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LIFE
A N D
VOYAGES
OF
[BOOK V I I .
CHAPTER VI.
COASTING VOYAGE ALONG THE SOUTH SIDE OP JAMAICA. [1494.]
COLUMBUS remained for several days at anchor in the river, to which, from the Mass performed on its banks, he gave the name of Rio de la Misa.
At length, on the 16th of July, he took
leave of the friendly cacique and his ancient counselor, who beheld his departure with sorrowful countenances.
He took a
young Indian with him from this place, whom he afterwards sent to the Spanish sovereigns.
Leaving to the left the Queen's Gar
dens, he steered south for the broad open sea and deep blue water, until having a free navigation he could stand eastward for Hispaniola.
He had scarcely got clear of the islands, however, when
he was assailed by furious gusts of wind and rain, which for two days pelted his crazy vessels, and harassed his enfeebled crews. At length, as he approached Cape Cruz, a violent squall struck the ships, and nearly threw them on their beam ends.
Fortu
nately they were able to take in sail immediately, and, letting go their largest anchors, rode out the transient gale.
The ad
miral's ship was so strained by the injuries received among the islands, that she leaked at every seam, and the utmost exertions of the weary crew could not prevent the water from gaining on her.
At length they were enabled to reach Cape Cruz, where