Significant changes are taking place in the politics and government of the Spanish West Indies even as Ponce de León is settling the island of San Juan.

On July 10, 1509, Diego Colón, the son of Christopher Columbus, had arrived in Hispaniola as acting Viceroy, replacing Nicolás de Ovando.

For several years, Diego Colón had been waging a legal battle over his rights to inherit the titles and privileges granted to his father.

The Crown regrets the sweeping powers that had been granted to Columbus and his heirs and seeks to establish more direct control in the New World.

In spite of the Crown's opposition, Colón had prevailed in court and Ferdinand had been required to appoint him Viceroy.

Although the courts had ordered that Ponce de León should remain in office, Colón had circumvented this directive on October 28, 1509 by appointing Juan Ceron chief justice and Miguel Diaz chief constable of the island, effectively overriding the authority of the governor.

This situation prevails until March 2, 1510 when Ferdinand issues orders reaffirming Ponce de León's position as governor.

Ponce de León then has Ceron and Diaz arrested and sent back to Spain.