DISASTROUS ATTP^MPTS IN FLORIDA 101 



dent signs, made us understand how glad they were of our 

 arrival. 



. . . I was of opinion, if it seemed good unto them, 

 to seat ourselves about the River of May, seeing, also 

 that, in our first voyage, we found the same only among 

 all the rest to abound in maize and corn, besides the gold 

 and silver that were found there : a thing that put me in 

 hope of some happy discovery in time to come. After I 

 had proposed these things, every one gave his opinion 

 thereof ; and, in fine, all resolved, namely, those which 

 had been with me in the first voyage, that it was expe- 

 dient to seat themselves rather on the River of May than 

 on any other, until they might hear news of France. 

 This point being thus agreed upon, we sailed towards the site selected 

 river, and used such diligence that, with the favour of 

 the winds, we arrived the morrow after, about the break 

 of day, which was on Thursday, 29th of June. 



Having cast anchor, I embarked all my stuff, and the 

 soldiers of my company, to sail right towards the open- 

 ing of this river, wherein we entered a good way up, and 

 found a creek, of a reasonable bigness, which invited us 

 to refresh ourselves a little, while we reposed ourselves 

 there. Afterwards we went on shore, to seek out a place 

 . . . then we discovered a little hill adjoining unto a 

 great vale, very green, and, in form, flat ; wherein were Landing 

 the fairest meadows of the world, and grass to feed cattle. 

 Moreover, it is environed with a great number of brooks 

 of fresh water, and high woods, which make the vale 

 more delectable to the eye. After I had taken the view, 

 thereof, at mine ease, I named it, at the request of our 

 soldiers, the Vale of Laudonniere. . . . 



. . . We gathered our spirits together, and, march- 

 ing with a cheerful courage, we came to the place which 

 we had chosen to make our habitation in : whereupon, at 

 that instant, near the river's brink, we strewed a num- 

 ber of boughs and leaves, to take our rest on them the 

 night following, which we found exceeding sweet, because 



