tions of documents and papers prepared in duplicate
before his last voyage to authenticate his titles and honors and to
secure their inheritance by his son. The text of the letter from which
the present translation was made is that of the Paris Codex of the _Book
of Privileges_, as it is called. This is regarded by Harrisse as the
best. The translation is by George F. Barwick of the British Museum, and
was originally published in _Christopher Columbus, Facsimile of his Own
Book of Privileges_, 1502, edited by B.F. Stevens (London, 1903). The
letter remained unpublished until it was printed in Spotorno's _Codice
Diplomatico_ in 1822. In 1825 it appeared again in Navarrete's _Viages_,
in a slightly varying text. It was first published in English in the
translation of the _Codice Diplomatico_ issued in London in 1823 under
the title of _Memorials of Columbus_, etc.

E.G.B.

TRANSCRIPT OF A LETTER WHICH THE ADMIRAL OF THE INDIES SENT TO THE NURSE
OF PRINCE DON JOHN OF CASTILE

IN THE YEAR 1500 WHEN HE WAS RETURNING FROM THE INDIES AS A PRISONER

_Most virtuous Lady_:--

Though my complaint of the world is new, its habit of ill-using is very
ancient. I have had a thousand struggles with it, and have thus far
withstood them all, but now neither arms nor counsels avail me, and it
cruelly keeps me under water. Hope in the Creator of all men sustains me;
His help was always very ready; on another occasion, and not long ago,
when I was still more overwhelmed, he raised me with his right arm,
saying, O man of little faith, arise, it is I; be not afraid.[371-1]

I came with so much cordial affection to serve these Princes, and have
served them with such service, as has never been heard of or seen.

Of the new heaven and earth which our Lord made, when Saint John was
writing the Apocalypse,[371-2] after what was spoken by the mouth of
Isaiah,[371-3] he made me the messenger, and showed me where it lay. In
all men there was disbelief, but to the Queen my Lady He gave the spirit
of understanding, and great courage, and made her heiress of all, as a
dear and much loved daughter. I went to take possession of all this in
her royal name. They sought to make amends to her for the ignorance they
had all shown by passing over their little knowledge, and talking of
obstacles and expenses. Her Highness, on the other hand, approved of it,
and supported it as far as she was able.

Seven years passed in discussion, and nine in exe