a, upon trust, to reduce the tax upon provisions, only
did what Dario de Vivaldi had accomplished in 1471 and 1480, as we read
on the pedestal of his statue, erected in the hall of the bank. This
example was followed by Antonio Doria, Francesco Lomellini, Eliano
Spinola, Ansaldo Grimaldo, and others, as the inscriptions on their
statues testify. A fac-simile letter of Columbus, announcing the
bequest, is shown on the opposite page.

[Illustration: FAC-SIMILE OF COLUMBUS' LETTER TO THE BANK OF ST. GEORGE,
GENOA

Dated April 2, 1502.

(See page 52.)]

The letter in English is as follows:

_High noble Lords: Although the body walks about here, the heart is
constantly over there. Our Lord has conferred on me the greatest favor
ever granted to any one since David. The results of my undertaking
already appear, and would shine greatly, were they not concealed by the
blindness of the government. I am going again to the Indies under the
auspices of the Holy Trinity, soon to return, and since I am mortal I
leave it with my son Diego that you receive every year, forever,
one-tenth of the entire revenue, such as it may be, for the purpose of
reducing the tax upon corn, wine, and other provisions.[26] If that
tenth amounts to something, collect it. If not, take at least the
will for the deed. I beg of you to entertain regard for the son I have
recommended to you. Mr. Nicolo de Oderigo knows more about my own
affairs than I do myself, and I have sent him the transcripts of my
privileges and letters for safe keeping. I should be glad if you could
see them. My lords, the King and Queen, endeavor to honor me more than
ever. May the Holy Trinity preserve your noble persons and increase the
most magnificent House (of St. George). Done in Sevilla on the second
day of April, 1502._

_The Chief Admiral of the Ocean, Vice-Roy and
Governor-General of the islands and continent
of Asia, and the Indies of my lords, the King
and Queen, their Captain-General of the sea,
and of their Council._

_"S."

"S. A. S."

"X. M. Y."

"Xpo. FERENS."_[27]

HIS PATIENCE AND NOBILITY OF MIND UNDER SUFFERING AND IN THE MIDST OF
UNDESERVED INDIGNITIES.

The reply of Columbus to Andreas Martin, captain of the caravel
conveying him a prisoner to Spain, upon an offer to remove his fetters:

_Since the King has commanded that I should obey his Governor, he shall
find me