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They came swimming to the boats, bringing parrots, balls
of cotton thread, javelins, and many other things which
they exchanged for articles we gave them. ... All whom I
saw were young, not above thirty years of age, well made,
with fine shapes and faces. ... Weapons they have none,
nor are acquainted with them, for I showed them swords
which they grasped by the blades, and cut themselves
through ignorance. ... It appears to me, that the people
are ingenious, and would be good servants and I am of
opinion that they would very readily become Christians,
as they appear to have no religion.
... I could conquer the whole of them with fifty men, and
govern them as I pleased.
- Personal journal,
Christopher Columbus,
1492