Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1874 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVI. Spain and Portugal--Importance of their commerce in ancient times, and its decline daring the Middle Ages--Trade with the coasts of Africa--The maritime discoveries of the Portuguese--Expeditions along the west coast of Africa by order of Prince Henry--Discovery of Madeira, A.d. 1418--Capes Boyador and Blanco, A.d. 1441--Capo Verde Islands, A.d. 1446, and Azores, A.d. 1449--Equator crossed, A.d. 1471--John II. of Portugal--First attempt to reach India by the Cape of Good Hope, A.d. 1487--Ancient dread of the Atlantic --Christopher Columbus--His ideas of the form of the earth, and love for maritime discovery--His visit to Lisbon, and treatment by the Portuguese--His formal proposal in 1480 to the crown of Portugal, which is referred to a learned junto who ridicule his idea --He leaves Lisbon, A.d. 1484; and visits Spain, A.d. 1485--His kind reception by the prior of the convent of La Babida--First interview with the sovereigns of Spain--Its result--The ridicule he endured--Evidences of an inhabited country to the West of Europe --Orders given by Ferdinand to provide Columbus with the vessels and stores necessary for his voyage to the West--Conditions signed 17th April, 1492--Vessels at last provided for the expedition-- Their size and character--Smallness of the expedition--Its departure, 3rd August, 1492--Arrival at the Canary Islands--Great fear and discontent among the crews--Matters become serious--Contemplated mutiny--Land discovered 12th October, A.d. 1492-- Columbus takes possession of the island of Guanahani in the name of Spain--The first impressions of the natives on Columbus. A Brief outline has already been furnished of the Spain maritime commerce of Spain during the time of the Portugal. Phoenicians and...
