Second Voyage: 1493-6 Summary and Analysis

The documents of Columbus's second voyage include sections from his son's biography of his father, as well as a letter written by a doctor (Dr. Chanca) who accompanied Columbus on this trip.

The first section from Hernando Colon's biography describes Columbus's attempts to settle Hispaniola, which the Pope had confirmed could rightfully belong to the Spanish (in fact, he extended this right as far as the Orient). In addition, Columbus wished to retrieve the men they had left there on the first voyage; the sovereigns had affirmed his right to do so.

The second section, written by Doctor Chanca, describes the voyage from September 25th until November 3rd, when the men spotted land. There, after debarking at the harbor, they found more islands with plenty of natural beauty, parrots, and cotton. However, they also found the remains...