Genoese tax on wheat and wine, so that the poor might buy these two
staples at a lower price.

Finally all was ready; four small, weather-beaten ships; a crew of one
hundred and fifty men and boys; a few months' provisions. His brother
Bartholomew, not very willingly, and his son Fernando, almost too
eagerly, accompanied him. This, his fourth and last voyage, started from
Cadiz on May 9, 1502.




CHAPTER XIX

THE LAST VOYAGE


Fernando Columbus, though only a lad of fourteen, noted every new
experience with intelligent delight. He had his father's passion for
writing things down. As it was the result of personal observation,
Fernando's account of the fourth voyage may be accepted as more reliable
than many other items he has left us concerning the Admiral's history.

Among other things, Fernando says that the little fleet intended
starting its search at the outlet of the Gulf of Paria, and then
following the land west until they came to the straits leading into the
Indian Ocean; but while approaching the Caribbean Islands, his father
discovered that one of the vessels was in need of repairs; for which
reason he headed for San Domingo, where he hoped to purchase a better
caravel.