Authentic Letters of Columbus. 171 



XXIII. 



Letter from Columbus to his son Diego. Dated February 5TH, 

 1505. Original in the collection of the Duke of Veragua. 



My Dearest Son: 



Diego Mendez left here on Monday, the 3rd of the present 

 month. After he left I spoke with Amerigo Vespusze, the bearer of 

 this letter who goes there, where he has been called on business of 

 navigation. He always wanted to please me. He is a very honest 

 man. Fortune has been as adverse to him as to many others, and 

 his labors have not been so profitable to him as it was reasonable 

 to expect. He goes for my good, and very anxioiis to do everything 

 which may prove beneficial to me if it is within his power. I do not 

 know of any particular thing in which I might instruct him to my 

 benefit, because I do not know exactly what he is wanted for there. 

 But he goes determined to do for me all that he may possibly do. 

 You must see what kind of service he may render to my advantage, 

 and co-operate with him in having it rendered. He will work and 

 speak and do everything suggested, but the suggestion must be made 

 secretly so as to remove suspicion, I have told him all that can be 

 said concerning these matters, and have informed him of the reward 

 which they have given and continue to give to me. 



This letter must be deemed as written also to the Adelantado, in 

 order that he may see also what service Vespusze may render, and 

 communicate with him. 



His Highness must be sure that his vessels were in the best and 

 richest part of the Indies, and if there is anything else to be known, 

 in addition to what has been already said, I will give the information 

 orally, because it is impossible to put it in writing. 



May Our Lord keep you in His holy guard. 



Dated at Seville, February 5th. 



Your father who loves you more than himself. 



S. 

 S. A. S. 

 X. M. Y. 

 Xpo Ferens. 



