That Same Evening, He And His Brother Nicholas Coello[20] Entered The River; And, At Day-Break Next Morning, The Land Was Observed To Be Extremely Low And Covered With Water, Having Many Trees Of Great Height, Thickly Loaded With Various Kinds Of Fruits, The Country Appearing Very Pleasant.

They saw likewise certain boats with some of the natives coming towards the ship, at which the general was

Well pleased, as he conceived from their having some degree of maritime knowledge in these parts, that he could not now be very far from India, or at least should soon hear news of that country. The natives were Negroes of good stature, all naked, except each a small apron of cloth made of cotton. On reaching the ships, they came on board without hesitation, and behaved themselves as if they had been long acquainted with our people. They were well received, and were presented with bells and other toys, but did not understand any of the languages spoken by Martin Alonzo, or any of the other interpreters on board, so that the only intercourse was by signs. They departed after good entertainment, and afterwards they and many others returned to the ships in their boats, bringing with them such provisions as their country afforded. The natives seemed much satisfied with their reception; and besides those who came to the ships by water, many others came by land[21], among whom were several women who were tolerably handsome, especially the young maidens; but all were as naked as the men.

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