passage might be made from the neighbourhood of St. Domingo to those
regions in Asia from which the Portuguese were just beginning to reap a
large profit, and which must be very near that home of the gold which had
always occupied his thoughts. He pressed the Sovereigns to provide him
with ships for an expedition having for its special object the discovery
of this strait; and on the occurrence of some delay as to the equipment of
vessels for the purpose, he seems to have written to Ferdinand,
reproaching him with the treatment which he had received, and with the
want of confidence manifested towards him now. To this Ferdinand answered
in a letter which was certainly well calculated to soothe the Admiral's
indignation. It was to the following effect, "You ought to be convinced of
our displeasure at your captivity, for we lost not a moment in setting you
free. Your innocence is well known; you are aware of the consideration and
friendship with which we have treated you; the favours which you have
received from us shall not be the last that you will receive; we assure to
you your privileges, and are desirous that you and your children may enjoy
them. We offer to confirm them to you again, and to put your eldest son in
possession of all your offices, whenever you wish....We beg you to set out
as soon as possible."


NEW ENTERPRISE.

On the 9th of May the preparations were complete, and Columbus set sail
from Cadiz with his brother, Don Bartholomew, and his second son,
Fernando. As an instance of the admiral's chivalrous love of adventure, it
may be mentioned that upon hearing that the Portuguese fortress of
Arzilla, on the African coast, was besieged by the Moors, he first
proceeded thither, quite voluntarily, to its relief. When he reached it,
however, he found that the siege had been raised; and his services were