Christopher Columbus and the New World of His Discovery — Volume 7

A historical account written in the early 20th century. The narrative delves into the tumultuous events surrounding Columbus's return to Hispaniola and his subsequent arrest, juxtaposing his unfolding challenges with the political climate of the era and early colonial dynamics. The book captures the tension between authority, loyalty, and ambition, as it recounts Columbus's shifting fortunes and the perceptions of his governance. At the start of the volume, the focus is on Francisco de Bobadilla's arrival in San Domingo in 1500, where he discovers the grim realities of Spanish colonial life, including public executions. Bobadilla's mission to assess Columbus's governance leads him to seize control, resulting in the arrest of Christopher Columbus and his brothers. The narrative unfolds Columbus's sense of betrayal and humiliation, detailing the charges against him, including mismanagement and oppression of the colonists. Through letters, the opening hints at Columbus's enduring aspirations and deep grievances, setting the stage for his complex journey of redemption and the geopolitical entanglements of the New World.