On the 21st of March, 1499, they authorized Francis de Bobadilla "to ascertain what persons have raised themselves against justice in the island of Hispaniola, and to proceed against them according to law." On the 21st of May, 1499, they conferred upon this officer the government, and signed an order that all arms and fortresses in the Indies should be given up to him.

On the 26th of the same month, they gave him the following remarkable letter to Columbus:- "Don Christopher Columbus, our Admiral of the Ocean: We have commanded the Comendador Francis de Bobadilla, the bearer of this that he speak to you on our part some things which he will tell you: we pray you give him faith and credence, and act accordingly.
"I the King, I the Queen, "By their command, "MIGUEL PEREZ DE ALMAZAN," HARSH TREATMENT OF COLUMBUS AND HIS BROTHERS Bobadilla, however, was not sent from Spain until the beginning of July, 1500, and did not make his appearance in Hispaniola till the 23rd of August of the same year.

Their Highnesses, therefore, must have taken time before carrying their resolve into execution; and what they meant by it is dubious.

Certainly, not that the matter should have been transacted in the coarse way which Bobadilla adopted.

It is a great pity, and a sad instance of mistaken judgment, that they fixed upon him for their agent.