10. A Letter from Columbus |
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A Letter from Columbus
Christopher Columbus, on the point of leaving for his fourth voyage, writes to the Bank of San Giorgio in Genoa, declaring that he is leaving to his son Diego the task of giving, each year and forever, a tenth of the incomes from the new lands discovered. This donation will be used to reduce the taxes that the Genoese people have to pay on foodstuffs. Particularly important in his letter are the words "Although his body walks elsewhere, his heart is always here." It is the discoverer's declaration of love for his native town. Very noble lords. Although my body is elsewhere, my heart is always here. Our Lord gave me the greatest grace ever awarded to anybody after David. The deeds of my enterprise already shine, and the would be even brighter if the obscurity of the government did not cover them. I am going again to the Indies in the name of the Holy Trinity and will come back immediately; and as I am mortal, I command to Don Diego, my son, that out of all our incomes, he will give you a tenth of their total, each year and forever, to discount on the duties on wheat, wine, and other edible goods. If this tenth will be a lot, receive it, if not, receive my good will. Mr. Nicoḷ Oderico knows about my affairs better than myself, and to him I have sent the copy of my papers and privileges so that he can look after them. I would like you to see them. The King and the Queen, my Lords, want to honor me more than ever. May the Holy Trinity look after your Noble Persons and increase your Very Magnificent Office. Written in Seville April 2, 1502. .S. The Major Admiral of the Ocean Sea and the Viceroy and Governor-General .S.A.S of the Indies and the lands of Asia of the King and Queen my Lords and their XMY Captaim General of the Sea and of their Council Xpo FERENS |