I have come to believe that this is a mighty continent which was hitherto unknown. I am greatly supported in this view by reason of this great river [Ozama], and by this sea which is fresh.

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

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

I should be judged as a captain who went from Spain to the Indies to conquer a people numerous and warlike, whose manners and religion are very different from ours, who live in sierras and mountains, without fixed settlements, and where by divine will I have placed under the sovereignty of the King and Queen our Lords, an Other World, whereby Spain, which was reckoned poor, is become the richest of countries. Columbus is coming from the Indies as a prisoner to Cadiz.

No one should fear to undertake any task in the name of our Saviour, if it is just and if the intention is purely for His holy service.

I went to sea from the most tender age and have continued in a sea life to this day. Whoever gives himself up to this art wants to know the secrets of Nature here below. It is more than forty years that I have been thus engaged. Wherever any one has sailed, there I have sailed.

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