Balboa’s Diary
September 1st 1513 until January 19, 1514
September 1, 1513
We have started our trip to the South Sea. I am going with 190 Spaniards, a few troop guides, and a pack of dogs. I am excited yet a little bit nervous about the trip. People could die on it. I hope we have good weather.
September 6, 1513
We are still on the expedition, but now we are reinforced with 1,000 of Careta’s men. We had a huge battle against them. After defeating them we made the survivors join us.
September 10, 1513
We are still on this journey it is very bad weather though. There are huge rainstorms with lightning and thunder. We have decided to stop and go to sleep after the storm dies down some.
September 20, 1513
We have just entered the woods now. It is amazing watching all of the wild animals. I can’t believe I’ve gotten this far already.
September 14, 1513
I found a cool new animal today it’s a red frog with black spots.
September 20, 1513
These monkeys and birds are so loud. I can’t go to sleep. I have been up
for hours.
These monkeys and birds are so loud. I can’t go to sleep. I have been up
for hours.
September 24, 1513
We have made it out of the woods. We were attacked by Ponca’s men at Cacique. We won the battle and Ponca was forced to be our ally and go on the expedition with us. We took his men that survived too.
September 25, 1513
I see it!!!
The South Sea is there. I have completed my journey. All I have to do is go to it. I hope there is lots of gold and pearls.
September 27, 1513
It is taking me longer than I thought to go to the South Sea
September 29, 1513
I set foot in the South Sea. I am the first European to set foot in the South Sea!! It’s such a beautiful sight with so much gold. I have claimed it for spain.
November 18, 1513
I have been gathering gold and pearls and trading with other islands at the south Sea. I’m going to be rich. The king will be so happy.
December 8, 1513
I am still gathering gold.
January 1, 1514
I am headed back to Santa Maria, my home town, right now where I will send one fifth of my gold to the king. This is called the Royal fifth. I still can’t believe this all happened to me. This is truly a success.
January 13, 1514
I am back at my home town and I have shipped the Royal fifth to the king. Everyone in the town is so impressed.
