Diary of Andy Glimmer
In school for the last week, Eliza and Abby have been studying about the early explorers of the Americas. For this assignment, they were to choose an expedition and write a diary entry as if they were one of the explorers on that expeditions. This is Eliza’s journal entry. I think she has a future in historical fiction! March 20, 2009
Dear diary, January 15, 1540
Ok. Today Coronado has lost it. He got 300 soldiers, a few enslaved Africans, and 1,000 enslaved Indians, just for this expedition. I am working as a solider. I wouldn’t have anything to do with this Coronado guy, if I didn’t have a family to support. I don’t believe in slavery. Currently we are looking for the 7 golden cities (in the new world). There was a Spaniard and a priest that heard an Indian story about the seven cities of gold. The priest, named Marcos de Niza set out to find the Golden Cities, but his companion was killed and Marcos came back and said that he had found a Golden City. Also, today I heard that they were bringing missionaries over to change the Indians’ religion to Catholic. I am so sad that I am part of such barbaric behavior.
Yours,
Andy Glimmer
Dear diary, January 22, 1540
You wouldn’t believe what happened today! 443 Indians broke free today. A few colleagues and I helped free them. Coronado didn’t even notice until they were all way out of sight. You should have seen him. I’ve never seen a face turn that red. We all said that we were at lunch and he believed us. Now we get more food. I guess it was great for all. I’ve been away from home so long that I feel like I’m losing my Spanish accent. And I miss my family. It’s been 3 months. After the Indians broke free, we moved faster to find the 7 golden cities. He told us that he wanted to go faster, so no one else finds the gold.
Yours,
Andy Glimmer
Dear Diary, February 18, 1540
I’m on my way home! It’s been so long since I’ve seen my family. We never found the golden cities but we have claimed land for Spain. They are going to call all this land New Spain. Coronado was upset when we had to go back. I have to stop writing now, the wind is rocking the ship and it’s time for my shift.
Yours,
Andy Glimmer
