We were forced to leave the Trinidad behind, while it was being repaired, and began heading home alone. I later learned that the ship was attacked by the Portuguese, and was left shipwrecked near Tadore.Rounding the Cape of Good Hope on April 7th to April 16th proved dangerous, and many of us suffered from scurvy and starvation. The journey was exasperated by rough weather, and disagreeable winds. When we finally passed it, we were sure our hardships were over, but one challenge still faced us.
We reached the Cape Verde Islands on July 9th, and were attacked by the Portuguese, who captured thirteen of our crew. Our arrival to Seville was a pathetic representation of what had been achieved. A battered ship and emaciated crew and baskets full of spice did little to justice to the fact that we men were the first to ever circumnavigate the world. I understand now that our voyage was not just for the spices, though they did end up paying for it in the end. The voyage is a turning point for mankind, where we finally know that the world is ours to master. For better or for worse, the door for trade with the east has been kicked open, and hopefully history will shine upon us.
