The Spaniards in Florida

This volume, relating to the history and antiquities of the oldest settlement in the United States, has grown out of a lecture delivered by the author, and which he was desired to embody in a more permanent form.

The large amount of interesting material in my possession, has made my work rather one of laborious condensation than expansion.

I have endeavored to preserve as fully as possible, the style and quaintness of the old writers from whom I have drawn, rather than to transform or embellish the narrative with the supposed graces of modern diction; and, as much of the work consisted in translations from foreign idioms, this peculiarly un-English style, if I may so call it, will be more noticeably observed. I have mainly sought to give it a permanent value, as founded on the most reliable ancient authorities; and thus, to the extent of the ground which it covers, to make it a valuable addition to the history of our country.

In that portion of the work devoted to the destruction of the Huguenot colony and the forces of Ribault, I have in the main followed the Spanish accounts, desiring to divest the narrative of all suspicion of prejudice or unfairness; Barcia, the principal authority, as is well known, professing the same faith as Menendez, and studiously endeavoring throughout his work, to exalt the character of the Adelantado.

I am under great obligations to my friend, BUCKINGHAM SMITH, ESQ., for repeated favors in the course of its preparation.

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.

The interest evinced in the publication of the first edition of this volume, in 1858, under the title of HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF ST. AUGUSTINE, has induced the author to prepare a second edition for the press, under the present title, as being more exactly descriptive of that portion of the history of Florida embraced in its pages.

He hopes at no distant day to put to press the History of Florida, in a much more complete form, and embracing the chequered and various pictures of the many expeditions which sought either to found upon its shores a kingdom to satiate their ambition, or to find wealth commensurate with their desires.

A chapter of no mean interest in the history of Florida has been added since the first preface was written. Battles have been fought upon its soil, more considerable as to the numbers engaged and the fierceness of the fray, than any ever before recorded. But as this chapter forms a portion of the general history of the State rather than of the old city which played but an inconsiderable part in the contest, it does not fall within the purview of this work to make more than a brief mention of this period.

G. R. F.

UNIVERSITY PLACE, TENN., OCT. 1, 1868.

CONTENTS.

PAGE.

CHAPTER I.

Introductory 9

CHAPTER II.

First discovery, 1512 to 1565.--Juan Ponce de Leon 11

CHAPTER III.

Ribault, Laudonnière, and Menendez--Settlements of the Huguenots, and foundation of St. Augustine.--1562-1566-1568 13

CHAPTER IV.

The attack on Fort Caroline.--1585 19

CHAPTER V.

Escape of Laudonnière and others from Fort Caroline--Adventures of the fugitives 24

CHAPTER VI.

Site of Fort Caroline, afterwards called San Matteo 31

CHAPTER VII.

Menendez's return to St. Augustine--Shipwreck of Ribault--Massacre of part of his command.--A. D. 1565 38

CHAPTER VIII.

Fate of Ribault and his followers--Bloody massacre at Mantanzas, 1565 46

CHAPTER IX.

Fortifying of St. Augustine--Disaffections and mutinies--Approval of Menendez' acts by king of Spain.--1585-1568 54

CHAPTER X.

The notable revenge of Dominic de Gourgues--Return of Menendez--Indian Mission.--1568 60

CHAPTER XI.

Sir Francis Drake's attack upon St. Augustine--Establishment of missions--Massacre of missionaries at St. Augustine.--1586-1688 65

CHAPTER XII.