It was what we call the "spirit of the age." So you must not blame Bobadilla too much, although we will all agree that it was very hard on Columbus.
So Columbus, as I have told you, sailed back to Spain.

But when the officer who had charge of him and whose name was Villijo, had got out to sea and out of Bobadilla's sight, he wanted to take the chains off.

For he loved Columbus and it made him feel very sad to see the old Admiral treated like a convict or a murderer.

Let me have these cruel chains struck off, Your Excellency, he said.

No, no, Villijo, Columbus replied.
Let these fetters remain upon me.