American Lit: Christopher Columbus

written at sea on 2/15/1493

first voyage to West Indies

describes the Canary Islands

33 leagues to the island of San Salvador

notes that there are "people innumerable" on the islands & that he receives no opposition in claiming them for Spain

focuses on beauty & wonder of Hispaniola (its majesty, fertility of land, harbors and coastline, birds, fruits, etc.)

feels like he hasn't had the recognition he deserves for opening up South & Central American to the Spanish

describes his actual travels on his voyage; spends time focusing on the bad fortune & equipment that left him stranded for nearly a year

thinks that by giving them no problems and by allowing them to explore, it insults Columbus' honor and worsens the whole enterprise of exploration