CHAPTER I

--A. D. 1565 1

Royal Decree from King Philip II in reference to further discovery and settlement of Florida--Officers and number of men appointed to go in the Armada--Reports from the Armada after leaving--Report from Pedro Menendez to his Majesty--The English and French have already settled here--Necessity of Spaniards taking entire control--Letter from the King to Pedro Menendez--Tells of English and French vessels reported to have sailed for these Provinces--King sends Fleet with sailors, soldiers and supplies that the person of Pedro Menendez may be guarded properly as Governor and Captain General of the Province of Florida.

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