Very few liberties have been taken with history, and these few are merely of detail. The signing of the final pact with the Spanish sovereigns by Columbus really took place on the plains of Santa Fé, outside of Granada, but it is represented, for dramatic effect, as taking place in the Alhambra. Also, the celebrated order of Columbus directing his captains, after sailing seven hundred and fifty leagues due west, to make no more sail after midnight was given at the Canaries instead of at Palos. Irving''s Life of Columbus, the best yet written, has been strictly followed in dates. (Goodreads)
