Christopher Columbus

Stood off and on during the night, determining not to come to anchor till morning, fearing to meet with shoals continued our course in the morning and as the island was found to be six or seven leagues distant, and the tide was against us, it was noon when we arrived there.

Christopher Columbus

The Admiral says that he never beheld so fair a thing: trees all along the river, beautiful and green, and different from ours, with flowers and fruits each according to their kind, many birds and little birds which sing very sweetly.

Christopher Columbus

The air soft as that of Seville in April, and so fragrant that it was delicious to breathe it.

Christopher Columbus

The sea will grant each man new hope, and sleep will bring dreams of home.

Christopher Columbus

Their houses are all built in the shape of tents, with very high chimneys.

Christopher Columbus

There are trees of a thousand sorts, and all have their several fruits; and I feel the most unhappy man in the world not to know them, for I am well assured that they are all valuable. I bring home specimens of them, and also of the land.

Christopher Columbus

These people are very unskilled in arms… with 50 men they could all be subjected and made to do all that one wished.

Christopher Columbus

Thus the eternal God, our Lord, gives victory to those who follow His way over apparent impossibilities.

Christopher Columbus

Tomorrow morning before we depart, I intend to land and see what can be found in the neighborhood.

Christopher Columbus

Weep for me, whoever has charity, truth and justice! I did not come on this voyage for gain, honor or wealth, that is certain; for then the hope of all such things was dead. I came to Your Highnesses with honest purpose and sincere zeal; and I do not lie. I humbly beseech Your Highnesses that, if it please God to remove me hence, you will help me to go to Rome and on other pilgrimages.

Christopher Columbus