brigantine appeared. Although the Governor regretted it, yet it was well done since it was in his service and to succour his person. Finally the caravel came up to the brigantine, much to the satisfaction of the Governor.

In the meantime, the harbour was recognized and the other brigantine stationed in the channel as sign for the ships. The Governor's brigantine approached to station the caravel also in the channel of the harbour. He ordered that it should take a position on one side of the channel and the brigantine on the other so that the ships might pass between them. This they now began to do under sail, for they were four or five leagues off.

The Governor had to be there to show them the way, because the chief pilot was in the brigantine and because there were many shallows. In spite of all their pains two of the ships scraped bottom, but, as it was sandy, they received no damage. This day there were hard words between the Governor and Johan de Anasco, who came as the King's auditor, but the Governor restrained his feelings and was patient.

The ships entered the harbour constantly sounding the lead. Sometimes they scraped bottom, but as it was mud they passed on. This took up five days, during which they did not land except that some men went ashore and brought water and forage for the horses. Finally, since the ships with their loads could not on account of the shoals, proceed to where the village lay, they anchored about four leagues farther back.

On Friday, May 30, they began to put the horses ashore. The place where they disembarked was due north of the Island of Tortuga, which is in the mouth of the Bahama Channel. The chief of this land was named Ocita, and it is ten leagues west of the Bay of Johan Ponce.

As soon as some of the horses were on shore, General Vasco Procallo de Figueroa and Johan de Anasco and Francisco Osorio rode to see something of the country. They lighted upon ten Indians with bows and arrows who, in their turn, were coming as warriors to get a look at these Christian guests and to learn what manner of folks they were. They shot two horses and the Spaniards slew two Indians and put the rest to flight.

There were in that expedition 243 horses. Of these, 19 or 20 died on the sea; but all the rest were put ashore. The General and some foot soldiers went in the brigantines to see the village. A gentleman named Gomez Arias returned in one of

them and gave a good report of the country and likewise told us how the people had gone away.

On Trinity Sunday, June 1, 1539, this army marched by land toward the village, taking as guides four Indians that Johan de Anasco had captured when in search of the harbour. They lost their bearings somewhat, either because the Christians failed to understand the Indians or because the latter did not tell the truth.

Thereupon the Governor went ahead with some horsemen, but since they were unfamiliar with the land they wearied the horses following deer and floundering in the streams and swamps for twelve leagues till they found themselves opposite the village on the other side of the roadstead of the harbour, which they could not pass around. And that night, worn out, they slept scattered about and not at all in order for war.

During all that week the ships gradually approached the village, being unloaded little by little with boats. In that way they took ashore all the clothes and provisions which they carried.

Some paths were found, but no one knew or was able to guess which to take to find the natives of the country. The four Indians understood very little, and then only by signs; and it was not easy to guard them as they had no fetters.

Tuesday, June 3, the Governor took possession of the country in the name of their Majesties, with all the formalities that are required. He dispatched one of the Indians to persuade and allure the neighboring chiefs with peace. That same night two of the three Indians that remained ran away. It was only by great good luck that all three did not get away, which gave the Christians much concern.

On Wednesday the Governor sent Captain Baltasar de Gallegos with the Indian that was left to look for some people or a village or a house. Toward sunset, being off their road, because the Indian who was the guide led them wandering and confused, it pleased God that they descried at a distance some 20 Indians. They were painted with a red ointment that the Indians put on when they go to war or wish to make a fine appearance. They wore many feathers and had bows and arrows.

When the Christians ran at them, the Indians fled to a hill. One of them came forth into the path lifting up his voice and saying, "Sirs, for the love of God and of Holy Mary, slay not me. I am a Christian like yourselves and was born in Seville, and my name is Johan Ortiz. "