Ceron and his two companions, with more than two hundred Spaniards, sailed for San Juan in 1509, and were well received by Guaybana and his Indians, among whom they took up their residence and at once commenced the search for gold.  In the meantime Ponce, in his capacity as governor ad interim, continued his correspondence with the king, who, March 2, 1510, signed his appointment as permanent governor.[9] This conferred upon him the power to sentence in civil and criminal affairs, to appoint and remove alcaldes, constables, etc., subject to appeal to the government of la Espanola.  Armed with his new authority, and feeling himself strong in the protection of his king, Ponce now proceeded to arrest Ceron and his two fellow officials, and sent them to Spain in a vessel that happened to call at the island, confiscating all their property.

Diego Columbus, on hearing of Ponce’s highhanded proceedings, retaliated by the confiscation of all the captain’s property in la Espanola.

These events did not reach the king’s ears till September, 1510.  He comprehended at once that his protege had acted precipitately, and gave orders that the three prisoners should be set at liberty immediately after their arrival in Spain and proceed to the Court to appear before the Council of Indies.  He next ordered Ponce (November 26, 1510) to place the confiscated properties and Indians of Ceron and his companions at the disposal of the persons they should designate for that purpose.  Finally, after due investigation and recognition of the violence of Ponce’s proceedings, the king wrote to him June 6, 1511:  “Because it has been resolved in the Council of Indies that the government of this and the other islands discovered by his father belongs to the Admiral and his successors, it is necessary to return to Ceron, Diaz, and Morales their staffs of office.  You will come to where I am, leaving your property in good security, and We will see wherein we can employ you in recompense of your good services.”

Ceron and his companions received instructions not to molest Ponce nor any of his officers, nor demand an account of their acts, and they were recommended to endeavor to gain their good-will and assistance.  The reinstated officers returned to San Juan in the latter part of 1511.  Ponce, in obedience to the king’s commands, quietly delivered the staff of office to Ceron, and withdrew to his residence in Caparra.  He had already collected considerable wealth, which was soon to serve him in other adventurous enterprises.

FOOTNOTES: 

[Footnote 8:  The slaughter of rebellious Indians was called “pacification” by the Spaniards.]

[Footnote 9:  The document is signed by Ferdinand and his daughter, Dona Juana, as heir to her mother, for the part corresponding to each in the sovereignty over the island San Juan Bautista.]

CHAPTER IV