1493 - The Return Voyage
by Sierra S.
Green
2/9/18
Date of Article: Published 1991
Headline: 1493 The Return Voyage
Author: Lorenzo Camusso
Source of the Article: The Voyages of Columbus
Three Vocabulary Words:
1. Cosmographer: one who describes and maps the major landmarks of the skies and earth, also practices astronomy, geography, and geology
2. Abate: to reduce in amount, degree, to lessen or diminish
3. penitential: of, pertaining to, proceeding from or expressive of repentance
Summary: (PARAGRAPH FORM, Who, What, Where, When, Why) On January 13th, in the Samana Bay of Haiti, a native spotted onshore was taken aboard the ship. The Spanish later went ashore to trade with the natives. The Spainards had acquired two bows before they were attacked. Fifty armed natives were waiting and ambushed the foreigners. However, they soon fled after the Spaniards injured two of the warriors. Though the peace between the peoples had been short, Columbus was only slightly regretful. He said the Indians should be afraid of the Christians. On January 16th, Columbus and his crew left "Asia," setting a course of about 56 degrees. This path became the standard sailing route for ships lather in the century. The ships were making steady progress, until February 13th, when the two ships were caught in a storm. The storm separated the Pinta and the Nina, severely damaging them both. With no other options, Columbus and the Nina headed to the Azores, their only chance of survival. However, the Eventually, Columbus convinced them to let his crew go, and they made their way to Lisbon, arriving a few miles from the city on March 4th, 1493.
I think that Columbus Day should not be changed to Indigenous People's Day, but another holiday should be made to celebrate the original people of America. Columbus Day celebrates the discovery of America by Columbus. However, Columbus did not actually discover America, as there were already natives residing there. If the name was changed, then the holiday would celebrate those who were the original inhabitants of America, instead of a person who didn't really discover America and mistreated the indigenous people. But the actual day - October 8th has no meaning for the indigenous people of America. Also, many people consider Columbus day as part of their culture, like Christmas and Easter for Christans. So the best thing to do would to also honor the first settlers of America, because they are both deserving of respect for their achievements. Even if Columbus mistreated the natives, discovering America and things like pepper and sweet potatoes was an achievement that should be recognized.