It was the custom in old times to record in writing the deeds of chivalry and marvellous feats of the valiant conquerors of former days, as is seen in our ancient histories. We here propose to speak of the enterprise undertaken by the Sieur de Bethencourt, chevalier and baron, born in the kingdom of France in Normandy, who set out from his house of Grainville la Teinturière en Caux, and came to Rochelle, and there fell in with Gadifer de la Sale, a good and worthy knight, who was then starting on his adventures. In a conversation between them, Monseigneur de Bethencourt asked Gadifer what he thought of doing; and when the latter replied that he was going to seek his fortune, Monseigneur de Bethencourt said that he was very glad to have met with him, and, describing to him his own intended enterprise, asked Gadifer if it would be agreeable to him to join him in it. Gadifer was rejoiced to hear of the proposed expedition, and many courteous words passed between the two which it would be tedious here to repeat.

Accordingly, on the first of May, 1402, Monseigneur de Bethencourt, with Messer Gadifer and all his retinue, set sail from La Rochelle for the lands of Canary, to see and explore all the country, with the view of conquering the islands, and bringing the people to the Christian faith. They had a very good ship, well provided with men, victual, and everything requisite for their voyage.