successful, though not without the most vigorous and persevering exertions of Quintanilla and Santangel, two vigilant and discerning patrons of Columbus, whose meritorious zeal in promoting this grand design entitles their names to an honourable place in history. It was, however, to Queen Isabella, the munificent patroness of his public-spirited enterprise, that Columbus ultimately owed his success.
Having thus obtained the assistance of the court, a squadron of three small vessels was fitted out, victualled for twelve months, and furnished with ninety men. The whole expense did not exceed £4OOO. Of this small squadron, Columbus was appointed admiral. The chief articles of his treaty with Ferdinand and Isabella were signed April 17, 1492. These were, that Columbus should be constituted high admiral in the seas, islands, and continent he should discover, with the same powers and prerogatives that belonged to the high admiral of Castile within the limits of his jurisdiction. He was also appointed viceroy in all those countries to be discovered; and the tenth of the products accruing from their productions and commerce was granted to him for ever. All controversies or law-suits with respect to mercantile transactions were to be determined by the sole authority of Columbus, or of judges to be appointed by him. He was also permitted to advance one-eighth part of the expense of the expedition, and of carrying on commerce with the new countries, and was entitled, in return, to an eighth of the profit. But, though the name of Ferdinand was joined with Isabella in this transaction, his distrust of Columbus was still so violent, that he refused
