Martín Alonso Pinzón had taken the Pinta…
December 1492 CE
Martín Alonso Pinzón had taken the Pinta on November 22 on an unauthorized expedition in search of an island called "Babeque" or "Baneque", which the natives have told him is rich in gold.
Columbus, for his part, continues to the northern coast of Hispaniola, where he lands on December 5.
Here, the Santa María runs aground on Christmas Day 1492 and has to be abandoned.
The wreck is used as a target for cannon fire to impress the native peoples.
Columbus is received by the native cacique Guacanagari, who gives him permission to leave some of his men behind.
Columbus leaves thirty-nine men, including Luis de Torres, the Converso interpreter, who speaks Hebrew and Arabic, and founds the settlement of La Navidad at the site of present-day Bord de Mer de Limonade, Haiti.
Columbus takes more natives prisoner and continues his exploration.