It was on Friday morning, the 12th of October, that Columbus first beheld the New World.  As the day dawned he saw before him a level island, several leagues in extent, and covered with trees like a continual orchard.  Though apparently uncultivated, it was populous, for the inhabitants were seen issuing from all parts of the woods and running to the shore.  They were perfectly naked, and, as they stood gazing at the ships, appeared by their attitudes and gestures to be lost in astonishment.  Columbus made signal for the ships to cast anchor, and the boats to be manned and armed.  He entered his own boat, richly attired in scarlet, and holding the royal standard; whilst Martin Alonzo Pinzon, and Vincent Yanez his brother, put off in company in their boats, each with a banner of the enterprize emblazoned with a green cross, having on either side the letters F. and Y., the initials of the Castilian monarchs Fernando and Ysabel, surmounted by crowns.

As he approached the shore, Columbus, who was disposed for all kinds of agreeable impressions, was delighted with the purity and suavity of the atmosphere, the crystal transparency of the sea, and the extraordinary beauty of the vegetation.  He beheld, also, fruits of an unknown kind upon the trees which overhung the shores.  On landing he threw himself on his knees, kissed the earth, and returned thanks to God with tears of joy.  His example was followed by the rest, whose hearts indeed overflowed with the same feelings of gratitude, Columbus then rising, drew his sword, displayed the royal standard, and assembling round him the two captains, with Rodrigo de Escobedo, notary of the armament, Rodrigo Sanchez, and the rest who had landed, he took solemn possession in the name of the Castilian sovereigns, giving the island the name of San Salvador.  Having complied with the requisite forms and ceremonies, he called upon all present to take the oath of obedience to him, as admiral and viceroy, representing the persons of the sovereigns.

The feelings of the crew now burst forth in the most extravagant transports.  They had recently considered themselves devoted men, hurrying forward to destruction; they now looked upon themselves as favourites of fortune, and gave themselves up to the most unbounded joy.  They thronged around the admiral with overflowing zeal, some embracing him, others kissing his hands.  Those who had been most mutinous and turbulent during the voyage, were now most devoted and enthusiastic.  Some begged favours of him, as if he had already wealth and honours in his gift.  Many abject spirits, who had outraged him by their insolence, now crouched at his feet, begging pardon for all the trouble they had caused him, and promising the blindest obedience for the future.

WASHINGTON IRVING.

[Notes:  Columbus.  Christopher Columbus of Genoa (born 1430, died 1506), the discoverer of America.  His first expedition was made in 1492.