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Thursday, 6 September 1492
Shortly before noon I sailed from the harbor at Gomera and set my course to the west. I am somewhat disturbed by word I received this morning from the captain of a caravel that came to Gomera from the island of Hierro. He reported that a Portuguese squadron of three caravels is in the vicinity of Hierro, apparently with orders to prevent me from departing the Canaries. There would be some truth in this, for King John must be angry that I went over to Castile. I sailed all day and night with very little wind; by morning I find myself between Gomera and Tenerife.
Friday, 7 September 1492
I have been becalmed all this day and night, until 3 o’clock in the morning.
Saturday, 8 September 1492
At 3 o’clock this morning the NE wind began to blow, and I set my course to the west. The Santa Maria took in so much water forward that my progress was impeded, and I only made 27 miles last night and today.
Sunday, 9 September 1492
This day we completely lost sight of land, and many men sighed and wept for fear they would not see it again for a long time. I comforted them with great promises of lands and riches. To sustain their hope and dispel their fears of a long voyage, I decided to reckon fewer leagues than we actually made. I did this that they might not think themselves so great a distance from Spain as they really were. For myself I will keep a confidential accurate reckoning.
Tonight I made 90 miles at a speed of 7 ˝ knots. The helmsmen steered badly, letting the ship get off course to the west by north and even to the WNW. I reprimanded them several times for this.
Monday, 10 September 1492
Today I made 180 miles at a speed of 7 ˝ knots. I recorded only 144 miles in order not to alarm the sailors if the voyage is lengthy.
Tuesday, 11 September 1492
I held to my westward course and made 60 miles or more. I saw a large piece of a ship’s mast from a vessel of at least 120 tons. I tried to haul it aboard but was not able to. Tonight I made another 60 miles, but recorded only 48 miles.
Wednesday, 12 September 1492
I continued to the west and made, by day and night, 90 miles, again reckoning less. |
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