Southern Explorers and Colonists: As Illustrated in the Early Events ...

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Preface

The early colonial history of the Southern States abounds in incidents of a highly romantic nature, especially Florida and Virginia. Som^ of these have found their way into the various Histories^ of the United States, and others have not A particular narration of all the events of all the states of the Union would be a work so voluminous as, by its magnitude, to deter many from its perusal. Hence writers on the history of the whole country, from its discovery, are, from the necessity of the case, obliged to condense their accounts, and even reject much that is interesting.

In this work an opposite course has been pursued. A limited extent of country and a comparatively short period of time have been embraced, and the interesting incidents which occurred within those limits minutely related. They pass before the eye in their various brilliant or sombre hues, like a continuous picture ;

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6 PBEFACE.

enabling us to see the trials and struggles of the early settlers as they contended with the climate and the elements, with the savage Indian, or with famine and disease. This portraiture of events, in detail, imparts a far more vivid conception of the lights and shadows of colonial life than could be derived from a mere general outline.

If this volume should be the means of awakening a deeper intere^ in the early annals of our covmtry, and of producing a higher appreciation of the blessings we now enjoy, by contrast with the trials of the first planters, its object will be gained.

Without mentioning all the authorities which have been consulted, it is proper to state that amongst the works from which has been derived special assistance were Hakluyt's Collection of Early Voyages ; The GeneraU Historic of Virginia, by Captain John Smith; Stith's Es3ay; Bancroft's History; and the Life of Captain Smith, by George S. Hillard, in Sparks's valuable series of biographies.

List of Ilkstrations.

ILLUSTRATED TITLE PAGE.

MAKING A CANOE, 09

POKTKAIT OF SIR WALTER RALEIGH, . . • . 68

SPANISH BULL HUNT, 72

SIR WALTER AND QUEEN ELIZABETH, . . .108

FINDING THE BURIED GOODS, 136

COOKING OVER A NATURAL SPRING, . . .147 SMITH AND HIS LIVING SHIELD, . . . ,171

INDIAN REVENGE, 178

CAPTAIN SMITH RESCUED BY POCAHONTAS, •. . 191 MARRIAGE OF POCAHONTAS, 270

Chapter I. Pagi

Admiral da Goligny. — Bie Expedition. — Joim Ribac It. — Discovera the River May. — Reception by the Indiana. -» Devotional Services. —Exchange of Presents. — Donation of Fish. — Search for tlie Jordan. — Rivers with French Names. — Fort^Candina erected. — Ribault returns. — The Colonists discontented. — They form a Cons[Hracy. — They kill their Commandant— They build a Vessel. — Set out to return. — Honors of the Passage. — Picked up at Sea. — Coligny not disheartened. — Roman Catholics and the Huguenots. — Religious Persecutions 19

Chapter II

Opinions respecting Florida. — Departure of Laudonniere. — Conduct of the Indians. — Dissensions. — Tin.ey, — Fort Carolina. ^ Welcome Viaitorft — JCindness of Sir John Hawkins. — Spanish Claims. — Huguenots. — Religious Antipathies. — The Pirate Melendez. — His * Agreement with the King. — Sets out in Pursuit of the French.-^ fill Suspense. — Relief. — Sir Fnncis Drake. — His Kindness. — Great Storm. ^ Its Effects. — The Ck>IonistB disheartened. — Drake takes ihem on Board. — Character of Lane. — Arrival of SuH>lie8, but no Colony. —Their Betnni. — Arrival of Sir Richard Greenville. — His Surprise. — His Reiam. — He leaves fifteen Men. — He destroys SpanishTowss 89

CHAPTER IX.

Indian Clotbinf . — Their Weapons. — Their Houses. — Mode of Warfiire. — Th^ religious Opinions. — Stories about Resurrection from the Dead — Astonishntent at certain English Articles. — Their Opinions of the English. — Their religious Instruction. — Their singular Treatment of the Bible. — Requests for Prayers. — Strange Sick-

. ness. — How it was accounted for. — English thought to be Gods. — Invisible Bullets. — Indian Uses of Tobacco. — Snuff for Fish. — Raleigh's Wager with the Queen. — A Man on Fire.— Permanence of Indian Customs 98

CHAPTER X.

A new Colony. —An Obstinate Pilot. — Search for the Fifteen. — Condition of Roanoke. — Affecting Scene. — Repairs begun. — Tlie Pilot's Designs defeated. — Death of Mr. George Howe by the Indians. — A welcome Reception. — A Badge of Friendship desired. — A formal Conference. — Fate of the Fifteen. — Attack of the Indians. — The English defeated. — False Promises. — A Midnight Excursion. — Indians surprised. — A fktal Mistake. — How it occurred. — Manteo blames the Indians. — Manteo christened. — First English Child bom. -. Virginia Dare 110

CHAPTER XI.

SpaniBh Armada. — All England aroused. — Noble Speech of the Qaeen. — Splendid Sight — Engliali Stratagem. — Signal Defeat — The Armada destroyed. — White's Perseverance. — Success. — Disappc^ntment — Great Smoke, but no People. — Fatal Acddent — A musical CalL — No Response. — Significant Letters, CaoATAR.— Gkwds dug up. — Water wanted. — Severe Weather. — Victuals scarce. — Strange Decision. —> The Golcngpts abandoned to their Fate. — A subsequMit Tradition concerning them. — Its Uncertainty.— Present State of Roanoke 121

^ CHAPTER XII.

The two Companies.— Hie obnoxious Charter. — Divine Providence c(mtrolIing Nations. — Rev. Mr. Hunt. — His Troubles and Perseverance. — The Missionary Spirit — Hot Sinrings. — Numerous Birds. — Captain John Smith. — His PopulariQr. — His Imprisonment — The two Capes. — The Landing. — Attack of the Savages. — Their Repulse. — Oysters. — Flowers. — Strawberries. — Pbint Comfort — The

% Sealed Box. — Anxiety to open it — Its Contents. — The Officers of the Colony. — Explanations. — A Place for a Settlement llSi

CHAPTER XIII.

Smith unjustly ejected from the Council — Building uf Jamestown. — Wingfield's Indiscretion. — Romantic Residence of the Indian King. — Powhatan's Conduct — Attack on Jamestown. — Prowlin g Ind ians. — Ambuscades. — Severe Toil. — Attempt to send Smith Home. — Captain Smlth'a Trial.— His honorable Acquittal. — President WingHeld convicted and sentenced. — Smith's Disinterestedness. — Good Influ-

. 2 ance of Mr. Hunt. — Smith admitted to the Council Board. — dingular Fact — Interesting Coincidence 1S8

CHAPTER XIV.

duaint Language. — The President's Selfishness. — Trials of the Planters. — Frequent Deaths. — The President's ImbeciliQ^. — Smith's Influence. — His Example of Industry. — Dwellings provided. — Provisions scarce. — Smith seuches the Country for Food. — Insulting Offers of the Savages. — Smith's Treatment of them. — Terrific Attack. — Peace and Provisiiuis secured. — Bartering. — Smith censured. — Exploring Excursion. — Wastefulness of the Planters. — Wingfield's Plot — Its Detection and Prevention. — Abundance of Game. — Smith examines the Chickabominy Biver. — He leaves his Boat, and takes toaCanoe 150

CHAPTER XV.

Disobeying Orders. — Its painftil Consequence. — Fate of two Canoe Men. — Indian Skill in Trailing. — A live Shield. — An Accident — Smith captured. — His Policy. — Exhibits a Pocket Compass. — Gives a Lecture. — Great Astonishment — Smith sentenced to die. — His Reprieve. — Triumphal Procession. — How Smith is fed. — He sufibrH from Cold. — Gratitude in an Indian. — Revenge. — Reward offered for Treason. — Mysterious Note. — Indians visit Jamestown. — Their Reception. — Effect of the Note. — Finding of Toys. — Sn ith publicly exhibited 169

CHAPTER XVI.

Singular Costume. — Mysterious Ceremony. — Its Explanation. — Smith fiivcned — Visits Opitchapam. — Indian Beggars — Apprehensions of Dinger. — Pbwder planted. — Emperor Powhatan. — Indian Splendor.— Guards.— Thetr severe Discipline. — Subordinate Kings.— Indian Toilet — The Emperor's Coort — The OmsultatioD. — Smith's Sentmce. - Wonderful Deliverance. — Pocahontas. — l J fc ii<||k > ners disappoinfed. — Smith a Toy Maker. — "The Chieftain** Daughter.**— Female Kindness.— A sympathizing Brother 183

CHAPTER XVII.

Smith released. — His Suspicions. — The Cannon and the Grindstone. — Powder firi^tens. — Plot arrested. — The President imprisoned.— Pbcahcmtas again. — Her timely Suf^ies. — Smith regarded with Beverence. — His Prediction fulfilled. — Ceremonial Visit.- Newport fiightened. — Powhatan's State. — Smith visits him fearlessly. — His Reception. — Newport gathers Courage. — Royal Shrewdness. — Newport cheated. — Smith's Indignation. — His successful Cunning. —The Biter bitten t 199

CHAPTER XVIII.

Value of blue Beads. — A Cbnflagration. — Mr. Hunt's Trials and Patience. — Gold Fever. — The Phoenix. — Turiceys and Swords. — Weapons stolen. — Smith'ti Decision. — Powhatan negotiates through Pocahontas. — She is successful. — Unreasonable Complaints. — Cedar against Gf>ld. — Chesapeake Bay explored. — A noble Chief. — Places named. — Suffer for Water. — A Stonn. — Lim)^. — Shirt Sails. — Wild Men. — Stratagem defeated. — Effects of Kindness. — Indian Merchants. — The Party discouraged. — Smith's Perseverance. — Treacheiy discovered. — Timely Supplies. d06

CHAPTER XIX.

Another Mineral Ferer. — Frying Pan and Fiabes. — Accident -> Stuifray. — Smith's Grave dog, bat not nied. — A dieguised Boat — Smith elected President — Another Expedition. — A successfttl Artifiee — Hie Tockwoghs. — Tlie acceptable Falsehood. — Great Joy.— A Visit finxn the Sasquesi^anocks. — They wMship Smith« and offer . him a Chieftaincy. — Treachery of the Rappahanocks. — TodkiU's narrow Escape. — A novel Expedient — More Deception. — Indians whipped into Peace.— A Cluster of Evils 991

CHAPTER XX.

Smith installed Governor. — Newport returns. — Smith outvoted. — > Pocahontas. — Her Amusements for Srai^. — Powhatan's Haughtiness. — Inappro|Hiate Presents.— ^A Coronation not understood. -^^ Stingy ReciprociQr. — The Manakins found. — Their Exdusiveness. — Seeking Merchandise.— Novel Emplosmient — A queer Cure for Profani^. — Selfishness fotal to the general Good. — Newport dissatisfied. — Is glad to return to Ikigland. — Probably misrepresoits the Colony 239

CHAPTER XXI.

Trials.— Powhatan's Invitation. — Smith visits him. — Keeps Christmas. — Powhatan's Deception. — A villanous Plot — Pocahontas defeats it— She declines Rewards. — Distressing Calamity. — A Messenger to Smith. — His Life sought — Pocahontas conc^ls and saves him. — A supposed Miracle. — Mysterious Explosion. — Ratcliffe and others slain. — Pocahontas saves a Boy. — Unparalleled Sufferings. — Large Numbers die. — The Town abandoned. — Lord Delaware

) J

/ J arrhre*. — The Settlen return. — A Sermon. ~ Lord Deltwara^ Proniptneas and Energy.— Hie Cok»y revhred M4

CHAPTER XXII.

Pocahoutaa onacealed. — Treacherous Japazawi. — Hie cuimiiig Plot — Pocahontas betrayed. — She becomes c^tive to ArgaU. — Ckipper Kettle. — Powhatan's Policy. — A Truce. — Pocahontas and her Brothers. — Messengers to Powhatan. — Are unsuccessfuL — Pocahontas in Love. — She marries an Englishman. — Effects of her Marriage. — She is instructed in Religion. — Is converted. — Her different Names. — Stith's Testimony of her

CHAPTER XXIII.

Pocahontas visits England. — Smith's Letter to the ^een.— He meeCi Pocahontas. — Her Coolness and Rebukes. — Smith's Apology. — Reply of Pocahontas. — Smith introduces her to the NobOiQr. — Pocahontas visits the King and ^een. — Her graceful Deportment — She goes to various Places of Amusement — Her Husband appointed Secretary. — Pocahontas dies. — Sorrow and Joy. -> She leaves one Child. — SteuJcley*8 Treachery. — Her Child taken to his Uncle's.— The Descendants of Pocahontas. — John Randolph. — Stoiy of Tomocomo 373

CHAPTER XXIV.

Toung Ladies imported. — Interesting Scene. — Long Courtships prevented. — Buying Wives. — Their Value in Tobacco.— Wise Arrangement — Its desirable Effects. — Slaves introduced. — Increase Xfi nantations. — Deceptive Peace. — > dark not forming. — An

2*

•zteniiye CoDBpinicy, — A dreadftil Massacre. — Buttaroiu Mutilations. —Jameatown saved. — Cbanco*B Disclosure.— .Results of tbe Conspiracy 968

CHAPTER XXV.

Effects of the Massacre. — A difficult Question. — Smith*s Pn^xMaL — Indian War. — Stringent Treatment — A second Massacre. — Opechancanough a Prisoner. — He is murdered. — Border War. — The Indians conquered. — Dissolution of the London Company. — Baptism enjoined by Law.— Union of Church and State. — Qnalcen condemned. — How to Judge the eaily Settlers. — Church-Wardens. — Laws concerning Marriage. — Ccmeeming Shiiunasters. — Whipping Posts and Ducking Stools. — Tlie Sabbath. — Fast— The two Col- OBlea. — Cloaing Remark • 9M

CHAPTER I.

Admiral de Coligoy. — His Expedition.— JobB Ribanlt — Dis* eoven the River May. — Reception by the Indians.— Devotional Services. — Exchange of Presents. — • Donation d Fish. -— Search for the Jordan. — Rivers with French Names.— Fort Carolina erected. — Ribanlt returns. — The Colonists discontented. — They form a Conspiracy. — They kill their Commandant. -— They build a Vessel. — Set out to return. — Horrors of the Passage. — Picked up at Sea. — Coligny not disheart^ied. — Roman Catholics and the Huguoiots. — Religions Persecutions.

A NAME which occupies a conspicuous place in the history of the early settlements of North America is that of Admiral de Colignj, a distinguished French Protestant, with whom it had long been a favorite object to establish a colony in America, as a place of safe retreat for the Huguenots, as the French Protestants were then called, where they would be secure from the persecuting edicts of a fanatical government, and of a powerful ecclesiastical hierarchy. For the accomplishment of this desired object, an expedition was finally planned, the execution of which was committed to a courageous and experienced officer of Dieppe, whose name was John Ribault. Instead of the profligate inmates of prisons, with whom some previous attempts at forming settlements in North America had

20 CAPTAIN RIBAULT*S VOTAGE.

been unsuccessfullj made, he was accompanied by some of the flower of the French nobility, and by soldiers of tried courage and good discipline.

Furnished with two ships, he safely crossed what was then the comparatively unknown Atlantic, and arrived upon the coast of America, near the thirtieth degree of north latitude. Whilst scaling along near the land, carefully observing the inequalities of the shore, he discovered in the month of May, 1562, the mouth of a river, which he called River of May — a name, however, which was not destined to be permanent, as it was afterwards supplanted by the " St. John's," which it still retains.

Ribault anchored at the mouth of this river for the purpose of making an examination of it. Early the next morning, a boat, well filled with men, left the ship for that purpose. As it approached the land, the men on board discovered large numbers of Indians of both sexes on the shore, who had come down to give these pale-faced strangers, who had visited them in their floating houses, a friendly reception. When they arrived within hearing, the chief of this people delivered a peaceful oration, and then made presents of chamois skins to the French captain.

On the following day, Captam Ribault planted n pillar of hard stone on a little swell of land near the mouth of the river; and on this pillar he en-

A WELCOME RECEPTION. 21

graved the arms of France, as evidence that the French had taken possession of this country.

Afler sailing some dis^nce farther up, he landed again, and in the presence of the natives, he caused his men to offer prayers and thanksgiving to Almighty God for his great kindness in conducting them to this new world without the occurrence of any injury.

After these devotional services, the Indians, who had been very attentive observers, rose up, and advanced with their friendly salutations towards Ribault, and offered to introduce him to their chief, who had not arisen with the rest, but remained still sitting upon a seat covered with the leaves of the bay and palm trees. Ribault accepted of their offer, approached the chief, took a seat by his side, and listened impatiently to a long address, not one word of which could he understand. At the close of this incomprehensible speech, the chief presented the French officer with a beautiful fan of heron's feathers, dyed red, a basket ingeniously made of the branches of the palm tree, and a large skin robe elegantly embroidered with the pictures of various kinds of wild beasts, and very likely of those which he had slain in the chase. Ribault, to show that he fully appreciated these acts of courtesy, gave him in return some tin bracelets, a look ing glass, a cutting hook, and several knives.

22 DISCOYEET OF PORT ROXAL.

When the captain signified his intention to leavo, the friendly chief professed much sorrow, and commanded his men to furnish the strangers with some fish. Thej immediately entered into their wears, which were enclosures made of reeds, for the taking of fish, and soon loaded the French with trouts, mullets, plaice, turbots, and veuious other unknown kinds.

Afler leaving these friendly natives, and passing farther along the coast, several other rivers were discovered, each of which received a French appellation, and generally after some river in France, as the Seine, the Loire, the Garonne, d&c. These names, like the May, were transient.

Whilst examining the coast in order to find the Combahee River, which was then called the Jordan, Ribault discovered a noble inlet, which he designated Port Royal — a name which it has never lost. Passing within this inlet, he landed on an island, where, by the formal erection of a monumental stone, on which was sculptured the French coat of arms, and with other appropriate ceremonies, he again took possession of the country in the name of the French king. On this island Ribault set his men to work, who, in the process of time, erected a fort, to which he gave tlie name of Fort Carolina, in honor of Charles IX. of France, Carolus being the Latin for Charles. This name was afterwards

FORT CABOLINi. 23

extended to the adjacent country, and is still retained by two of the states of the American Union. It is a circumstance worthy of special note, that the French succeeded in impressing a permanent name upon this portion of the continent a century prior to its occupation by the English.

After the erection of Fort Carolina, it became necessary for Ribault to return to France ; but being desirous to retain possession of the place until his return, he left a colony of twenty-six men for that purpose. Although these colonists were surrounded with groves of venerable trees, intermingled with the delicate drapery of the vine, and ornamented with a profusion of variegated flowers ; though Nature presented herself before them arrayed in her most attractive garb, filling the groves with the wild melody of unknown birds, and loading the air with spicy fragrance; and though the untutored savages — the native lords of the soil — were of a friendly disposition, yet they soon became discontented. After the departure of the vessels, and these twenty-six adventurers were left the sole civilized occupants of a vast continent, instead of adopting the policy which their lonely situation required, and merging all minor differences into a union for the general good, they allowed dissensions to creep in amongst them. A spirit of insubordination was manifested among the

24 CONSPIRACT AND MURDER.

soldiers, which the commandant endeavored to sup< press bj severe measures. The soldiers were indignant, and determined to be revenged. Thej formed a conspiracy, ^nd took the commandant's life. Thus rebellion and murder were prominent characteristics in this early attempt to form a colony upon the shores of North America.

After the death of their officer, as supplies and reinforcements did not reach them, and their condition was daily becoming worse, they concluded to return home. To effect this earne^ly-desired object was no easy task. Separated from their country by a wide waste of waters of three thousand miles in extent, destitute of vessels and of suitable materials for the construction of one adequate to their purpose, — to return must have seemed almost hopeless. But men on the borders of despair can accomplish wonders. Gathering together the best materials they could find, they constructed a rude brigantine, rigged it as well as they were able, put in a few stores, and embarked upon their perilous voyage. In a few hours, they were far out upon the unexplored deep. The land of their unhappy adventures gradually sunk as they receded from it, until it appeared like a long, low, black cloud resting upon the water of the distant horizon. Presently it disappeared entirely. Day after day they slowly ploughed their way across the

RETURN OF THE COLONISTS. 25

heaving billows, without appareDtlj making anj progress ; for they had no landmarks by which to be made sensible of advance. The same monotonous scene was around them at night on which they opened their eyes in the morning, whilst in the morning they seemed to be in the same spot where they were when the last rays of the setting sun bade them farewell ; as if they had anchored over night to guard against danger in the dark. They seemed to be in the centre of an immense dome, without the possibility of making any approach towards the circumference. Day after day, and week after week, their eyes were greeted in every direction by the same meeting of sky and water, and at the same distance from them. All this, however, was only in appearance. They were in reality making progress, though not very rapidly. A new calamity presented itself. Either from wrong calculations respecting the length of the voyage, or the amount of food the company would consume per day, or else from necessity, they did not put on board sufficient stores to last them during the voyage. They were obliged to be put upon short allowance, and even then were doomed to see their provisions grow smaller and smaller, until the last portion was consumed. Famine, with its attendant horrors, stared them in the face. In order to continue their existence, they were

26 PICKED UP AT SEA.

reduced to the terrific necessity of eating the flesh of one of the company ! It was a fearful expedient ; but men reduced to their extremity will resort to any measures to preserve existence.

Life is made up of contrasts. Light follows darkness, and smiles banish tears. One day, whilst they were musing upon the perils of their condition, and balancing the probabilities, favorable and unfavorable of their final deUverance, they saw indications of land. At the same time, a small white speck presented itself upon the distant horizon. It gradually increased, until they were satisfied that it was a vessel. It was a welcome sight, as it furnished them food for hope. All eyes were strained to watch its course. They steered their own vessel in the proper direction to meet it. For a time they were in suspense whether they were observed by the stranger, or whether he would pass on and leave them. Their feelings were intense. To their great joy, they succeeded in arresting his attention, speaking with him, and relating their distress. They were at once taken on board and provided for, and thus, through the intervention of a kind Providence, they were saved from starvation and from a watery grave. This vessel proved to be an English bark. Some of the men who were picked up were taken to England, and others landed in France. Thus terminated the first at-

ROMANISTS AND HUGUENOTS. 27

i

tempt of the French to establish a colony io wlat was then called Florida, near the south-eastern corner of the present South Carolina.

The Admiral de CoUgny, notwithstanding the disastrous close of this attempt, was not disheartened. He projected another settlement, which, however, was doomed to experience a dreadful overthrow.

Before narrating the particulars of one of the most humiliating and tragic events which occurred in the early history of this country, it is necessary to state thai a civil war, with all its attendant barbarities, had been prevailing in France between the Protestants and the Roman Catholics. In 1563, it was determined by the French government to dismiss all magistrates from office who were tainted with the heretical opinions of the Huguenots, as the French Protestants were called, and to tolerate no religion but the Catholic. This was a resolution which, as the Huguenots were numerous and powerful, could not be executed without an appeal to the sword. Accordingly, both parties immediately betook themselves to arms. Pope Pius V., the head of the Roman Catholic church, interested himself in the war, and even sent an army from Italy in aid of the Frpnch Catholics, to whom he gave the cruel order, as they left him, to slay every Huguenot they should take, and give no quarter.

28 PEBMIHENT ANTIPATHT.

The HugaeDots ennced a siiiiilar spirit, and also gave no quarter. It was a war in which not only were the natural malerolent passions called into violent exercise, but sectarian bigotry and religious frenzy added fuel to the flames. Each party regarded themselves as fighting against the enemies of true religion, and as rendering good service to the church in putting them to. death.

Although in the course of the next year hostilities ceased, and peace was professedly estabUshed, yet the belligerent parties cherished a burning hatred towards each other. This mutual antipathy was not confined to the French. It was difiiised wherever these parties existed. Huguenots and Catholics were every where the opponents of each other, whether they belonged to the same or to different nations. This antipathy, as we shall presently see, crossed the Atlantic, and brought forth its dreadfiil fruits of blood and death upon the shores of the new world.

CHAPTER II.

OptDions respecting Florida. — Departare of Laadonniere. — C<m duct of the Indians. — • Dissensions. — • Piracy. — Fort Carolina. — Welcome Visitors. — Kindness of Sir John Hawkins. — Spanish Claims. — Huguenots. — Religious Antipathies. — The Pirate Malendez. — • His Agreement with the King. — Sets out in Pursuit of the French. — Storm at Sea. — > Mclendez separates from his Company. — Discovers a safe Harbor. — Its Name^ and the Reason of it. — Meleudez finds the French Fleet. "?- His cruel Message. •— The French flee.—- Are pursued unsuccessfully. — The oldest Town in the United States.

The civil war in France being arrested, the Admiral de Coligny resumed his efforts to establish a colony in some part of Florida. In addition to granting his royal permission, the French king furnished Coligny three vessels for his service, which were placed under the command of Laudonniere, a man of intelligence and force of character, and who had accompanied Ribault in his previous voyage."^ As exaggerated statements had been made respecting the salubrious character of the climate of Florida, as it was known to abound luxuriantly in various kinds of vegetable productions, and as it was believed to be rich in the precious ores, it was no wise difficult to obtain emigrants in abundance. Men

* Bancroft.

90 laudonniere's expedition.

panting for adventures, or thirsting for gold, or desiring a place of retreat from the liability of religious persecution, cheerfully presented themselves as ready to engage in the promising enterprise. As Coligny desired to obtain accurate information respecting the various objects which might be discovered in tlie far-off land, he engaged James Le Moyne, a skilful artist, to execute colored pictures of those wliich might be most deserving of attention.

The trio of ships containing the adventurers, with their stores, left France April /^, 1564, and on the 22d of June they arrived on the coast of Florida, having been sixty days upon the voyage. The commodious harbor of Fort Royal being surrounded with too many painful associations to be attractive, Laudonniere passed by it in search of a more pleasing location for a settlement. Af^er selecting the banks of the River of May, he landed, and, in company with his Huguenot brethren, Commenced, with devotional services, the founding of a new colony. The Indians, instead of opposing their landing, received them with the cordiality of friends, and extended to them their unrefined but genuine hospitality. Notwithstanding the propitious circumstances under which the colony was commenced, it was not long before a dark cloud overshadowed its prospects. Although amongst the emigrants were men of good principles, yet there were others entirely destitute

PIRATICAL JEXPKDrrtON. 31

of integrity, who were anxious onlj for the rapid increase of wealth, irrespective of the means by which it might be obtained. A mutinous disposition was manifested, which the commandant found it difficult to quell. Great wastefulness was practised in the use of food, by which their stores were soou exhausted, and want began to stare them in the face. A party among them, composed of the most insubordinate and reckless class, took advantage of this circumstance to oblige Laudonnicre to give them a written permit to embark for New Spain ; and then, seizing two vessels, they set sail upon a piratical expedition against the commerce of the Spaniards. Out upon the wide ocean they fell in with two or three vessels. So soon as they discerned their flag, and discovered that they were Spanish, they bore down upon them like an eagle darting upon its prey, and succeeded in making them prizes. They were not permitted, however, to rejoice in their success any great length of time. It was their experience, as it has been that of many others, that the triumphing of the wicked is short. They were themselves captured, when some of them were held as prisoners, others reduced to slavery, and a few, who made a successful attempt to escape, and returned to tfie colony, were there seized by Laudonniere, and sentenced to be executed.