14
LIFE A N D VOYAGES OF
[BOOK V I I I .
of the pen, according to Las Casas, who had letters and manu scripts of both in his possession. He was acquainted with Latin, but does not appear to have been highly educated ; his knowledge, like that of his brother, being chiefly derived from a long course of varied experience and attentive observation. Equally vigorous and penetrating in intellect with the admiral, but less enthusiastic in spirit and soaring in imagination, and with less simplicity of heart, he surpassed him in the subtle and adroit management of business, was more attentive to his interests, and had more of that worldly wisdom which is so important in the ordinary concerns of life. His genius might never have enkindled him to the sub lime speculation which ended in the discovery of a world, but his practical sagacity was calculated to turn that discovery to advan tage. Such is the description of Bartholomew Columbus, as fur nished by the venerable Las Casas from personal observation ;* and it will be found to accord with his actions throughout the remaining history of the admiral, in the events of which he takes a conspicuous part. Anxious to relieve himself from the pressure of public busi ness, which weighed heavily upon him during his present malady, Columbus immediately invested his brother Bartholomew with the title and authority of Adelantado, an office equivalent to that of lieutenant-governor. He considered himself entitled to do so from the articles of his arrangement with the sovereigns, but it was looked upon by King Ferdinand as an undue assumption of power, and gave great offence to that jealous monarch, who was exceedingly tenacious of the prerogatives of the crown, and con sidered dignities of this rank and importance as only to be con ferred by royal mandale.† Columbus, however, was not actuated * Las Casas, Hist. Ind., lib. i. cap. 29.
†Ibid, cap. 101.