Sephardic Farewell/Ancestors by Joseph Hobesh - HTML preview

Chapter 42

Medellin, Extremadura

June 1504

For Ferdinand and Isabella, the “New World” or New Spain, as it was now called, was growing into a very prosperous venture. Gold, silver, sugar, Cacao, along with other commodities were being shipped to Spain in ever increasing amounts. Spain was clearly becoming the dominant power on the high seas.

The city of Seville, through which all this commerce with the new colonies passed, was bursting with expansion. New roads, new buildings, new docking facilities were springing up almost overnight. The colonies themselves expanding and growing at a rapid pace. Ladened treasure ships were arriving weekly, quickly unloaded, and just as quickly, returned to Santo Domingo to take on a new cargo.

Hernan, and Diego—at his insistence, were to be thrust into this bustling, exploding, hectic new intercourse.

The Cortes household was now tranquil. After months of arguing and confusion, the family resolved its difficulties, 244

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acceding to Diego’s wishes, hard as it was for Eva and Martine to accept, understanding was secured.

After learning he had not been born into the Cortes family, Diego had became sullen, avoiding almost all contact with Hernan, his mother and father. Learning what Hernan had disclosed to Diego—how he had come to the family—Eva and Martine were distraught.

Rebuking Hernan only caused more disagreement, more arguing. The uncertainty of whether Diego should be told all of his background caused additional anxiety. And additional arguing among Hernan, Eva and Martine.

In this tumultuous atmosphere, Diego, after much debate and discussion, insisted on two things: One, he would accompany Hernan to New Spain. Two, his parents would disclose all, regarding his birth parents.

Eva tearfully refused both. Martine, vacillating, agreed to tell Diego all he knew of his background. However, stubbornly refused to let him leave. Hernan, on the other hand, thought it would be best for Diego to accompany him.

As the arguing continued, the atmosphere became more resentful. Hernan, remorseful at instigating the affair, desperately searched for a means to bring about resolution. He wrote to his Uncle Juan, describing the situation, and what had occurred. He pleaded to Juan for help, and understanding.

Unable to travel since his arthritis had worsened, Juan, with Francisca’s help, wrote a long impassioned letter to Eva and Martine. Explaining how important it was for Diego to know the truth regarding his past. The letter eloquently described the events of Elena and Diego’s lives that ultimately led to their deaths. As he wrote, memories assailed Juan, and renewed the sorrow he had felt, as well.

The emotions and sadness revealed in Juan’s writing touched Martine and Eva deeply. They both recognized, and accepted, that disclosing all, was a worthy endeavor, and a fitting way to honor the memory of Diego’s parents.

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Debating long and hard for ways to describe the past events, they all finally agreed it was best to let Diego read the letter for himself, and in this way bring closure for him, and peace to the rest of the family.

Now three months after the misery began, peace had been restored, the sadness remaining. Hernan and Diego were leaving for Seville. There they would board the treasure ship Espiritu de San Jeronimo, bound for Hispaniola on the island of Santo Domingo.

For Hernan this would be the journey of his life. His future would bring fame, adventure, and the riches he dreamed of. It would take some time, but it would come. Where Hernan would acquire all that he sought, Diego the orphan child, the one of sadness, would never attain the happiness, he so desperately pursued.

* * *

His fourth and final journey to the New World ending after nearly two years. Still uncertain whether he had discovered the route to the Indies he originally sought. He had not changed, he still whispered Hebrew psalms at odd times. Chanted ancient prayers, still thought of his long dead mother, and all that she had taught him. In two years he would be dead. His passing almost entirely without notice by the Spain he had so radically changed.

Over the next century, Spain would become one of the world’s leading powers. Conquering many lands, while slaughtering or converting their inhabitants.

As for the Expulsion Edict, its employment was a complete success. Jews would never return to the Iberian Peninsula.

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However, had it never been issued, an intelligent, and humane people would not have been displaced. Lost forever to the Spanish monarchy. And, possibly, Spanish ascendancy might have lasted, much, much longer.

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