steered his course due west. Not many days after he laid this course he
perceived the symptoms of a new scene of difficulty. The sailors now began
to contemplate the dangers and uncertain issue of a voyage, the nature
and length of which were left entirely open to conjecture. Besides the
fickleness and timidity natural to men unaccustomed to the discipline of a
seafaring life, several circumstances contributed to inspire an obstinate
and mutinous disposition; which required the most consummate art as well as
fortitude in the admiral to control. Having been three weeks at sea, and
experienced the uniform course of the trade winds, they contended that,
should they continue the same course for a longer time, the same winds
would never permit them to return to Spain. The magnetic needle began to
vary its direction. This being the first time that this phenomenon was ever
noticed, it was viewed by the sailors with astonishment; they thought it an
indication that nature itself had changed its laws, and that Providence was
about to punish their audacity in venturing so far beyond the bounds of
man. They declared that the commands of the government had been fully
obeyed in their proceeding so many days in the same course, and so far
surpassing all former navigators in quest of discoveries.

Every talent requisite for governing, soothing and tempering the passions
of men is conspicuous in the conduct of Columbus on this occasion. The
dignity and affability of his manners, his surprising knowledge and
experience in naval affairs, his unwearied and minute attention to the
duties of his command, gave him a great ascendency over the minds of his
men, and inspired that degree of confidence which would have maintained his
authority in almost any circumstances. But here, from the nature of the
undertaking, every man had leisure to feed his imagination with the
gloominess and uncertainty of the prospect. They found from day to day the
same steady gales wafting them with rapidity from their native country, and
indeed from all countries of which they had any knowledge.