.

-- HIS PLANS FOR DISCOVERY.
COLUMBUS LEAVES LISBON, AND VISITS GENOA--VISITS GREAT SPANISH DUKES--FOR SIX YEARS IS AT THE COURT OF FERDINAND AND ISABELLA--THE COUNCIL OF SALAMANCA--HIS PETITION IS AT LAST GRANTED--SQUADRON MADE READY.
It has been supposed that when Columbus left Lisbon he was oppressed by debts.

At a subsequent period, when King John wanted to recall him, he offered to protect him against any creditors.

But on the other hand, it is thought that at this time he visited Genoa, and made some provision for the comfort of his father, who was now an old man.

Christopher Columbus, himself, according to the usual opinion regarding his birth, was now almost fifty years old.
It is probable that at this time he urged on his countrymen, the Genoese, the importance of his great plan; and tried to interest them to make the great endeavor, for the purpose of reaching the Indies by a western route.