But now, from Granada, and our fancies there, the narrative brings us
back to the first land touched by Columbus. The landing of Columbus in the
New World must ever be a conspicuous fact in the annals of mankind, and it
was celebrated by a ceremonial worthy of the occasion. On the ensuing
morning, after the light had been observed from the ships, being a Friday,
the 12th of October, 1492, Columbus, clad in complete armour, and carrying
in his hand the royal banner of Spain, descended upon the level shores of
the small island [San Salvador, one of the Bahamas] which had first
greeted him, and which he found to be very fruitful--fresh and verdant,
and "like a garden full of trees." The other captains accompanied him,
each of them bearing a banner with a green cross depicted upon it, and
with the initials of Ferdinand and Isabella surmounted by their respective
crowns--a device that well expressed the loyalty and devotion of Columbus,
and had been chosen by him. These chief officers were followed by a large
retinue from their crews. In numerous lines along the shore stood the
simple islanders, looking on with innocent amazement.


THEIR GRATITUDE.

On touching land, Columbus and all the Spaniards who were present fell
upon their knees, and with tears--tears of that deepest kind which men do
not know the cause of--poured forth their "immense thanksgivings to
Almighty God."

The man who, of all that embassage, if we may call it so, from the Old to
the New World, was certainly the least surprised by all he saw, was, at
the same time, the most affected. For thus it is, that the boldness of a
great design is never fully appreciated by the designer himself until he
has apparently accomplished his work, when he is apt, if it be indeed a