who were with me:  but this was of no avail with the Governor, who said that it was not understood as applying in his territory.  He sent the prisoner to these Lords who have charge of the Indies without inquiry or record or writing.  They did not receive him, and both brothers go free.  It is not wonderful to me that our Lord punishes.  They went there with shameless faces.  Such wickedness or such cruel treason were never heard of.  I wrote to their Highnesses about this matter in the other letter, and said that it was not right for them to consent to this offence.  I also wrote to the Lord Treasurer that I begged him as a favour not to pass sentence on the testimony given by these men until he heard me.  Now it will be well for you to remind him of it anew.  I do, not know how they dare to go before him with such an undertaking.  I have written to him about it again and have sent him the copy of the oath, the same as I send to you and likewise to Doctor Angulo and the Licentiate Zapata.  I commend myself to the mercy of all, with the information that my departure yonder will take place in a short time.

“I would be glad to receive a letter from their Highnesses and to know what they order.  You must procure such a letter if you see the means of so doing.  I also commend myself to the Lord Bishop and to Juan Lopez, with the reminder of illness and of the reward for my services.

“You must read the letters which go with this one in order to act in conformity with what they say.  Acknowledge the receipt of his letter to Diego Mendez.  I do not write him as he will learn everything from you, and also because my illness prevents it.

“It would be well for Carbajal and Jeronimo—­[Jeronimo de Aguero, a landowner in Espanola and a friend of Columbus]—­to be at the-Court at this time, and talk of our affairs with these Lords and with the Secretary.

“Done in Seville, November 21.

“Your father who loves you more than himself.

.S.
.S.A.S. 
XMY
Xpo FERENS.”

“I wrote again to their Highnesses entreating them to order that these people who went with me should be paid, because they are poor and it is three years since they left their homes.  The news which they bring is more than extraordinary.  They have endured infinite dangers and hardships.  I did not wish to rob the country, so as not to cause scandal, because reason advises its being populated, and then gold will be obtained freely without scandal.  Speak of this to the Secretary and to the Lord Bishop and to Juan Lopez and to whomever you think it advisable to do so.”

The Bishop of Palencia referred to in this letter is probably Bishop Fonseca—­probably, because it is known that he did become Bishop of Palencia, although there is a difference of opinion among historians as to whether the date of his translation to that see was before or after this letter.  No matter, except that one is glad to think that an old enemy—­for Fonseca and Columbus had bitter disagreements over the fitting out of various expeditions—­had shown himself friendly at last.