54 



TRINIDAD: THEN AND NOW. 



some of them in support of the theory of Columbus. 

 In a word his project was treated with deference in 

 this quiet cloister. Martin Alonzo Pinzon, especi- 

 ally, was so convinced of its feasibility, that he 

 offered to engage in it with purse and person, and to 

 bear the expenses of Columbus in a renewed applica- 

 tion to the court of Spain. 



Isabella having always been favourably dis- 

 posed to the proposition of Columbus, wrote reques- 

 ting that he might again be sent to her, and 

 sent him a sum (that might be computed in our day 

 at about £43,) to bear his travelling expenses, procure 

 him a mule for the journey, and also to provide 

 decent raiment that he might be able to appear at 

 the court. 



When he arrived there a favourable reception 

 was accorded him, but he had to wait for some time 

 before receiving immediate attention, as the court 

 was then celebrating with great pomp and ceremony 

 the memorable surrender of Granada to the Spanish 

 arms, thus putting a stop to that prolonged war. 



The war with the Moors being at an end, the 

 sovereigns kept their word with Columbus, but 

 he was met with severe opposition, particularly 

 from the ecclesiastical advisers of the King and 

 Queen, especially as to the terms which he proposed 

 before undertaking such a stupendous voyage. 

 These terms were pronounced extravagant and inad- 

 missible ; he, however, would not concede one point 

 and thus the negotiation was broken off. 



