mistress. Here the ships
of his squadron discharged their stores, and the Spaniards laboured
actively in the construction of the first town built by Europeans in the
New World. But the work did not progress prosperously. Diseases prevailed
among the colonists. The fatigues and discomforts of a long sea voyage
were not the best preparations for hard physical labour. The number of men
which the admiral had brought out with him was disproportionate to his
means of sustaining them. Provisions and medicines began to fail. And,
worst of all, none of the golden dreams were realized, under the influence
of which they had left Spain. Only small samples of the precious metal
could be procured from the natives, and the vaguely indicated gold mines
of Cibao had not been reached. Anxiety, responsibility, and labour began
to tell upon the iron constitution of the admiral, and for some time he
was stretched upon a bed of sickness.

COLUMBUS DESPATCH TO THE COURT OF SPAIN.

Some idea of the difficulties which had to be encountered at this period
may be conceived from an account of the state of his colony which
Columbus sent home in January 1494. It is in the form of instructions to a
certain Antonio de Torres, the Receiver of the Colony, who was to proceed
to the court of Spain and inform the Monarchs of such things as were
written in these instructions, and doubtless to elucidate them by
discourse, as in the present day we send a despatch to be read by an
ambassador to the foreign minister of the power we are treating with.
There remains a copy, made at the time, of this document, and of the notes
in the margin containing the resolutions of the sovereigns. The original,
thus noted, was taken back to Columbus. It is a most valuable document,
very illustrative of the cautious and wise dealing of the catholic
sovereigns.

The document begins with the usual strain of complimentary address to
great personages, "Their Highnesses hold it for good service" is the
marginal remark.

The next paragraph consists of a general statement of the discoveries that
have been made. "Their Highnesses give much thanks to God, and hold as
very honoured service all that the admiral has done."

Then follow the admiral's reasons why he has not been able to send home
more gold. His people have been ill: it was necessary to keep guard, &c.
"He has done well" is in the margin.

He suggests the building of a fortress near the place where gold can be
got