- Historic Sites The Passion Of Hernando De Soto In Florida the
great conquistador hoped to find a Golconda. Instead, he found a
Golgotha. An American Heritage Book Selection April 1967 |
Volume 18, Issue 3 And still the fortune hunters found no
fortunes. As the hopes of the Spaniards declined, their
discipline began to sag, particularly among the foot soldiers,
who bore the brunt of the hardships. One by one they began to
desert, slipping away at night to seek an oblivious life of ease
among the natives. De Soto was obliged to post sentries at night
to guard against desertions. He could not allow his army to stop
for rest. At each village a show of force persuaded the Indian
chief to co-operate in providing food, shelter, and porters. If
the soldiers wanted women, a few mirrors, combs, and other
trinkets were considered a fair trade. Before the expedition
left a settlement, de Soto would arrest the chief and take him
along as a hostage to prevent an attack on the rear of his line
of march. It was a callous p