He was a more practical man than Columbus, and he made a much better impression on really wise and intelligent men; and his discoveries were immediately associated with trade and colonial development, while Columbus had little to show for his discoveries during his lifetime but a handful of gold dust and a few cargoes of slaves.

At any rate it was a graceful act on the part of Vespucci, whose star was in the ascendant, to go and seek out the Admiral, whose day was fast verging to night; it was one of those disinterested actions that live and have a value of their own, and that shine out happily amid the surrounding murk and confusion.
Letter signed by CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS to DON DIEGO, his Son, February 25, 1505.
"VERY DEAR SON,--The Licientiate de Zea is a person whom I desire to honour.

He has in his charge two men who are under prosecution at the hands of justice, as shown by the information which is inclosed in this letter.

See that Diego Mendez places the said petition with the others, that they may be given to his Highness during Holy Week for pardon.

If the pardon is granted, it is well, and if not, look for some other manner of obtaining it.