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The Natives of Florida Worship the Column Erected by the Commander on His First Voyage

When the French came to Florida the second time, they were commanded by Laudonniere. Upon their arrival crowds of Indians gathered on the shore to welcome them. They assured Laudonniere that they bore no enmity against him. So he went ashore with twenty harquebusiers where he was met by the chief, Athore. After presents had been exchanged and promises of friendship given, the chief asked the French to go with him. This they agreed to do, though as Athore was accompanied by a great number of men, they acted with great caution.

The chief took them to the island where Ribaut had set up the stone column carved with the arms of the King of France. When the French came closer to the column, they found Indians worshipping the stone as an idol. Athore kissed the stone with the same reverence that his subjects showed him. His men also kissed the column, and they asked us to do likewise. In front of the monument lay offerings of fruits, edible and medicinal roots, jars of perfumed oils, a bow, and arrows; the stone was wreathed with flowers and boughs of the choicest trees.

This Chief Athore was very handsome, wise, honorable, and strong, and at least half a foot taller than the tallest of our men. He was grave and modest, and his bearing was majestic. He had married his own mother and had a number of sons and daughters by her, whom he proudly showed us, striking his thigh as he did so. It is well to remark that after he married his mother, his father, Saturiba, did not live with her any longer.

Monday, 15-May-95 14:17:42 PDT