As soon as I had come into this sea, I took by force some Indians from the first island, in order that they might learn from us, and at the same time tell us what they knew about affairs in these regions. This succeeded admirably; for in a short time we understood them and they us both by gesture and signs and words; and they were of great service to us.

Question

–Letter to Gabriel Sanchez, Christopher Columbus

Which statement best describes the viewpoint of the writer?

Columbus explains the view that the native people and the Spanish were in conflict.
Columbus emphasizes the view that the native people interfered with the Spanish.
Columbus presents the view that the native people were beneficial to the Spanish.
Columbus stresses the view that interactions between the native people and the Spanish were peaceful.

Answer 1

The statement that best describes the viewpoint of the writer is:

Columbus presents the view that the native people were beneficial to the Spanish.

In the excerpt, Columbus mentions that the Indians he took were "of great service to us," indicating that he sees them as helpful and valuable to the Spanish.