forth the reason for my receiving the third, eighth, and tenth; as there is always an opportunity to reduce the sum desired by a person, although his Highness says in his letter that he wishes to give me all that belongs to me.  Carbajal will understand me very well if he sees this letter, and every one else as well, as it is very clear.  I also wrote to his Highness and finally reminded him that he must provide at once for this affair of the Indies, that the people there may not be disturbed, and also reminding him of the promise stated above.  You ought to see the letter.

“With this letter I send you another letter of credit for the said merchants.  I have already explained to you the reasons why expenses should be moderated.  Show your uncle due respect, and treat your brother as an elder brother should treat a younger.  You have no other brother, and praised be our Lord, he is such a one as you need very much.  He has proved and proves to be very intelligent.  Honour Carbajal and Jeronimo and Diego Mendez.  Commend me to them all.  I do not write them as there is nothing to write and this messenger is in haste.  It is frequently rumoured here that the Queen, whom God has, has left an order that I be restored to the possession of the Indies.  On arrival, the notary of the fleet will send you the records and the original of the case of the Porras brothers.  I have received no news from your uncle and brother since they left.  The water has been so high here that the river entered the city.

“If Agostin Italian and Francisco de Grimaldo do not wish to give you the money you need, look for others there who are willing to give it to you.  On the arrival here of your signature I will at once pay them all that you have received:  for at present there is not a person here by whom I can send you money.

“Done to-day, Friday, December 13, 1504

“Your father who loves you more than himself.

.S.
.S.A.S. 
XMY
Xpo FERENS.”

Letter written by CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS to his Son, DON DIEGO, December 21, 1504.

“Very dear son, The Lord Adelantado and your brother and Carbajal left here sixteen days ago to go to the Court.  They have not written me since.  Don Ferdinand carried 150 ducats.  He must spend what is necessary, and he carries a letter, that the merchants may furnish you with money.  I have sent you another letter since, with the endorsement of Francisco de Ribarol, by Zamora, the courier, and told you that if you had made provision for yourself by means of my letter, not to use that of Francisco de Ribarol.  I say the same now in regard to another letter which I send you with this one, for Francisco Doria, which letter I send you for greater security that you may not fail to be provided with money.  I have already told you how necessary it is to be careful in the expenditure of