We must pass over many interesting events and trying scenes which occurred before Columbus had the good fortune to arrive at Palos. We must briefly mention here that, at length, when Columbus reached St. Mary’s, the government of that island seized a part of the crew of the Nina, who had landed, and attempted to take Columbus himself. The island of St. Mary’s belonged to the king of Portugal, who had given his subjects orders to seize Columbus, should it be in their power. The reason for this was a jealousy, on the part of that king, that Columbus might interfere with voyages of discovery which were undertaken under his own direction.
The difficulties at St. Mary’s were, however, settled, and Columbus at length proceeded towards Spain. Another storm now came on, and drove him into a port of Portugal. He would have avoided touching at any port of Portugal, could he have done so with safety. But, having been struck by a squall of wind, he was obliged to make the first harbor he was able.
From this place he wrote to the king of Portugal, informing him of his situation, and requested permission to go with his vessel to Lisbon. This request was granted. On his arrival at this place, the inhabitants crowded on board to listen to the stories of the crew, and to see various articles of curiosity, which they had brought from the new world.
The king of Portugal was at this time at Valparaiso, about twenty-seven miles from Lisbon. From the former place, he despatched a messenger to Columbus, inviting him to the royal residence. Columbus wished not to go, justly fearing that some evil was designed him. But, at length, he deemed it wise to accept the invitation.
On reaching Valparaiso, he related his adventures to the king, and his discoveries, and the perils of his return. The king listened with deep attention, and, though he treated Columbus kindly, it was evident that he felt deeply mortified that he had lost the honor of this important discovery, when he might have employed Columbus himself.
Some of the king’s counsellors endeavored to prejudice him against Columbus, and, it is said, advised the king to have him murdered. But Columbus was at length dismissed in safety, and again set sail for Palos. A few days brought him in sight of this long wished-for port, and, on the 15th of March, at noon, the anchor of the Nina was cast in the spot from which it had been raised about seven months and a half before.
The joy of Columbus and his crew, on reaching Palos, may, perhaps, be imagined, but cannot be described. The joy of the inhabitants was not less intense. The vessel was descried coming up the river, and was recognised as one of those which had been abroad on a voyage of discovery.
The news rapidly spread along the streets; business was suspended, and the people were seen rushing to the wharves; all was hurry, curiosity, and bustle. Yes, there was much anxiety on the part of many. They had friends there; or, it might be, they were lost. But one vessel had arrived. Where were the others? One person had a husband: was he alive? a father, a brother: were they on board this vessel? or——. The anxiety was deep, and no wonder.
The ship was anchored, the sails were furled, and Columbus and his almost bewildered men now landed, amidst the greetings of the assembled multitude. Inquiries, one after another, went round in quick succession. Explanations were made as well as the hurry and confusion would allow. A long procession was formed, and Columbus and his men were marched to a church, where public thanks were returned for their success and safe return.
To heighten the joy of the people of Palos, it was so ordered that, on the evening of this very day, the Pinta was also seen standing up the river. She had been separated from Columbus, we have told, and was supposed to be lost. But it was not so. She had, however, only escaped as if by a miracle. She had been tossed up and down, and driven before the tempest, for days, and had, at length, succeeded in getting into a port, from whence, after the gale had subsided, she proceeded on her return; and now she came in, to add to the joy of the justly delighted people of Palos.