It is curious now to see that the king of Portugal proposed a line of division, which would run east and west, so that Spain should have the new territories north of the latitude of the Grand Canary, and Portugal all to the south.
In the midst of negotiation, the king and queen and Columbus knew that whoever was first on the ground of discovery would have the great advantage.

There was a rumor in Spain that Portugal had already sent out vessels to the west.

Everything was pressed with alacrity at Cadiz.
The expedition was to be under Columbus's absolute command.

Seamen of reputation were engaged to serve under him.

Seventeen vessels were to take out a colony.