He believed that the rich mines, which he had really found in Hispaniola, were the same as those of Ophir.

But after five years of waiting, the Spanish public cared but little for such conjectures.
As he arrived in Cadiz, he found three vessels, under Nino, about to sail with supplies.

These were much needed, for the relief of the preceding year, sent out in four vessels, had been lost by shipwreck.
Columbus was able to add a letter of his own to the governor of Isabella, begging him to conform to the wishes expressed by the king and queen in the dispatches taken by Nino.

He recommended diligence in exploring the new mines, and that a seaport should be founded in their neighborhood.

At the same time he received a gracious letter from the king and queen, congratulating him on his return, and asking him to court as soon as he should recover from his fatigue.
Columbus was encouraged by the tone of this letter.