CHAP, i.] WEST INDIES. 135 



ter a minute and solemn investigation of bis claims, 

 the council pronounced him hereditary vice-roy and 

 hidi admiral of all the countries and islands discovered 



o 



by his father. They decreed, that he was invested 

 with a jurisdiction over them similar to that of the 

 high admiral of Castille ; that he was entitled to a 

 tenth part of the gold and silver that might thereafter 

 be found in those territories; and they adjudged him 

 various other privileges and immunities, of vast ex- 

 tent and authority. But the king, notwithstanding 

 this distinguished and competent recognition of his 

 rights, confirmed to him only the title and authority 

 of governor and admiral of Hispaniola; and even of 

 this diminished command, it is probable he would have 

 been deprived, if he had not fortunately strengthened 

 his interest by an illustrious marriage. || The gallant 

 youth, nevertheless, still boldly persisted in his claim 

 to the full exercise of all the rights and authority, 

 which had beeu so recently decreed to belong to him; 

 and he shortly afterwards, accompanied by a nume- 

 rous and splendid retinue, embarked for his govern- 

 ment, resolved to enforce his pretensions. 



He arrived in Hispaniola in the month of July 

 1508, but had very soon the mortification to discover 

 that the king had actually invested in two other per- 

 sons, (Alonzo de Ojeda and Diego de Nicuessa), not 

 unly two separate and distinct governments, which 

 comprehended all the continent as far as it had been 



y He married Mary de Toledo, daughter to Ferdinand de Toledo, grand 

 commander of Leon who was brother to Frederick duke of Aiva. 



