Thesis Statement:
First and fourth letters written by Christopher Columbus and the differences between both the letters
Introduction:
Christopher Columbus is one of the most popular figures of the history. He was a great sailor, explorer, and colonizer who is remembered for his contributions in the respected area. This enthusiastic Italian sailor was very keen to travel and exploring, his quest was shaped when he got the approval from his masters, Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella. During his voyages, Columbus wrote some letters regarding his experiences at different stages of his voyages. The first letter was addressed to Luis de Santangel, who presented Columbus plans to Spanish monarchs and convinced them for this voyage while the fourth letter was addressed to King Ferdinand and Isabella. This paper discusses the first and fourth letters, written by Christopher Columbus and further, examines the differences between both the letters.
In his first letter, Columbus seems to be very blissful and bouncing. This letter reflects the happiness which is found after the receiving of something desired. He enthusiastically gives the accounts of his voyage to the Luis de Santangel. He writes how he has travelled so much distance in a very short span of time and discovered so many places. He has mentioned in his letter that he has given new names to the discovered places. He gives a brief account of the people with whom, he has interacted and also he mentions the salient features of the places. The letter apparently gives an account of the possibilities and the benefits which could be acquired from these places.
Columbus writes his fourth letter to the king Ferdinand and Isabella, the words of this letter portray him as tired man with a pessimistic approach. He writes in his letter that he has been robbed and the guilty should be punished along with several other pessimistic things. This letter gives the clue about his tiredness and also that all the energy, courage and zeal, he used to carry has been vanished with the time.
After having observed the contents of both the letters, it is clear that there is a huge difference in the first and fourth letters written by Christopher Columbus. The first letter portrays him as a passionate sailor, courageous voyager and a keen explorer. He was very happy and thankful when he got the approval of King Ferdinand and Isabella. He travelled a huge distance within a short time of only thirty days and discovered so many places. He was very enthusiastic and his first letter reflected the same while in his fourth letter, Columbus was changed. The passion for the exploration and the voyage was nowhere, the courage and energy was vanished and he was filled with the pessimistic approach. The words of the letter Suggests that the long voyages made him tired and Columbus was no more very enthusiastic and willing for the voyages and exploration.
It is clear from the above analysis that there was a huge change in the attitude of the Christopher Columbus which is reflected in the first and fourth letters written by him. Voyages were not easy in those days and travelling for a decade made Columbus tired and bored to tears. Columbus wrote the King Ferdinand seeking his permission to leave for the Rome in his fourth letter and his tiresome voyage expeditions were came to an end.
References
Columbus, C. (1847). Select letters of Christopher Columbus: with other original documents related to his four voyages to the new world. London: The Hakluyt Society.
Histroic Documents. (n.d.). Retrieved January 11, 2012, from www.ushistory.org: http://www.ushistory.org/documents/columbus.htm
Irving, W. (1849). The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus. New York: George P Putnam.
