Authentic Letters of Columbus. i6i 



XIX. 



Letter from Columbus to Nicolo Oderigo, Genoese Ambassador 

 TO Spain. From vSeville, December 27TH, 1504. Original in 

 THE Municipal Palace, Genoa. 



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Virtuous Sir: 



When I started on my voyage to the places from where I have 

 just come, I spoke at length with you. I understand that you 

 remember well all that then was said. 



When returning here, I was in hopes to find some letters from 

 you, or some messenger who would tell me verbally something in 

 your name. 



At about the same time of my departure from here, I sent to 

 you by Francisco de Ribarol a book containing copies of several 

 letters, and another in which all the grants and privileges given me 

 were also copied, the whole inclosed in a red morocco case, with a 

 silver lock. I also sent by the same man two letters for the vSt. 

 George gentlemen, in which I assigned to them the tenth of my rev- 

 enue, in consideration of and compensation for the reduction made 

 on the duties on wheat and the other supplies. To nothing of -this 

 have I had any reply. Miccr Francisco says that everything arrived 

 safely. If this is the case, the failure of the wSt. George gentlemen 

 to answer my letters is an act of discourtesy, for which the Treasury 

 is by no means better off. This is the reason why it is generally 

 said that to serve common people is serving no one.^ 



Another book of my privileges, equal (similar) to the one above 

 mentioned, was left by me at Cadiz with Franco Catanio (who is the 

 bearer of this letter), with instructions to send it to you, — in order 

 that you should keep it together with the other, in some safe place, 

 at your discretion. 



At the time of my departure I received a letter from the King 

 and Queen, my Lord and Lady. It is written there. Look at it, 

 and you will find it very good. Nevertheless, Don Diego was not 

 given possession, as it was promised. 



While I was in the Indies I wrote to Their Highnesses, through 

 three or four channels, about my voyage. One of those letters came 

 back to me, and sealed as it was, I inclose it in this and send it to 

 you. In another letter I inclose also a supplement to the above 



1 Quien sirve a cotnun, no sirve a ningun. 



