The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1828-03-26
WHOLE No. 1869.

TO the neighboring town of Huelon, to seek his
brother-in-law, who had married sister of his
| deceased WIFE
The prior was man of extensive infornaa-
ton. His attention had been turned in some
measure to geographical and nautical science
probably from his vicinity to Palos, the nhabi-
tants of which were among the most enterpriz-
ing navigators of Spain, and made frequent voy-
ages to the recent discovered islands and conn
tries ON the African coast. He was greatly m
terested by the conversation of Columbus, and
struck with the grandeur of his views II was
| a remarkable occurrence in the monotonous life
OF the ciolster, to have man of such singular
character, intent on SO extraordinary an enter
prize, applying for bread and water at the gate o8
his convent. He detained him as his guest and
diffident ofhis own Judgment sent for scientific
friend to converse with him. That friend was
! Garcia Fernandez the physician of Palos, the
same who furnishes this interesting testimony
Fernandez was equally struck with the appear
dnce ana conversation OF the stranger. SeveE-
al conferences took place at the old convent,
and the project of Columbus was treated with
Difference in the quiet cloister of La Rabida.
winch 1t had in vain sought amidst the hustle
and pretenslon OF court sages and philosophers.
hints too were gathered amony the veteran
mariners of Palos, which seemed to corroborate
his theory One Pedro de Velasco, an old and
experienced pilot of the place, affirmed that
nearly thirty years before, in the course off
voyage, he was carried by stress of weather so
Tar to the northwest, that Cape Clear, in Ire
land, lay to the east of him, where thouph
there was strong wind blowing from the west,
the sea was perfectly smooth ; a remarkable
circumstance, which he supposed to be proddc-
ed by land lying in that direction. It being
late IN August, however, he was fearful of tho
approach of winter, and did not venture TO pro-
coed on the discovery.
Fray Juan Perez possessed that hearty zeal
IN friendship, which carries good wishes into
good deeds. Being fully persuaded that the
proposed enterprise would be of the utulost-iun
Portance to the country, he offered to give Co.
lumbus favorable introduction to court and
ne advised him by all means to repair thither,
and make his propositions to the Spanish soye-
reign. Juan Perez was on intimate terms with
Fernando de Talavera, prior of the monastery
OF Prado, and confessor to the queen, man
high in royal confidence, and possessing great
weight in public affairs. To him he gave Co
lumbus letter, strongly recommending him
self and his enterprize to the patronage of Tala-
vera and requiring his friendly intercession with
the king and queen As the influence Of the
church was paramount in the court of CASTLE,
and as Talevera from his situation as confessor.
had the most direct confidential COMMUNE
cation with the queen, every thing was expect
ed from his mediation. In the mean time Fray
Juan Perez took charge of the youthfnlson of
Columbus, TO maintain and educate him at his
convent.
The zeal of this worthy man, thus early en-
kindled, never cooled and many years after
wards, in the day of his success, Columbus
lnnls hAolr th II L :ii.-
and points to this modest friar, as one who had
been most effectually its friend. He remained
in the convent until the spring of 1856, when
the court arrived in the ancient city of Cordo-
va. where the sovereigns intended 20 assemble
their troops, and make preparations for spring
campaign against the Moorish kingdom of Gre
NADIA. Elated then with fresh hopes, and conf
dent Of q speedy audience, on the strength of
the letter to Fernando. de Talavera, Columbus
bade farewell TO the worthy prior of La Rabida,
leaving with him his child, and set out full Of
spirits, for the court of CASTLE.