The Journal of Christopher Columbus

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1st: He again did not set out because of the contrary wind and because it rained heavily. He set up a great cross on some bare rocks at the entrance of that harbour, which, I believe, he called Puerto Santo. The point is that which is on the south-eastern side at the entrance of the harbour, and whoever wishes to enter this harbour must go rather to the point which is on the north-western side than to that on the south-east, because, although at the foot of both points, near the rock, there is a depth of twelve fathoms and very clear water, yet at the entrance of the harbour, near the south-eastern point, there is shoal above the surface of the water. This is far enough from the point for it to be possible to pass between if there is need, for between the end of the shoal and the cape there is everywhere a depth of twelve and fifteen fathoms. At the entrance, the course is to south-west.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2nd: The wind was still contrary and he could not leave. He says that every night there is a land breeze, and that however many ships might be there, they need have no fear of any storm whatsoever since it could not reach the ships inside, on account of a shoal which is at the entrance of the harbour, etc. He says that at the mouth of that river a ship's boy found some stones which seemed to bear gold. He brought them to show to the Sovereigns. He says that there are large rivers at a lombard shot from there.