Spanish monarch (1451–1504) best known as the sponsor and patron of Christopher Columbus in his ventures to the “New World.” Manuscript DS, in Spanish, signed “Yo la Reyna” [I the Queen], one page, 8.25 x 12, January 29, 1500. A document ordering payment to the Queen’s chamberlain. Columbus’s third voyage ended later in the same year. In the course of that expedition, Columbus had faced revolt from settlers in Hispaniola who were dissatisifed with his exaggerated promises of prosperity and his poor governance there a few years earlier. After hanging a few of the settlers as an “example,” Columbus sent to Spain for assistance. Expecting aid, Columbus was instead placed in shackles by the newly arrived Spanish representative, Francisco de Bobadilla, shipped back to Spain, and placed in jail (from which he was soon released). He set off on his final voyage in 1502. Accompanied by a 1974 receipt for the same document from prominent dealer Robert F. Batchelder. Intersecting folds (lightly touching signature), clean, unobtrusive cut cancellations (touching one letter of signature; old reinforcements to reverse), a few tiny ink erosion holes (not affecting signature), and mild soiling, otherwise fine condition, and remarkably bright for its age. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
