Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-10-16

accede to their request and told them that
the Deity had expressed willingness to for
give them upon condition that they would
never again violate their promises to the
Spaniards. When the eclipse passed of
the Indians were wild with joy and hence
forth never tailed Columbus whenever de-
mands were made upon them.
Finally after eight months vessel arrived
from Hispaniola, not to relieve the ship
wrecked mariners, but only to give notice
that help would soon be sent by Ovando
When this messenger had departed rebellion
broke out anew, and there was a bloody
battle between the opposing factions, in
which several were killed, but this put an
end to the revolt, and all was quiet
from this time on. Four months more
passed, and relief arrived in the shape of
two vessels, one of which was commanded
by the faithful Diego Mendez, who had
been kept from coming sooner BY neglect OF
Ovando and the schemes Of Columbus
he would perish.
The company gladly embarked in one of
these vessels and sailed for San Domingo,
where they arrived safely in August, 1903,
Diego Mendez meantime going directly
home to Spain. Columbus was received at
San Domingo with many evidences of popu-
lar sympathy, but he found his own affairs
and those of the crown in such bad state
that he saileh for Spain depressed and
saddened in mind and sick in body. In
November he reached port in the harbor of
San Lucar
Poverty, ill health and royal neglect now
combined to make the great explorers life
miserable. He was carried ashore from bis
ship sick nigh unto death and sought rest
and care in Seville. But no rest came to
him. His financial affairs gaze him much
anxiety for the money that was due as his
share of his enterprises had been kept from
him by the schemes of his enemies with the
court. Repeated applications to the sovsr-
eigns of Spain for justice produced no salts
factory responses, and his urgent suggestions
that something should be done for those
who had been his companions and to pre-
serve the property and protect the interests
of the crown in the New World, seemed to
fall upon deaf ears His enemies were
again in control and we're able to influence
Ferdinand and Isabella against him. It
was harsh treatment for his long and faith
tul service, and in letter to his son Diego.
he plaintively put his case in these words
81 receive nothing of the revenue due me.
/ live by borrowing. Little have prohted
by 20 years of service with such tolls and
perils. since do not own roof in Spain.
If desire to eat or sleep have no resort
but an inn; and tor the most times, have
not wherewithal to pay my bill
He attempted to reach the court in order
to present his case in person, but the gout
with which he was suffering prevented him
from continuing the journey. Then Queen
Isabella died. She had been the frmest
friend of Columbus, and he had learned
that he could always in the end rely conf
IDENTIFY upon her sympathy and strong sense
of justice, so far as she might be able to
control affairs. With her perished all
chance Tor Columbus with the court of
Spain.
With the spring he was able to travel and
receiving the royal permission to appear at
court, he journeyed to Segovia in May,
1906. Ferdinand listened to him patiently,
but did nothing except to make promises
ard Columbus, overwhelmed with despair
and confined to his bed with the gout, was
forced to give up all hope, saying:
SIT appears that His Majesty does not
think tit to fulfill that which he, with the
Queen, who is now in glory, promised me
by word and seal. For me to contend for
the contrary would be to contend with the
wind. I have done all that could do
leave the rest to God to whom have ever
found propitious to me in my necessities"
That death had set its seal upon him was
now fully evident He made his will, put
his affairs in order so far as it lay with him
so to do and calmly awaited the end, which
was not long in coming. On May 20,
1906, having received the holy sacrament
and said farewell to the few sorrowing
friends who were at his bedside, he iell
asleep forever. His lite had been full OF