It was to the following effect, "You ought to be convinced of our displeasure at your captivity, for we lost not a moment in setting you free.

Your innocence is well known; you are aware of the consideration and friendship with which we have treated you; the favours which you have received from us shall not be the last that you will receive; we assure to you your privileges, and are desirous that you and your children may enjoy them.

We offer to confirm them to you again, and to put your eldest son in possession of all your offices, whenever you wish....We beg you to set out as soon as possible." NEW ENTERPRISE.
On the 9th of May the preparations were complete, and Columbus set sail from Cadiz with his brother, Don Bartholomew, and his second son, Fernando.

As an instance of the admiral's chivalrous love of adventure, it may be mentioned that upon hearing that the Portuguese fortress of Arzilla, on the African coast, was besieged by the Moors, he first proceeded thither, quite voluntarily, to its relief.

When he reached it, however, he found that the siege had been raised; and his services were not, therefore, called into requisition.
COLUMBUS REFUSED SHELTER; DESTRUCTIVE TORNADO.
After a singularly prosperous voyage, he reached Martinique on the 13th of June.