CHAPTER I--A. D. 1565 1_The unwritten history of old St. Augustine

[Illustration: Founding of St. Augustine By Pedro Menendez, September 8,

1565.]

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THE

UNWRITTEN

HISTORY _of_

Old St. Augustine

Copied from the Spanish Archives

in Seville, Spain, by Miss

A. M. Brooks and

Translated

Mrs. Annie Averette

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PREFACE

We take pleasure in presenting to our readers information connected with

St. Augustine never before published. It is composed largely of reports

and letters to the King of Spain, much of it written by Pedro Menendez

himself, and contains decrees and letters from the King to the Governor,

Generals and Officers having charge of the Florida Provinces. It has

been buried for over three centuries, in Seville, Spain. It is reliable,

having been written in old Spanish and guarded with care. It contains

facts for which many have sought in vain. The style in which it is

written is clear and comprehensive, without being diffuse or overdrawn.

It is the true history of our country.

CONTENTS

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.