286
LIFE
A N D
VOYAGES
OF
[BOOK
V.
He was intrusted also with the royal seal, with authority to use the name of their majesties in granting letters patent and commis sions within the bounds of his jurisdiction; with the right also, in case of absence, to appoint a person in his place, and to invest him, for the time, with the same powers. It had been premised in the agreement, that for all vacant offices in the government of the islands and mainland, he should nominate three candidates, out of which number the sovereign should make a choice; but now, to save time, and to show their confidence in Columbus, they empowered him to appoint at once such persons as he thought proper, who were to hold their offices during the royal pleasure.
He had likewise the title and com
mand of captain-general of the armament about to sail, with un qualified powers as to the government of the crews, the establish ments to be formed in the New World, and the ulterior discove ries to be undertaken. This was the honey-moon of royal favor, during which Colum bus enjoyed the unbounded and well-merited confidence of his sovereigns, before envious minds had dared to insinuate a doubt of his integrity.
After receiving every mark of public honor and
private regard, he took leave of the sovereigns on the 28th of May. The whole court accompanied him from the palace to his dwell ing, and attended, also, to pay him farewell honors on his departure from Barcelona for Seville.