The hankering of the Spanish monarchs for further discovery was fostered by their jealousy of the Portuguese.

The Portuguese were making their way towards India, going eastward.

They, the Spaniards, thought they were discovering India, going westward.

The more rapidly, therefore, each nation could advance and plant its standard, the more of much-coveted India it would hereafter be able to claim.

Acting upon such views, Columbus now proceeded onwards, bent upon further discovery, notwithstanding that his little colonies at Isabella and St.
Thomas must have needed all his sagacity to protect them, and all his authority to restrain them.
A COUNCIL APPOINTED.
He nominated a council to manage the government during his absence, with his brother Don Diego as president of it; he appointed a certain Don Pedro Margarite as captain-general; and then put to sea on the 24th of April, 1494..