LIFE
224
AND VOYAGES
OF
[BOOK
lor, and gunner, all expert at their several callings.
IV.
The com
mand was given to Diego de Arana, a native of Cordova, and notary and alguazil to the armament, who was to retain all the powers vested in him by the catholic sovereigns.
In case of his
death, Pedro Gutierrez was to command, and, he dying, Eodrigo de Escobedo.
The boat of the wreck was left with them, to be
used in fishing; a variety of seeds to sow, and a large quantity of articles for traffic, that they might procure as much gold as possible against the admiral's return.* As the time drew nigh for his departure, Columbus assembled those who were to remain in the island, and made them an ear nest address, charging them, in the name of the sovereigns, to be obedient to the officer left in command; to maintain the utmost respect and reverence for the cacique Guacanagari and his chief tains, recollecting how deeply they were indebted to his goodness, and how important a continuance of it was to their welfare.
To
be circumspect in their intercourse with the natives, avoiding disputes, and treating them always with gentleness and justice; and, above all, being discreet in their conduct towards the Indian women, misconduct in this respect being the frequent source of troubles and disasters in the intercourse with savage nations. He warned them, moreover, not to scatter themselves asunder, but to keep together, for mutual safety; and not to stray beyond the friendly territory of Guacanagari.
He enjoined it upon
Arana, and the others in command, to acquire a knowledge of the productions and mines of the island, to procure gold and spices, and to seek along the coast a better situation for a settlement, the present harbor being inconvenient and dangerous, from the rocks and shoals which beset its entrance. * Primer Viage de Colon.
Navarrete, torn. i.
Hist, del Almirante, cap. 33.