CHAPTER II.
Columbus sails on his first voyage—He continues his course.
The third of August, 1496, was a memorable day to Columbus and to the world. On the morning of that day the sails of the three vessels were seen by the inhabitants of Palos, spread for the voyage. To Columbus it was a joyful occasion,—to many of the people it was a season of gloom. Several of them had friends on board. They were now to bid them farewell, and they could not believe but that it would be final. They had little confidence in the success of the enterprise. Even the sailors appeared dejected. Many tears, it is said, were shed that morning, and loud lamentations were heard as the sails rose to the wind.
All things being in readiness, orders were issued to make sail. The vessels were soon gallantly ploughing their way through the deep, while the flag of Columbus was streaming to the wind on board the Santa Maria.
Many a bright morning is soon overcast by clouds. It was so with the prospects of Columbus. He was scarcely out of sight of land, before a signal of distress was made from the Pinta. She had unshipped her rudder, which was found to be broken. Columbus was not without his suspicions that the misfortune was the effect of design, in consequence of the reluctance of some on board to continue the voyage. The misfortune made it necessary for him to steer for the Canary islands. These islands are thirteen in number.
Three weeks were here spent in attempting to find a vessel to take the place of the Pinta. The effort was unsuccessful. The broken rudder of the Pinta was therefore supplied by a new one.
The vessels being again in readiness, Columbus left the island of Gomera, where the above repairs had been made, on the 6th of September. He now directed his course westward into the broad Atlantic.
On the 9th, Ferro, the most western of the Canary islands, was discovered, but before the setting in of night no trace of it remained in sight.
They had now taken leave of their country. Before them rolled a wide waste of waters, in the billows of which many expected to find a grave. Gloom and dejection seemed to rest heavily on the brow of many a rugged seaman—some of whom, even in this beginning of the voyage, broke out into loud complaints.
Columbus soothed and flattered them. He was himself confident of success, and spread before them the prospect of wealth and honor which he was sure they would realize.