Written by explorer and navigator Christopher Columbus, the ‘Letter to the King and Queen of Spain’ serves two purposes: to report and to reflect. In this letter, Columbus reports of the exploration and his findings in Espanola, as well as reflects on the nature of Spanish colonization of the Americas. This letter was intended specifically for King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain in an attempt to help advise them on how to establish the colonies and commerce of Espanola as well as other pieces of land. To do this, Columbus used many tactics to get his point across. Firstly, his tone is informational while also using persuasive language. In addition, he appeals to his audience and what they would want to gain. For example, it was important for King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain to spread the Christian Faith. In that manner, in his letter, Columbus mentioned his desire to push conversion on the Indians to the Christian faith. Secondly, Columbus also mentions centralization - which was important in Spain. For reference, Spain became centralized
after the conquest of Grenada which ended the Muslim regime, which in effect made centralization and a hierarchical system of government heavily emphasized in their society. Furthermore, Columbus utilizes the word “gold” several times throughout the duration of the letter, appealing to the King and Queen’s desire for Spanish power, money, and prestige. He also mentions how this gold should be acquired and processed - which displays the nature of Spanish colonization of the Americas. In terms of planning, Columbus also provided proposed town-plans that reflected his vision of these new territories eventually becoming future settlements. He even listed the natural resources and what could be built there in the future. This gives the King and Queen hope for more land and thus more power. As shown, by appealing to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella’s desires for Spain, he was able to adopt a persuasive tone in order to get his point across in regards to how to plan and establish the colonies and commerce of Espanola.
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