This dispute was unfortunate as regards the private interests of the admiral, for the revenues arising from his property in the island had been collected under the authority of the governor, who, upon the occurrence of this quarrel, was easily able to raise difficulties in the way of his obtaining a fair account of the proceeds.

But he was all the more anxious to return to Spain; and, within a month from his arrival at St.Domingo, he started homeward in the caravel which had brought him from Jamaica.
FALLING FORTUNES.
But even in this last voyage he was forced to "make head against a sea of troubles." His evil star was in the ascendant.

Twice his vessel nearly foundered.

Twice her masts were sprung in successive tempests.

His own health was succumbing to the acute attacks of gout which had become more and more frequent for the last few years.