Ojeda produced a license signed by Fonseca, authorizing him to sail on a voyage of discovery.

It proved that Columbus's letters describing the pearls of Paria had awakened curiosity and enthusiasm, and, while the crown had passed them by so coldly, Ojeda and a body of adventurers had obtained a license and had fitted out four ships for adventure.

The special interest of this voyage for us, is that it is supposed that Vespucci, a Florentine merchant, made at this time his first expedition to America.
Vespucci was not a professional seaman, but he was interested in geography, and had made many voyages before this time.

So soon as it was announced that Ojeda was on the coast, the rebels of San Domingo selected him as a new leader.

He announced to Columbus, rather coolly, that he could probably redress the grievances which these men had.
He undoubtedly knew that he had the protection of Fonseca at home.
Fortunately for Columbus, Roldan did not mean to give up his place as "leader of the opposition;" and it may be said that the difficulty between the two was a certain advantage to Columbus in maintaining his authority.
Meanwhile, all wishes on his part to continue his discoveries were futile, while he was engaged in the almost hopeless duty of reconciling various adventurers and conciliating people who had no interests but their own.