st rigorous measures to prevent any
communication between the colony and Spain, which was not subjected to
his inspection. He was mainly influenced to this course that he might
prevent the interchange of any messages whatever between De Soto and
Isabella. The most severe penalties were denounced against all persons
who should convey any writing across the seas, excepting through the
regular mails. But the grateful M. Codro declared himself ready to run
all risks in carrying a letter from De Soto to Isabella. Though De
Soto at first hesitated to expose his friend to such hazard, his
intense desire to open some communication with Isabella, at length
induced him to accept the generous offer.

As we have mentioned, for five years not one word had passed between
the lovers. It is said that the following is a literal translation of
the letter which De Soto wrote. We cannot be certain of its
authenticity, but it bears internal evidence of genuineness, and a
manuscript copy is in the library of a Spanish gentleman who has spent
his life in collecting documents in reference to the past history of
his country:

"MOST DEARLY BELOVED ISABELLA:

"For the first time within five years, I write to you with
some assurance that you will receive my letter. Many times
have I written before; but how could I write freely when I
had reason to fear that other eyes might peruse those fond
expressions which your goodness and condescension alone
could pardon? But what reason have I to hope that you can
still look with favorable regard on my unworthiness? My
mature judgment teaches me that this dream of my youth,
which I have so long cherished, is not presumption merely,
but madness.

"When I consider your many perfections, and compare them
with my own little deserving, I feel that I ought to
despair, even if I could empty into your lap the treasure of
a thousand kingdoms. How then can I lift my eyes to you when
I have nothing to offer but the tribute of an affection
which time cannot change, and which must still live when my
last hope has departed.

"O Isabella! the expectation which brought me to this land
has not been fulfilled. I can gather no gold, except by such
means as my honor, my conscience and yourself must condemn.
Though your nobleness may pity one on whom fortune has
disdained to smile, I feel that your relations