COLUMBUS IN DESPAIK, 



177 



the continent to Hispaniola, discovering and naming the islands 

 of Assumption and la Margarita. At Hispaniola he again found 

 famine, distress, rebellion, and panic on every side. Malversa- 

 tion and mutiny had brought the colony to the very verge of 

 ruin. 



We have not space to detail the manoeuvres and machinations 

 by which the mind of Ferdinand was prejudiced towards Co- 

 lumbus, and, in consequence of which, Francesco Bobadilla was 

 sent by him in July, 1500, to investigate the charges brought 

 against the admiral. Arrogant in his newly acquired honors, 

 Bobadilla took the part of the malcontents, and, placing Colum- 

 bus in chains, sent him back to Spain. He arrived at Cadiz on 

 the 20th of November, after the most rapid passage yet made 

 across the ocean. The general burst of indignation at the 

 shocking spectacle of Columbus in fetters, compelled Ferdinand 

 to disclaim all knowledge of the transaction. Isabella accorded 

 him a private audience, in which she shed tears at the sufferings 

 and indignities he had undergone. The king kept him waiting 

 nine months, wasting his time in fruitless applications for re- 

 dress, and finally appointed Nicholas Ovando Governor of His- 

 paniola in his place. 



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