id nor without the utmost diligence sailing in the Ocean Sea,
as said, through western waters towards the Indies, discovered certain
very far-away islands and even mainlands, that hitherto had not been
discovered by others. Therein dwell very many peoples living in peace,
and, as reported, going unclothed, nor users of flesh meat. Moreover,
as your aforesaid envoys are of opinion, these very peoples living in
the said islands and countries believe in one God, Creator in heaven,
besides being sufficiently ready in appearance to embrace the Catholic
faith and be trained in good morals. Nor is hope lacking that, were
they instructed, the name of the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ, would
easily be introduced into the said countries and islands. Besides on
one of these aforesaid chief islands the above-mentioned Christopher
has already had put together and built a fortress [146] fairly well
equipped, wherein he has stationed as garrison certain Christians,
companions of his, who are to make search for other far-away and
unknown islands and countries. In the islands and countries already
discovered are found gold, spices, and very many other precious things
of divers kinds and species. Wherefore, as becoming to Catholic kings
and princes, after earnest consideration of all matters especially of
the rise and spread of the Catholic faith, as was the fashion of your
ancestors, kings of renowned memory, you have purposed with the favor
of divine clemency to bring under your sway the said countries and
islands with their inhabitants and the dwellers therein, and bring
them to the Catholic faith. Hence in heartiest commendation in the
Lord of this your saintly and praiseworthy purpose, desirous too that
it be duly accomplished in the carrying to those regions of the name
of our Savior, we exhort you very earnestly in the Lord and insist
strictly--both through your reception of holy baptism, whereby you are
bound to our apostolic commands, and through the bowels of the mercy
of our Lord Jesus Christ, that inasmuch as with upright spirit and
through zeal for the true faith you design to equip and despatch this
expedition, you purpose also, as is your duty, to lead the peoples
dwelling in those islands to embrace the Christian profession; nor
at any time let dangers or hardships deter you therefrom, with the
stout hope and trust in your hearts that almighty God will further
your undertakings. Moreover, in order that with greater readines