for Columbus to perceive the line of conduct proper to be observed toward
that simple and inoffensive people. Had his companions and successors
of the Spanish nation possessed the wisdom and humanity of this great
discoverer, the benevolent mind would have had to experience no sensations
of regret in contemplating the extensive advantages arising to mankind from
the discovery of America.

In this voyage Columbus discovered the islands of Cuba and Hispaniola, on
the latter of which he erected a small fort; and having left a garrison of
thirty-eight men he set sail for Spain. Returning across the Atlantic, he
was overtaken by a violent storm, which lasted several days, and increased
to such a degree as baffled his naval skill and threatened immediate
destruction. In this situation when all were in a state of despair, and
it was expected that every sea would swallow up the crazy vessel, he
manifested a serenity and presence of mind seldom equalled in cases of like
extremity. He wrote a short account of his voyage and of the discoveries he
had made; this he hastily wrapt in an oiled cloth, then enclosed it in a
cake of wax and put it into an empty cask, which he threw overboard, in
hopes that some fortunate accident might preserve a deposit of so much
importance to the world.

The storm however abated, and he at length arrived in Spain, after having
been driven by stress of weather into the port of Lisbon; where he had
opportunity, in an interview with the king of Portugal, to prove the
truth of his system by arguments more convincing than those he had before
advanced in the character of a bold projector but humble suitor. He was
received every where in Spain with royal honors; his family was ennobled,
and his former stipulation respecting his offices and emoluments was
ratified in the most solemn manner by Ferdinand and Isabella; while
all Europe resounded his praises, and reciprocated their joy and