AuTHFXTic Letters of Columbus. 129 



V. 



Letter from Christopher Columbus to the Governors of the 

 Bank of St. George, Genoa. Dated at Seville, April 2nd, 



1502. 



t 



Most Noble Lords: 



Although my body is here my heart is always near )'OU. Our 

 Lord has bestowed on me the greatest favor which He has ever 

 granted any one except David. The results of my undertaking are 

 already being seen, and would shine considerably if the darkness of 

 the government did not conceal them. I shall go again to the 

 Indies in the name of the Holy Trinity, and shall soon return. But 

 as I am a mortal, I have ordered my son Don Diego to give you every 

 year, forever, the tenth of all the revenue obtained, in payment of the 

 tax on wheat, wine and other provisions. If this tenth amounts to any- 

 thing please take it. If not, take my will for my deed. I ask you as a 

 favor to attend to my said son Don Diego. Nicolas de Oderigo 

 knows all about my letters of concessions and privileges, and I have 

 asked him to take good care of them. I wish you would see them. 

 The King and the Queen, my sovereigns, wish to honor me now more 

 than ever. 



The Holy Trinity may keep your noble persons in its guard, 

 and increase the importance of your magnificent ofifice. Dated at 

 Seville, this 2nd of April, 1502. 



The Great Admiral of the Ocean Sea, and Viceroy and Governor 

 of the Islands and Mainland of Asia and the Indies belonging to the 

 King and Queen, my sovereigns, their Captain General of the Sea, 

 and a member of their Council. 



S. 



S. A. S. 



X. M. Y. 



Xpo Ferens. 



