"of humble origin."

It was on August 23, 1499, that Bobadilla's ship entered the mouth of
the little river on which San Domingo was situated; and on seeing on
either side of the settlement a gallows, and on either gallows the body
of a high-born Spaniard lately executed for rebellion, the sight did not
incline him to feel kindly toward the low-born governor who had executed
them. Columbus and his brother Bartholomew were in the interior at the
time, and Bobadilla had no intention of awaiting their return, so eager
was he to show his power.

Next morning, when all the colony had gathered in church for mass, he
read them the royal letter authorizing him to inquire into the
administration of the Viceroy. The letter stated that their Majesties
empowered Bobadilla to seize evil-doers and their property, and that the
Admiral and all others in authority must aid him in doing so.

Columbus had left his brother Diego in charge of the colony; and Diego,
though weak as a ruler, was strong in words when Bobadilla ordered him
to hand over the remainder of the rebels for trial, together with
evidence against them. Diego replied that the prisoners were held by
order of the viceroy, and that the viceroy's authority was higher than
the comendador's. Such an answer was not likely to mollify the royal
commissioner.

The next morning after mass he opened a second letter and read it to the
colonists, a letter which the monarchs told him to open only in case
Columbus refused to submit to him. This document proclaimed the bearer,
Don Francisco Bobadilla, governor of all the islands. He immediately
took the oath of office, and then opened and read to the astonished