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The Ancient Records of the Island: Columbus
On the 29th April, 1494, Columbus left La Espanola in order to visit the southern coast of Cuba, and two days afterwards arrived at the harbor of Guantanamo, which he called Puerto Grande. Following his voyage in another direction, he discovered Jamaica, and then returned to Cuba and reached the Cabo Cruz on the 18th May, continued his sailing westwards and found the numerous archipelago now known as El Cayo de las Doce Leguas, which he called Jardines de la Reina ("the Gardens of the Queen"). On the 22d he stopped at the largest of those islands, and gave it the name of Santa Marta. Again going towards the coast, he entered the Hatibonico River on the 3d of June, and found a great number of natives, who gave the new comers a hearty reception. After further exploration, made westwards along the coast, and having discovered the Isle of Pines, that he called Isla del Evangelista, he sailed once more eastwards and landed on the shores of the Hatibonico on Sunday, the 6th of July, 1494.
His first action there was to thank the Almighty for having preserved him and his men after so many dangers and tribulations they had been in. To that effect he ordered that a rustic altar be provided, and on this the first mass was celebrated on Cuban soil.
Natives in large numbers witnessed the imposing ceremonial, and were greatly and favorably impressed with the sight of it. An old man, whom all other Indians seemed to respect, was deeply moved, and, through interpreter Diego, addressed Columbus in the following words: "It seems to me that you have just done a good thing, for you have worshipped your God. Although, as I hear, you come from foreign lands with great armaments to conquer many nations and countries, do not fill yourself with pride for that. Know you that in future life there are two different places where the souls go; one is full of pleasures and happiness, and is reserved for those who were good; in the other one, which is dark and horrible, the bad are to groan. If you are a mortal and fear eternal punishment, do not harm those who do not harm you, and you will surely get your reward." Columbus also felt deeply moved by the words of the old Indian, and answered him he was glad to see that the belief of those natives was so similar to the principles of true religion; that the king and queen of Spain had not sent him to subject people, but to further enlighten them with the teachings of true religion, and to protect them against the raids of their cruel enemies, the Caribbeans, for which reason all Cubans should look upon him as their friend and defender.