When Pinzon got back to Palos, he learned that the monks of La Rabida
had been eagerly awaiting him, in order that he might meet their
interesting visitor. Off he hastened; and from the moment he and
Columbus met, each recognized in the other a master spirit. Whether or
not Columbus and Marchena told Pinzon at that time the story of the
pilot is not known; but certainly he heard it later. We only know that
they talked of lands to be discovered in the west, and that Pinzon
offered to go on the expedition as captain in case Columbus should be
successful in getting permission and help from the Spanish sovereigns.

From La Rabida Columbus went to the large and important city of Sevilla,
carrying letters of introduction from the monk Marchena. In Sevilla he
had an interview with the powerful Duke of Medina Sidonia who was much
interested in his project at first, but soon gave it up. Next he met the
Duke of Medina Celi, who was even more powerful, and with whom Columbus
spent a year while waiting for a favorable opportunity to lay his plans
before the court. When the proper moment came, the duke acquainted the
queen with Columbus's matter, and she in answer invited the would-be
explorer to come to Cordova. This was in January, 1486.

It has often been stated that Columbus, while still in Lisbon, had
applied both to Genoa and to Venice for aid. This is no longer believed,
as no proofs can be found. There is, however, some reason for believing
that he sent his brother Bartholomew to England and France to urge the
matter. Columbus himself nowhere gives the details of these missions,
though he does say, in a letter to the Spanish monarchs, "In order to
serve your Highnesses, I listened neither to England nor France, whose
princes wrote me letters." Another bit of evidence regarding the French
appeal is a letter, written after the discovery, by the Duke of Medina