CH*F.
XII.]
C H R I S T O P H E R
387
COLUMBUS.
CHAPTER XII.
D I S T R I B U T I O N
O F
T H E
S P A N I S H
P R E P A R A T I O N S
F O R
A
F O R C E S V O Y A G E
I N
T H E
T O
I N T E R I O R .
C U B A .
[1494 ]
T H E increasing discontents of the motley population of Isabella, and the rapid consumption of the scanty stores which remained, were causes of great anxiety to Columbus. He was desirous of proceeding on another voyage of discovery, but it was indispensa ble, before sailing, to place the affairs of the island in such a state as to secure tranquillity.
He determined, therefore, to send all
the men that could be spared from Isabella, into the interior; with orders to visit the territories of the different caciques, and explore the island.
By this means they would be roused and
animated; they would become accustomed to the climate and to the diet of the natives, and such a force would be displayed as to overawe the machinations of Caonabo or any other hostile ca cique.
In pursuance of this plan, every healthy person, not
absolutely necessary to the concerns of the city or the care of the sick, was put under arms, and a little army mustered, consisting of two hundred and fifty cross-bow men, one hundred and ten arquebusiers, sixteen horsemen, and twenty officers.
The general
command of the forces was intrusted to Pedro Margarite, in
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