On leaving the Cape Verdes, the Admiral decided to send his best captain
with three of the ships due west to Haiti,--this because the Isabella
colony was in sore need of provisions. Meanwhile he himself would lead
the other three farther south and discover new lands; for he had
received a letter in Spain from a gem expert saying, "Go to hot lands
for precious stones."
Knowing nothing of currents and calms around the equator in July, he
conducted his three ships into such a strong northern ocean current that
he had to change his course before ever they reached the equator. Next
they lay becalmed for eight days in the most cruel heat imaginable. The
provisions were spoiling; the men's tempers were spoiling, too; and so,
on the last day of July, judging that they must be south of the
Caribbean Islands, Columbus gave up all thought of new investigations
and started northwest for Hispaniola. By the new course land was soon
sighted, a much larger island than any of the Caribbeans. Out of it rose
three imposing mountain peaks; and accordingly it was christened _La
Trinidad_ (the Trinity) after the custom of religious naming that
prevailed.
Columbus's ships, having shrunken and cracked in the heat of the voyage,
were much in need of repair. After cruising around the south and west
shore, Looking in vain for a harbor where he could patch up his ships
and take on water, he at last found a suitable spot near Point Alcatraz.
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