sagacity and fortitude more than human, in order to accomplish a design so far beyond the ideas and conception of all former ages.
As soon as the sun arose, all their boats were manned and armed. They rowed towards the island with their colours displayed, with warlike music, and other martial pomp. As they approached the coast, they saw it covered with a multitude of people whom the novelty of the spectacle had drawn together, whose attitudes and gestures expressed wonder and astonishment at the strange objects which presented themselves to their view. Columbus was the first European who set foot in the New World which he had discovered. He landed in a rich dress, and with a naked sword in his hand. His men followed; and, kneeling down, they all kissed the ground which they had so long desired to see. They next erected a crucifix; and, prostrating themselves before it, returned thanks to God for conducting their voyage to such an happy issue. This island was one of the Bahama Islands; to which he gave the name of San Salvador, and took possession of it in the name of their Catholic Majesties.
The naked and painted natives, when they had recovered from their fright at hearing the discharge of the artillery, regarded the white men, by whose confidence they were soon won, as visitors from the skies which bounded their horizon; they received from them, with the greatest transport, toys and trinkets, fragments of glass and earthenware, as celestial presents possessing a supernatural virtue. They brought, in exchange, cotton-yarn and cassava bread, which, as it keeps longer
