CHAPTER II. ATTEMPTS TO SECURE ASSISTANCE. [1484-1492] 34-73

Necessity of Assistance, 34.--Improbability that he applied to Genoa and Venice, 35.--Applications to Portugal, England, and France, 36.--Attitude of Portugal, 37.--Departure of Columbus for Spain, 41.--Course after reaching Spain, 43.--Condition of Spain, 44. --Inquisition, 44.--Plague, 45.--Debasement of the Coin, 45. --War against the Moors, 46.--Support of Columbus, 47.--First Encouragement, 48.--Audience at Salamanca, 49.--Nature of the Discussion, 52.--Friendliness of Deza, 53.--Result, 53.--Delays, 53.--Occupations of the Court, 54.--Thought of going elsewhere, 55.--Summons to a New Conference, 56.--Stipends of Money, 57.-- Visit to Portugal, 57.--Visit to Medina Celi, 58.--Opinions of Scientific Men, 60.--Disgust of Columbus, 61.--Visit to La Rabida, 62.--Service of Perez, 63.--Favourable Inclination of the Court, 64.--Inadmissible Terms demanded, 65.--Story of the Jewels, 67.-- Successful Representations, 67.--Columbus secures his Commission, 68. --Misfortune of these Extraordinary Powers, 70.--Survey of Sources of Assistance, 72.