THE

HISTORY OF AMERICA..

BY

THOMAS F. GORDON.

VOLUMES FIRST AND SECOND,

CONTAINING

THE HISTORY OF THE SPANISH DISCOVERIES

PRIOR TO 1520.

VOLUME II.

Philadelphia:

CAREY & LEA-CHESTNUT STREET.

E123

.G?

Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1831 by THOMAS F. GORDON, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

STEREOTYPED BY J. HOWE.

CHAPTER I.

SECT. I. Rights of Ferdinand, on the death of Isabella

II. Condition of Hispaniola

III. Administration of Ovando.

IV. Policy of Ferdinand in Hispaniola

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9

10

11

12

V. Introduction of slaves from the Lucayan Islands

VI. Circumnavigation of Cuba

VII. Adjudication of the claims of Don Diego Columbus

VIII. D. Columbus proceeds to Hispaniola as Governor

IX. Repartimientos of Indians by Diego Columbus

X. Pearl Fishery at Cubagua..

XI. Colonization of Jamaica....

XII. Reduction of Cuba by Velasquez.

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15

16

17

17

19

20

XIII. Discovery of Florida by Ponce de Leon

24

XIV. Search for the island of Bimini and the fountain of Re-

juvenescence

24

XV. Intrigues against Diego Columbus-He resolves to re-

turn to Spain-Distribution of the Indians by Alber-

querque

XVI. Efforts of the Dominicans in favour of the Indians...

XVII. The king confirms the repartimientos, and gives instruc-

tions for the treatment of the Indians..

XVIII. Las Casas becomes the advocate of the Indians-His ef-

forts in Spain for their relief

XIX. Cardinal Ximenes establishes a commission for the gov

ernment of American affairs..

XX. Proceeding of the Commissioners

XXI. They confirm the Repartimientos

XXII. Dissatisfaction of Las Casas

XXIII. Procures the reconsideration of the Indian question.... 35

XXIV. Introduction of Negro-slavery into the West Indies.,

XXV. Remarks on the conduct of Las Casas

XXVI. Las Casas proposes the emigration of labourers and

husbandmen

XXVII. He proposes to establish a colony on Terra Firma, un-

der ecclesiastical jurisdiction

XXVIII. Reception of his scheme by the king's ministers

XXIX. Caution of the king.

XXX. Discussion of the Indian question before him

XXXI. Scheme of Las Casas approved by the king

XXXII. Impediments to its execution...

XXXIII. Experiment of Figueroa on the capacity of the natives

XXXIV. Unfortunate result of Las Casas's attempt at coloniza.

tion

XXXV. Return of Diego Columbus to Spain-Reception by the

king

XXXVI. Restored to his honours by Charles V.

XXXVII. State of Hispaniola-Revolt of the African slaves..

XXXVIII. Revolt of the Cacique Henriquez

XXXIX. Serrano empowered to colonize the Caribbee islands..

CHAPTER II.

SECT. I. Efforts for the exploration of the American continent 60

II. Voyage of Solis and Pinzon

III. Terms of grants made to Ojeda and Nicuesa

IV. Singular instructions given to Ojeda and Nicuesa.... 63

V. Unfortunate attempt of Ojeda at Carthagena

VI. Relieved by Nicuesa, and proceeds to the Gulf of Uraba

VII. Misfortunes of Ojeda there

VIII. Ojeda returns to Hispaniola for aid-His death..

IX. Nicuesa proceeds to Veragua, and is deserted by his

lieutenant

X. Loses his vessel-His great sufferings.