infinite amount of gold shown in those lands
and his confidence that it would restore the
royal treasury—as if he had already collected
it and deposited it under his keys. And like-
wise what was of greater weight and a rare
treasure, he described the multitude, simplic-
ity, mildness, nakedness, and certain customs
of their peoples, and their fit disposition and
capability... for being led to our holy faith.”
To prove the gentle nature of the Taino
people of whom he spoke, Columbus had kid-
napped at least 20 from their home islands
and brought them to Spain, intending to teach
them Spanish and use them as interpreters.
Most had died during the difficult voyage.
Seven survivors, now baptized, were pre-
sented to the court. Months earlier, these
same Taino men had stood on faraway
beaches, marveling at the strange beards,
heavy garments, and pale skin of the tall men
who had appeared in their midst. Now, amid
the elaborate pageantry of the court at
Barcelona, the short, beardless Taino were the
fascinating center of attention.Columbus Returns to Spain B 5
Some of the Native peoples Columbus encountered on his voyage were the Taino, a few of whom he
captured and brought back to Spain with him to present to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. In this
early 20th-century photograph, some Taino sit near a typical hut located on the island of Puerto Rico.
(Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division [LC-D4-16745])