Ovando's reports of this experiment were conflicting.
In the year following his arrival he advised that no more negroes be sent, because of their propensity to run away and band with and corrupt the Indians.

But after another year had elapsed he requested that more negroes be sent.

In this interim the humane Isabella died and the more callous Ferdinand acceded to full control.

In consequence a prohibition of the negro trade in 1504 was rescinded in 1505 and replaced by orders that the bureau in charge of colonial trade promote the sending of negroes from Spain in large parcels.

For the next twelve years this policy was maintained--the sending of Christian negroes was encouraged, while the direct slave trade from Africa to America was prohibited.