s U \ Nil i\ 
EABLT BISTORT OF THE CREEK INDIANS 33 
While ii is not fortified with official documents like that of Shea it 
comes from b contemporary and one intimately acquainted with all 
of the principals and therefore deserves to be placed beside the other 
as an original source of information. 
Some Spaniard-, anxious as hunters pursuing wild beasts through the mountains 
and swamps to capture the Indians of that archipelago [the Bahamas], embarked on 
two ships built at the cost of seven of them. They sailed from Puerto de Plata situated 
on the north coast, of Bispaniola, and laid their course inwards the Lucayas. Three 
years have passed since then, and il is only now, in obedience to Camillo Gallino, who 
wishes me toacquainl Your Excellency with some still unknown particulars concerning 
these discoveries, thai I speak of this expedition. These Spaniards visited all the 
Lucayas hut without finding the plunder, for their neighbors had already explored 
the archipelago and systematically depopulated it. Not wishing to expose them- 
selves to ridicule by returning to Hispaniola empty-handed, they continued their 
course towards the north. Many people said they lied when they declared they had 
purposely chosen thai direction. 
They were driven by a sudden tempest which lasted two days, to within sight of a 
lofty promontory which we will later describe. When they landed on this coast, the 
Datives, amazed al the unexpected sight, regarded it as a miracle, for they had never 
Been ships. At first they rushed in crowds to the beach, eager to see; but when the 
Spaniards took to their shallops, the natives fled with the swiftness of the wind, leaving 
the coast deserted. <>ur compatriots pursued them and some of the more agile and 
swift-footed young men got ahead and captured a man and a woman, whose flight had 
Keen less rapid. They took them on board their ships and after giving them clothing, 
released them. Touched by this generosity, serried masses of natives again appeared 
on the beach. 
When their sovereign heard of this generosity, and beheld for the first time these 
unknown and precious garments — for they only wear the skins of lions and other wild 
beasts he sent fifty of his servants to the Spaniards, carrying such provisions as they 
eat. When the Spaniards landed, he received them respectfully and cordially, and 
when they exhibited a wish to visit the neighborhood, he provided them with guide 
and an escort. Wherever they showed themselves the natives, full of admiration, 
advanced to meet them With presents, as though they were divinities to be worshipped. 
What impressed I hem m< el was the sight of the beards and the woolen and silk clothing. 
But what then! The Spaniards ended by violating this hospitality. For when 
they had finished their explorations, they enticed numerous natives by lies and tricks 
to visit their ships, and when the vessels were quickly crowded with men and women 
they raised anchor, set sail, and carried these despairing unfortunates into slavery. 
By such means they sowed hatred and warfare throughout that peaceful and friendly 
region, separating children from their parents and wives from their husbands. Xor 
is this all. Only one of the two ships returned, and of the other there has been no 
news. As the vessel was old, it is probable that she went down with all on hoard, 
innocent and guilty. This spoliation occasioned the Royal council at Hispaniola 
much vexation, but it remained unpunished. It was first thought to send the 
prisoners back, but nothing was done, because the plan would have been difficult to 
realise, and besides one of the ships was lost. 
These del ails were furnished me by a virtuous priest, learned in law, called the bache- 
lor Al vares de Castro. His learning and his virtues caused him to he named Dean of 
the < athedral of < oncepcion, in Hispaniola, and simultaneously vicar and inquisitor. 
148061°— 22 3 
