CHAP. I I I ]
CHRISTOPHER
COLUMBUS.
159
fearful that they had failed in their humble attempt to please him. She even offered to follow him to the settlement, nor would she be consoled until he had promised to return again to Xaragua.* We cannot but remark the ability shown by the Adelan足 tado in the course of his transient government of the island. Wonderfully alert and active, he made repeated marches of great extent, from one remote province to another, and was always at the post of danger at the critical moment. By skillful management, with a handful of men, he defeated a formidable insurrection without any effusion of blood. He conciliated the most inveterate enemies among the natives by great moderation, while he deterred all wanton hostilities by the infliction of signal punishments. He had made firm friends of the most important chieftains, brought their dominions under cheerful tribute, opened new sources of supplies for the colony, and procured relief from its immediate wants. Had his judicious measures been seconded by those under his command, the whole country would have been a scene of tranquil prosperity, and would have produced great revenues to the crown, without cruelty to the natives ; but, like his brother the admiral, his good intentions and judicious arrange足 ments were constantly thwarted by the vile passions and perverse conduct of others. While he was absent from Isabella, new mis足 chiefs had been fomented there, which were soon to throw the whole island into confusion. * Ramusio, vol. iii. p. 9.