching one of their
+     sleeping-hammocks to two trees, they place the sick person
+     in it, and continue to swing him about for a whole day, and
+     when night comes, after placing at his head water and
+     provisions sufficient to sustain him for five or six days,
+     they return to their village. If the sick person can help
+     himself to eat and drink, and recovers sufficiently to be
+     able to return to the village, his people receive him again
+     with great ceremony; but few are they who escape this mode
+     of treatment, as most of them die without being visited, and
+     that is their only burial.
+
+     "They use in their diseases various kinds of medicines, so
+     different from any in vogue with us that we are astonished
+     that any escaped. I often saw, for instance, that when a
+     person was sick with a fever, which was increasing upon him,
+     they bathed him from head to foot with cold water, and
+     making a great fire around him, they made him turn round in
+     a circle for about an hour or two, until they fatigued him
+     and left him to sleep. Many were cured in this way. They
+     also observe a strict diet, eating nothing for three or four
+     days. They practise blood-letting; not on the arm, unless in
+     the arm-pit, but generally taking it from the thighs and
+     haunches. Their blood or phlegm is much disordered on
+     account of their food, which consists mainly of the roots of
+     herbs, of fruit, and fish. They have no wheat or other
+     grain, but instead make use of the root of a tree [shrub]
+     from which they manufacture flour, which is very good and
+     called _huca_ [yucca]; the flour from another root is called
+     _kazabi_, and from another _igname_.
+
+     "They eat little meat except human flesh, and you will
+     notice that in this particular they are more savage than
+     beasts, because all their enemies who are killed or taken
+     prisoners, whether male or female, are devoured with so much
+     fierceness that it seems disgusting to relate, much more to
+     see it done, as I, with my own eyes, have many times
+     witnessed this proof of their inhumanity. Indeed, they
+     marvelled much to hear us say that we did not eat our
+     enemies.
+
+     "And your Excellency may rest assured that their other
+     barbarous customs are so numerous that it is impossible
+     herein to describe them all. As in these voyages I have
+     witnessed so many things at variance with our own customs, I
+     prepared myself to write a collection, which I call _The
+     Four Voyages_, in which I have related the major part of the
+     things I saw as clearly as my feeble capacity would permit.
+     This work is not yet published, though many advise me to
+     publish it. In it everything will appear minutely, therefore
+     I shall not enlarge any more in this letter, because in the
+     course of it we shall see many things which are peculiar.
+     Let this suffice for matters in general.
+
+     "In this commencement of discoveries we did not see anything
+     of much profit in the country, owing as I think to our
+     ignorance of the language, except some few indications of
+     gold. We concluded to leave this place and go onward, and
+     coasted along the shore, making many stops, and holding
+     discourses with many people, until after some days we came
+     into a harbor, where we fell into a very great danger, from
+     which it pleased the Holy Spirit to deliver us. It happened
+     in this manner: We landed in a port where we found a village
+     built over the water, like Venice. There were about
+     forty-four houses, shaped like bells, built upon very large
+     piles, having entrances by means of draw-bridges, so that by
+     laying the bridges from house to house the inhabitants could
+     pass through the whole.
+
+     "When the people saw us they appeared to be afraid of us,
+     and, to protect themselves, suddenly raised all their
+     bridges and shut themselves up in their houses. While we
+     were looking at them and wondering at this proceeding, we
+     saw, coming in from the sea, about two and twenty canoes,
+     which are the boats they make use of, and are carved out of
+     a single tree. They came directly towards our boats,
+     appearing to be astonished at our figures and dress, and
+     keeping at a little distance from us. This being the case,
+     we made signals of friendship to induce them to approach,
+     endeavoring to reassure them by every token of kindness; but
+     seeing that they did not come we went towards them. They
+     would not wait for us, however, but fled to the land, making
+     signs to us to wait, and giving us to understand that they
+     would return. They fled to a mountain, but did not tarry
+     long there, and when they returned brought with them sixteen
+     of their young maidens, and entering into their canoes came
+     near and put four of them into each boat, at which we were
+     very much astonished, as your Excellency may well imagine.
+     Then they mingled with their canoes among our boats, and we
+     considered their coming to us in this manner to be a token
+     of friendship. Taking this for granted, we saw a great crowd
+     of people swimming towards us from the houses without any
+     suspicion. At this juncture some old women showed themselves
+     at the doorways of the huts, wailing and tearing their hair,
+     as if in great distress. From this we began to be
+     suspicious, and had recourse to our weapons, when suddenly
+     the young girls, who were in our boats, threw themselves
+     into the sea, and the canoes at the same time moved away,
+     the people in them assailing us with their bows and arrows.
+
+     "Those who came swimming towards us brought each a lance,
+     concealed as much as possible under the water, and their
+     treachery being thus discovered, we began not only to defend
+     ourselves, but to act severely on the defensive. We
+     overturned many of the canoes with our boats, and making
+     considerable slaughter among them they soon abandoned the
+     canoes altogether and swam for the shore. Fifteen or twenty
+     were killed, and many wounded, on their side, while on ours
+     five were slightly wounded, all the rest escaping by divine
+     Providence, and these five being quickly cured. We took
+     prisoners two of their girls and three men, and on entering
+     their huts found one sick man and two old women. Returning
+     to our boats and thence to the ships, with the five
+     prisoners, we put irons upon the feet of each, excepting the
+     two young females; yet when night came the two girls and one
+     of the men escaped, in the most artful manner in the world.
+
+     "The next day we concluded to depart from this port, and at
+     length came to anchor at about eighty leagues distance, and
+     found another tribe of people whose customs and language
+     were very different from those we had last seen. We
+     determined to land, seeing there a great multitude numbering
+     about four thousand. They did not wait to receive us, but
+     fled precipitately to the woods, abandoning all their
+     things. We leaped ashore, and taking the path which led to
+     the wood, found their tents within the space of a bow-shot,
+     where they had made a great fire and two of them were
+     cooking their food, roasting many animals of various kinds.
+
+     "We noticed that they were roasting a certain animal that
+     looked like a serpent; it had no wings, and was so
+     disgusting in appearance that we were astonished at its
+     deformity. As we went through their huts or tents, we found
+     many of these serpents alive. Their feet were tied, and they
+     had a cord about their snouts so that they could not open
+     their mouths, as dogs are sometimes muzzled so they may not
+     bite. These animals had such a savage appearance that none
+     of us durst turn one over, thinking they might be
+     poisonous.[10] They are about the size of a kid, about the
+     length and a half of a man's arm, and have long, coarse feet
+     armed with large nails. Their skin is hard, and they are of
+     various colors. They have the snout and face of a serpent,
+     and from the nose there runs a crest, passing over the
+     middle of the back to the root of the tail. We finally
+     concluded that they were serpents, and poisonous; yet,
+     nevertheless, they were eaten by the natives.
+
+     " ... Finally these people became very friendly, told us
+     that this was not their place of dwelling, but that they had
+     come there only to carry on their fishery. They importuned
+     us so much to go to their village that, having taken
+     counsel, twenty-three of us Christians concluded to go with
+     them, well prepared, and with firm resolution to die
+     manfully if such was to be our fate. Three leagues from the
+     coast we arrived at a well-peopled village, where we were
+     received with so many and such barbarous ceremonies that no
+     pen is equal to the task of describing them. There was
+     dancing and singing, weeping mingled with rejoicing, and
+     great feasting. After having passed the night and half of
+     the next day, an immense number of people visiting us from
+     motives of curiosity, we determined to proceed still farther
+     inland, having been desired to visit other villages. And it
+     is impossible to tell how much honor they did us there. We
+     visited so many villages that we spent nine days in the
+     journey. On our return we were accompanied by a wonderful
+     number of both sexes, quite to the sea-shore; and when any
+     of us grew weary with walking, they carried us in their
+     hammocks, much at our ease. Many of them were laden with the
+     presents they made us, consisting of very rich plumage, many
+     bows and arrows, and an infinite variety of parrots,
+     beautiful and varied in colors. Others carried loads of
+     provisions and animals. For a greater wonder, I will tell
+     your Excellency that when we had to cross a river they
+     carried us on their backs.
+
+     "Having arrived at the sea and entered the boats, which had
+     come ashore for us, we are astonished at the crowd which
+     endeavored to get into the boats to go to see our ships, for
+     they were so overloaded that they were ofttimes on the point
+     of sinking. We carried as many as we could on board, and so
+     many more came by swimming that we were quite troubled at
+     the multitude, although they were all naked and unarmed.
+     They marvelled greatly at the size of our ships, our
+     equipments, and implements. Here quite a laughable
+     occurrence took place, at their expense. We concluded to try
+     the effect of discharging some of our artillery, and when
+     they heard the thunderous report the greater part of them
+     jumped into the sea from fright, acting like frogs sitting
+     on a bank, who plunge into the water on the approach of
+     anything that alarms them. Those who remained on the ship
+     were so timorous that we repented of having done this.
+     However, we reassured them by telling them that these were
+     our arms, with which we killed our enemies. After they had
+     amused themselves on the ship all day, we told them that
+     they must go, as we wished to depart in the night; so they
+     took leave of us with many demonstrations of friendship,
+     even affection, and went ashore.
+
+     "I saw more of the manners and customs of these people while
+     in their country than I care to dwell on here. Your
+     Excellency will notice that in each of my voyages I have
+     noted the most extraordinary things which have occurred, and
+     have compiled the whole into one volume, in the style of a
+     geography, and entitled it _The Four Voyages_. In this work
+     will be found a minute description of the things which I
+     saw; but, as there is no copy of it yet published, owing to
+     my being obliged to examine it carefully and make
+     corrections, it becomes necessary for me to impart them to
+     you herein.
+
+     "This country is full of inhabitants and contains a great
+     many rivers. Very few of the animals are similar to ours,
+     excepting the lions, panthers, stags, hogs, goats, and deer,
+     and even these are a little different in form. They have
+     neither horses, mules, nor asses; neither cows, dogs, nor
+     any kind of domestic animals. Their other animals, however,
+     are so very numerous that it is impossible to count them,
+     and all of them so wild that they cannot be employed for
+     serviceable uses. But what shall I say of the birds, which
+     are so numerous and of so many species and varieties of
+     plumage that it is astounding to behold them? The country is
+     pleasant and fruitful, full of woods and forests which are
+     always green, as they never lose their foliage. The fruits
+     are numberless and totally different from ours. The land
+     lies within the torrid zone, under the parallel which
+     describes the Tropic of Cancer, where the pole is elevated
+     twenty-three degrees above the horizon.
+
+     "A great many people came to see us and were astonished at
+     our features and the whiteness of our skins. They asked us
+     where we came from, and we gave them to understand that we
+     came from heaven, with the view of visiting the world, and
+     they believed us. In this country we established a baptismal
+     font, and great numbers were baptized. They called us, in
+     their language, _Carabi_, which means men of great wisdom.
+     The natives call this province _Lariab_. We left the port
+     and sailed along the coast, in sight of land, until we had
+     run, calculating our advances and retrogressions, eight
+     hundred and seventy leagues towards the northwest, making
+     many stops by the way and having intercourse with many
+     people. In some places we found traces of gold, but in small
+     quantities, it being sufficient for us to have discovered
+     the country and to know that there was gold in it.
+
+     "We had now been thirteen months on the voyage, and the
+     ships and rigging were much worn, the men very weary. So by
+     common consent we agreed to careen our ships on the beach in
+     order to calk and pitch them anew, as they leaked badly, and
+     then to return to Spain. When we took this resolution we
+     were near one of the best harbors in the world, entering
+     which we found a vast number of people, who received us most
+     kindly. We made a breastwork on shore with our boats and
+     casks, and placed our artillery so it would play over them;
+     then, having unloaded and lightened our ships, we hauled
+     them to land and repaired them wherever they needed it. The
+     natives were of great assistance to us, continually
+     providing food, so that in this port we consumed very little
+     of our own. This served us a very good turn, for our
+     provisions were poor and the stock so much reduced at this
+     time that we feared it would hardly last us on our return to
+     Spain.
+
+     "Having stayed here thirty-seven days, visiting their
+     villages many times, where they paid us the highest honors,
+     we wished to depart on our voyage. Before we set sail the
+     natives complained to us that at certain times in the year
+     there came from the sea into their territory a very cruel
+     tribe, who, either by treachery or force, killed many of
+     them and captured others, whom they ate, for they were
+     man-eaters. They signified to us that this tribe were
+     islanders, and lived at about one hundred leagues distance
+     at sea. They narrated this to us with so much simplicity and
+     feeling that we credited their story and promised to avenge
+     their great injuries; whereat they were rejoiced, and many
+     offered to go with us. We did not wish to take them for
+     many reasons, and only carried seven, on the condition that
+     they should come back in their own canoes, for we could not
+     enter into obligations to return them to their own country.
+     With this they were content, and then we parted from these
+     gentle people, leaving them very well disposed towards us.
+
+     "Our ships having been repaired, we set sail on our return,
+     taking a northeasterly course, and at the end of seven days
+     fell in with some islands. There were a great many of them,
+     some peopled, others uninhabited. We landed at one of them,
+     where we saw many people, who called the island _Iti_.
+     Having filled our boats with good men, and put three rounds
+     of shot in each boat, we proceeded towards the land, where
+     we saw about four hundred men and many women, all naked,
+     like those we had seen before. They were of good stature and
+     appeared to be very warlike men, being armed with bows and
+     arrows and lances. The greater part of them carried staves
+     of a square form, attached to their persons in such a manner
+     that they were not prevented from drawing the bow. As we
+     approached within bow-shot of the shore, they all leaped
+     into the water and shot their arrows at us to prevent our
+     landing. They were painted with various colors and plumed
+     with feathers, and the interpreters with us said that when
+     they were thus painted and plumed they showed a wish to
+     fight. They persisted so much in their endeavors to deter us
+     from landing that we were at last compelled to fire on them
+     with our artillery. Hearing the thunder of our cannon and
+     seeing some of their people fall dead, they all retreated to
+     the shore. Having consulted together, forty of us resolved
+     to leap ashore and, if they waited for us, to fight them.
+     Proceeding thus, they attacked us and we fought about two
+     hours, with little advantage, except that our bow-men and
+     gunners killed some of their people and they wounded some of
+     ours. This was because we could not get a chance to use
+     lance or sword. We finally, by desperate exertion, were
+     enabled to flash our swords, and as soon as they had a taste
+     of our weapons they fled to the woods and mountains, leaving
+     us masters of the field, with many of their people killed or
+     wounded. This day we did not pursue them, because we were
+     much fatigued, but returned to our ships, the seven men who
+     had come with us being highly rejoiced.
+
+     "The next day we saw a great number of people coming through
+     the country, still offering us signs of battle, sounding
+     horns and shells, and all painted and plumed, which gave
+     them a strange and ferocious appearance.[11] Whereupon all
+     in the ships held a grand council, and it was determined
+     that, since these people were determined to be at enmity
+     with us, we should go to meet them and do everything to
+     engage their friendship; but in case they would not receive
+     it, resolved to treat them as enemies and to make slaves of
+     all we could capture. Having armed ourselves in the best
+     manner possible, we immediately rowed ashore, where they did
+     not resist our landing, from fear, as I think, of our
+     bombardment. We disembarked in four squares, being
+     fifty-seven men, each captain with his own men, and then
+     engaged them in battle. After a protracted fight, having
+     killed many, we put them to flight and pursued them to their
+     village, taking about two hundred and fifty prisoners. We
+     then burned the village and returned victorious to the ships
+     with our prisoners, leaving many killed and wounded on their
+     side, while on ours only one died and not more than
+     twenty-two were wounded. The rest all escaped unhurt, for
+     which God be thanked!
+
+     "We soon arranged for our departure, and the seven men, of
+     whom five were wounded, took a canoe from the island and,
+     with three male and four female prisoners that we gave them,
+     returned to their own country, very merry and greatly
+     astonished at our power. We also set sail for Spain, with
+     two hundred and twenty-three prisoners, and arrived at the
+     port of Cadiz on October 15, 1498, where we were well
+     received and found a market for our slaves. This is what
+     happened to me on this, my first voyage, that may be
+     considered worth relating."
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[10] These "serpents" were iguanas, and were seen and described by
+Christopher and Bartholomew Columbus, long before Vespucci made his
+voyages.
+
+[11] The fierce islanders, so accurately described by Vespucci, were
+doubtless the Caribs, and the numerous islands were probably Grenada
+and the Grenadines, perhaps including St. Vincent, in the north, where
+descendants of those Caribs live to-day.
+
+
+
+
+VII
+
+VESPUCCI'S "SECOND" VOYAGE
+
+1499-1500
+
+
+That letter from Vespucci to the friend of his youth, Soderini,
+purporting to narrate the events of his first voyage, has proved a
+prolific source of doubt and perplexity. Although it was written
+before Columbus died, and although it was published while most of the
+actors therein mentioned were yet living, its authenticity was
+unchallenged until nearly a century after its appearance. Herrera, it
+is believed, was the first to accuse Vespucci of "artfully and
+wilfully falsifying in his narrative, with a view to stealing from
+Columbus the honor of being the discoverer of America." This charge
+was made public in his work on the West Indies, published in 1601, and
+ever since Vespucci has been stigmatized as an impostor.
+
+There is no official record of the voyage he claimed to have made in
+1497-1498, and historians are silent as to his actions, in fact,
+during the period between 1496 and 1504. This signifies little,
+according to the historian Gomara, who says: "Learning that the
+territories which Columbus had discovered were very extensive, many
+persons proceeded to continue the exploration of them. Some went at
+their own expense, others at that of the king, all thinking to enrich
+themselves, to acquire honor, and to gain the royal approbation. But,
+as most of these persons did nothing but discover, memorials of them
+all have not come to my knowledge, especially of those who went in the
+direction of Paria, from the year 1495 to the year 1500."
+
+Some writers have sought to "establish an alibi" by showing that
+Vespucci was in Spain throughout the period which, he says, was passed
+by him at sea, on this "first" voyage; but they have not been
+successful in doing so. Some, again, have declared that the narrative
+of the "four" voyages, beginning in May, 1497, was made up of that on
+which Vespucci certainly sailed with Ojeda, in May, 1499. "The points
+of resemblance"--as the reader may see for himself--"are so many and
+so striking as to seem not only conclusive, but to preclude any other
+theory," says Alexander Humboldt, who, in his _Examen Critique_, made
+an exhaustive research into the Vespucci letters. Humboldt completely
+vindicated the character of Vespucci, leaving no shade of doubt upon
+his integrity, but he did not unravel the mystery.
+
+How happens it that Vespucci could make a voyage of which no record
+exists or was ever known to exist? Why did he not mention the names of
+the fleet's commander? Why do his descriptions of scenery and people
+so closely resemble those of scenery and people seen on the second
+voyage? He alludes several times to his forthcoming book, _The Four
+Voyages_ (_Quattro Giornate_); but no trace has ever been found of
+that book, while the fragmentary letters to his "patrons," Soderini
+and Francesco de Medici, have survived to the present day.
+
+Men of the keenest acumen and perfectly equipped for historical
+research, such as Humboldt, Irving, and Navarrete, have devoted
+themselves to the solution of this problem, but without complete
+success. The first and the last named have cleared his name from the
+aspersions of centuries; the second and third, in their endeavors to
+magnify Columbus by belittling Vespucci, have not convinced posterity
+that the Florentine was a liar and a villain. He was neither one nor
+the other; and that he was far more humane than his friend Columbus
+has been amply shown in his treatment of the Indians. He and his
+companions made a few slaves; they attacked the cannibals in behalf of
+rival natives; but they did not, in their lust for gold, put Indians
+to the torture, enslave whole tribes and communities, and commit
+massacres.
+
+Vespucci's character is comparatively free from the stain of
+blood-guiltiness; from his dealings with men at all times, we infer
+him upright and honorable; yet he rests under a cloud of suspicion,
+because that so-called first voyage, which he says he took in
+1497-1498, cannot be explained. Suspicion also attaches to his name
+because it was chosen as an appellation for the New World, which
+Columbus was the means of revealing to Europe; but for this (as will
+be shown in a succeeding chapter) he was not accountable.
+
+Professor Fiske, following Vespucci's ardent defender, the Viscount
+Varnhagen, deduces from the vague generalizations in this letter that
+the voyage was made chiefly along the Honduras, Yucatan, Mexican, and
+Florida coasts, as far north, perhaps, as Chesapeake Bay. The
+cannibals attacked by the Spaniards were found, he says, in the
+Bermudas--where no Indians were ever seen, so far as known, and no
+cannibals inhabit, save, perhaps, the great Shakespeare's "Caliban."
+He accounts for the lost voyage by declaring that it may have been
+taken with Pinzon and Solis, who were said to have been on the coast
+of Honduras in 1506. There is no certainty as to that date, and the
+voyage may as well have been made in 1497-1498, as indirectly shown by
+a passage in Oviedo's history, as follows: "Some persons have
+attributed the discovery of the bay of Honduras to Don Christopher
+Columbus, the first admiral; but this is not true, for it was
+discovered by the pilots Vicente Yanez Pinzon, Juan Diaz de Solis, and
+Pedro de Ledesma, with three caravels; and that was before Vicente
+Yanez had discovered the river Amazon."
+
+The Amazon and a portion of the Brazil coast were discovered by Pinzon
+in January, 1500; and as the historian has proved to his own
+satisfaction that the gallant Vicente Yanez was in Spain during the
+years 1505 and 1506, it is probable that Oviedo is right. It is also
+probable, or at least possible, that Vespucci was with Pinzon on that
+Honduras voyage as consulting navigator, having been sent by the king,
+as he says, to "assist," in his capacity of astronomer and
+cosmographer. In this capacity, in fact, he went on all his voyages,
+for he rarely, if ever, held command. Captains, commanders, chief
+mates, and admirals there might be in plenty, but such a pilot and
+navigator as Vespucci was hard to find.
+
+It is not unreasonable to presume that they were together, for the one
+was a skilful sailor, the other a great navigator, and both renowned
+for their hardihood and daring. King Ferdinand had no more loyal
+servants than these two, and as they had served him faithfully in
+their respective professions, the one on land, the other at sea, and
+inasmuch as both were intimately acquainted with Columbus and his
+plans, it was like the crafty old king to send them off to scour the
+seas his exacting "Admiral" claimed to control. Thereafter--whether
+Pinzon and Vespucci sailed together or not--their voyages alternated
+along the coast of South America, first one and then the other, and in
+1505-1506 an expedition was actually projected, in which the king
+intended both should share. It did not sail, because the Portuguese
+objected, as its object was the exploration of the Brazilian coast
+south of the Tropic of Capricorn, to all which the great rivals of the
+Spaniards then made claim.
+
+A seeming confirmation of this voyage is found in the map Juan de la
+Cosa made, in the year 1500, after he had been in company with Ojeda
+and Vespucci to the coast of pearls. He was with Columbus, in 1494,
+when the Admiral forced all his men to swear that Cuba was, to the
+best of their belief, part of the Asian continent. Yet, within six
+years, La Cosa depicts it on his map as an island--and that was before
+Ocampo had proved it one, by sailing around it, in 1508. It is thought
+that La Cosa obtained his information as to the insular character of
+Cuba from Vespucci, when they voyaged together on the coast of Terra
+Firma, which we now know as the northern shores of South America.
+
+Admitting, still, the critics say, that Vespucci made the voyage he
+claimed, with Pinzon or with some one else, in 1497-1498, how does
+that affect the claim of Columbus? It does not affect it at all, for,
+though Vespucci may have discovered the continent a few months
+previous to his rival--and he never put forth the claim that he did
+so--Columbus, by his voyages of 1492 and 1493, led the way thither. If
+Vespucci, as some have asserted, claimed to have sailed in 1497, in
+order to establish a priority of discovery, he did it in a very
+bungling manner, and at a time when it might easily have been refuted,
+so many of his companions were then living. Besides, though his name
+was bestowed upon the newly discovered continent--perhaps as a
+consequence of the writing of this very letter--it was done without
+his knowledge and without the remotest suggestion of such a thing from
+him. This should be made clear: that Amerigo Vespucci had no thought
+of depriving his friend, Christopher Columbus, of a single leaf of his
+laurels, hard-won and well-deserved as he knew them to be.
+
+There is no doubt whatever that Vespucci made a voyage in 1499-1500,
+along with Alonzo de Ojeda and the great pilot Juan de la Cosa, but
+whether this may be styled his first or his second must be left to the
+intelligence of the reader, for the historians are at odds themselves,
+and it might seem presumptuous in the biographer to assume to decide.
+This voyage was narrated by him in the following letter, written
+within a month of his return, to Lorenzo di Pier Francesco de Medici,
+of Florence. It is dated, "Seville, July 18, 1500," and has been
+called by one of his countrymen "the oldest known writing of Amerigo
+relating to his voyages to the New World." Mr. John Fiske, in _The
+Discovery of America_, denounces this letter as a forgery; but why,
+and for what reason it should have been written by another, he does
+not state.
+
+     "MOST EXCELLENT AND DEAR LORD,--It is a long time since I
+     have written to your Excellency, and for no other reason
+     than that nothing has occurred to me worthy of being
+     commemorated. This present letter will inform you that about
+     a month ago I arrived from the Indies, by way of the great
+     ocean, brought by the grace of God safely to this city of
+     Seville. I think your Excellency will be gratified to learn
+     the results of my voyage, and the most surprising things
+     which have been presented to my observation. If I am
+     somewhat tedious, let my letter be read in your more idle
+     hours, as fruit is eaten after the cloth is removed from the
+     table.
+
+     "You will please to note that, commissioned by his highness
+     the King of Spain, I set out with two small ships, the 18th
+     of May, 1499, on a voyage of discovery to the southwest, by
+     way of the Fortunate Isles, which are now called the
+     Canaries. After having provided ourselves there with all
+     things necessary, first offering our prayers to God, we set
+     sail from an island which is called Gomera, and, turning our
+     prows southwardly, sailed twenty-four days with a fresh
+     wind, without seeing any land. At the end of that time we
+     came within sight of land, and found that we had sailed
+     about thirteen hundred leagues, and were at that distance
+     from the city of Cadiz, in a southwesterly direction. When
+     we saw the land we gave thanks to God, and then launched our
+     boats and, with sixteen men, went to the shore, which we
+     found thickly covered with trees, astonishing both on
+     account of their size and their verdure, for they never lose
+     their foliage. The sweet odors which they exhaled (for they
+     were all aromatic) highly delighted us, and we were rejoiced
+     in regaling our senses.
+
+     "We rowed along the shore in the boats to see if we could
+     find any suitable place for landing; but, after toiling from
+     morning till night, we found no way of passage, the land
+     being low and densely covered with trees. We concluded,
+     therefore, to return to the ships and make an attempt to
+     land at some other spot.
+
+     "One very remarkable circumstance we observed in these seas,
+     which was that, at fifteen leagues distance from the land,
+     we found the water fresh, like that of a river, and we
+     filled all our empty casks with it. Sailing in a southerly
+     direction, still along the coast, we saw two larger rivers
+     issuing from the land; and I think that these two rivers, by
+     reason of their magnitude, caused the freshness of the water
+     in the sea adjoining. Seeing that the coast was invariably
+     low, we determined to enter one of these rivers with the
+     boats, and did so, after furnishing them with provisions for
+     four days, and twenty men well armed. We entered the river
+     and rowed up it nearly two days, making a distance of about
+     eighteen leagues; but we found the low land still continuing
+     and so thickly covered with trees that a bird could scarcely
+     fly through them.
+
+     "We saw signs that the inland parts of the country were
+     inhabited; nevertheless, as our vessels were anchored in a
+     dangerous place, in case an adverse wind should arise, at
+     the end of two days we concluded to return. Here we saw an
+     immense number of birds, including parrots in great variety,
+     some crimson in color, others green and lemon, others
+     entirely green, and others again that were black and
+     flesh-colored [these last were probably toucans]. And oh!
+     the songs of other species of birds, so sweet and so
+     melodious, as we heard them among the trees, that we often
+     lingered, listening to their charming music. The trees, too,
+     were so beautiful and smelled so sweetly that we almost
+     imagined ourselves in a terrestrial paradise; yet none of
+     those trees, or the fruit of them, were similar to anything
+     in our part of the world.
+
+     "On our way back we saw many people of various descriptions
+     fishing in the river. Having arrived at our ships, we raised
+     anchor and set sail in a southerly direction, standing off
+     to sea about forty leagues. While sailing on this course, we
+     encountered a current running from southeast to northwest,
+     so strong and furious that we were put into great fear and
+     were exposed to imminent peril. This current was so strong
+     that the Strait of Gibraltar and that of the Faro of Messina
+     appeared to us like mere stagnant water in comparison with
+     it. We could scarcely make headway against it, though we had
+     the wind fresh and fair; so, seeing that we made no
+     progress, or but very little, we determined to turn our
+     prows to the northwest.[12]
+
+     "As, if I remember aright, your Excellency understands
+     something of cosmography, I intend to describe to you our
+     progress in our navigation by the latitude and longitude. We
+     sailed so far to the south that we entered the torrid zone
+     and penetrated the circle of Cancer.... Having passed the
+     equinoctial line and sailed six degrees to the south of it,
+     we lost sight of the north star altogether, and even the
+     stars of Ursa Major--or, to speak better, the guardians
+     which revolve about the firmament--were scarcely seen. Very
+     desirous of being the author who should designate the other
+     polar star of the firmament, I lost, many a time, my night's
+     sleep, while contemplating the movement of the stars about
+     the southern pole. I desired to ascertain which had the
+     least motion, and which might be nearest to the firmament;
+     but I was not able to accomplish it with such poor
+     instruments as I used, which were the quadrant and
+     astrolabe. I could not distinguish a star which had less
+     than ten degrees of motion; so that I was not satisfied,
+     within myself, to name any particular one for the pole of
+     the meridian, on account of the large revolution which they
+     all made around the firmament.
+
+     "While I was arriving at this conclusion, I recollected a
+     verse of our poet Dante, which may be found in the first
+     chapter of his "Purgatory," where he imagines he is leaving
+     this hemisphere to repair to the other and attempting to
+     describe the antarctic pole, and says:
+
+    "'To the right hand I turned, and fixed my mind
+      On the other pole attentive, where I saw
+    Four stars ne'er seen before, save by the ken
+      Of our first parents.  Heaven of their rays
+    Seemed joyous. O! thou northern site, bereft
+      Indeed, and widowed, since of these deprived!'
+
+     "It seems to me that the poet wished to describe in these
+     verses, by the four stars, the pole of the other firmament,
+     and I have little doubt, even now, that what he says may be
+     true. I observed four stars in the figure of an almond which
+     had but little motion; and if God gives me life and health I
+     hope to go again into that hemisphere and not to return
+     without observing the pole. In conclusion I would remark
+     that we extended our navigation so far south that our
+     difference in latitude from the city of Cadiz was sixty
+     degrees and a half, because, at that city, the pole is
+     elevated thirty-five degrees and a half, and we had passed
+     six degrees beyond the equinoctial line. Let this suffice as
+     to our latitude. You must observe that this our navigation
+     was in the months of July, August, and September, when, as
+     you know, the sun is longest above the horizon in our
+     hemisphere and describes the greatest arch in the day and
+     the least in the night. On the contrary, while we were at
+     the equinoctial line, or near it, the difference between the
+     day and night was not perceptible. They were of equal
+     length, or very nearly so....
+
+     "It appears to me, most excellent Lorenzo, that by this
+     voyage most of the philosophers are controverted who say
+     that the torrid zone cannot be inhabited on account of the
+     great heat. I have found the case to be quite the contrary.
+     The air is fresher and more temperate in that region than
+     beyond it, and the inhabitants are more numerous here than
+     they are in the other zones, for reasons which will be given
+     below. Thus, it is certain, that practice is more valuable
+     than theory.
+
+     "Thus far I have related the navigation I accomplished in
+     the South and West. It now remains for me to inform you of
+     the appearance of the country we discovered, the nature of
+     the inhabitants and their customs, the animals we saw, and
+     of many other things worthy of remembrance which fell under
+     my observation. After we turned our course to the north, the
+     first land we found inhabited was an island at ten degrees
+     distant from the equinoctial line [island of Trinidad]. When
+     we arrived at it we saw on the sea-shore a great many
+     people, who stood looking at us with astonishment.
+
+     "We anchored within about a mile of land, fitted out the
+     boats, and twenty-two men, well armed, made for the land.
+     The people, when they saw us landing and perceived that we
+     were different from themselves (because they have no beards
+     and wear no clothing of any description, being also of a
+     different color--brown, while we were white), began to be
+     afraid of us and all ran into the woods. With great
+     exertion, by means of signs, we reassured them and found
+     that they were a race called cannibals, the greater part, or
+     all of whom, live on human flesh. Your Excellency may be
+     assured of this fact. They do not eat one another, but,
+     navigating with certain barks which they call canoes, they
+     bring their prey from the neighboring islands or countries
+     inhabited by those who are their enemies, or of a different
+     tribe from their own. They never eat any women, unless they
+     consider them as outcasts. These things we verified in many
+     places where we found similar people. We often saw the bones
+     and heads of those who had been eaten, and they who had made
+     the repast admitted the fact and said that their enemies
+     stood in greater fear of them on that account.
+
+     "Still, they are a people of gentle disposition and fine
+     stature, of great activity and much courage. They go
+     entirely naked, and the arms which they carry are rare bows,
+     arrows, and spears, with which they are excellent marksmen.
+     In fine, we held much intercourse with them, and they took
+     us to one of their villages, about two leagues inland, and
+     gave us our breakfast. They gave whatever was asked of them,
+     though I think more through fear than affection; and after
+     having been with them all one day we returned to the ships,
+     sailing along the coasts, and finding another large village
+     of the same tribe. We landed in the boats and found they
+     were waiting for us, all loaded with provisions, and they
+     gave us enough to make a very good breakfast, according to
+     their ideas.
+
+     "Seeing they were such kind people and treated us so well,
+     we did not take anything from them, but made sail until we
+     arrived at a body of water which is called the Gulf of
+     Paria. We anchored off the mouth of a great river, which
+     causes the gulf to be fresh, and saw a large village close
+     to the sea. We were surprised at the great number of people
+     to be seen there, though they were without weapons and
+     peaceably disposed. We went ashore with the boats, and they
+     received us with great friendship and took us to their
+     houses, where they had made good preparations for a feast.
+     Here they gave us three sorts of wine to drink; not the
+     juice of the grape, but made of fruits, like beer, and they
+     were excellent. Here, also, we ate many fresh acorns, a most
+     royal fruit, and also others, all different from ours, and
+     all of aromatic flavor.
+
+     "What was more, they gave us some small pearls and eleven
+     large ones, telling us that if we would wait some days they
+     would go and fish for them and bring us many of the kind. We
+     did not wish to be detained, so, with many parrots of
+     different colors, and in good friendship, we parted from
+     them. From these people it was we learned that those of the
+     before-mentioned island were cannibals and ate human flesh.
+     We issued from the gulf and sailed along the coast, seeing
+     continually great numbers of people; and when we were so
+     disposed we treated with them, and they gave us everything
+     we desired. They all go as naked as they were born, without
+     being ashamed, and if all were related concerning the little
+     shame they have it would be bordering on impropriety,
+     therefore it is better to suppress it.
+
+     "After having sailed about four hundred leagues, continually
+     along the coast, we concluded that this land was a
+     continent, which might be bounded by the eastern parts of
+     Asia, this being the commencement of the western parts of
+     the continent, because it happened that we saw divers
+     animals, such as lions, stags, goats, wild hogs, rabbits,
+     and other land animals which are not found in islands, but
+     only on the main-land. Going inland one day with twenty men,
+     we saw a serpent all of twenty-four feet in length and as
+     large in girth as myself. We were very much afraid, and the
+     sight of it caused us to return immediately to the sea.
+     Ofttimes, indeed, I saw many ferocious animals and enormous
+     serpents. When we had navigated four hundred leagues along
+     the coast, we began to find people who did not wish for our
+     friendship, but stood waiting for us with their bows and
+     arrows. When we went ashore they disputed our landing in
+     such a manner that we were obliged to fight them, and at the
+     end of the battle they found they had the worst of it, for,
+     as they were naked, we always made great slaughter. Many
+     times not more than sixteen of us fought with no less than
+     two thousand, in the end defeating them, killing many, and
+     plundering their houses.
+
+     "One day we saw a great crowd of savages, all posted in
+     battle array, to prevent our landing. We fitted out
+     twenty-six men, well armed, and covered the boats on account
+     of the arrows which were shot at us and which always
+     wounded some before we landed. After they had hindered us as
+     long as they could, we leaped on shore and fought a hard
+     battle with them. The reason why they had so much courage
+     and made such great exertion against us was that they did
+     not know what kind of a weapon the sword was, or how it
+     cuts! So great was the multitude of people who charged upon
+     us, discharging at us such a cloud of arrows that we could
+     not withstand the assault, and, nearly abandoning the hope
+     of life, we turned our backs and ran for the boats. While
+     thus disheartened and flying, one of our sailors, a
+     Portuguese, who had remained to guard the boats, seeing the
+     danger we were in, leaped on shore and with a loud voice
+     called out to us: 'Face to the enemy, sons, and God will
+     give you the victory!' Throwing himself upon his knees, he
+     made a prayer, then rushed furiously upon the savages, and
+     we all joined him, wounded as we were. On that they turned
+     their backs and began to flee; and finally we routed them,
+     killing more than a hundred and fifty. We burned their
+     houses also--at least one hundred and eighty in number.
+     Then, as we were badly wounded and weary, we went into a
+     harbor to recruit, where we stayed twenty days, solely that
+     the physician might cure us. All escaped save one, who was
+     wounded in the left breast and died.
+
+     "After we were cured we recommenced our navigation; and
+     through the same cause we were often obliged to fight with a
+     great many people, and always had the victory over them.
+     Thus continuing our voyage, we came to an island fifteen
+     leagues distant from the main-land. As at our arrival we
+     saw no collection of people, eleven of us landed. Finding a
+     path inland, we walked nearly two leagues and came to a
+     village of about twelve houses, in which were seven women
+     who were so large that there was not one among them who was
+     not a span and a half taller than myself. When they saw us
+     they were very much frightened, and the principal one among
+     them, who seemed certainly a discreet woman, led us by signs
+     into a house and had refreshments prepared for us. They were
+     such large women that we were about determining to carry off
+     two of the younger ones as a present to our king; but while
+     we were debating this subject, thirty-six men entered the
+     hut where we were drinking. They were of such great stature
+     that each one was taller when upon his knees than I when
+     standing erect. In fact, they were giants; each of the women
+     appeared a Penthesilia, and the men Antei. When they came
+     in, some of our number were so frightened that they did not
+     consider themselves safe, for they were armed with very
+     large bows and arrows, besides immense clubs made in the
+     form of swords. Seeing that we were small of stature they
+     began to converse with us, in order to learn who we were and
+     from what parts we came. We gave them fair words, and
+     answered them, by signs, that we were men of peace and
+     intent only upon seeing the world. Finally, we held it our
+     wisest course to part from them without questioning in our
+     turn; so we returned by the same path in which we had
+     come--they accompanying us quite to the sea-shore, till we
+     went aboard the ships.
+
+     "Nearly half the trees on this island are of dye-woods, as
+     good as any from the East. Going from this island to another
+     in the vicinity, at ten leagues distance, we found a very
+     large village, the houses of which were built over the sea,
+     like those of Venice, with much ingenuity. While we were
+     struck with admiration at this circumstance, we determined
+     to go to see them; and as we went into their houses the
+     people owning them attempted to prevent us. They found out
+     at last the sharpness of our swords, and thought it best to
+     let us enter. Then we found these houses filled with the
+     finest cotton, and the beams of their dwellings are made of
+     dye-woods. In all the parts where we landed we found a great
+     quantity of cotton, and the country filled with
+     cotton-trees. All the vessels of the world, in fact, might
+     be laden in these parts with cotton and dye-wood.
+
+     "We sailed three hundred leagues farther along this coast,
+     constantly finding savage but brave people, and very often
+     fighting with and vanquishing them. We found seven different
+     languages among them, each of which was not understood by
+     those who spoke the others. It is said that there are not
+     more than seventy-seven languages in the world; but I say
+     that there are _more than a thousand_, as there are more
+     than forty which I have heard myself. After having sailed
+     seven hundred leagues or more our ships became leaky, so
+     that we could hardly keep them free, with two pumps going.
+     The men also were much fatigued, and the provisions growing
+     short. We were then within a hundred and twenty leagues of
+     the island called Hispaniola, discovered by the Admiral
+     Columbus six [eight] years before. So we determined to
+     proceed to it and, as it was inhabited by Christians, to
+     repair our ships there, allow our men a little repose, and
+     recruit our stock of provisions; because, from this island
+     to Castile there are three hundred leagues of ocean, without
+     any land intervening. In seven days we arrived at this
+     island, where we stayed two months, refitted our ships, and
+     obtained a supply of provisions.
+
+     "We afterwards sailed through a shoal of islands, more than
+     a thousand in number. We sailed in this sea nearly two
+     hundred leagues, directly north, until our people had become
+     worn with fatigue, through having been already nearly a year
+     at sea. Their allowance per diem was only six ounces of
+     bread for eating, and three small measures of water for
+     drinking. Whereupon we concluded to take some prisoners as
+     slaves, and loading the ships with them to return at once to
+     Spain. Going, therefore, to certain islands, we possessed
+     ourselves by force of two hundred and thirty-two, and then
+     steered our course for Castile. In sixty-seven days we
+     crossed the ocean, arriving at the Azores, thence sailed by
+     way of the Canary Islands and the Madeiras to Cadiz.
+
+     "We were absent thirteen months on this voyage, exposing
+     ourselves to awful dangers, discovering a very large country
+     of Asia, and a great many islands, the largest of them all
+     inhabited. According to the calculations I have made with
+     the compass, we have sailed about five thousand leagues....
+     We discovered immense regions, saw a vast number of people,
+     all naked, and speaking various languages, numerous wild
+     animals, various kinds of birds, and an infinite quantity of
+     trees, all aromatic. We brought home pearls in their
+     growing state, and gold in the grain; we brought two stones,
+     one of emerald color, the other of amethyst, which was very
+     hard, at least half a span long, and three fingers thick.
+     The sovereigns esteem them most highly and have preserved
+     them among their jewels. We brought home also a piece of
+     crystal, which some jewelers say is beryl, and, according to
+     what the Indians told us, they had a great quantity of the
+     same. We brought fourteen flesh-colored pearls, with which
+     the queen was highly delighted. We brought many other stones
+     which appeared beautiful to us; but of all these we did not
+     bring a large number, as we were continually busied in our
+     investigations and did not tarry long in any place.
+
+     "When we arrived at Cadiz we sold many slaves, two hundred
+     then remaining to us, the others having died at sea. After
+     deducting the expense of transportation we gained only about
+     five hundred ducats, which, having to be divided into
+     fifty-five parts, made the share of each very small.
+     However, we contented ourselves with life, and rendered
+     thanks to God that during the whole voyage, out of
+     fifty-seven Christian men, which was our number, only two
+     had died, they having been killed by Indians. I have had two
+     quartan agues since my return; but I hope, by the favor of
+     God, to be well soon, as they do not continue long now and
+     are without chills. I have passed over many things worthy of
+     being remembered, in order not to be more tedious than
+     necessary, all of which are reserved for the pen, and in the
+     memory.
+
+     "They are fitting out three ships for me here, that I may
+     go on a new voyage of discovery, and I think they will be
+     ready by the middle of September. May it please our Lord to
+     give me health and a good voyage, as I hope again to bring
+     very great news and discover the island of Trapobana, which
+     is between the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Ganges.
+     Afterwards I intend to return to my country and seek repose
+     in the days of my old age.... I have resolved, most
+     excellent Lorenzo, that as I have thus given you an account
+     by letter of what has occurred to me, to send you two plans
+     and descriptions of the world, made and arranged by my own
+     hand and skill. There will be a map on a plain surface, and
+     the other a view of the world in a spherical form, which I
+     intend to send you by sea, in care of one Francesco Lotti, a
+     Florentine, who is here. I think you will be pleased with
+     them, particularly the globe, as I made one, not long since,
+     for these sovereigns, and they esteem it highly. I could
+     have wished to come with them personally; but my new
+     departure for making other discoveries will not permit me
+     that great pleasure....
+
+     "I suppose your excellency has heard the news brought by the
+     fleet which the King of Portugal sent two years ago to make
+     discoveries on the coast of Guinea. I do not call such a
+     voyage as that one of discovery, but only a visit to
+     discovered lands; because, as you will see by the map, their
+     navigation was continually within sight of land, and they
+     sailed round the whole southern part of the continent of
+     Africa, which is proceeding by a way spoken of by all
+     cosmographical authors. It is true that the navigation has
+     been very profitable, which is a matter of great
+     consideration here in this kingdom, where inordinate
+     covetousness reigns.
+
+     "I understand they passed from the Red Sea and extended
+     their voyage into the Persian Gulf, to a city called
+     Calicut, which is situated between the Persian Gulf and the
+     river Indus. More lately, the King of Portugal has received
+     from sea twelve ships very richly laden, and he has sent
+     them again to those parts, where they will certainly do a
+     profitable business, if they arrive in safety.
+
+     "May our Lord preserve and increase the exalted state of
+     your excellency, as I desire.
+
+                              "AMERIGO VESPUCCI.
+
+     "_July 18th, 1500_."
+
+Respecting the letter in which the so-called first voyage is
+described, the same great authority, Mr. Fiske, from whom we have
+already quoted, says: "The perplexity surrounding the account of the
+first voyage of Vespucius is chiefly due to the lack of intelligence
+with which it has been read. There is no reason for imagining
+dishonesty in his narrative, and no reason for not admitting it as
+evidence on the same terms upon which we admit other contemporary
+documents." Perhaps we may be allowed to claim the same privilege for
+the foregoing letter; yet another historian, the amiable biographer of
+Columbus, Mr. Irving, while freely quoting from it, in his account of
+the voyage made with Alonzo de Ojeda, by imputation discredits it, and
+loses no occasion to disparage its author.
+
+In order that nothing may be lacking, for the purpose of forming an
+accurate estimate of Vespucci's character and doings, Mr. Irving's
+account of the Ojeda voyage, somewhat condensed, is presented in the
+succeeding chapter. In constructing this story he, to use his own
+words, "collated the narratives of Vespucci, Las Casas, Herrera, and
+Peter Martyr, and the evidence given in the lawsuit of Diego Columbus,
+and has endeavored as much as possible to reconcile them." That he did
+not altogether succeed is the opinion of Mr. Fiske, who says, rather
+caustically, that "from its mixing the first and second voyages of
+Vespucci [the account] is so full of blunders as to be worse than
+worthless to the general reader."
+
+However this may be, the story is interesting, and in a sense
+valuable, as it corroborates the statements of one to whom Mr. Irving
+was not favorably inclined.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[12] The river was the Orinoco, the currents caused by which set with
+great force in the direction given by Vespucci.
+
+
+
+
+VIII
+
+WITH OJEDA THE FIGHTER
+
+1499
+
+
+Those who have read the _History of Columbus_ will doubtless remember
+the character and exploits of Alonzo de Ojeda. He was about twenty-one
+years of age when he accompanied Columbus on his second voyage (1493);
+he had, however, already distinguished himself by his enterprising
+spirit and headlong valor, and his exploits during that voyage
+contributed to enhance his reputation. He returned to Spain with the
+Admiral, but did not go with him on his third voyage, in 1498. He had
+a cousin-german of his own name, Padre Alonzo de Ojeda, a Dominican
+friar, who was a great favorite with the Spanish sovereigns, and on
+intimate terms with Don Juan Rodriguez Fonseca, who had the chief
+management of affairs in the Indies.
+
+Through the good offices of this cousin, young Alonzo was introduced
+to Fonseca, to whose especial favor and patronage he was warmly
+recommended. While Ojeda was lingering about the court, letters were
+received from Columbus giving an account of the events of his third
+(1498) voyage, accompanied by charts descriptive of his route,
+specimens of pearls, gold, etc., in order to impress the sovereigns
+with the great value of his most recent discovery. The Admiral had
+good and sufficient reasons for making the most of this discovery, as
+his enemies in Spain and in the West Indies were seeking to belittle
+his great deeds, hence his indiscretion in placing the proofs of his
+achievement in the hands of his implacable foe, Bishop Fonseca. He
+could not return at that time, owing to the terrible condition of
+affairs in Hispaniola, which demanded his continued presence there--as
+narrated in his _Life_.
+
+The tidings he sent caused a great sensation among the maritime
+adventurers of Spain; but no one was more excited by them than Alonzo
+de Ojeda, who, from his intimacy with Fonseca, had full access to the
+charts and correspondence of Columbus, and who immediately conceived
+the project of making a voyage in the route thus marked out by the
+Admiral, and of seizing upon the first fruits of discovery which he
+had left ungathered. This scheme met with ready encouragement from
+Fonseca, who, as has heretofore been shown, was opposed to Columbus
+and willing to promote any measure that might injure or molest him.
+The bishop accordingly granted a commission to Ojeda, authorizing him
+to fit out an armament and proceed on a voyage of discovery, with the
+proviso merely that he should not visit any territories appertaining
+to Portugal, or any of the lands discovered in the name of Spain
+previous to the year 1495. The latter part of this provision appears
+to have been craftily worded by the bishop, so as to leave the coast
+of Paria and its pearl fisheries open to Ojeda, they having been
+recently discovered by Columbus in 1498.
+
+The commission was signed by Fonseca alone, in virtue of general
+powers vested in him for such purposes; but the signature of the
+sovereigns did not appear on the instrument, and it is doubtful
+whether their sanction was sought on the occasion. He knew that
+Columbus had recently remonstrated against a royal mandate issued in
+1495, permitting voyages of discovery by private adventurers, and that
+the sovereigns had in consequence revoked that mandate wherever it
+might be deemed prejudicial to the stipulated privileges of the
+Admiral.... Having thus obtained permission to make the voyage, the
+next consideration with Ojeda was to find the means. He was a young
+adventurer, a mere soldier of fortune, and destitute of wealth; but he
+had a high reputation for courage and enterprise, and hence had no
+difficulty in finding moneyed associates among the rich merchants of
+Seville, who, in that age of discovery, were ever ready to stake their
+property upon the schemes of roving navigators. With such assistance
+he soon equipped a squadron of four vessels, at Port St. Mary,
+opposite Cadiz.
+
+Among the seamen who engaged with him were several who had just
+returned from accompanying Columbus in his voyage to this very coast
+of Paria. The principal associate of Ojeda, and one on whom he placed
+great reliance, was Juan de la Cosa, who went with him as first mate,
+or, as it was termed, chief pilot. This was a bold Biscayan who may be
+regarded as a disciple of Columbus, with whom he had sailed on his
+second voyage, when he coasted Cuba and Jamaica, and he had also
+accompanied Rodrigo de Bastidas, in his expedition along the coast of
+Terra Firma. The hardy veteran was looked up to by his contemporaries
+as an oracle of the seas, and was pronounced one of the most able
+mariners of the day. He may be excused, therefore, if in his harmless
+vanity he considered himself on a par even with Columbus.
+
+Another conspicuous associate of Ojeda on this voyage was Amerigo
+Vespucci, _a Florentine merchant, induced by broken fortunes and a
+rambling disposition to seek adventures in the New World_. Whether he
+had any pecuniary interest in the expedition, and in what capacity he
+sailed, does not appear. His importance has entirely arisen from
+subsequent circumstances--from his having written and published a
+narrative of his voyages, and from his name having eventually been
+given to the New World.
+
+[Illustration: OJEDA'S FIRST VOYAGE]
+
+Ojeda sailed from Port St. Mary on May 20, 1499, and, having touched
+for supplies at the Canaries, took a departure from Gomera, pursuing
+the route of Columbus in his third voyage, being guided by the
+chart he had sent home, as well as by the mariners who had accompanied
+him on that occasion. At the end of twenty-four days he reached the
+continent of the New World, about two hundred leagues farther south
+than the part discovered by Columbus, being, as it is supposed, on the
+coast of Surinam. Hence he ran along the coast to the Gulf of Paria,
+passing the mouths of many rivers, but especially those of the Esquivo
+and the Orinoco. These, to the astonishment of the Spaniards,
+unaccustomed as yet to the mighty rivers of the New World, poured
+forth such a prodigious volume of water as to freshen the sea for a
+great extent. They beheld none of the natives until they arrived at
+the island of Trinidad, on which island they met with traces of the
+recent visit of Columbus. Vespucci, in his letters, gives a long
+description of the people of this island and of the coast of Paria,
+who were of the Carib race, tall, well-made, and vigorous, and expert
+with the bow, the lance, and the buckler. His description in general
+resembles those which have frequently been given of the aboriginals of
+the New World; there are two or three particulars, however, worthy of
+citation. [Here follows the narrative of Vespucci, as given in the
+preceding chapters, pages 82-124.]
+
+After touching at various parts of Trinidad and the Gulf of Paria,
+Ojeda passed through the strait of the Boca del Drago, or Dragon's
+Mouth, which Columbus had found so formidable, and then steered his
+course along the coast of Terra Firma, landing occasionally until he
+arrived at Curiana, or the Gulf of Pearls. From hence he stood to the
+opposite island of Margarita, previously discovered by Columbus, and
+since renowned for its pearl fishery. This, as well as several
+adjacent islands, he visited and explored, after which he returned to
+the main-land, and touched at Cumana and _Maracapana_, where he found
+the rivers infested with alligators resembling the crocodiles of the
+Nile. Finding a convenient harbor at Maracapana, he unloaded and
+careened his vessels there, and built a small brigantine. The natives
+came to him in great numbers, bringing abundance of venison, fish, and
+cassava bread, and aiding the seamen in their labors. Their
+hospitality was not certainly disinterested, for they sought to gain
+the protection of the Spaniards, whom they reverenced as superhuman
+beings.
+
+When they thought they had sufficiently secured their favor, they
+represented to Ojeda that their coast was subject to invasion from a
+distant island, the inhabitants of which were cannibals, and carried
+their people into captivity, to be devoured at their unnatural
+banquets. They besought Ojeda, therefore, to avenge them upon these
+ferocious enemies. The request was gratifying to the fighting
+propensities of Alonzo de Ojeda, and to his love of adventure, and was
+readily granted. Taking seven of the natives on board of his vessels,
+therefore, as guides, he set sail in quest of the cannibals. After
+sailing for seven days he came to a chain of islands, some of which
+were peopled, others uninhabited, and which are supposed to have been
+the Caribbee Islands. [Then ensues Vespucci's account of the fight,
+with the substitution of Ojeda as captain in command.]
+
+His crew being refreshed, and the wounded sufficiently recovered,
+Ojeda made sail and touched at the island of Curacao, which, according
+to the accounts of Vespucci, was inhabited by a race of giants, "every
+woman appearing a Penthesilia, and every man an Antei." As Vespucci
+was a scholar, and as he supposed himself exploring the regions of
+the extreme East, the ancient realm of fable, it is probable his
+imagination deceived him, and construed the formidable accounts given
+by the Indians of their cannibal neighbors of the islands into
+something according with his recollections of classic fable. Certain
+it is that the reports of subsequent voyagers proved the inhabitants
+of the island to be of the ordinary size.
+
+Proceeding along the coast, he arrived at a vast, deep gulf,
+resembling a tranquil lake, entering which he beheld, on the eastern
+side, a village, the construction of which struck him with surprise.
+It consisted of twenty large houses, shaped like bells, and built on
+piles driven into the bottom of the lake, which in this part was
+limpid and of but little depth. Each house was provided with a
+draw-bridge, and with canoes, by which the communication was carried
+on. From these resemblances to the Italian city, Ojeda gave to the bay
+the name of the Gulf of Venice, and it is called at the present day
+Venezuela, or Little Venice. The Indian name was _Coquibacoa_. [In
+this connection Irving quotes freely from Vespucci's account of the
+Lake Dwellers, and also gives entire his description of the
+Spaniards' entertainment by Indians of the interior.]
+
+Continuing to explore this gulf, Ojeda penetrated to a port or harbor,
+to which he gave the name of St. Bartholomew, supposed to be the same
+at present known by the original Indian name of _Maracaibo_.... The
+Spaniards brought away with them several of the beautiful and
+hospitable females of this place, one of whom, named by them Isabel,
+was much prized by Ojeda, and accompanied him on a subsequent voyage.
+Leaving the friendly port of Coquibacoa, Ojeda continued along the
+western shores of the Venezuelan gulf, and standing out to sea,
+doubling Cape Maracaibo, he pursued his voyage from port to port, and
+promontory to promontory, of this unknown continent, until he reached
+that long stretching headland called Cape de la Vela, or Cape of the
+Sail. There the state of his vessels--and perhaps the disappointment
+of his hopes at not meeting with abundant sources of immediate
+wealth--induced him to abandon all further voyaging along the coast,
+and, changing his course, he stood across the Caribbean Sea for
+Hispaniola. The tenor of his commission forbade his visiting that
+island; but Ojeda was not a man to stand upon trifles when his
+interests or inclinations prompted him to the contrary. He trusted to
+excuse the infraction of his orders by the alleged necessity of
+touching at the island to calk and refit his vessels and to procure
+provisions; but his true object is supposed to have been to cut
+dye-wood, which abounds in Hispaniola.
+
+Columbus, at that time, held command of the island, and, hearing of
+this unlicensed intrusion, despatched Francesco Roldan, the quondam
+rebel, to call Ojeda to account. The contest of stratagem and
+management that took place between these two adroit and daring
+adventurers has already been detailed. Roldan was eventually
+successful, and Ojeda, being obliged to leave Hispaniola, resumed his
+rambling voyage. He at length arrived at Cadiz, in June, 1500, his
+ships crowded with captives, whom he sold as slaves. So meagre,
+however, was the result of this expedition that we are told [by
+Vespucci] that when all the expenses were deducted but five hundred
+ducats remained to be divided between fifty-five adventurers. What
+made this result the more mortifying was that a petty armament, which
+had sailed some time after that of Ojeda, had returned two months
+before him rich with the spoils of the New World.
+
+The successful armament alluded to was that of Pedro Nino, who had
+sailed with Columbus on his first voyage and on his third. With a
+caravel of only fifty tons, and a crew of thirty-three men, he sailed
+from Palos in June, 1499, returning in April, 1500, with a richer
+cargo of pearls than any other that had been brought from the new
+country. He had steered directly for the Pearl Coast, and at or near
+Cumana and Margarita, had amassed a fortune from the sea.
+
+In this connection it should be mentioned, that the country adjacent
+to the Pearl Coast, opposite Cumana, was known to the natives as
+_Amaraca-pan_; that the name _Amaraca_ occurs frequently in this
+region, as (_A_)_mar-aca-ibo_, the great gulf where the Lake-Dwellers
+live. It is regarded only as a coincidence that a name so nearly like
+that which was bestowed upon the continent by Europeans should be
+found applied to portions of that continent by the aborigines; but
+some enthusiasts have undertaken to show that it was from this native
+appellation the cartographers and cosmographers derived the first
+"America" placed upon the maps.
+
+
+
+
+IX
+
+CANNIBALS, GIANTS, AND PEARLS
+
+1499-1500
+
+
+Besides the letter written by Vespucci to Lorenzo de Medici, he sent
+an account of the second voyage to his friend Soderini, in which are
+some incidents not mentioned in the first, with very little repetition
+of others. He wrote:
+
+     "We set out from the port of Cadiz, three ships in company,
+     on the 18th of May, and steered directly for the Cape de
+     Verdes, passing within sight of the Grand Canary, and soon
+     arriving at an island called De Fuego, or Fire Island,
+     whence, having taken wood and water, we proceeded on our
+     voyage to the southwest. In forty-four days we arrived at a
+     new land, which we judged to be a continent, and a
+     continuation of that mentioned in my former voyage. It was
+     situated within the torrid zone, south of the equinoctial
+     line, where the south pole is elevated five degrees and
+     distant from said island, bearing south, about five hundred
+     leagues. Here we found the days and nights equal on the
+     27th of June, when the sun is near the tropic of Cancer.
+
+     "We did not see any people here, and, having anchored our
+     ships and cast off our boats, we proceeded to the land,
+     which we found to be inundated by very large rivers. We
+     attempted to enter these at many points, but from the
+     immense quantity of water brought down by them we could find
+     no place, after hard toiling, that was not over-flowed. We
+     saw many signs of the country's being inhabited, but as we
+     were unable to enter it we concluded to return to the ships
+     and make the attempt on some other part of the coast. We
+     raised our anchors accordingly, and sailed along southeast
+     by east, continually coasting the land which ran in that
+     direction. We found the currents so strong on this part of
+     the coast that they actually obstructed our sailing, and
+     they all ran from the southeast to the northwest. Seeing our
+     navigation was attended with so many inconveniences, we
+     concluded to turn our course to the northwest; and having
+     sailed some time in this direction we arrived at a very
+     beautiful harbor, which was made by a large island at the
+     entrance, inside of which was a very large bay. While
+     sailing along parallel with the island with a view of
+     entering the harbor, we saw many people on shore, and, being
+     much cheered, we manoeuvred our ships for the purpose of
+     anchoring and landing where they appeared. We might have
+     been then about four leagues out at sea. While proceeding on
+     our course for this purpose, we saw a canoe quite out at
+     sea, in which were several natives, and made sail on our
+     ships in order to come up with and take possession of them,
+     steering so as not to run them down. We saw that they stood
+     with their oars raised--I think either through astonishment
+     at beholding our ships, or by way of giving us to understand
+     that they meant to wait for and resist us; but as we neared
+     them they dropped the oars and began to row towards the
+     land.
+
+     "Having in our fleet a small vessel of forty-five tons, a
+     very fast sailer, she took a favorable wind and bore down
+     for the canoe. When the people in it found themselves
+     embarrassed between the schooner and the boats we had
+     lowered for the purpose of pursuing them, they all jumped
+     into the sea, being about twenty men, and at the distance of
+     two leagues from the shore. We followed them the whole day
+     with our boats, and could only take two, which was for them
+     an extraordinary feat; all the rest escaped to the shore.
+     Four boys remained in the canoe who were not of their tribe,
+     but had been taken prisoners by them, and brought from
+     another country. We were much surprised at the gross
+     injuries they had inflicted upon these boys, and, having
+     been taken on board the ships, they told us they had been
+     captured in order to be eaten. Accordingly, we knew that
+     those people were cannibals, who eat human flesh.
+
+     "We proceeded with the ships, taking the canoe with us
+     astern, and following the course which they pursued,
+     anchored at half a league from the shore. As we saw many
+     people on the shore, we landed in the boats, carrying with
+     us the two men we had taken. When we reached the beach all
+     the people fled into the woods, and we sent one of the men
+     to negotiate with them, giving them several trifles as
+     tokens of friendship--such as little bells, buttons, and
+     looking-glasses--and telling them that we wished to be their
+     friends. He brought the people all back with him, of whom
+     there were about four hundred men and many women, who came
+     unarmed to the place where we lay with the boats. Having
+     established friendship with them, we surrendered the other
+     prisoner and sent to the ships for the canoe, which we
+     restored. This canoe was twenty-six yards long and six feet
+     wide, made out of a single tree and very well wrought. When
+     they had carried it into a river near by, and put it in a
+     secure place, they all fled, and would have nothing more to
+     do with us, which appeared to us a very barbarous act, and
+     we judged them to be a faithless and evil-disposed people.
+     We saw among them a little gold, which they wore in their
+     ears.
+
+     "Leaving this place, we sailed about eighty leagues along
+     the coast and entered a bay, where we found a surprising
+     number of people, with whom we formed a friendship. Many of
+     us went to their village, in great safety, and were received
+     with much courtesy and confidence. In this place we procured
+     a hundred and fifty pearls (as they sold them to us for a
+     trifle) and some little gold, which they gave us
+     gratuitously. We noticed that in this country they drank
+     wine made of their fruits and seeds, which looked like beer,
+     both white and red; the best was made from acorns, and was
+     very good. We ate a great many of these acorns and found
+     them a very good fruit, savory to the taste and healthy to
+     the body. The country abounded with means of nourishment,
+     and the people were well disposed and pacific.
+
+     "We remained at this port seventeen days, with great
+     pleasure, and every day some new tribe of people came to see
+     us from inland parts of the country, who were greatly
+     surprised at our figures, at the whiteness of our skins, at
+     our clothes, at our arms, and the form and size of our
+     ships. We were informed by them of the existence of another
+     tribe, still farther west, who were their enemies, and that
+     they had great quantities of pearls. They said that those
+     which they had in their possession were some they had taken
+     from this other tribe in war. They told us how they fished
+     for pearls, and in what manner they grew, and we found that
+     they told us the truth--as your excellency shall hear.
+
+     "Sailing along the coast again, and finding an island about
+     fifteen leagues from it at sea, we resolved to see if it
+     were inhabited. We found on this island the most bestial and
+     filthy people that were ever seen, but at the same time
+     extremely pacific, so that I am able to describe their
+     habits and customs. Their manners and their faces were
+     filthy, and they all had their cheeks stuffed full of a
+     green herb which they were continually chewing, as beasts
+     chew the cud, so that they were scarcely able to speak. Each
+     one of them wore, hanging at the neck, two dried
+     gourd-shells, one of which was filled with the same kind of
+     herb they had in their mouths, and the other with a white
+     meal, which appeared to be chalk-dust. They also carried
+     with them a small stick, which they wetted in their mouths
+     from time to time and then put in the meal, afterwards
+     putting it into the herb with which both cheeks were filled,
+     and mixing the meal with it. We were surprised at their
+     conduct, and could not understand for what purpose they
+     indulged in the strange practice.
+
+     "As soon as these people saw us, they came to us with as
+     much familiarity as if we had been old friends. Walking with
+     them along the shore, and wishing to find some fresh water
+     to drink, they made us to understand by signs that they had
+     none, and offered us some of their herbs and meal; hence we
+     concluded that water was very scarce in this island, and
+     that they kept these herbs in their mouth in order to allay
+     their thirst. We walked about the island a day and a half
+     without finding any living water, and noticed that all they
+     had to drink was the dew which fell in the night upon
+     certain leaves that looked like asses' ears. These leaves
+     being filled with dew-water the islanders use it for their
+     drink, and most excellent water it was; but there were many
+     places where the leaves were not to be found.
+
+     "They had no victuals or roots, such as we found on the
+     main-land, but lived on fish, which they caught in the sea,
+     of which there was an abundance, and they were very expert
+     fishermen. They presented us with many turtles, and many
+     large and very good fish. The women did not chew the herb as
+     the men did, but carried a gourd with water in it, of which
+     they drank. They had no villages, houses, or cottages,
+     except some arbors which defended them from the sun, but not
+     from the rain; this appearing needless, for I think it very
+     seldom rained on that island. When they were fishing out at
+     sea, they each wore on the head a very large leaf, so broad
+     that they were covered by its shade. They fixed these leaves
+     also in the ground on shore, and as the sun moved turned
+     them about, so as to keep within the shadow. The island
+     contained many animals of various kinds, all of which drank
+     the muddy water of the marshes.
+
+     "Seeing there was no gain in staying there, we left and went
+     to another island, which we found inhabited by people of
+     very large stature. Going into the country in search of
+     fresh water, without thinking the island inhabited (as we
+     saw no people), as we were passing along the shore we
+     remarked very large footprints on the sands. We concluded
+     that if the other members corresponded with the feet they
+     must be very large men. While occupied with these
+     conjectures, we struck a path which led us inland, and after
+     we had gone about a league we saw in a valley five huts or
+     cottages which appeared to be inhabited. On going to them we
+     found only five women, two quite old, and three girls, all
+     so tall in stature that we regarded them with astonishment.
+     When they saw us they became so frightened that they had not
+     even courage to flee, and the two old women began to invite
+     us into the huts, and to bring us many things to eat, with
+     many signs of friendship. They were taller than a tall man,
+     and as large-bodied as Francisco of Albizzi, but better
+     proportioned than we are. While we were consulting as to the
+     expediency of taking the three girls by force and bringing
+     them to Castile to exhibit as wonders, there entered the
+     door of the hut thirty-six men, much larger than the women,
+     and so well made that it was a pleasure to look at them.
+     They put us in such perturbation, however, that we would
+     much rather have been in the ships than have found ourselves
+     with such people. They carried immense bows and arrows, and
+     large-headed clubs, and talked among themselves in a tone
+     which led us to think they were deliberating about attacking
+     us.
+
+     "Seeing we were in such danger, we formed various opinions
+     on the subject. Some were for falling upon them in the hut,
+     others thought it would be better to attack them in the
+     field, and others that we should not commence the strife
+     until we saw what they wished to do. We agreed, at length,
+     to go out of the hut and take our way quietly to the ships.
+     As soon as we did this they followed at a stone's-throw
+     behind us, talking earnestly among themselves, and I think
+     no less afraid of us than we were of them; for whenever we
+     stopped they did the same, never coming nearer to us. In
+     this way we at length arrived at the shore, where the boats
+     were waiting for us. We entered them, and as we were going
+     off in the distance they leaped forward and shot many arrows
+     after us; but we had little fear of them now. We discharged
+     two arquebuses at them, but more to frighten them than
+     injure, and on hearing the report they all fled to the
+     mountain. Thus we parted from them, and it appeared to us
+     that we had escaped a perilous day's work. These people were
+     quite naked, like the others we had seen, and on account of
+     their large stature I called this island the Island of
+     Giants. We proceeded onward in a direction parallel with the
+     main-land, on which it happened that we were frequently
+     obliged to fight with the people, who were not willing to
+     let us take anything away.
+
+     "When we had been at sea about a year, our minds were fully
+     prepared for returning to Castile, as we had then but little
+     provision left, and that little damaged, in consequence of
+     the great heat through which we had passed. From the time we
+     left Cape de Verde until then we had been sailing
+     continually in the torrid zone, having twice crossed the
+     equinoctial line (as before stated), having been five
+     degrees beyond it to the south, and then fifteen degrees
+     north of it. Being thus disposed for our return, it pleased
+     the Holy Spirit to give us some repose from our great
+     labors.
+
+     "Going in search of a harbor, in order to repair our ships,
+     we fell in with a people who received us with friendship,
+     and we found that they had a great quantity of Oriental
+     pearls, which were very good. We remained with them
+     forty-seven days and procured from them one hundred and
+     nineteen marks of pearls, in exchange for mere trifles of
+     our merchandise, which I think did not cost us the value of
+     forty ducats. We gave them nothing whatever but bells,
+     looking-glasses, beads, and brass plates; for a bell one
+     would give all he had.
+
+     "We learned from them how and where they fished for these
+     pearls, and they gave us many oysters in which they grew. We
+     procured one oyster in which a hundred and thirty pearls
+     were growing, but in others there were less number. The one
+     with the hundred and thirty the queen took from me, but the
+     others I kept to myself, that she might not see them. Your
+     excellency must know that if the pearls are not ripe and
+     loose in the shell they do not last, because they are soon
+     spoiled. Of this I have seen many examples. When they are
+     ripe they are loose in the oyster, mingled with the flesh,
+     and then are good. Even the bad ones which they had, which
+     for the most part were rough, were nevertheless worth a
+     considerable sum.
+
+     "At the end of forty-seven days we left these people, in
+     great friendship with us, and from the want of provisions
+     went to the island of Antilla [meaning Hispaniola], which
+     was discovered some years before by Christopher Columbus.
+     Here we obtained many supplies and stayed two months and
+     seventeen days. We passed through many dangers and troubles
+     with the Christians, who were settled in this island with
+     Columbus (I think through their envy), the relation of
+     which, in order not to be tedious, I omit. We left there on
+     the 22d of April, and, after sailing a month and a half,
+     entered the port of Cadiz, where we were received with much
+     honor on the 8th day of June. Thus terminated, by the favor
+     of God, my second voyage."
+
+
+
+
+X
+
+FAMOUS FELLOW-VOYAGERS
+
+1497-1500
+
+
+Though Amerigo Vespucci was on occasions intimately associated with
+Christopher Columbus, conversed with him, corresponded, and had much
+to do with the outfitting of his ships, it cannot be shown that the
+two ever went on a voyage together. Some have asserted that the
+Florentine accompanied the Genoese on his second voyage, in 1493, but
+such is not the case. From the friendship that existed between the
+two, it would doubtless have been gratifying to both could they have
+explored the New World in company, for each was a complement of the
+other, and much might have resulted from their conjoined efforts.
+
+Still, while the great Admiral himself was not favored by the presence
+of Vespucci on any of his voyages, it chanced that several of those
+who were with him at different times afterwards accompanied his
+rival, either as captains or pilots of his expeditions. Notable among
+these was Vicente Yanez Pinzon, one of the noble family that came to
+the rescue of Columbus when in straits at Palos, and furnished the
+funds with which the impecunious navigator provided and equipped the
+vessel he had promised his sovereigns to contribute. The Pinzons
+actually provided and manned this vessel, the _Nina_, though Columbus
+had the credit of it, and Vicente Yanez was its captain throughout the
+first voyage to America, in 1492-1493.
+
+The eldest of the three brothers, who "risked their lives and fortunes
+with Columbus in his doubtful enterprise," the first voyage to the
+unknown hemisphere, was Martin Alonzo, who commanded the _Pinta_. He
+ran counter to the commands of Columbus when off the coast of Cuba,
+and as a result fell into disgrace with the Spanish sovereigns, and
+died of chagrin soon after the first voyage was over. Columbus seemed
+to consider himself released from any obligations to the Pinzons,
+owing to the defection of Martin Alonzo, and they never received a
+single maravedi for their assistance at the most critical juncture of
+the Admiral's fortunes. As captain of the _Nina_, Vicente Yanez, the
+younger brother, stood by Columbus loyally, all through the voyage,
+and after the wreck of the flag-ship, off the north coast of Haiti,
+took his commander aboard the little caravel and brought him safely
+back to Spain.
+
+He seems to have received no recognition from Columbus, either for his
+pecuniary aid or loyal support to him in time of disaster, and after
+the voyage was accomplished he sank out of sight for a while, to
+emerge again in 1494 or 1495. About that time, says a learned
+historian, "Ferdinand and Isabella began to feel somewhat disappointed
+at the meagre results obtained by Columbus. The wealth of Cathay and
+Cipango had not been found; the colonists who had expected to meet
+with pearls and gold growing on bushes were sick and angry; Friar
+Boyle was preaching that the Admiral was a humbug, and the expensive
+work of discovery was going on at a snail's pace. Meanwhile, Vicente
+Yanez Pinzon and other bold spirits were grumbling at the monopoly
+granted to Columbus, and begging to be allowed to make ventures
+themselves.
+
+"Now, in this connection, several documents preserved in the archives
+of the Indies at Seville are very significant. On April 9, 1495, the
+sovereigns issued their letter of credentials to Juan Aguado, whom
+they were about sending to Hispaniola to inquire into the charges
+against Columbus. On that very day they signed the contract with
+Berardi [Vespucci's partner], whereby the latter bound himself to
+furnish twelve vessels, four to be ready at once, four in June, and
+four in September. On the next day they issued the decree throwing
+open the navigation to the Indies and granting to all native
+Spaniards, on certain prescribed conditions, the privilege of making
+voyages to the newly found coasts.
+
+"On the 12th they instructed Fonseca to put Aguado in command of the
+first four caravels, ... and it started off in August. The second
+squadron of four, which was to have been ready in June, was not yet
+fully equipped in December, when Berardi died. Then Vespucci,
+representing the house of Berardi, took up the work, and sent the four
+caravels to sea February 3, 1496. They were only two days out when a
+frightful storm overtook and wrecked them, though most of the crews
+were saved. The third squadron of four caravels was, I believe, that
+which finally sailed May 10, 1497. While it was getting ready, Vicente
+Yanez Pinzon returned from the Levant, whither he had been sent on
+important business by the sovereigns in December, 1495. Columbus, who
+had returned to Spain in June, 1496, protested against what he
+considered an invasion of his monopoly, and on June 2, 1497, the
+sovereigns issued a decree which for the moment was practically
+equivalent to a revocation of the general license accorded to
+navigators by the decree of April 10, 1495. Observe that this
+revocation was not issued until after the third squadron had sailed.
+The sovereigns were not going to be balked in the little scheme which
+they had set on foot two years before, and for which they had paid
+out, through Vespucci, so many thousand maravedis. So the expedition
+sailed, with Pinzon chief in command and Solis second; with Ledesma
+for one of the pilots, and Vespucci as pilot and cosmographer."
+
+In the foregoing the historian accounts for the sailing of Pinzon and
+Vespucci in company, on that "debatable voyage" described in chapter
+VI. In the year 1499 both Pinzon and Vespucci were to sail--though in
+separate fleets--for the coasts of the continent which Columbus had
+accidentally revealed in his voyage of 1498. Vespucci was to coast its
+northern shores, while Pinzon, with a confidence born of successive
+ventures on the ocean, was to strike farther southward than any had
+done before him (in the western hemisphere), cross the equinoctial
+line, and reveal to the knowledge of civilized man the great river,
+afterwards called the Amazon, and the country of Brazil. The fleet in
+which Vespucci took passage left Spain in the month of May, 1499, that
+commanded by Pinzon left in December; and it is still a moot question
+whether the first or the second was the first to arrive on the coast
+of Brazil. But Pinzon sailed beyond Vespucci on that voyage, though he
+was to be surpassed, the next year, in the generous rivalry that
+existed for making the "farthest south."
+
+Another companion of Vespucci worthy of note is the man called by Las
+Casas the best pilot of his day, Juan de la Cosa. He had been with
+Columbus on his first voyage, as owner and pilot of the _Santa Maria_,
+and also on his second, and may have had good grounds for believing
+himself as good a navigator as the Admiral, while as a cosmographer he
+was probably his superior. The historian, Peter Martyr, asserts that
+La Cosa and another pilot, Andres Morales, "were thought to be more
+cunning in that part of cosmography which teacheth the description and
+measurement of the sea" than any others in the world. In truth, the
+first map of importance made within a decade of the discovery of 1492
+was that produced by La Cosa, in the summer of 1500, after his return
+from the voyage (his third to the New World) with Ojeda and Vespucci.
+It is thought that he embodied in that map the results of Vespucci's
+voyage of 1497-1498, as communicated to him during their intimate
+companionship of thirteen months. La Cosa, the Biscayan pilot, was a
+man cast in the same generous mould as Vespucci, and shared none of
+the narrow notions of Columbus. His great regard for Columbus is shown
+in the vignette to his map, which represents the giant Christopher
+(the "Christ-bearer") carrying the infant Jesus on his shoulders.
+Beneath this vignette is the legend, "Juan de la Cosa made this map,
+in the port of Santa Maria [near Cadiz], year 1500." It is the best
+map that had been put forth up to that date, and for a long time
+thereafter remained as a guide to mariners.
+
+His services were in great request at that time, and in the month of
+October, 1500, he was engaged by Rodrigo Bastidas, a lawyer of
+Seville, to pilot a small expedition he had fitted out to search for
+gold and pearls. This was the expedition in which Vasco Nunez de
+Balboa first embarked for the New World, and which was so profitable
+that the leaders returned (though their vessels had sunk at their
+anchors in a harbor of Haiti) with sufficient pearls to give them each
+a fortune. If they had been content to live at ease in Spain, they
+might have done so during the remainder of their days; but both
+Bastidas and La Cosa were lured back to the coast of Terra Firma by
+the prospect of further enrichment, and there they came to untimely
+ends.
+
+La Cosa was created _alguazil mayor_ of the territory he and Vespucci
+had coasted, and finding Ojeda in want--both of money and an
+opportunity to display his prowess as a fighter--he generously shared
+his fortune with him and fitted out a fleet containing a ship and two
+small brigantines. Thenceforth, as fate willed it, the great-hearted
+pilot and the fiery cavalier were inseparable until cut down by death.
+In the month of November, 1509, they set sail from Santo Domingo with
+their three vessels and three hundred men. La Cosa piloted the little
+fleet into a safe harbor, as he knew the coast well from two previous
+visits to Terra Firma, but he endeavored to induce Ojeda to attempt a
+settlement farther on towards the Isthmus of Darien, as the Indians of
+this region were very ferocious and used poisoned arrows.
+
+Ojeda, however, would not be turned from his purpose, which was to
+acquire a large number of slaves, either by stratagem or force. After
+the monks who accompanied his command had read a requisition to the
+savages, requiring them to submit gracefully and be converted, if they
+did not wish to incur the vengeance of the King of Spain, the Pope of
+Rome, and their emissaries there assembled, finding them obdurate,
+Ojeda gave the command to attack. The Indians, by this time, had
+assembled in great force, and if they understood the message (which
+was not likely, as it was in Spanish, a language they had never heard
+before) they manifested no inclination to heed its warnings. They
+brandished their spears, shot their arrows, and yelled defiance to the
+invaders. This was more than the rash Ojeda could endure, and he
+dashed headlong at the naked enemy without waiting for his men to
+follow.
+
+Only the gallant La Cosa was with him at first, continually
+remonstrating with his friend for his temerity, but fighting bravely
+at his side. The old pilot was a man of peace, but he was destined to
+die a violent and a horrible death. While pressing forward in advance
+of their men, the retreat of Ojeda and La Cosa was cut off by the wily
+savages, who had pretended to retire to the hills, whence they soon
+returned in great force. La Cosa took refuge in a hut, where he
+gallantly defended himself until a poisoned arrow pierced his breast
+and he fell to the ground. One companion survived, to whom he said, as
+he felt the chill of death creeping over him, "Brother, since God hath
+protected thee from harm, sally out and fly; and if ever thou shouldst
+see Alonzo de Ojeda, tell him of my fate."
+
+Thus expired Juan de la Cosa, former companion of Columbus and
+Vespucci, able pilot, skilled cartographer, loyal till death to the
+man who had led him into the forest where he met that fatal arrow.
+
+It is claimed by some that Vespucci and La Cosa made two voyages
+together, in the years 1505 and 1507, but this is doubtful. After
+their return from the voyage of 1499-1500 they separated, Amerigo to
+take service with the King of Portugal, and La Cosa, upon the
+completion of his chart and after his return from the Bastidas
+expedition of 1500-1501, settling down to the enjoyment of his
+fortune. The third famous member of the trio, Alonzo de Ojeda,
+obtained authority from the king to colonize Coquibacoa, on the coast
+of Terra Firma, and received in addition a grant of land six leagues
+square in the island of Hispaniola.
+
+The former venture had not been considered a success, but the
+merchants of Seville and Cadiz were persuaded to once more try their
+fortunes with the brave cavalier Ojeda, and fitted out for him a fleet
+of four large vessels. In command of these he set sail, in the year
+1502, and after touching at Cumana, where he pillaged the Indians and
+took many prisoners, he proceeded to Coquibacoa. Finding the place
+unsuited for a settlement, he went farther westward and attempted a
+colony at Bahia Honda, building there a fortress and huts for his
+people. The Indians were hostile at first, but gold was found in
+abundance--so much of it, in fact, that the adventurers began to
+quarrel over it, and soon came to blows. Ojeda, as usual, was foremost
+in the fight that followed, and, as his company turned against him, he
+was entrapped on one of the caravels and placed in irons. Then the
+entire company sailed for Hispaniola, intending to submit the cause of
+their dissension, which was their strong-box full of gold, to the
+courts of that island for a decision. They arrived at a port on the
+western coast of Hispaniola, and in the night the manacled Ojeda
+slipped overboard into the water, intending to swim ashore and make
+his escape. The fetters on his feet were heavy, however, though his
+arms were free, and he was nearly drowned before his companions,
+hearing his cries for help, pulled him out of the water and again
+confined him in the hold of the vessel.
+
+Taken to the city of Santo Domingo, he was placed on trial for
+attempting to defraud the government, and the decision was against
+him. He was not only deprived of his lands, but was stripped of
+everything he owned. For several years thereafter he roamed about the
+island, and made occasional voyages, but as a penniless, rather than
+an influential, adventurer. His good friend, the "ungodly bishop,"
+Fonseca, was still in power, but inaccessible through the great
+distance that separated them. One happy day, however, Ojeda met La
+Cosa, who was then in the enjoyment of a considerable fortune, and
+who, with the reckless generosity for which sailors are proverbial,
+placed all his means at his disposal. He went to Spain, where he saw
+the bishop, secured a fleet (as already mentioned), and in it sailed
+for Santo Domingo, where he was met by his partner, and together the
+soldier and the sailor set out for Terra Firma.
+
+Before they left the island, however, Ojeda must needs plunge himself
+into another difficulty by picking a quarrel with a rival discoverer,
+Nicuesa, whom he challenged to fight a duel. It seems that King
+Ferdinand had granted territory in Terra Firma to both these men; and,
+though there was certainly room enough and to spare in that vast
+region, they began to dispute over their perspective boundaries before
+they had staked them out. The hot-headed Ojeda was a skilled
+swordsman, but Nicuesa was artful enough to avoid an encounter, in
+which there was little doubt he would be killed, by insisting that
+each contestant should deposit five thousand castellanos with an
+umpire before engaging in the fight. As this was a larger sum than
+poor Ojeda could raise--which, of course, Nicuesa knew full well--the
+irate cavalier was obliged to sail without having obtained
+satisfaction.
+
+This was the expedition that ended so disastrously, as narrated in a
+previous chapter. The Spaniard who was charged with La Cosa's last
+message to Ojeda was the only survivor of seventy who had followed the
+rash commander in his headlong attack. What had become of Ojeda
+himself none of the survivors could tell, for several days passed
+without news of him. His body was not to be found among the slain, and
+no one who knew him believed that the Indians could have captured him
+alive. He had fought like a tiger to reach and defend his friend La
+Cosa, but had been borne back by the thronging savages, and since
+then nothing had been heard of him. The woods and shore were searched
+by scouts, and he was finally found extended on some mangrove roots on
+the borders of the forest. He was in such an exhausted state that he
+could not speak, but, intrepid to the last, still clung to his
+buckler, and in his right hand grasped the good sword with which he
+had cut his way through the savage hordes.
+
+Although famished, and so weak that he could not stand, it was
+discovered that he had not received a single wound; but on his shield
+were seen the dents made by more than three hundred arrows. His rescue
+had scarcely been effected before the ships of his deadly rival,
+Nicuesa, sailed into the harbor; but, instead of taking advantage of
+Ojeda's defenceless condition, the high-minded hidalgo offered to join
+with him in an attack upon the savages, in order to avenge his defeat.
+Combining their forces, the two erstwhile enemies fell upon the
+Indians while they were asleep, slaughtered an immense number, and
+then, after plundering their dwellings set them on fire.
+
+Thus the unfortunate pilot and his comrades were avenged, and the
+ships sailed on, leaving behind hundreds of mangled corpses and huts
+reduced to ashes. It was not strange, then, that the surviving savages
+should ceaselessly attack the settlement soon after founded by Ojeda
+on their coast, and with such persistency that finally it had to be
+abandoned. It was in one of these attacks that Ojeda received his
+first wound. He had hitherto considered himself invulnerable, but,
+falling into an Indian ambush, a poisoned arrow pierced his thigh.
+After wrenching it from the wound, he ordered his surgeon, on pain of
+death for refusal, to burn out the venom with red-hot irons, and by
+this means, though his life was saved, he received injuries that made
+him permanently lame.
+
+At last conditions in the settlement became so desperate that Ojeda
+seized the occasion of a pirate ship touching there to depart for
+Hispaniola in search of assistance. Leaving his company in charge of
+Francisco Pizarro--who in this manner began his conquering career--he
+embarked in the pirate ship, but had hardly cleared the harbor before
+he began a fierce quarrel with the commander, Talavera, by whose
+orders he was seized and fettered. Even when chained to the deck, the
+undaunted cavalier dared Talavera and his crew to fight him, two at a
+time, and when they refused denounced them all as cowards.
+
+A violent gale arose, with the result that their ship was wrecked on
+the southern coast of Cuba. Escaping to shore, they endured terrible
+sufferings for weeks, wandering half famished in forests and through
+swamps, until finally rescued by a tribe of Indians who had not heard
+of Spanish atrocities and who gave them freely all the provisions they
+needed. A canoe was despatched to Jamaica with the tidings of
+disaster, and in the end Ojeda reached Hispaniola, where he had the
+satisfaction of seeing his late companions hung for their crimes, and
+where he passed the remainder of his life in poverty. He died in 1515,
+so poor, says Bishop Las Casas, "that he did not leave money enough to
+provide for his interment, and so broken in spirit that, with his last
+breath, he entreated his body might be buried in the monastery of San
+Francisco [the ruins of which may still be seen in Santo Domingo],
+just at the portal, in humble expiation of his past pride, 'that every
+one who entered might tread upon his grave.'"
+
+
+
+
+XI
+
+ON THE COAST OF BRAZIL
+
+1501-1502
+
+
+The New World, subsequently to be called America, did not reveal
+itself to navigators during the lifetime of any one of those first
+engaged in its discovery. Its islands and coast-lines were brought to
+view one by one, and bit by bit, so that many years elapsed between
+the voyage of Columbus, in 1492, and that which finally enabled the
+map-makers to complete the outlines of the continents. It is
+interesting and instructive to trace the movements of the explorers,
+and note how, after the initial work of Columbus, they emulate one
+another in pushing farther and farther into the great ocean of
+darkness, their voyages overlapping at times, but ever extending,
+until at last the islands of the West Indies are all revealed and the
+vast southern continent is circumnavigated.
+
+Columbus, in his first three voyages, brought to view most of those
+islands now known as the Antilles, and on his fourth and last he
+skirted the eastern coast of Central America; but he left gaps here
+and there which it took many years to fill. On his third voyage, in
+1498, he discovered the island of Trinidad and the pearl islands off
+the coast of Cumana; but he did not proceed, as he should have done,
+along the coast of Terra Firma, and hence Ojeda, Vespucci, and La Cosa
+slipped in, guided by the very chart made by him and so treacherously
+furnished them by Fonseca.
+
+[Illustration: ROUTES OF THE DISCOVERERS]
+
+While doubts may be entertained as to the "first" voyage of Vespucci,
+none can exist as to that made by him in 1499-1500, as we have the
+sworn testimony to that effect by Ojeda himself, who, when called to
+give the same, in the great suit brought by Diego Columbus against the
+crown, declared that he had with him on that voyage both La Cosa and
+the Florentine. This testimony was given in 1513, a year after
+Vespucci's death, and its object was to show that the coast of Terra
+Firma, so called, had been first seen by Columbus. By establishing the
+fact of his priority, it disposed of any claim Vespucci or his
+friends may have made, as he and Ojeda were sailing with the
+track-chart of Columbus as their guide. Thus they picked up the route
+pursued by the Admiral, and extended it several degrees, Bastidas and
+La Cosa, the next year, carrying it still farther.
+
+In December, 1499, in June of which year Ojeda and Vespucci had set
+out together, Vicente Pinzon sailed along the Brazilian coast to a
+point eight degrees south of the equinoctial line. He returned to
+Spain in September, 1500, and in April of that year Pedro Alvarez
+Cabral, in command of a Portuguese fleet bound for the Spice Islands,
+over the route discovered by Da Gama, accidentally came in sight of
+land on the coast of the country since known as Brazil, in latitude
+sixteen degrees south of the line. Unable to prosecute explorations
+there, as he was bound for the East, around the Cape of Good Hope and
+along the west coast of Africa, Cabral sent a vessel of his fleet back
+to Portugal with the news, and proceeded on his way.
+
+Casting about for a navigator eminently qualified as pilot and
+cosmographer to pursue the exploration indicated by Cabral, along the
+coast of the country he had so strangely revealed, King Emanuel of
+Portugal made up his mind that Amerigo Vespucci was the man he wanted.
+Just when he came to this decision, and when Vespucci shifted his
+allegiance from Spain to Portugal, is not exactly known, but it was
+probably late in the year 1500, after his return, of course, from the
+voyage with Ojeda and La Cosa. The particulars of this transaction we
+will let him relate in the following letter contained in this chapter.
+He does not quite satisfactorily explain how he came to break with
+King Ferdinand, especially as both the sovereign and Fonseca had
+received him with marked attention, the latter having presented him at
+court, where he was consulted as to new expeditions, and "his accounts
+of what he had already seen listened to with the greatest interest."
+The affair is all the more inexplicable from the fact that during the
+interval between his return from the second voyage and his going to
+Portugal he was married to a charming lady of Seville. This lady, Dona
+Maria Cerezo, was his betrothed during the time he was engaged with
+the house of Berardi, but the mania for exploring having seized him,
+their marriage was not consummated until after the two voyages had
+been made. She went with him to the court, sharing there the honors
+heaped upon him by the king; but after this little is heard of her,
+though it is known that she survived him several years, and on account
+of his distinguished services to Spain received a liberal pension from
+the government.
+
+Leaving his newly wedded wife in Seville, Vespucci went to Portugal,
+"where he was received with open arms by King Emanuel, and commenced
+with ardor the preparation of the fleet." Respecting his sudden
+departure from Spain, his Italian eulogist, Canovai, has this to say:
+"It does not appear that King Ferdinand considered himself wronged by
+the sudden flight and, to say the least, apparent discourtesy of
+Amerigo in leaving the kingdom and the king, his patron, without
+salutation or leave-taking. It was probably looked upon as a trait of
+his reserved character, or an evidence of his aversion to idle and
+slanderous rumors, which he was unwilling to take the pains to
+contradict. Rumors and whisperings soon die away when they have
+nothing to feed upon, and when Vespucci returned, as though from a
+journey, the slight was forgotten, and he was treated with greater
+honor than before."
+
+To what cause King Emanuel owed this acquisition of King Ferdinand's
+skilled navigator does not appear; but he was not to retain him very
+long. He made, however, two voyages under the flag of Portugal, the
+first of which is outlined in this letter to his friend, the
+Gonfaloniere of Florence, Piero Soderini:
+
+     "I was reposing myself in Seville, after the many toils I
+     had undergone in the two voyages to the Indies, made for his
+     Serene Highness Ferdinand, King of Castile, yet indulging in
+     a willingness to return to the Land of Pearls, when Fortune,
+     not seeming to be satisfied with my former labors, inspired
+     the mind of his Majesty Emanuel, King of Portugal (I know
+     not through what circumstances), to attempt to avail himself
+     of my services. There came to me a royal letter from his
+     majesty, containing a solicitation that I would come to
+     Lisbon to speak with him, he promising to show me many
+     favors. I did not at once determine to go, and argued with
+     the messenger, telling him I was ill and indisposed for the
+     undertaking, but that when recovered, if his highness wished
+     me to serve him, I would do whatever he might command.
+
+     "Seeing that he could not obtain me thus, he sent Juliano di
+     Bartolomeo del Giocondo, who at that time resided in Lisbon,
+     with a commission to use every means to bring me back with
+     him. Juliano came to Seville, and on his arrival, and
+     induced by his urgent entreaties, I was persuaded to go,
+     though my going was looked upon with ill favor by all who
+     knew me. It was thus regarded by my friends, because I had
+     abandoned Castile, where I had been honored, and because
+     they thought the king had rightful possession of me; and it
+     was considered still worse that I departed without taking
+     leave of my host.
+
+     "Having, however, presented myself at the court of King
+     Emanuel, he appeared to be highly pleased with my coming,
+     and requested that I would accompany his three ships, which
+     were then ready to set out for the discovery of new lands.
+     Thus esteeming a request from a king as equivalent to a
+     command, I was obliged to consent to whatever he asked of
+     me.
+
+     "We set sail from the port of Lisbon with three ships in
+     company, on the l3th of May, 1501, and steered our course
+     directly for the Grand Canary Islands, which we passed
+     without stopping, and coasted along the western shores of
+     Africa. On this coast we found excellent fishing, taking
+     fish called porgies, and were detained three days. From
+     there we went to the coast of Ethiopia, arriving at a port
+     called Beseneghe, within the torrid zone, and situated on
+     the fourteenth degree of north latitude, in the first
+     climate. Here we remained eleven days, taking in wood and
+     water--as it was my intention to sail south through the
+     great Atlantic Ocean. Leaving this port of Ethiopia, we
+     sailed on our course, bearing a quarter south, and in
+     ninety-seven days we made land, at a distance of seven
+     hundred leagues from said port.
+
+     "In those ninety-seven days we had the worst weather that
+     ever man experienced who navigated the ocean, in a
+     succession of drenching rains, showers, and tempests. The
+     season was very unpropitious, as our navigation was
+     continually drawing us nearer the equinoctial line, where,
+     in the month of June, it is winter, and where we found the
+     days and nights of equal length, and our shadows falling
+     continually towards the south. It pleased God, however, to
+     show us new land, on the 17th day of August, at half a
+     league distance from which we anchored. We launched our
+     boats and went ashore, to see if the country was inhabited,
+     and, if so, by what kind of people, and we found at length a
+     population far more degraded than brutes.
+
+     "It should be understood that at first we did not see any
+     inhabitants, though we knew very well, by the many signs we
+     saw, that the country was peopled. We took possession of it,
+     in the name of his most serene majesty, and found it to be
+     pleasant and verdant, and situated five degrees south of the
+     equinoctial line. This much we ascertained and then returned
+     to the ships. On the next day, while we were ashore, we saw
+     people looking at us from the summit of a mountain, but they
+     did not venture to descend. They were naked, and of the same
+     color and figure as those heretofore discovered by me for
+     the King of Spain. We made much exertion to persuade them to
+     come and speak with us, but could not assure them
+     sufficiently to trust us. Seeing their obstinacy, as it was
+     growing late we returned to the ships, leaving on shore for
+     them many bells, looking-glasses, and other things, in
+     places where they could find them. When we had gone away
+     they descended from the mountain and took possession of the
+     things we had left, appearing to be filled with wonder while
+     viewing them. The next morning we saw from the ships that
+     the people of the land were making many bonfires, and,
+     taking them for signals to go ashore, we went and found that
+     many had arrived; but they kept always at a distance, though
+     they made signs that they wished us to accompany them
+     inland. Whereupon two Christians were induced to ask the
+     captain's permission to brave the danger and go with them,
+     in order to see what kind of people they were, and whether
+     they had any kind of riches, spices, or drugs. They
+     importuned him so much that he finally consented, and after
+     having been fitted out with many articles for trade they
+     left us, with orders not to be absent more than five days,
+     as we should expect them with great anxiety. So they took
+     their way into the country, and we returned to the ships to
+     wait for them, which we did for six days; but they never
+     came back, though nearly every day there came people to the
+     shore, who would not, however, speak with us.
+
+     "On the seventh day we landed and found that they had
+     brought their wives with them, whom they commanded, as we
+     reached the shore, to speak with us. We observed that they
+     hesitated to obey the order, and accordingly determined to
+     send one of our people, a very courageous young man, to
+     address them. In order to encourage them, we entered the
+     boats while he went to speak with the women. When he arrived
+     they formed themselves into a great circle around him,
+     touching and looking at him as with astonishment. While all
+     this was going on, we saw a woman coming from the mountains
+     carrying a large club in her hands. When she arrived where
+     our young Christian stood she came up behind him and,
+     raising the bludgeon, gave him such a blow with it that she
+     laid him dead on the spot, and immediately the other women
+     took him by the feet and dragged him away towards the
+     mountain. The men ran towards the shore forthwith and began
+     to assail us with their arrows, throwing our people into a
+     great fright, in consequence of the boats having grounded,
+     many arrows reaching them. No one resorted to arms, but for
+     a time all was terror and panic. After a while, however, we
+     discharged four swivels at them, which had no other effect
+     than to make them flee towards the mountain, when they heard
+     the report. There we saw that the women had already cut the
+     young Christian in pieces, and at a great fire which they
+     had made were roasting him in our sight, showing us the
+     several pieces as they ate them. The men also made signs to
+     us indicating that they had killed the other two Christians
+     and eaten them in the same manner, which grieved us very
+     much.
+
+     " ... We departed from this place and sailed along in a
+     southeasterly direction, on a line parallel with the coast,
+     making many landings, but never finding any people with whom
+     to converse. Continuing in this manner, we found at length
+     that the line of the coast made a turn to the south, and
+     after doubling a cape, which we called St. Augustine, we
+     began to sail in a southerly direction. This cape is a
+     hundred and fifty leagues distant, easterly, from the
+     aforementioned land where the three Christians were
+     murdered, and eight degrees south of the equinoctial line.
+     While sailing on this course, we one day saw many people
+     standing on the shore, apparently in great wonder at the
+     sight of our ships. We directed our course towards them,
+     and, having anchored in a good place, proceeded to land in
+     the boats, and found the people better disposed than those
+     we had passed. Though it cost us some exertion to tame them,
+     we nevertheless made them our friends and treated with them.
+     In this place we stayed five days, and here we found
+     cassia-stems very large and green, and some already dried on
+     the tops of the trees. We determined to take a couple of men
+     from the place, in order that they might learn the language,
+     and three of them came with us voluntarily, wishing to visit
+     Portugal.
+
+     "Being already wearied with so much writing, I will delay no
+     longer the information that we left this port and sailed
+     continually in a southerly direction in sight of the shore,
+     making frequent landings and treating with a great number of
+     people. We went so far to the south that we were beyond the
+     tropic of Capricorn, where the south pole is elevated
+     thirty-two degrees above the horizon. We had then entirely
+     lost sight of Ursa Minor, and even Ursa Major was very low,
+     nearly on the edge of the horizon; so we steered by the
+     stars of the south pole, which are many, and much brighter
+     than those of the north. I drew the figures of the greater
+     part of them, particularly those of the first and second
+     magnitude, with a description of the circles which they made
+     around the pole, and an account of their diameters and
+     semi-diameters, as may be seen in my _Quattro Giornate_, or
+     _Four Journeys_.
+
+     "We ran on this coast about seven hundred and fifty leagues:
+     one hundred and fifty from Cape St. Augustine towards the
+     west, and six hundred towards the south. If I were to relate
+     all the things that I saw on this coast, and others that we
+     passed, as many more sheets as I have already written upon
+     would not be sufficient for the purpose. We saw nothing of
+     utility here, save a great number of dye-wood and cassia
+     trees, and also of those trees which produce myrrh. There
+     were, however, many natural curiosities, which cannot be
+     recounted.
+
+     "Having been already full ten months on the voyage, and
+     seeing that we had found no minerals in the country, we
+     concluded to take leave of it, and attempt the ocean in some
+     other part. It was determined in council to pursue whatever
+     course of navigation appeared best to me, and I was invested
+     with full command of the fleet. I ordered that all the
+     people and the fleet should be provided with wood and water
+     for six months--as much as the officers of the ship should
+     deem prudent to sail with. Having laid in our provisions, we
+     commenced our navigation with a southeasterly wind, on the
+     15th of February, when the sun was already approaching the
+     equinoctial line, and tending towards this, our northern
+     hemisphere. We were in such high southern latitude at this
+     time that the south pole was elevated fifty-two degrees
+     above the horizon, and we no longer saw the stars either of
+     Ursa Minor or Major.
+
+     "On the 3d of April we had sailed five hundred leagues from
+     the port we had left, and on this day commenced a storm so
+     violent that we had to take in all our sails and run under
+     bare poles. It was so furious that the whole fleet was in
+     apprehension. The nights were very long, being fifteen hours
+     in duration, the sun then being in Aries, and winter
+     prevailing in this region. While driven by this storm, on
+     the 7th of April, we came in sight of new land, and ran
+     within twenty leagues of it, finding the coast wild, and
+     seeing neither harbor nor inhabitants. The cold was so
+     severe that no one in the fleet could withstand or endure
+     it--which I conceive to be the reason for this want of
+     population. Finding ourselves in great danger, and the storm
+     so violent that we could scarce distinguish one ship from
+     another, on account of the high seas that were running and
+     the misty darkness of the weather, we agreed that the
+     superior captain should make signals to the fleet to turn
+     about, leave the country, and steer direct for Portugal.
+
+     "This proved to be very good counsel, for certain it is, if
+     we had delayed that night, we should all have been lost. We
+     took the wind aft, and during the night and next day the
+     storm increased so much that we were apprehensive for our
+     safety, and made many vows of pilgrimage, and the
+     performance of other ceremonies usual with [superstitious]
+     mariners in such weather. We ran five days, making about two
+     hundred and fifty leagues, and continually approaching the
+     equinoctial line, finding the air more mild and the sea less
+     boisterous; till at last it pleased God to deliver us from
+     this our great danger.
+
+     "It was our intention to go and reconnoitre the coast of
+     Ethiopia, which was thirteen hundred leagues distant from
+     us, through the great Atlantic sea, and by the grace of God
+     we arrived at it, touching at a southern port called Sierra
+     Leone, where we stayed fifteen days, obtaining refreshments.
+     From this place we steered for the Azore Islands, about
+     seven hundred and fifty leagues distant, where we arrived in
+     the latter part of July, and stayed another fifteen days,
+     taking some recreation. Then we departed for Lisbon, three
+     hundred leagues farther, which port we entered on the 7th of
+     September, 1502--for which the All-Powerful be
+     thanked!--with only two ships, having burned the other in
+     Sierra Leone because it was no longer sea-worthy.
+
+     "In this voyage we were absent about fifteen months, and
+     sailed eleven of them without seeing the north star, or
+     either of the constellations Ursa Major and Minor (which are
+     called the "horn"), steering meanwhile by the stars of the
+     other pole. The above is what I saw in this my third voyage,
+     made for his Serene Highness the King of Portugal."
+
+
+
+
+XII
+
+THE "FOURTH PART OF THE EARTH"
+
+
+The following letter from Vespucci to Lorenzo di Pier Francesco de
+Medici, his friend and patron in Florence, was probably written in the
+spring of 1503.
+
+     "_To my most Excellent Patron, Lorenzo:_
+
+     "My last letter to your excellency was written from a place
+     on the coast of Guinea called Cape Verde, and in it you were
+     informed of the commencement of my voyage. The present
+     letter will advise you of its continuation and termination.
+
+     "We started from the above-mentioned cape, having first
+     taken in all necessary supplies of wood, water, etc., to
+     discover new lands in the ocean. We sailed on a
+     southwesterly course until, at the end of sixty-four days,
+     we discovered land, which, on many accounts, we concluded to
+     be Terra Firma. We coasted this land about eight hundred
+     leagues, in a direction west by south. It was well
+     inhabited, and I noticed many remarkable things, which I
+     will attempt to narrate.
+
+     "We sailed in those seas until we entered the torrid zone,
+     and passed to the south of the equinoctial line and the
+     tropic of Capricorn, so that we were fifty degrees south of
+     the line. We navigated four months and twenty-seven days,
+     seeing neither the arctic pole nor Ursa Major or Minor. We
+     discovered here many beautiful constellations, invisible in
+     the northern hemisphere, and noted their marvellous
+     movements and their grandeur.... To proceed, now, to a
+     description of the country, the plants therein, and of the
+     customs of the inhabitants, I would observe that this region
+     is most delightful, and covered with immense forests which
+     never lose their foliage, and throughout the year yield
+     aromatic odors and produce an infinite variety of fruit,
+     grateful to the taste and healthful for the body. In the
+     fields flourish so many sweet flowers and herbs, and the
+     fruits are so delicious and fragrant, that I fancied myself
+     near the terrestrial paradise. What shall I tell you of the
+     birds and the brilliant colors of their plumage? What of
+     their variety, their sweet songs, and their beauty? I dare
+     not enlarge upon this theme, for I fear I should not be
+     believed. How shall I enumerate the infinite variety of
+     sylvan animals: lions, catamounts, panthers--though not like
+     those of our regions--wolves, stags, and baboons of all
+     kinds? We saw more wild animals--such as wild hogs, kids,
+     deer, hares, and rabbits--than could ever have entered the
+     ark of Noah; but we saw no domestic animals whatever.
+
+     "Now, consider reasoning animals. We found the whole region
+     inhabited by people who were entirely naked, both men and
+     women. They were well proportioned in body, with black,
+     coarse hair, and little or no beard. I labored much to
+     investigate their customs, remaining twenty-seven days for
+     that purpose, and the following is the information I
+     acquired. They have no laws and no religious beliefs, but
+     live according to the dictates of nature alone. They know
+     nothing of the immortality of the soul; they have no private
+     property, but everything in common; they have no boundaries
+     of kingdom or province; they obey no king or lord, for it is
+     wholly unnecessary, as they have no laws, and each one is
+     his own master. They dwell together in houses made like
+     bells, in the construction of which they use neither iron
+     nor any other metal. This is very remarkable, for I have
+     seen houses two hundred and twenty feet long and thirty feet
+     wide, built with much skill, and containing five or six
+     hundred people. They sleep in hammocks made of cotton,
+     suspended in the air, without any covering; they eat seated
+     upon the ground, and their food consists of roots and herbs,
+     fruits and fish. They eat also lobsters, crabs, oysters, and
+     many other kinds of mussels and shell-fish which are found
+     in the sea. As to their meat, it is principally human flesh.
+     It is true that they devour the flesh of four-footed animals
+     and birds; but they do not catch many, because they have no
+     dogs, and the woods are thick and so filled with wild beasts
+     that they do not care to go into them, except in large
+     bodies and armed. The men are in the habit of decorating
+     their lips and cheeks with bones and stones, which they
+     suspend from holes they bore in them. I have seen some of
+     them with three, seven, and even as many as nine holes,
+     filled with white or green alabaster--a most barbarous
+     custom, which they follow in order, as they say, to make
+     themselves appear ferocious.... They are a people of great
+     longevity, for we met with many who had descendants of the
+     fourth degree. Not knowing how to compute time, and counting
+     neither days, months, nor years--excepting in so far as they
+     count the lunar months--when they wanted to signify to us
+     any particular duration of time, they did it by showing us a
+     stone for each moon; and, computing in this manner, we
+     discovered that the age of one man that we saw was seventeen
+     hundred moons, or about one hundred and thirty-two years,
+     reckoning thirteen moons to the year.
+
+     "They are a warlike race and extremely cruel. All their
+     weapons are, as Petrarch says, "committed to the winds"--for
+     they consist of spears, arrows, stones, and javelins. They
+     use no shields for the body, going to battle almost wholly
+     naked. There is no order or discipline in their fights,
+     except that they follow the counsels of the old men. Most
+     cruelly do they combat, and those who conquer in the field
+     bury their own dead, but cut up and eat the dead of their
+     enemies. Some who are taken prisoners are carried to their
+     villages for slaves. Females taken in war they frequently
+     marry, and sometimes the male prisoners are allowed to marry
+     the daughters of the tribe; but occasionally a diabolical
+     fury seems to come over them, and, calling together their
+     relations and the people, they sacrifice these slaves, the
+     children with the parents, accompanied by barbarous
+     ceremonies. This we know of a certainty, for we found much
+     human flesh in their huts, hung up to smoke, and we
+     purchased ten poor creatures from them, both men and women,
+     whom they were about to sacrifice, to save them from such a
+     fate. Much as we reproached them on this account, I cannot
+     say that they amended at all. The most astounding thing in
+     all their wars and cruelty was that we could not find out
+     any reason for them. They made war against each other,
+     although they had neither kings, kingdoms, nor property of
+     any kind, without any apparent desire to plunder, and
+     without any lust for power--which always appeared to me to
+     be the moving causes of wars and anarchy. When we asked them
+     about this they gave no reason other than that they did so
+     to avenge the murder of their ancestors. To conclude this
+     disgusting subject: one man confessed to me that he had
+     eaten of the flesh of over two hundred bodies, and I believe
+     it was the truth.
+
+     "In regard to the climate of this region, I should say it
+     was extremely pleasant and healthful; for in all the time
+     that we were there, which was ten months, not one of us
+     died, and only a few were sick. They suffer from no
+     infirmity, pestilence, or corruption of the atmosphere, and
+     die only natural deaths, unless they fall by their own hands
+     or in consequence of accident. In fact, physicians would
+     have a bad time in such a place.
+
+     "As we went solely to make discoveries, and started with
+     that view from Lisbon, without intending to look for any
+     profit, we did not trouble ourselves to explore the country
+     much, and found nothing of great value; though I am inclined
+     to believe that it is capable, from its climate and general
+     appearance, of containing every kind of natural wealth. It
+     is not to be wondered at that we did not discover at once
+     everything that might be turned to profit there, for the
+     inhabitants think nothing of gold or silver or precious
+     stones, and value only feathers and bones. But I hope that I
+     shall be sent again by the king to visit these regions, and
+     that many years will not elapse before they will bring
+     immense profits and revenue to the kingdom of Portugal.
+
+     "We found great quantities of dye-wood, enough to load all
+     the ships that float, and costing nothing. The same may be
+     said of cassia, crystals, spices, and drugs; but the
+     qualities of the last are unknown. The inhabitants of the
+     country tell of gold and other metals; but I am one of those
+     who, like St. Thomas, are slow to believe. Time will show
+     all, however. Most of the time of our stay the heavens were
+     serene and adorned with numerous bright and beautiful stars,
+     many of which I observed, with their revolutions.
+
+     "This may be considered a schedule, or, as it were, a
+     _capita rerum_, of the things which I have seen in these
+     parts. Many things are omitted which are worthy of being
+     mentioned, in order to avoid prolixity, and because they are
+     found in my account of the voyage. As yet I tarry at Lisbon,
+     waiting the pleasure of the king to determine what I shall
+     do. May it please God that I do whatever is most to His
+     glory and the salvation of my soul."
+
+A third and fuller account of the third voyage, written to Lorenzo di
+Pier Francesco de Medici:
+
+     "In days past I gave your excellency a full account of my
+     return, and, if I remember aright, wrote you a description
+     of all those parts of the New World which I had visited in
+     the ships of his Highness the King of Portugal. Carefully
+     considered, they appear truly to form another world, and
+     therefore we have, not without reason, called it the _New
+     World_.
+
+     "Not one of all the ancients had any knowledge of it, and
+     the things which have been lately ascertained by us
+     transcend all their ideas. They thought there was nothing
+     south of the equinoctial line but an immense sea and some
+     poor and barren islands. The sea they called the Atlantic,
+     and if sometimes they confessed that there might be land in
+     that region, they contended that it must be sterile, and
+     could not be otherwise than uninhabitable. The present
+     navigation has controverted their opinions, and openly
+     demonstrated to all that they were very far from the truth.
+     For, beyond the equinoctial line I found countries more
+     fertile and more densely inhabited than I have ever found
+     anywhere else, even in Asia, Africa, and Europe--as will be
+     more fully manifested by duly attending to the following
+     narration. Setting aside all minor matters, I shall relate
+     only those of the greatest importance, which are well worthy
+     of commemoration, and those which I have _personally seen_,
+     or heard of from men of credibility. I shall now speak with
+     much care concerning those parts most recently discovered,
+     and without any romantic addition to the truth.
+
+     "With happy omens of success, we sailed from Lisbon with
+     three armed caravels, on the 13th of May, 1501, to explore,
+     by command of the king, the regions of the New World.
+     Steering a southwest course, we sailed twenty months in a
+     manner which I shall now relate. In the first place, we went
+     to the Fortunate Islands, which are now called the Grand
+     Canaries. After navigating the ocean we ran along the coast
+     of Africa and the country of the blacks as far as the
+     promontory which is called by Ptolemy Etiopia, by our people
+     Cape Verde, and by the negroes Biseneghe, while the
+     inhabitants themselves call it Madanghan. The country is
+     situated within the torrid zone, in about fourteen degrees
+     south latitude, and is inhabited by the blacks. Here we
+     reposed awhile to refresh ourselves, took in every kind of
+     provision, and set sail, directing our course towards the
+     antarctic pole....
+
+     "To shorten my relation as much as possible, your excellency
+     must know that we sailed ninety-seven days, experiencing
+     harsh and cruel fortune. During forty-four days the heavens
+     were in great commotion, and we had nothing but thunder and
+     lightning and drenching rains. Dark clouds covered the sky,
+     so that by day we could see but little better than we could
+     in ordinary nights without moonshine. The fear of death came
+     over us, and the hope of life almost deserted us. After all
+     these heavy afflictions at last it pleased God in His mercy
+     to have compassion on us and save our lives. On a sudden,
+     the land appeared in view, and at the sight of it our
+     courage, which had fallen very low, and our strength, which
+     had become weakness, immediately revived. Thus it usually
+     happens to those who have passed through great afflictions,
+     and especially to those who have been preserved from the
+     rage of evil fortune.
+
+     "On the 17th of August, in the year 1501, we anchored by the
+     shore of that country, and rendered to the Supreme Being our
+     most sincere thanks, according to the Christian custom. The
+     land we discovered did not appear to be an island, but a
+     continent, as it extended far away in the distance, without
+     any appearance of termination. It was beautifully fertile
+     and very thickly inhabited, while all sorts of wild animals,
+     which are unknown in our parts, were there found in
+     abundance.... We were unanimously of the opinion that our
+     navigation should be continued along this coast and that we
+     should not lose sight of it. We sailed, therefore, till we
+     arrived at a certain cape, which makes a turn to the south,
+     and which is perhaps three hundred leagues distant from the
+     place where we first saw land. In sailing this distance we
+     often landed and held intercourse with the natives, and I
+     have omitted to state that this newly discovered land is
+     about seven hundred leagues distant from Cape Verde, though
+     I was persuaded that we had sailed at least eight hundred.
+     This was partly owing to a severe storm, our frequent
+     accidents, and partly to the ignorance of the pilot.
+
+     "We had arrived at a place which, if I had not possessed
+     some knowledge of cosmography, by the negligence of the
+     pilot would have finished the course of our lives. There was
+     no pilot who knew our situation within fifty leagues, and we
+     went rambling about, and should not have known whither we
+     were going if I had not provided, in season for my own
+     safety and that of my companions, the astrolabe and
+     quadrant, my astrological instruments. On this occasion I
+     acquired no little glory for myself, so that from that time
+     forward I was held in such estimation by my companions as
+     the learned are held in by people of quality....
+
+     "This continent commences at eight degrees south of the
+     equinoctial line, and we sailed so far along the coast that
+     we passed seventeen degrees beyond the winter tropic,
+     towards the antarctic pole, which was here elevated fifty
+     degrees above the horizon. The things which I saw here are
+     unknown to the men of our times. That is, the people, their
+     customs, their humanity, the fertility of the soil, the
+     mildness of the atmosphere, the celestial bodies, and, above
+     all, the fixed stars of the eighth sphere, of which no
+     mention has ever been made. In fact, until now they have
+     never been known, even by the most learned of the ancients,
+     and I shall speak of them, therefore, more particularly....
+     The climate is very temperate and the country supremely
+     delightful. Although it has many hills, yet it is watered by
+     a great number of springs and rivers, and the forests are so
+     closely studded that one cannot pass through them, on
+     account of the thickly standing trees. Among these ramble
+     ferocious animals of various kinds.... The country produces
+     no metal except gold; and though we in this first voyage
+     have brought home none, yet all the people certified to the
+     fact, affirming that the region abounded in gold, and saying
+     that among them it was little esteemed and nearly valueless.
+     They have many pearls and precious stones, as we have
+     recorded before. Now, though I should be willing to describe
+     all these things particularly, yet, from the great number
+     of them and their diverse nature, this history would become
+     too extensive a work. Pliny, a most learned man, who
+     compiled histories of many things, did not imagine the
+     thousandth part of these. If he had treated of each one of
+     them, he would have made a much larger but in truth a very
+     perfect work....
+
+     "If there is a terrestrial paradise in the world, it cannot
+     be far from this region. The country, as I have said before,
+     facing the south, has such a temperate climate that in
+     winter they have no cold and in summer are not troubled with
+     heat. The sky and atmosphere are seldom overshadowed with
+     clouds, and the days are almost always serene. Dew sometimes
+     falls, but very lightly, and only for the space of three or
+     four hours, and then vanishes like mist. They have scarcely
+     any vapors, and the sky is splendidly adorned with stars
+     unknown to us, of which I have retained a particular
+     remembrance, and have enumerated as many as twenty whose
+     brightness is equal to that of Venus or Jupiter. I
+     considered also their circuit and their various motions,
+     and, having a knowledge of geometry, I easily measured their
+     circumference and diameter, and am certain, therefore, that
+     they are of much greater magnitude than men imagine. Among
+     the others, I saw three _Canopi_, two being very bright,
+     while the third was dim and unlike the others.
+
+     "The antarctic pole has not the Ursa Major and Minor, which
+     can be seen at our arctic pole; neither are there any bright
+     stars touching the pole, but of those which revolve around
+     it there are four, in the form of a quadrangle. While these
+     are rising, there is seen at the left a brilliant Canopus,
+     of admirable magnitude, which, having reached mid-sky, forms
+     the figure of a triangle. To these succeed three other
+     brilliant stars, of which the one placed in the centre has
+     twelve degrees of circumference. In the midst of them is
+     another brilliant Canopus. After these follow six other
+     bright stars, whose splendor surpasses that of all others in
+     the eighth sphere.... These are all to be seen in the Milky
+     Way, and when they arrive at the meridian show the figure of
+     a triangle, but have two sides longer than the other. I saw
+     there many other stars, and carefully observed their various
+     motions, composing a book which treats of them particularly.
+     In this book I have related almost all the remarkable things
+     which I have encountered in the course of my navigation, and
+     with which I have become acquainted. The book is at present
+     in the possession of the king, and I hope he will return it
+     soon into my hands.
+
+     "I examined some things in that hemisphere very diligently,
+     which enables me to contradict the opinions of philosophers.
+     Among other things, I saw the rainbow--that is, the
+     celestial arch--which is white near midnight. Now, in the
+     opinion of some, it takes the color of the four elements:
+     the red from fire, the green from the earth, the white from
+     the air, and blue from the water. Aristotle, in his book
+     entitled _Meteors_, is of a very different opinion. He says:
+     'The celestial arch is a repercussion of the sun's rays in
+     the vapors of the clouds where they meet, as brightness
+     reflected from the water upon the wall returns to itself.
+     By its interposition it tempers the heat of the sun; by
+     resolving itself into rain it fertilizes the earth, and by
+     its splendor beautifies the heavens. It demonstrates that
+     the atmosphere is filled with humidity, which will disappear
+     forty years before the end of the world, which will be an
+     indication of the dryness of the elements. It announces
+     peace between God and man, is always opposite the sun, is
+     never seen at noon, because the sun is never in the north.'
+
+     "But Pliny says that after the autumnal equinox it appears
+     every hour. This I have extracted from the _Comments of
+     Landino_ on the fourth book of the _AEneid_, and I mention it
+     that no man may be deprived of the fruits of his labors, and
+     that due honors may be rendered to every one. I saw this bow
+     two or three times; neither am I alone in my reflections
+     upon this subject, for many mariners are also of my opinion.
+     We saw also the new moon at mid-day, as it came into
+     conjunction with the sun. There were seen also, every night,
+     vapors and burning flames flashing across the sky. A little
+     above, I called this region by the name of hemisphere,
+     which, if we would not speak improperly, cannot be so called
+     when comparing it with our own. It appeared to present that
+     form only partially, and it seemed to us speaking improperly
+     to call it a 'hemisphere.'
+
+     "As I have before stated, we sailed from Lisbon--which is
+     nearly forty degrees distant from the equinoctial line
+     towards the north--to this country, which is fifty degrees
+     on the other side of the line. The sum of these degrees is
+     _ninety_, and is the fourth part of the circumference of the
+     globe, according to the true reckoning of the ancients. It
+     is therefore manifest to all _that we measured the fourth
+     part of the earth_.[13]
+
+     "We who reside in Lisbon, nearly forty degrees north of the
+     equinoctial line, are distant from those who reside on the
+     other side of the line, in angular meridional length, ninety
+     degrees--that is, obliquely. In order that the case may be
+     more plainly understood, I would observe that a
+     perpendicular line starting from that part in the heavens
+     which is our zenith strikes those obliquely who are fifty
+     degrees beyond the equinoctial line: whence it appears that
+     we are in the direct line, and they, in comparison with us,
+     are in the oblique one, and this situation forms the figure
+     of a right-angled triangle, of which we have the direct
+     lines, as the figure more clearly demonstrates.
+
+     "Such are the things which in this, my last navigation, I
+     have considered worthy of being made known; nor have I,
+     without reason, called this work my _Third Journey_. I have
+     before composed two other books on navigation which, by
+     command of Ferdinand, King of Castile, I performed in the
+     West, in which many things not unworthy of being made known
+     are particularly described: especially those which appertain
+     to the glory of our Saviour, who, with marvellous skill,
+     built this machine, the world. And, in truth, who can ever
+     sufficiently praise God? I have related marvellous things
+     concerning him in the aforesaid work. I have stated briefly
+     that which relates to the position and ornaments of the
+     globe, so that when I shall be more at leisure I may be
+     able to write out, with greater care, a work upon
+     cosmography, in order that future ages may bear me in
+     remembrance. Such works teach me more fully, from day to
+     day, to honor the Supreme God, and finally to arrive at the
+     knowledge of those things with which our ancestors and the
+     ancient fathers had no acquaintance. With most humble
+     prayers I supplicate our Saviour, whose province it is to
+     have compassion upon mortals, that he prolong my life
+     sufficiently for me to perform what I have purposed to do."
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[13] See Chapter XVI.
+
+
+
+
+XIII
+
+THE FOURTH GREAT VOYAGE
+
+1503-1504
+
+
+Doubtless our readers share our wish that the personality of Vespucci
+could appear more strongly depicted than it has been presented in this
+volume; but that is a fault, not of the biographer so much as the hero
+of this biography. It must have been noticed, indeed, that Vespucci
+says little or nothing of his companions on these voyages, not even
+mentioning the commanders; but at the same time he makes rare mention
+of himself; so we cannot ascribe it to a desire for making himself
+prominent at their expense. It is simply a fault of style, or a result
+of his endeavor to be concise, and bring forward the most interesting
+events of the voyages and discoveries, with the least waste of time
+and effort.
+
+He was engaged in exploring new regions; his time was occupied in
+noting the salient features of the scenery, the traits of the barbaric
+peoples, and especially closely observing and enumerating the stars.
+Astronomy was a passion with him, and he passed many nights without
+sleep, during both voyages to the southern hemisphere, in rapt
+contemplation of the glorious constellations. As he rightly observed
+in one of his letters, his observations would surely bring him fame,
+and no worthier object could claim his attention, even to the
+exclusion of all other work. So it is as the self-absorbed astronomer,
+the open-minded man of science, seeking to penetrate the secrets of
+nature and achieve immortal fame, that we must regard our hero at this
+time.
+
+On his return from the third voyage, Vespucci was royally received by
+King Emanuel, even though he had come back almost empty-handed,
+without gold or gems, silver, spices, or pearls. He had sailed farther
+south than any of his predecessors, having gone beyond the latitude of
+the Cape of Good Hope, discovered the beautiful bay which he called
+Rio de Janeiro, and perhaps looked into the mouth of the River de la
+Plata. He had not discovered the "secret of the strait"--that passage
+through the land-mass which confronted all the voyagers from Columbus
+to Magellan; nor was it revealed until the last-named, in 1520,
+penetrated the great strait that now bears his name, and sailed
+through into the Pacific.
+
+It may be argued that not Vespucci, but another (name unknown), was
+the commander of this expedition; but while this other was nominally
+in command, the Florentine was the chief pilot, the navigator, and
+directed the ships along their courses without mishap. In fact, one of
+his biographers has pointed out that the navigating of this fleet,
+especially the sailing in almost a straight line from the northern
+coast of Brazil to Sierra Leone, on the northwest coast of Africa, was
+a triumph of scientific navigation. There is no question that Amerigo
+Vespucci was the greatest navigator of his time, and a recognition of
+this fact is found in his appointment by King Ferdinand, a few years
+later, as the chief pilot of his kingdom.
+
+Not alone King Emanuel and his court recognized the genius of
+Vespucci, but the people of Portugal and of Florence. He was received
+in Lisbon with transports of enthusiasm, and one of his ships, which
+had worn itself out in the voyage, was dismantled, "and portions of it
+were carried in solemn procession to a church, where they were
+suspended as precious relics." His fame extended far and wide, and in
+Florence, the city of his birth, public ceremonies were held, and
+honors bestowed upon his family.
+
+He returned to Lisbon in September, 1502, and eight months later, at
+the urgent request of the king, started on another voyage in
+continuation of the last, in the hope of finally finding a strait
+through the continent by which India might be reached. About this time
+two events took place which are worthy of note. His patron, Lorenzo,
+died in June, 1503, and a year later a Latin version of his letter to
+him was published under the title _Mundus Novus_, or New World.
+
+We must not lose sight of this title and this publication, for (as
+will be more fully explained in a succeeding chapter) they had much to
+do with the future defamation of Vespucci. He, it will be observed,
+was pursuing his voyage to, or from, that "New World," while that
+little quarto of only four leaves, with its significant title, was
+being printed and circulated in Europe. Both Vespucci and Columbus
+were then absent from Europe, and both engaged in a desperate struggle
+with adverse elements, at the time this pamphlet was published: the
+one on the coast of Brazil, the other on his last voyage to the West
+Indies, in which he suffered shipwreck and nearly perished of
+starvation.
+
+Both Columbus and Vespucci were innocent of promulgating this title,
+or this pamphlet, except that the latter had used the term "new world"
+as possibly applying to his discoveries in the south Atlantic. But,
+while they were perilling their lives in the service of their
+sovereigns, each striving for a common goal, though neither envious of
+the other, capricious Fame was weaving a web in which both were to be
+enmeshed, and from which Vespucci was not to escape until after the
+lapse of centuries.
+
+The inscription in this pamphlet states: "The interpreter Giocondo
+translated this letter from the Italian into the Latin language, that
+all who are versed in the latter may learn how many wonderful things
+are being discovered every day, and that the temerity of those who
+want to probe the Heavens and their majesty, and to know more than is
+allowed to know, be confounded: as, notwithstanding the long time
+since the world began to exist, the vastness of the earth and what it
+contains is still unknown."
+
+This inscription meant that Vespucci's letter had opened the eyes of
+even the clerics to the fact that there was much in the world then
+undiscovered, and existing contrary to their preconceived notions. The
+interpreter was a Dominican friar of erudition for his times, one
+Giovanni Giocondo, an eminent mathematician of Verona, and an
+architect, who was then living in Paris, where, it is said, he was
+engaged in building the bridge of Notre Dame. It was a Giocondo, and
+perhaps this same man, who was sent by King Emanuel to persuade
+Vespucci to enlist in his service (as told by him on page 170); but
+whether the same, or one of his family, he was intimately acquainted
+with the famous Florentines, including Vespucci, the Medici, and Piero
+Soderini. He, doubtless, saw the letters written by Vespucci when in
+manuscript, and condensed them into his narration, giving full credit
+to the author in his publication. He was the unconscious cause of an
+injustice to Columbus, perhaps, and also of undue prominence being
+given to the name of Amerigo Vespucci, for it was through the issue of
+his book that, in a roundabout way, the appellation _America_ came to
+be bestowed upon the western continents.
+
+We will elaborate this argument in another chapter; but (requesting
+the reader meanwhile to retain these premises in his mind) we will
+first follow Vespucci on his fourth, and last, important voyage to the
+southern hemisphere. In a passage appended to the letter quoted in the
+previous chapter, and which we herewith reproduce, Vespucci says:
+
+     "My three journeys I think I shall defer writing about in
+     full until another time. Probably when I have returned safe
+     and sound to my native country, with the aid and counsel of
+     learned men, and the encouragement of friends, I shall write
+     with care a larger work than this. Your excellency [Lorenzo
+     de Medici] will pardon me for not having sent you the
+     journals which I kept from day to day in this my last
+     navigation, as I had promised to do. The king has been the
+     cause of it, and he still retains my manuscripts. But,
+     since, I have delayed performing this work until the present
+     day, perhaps I shall add a _fourth journey_; for I
+     contemplate going again to explore that southern part of the
+     New World, and for the purpose of carrying out such
+     intention two vessels are already armed, equipped, and
+     supplied with provisions. I shall first go eastward, before
+     making the voyage south; I shall then sail to the southwest,
+     and when arrived there shall do many things for the praise
+     and glory of God, the benefit of my country, the perpetual
+     memory of my name, and particularly for the honor and solace
+     of my old age, which has nearly come upon me.
+
+     "There is nothing wanting in this affair but the leave of
+     the king, and when this is obtained, as it soon will be, we
+     shall sail on a long voyage; and may it please God to give
+     it a happy termination!"
+
+This voyage was undertaken in the spring, or early summer, of 1503,
+and extended over twelve months, only terminating with the return to
+Lisbon on June 18, 1504. It was, perhaps, the least satisfactory of
+any Vespucci had undertaken, and his disgust is plainly apparent in
+the following account of it, contained in a letter to Piero Soderini,
+written in Lisbon a few months after his return:
+
+     "It remains for me to relate the things which were seen by
+     me in my fourth voyage; and by reason that I have now become
+     wearied, and also because this voyage did not result
+     according to my wishes (in consequence of a misfortune
+     which happened in the Atlantic Sea), I shall endeavor to be
+     brief.
+
+     "We set sail from this port of Lisbon, six ships in company,
+     for the purpose of making discoveries with regard to an
+     island in the east called Malacca, which is reported very
+     rich. It is, as it were, the warehouse of all the ships
+     which come from the Sea of Ganges and the Indian Ocean, as
+     Cadiz is the storehouse for all ships that pass from east to
+     west, and from west to east, by way of Calcutta. This
+     Malacca is farther east, and much farther south, than
+     Calcutta, because we know that it is situated at the
+     parallel of three degrees north latitude.
+
+     "We set out on the 10th of May, 1503, and sailed directly
+     for the Cape Verde Islands, where we made up our cargo,
+     taking in every kind of refreshment. After remaining here
+     three days, we departed on our voyage, sailing in a
+     southerly direction. Our superior captain [Coelho] was a
+     presumptuous and very obstinate man; he would insist upon
+     going to reconnoitre Sierra Leone, a southern country of
+     Ethiopia, without there being any necessity for it, unless
+     to exhibit himself as the captain of six vessels. He acted
+     contrary to the wishes of all our captains in pursuing this
+     course. Sailing in this direction, when we arrived off the
+     coast of this country we had such bad weather that though we
+     remained in sight of the coast four days, it did not permit
+     us to land. We were compelled at length to leave the
+     country, sailing from there to the south, and bearing
+     southwest.
+
+     "When we had sailed three hundred leagues through the Great
+     Sea, being then three degrees south of the equinoctial line,
+     land was discovered, which might have been twenty-two
+     leagues distant from us, and which we found to be an island
+     in the midst of the sea. We were filled with wonder at
+     beholding it, considering it a natural curiosity, as it was
+     very high, and not more than two leagues in length by one in
+     width. This island was not inhabited by any people, and was
+     an evil island for the whole fleet, because, by the evil
+     counsel and bad management of our superior captain, he lost
+     his ship here. He ran her upon a rock, and she split open
+     and went to the bottom, on the night of the 10th of August,
+     and nothing was saved from her except the crew. She was a
+     carrack of three hundred tons, and carried everything of
+     most importance in the fleet.
+
+     "As the whole fleet was compelled to labor for the common
+     benefit, the captain ordered me to go with my ship to the
+     aforesaid island and look for a good harbor, where all the
+     ships might anchor. As my boat, filled with nine of my
+     mariners, was of service, and helped to keep up a
+     communication between the ships, he did not wish me to take
+     it, telling me they would bring it to me at the island. So I
+     left the fleet, as he ordered me, without a small boat, and
+     with less than half my men, and went to the said island,
+     about four leagues distant. There I found a very good
+     harbor, where all the ships might have anchored in perfect
+     safety. I waited for the captain and the fleet full eight
+     days, but they never came; so that we were very much
+     dissatisfied, and the people who remained with me in the
+     ship were in such great fear that I could not console them.
+     On the eighth day we saw the ship coming, off at sea, and
+     for fear those on board might not see us, we raised anchor
+     and went towards it, thinking they might bring me my boat
+     and men. When we arrived alongside, after the usual
+     salutations, they told us that the captain had gone to the
+     bottom, that all the crew had been saved, and that my boat
+     and men remained with the fleet, which had gone farther to
+     sea. This was a grievous thing to us, as your magnificence
+     may well think, for it was no trifle to find ourselves far
+     distant from Lisbon, in mid-ocean, with so few men. However,
+     we bore up under adverse fortune, and, returning to the
+     island, supplied ourselves with wood and water, using the
+     boat of my consort.
+
+     "This island we found uninhabited. It had plenty of fresh
+     water, and an abundance of trees filled with countless
+     numbers of land and marine birds, which were so simple that
+     they suffered themselves to be taken with the hand. We took
+     so many that we loaded a boat with them. We saw no other
+     animals, except some very large rats, some snakes, and
+     lizards with two tails. Having taken in our supplies we
+     departed for the southwest, as we had an order from the king
+     that if any vessel of the fleet, or its captain, should be
+     lost, I should make for the land of my last voyage. We
+     discovered a harbor which we called the bay of All Saints,
+     and it pleased God to give us such good weather that we
+     arrived at it in seventeen days. It was distant three
+     hundred leagues from the island we had left, and we found
+     neither our captain nor any other ship of the fleet in the
+     course of the voyage. We waited full two months and four
+     days in this harbor, and, seeing that no orders came for us,
+     we agreed, my consort and myself, to run along the coast. We
+     sailed two hundred and sixty leagues farther and arrived at
+     a harbor, where we determined to build a fortress. This we
+     accomplished, and left in it the twenty-four men that my
+     consort had received from the captain's ship that was lost.
+
+     "In this port we stayed five months, building the fortress
+     and loading our ships with dye-woods. We could not proceed
+     farther for want of men, and besides, I was destitute of
+     many equipments. Thus, having finished our labors, we
+     determined to return to Portugal, leaving the twenty-four
+     men in the fortress, with provisions for six months, with
+     twelve pieces of cannon, and many other arms. We made peace
+     with all the people of the country--who have not been
+     mentioned in this voyage, but not because we did not see and
+     treat with a great number of them. As many as thirty men of
+     us went forty leagues inland, where we saw so many things
+     that I omit to relate them, reserving them for my _Four
+     Journeys_.
+
+     "This country is situated eighteen degrees south of the
+     equinoctial line, and fifty-seven degrees farther west than
+     Lisbon, as our instruments showed us. All this being
+     performed, we bade farewell to the Christians we left behind
+     us, and to the country, and commenced our navigation on a
+     northeast course, with the intention of sailing directly to
+     this city of Lisbon. In seventy-seven days, after many toils
+     and dangers, we entered this port on the 18th of June,
+     1504--for which God be praised! We were well received,
+     although altogether unexpected, as the whole city had given
+     us up for lost. All the other ships of the fleet had been
+     lost, through the pride and folly of our commander, and thus
+     it is that God rewards haughtiness and vanity.
+
+     "At present, I find myself here in Lisbon again, and I do
+     not know what the king wishes me to do, but I am very
+     desirous of obtaining repose. The bearer of this, who is
+     Benvenuto di Domenico Benvenuti, will tell your magnificence
+     of my condition, and of any other things which have been
+     omitted, to avoid prolixity, but which I have seen and
+     experienced. I have abbreviated the letter as much as I
+     could, and omitted to say many things very natural to be
+     told, that I might not be tedious.
+
+     "Allow me to commend to you Sr. Antonio Vespucci, my
+     brother, and all my family. I remain, praying God that he
+     may prolong your life, and prosper that exalted republic of
+     Florence,
+
+                      "Your very humble servant,
+                                "AMERIGO VESPUCCI.
+
+     "_Lisbon, 4th September, 1504._"
+
+This was the last letter, so far as we can ascertain, written by
+Vespucci concerning his voyages--or, at least, the last that has been
+brought to light; though it is hoped that his manuscript journals, to
+which he repeatedly refers, may yet be found. They are, doubtless,
+buried in the secret archives of either the crown of Portugal or of
+Spain, as at different times he alludes to them as being in the hands
+of the kings, from whom he hopes to receive them at their pleasure.
+Both King Emanuel and King Ferdinand held Vespucci in great esteem;
+but, as consideration for their subjects, whether high or low, never
+entered their minds, they probably retained the manuscripts for years,
+and eventually these precious documents may have been buried beneath
+the vast accumulation of papers relating to the voyages and
+discoveries in both hemispheres.
+
+Vespucci was in error respecting the remaining ships of the fleet
+engaged in his fourth voyage, for a few months later they came back to
+Lisbon in a shattered condition, but, so far as known, with their
+crews intact. They had sailed farther to the south than Vespucci went
+on this voyage, probably as far as the mouth of the great river La
+Plata, which Solis has the credit of discovering a few years later. It
+had been learned by that time that the coasts brought to view by the
+constantly lengthening voyages into the south were situated to the
+west of the great line of demarcation separating the discoveries of
+Spain and Portugal, and hence belonged to the former. This fact has a
+bearing upon the departure of Vespucci and other noted captains from
+Portugal about this time, as, if they would pursue these explorations
+to their logical conclusion, they must enlist beneath the banner of
+King Ferdinand. Hence we find our hero, towards the end of 1504, once
+again in Spain, and in high favor with the king.
+
+
+
+
+XIV
+
+KING FERDINAND'S FRIEND
+
+1505-1508
+
+
+The summer of 1504 Vespucci passed in Portugal, attending to matters
+connected with his last voyage, which had such an unsatisfactory
+ending; but in the latter part of that year we find him once again in
+Seville. It is presumed he was warmly welcomed by his wife, after this
+long absence of nearly four years; but nothing exists at all to
+indicate his marital relations, and so far as furnishing material for
+his biographers is concerned, he might as well have remained single
+all his life. In point of fact, Amerigo Vespucci, though sterling in
+his friendships, ardent and even affectionate, was a true celibate. He
+was wedded to Science, his whole nature was absorbed by the pursuits
+to which he had, perhaps fortuitously, devoted his maturer years. If
+we contrast him with Columbus, in respect to the higher qualities of
+his character, we cannot but be impressed by the difference between
+these two, for, while the latter was weak, impressionable, if not
+passionate, the former was strong, flawless in his morals, devoted
+ever to the star-eyed goddess in whose service he had enlisted for
+life.
+
+He was humane, generous, unselfish, while Columbus, though of more
+heroic proportions than his rival, was at times selfish, ungenerous,
+cruel--as witness his treatment of the Pinzons, his claiming the
+reward for the discovery of land, which rightly belonged to Rodrigo de
+Triana, his massacres of Indians in Hispaniola and enslavement of the
+survivors. Against Amerigo Vespucci no such charges of immorality,
+cruelty, and bigotry can be brought as against Columbus, and the sole
+accusation against him, of falsifying the date of his "first" voyage,
+has not been sustained by the evidence.
+
+His eulogist, Canovai, says of him, in somewhat extravagant terms:
+"Behold the transport of that lively emulation which springs from the
+indisputable consciousness of talents, and is nourished by the pure
+and delicate essence of virtue, which shines uncontaminated in every
+footstep of the hero. It seems enmity, but is laudable strife; it
+seems envy, but is a generous ambition. If Columbus had found rivals
+and enemies resembling Amerigo, I should not see, as now, the
+magnificent scene of his triumph so suddenly changed into mourning and
+horror, the gloomy night of ignominy and mockery succeed the brief
+light of ephemeral happiness, and that invincible leader, who
+redoubled the power and dominions of ungrateful Castile, groaning
+under the weight of infamous chains, while he asks for nothing but
+liberty to carry her arms to the most distant shores of the West.
+
+"Go now, and turning your eyes from the atrocious metamorphosis,
+exclaim it is chance--it is fate; arbitrary sounds and sterile
+syllables, with which no distinct idea can ever be associated. Alas!
+are there not imperceptible threads by which a regulating hand guides
+us through a crooked labyrinth from causes to effects, and prepares in
+silence the events of the universe? Prostrated by implacable
+vengeance, and despoiled of the exclusive right to discoveries and
+honors, Columbus pines in inaction; but no new columns of Hercules,
+beyond which the pilot dares not pass, stand erect before the shores
+of Mexico. Amerigo Vespucci reunites the web of fortunate events.
+Amerigo succeeds Columbus!"
+
+In simpler diction, Columbus brought all his troubles upon himself. He
+dared much, but he demanded more than he was, by merit of mere
+achievement, entitled to receive. He was constantly warring for
+his alleged rights--with the king, with Fonseca, with his
+fellow-explorers, and especially with such commanders of ships
+or expeditions as might by their discoveries belittle his
+accomplishments. Hence resulted untold misery to the natives of the
+New World, consequent upon the crushing despotism he inaugurated in
+order to gain gold with which to vindicate himself to his sovereigns.
+Hence came Bodadilla and Ovando, sent out to investigate his doings,
+one of whom despatched him in fetters to Spain, and the other hastened
+the extinction of the Indians, already begun by Columbus himself.
+
+The aggressive insistence of Columbus in the matter of honors and
+privileges, which were in their nature but temporary, are in decided
+contrast to the modesty and simplicity of Vespucci, who indeed was
+ambitious to acquire an honorable name which should be "the comfort
+and solace of his old age," but who, "by his quiet and unobtrusive
+manners, made friends even among his rivals." He was scrupulously
+regardful of the rights of others, treating the helpless natives with
+especial tenderness. This statement may seem to be disproved by the
+fact that on two of his voyages he took home gangs of Indians to be
+sold as slaves; but it is not known that he himself was responsible
+for this, as he was not the real commander of the expeditions, though
+the actual scientific head and navigator.
+
+He was as deeply devout as Columbus himself, always rendering thanks
+to the Almighty for His favors, but was by no means a fanatic in
+religion. While Columbus ascribes his discoveries to the especial
+favor of some particular saint, on occasions, or his deliverance from
+danger to the direct interposition of Providence, Vespucci makes no
+such superstitious claims for himself, though acknowledging his
+dependence upon God and expressing gratitude for divine support. He
+believed, evidently, in the precept of the Golden Rule--"Do unto
+others as you would have them do to you"; and this, alas, cannot be
+said of Christopher Columbus. Though he married late in life, and had
+no children of his own, Vespucci "was full of affectionate feeling for
+his family, as his care and attention to the education and advancement
+of his nephew, and his memory of relatives in Florence, from whom he
+had been so long absent, amply testify."
+
+Finally, the structure which Columbus fain would have raised has
+crumbled to ruins, while that built by Vespucci, who labored without
+thought of himself, or hope of reward, has been strengthened by the
+lapse of time, and will stand so long as the world endures. Vespucci
+humbled himself, and was exalted, for the name bestowed upon the
+hemisphere which these two were instrumental in revealing to Europe
+was suggested by utter strangers to the Florentine--men of penetrating
+mind, who perceived an eternal fitness in calling it _America_.
+
+These reflections arise from the fact that, soon after the return of
+Vespucci to Seville, he met, and was probably entertained by,
+Christopher Columbus. The old Admiral had but recently returned from
+his fourth and last voyage to the West Indies, where he had escaped
+death by a miracle, and had suffered humiliation at the hands of the
+atrocious Ovando. He had come back to Spain to find his friend and
+protectress, Isabella, on a bed of death; to encounter the ingratitude
+of Ferdinand and meet the charges of his enemies. He was never to make
+another voyage until he embarked on that last long journey into the
+world unknown.
+
+Broken in fortune, worn by the ills of advancing age, crushed beneath
+the calumnies of his foes, Columbus felt the end approaching,
+probably, and perhaps looked upon Vespucci as, in a sense, his
+successor. At least he perceived that the latter's star was in the
+ascendant, for he knew him as a friend of King Ferdinand, who,
+mistrustful ever of the man who had discovered a new empire for him to
+rule, yet was inclined to favor Vespucci, whose sterling qualities he
+appreciated. He had always liked the Florentine for his manly, modest
+bearing, his sturdy good sense, his industry, patience, erudition, and
+eminent abilities in general. Here was a man who made voyages by which
+the pathways were opened to new countries, without stipulating in
+advance that he should be rewarded with the admiralty of the Ocean
+Sea, without bargaining for the viceroyship of the countries he
+discovered, or for a tenth of all their resources and trade. He seemed
+to have no thought of himself, so absorbed was he in performing a work
+which, he had every reason to believe, would redound to the honor of
+the land he was born in and the sovereigns he served.
+
+He had, to be sure, carried his talents to a rival sovereign, and
+served him as faithfully as he had King Ferdinand; but the latter bore
+him no ill-will for that. It is not certain, in truth, that he had not
+connived at Vespucci's entering the service of Portugal for a time,
+as, in view of his return to Spain, he received all the benefit of his
+experience. It was by means of Vespucci's voyage, most probably, that
+it was definitely ascertained how far Portugal had encroached upon
+territory assigned by the pope to her great rival, Spain. Deep and
+crafty was the diplomacy of King Ferdinand, and it is within the
+bounds of probability that he himself sent the silent, observant,
+faithful Vespucci to take service with King Emanuel for a season.
+
+The overlapping voyages of Vespucci and Pinzon, in 1499, 1500, 1501,
+and 1503, had decided the question of sovereignty in South America--at
+least its northern coasts--in favor of Spain. These two, then, were
+soon commissioned by Ferdinand to equip a fleet, of which they were to
+be the joint commanders. This fleet was to sail for Brazil, and
+thence, after establishing colonies, or forts, continue the
+explorations they had severally so auspiciously begun. On April 11,
+1505 (it is on record), the king made Vespucci a grant of twelve
+thousand maravedis, and on the 24th of the same month letters of
+naturalization were issued in his behalf, "in consideration of Amerigo
+Vespucci's fidelity, and his many valuable services to the crown."
+
+Before proceeding to relate the story of Vespucci's renewed service
+with King Ferdinand, let us, however, return to the subject of his
+intercourse with Columbus, with whom, as there is strong evidence in
+proof, he was on terms of intimate friendship. This proof is found in
+a letter written by Columbus, at a time (as already mentioned) when he
+was in disfavor at court, and after his return from the last and most
+unfortunate voyage. It furnishes evidence of the most positive
+character that Vespucci and Columbus did not consider themselves as
+rivals, but were actually on the best of terms. It was written nearly
+a year after the first publication of Vespucci's letter to Lorenzo de
+Medici, alluded to in the previous chapter; yet the relations between
+the two discoverers were such as might have existed between men united
+by fraternal ties.
+
+
+     "_To my very dear Son, Don Diego Columbus--at the Court._
+
+     "MY DEAR SON,--"Diego Mendez departed from this place on
+     Monday, the 3d of this month. After his departure I held
+     converse with Amerigo Vespucci, the bearer of this letter,
+     who goes to court on some business connected with
+     navigation. He has always been _desirous of serving me, and
+     is an honorable man_, though fortune has been unpropitious
+     to him, as to many others; and his labors have not been as
+     profitable as he deserves. He goes on my account, and with a
+     great desire to do something which may redound to my
+     advantage, if it is in his power.
+
+     "I know not here what instructions to give him that will
+     benefit me, because I am ignorant of what will be required
+     there; but he goes determined to do for me all that is
+     possible. See what can be done to advantage there, and labor
+     for it, that he may know and speak of everything, and devote
+     himself to the work; and let everything be done with
+     secrecy, that no suspicions may arise. I have said to him
+     all that I can say touching the business, and have informed
+     him of all payments which have been made me, and what is
+     due.
+
+     "This letter is also intended for the adelantado [Don
+     Bartholomew, Christopher's brother], that he may avail
+     himself of any advantage and advice on the subject. His
+     highness believes that the ships were in the best and
+     richest portion of the Indies, and if he desires to know
+     anything more on the subject, I will satisfy him by word of
+     mouth, for it is impossible for me to tell him by letter.
+
+     "May the Lord have you in His holy keeping.
+
+     "Done at Seville, the 5th of February, 1505.
+
+     "Thy father, who loves thee better than himself,
+                          CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS.
+                          "S.
+                       "S. A. S.
+                       "X. M. Y.
+                     "Xpo. Ferens."
+
+This precious document was found in the archives of Spain by
+Navarrete, whose volumes constitute a veritable mine of Spanish
+history. The superscription at the foot of the letter was adopted by
+Columbus after he became a "Don," and is supposed to mean: "Servus,
+Supplex Altissimi Salvatori; Christus, Maria, Josephus"; or, in
+English: "Humble Servant of the most high Saviour; Christ, Mary,
+Joseph." The original letter is contained in the collection of an
+indirect descendant of Columbus, the Duke of Veragua. It bears ample
+testimony to the important fact that, while the great Columbus was not
+permitted to present himself at court, his friend Vespucci not only
+had access to the throne but strong influence there.
+
+
+
+
+XV
+
+PILOT-MAJOR OF SPAIN
+
+1508-1512
+
+
+If Vespucci had been as heedful of posthumous fame as Columbus, who
+lost no opportunity for trumpeting his deeds to the world, we should
+be better prepared to present a continuous narrative of his life than
+it is possible to gather from the fragmentary material he has left
+behind him. "The transactions of Vespucci at court," says Mr. Fiske,
+the eminent historian, "and the nature of the maritime enterprises
+that were set on foot or carried to completion during the next few
+years, are to be gathered chiefly from old account-books, contracts,
+and other business documents, unearthed by the indefatigable
+Navarrete, and printed in his great collection.... Unfortunately,
+account-books and legal documents, having been written for other
+purposes than the gratification of the historian, are--like the
+'geological record'--imperfect. Too many links are missing, to enable
+us to determine with certainty just how the work was shared among
+these mariners (Vespucci, La Cosa, Pinzon, and Solis), or just how
+many voyages were undertaken. But it is clear that the first
+enterprise contemplated (by King Ferdinand) was a voyage by Pinzon, in
+company with either Solis or Vespucci, or both, for the purpose of
+finding an end to the continent or a passage into the Indian Ocean.
+What Vespucci had failed to do in his last voyage for Portugal, he now
+proposed to do in a voyage for Spain."
+
+While the large fleet for this purpose was being prepared, it is
+believed, Vespucci and La Cosa made two voyages, one in 1505 and
+another in 1507, to Darien and the Pearl Coast, which resulted more
+profitably to them than any others they had undertaken. As these
+voyages were simply for commercial purposes, and as Vespucci seems to
+have held in contempt the mere acquisition of riches, especially when
+the promotion of discovery was not the aim of his expeditions, he
+makes no mention of them whatever. In truth, but for the finding of
+two letters, sent to the Venetian senate by its diplomatic agents in
+Spain, dated 1505 and 1507, these fifth and sixth voyages of Vespucci
+would have been overlooked entirely. The omission illustrates his
+carelessness in respect to the chronicling of his deeds, his
+heedlessness as to fame and glory. As one of his eulogists truly says:
+"In none of his writings does Vespucci claim for himself advancement,
+honor, or emolument, nor does he seek to delude his patrons with
+visions of untold wealth. His letters are the easy effusions of a
+great mind filled with admiration at the fertile regions, balmy
+climate, and primitive races of the New World. Ever modest, he merges
+himself in the greatness of his undertaking; and if the civilized
+world with one accord gave his name to the regions he was the first in
+modern times to visit, it was a tribute which it deemed just and paid
+unasked."
+
+Owing to the protests of Portugal, it is thought, the great fleet
+intended for the extension of discovery along the southern coast of
+Brazil was dispersed and its vessels diverted to other seas. Vespucci
+had been active in its equipment, and during the uncertainty existing
+in Spain after the death of Queen Isabella, and the consequent
+derangement of affairs at court, he appears prominently in the
+business. He was despatched to court by the board of trade of Seville,
+especially commissioned to extricate them from the dilemma in which
+they found themselves: unable to determine whether they were to act in
+the name of the crazy princess, Juana, her foreign consort, Philip, or
+the old king, Ferdinand. In order to be able to meet any emergency,
+Vespucci was furnished with three different letters and sets of
+instructions. "You will take," wrote the president of the board of
+trade to Amerigo, "three letters: for the king, Vila, his grand
+chamberlain, and the secretary, Gricio, besides five memorials: one
+upon the despatch of the armament, two others received from Hispaniola
+concerning the tower which King Ferdinand commanded to be built upon
+the Pearl Coast, and the remaining two upon the caravels which are on
+service in Hispaniola, and concerning what things are necessary for
+the fortress which is building there. If Gricio is at court, and
+attends to the affairs of the Indies, give him the letter, show him
+the memorials, and he will guide you to the ear of the king and obtain
+for you good despatch. We are informed, however, that the king has
+intrusted the business of the Indies to M. de Vila, his grand
+chamberlain, and if that is the case go directly to him. What we
+principally desire is a full understanding of the agreement which has
+been entered into between the king, our lord (Philip, the consort of
+Juana Loca), and King Ferdinand, in order that we may be able to give
+to each prince that which is his."
+
+Without going further into the affairs of court at this period--merely
+pausing to remark that after the death of Philip the old king soon
+extricated his kingdom from the state of embarrassment into which it
+had been plunged--we cannot but note that Amerigo Vespucci must have
+been a man of weight and influence to be selected for such a mission.
+It was a visit to the court previous to this which Columbus had in
+mind when he gave him the letter to his son Don Diego. The biographer
+of Columbus, Mr. Irving, has tried to make it appear that he was used
+by Columbus to further his own ends, for he says: "Among the persons
+whom Columbus employed at this time in his missions to the court was
+Amerigo Vespucci. He describes him as a worthy but unfortunate man,
+who had not profited as much as he deserves by his undertakings, and
+who had always been disposed to render him a service. His object in
+employing him appears to have been to prove the value of his last
+voyage, and that he had been in the most opulent parts of the New
+World, Vespucci having since touched upon the same coast, in a voyage
+with Alonzo de Ojeda."
+
+Now, this amiable apologist, in his persistent efforts to thrust
+Amerigo Vespucci into positions subordinate to Columbus, defeats his
+own purpose and disparages his own hero, for by his very words can he
+be discredited. He himself says: "The incessant applications of
+Columbus [at court], both by letter and by the intervention of
+friends, appear to have been listened to with cool indifference. No
+compliance was yielded to his requests, and no deference paid to his
+opinions.... In short, he was not in any way consulted in the affairs
+of the New World."
+
+And this was at about the time that Amerigo Vespucci was intrusted
+with most important business at court by the board of trade of
+Seville; about the time that he was called to court and highly
+honored by the king; just before the time that he was made captain of
+a fleet, with a salary of thirty thousand maravedis per annum. There
+was, in truth, no man in the employ of Spain more highly regarded than
+Vespucci for his talents, for his honesty, for his loyalty to the
+government. At the settlement of accounts pertaining to the fleet
+which had been intended for South America, more than five million
+maravedis passed through his hands--and he was never charged with
+having diverted a single centavo to himself.
+
+Nothing can so abundantly testify to the respect in which Vespucci was
+held as his relations with King Ferdinand. While he has the unique
+honor of being almost the only man that Columbus never quarrelled
+with, it is also to his credit that he acquired, and retained to the
+last, the respect and confidence of the king. Ferdinand was always
+mistrustful of Columbus, and with good reason, but never refused
+Vespucci a favor--if he asked one--or hesitated to give him an
+audience. The reason was, most probably, that, aside from his
+deceitfulness (which was a quality the crafty Ferdinand could tolerate
+in no one but himself), Columbus was constantly importuning him for
+further honors and emoluments; while Vespucci rarely, if ever, craved
+glory or riches for himself. Nothing came of Vespucci's intercession
+at court for Columbus, and soon the latter dropped out of sight. He
+died in 1506, utterly neglected by the court and king, and in such
+obscurity that he was unnoticed in the local annals of the day.
+
+In the mean time, Amerigo Vespucci was at the height of his career,
+trusted by the sovereign and honored by all with whom he came in
+contact. On the return of King Ferdinand to absolute power in Spain,
+through the death of his son-in-law Philip and the regency for his
+insane daughter Juana, he called Vespucci and La Cosa to court in
+order to consult with them respecting nautical affairs and future
+discoveries. In February, 1508, Vespucci, Pinzon, and Solis, who,
+together with La Cosa, were then the most highly honored navigators in
+Spanish employ, were charged with the safe conduct to the king's
+treasury of six thousand ducats in gold, for which service they
+received six thousand maravedis each.
+
+Another consultation was held with the king, whose favorable opinion
+of Vespucci was so strengthened that the year following he created for
+him the office of pilot-major, as the most eminent navigator in his
+kingdom. This position was given him in March, 1508, and from that
+time till his death, in February, 1512, he received a salary of
+seventy-five thousand maravedis per annum. He was charged to examine
+and instruct all pilots in the use of the astrolabe "to ascertain
+whether their practical knowledge equalled their theoretical, and also
+to revise maps, and to make one of the new lands which should be
+regarded as the standard.... He was to correct the errors carried into
+the charts by the teachings and the maps of Columbus and others. The
+inaccuracy of the Columbus charts was so notorious that their use was
+subsequently prohibited, and a penalty imposed upon the pilot who
+should sail by them." Vespucci was at the head of a government
+department pertaining to pilotage, navigation, and charts. It was then
+unique in the world, and the weight of authority behind it was adverse
+to the use of charts made by Columbus; notwithstanding which Mr.
+Irving says: "When the passion for maritime discovery was seeking to
+facilitate its enterprises, the knowledge and skill of an able
+cosmographer like Columbus would be properly appreciated, and the
+superior correctness [?] of his maps and charts would give him
+notoriety among men of science."
+
+The importance of this position created for Vespucci will appear from
+the royal order, or commission, which reads: " ... We command that all
+pilots of our kingdom and lordships, who now are, shall henceforward
+be, or desire to be, pilots on the routes to the said islands and
+terra firma which we hold in the Indies, and other parts of the ocean
+sea, shall be instructed in and possess all necessary knowledge of the
+use of the quadrant and astrolabe; and in order that they may unite
+practice with theory, and profit thereby in the said voyages which
+they may make to the said lands, they shall not be able to embark as
+pilots in the said vessels, nor receive wages for pilotage, nor shall
+merchants be able to negotiate with them as such, nor captains receive
+them aboard their ships, without their _having been first examined by
+you, Amerigo Despuchi_, our pilot-major, and received from you a
+certificate of examination and approbation, certifying that they are
+possessed, each one, of the knowledge aforesaid; holding which
+certificate, we commend that they be held and received as expert
+pilots, wherever they shall show themselves--for it is our will and
+pleasure that you should be examiner of said pilots. And that those
+who do not possess the required knowledge shall the more easily
+acquire it, we command that you shall instruct, at your residence in
+Seville, all such as shall be desirous of learning and remunerating
+you for the trouble.... And as it has been told us that there are many
+different charts, by different captains, of the lands and islands of
+the Indies belonging to us, which charts differ greatly from each
+other--therefore, that there may be order in all things, it is our
+will and pleasure that a standard chart shall be made; and that it may
+be the more correct, we command the officers of our board of trade in
+Seville to call an assembly of our most able pilots that shall at that
+time be in the country, and, in the presence of you, Amerigo Despuchi,
+our pilot-major, there shall be planned and drawn a chart of all the
+lands and islands of the Indies, which have hitherto been discovered
+belonging to our kingdom; and upon this consultation, subject to the
+approval of you, our pilot-major, a standard chart shall be drawn
+which shall be called the Royal Chart, by which all pilots must direct
+and govern themselves. This shall remain in the possession of our said
+officers, and of you, our said pilot-major; and no pilot shall use any
+other chart, without incurring a penalty of fifty doubloons, to be
+paid to the board of trade in the city of Seville.... And it is our
+will and pleasure that, in virtue of the above, you, the said Amerigo
+Despuchi, shall use and exercise the said functions of our
+pilot-major, and shall be able to do, and shall do, all things
+pertaining to that office contained in this our letter."[14]
+
+The remainder of Amerigo Vespucci's life may almost be summed up in
+the statement that he held this responsible post during the four years
+succeeding to his appointment, for he received his commission on March
+22, 1508, and died on February 22, 1512. It was an onerous position,
+"and his appointment to it by Ferdinand was the highest proof of the
+estimation in which he was held by that monarch that could have been
+bestowed upon him." It was a recognition of his supereminent
+qualities, as cosmographer and navigator, at a time when Spanish
+enterprise was reaching out to every part of the western world; and as
+he discharged its duties with fidelity and skill, confining himself
+closely to his desk, no leisure was afforded him for further voyaging,
+for writing out the long-deferred accounts of his travels, or for
+recreation of any sort. He made one short visit to Florence, where he
+was received with honor, as the most distinguished son of a city
+world-famous for its great men, and where the portrait was painted
+which has been universally accepted as authentic, representing him as
+advanced in years.
+
+As already mentioned, authentic information relating to the latter
+years of Vespucci is of a fragmentary character, and is contained
+mainly in the official papers found in the archives of Simancas and
+Seville, by Don Martin Fernandez de Navarrete, to whom the biographers
+of Columbus were so deeply indebted. The date of the first of these
+papers is July, 1494, and relates to payments made to Berardi, as
+outfitter of the ships for the voyages of Columbus. By royal decree,
+April 11, 1505, the queen's treasurer is commanded to pay to Vespucci
+twelve thousand maravedis. Another decree, of March 22, 1508, grants
+Vespucci, as chief pilot of the kingdom, a salary of fifty thousand
+maravedis, subsequently increased to seventy-five thousand. Then
+follows the royal declaration (from which we have quoted), setting
+forth the duties of the pilot-major, which was issued during the
+regency of the crazy queen, Juana, and addressed to "Amerigo
+Despuchi."
+
+There is no reference to the date and place of Vespucci's death; but
+this is not considered singular, in view of the fact that the demise
+of Columbus was officially unnoticed at the time. There is, rather, no
+direct reference; though confirmation of that event occurs in the
+continuation of his accounts to the day of his death, and after, one
+of which relates to the payment of ten thousand nine hundred and
+thirty-seven maravedis to Manuel Catano, a canon of Seville, as the
+executor of Vespucci's will, "that amount being the balance of his
+salary due at the date of his death."
+
+One of the very few references to the wife of Vespucci is contained in
+a royal decree of May 22, 1512, which grants a pension for life to his
+widow, Maria Cerezo, of ten thousand maravedis per annum. By a later
+decree, this pension is declared a fixed charge against the salary of
+the chief pilot and his successors. These were, in order of
+succession, Juan Diaz de Solis and Sebastian Cabot, after whom came
+others not so famous as these great navigators.
+
+These papers are cited to show that Amerigo Vespucci was not looked
+upon as an adventurer by the dignitaries of Spain; that, on the
+contrary, he was held in great esteem, honored with the highest office
+in the gift of the king, in which his great accomplishments could have
+full scope. He filled that office with eminent ability, to the
+complete satisfaction of King Ferdinand, and when he died, on February
+22, 1512, he left behind a name untarnished, a reputation for probity
+unsullied. Despite the honors accorded him by the kings of Spain and
+Portugal, however, and the high positions he occupied, he left no
+fortune for his heirs. His valuable papers were bequeathed to his
+nephew, Juan Vespucci, whom he loved like a son; but his widow was
+left in circumstances so straitened that she was actually dependent
+upon the pension granted her by the crown.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[14] From Navarrete's _Coleccion de los Viajes y Descubrimientos_.
+
+
+
+
+XVI
+
+HOW AMERICA WAS NAMED
+
+1504-1541
+
+
+If, in the foregoing narrative, the author has seemed to champion his
+hero unduly, going perhaps unnecessarily into the details of his
+voyages, it may have been owing to anticipated opposition on the part
+of his readers. There has always been a wide divergence of opinion
+respecting the merits of Amerigo Vespucci, and the world has never
+reconciled itself to his so-called usurpation of the glory rightly
+belonging to Columbus.
+
+Even so great a writer as Emerson allowed himself to say: "Strange
+that broad America must wear the name of a thief! Amerigo Vespucci,
+the pickle-dealer at Seville, who went out in 1499, a subaltern with
+Hojeda, and whose highest naval rank was boatswain's mate, in an
+expedition that never sailed, managed in this lying world to supplant
+Columbus, and baptize half the earth with his own dishonest name!"
+
+We, who have followed the career of Amerigo Vespucci from its
+beginning to its ending, know that he was not a thief; that--except by
+implication, as having been a purveyor of naval stores--he was not a
+"pickle-dealer"; that he held a far higher rank than boatswain's
+mate--as attested by the royal proclamation we have cited, naming him
+to be chief pilot of Spain; and that, so far as the evidence of his
+contemporaries and his own letters show, he made no attempt whatever
+to thrust his personality upon the world.
+
+He did not "baptize half the earth with his own dishonest name,"
+though it is true that the appellation by which a hemisphere is known
+to-day was derived from Americus, Amerigo, or Americo--whether we
+speak it in Latin, in Italian, or in Spanish.
+
+How comes it then, the reader may well ask, that America derived its
+name from the Florentine, Vespucci, when it should, by right of
+"discovery," have been called after the Genoese, Columbus? The answer
+to this question involves the following of clews centuries old,
+through a labyrinth of falsehood and misstatement that was built up
+three hundred years ago. The first clew may be found on page 197 of
+this biography, where mention is made of the translation of Vespucci's
+letter to Lorenzo de Medici, by Giocondo, in 1504, and issued by him
+under the title _Mundus Novus_. This letter is said to have been first
+published in Lisbon and Augsburg in 1504, and in Strasburg in 1505.
+
+Pick up this book and nail it to the wall, where it may be observed by
+all, for it was the very beginning of Vespucci's posthumous troubles.
+We have read the letter and known it to have been a plain, unvarnished
+account of Vespucci's third voyage, in which he chanced to say that he
+thought he had discovered the fourth part of the globe, and proposed
+to call it _Mundus Novus_, or the New World. He was quite right, and
+within bounds, when he did this, for he was thinking only of that
+portion of the _southern hemisphere_ which he had found, and not of
+the entire western hemisphere. He did not extend the term to cover the
+northern regions, discovered by Columbus, for the latter had no idea
+that they pertained to a new world; in fact--as we know--believed to
+the last that they belonged to Asia or India.
+
+"At no time during the life of Columbus, nor for some years after his
+death," says a learned historian, "did anybody use the phrase 'New
+World' with conscious reference to his discoveries. At the time of his
+death their true significance had not yet begun to dawn upon the mind
+of any voyager or any writer. It was supposed that he had found a new
+route to the Indies by sailing west, and that in the course of this
+achievement he had discovered some new islands," etc.
+
+We must, then, acquit Vespucci of any intention of depriving Columbus
+of his laurels, when he said he believed he had found a new world, for
+he referred only to that portion of South America now known as Brazil.
+Nor, so far as we know, was he either responsible for, or aware of,
+the publication of his letters to Medici and Soderini--for those to
+the latter were afterwards translated and printed--as he was, at that
+time, on the ocean. In truth, as the letters were merely epistles to
+friends, who would naturally be interested in his discoveries, and of
+course overlook any defects of diction, he openly stated that he was
+only waiting leisure for improving and elaborating them for issue in
+pamphlet form. He never acquired this leisure, and the world, tired
+of waiting, seized upon his material and brought it out in print,
+without so much as saying "by your leave."
+
+The second person to take liberties with Vespucci's name was one
+Matthias Ringmann, a student in Paris, who was acquainted with Friar
+Giocondo, and of course saw the _Mundus Novus_, which he published in
+Strasburg in 1505. That same year he was offered the professorship of
+Latin in a college at Saint-Die, a charming little town in the Vosges
+Mountains, which had long been a seat of learning. It is said to have
+been strangely associated with the discovery of America, from the fact
+that here was written, about 1410, the book called _Imago Mundi_,
+which Columbus read and probably took to sea with him on his first
+great voyage. In a double sense, this obscure town and college,
+nestling in a little-known valley of the Franco-German mountains, is
+known in connection with the name America, as will now be shown.
+
+Young Professor Ringmann found at Saint-Die a select and distinguished
+company of scholars, composed of Martin Waldseemueller, professor of
+geography; Jean Basin de Sendacour, canon and Latinist; Walter Lud,
+secretary to Duke Rene, patron of literature, and especially of the
+college of Saint-Die, which was to him as the apple of his eye. He was
+the reigning Duke of Lorraine, and titular "King of Sicily and
+Jerusalem," but had never strayed far from his own picturesque
+province, though he had won a great victory over Charles the Bold in
+1477. He is, no doubt, worthy an extended biographical sketch, but in
+this connection can only be referred to as the patron of these great
+teachers in Saint-Die, who, soon after the appearance of Ringmann
+among them, conceived the plan of printing a new edition of _Ptolemy_.
+
+One of them, Walter Lud, was blessed with riches, and as he had
+introduced a printing-press, about the year 1500, the college was
+amply equipped. So many discoveries had been made since the last
+editions of _Ptolemy_ had appeared, that the Saint-Die coterie felt
+the need of new works on the subject, and sent Ringmann to Italy
+hunting for the same. He, it is thought, brought back, among other
+"finds" of great value, the letter written by Vespucci to Soderini
+from Lisbon, in September, 1504, a certified manuscript copy of which
+was made in February, 1505, and printed at Florence before midsummer,
+1506.
+
+No extended explanation is needed now to elucidate the scheme by which
+Vespucci's letters were incorporated in the treatise published by
+those wise men of Saint-Die, entitled _Cosmographie Introductio_, or
+"Rudiments of Geography," and taken from the press on April 25, 1507.
+
+It was a small pamphlet, with engravings of the crudest sort, but it
+made a stir in the world such as has been caused by but few books
+since. But one copy of this first edition is said to be extant, and
+that is in the Lenox Library, New York City. It caused a flutter in
+cosmographical circles, not alone at the time of its issue, but for
+centuries thereafter, for in it first occurs in print the suggestion
+that the "fourth part of the world," discovered by Amerigo Vespucci,
+should be called AMERICA.[15]
+
+Professor Martin Waldseemueller was the culprit, and not Amerigo
+Vespucci, for he says, in Latin, which herewith find turned into
+English: "But now these parts have been more extensively explored and
+_another fourth part has been discovered by Americus Vespucius_ (as
+will appear in what follows): _wherefore I do not see what is rightly
+to hinder us from calling it Amerige, or America--i.e., the land of
+Americus, after its discoverer, Americus, a man of sagacious mind_,
+since both Europe and Asia have got their names from women. Its
+situation and the manners and customs of its people will be clearly
+understood from the twice two voyages of Americus, which follow."
+
+It was a suggestion, merely, and by one who was a perfect stranger to
+Vespucci; but it promptly "took," for the word America was euphonious,
+it seemed applicable, and, moreover, it was to be applied only to that
+quarter in the southern hemisphere which had been revealed by Amerigo
+Vespucci. It was a suggestion innocently made, without any sort of
+communication from Amerigo himself, intended to influence the opinion
+of contemporaries or the verdict of posterity.
+
+[Illustration: NORTH AMERICA FROM THE GLOBE OF JOHANN SCHOeNER]
+
+"But for these nine lines written by an obscure geographer in a little
+village of the Vosges," says Henry Harrisse, "the western hemisphere
+might have been called 'The Land of the Holy Cross,' or 'Atlantis,'
+or 'Columbia,' 'Hesperides,' 'Iberia,' 'New India,' or simply 'The
+Indies,' as it is designated officially in Spain to this day." ... "As
+it was, however," says another writer, "the suggestion by
+Waldseemueller was immediately adopted by geographers everywhere; the
+new land beyond the Atlantic had, by a stroke of a pen, been
+christened for all time to come."
+
+The full title of the _Cosmographie Introductio_ reads: "An
+Introduction to Cosmography, together with some principles of Geometry
+necessary to the purpose. Also four voyages of Americus Vespucius. A
+description of universal Cosmography, both stereometrical and
+planometrical, together with what was unknown to Ptolemy and has been
+recently discovered."
+
+Notwithstanding the name was "promptly adopted" by the geographers, at
+the same time it "came slowly into use," for geographical knowledge
+was then in an inchoate state, especially as respected the New World.
+It is said to have first appeared on a map ascribed to Leonardo da
+Vinci in 1514; but in a pamphlet accompanying "the earliest known
+globe of Johann Schoener," made in 1515, the new region is described as
+the "fourth part of the globe named after its discoverer, Americus
+Vespucius, who found it in 1497." Vespucci did not find it, and he
+never made the claim that he discovered more than is given in his
+letters; but this misstatement by another caused him to be accused of
+falsifying the dates of his voyages in order to rob Columbus of his
+deserts.
+
+It will be perceived, however, that the name was not applied at first
+to the entire land masses of America, but merely to that portion now
+known as Brazil, called by Cabral "_Terra Sanctae Crucis_," or "Land of
+the Holy Cross," and by Vespucci, who continued his explorations,
+"_Mundus Novus_." Further than this Vespucci never went, and,
+moreover, he passed away "before his name was applied to the new
+discoveries on any published map." He was living, of course, when the
+_Cosmographie_ appeared, and may have seen a copy of the book; but the
+argument advanced by some that he dedicated this work to Duke Rene of
+Lorraine, and hence must have written it, falls to the ground when
+that dedication is examined. The worthy canon who translated
+Vespucci's letter to Soderini into Latin, copied the dedication in the
+original, which was addressed to "His Magnificence, Piero Soderini,
+etc.," but substituted for the last-named his patron, Duke Rene. This
+is proved by the title "His Magnificence," which was used in
+addressing the Gonfaloniere of Florence, and never in connection with
+Duke Rene of Lorraine.
+
+It was not until near the middle of the sixteenth century that
+"America" was recognized "as the established continental name," when,
+after Mexico had been conquered by Cortes, Peru by Pizarro, and the
+Pacific revealed by Balboa and Magellan, it first appears on the great
+Mercator map of 1541. The appellation "America" had superseded _Mundus
+Novus_ on several maps previous to this, but only as a term applied to
+restricted regions. "The stage of development," says the learned
+author of the _Discovery of America_, "consisted of five distinct
+steps.... 1. Americus called the regions visited by him _beyond the
+equator_ a 'New World,' because they were unknown to the ancients; 2.
+Giocondo made this striking phrase, _Mundus Novus_, into a title for
+his translation of the letter, which he published at Paris (1504)
+while the author was absent from Europe, and probably without his
+knowledge; 3. The name _Mundus Novus_ got placed upon several maps as
+an equivalent for _Terra Sanctae Crucis_, or what we call Brazil; 4.
+The suggestion was made that _Mundus Novus_ was the Fourth Part of the
+Earth, and might properly be named America, after its discoverer; 5.
+The name America thus got placed upon several maps as an equivalent
+for what we call Brazil, and sometimes came to stand alone for what we
+call South America, but still signified _only a part of the dry land
+beyond the Atlantic to which Columbus had led the way_."
+
+That there was no evil intention on Vespucci's part is amply proved by
+the fact that, while he himself lived four years after the
+_Introductio_ was published, a certain contemporary of his, one
+Ferdinand Columbus, who was most acutely interested in seeing justice
+done the name and deeds of his father, survived Vespucci twenty-seven
+years. He not only saw this book, but owned a copy, which, according
+to an autograph note on the flyleaf, he had bought in Venice in July,
+1521, "for five _sueldos_." This book is still contained in the
+library he founded at Seville, and as it was copiously annotated by
+him, it must have been carefully read; yet, though he has the credit
+of having written a life of his father, Christopher Columbus, he makes
+no mention whatever of the "usurpation" by Vespucci.
+
+Ferdinand Columbus knew the Florentine, and was an intimate friend of
+his nephew, Juan Vespucci; yet the question seems never to have arisen
+between them as to the great discoverers' respective shares of glory.
+The explanation lies in this fact: that Vespucci's name had been
+bestowed upon a region far remote from that explored by his father,
+who had never sailed south of the equator. Notwithstanding the good
+feeling that prevailed between them, however, long after Ferdinand's
+death, when the name America had become of almost universal
+application, the veteran Las Casas, in writing his great history,
+marvels that the son of the old Admiral could overlook the "theft and
+usurpation" of Vespucci. The old man's indignation was great, for he
+was a stanch friend of Columbus, and revered his memory. He made out a
+very strong case against Vespucci--being in ignorance of the manner in
+which his name came to be given to the lands discovered by
+Columbus--and when, in 1601, the historian Herrera, who made use of
+the Las Casas manuscripts, repeated his statements as those of a
+contemporary, all the world gave him credence.
+
+Vespucci's name rested under suspicion during more than three
+centuries, and was not even partially cleared until 1837, when
+Alexander von Humboldt undertook the gigantic task of vindication. It
+was not so much to vindicate Vespucci, however, as to ascertain the
+truth, that Humboldt made the critical and exhaustive examination
+which appeared in his Examen _Critique de l'Histoire de la Geographie
+de Nouveau Continent_.
+
+Even Humboldt, however, did not secure all the evidence available, but
+by the discovery of valuable documents the missing links in the chain
+were supplied: by Varnhagen, Vespucci's ardent eulogist, by Harrisse,
+and finally by Fiske. The last-named truthfully says: "No competent
+scholar anywhere will now be found to dissent from the emphatic
+statement of M. Harrisse--'After a diligent study of all the original
+documents, we feel constrained to say that there is not a particle of
+evidence, direct or indirect, implicating Amerigo Vespucci in an
+attempt to foist his name on this continent.'" And moreover, "no shade
+of doubt is left upon the integrity of Vespucci. So truth is strong,
+and prevails at last."
+
+This is the conclusion arrived at by the impartial historian, who,
+without disparaging the deeds of Columbus, without detracting in any
+manner from his great discoveries, has restored Amerigo Vespucci to
+the niche in which he was placed by the German geographers four
+hundred years ago, and from which he was torn by injudicious
+iconoclasts, fearful for the fame of Spain's great Admiral.
+
+It is enough for Columbus to have discovered America; it was far more
+than Amerigo Vespucci deserved to have this discovery given his name,
+by which it will be known forever; but this honor, though unmerited,
+was at the same time unsought.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[15] For an excellent article on Saint-Die and the naming of America,
+see _Harper's Magazine_, vol. lxxxiv., p. 909 (1892).
+
+
+
+
+INDEX
+
+
+  Aborigines, described by Vespucci, 84-95;
+    seen in Vespucci's third voyage, 180-183.
+
+  Aguado, Juan, 151.
+
+  Amaraca, aboriginal name of province in South America, 137.
+
+  Amaraca-pan, the land of Amaraca, 137.
+
+  Amazon River discovered by Pinzon, 105.
+
+  America, may have been derived from _Amaraca_, 137;
+    when bestowed upon western continents, 200;
+    derivation of name, 238;
+    first applied to continents in 1507, 243, 244.
+
+  Antilla, island of, 26.
+
+  Arno, valley of the, 1.
+
+
+  Bahia Honda, reference to, 159.
+
+  Bastidas, Rodrigo de, reference to, 130;
+    expedition of, 155.
+
+  Berardi, trading-house of, 49, 76;
+    estate of Juan, 80.
+
+  Book, the first printed in America, 32.
+
+
+  Cabral, Pedro Alvarez, coasts South America, 167.
+
+  Cannibals, giants, and pearls, chap. ix.
+
+  Canopi seen by Vespucci, 189.
+
+  Canovai eulogizes Vespucci, 210, 211.
+
+  Carabi, aboriginal word, 96.
+
+  Caravans of the desert, 47.
+
+  Carib Indians described, 99.
+
+  Cathay, kingdom of, 26, 29, 36, 39, 46, 50.
+
+  Cerezo, Maria, married to Vespucci, 168, 235;
+    dependent upon  pension, 237.
+
+  Chambalu, or Peking, 38, 46, 49, 50.
+
+  Cibao, Indian word of Haiti, 28.
+
+  Cipango, island of, 26, 28, 30, 42, 44, 50.
+
+  Coelho, Goncalo, reference to, 202.
+
+  Columbus, Christopher, compared with Toscanelli, 18;
+    uses Toscanelli's chart in crossing Atlantic, 1492, 22;
+    letter to, from Toscanelli, 23-27;
+    adopts Toscanelli's ideas, 30;
+    conversations with, chap. v.;
+    personal appearance of, 63;
+    second voyage of, 76;
+    extravagances of, 77;
+    and Bishop Fonseca, 77-79;
+    and the Pinzons, 149, 150;
+    in friendly rivalry with Vespucci, 198;
+    and Vespucci contrasted, 210-214;
+    misfortunes of, 215;
+    letter written by, with reference to Vespucci, 218.
+
+  Columbus, Diego, suit of, against the crown,  166.
+
+  Columbus, Ferdinand, books owned by, 248;
+    acquainted with Juan Vespucci, 249.
+
+  Commerce, European, of the fifteenth century, 47, 48;
+    of Spain, fifteenth century, 57, 58.
+
+  Constellations of the southern hemisphere, 189, 190.
+
+  Coquibacoa, coast of Venezuela, 134, 135, 158, 159.
+
+  Cosa, Juan de la, with Columbus in Cuba, 107;
+    sails with Ojeda, 129;
+    the great pilot, 153;
+    chart made by, in year 1500, 154;
+    sails with Bastidas, 155;
+    second voyage with Ojeda, 156;
+    horrible death of, 157.
+
+  _Cosmographie Introductio_, the first book containing name
+    of America, 243, 245.
+
+  Cumana, on coast of Venezuela, 132, 137.
+
+  Curiana, or Gulf of Pearls, 132.
+
+
+  Dragon's Mouth, strait of the, 132.
+
+
+  Emanuel, King of Portugal, 168;
+    invites Vespucci to Portugal, 169;
+    receives Vespucci at court, 171;
+    sends him on two voyages to the Indies, 170;
+    recognizes his genius, 196, 207.
+
+  Emerson, R. W., calls Vespucci a "thief and pickle-dealer," 237.
+
+  _Examen Critique_, the, by Humboldt, 103, 250.
+
+
+  Ferdinand, King of Spain, and Fonseca, 76;
+    parts with Vespucci, 168, 169;
+    diplomacy of, 216;
+    prefers Vespucci to Columbus, 227;
+    calls Vespucci to court, 228;
+    appoints him pilot-major, 229.
+
+  Fiske, John, explains "debatable voyage," 104;
+    on Vespucci's letter of July, 1500, 109;
+    quotations from, 124, 125;
+    on historical records, 221.
+
+  Florence, Vespucci's birthplace, 2, 3;
+     in the Middle Ages, 12.
+
+  Florentines, the, as merchants in fifteenth century, 5.
+
+  Fonseca, Bishop, reference to, 76, 77, 79, 82, 126, 127;
+    authorizes Ojeda's voyage, 128.
+
+  Fortunate Islands, or Grand Canaries, 186.
+
+  _Four Voyages_, or _Journeys_, of Vespucci, 90, 95;
+    no trace of book containing the, 103;
+     further reference to, 176, 200, 205.
+
+  "Fourth Part of the Earth," the, chap. ii.
+
+
+  Ghengis Khan, 50.
+
+  Giacondo, Giovanni, translator  of Vespucci's letter, 1504, 198, 199.
+
+  Giants seen in Curacao, 119.
+
+  Gomara, historian, on explorations, 102.
+
+
+  Harrisse, Henry, observations on the naming of America, 244.
+
+  Herrera, Antonio de, accuses Vespucci of stealing from Columbus, 101.
+
+  Humboldt, Alexander von, vindicates Vespucci, 103.
+
+
+  _Igname_, Indian word, 89.
+
+  Iguana, described by Vespucci, 93.
+
+  _Imago Mundi_, book owned by Columbus, 241.
+
+  India house, the great, 80.
+
+  Irving, Washington, and his _Life of Columbus_, 29;
+    denounces Fonseca, 77;
+    narrates Vespucci's voyage with Ojeda, 125;
+    seeks to disparage Vespucci, 225, 226.
+
+  Iti, an island in the Caribbean Sea, 98.
+
+
+  _Kazabi_, or cassava, 89.
+
+  Khan, the Grand, 24, 28.
+
+  Kublai Khan, Mongol emperor, 36-40, 49.
+
+
+  Lake Dwellers, the, described by Vespucci, 90-95, 120.
+
+  Lariab, conjectural province of, 96.
+
+  Las Casas denounces Vespucci, 249.
+
+  Lud, Walter, 242.
+
+
+  Mandeville, Sir John, 49.
+
+  Mangi, province of, 26, 46.
+
+  Maracaibo, Gulf of, discovered by Ojeda,  135.
+
+  Maracapana (see Amaraca-pan), 132, 137.
+
+  Marco Polo's _Travels_, 33.
+
+  Marignoli, John de, traveller, 49.
+
+  Medici, the Florentine, 4, 5, 10.
+
+  Medici, Lorenzo de, letter written to, by Vespucci in 1501, 109;
+    in 1503, 179.
+
+  Michael Angelo, birthplace of, 15.
+
+  Monte Corvino, John of, 49.
+
+  _Mundus Novus_, or New World, 46, 239, 246, 248;
+    title of pamphlet containing first account of
+       Vespucci's voyage, 197;
+    when published, 239.
+
+
+  Navarrete, Spanish historian, 219, 221, 232, 233.
+
+  New World, the, southern hemisphere of America, so called
+    by Vespucci, 185.
+
+  Nicollini, Donato, Vespucci's friend, 56.
+
+  Nicuesa, explorer, quarrels with Ojeda, 160;
+    whom he rescues, 162.
+
+  Nino, Pedro, successful voyage of, 137.
+
+
+  Ojeda the Fighter, chap. viii.;
+    with Columbus, 126;
+    friend of Fonseca, 127;
+    receives authority for a voyage, 128;
+    accompanied by Vespucci, 130;
+    visits Trinidad, Pearl Islands, and Curacao, 132, 133;
+    finds Lake Dwellers, 134;
+    takes cargo of slaves to Spain, 136;
+    second voyage of (1502), 158;
+    placed in irons, 159;
+    makes third voyage (1509), 156, 160;
+    wounded by poisoned arrow, 163;
+    poverty and death of, 164.
+
+  Oviedo, historian, on discovery of Bay of Honduras, 105.
+
+
+  Paria, Gulf of, 131, 132.
+
+  Paul the Physicist, 16.
+
+  Pearls, Gulf of, 132.
+
+  Pearls obtained by Vespucci, 122, 141, 146.
+
+  Pelotti, Francesco, 49.
+
+  Peretola, home of the Vespuccis, 2.
+
+  Pinelo, Francisco, 77, 78, 81.
+
+  Pinzon brothers, the, 149, 150, 152.
+
+  Pinzon, Vicente Yanez, discovers the Amazon, 167.
+
+  Pliny quoted by Vespucci, 191.
+
+  Polo, Marco, Vespucci's countryman, 33;
+    taken captive, 34;
+    _Travels_, 36-42.
+
+  Polo, Maffei, 41.
+
+  Polo, Nicolo, 36.
+
+  Prescott, historian, quotation from, 57.
+
+  Printing-press, the first in America, 32.
+
+  _Ptolemy_, an improved, 242.
+
+
+  _Quattro Giornate_ (Four Journeys), 176.
+
+  Quinsai, city of, 25, 43, 46.
+
+
+  Rene, Duke of Lorraine, 242, 246, 247.
+
+  Ringmann, Matthias, contemporary of Vespucci, 241.
+
+  Roldan, Francesco, combats Ojeda, 136.
+
+
+  Saint-Die, town in which pamphlet was printed containing first
+    reference to America, 241, 242.
+
+  Savonarola, mention of, 15.
+
+  Schoener, Johann, globe made by, 245.
+
+  Sierra Leone, 178.
+
+  Soderini, Piero, letter written to, by Vespucci, 82, 101;
+    second letter, 170;
+    third letter, 201.
+
+
+  _Terra Firma_, definition of term, 70;
+    coast of, 166.
+
+  _Terra Sanctae Crucis_, 246, 248.
+
+  Toscanelli, Florentine astronomer, 16;
+    friendly with Vespucci, 16;
+    great attainments of, 19;
+    corresponds with Columbus, 17, 23-27;
+    sends chart to Columbus, 21;
+    ideas of, adopted by Columbus, 30.
+
+  Trapobana, island of, 123.
+
+  Trinidad, visited by Columbus, 131;
+    by Vespucci, 132.
+
+
+  Varnhagen, Viscount, explains Vespucci's "second" voyage, 105.
+
+  Vela, Cape de la, 135.
+
+  Venezuela, origin of name, 134.
+
+  Veragua, Duke of, 220.
+
+  Vespucci, Amerigo, spelling of the name, 1;
+    birthplace of, 2;
+    parents, 3, 4;
+    ancestors, 5, 6;
+    birthplace of, 2;
+    parents, 3, 4;
+    ancestors, 5, 6;
+    youth, 7, 8, 9, 12-14;
+    favorite authors, chap. iii.;
+    begins his career, 51;
+    enters service with the Medici, 54;
+    goes to Spain, 55;
+    letter of, from Spain, 56;
+    personal appearance of, 63;
+    characteristics of, 64;
+    debatable voyage of, chap. vi.;
+    outfits fleet for Columbus, 76;
+    in pay of Spain, 81;
+    letter of, on alleged first voyage, 82-100;
+    letters to Soderini, 82, 101, 170, 201;
+    his _Four Voyages_, 90;
+    accused of purloining from Columbus, 101;
+    vindicated by Humboldt, 103;
+    more humane than Columbus, 104;
+    second voyage of, chap. vii.;
+    oldest known writing relating to his voyages, 109;
+    describes constellations of southern hemisphere, 112, 113;
+    in fight with Indians, 117, 118;
+    mentions giants, 119;
+    discovers Lake Dwellers, 120;
+    takes slaves to Spain, 121, 122;
+    with Ojeda in 1499, 130;
+    quoted by Irving, 134;
+    aborigines seen by, 140-144;
+    finds pearls, 146;
+    fellow-voyagers of, chap. x.;
+    head of house of Berardi, 151;
+    projected voyage with Pinzon, 153;
+    invited to Portugal, 168;
+    married to Maria Cerezo, 168;
+    leaves Spain for Portugal, 169;
+    makes two voyages under Portuguese flag, 170;
+    account of third voyage, 170-177;
+    encounters cannibals, 180-183;
+    calls his discovery the New World, 185;
+    royally received in Portugal, 195;
+    renowned navigator, 196;
+    first-published letter of, 197;
+    makes a "fourth" voyage to America,  200;
+    returns to Spain, 209;
+    contrasted with Columbus, 209-214;
+    mentioned in a letter by Columbus, 218;
+    pilot-major of Spain, chap. xv.;
+    at court, 224;
+    corrects charts made by Columbus, 229;
+    official papers relating to, 233;
+    last will and testament, 234;
+    death of, 235.
+
+  Vespucci, Anastasio, Amerigo's father, 3, 6.
+
+  Vespucci, Elizabetta, Amerigo's mother, 3.
+
+  Vespucci, Georgio Antonio, 8, 11.
+
+  Vespucci, Giovanni, or Juan, Amerigo's nephew, 55;
+    is bequeathed his uncle's valuable papers, 235.
+
+  Vespucci, Girolamo, Amerigo's brother, 52, 53.
+
+  Vespucci, Guido Antonio, epitaph of, 6.
+
+
+  Waldseemueller, Martin, German geographer, who gave the name
+    to America, 241-243.
+
+
+  Yucca, flour made from, 89
+
+
+  Zaitun, city of Cathay, 43, 50.
+
+  Zipangu. _See_ Cipango.
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+[Transcriber's Notes:
+
+The transcriber made the following changes to the text:
+
+ 1. p.  44, The grand Khan ordered --> "The grand Khan ordered
+ 2. p.  69, The accounts of those --> "The accounts of those
+ 3. p.  74, But I perceive, Signor --> "But I perceive, Signor
+ 4. p.  77, "Fonesca" --> "Fonseca"
+ 5. p. 137, "Ojeba"  --> "Ojeda"
+ 6. p. 143, They had no victuals --> "They had no victuals
+ 7. p. 170, There came to be a royal --> "There came to be a royal
+ 8. p. 205, In this part --> "In this part
+ 9. Index, Columbus Ferdinand, books owned by, 268; -->
+           Columbus Ferdinand, books owned by, 248;
+
+End of Transcriber's Notes]
+
+
+
+
+
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