CHAP.
III]
CHRISTOPHER
COLUMBUS.
203
must be suffered to remain in suspense, as the sovereigns would investigate and remedy it presently.* This cold reply had a disheartening effect upon Columbus. He saw that his complaints had little weight with the government ; he feared that his enemies were prejudicing him with the sove reigns ; and he anticipated redoubled insolence on the part of the rebels, when they should discover how little influence he pos sessed in Spain. Full of zeal, however, for the success of his undertaking, and of fidelity to the interests of the sovereigns, he resolved to spare no personal sacrifice of comfort or dignity in appeasing the troubles of the island. Eager to expedite the ne gotiation with Roldan, therefore, he sailed in the latter part of August with two caravels to the port of Azua, west of San Do mingo, and much nearer to Xaragua. He was accompanied by several of the most important personages of the colony. Roldan repaired thither likewise, with the turbulent Adrian de Moxica and a number of his band. The concessions already obtained had increased his presumption ; and he had, doubtless, received intelligence of the cold manner in which the complaints of the admiral had been received in Spain. He conducted himself more like a conqueror, exacting triumphant terms, than a delinquent seeking to procure pardon by atonement. He came on board of the caravel, and with his usual effrontery, propounded the pre liminaries upon which he and his companions were disposed to negotiate. First, that he should be permitted to send several of his com pany, to the number of fifteen, to Spain, in the vessels which were at San Domingo. Secondly, that those who remained should have lands granted them, in place of royal pay. Thirdly, that it should * Herrera, decad. i. lib. iii. cap. 16.