eyes, the king expressed much grief for our loss, and immediately sent off all the people in the place with many large canoes to our assistance.  We accordingly began immediately to unload, and with our own boats and their canoes, we soon carried on shore every thing that was on the deck.  The aid given us on this occasion by the king was very great; and he afterwards, with the assistance of his brothers and kindred, took all possible care, both on board and ashore, that every thing should be conducted and preserved in the most orderly manner.  From time to time he sent some of his people to me weeping, to beg me not to be dejected, as he would give me everything he possessed.  I assure your highnesses that better order could not have been taken in any port in Castile to preserve our things, for we did not lose the value of a pin.  He caused all our clothes and other articles to be laid together in one place near his own residence, and appointed armed men to watch them day and night, until the houses which he had allotted for our accommodation could be emptied and got in readiness for our reception.  All the people lamented our misfortune as if the loss had been their own.  So kindly, tractable, and free from covetousness are these good Indians, that I swear to your highnesses there are no better people, nor is there a better country in the world.  They love their neighbours as themselves, and their conversation is the sweetest that can be conceived, always pleasant and always smiling.  It is true that both men and women go entirely naked, yet your highnesses may rest assured that they have very commendable customs.  The king is served with much state and ceremonious respect, and his manners are so staid that it is very pleasing to see him.  They have wonderfully good memories, and are of quick apprehension, and were extremely desirous to know every thing, asking many questions, and inquiring into the causes and effects of every thing they saw.”

The chief king of the country came on board to visit the admiral on Wednesday the 26th of December, and expressed much sorrow for his misfortune, and endeavoured to comfort him by promising to give him every thing that he might desire.  He said that he had already given three houses to the Spaniards to lay up every thing which had been saved from the ship and was ready to give them as many more as they might require.  In the mean time, a canoe came from a neighbouring island, bringing some plates of gold to exchange for small bells, which the Indians valued above every thing; and our seamen from the shore informed the admiral that many Indians resorted from other places to the town, who brought several articles made of gold which they bartered for points and other things of small value, and offering to bring much more gold if the Christians desired.  The king or great cacique perceiving that the admiral was much gratified by this information, told him he would give orders to bring a great quantity of gold from a place called Cibao, where it was to be had in great abundance.  Afterwards, when the admiral was on shore, the cacique invited him to eat axis and cazabi, which formed the principal diet of the Indians[7].  He likewise presented him with some masks or vizors, having their eyes, noses, and ears, made of gold, and many pretty ornaments of that metal which the Indians wore about their necks.