CHAPTER VI. THE FOURTH VOYAGE. [May 9, 1502-Nov. 7, 1504] 205-234

Reception by the Public, 205.--Attitude of the Monarchs, 206.-- Speech of the Queen, 207.--The Letter of Columbus, 210.--Character of the Settlers, 211.--Gradual Opening of the Islands to other Navigators, 212.--General Maritime Activity, 213.--Policy of Ferdinand, 215.--Appointment of Ovando, 215.--Character of the Fourth Crew, 216.--The Crusade, 218.--Activity of the Portuguese, 218.--Sets sail on Fourth Voyage, 219.--Tries to land at San Domingo, 220.--Successive Storms, 221.--Desires of the Admiral, 223. --Reaches the Mainland, 225.--At Darien, 226.--Gold of Varagua, 226.--Attacked by Natives, 227.--Failure to found a Colony, 227. --Two Vessels reach Jamaica, 228.--Wreck of the Vessels, 229.-- Starvation impending, 229.--Letter to the King, 230.--Departure of Mendez, 231.--Strategy of Columbus, 232.--Attitude of Ovando, 233. --A Year of Delays, 234.--Return to San Domingo and Spain, 234.