EDITOR: Alex Iannucci
Irving, Washington. The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus. P.F. Collier, 1904.
EXCERPT: “Columbus distributed among them colored caps, glass beads. hawk’s bells, and other trifles which they received as inestimable gifts, and decorating themselves with them, were wonderfully delighted with their finery.”
NOTES: Many sources often portray Christopher Columbus as a tyrant whose only intentions were to cause harm to the new found people. It is easy to believe the horror stories considering the availability of information on his “wrong doings”. However, compared to many other Spanish Conquistadors, it is easy to see Columbus was much more peaceful. He even greeted the new found people with gifts.
Wilkie, Franc B. A Life of Christopher Columbus. Hurst.
EXCERPT: “The natives of the place complained that Pinzon had, on his previous visit, violently carried off four men and two girls. Finding that they were retained on the “Pinta” to be taken to Spain to be sold as slaves, the admiral immediately ordered that they be restored to their homes, with many presents, and well clothed.”
NOTES: This particular excerpt really shows what I believe are the true qualities of Christopher Columbus. He showed respect and truly cared for these strangers. All throughout Columbus’ Voyages he was treated with respect and hospitality by the native people. In this excerpt it shows how Columbus was especially displeased with Pinzon’s actions. Columbus therefore, reciprocated the respect and hospitality he received from the native people by freeing them with gifts and clothes.
“Christopher Columbus: The Untold Story.” Understanding Prejudice, www.understandingprejudice.org/nativeiq/columbus.htm.
EXCERPT: “Columbus wrote in his journal: “They should be good servants….. I, our Lord being pleased, will take hence, at the time of my departure, six natives for your Highnesses” These captives were later paraded through the streets of Barcelona and Seville when Columbus returned to Spain”
NOTES: This article is the opposition of my personal opinion, supporting why Columbus is a villain. To me this is interesting because I was unable to actually find where Columbus said he would take six natives. That statement entirely contradicts multiple other sources stating that Columbus freed 6 natives rather than enslaving them. Finally, if there even is a slight amount of truth to Columbus enslaving 6 natives for Spain, it really wouldn’t be out of the ordinary considering the time period. Slavery was an unfortunate social norm of the society of 1492.
EXCERPT: “We who have always known that the whole inhabited earth has long since been explored, we who were born to such an accumulation of knowledge can never realize what was the amazement, the joy, of that little handful of men who, after three lonely months on the unknown ocean, at last reached unsuspected land.”
NOTES: This last final excerpt proves to me Columbus’ true intention. While people claim that Columbus is a villain who started the genocide of Native American’s, I believe people need to look at his true intention. Columbus was undoubtedly an explorer, who wanted nothing more to follow his dream and discover land. After reading multiple excerpts from his journal and other books it is clear to me that Columbus was a passionate explorer and had no concern or intention to harm any of the Natives. The events that followed his discoveries was unfortunate, but not at all his intention.