[Note 3:  He was appointed cartographer of the Casa de Contractacion at Seville, in 1512.  Henry Harrisse makes frequent mention of the Vespucci in his work on the Cabots.]

[Note 4:  One of many instances of Peter Martyr’s hospitality to men of parts and activity, from whose conversation and narrations he set himself to glean the material for his writings.  His information was first-hand, and was frequently poured out to him over his hospitable board, under which the home-coming adventurers were glad to stretch their legs, while their genial host stimulated their memories and loosed their tongues with the generous wines of his adopted country.]

According to the letters of Pedro Arias, and to the narrations of Vespucci, what happened is as follows:  It is believed that the natives belong to the same race as the Caribs or Cannibals, for they are just as overbearing and cruel.  They seek to repulse from their shores all Spaniards who approach for they consider them as enemies and are determined to prevent their landing, despite their attempts.  These naked barbarians are so determined and courageous, that they ventured to attack the entire squadron and tried to drive it from their coasts.  They threw themselves into the sea, like madmen, showing not the slightest fear of the number and size of our vessels.  They attacked the Spaniards with all sorts of darts; protected by the sides of the ships and by their shields, the latter resisted, though two of them were mortally wounded.  It was then decided to fire cannon, and frightened by the noise and the effect of the projectiles, the natives fled, believing the Spaniards commanded the thunder; for they are frequently exposed to storms owing to the character of their country and the neighbourhood of lofty mountains.  Although the enemy were conquered and dispersed, the Spaniards hesitated whether to go on shore or to remain on board their ships.  A consultation was held in which different opinions were expressed.  Fear counselled them to stop where they were, but human respect urged them to land.  They feared the poisoned arrows which the natives shot with such sure aim, but on the other hand it seemed shameful, unworthy, and infamous to sail by with such a large fleet and so many soldiers without landing.  Human respect carried the day, and after landing by means of light barques, they pursued the scattered natives.

According to the report of Pedro Arias and the narrative of Vespucci, the harbour is three leagues in circumference.  It is a safe one, and its waters are so clear that at a depth of twenty cubits, the stones on its bottom may be counted.  Streams empty into the harbour but they are not navigable for large ships, only for native canoes.  There is an extraordinary abundance of both fresh- and salt-water fish, of great variety and good flavour.  Many native fishing boats were found in this harbour, and also a quantity of nets ingeniously made from stout grasses worn by friction and interwoven with spun cotton cords.  The natives of Caramaira, Cariai, and Saturma are all skilful fishermen, and it is by selling their fish to the inland tribes that they procure the products they need and desire.