"I went to sea from the most tender age and have continued in a sea life to this day."

"The natives are an inoffensive people, but so far from being intelligent that they are incapable of learning."

"I vow that I will never again set foot on land unless it is to return to Spain."

"They have no iron or steel weapons, nor are they capable of using them."

"They are so ingenuous and free with all they have, that no one would believe it who has not seen it; of anything they have, if you ask them for it, they never say no; rather, they invite you to share …"