They told the rest of the crew that the Admiral's hope of relief from Mendez was a mere delusion.

They said that he was an exile from Spain, and that he did not dare return to Hispaniola.

In such ways they sought to rouse his people against him and his brother.

As for Columbus, he was sick on board his vessel, while the two brothers Porras were working against him among his men.
On the second of January, 1504, Francesco de Porras broke into the cabin.

He complained bitterly that they were kept to die in that desolate place, and accused the Admiral as if it were his fault.