ABSTRACT
The boat was low in the water with the weight of sailors turned into soldiers with helmets and roundels. Some were enclosed in cuirasses with blunderbuss and bandolier, for they had to be prepared for anything. Columbus clutched the banner of Castile. The emblem of Christ nailed to the Cross floated for the first time in the blue tropical sky. Columbus drew his sword, cut a few weeds and whipped off the bark of neighbouring trees, a symbolic gesture to mark his right of ownership. The officials then drew up the deed by which Columbus took possession, in the name of the Catholic monarchs, of this island which he named San Salvador. For twenty-eight days the sea was as calm as on the outward journey. Columbus saw himself confirmed in his privileges. He was Viceroy and Admiral of the Ocean Sea. He acquired the title of Don for himself and his descendants.
