Acknowledge the receipt of his letter to Diego Mendez.

I do not write him as he will learn everything from you, and also because my illness prevents it.
"It would be well for Carbajal and Jeronimo--[Jeronimo de Aguero, a landowner in Espanola and a friend of Columbus]--to be at the-Court at this time, and talk of our affairs with these Lords and with the Secretary.
"Done in Seville, November 21.
"Your father who loves you more than himself.
.S.
.S.A.S.
XMY Xpo FERENS." "I wrote again to their Highnesses entreating them to order that these people who went with me should be paid, because they are poor and it is three years since they left their homes.

The news which they bring is more than extraordinary.

They have endured infinite dangers and hardships.

I did not wish to rob the country, so as not to cause scandal, because reason advises its being populated, and then gold will be obtained freely without scandal.