an opportunity for it to rush in upon him.


COLUMBUS SUPERSEDED.

However this may be, soon after the return of the five vessels from St.
Domingo, mentioned above, which first told the news of the revolt of
Roldan, Ferdinand and Isabella appear to have taken into serious
consideration the question of suspending Columbus. He had, himself, in the
letters transmitted by these ships, requested that some one might be sent
to conduct the affairs of justice in the colony; but if Ferdinand and
Isabella began by merely looking out for such an officer, they ended in
resolving to send one who should take the civil as well as judicial
authority into his own hands. This determination was not, however, acted
upon hastily. On the 21st of March, 1499, they authorized Francis de
Bobadilla "to ascertain what persons have raised themselves against
justice in the island of Hispaniola, and to proceed against them according
to law." On the 21st of May, 1499, they conferred upon this officer the
government, and signed an order that all arms and fortresses in the Indies
should be given up to him. On the 26th of the same month, they gave him
the following remarkable letter to Columbus:-

"Don Christopher Columbus, our Admiral of the Ocean: We have commanded
the Comendador Francis de Bobadilla, the bearer of this that he speak to
you on our part some things which he will tell you: we pray you give him
faith and credence, and act accordingly.
"I the King, I the Queen,
"By their command,
"MIGUEL PEREZ DE ALMAZAN,"