BOOK XVI.
CHAPTER
I.
ARRANGEMENT OF DIEGO MENDEZ WITH THE CACIQUES FOR
SUPPLIES
OF PROVISIONS.—SENT
TO SAN DOMINGO BY
COLUMBUS IN QUEST OF RELIEF. [1503.]
THE island of Jamaica was extremely populous and fertile ; and the harbor soon swarmed with Indians, who brought provisions to barter with the Spaniards. To prevent any disputes in purchas ing or sharing these supplies, two persons were appointed to superintend all bargains, and the provisions thus obtained were divided every evening among the people. This arrangement had a happy effect in promoting a peaceful intercourse. The stores thus furnished, however, coming from a limited neighborhood of improvident beings, were not sufficient for the necessities of the Spaniards, and were so irregular as often to leave them in pinch ing want. They feared, too, that the neighborhood might soon be exhausted, in which case they should be reduced to famine. In this emergency, Diego Mendez stepped forward with his ac customed zeal, and volunteered to set off, with three men, on a foraging expedition about the island. His offer being gladly ac-
VOL. II.
BB