Letter from the Santa Maria

Most High and Mighty Sovereigns, I have discovered a great many islands inhabited by numerous people. I took possession of all of them for Your Highnesses by proclamation and display of the Royal Standard, and no one offered any resistance. The lands are most fertile and beautiful, with great diversity of trees reaching to the stars. The people go naked as their mothers bore them, both men and women. They have no iron or steel, nor any weapons, nor are they capable of using them. This is not because they are not well-formed people and of handsome stature, but because they are timid beyond belief. They show great love towards all others in preference to themselves. They give objects of great value for trifles, and are content with very little or nothing in return. I believe they would easily be made Christians, for it seemed to me that they had no religion. The islands contain great mines of gold and other metals. The trees, fruits and plants are very different from those of our land. I am convinced that there is much gold, for in these few days I have obtained information of such places where the Indians wear ornaments of gold upon their persons. I assure Your Highnesses that these lands are more extensive than all of Asia and richer than any kingdom. I humbly beseech that I may be allowed to return with a larger expedition to further explore and claim these territories for the glory of Spain and the spread of our Holy Faith. Your faithful servant, Christóbal Colón