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Page 35
The English fleet proved to be that of the brave Sir John Hawkins, the
bluff old sea-king whose very name was a terror to all Spaniards. He
was on his way back to his own country from one of the famous cruises
to the Spanish Main and the West Indies that were even then making him
world-renowned. He had captured many Spanish ships laden with treasure
in gold and silver from the mines of Mexico and Peru, and when he
learned of the sad plight of the Chevalier Laudonniere and his people,
he promptly offered to give them a ship in which they might safely
undertake a voyage to their own country. Moreover, when he was told
how slender was their store of provisions, he furnished the ship which
he was about to give them with a supply of food that would last them
for several months.
In the name of King Charles IX of France, Laudonniere, who had again
assumed command of his little company unquestioned by the mutineers,
thanked the brave Englishman for his great kindness to them, and
accepted his generous gifts. Then the English fleet, with a parting
salute from its loud-mouthed cannon, bore away and resumed its homeward
voyage. At the same time the Frenchmen started back for the River of
May, where, under shelter of the land, they proposed making the
transfer of their property from their own crazy craft to the stout ship
which they had received from the English admiral. Thus it happened
that the sunset of that eventful day found them in the very same place
from which they had so willingly departed that morning, and had never
expected to see again.
At this time Laudonniere made another earnest effort to induce his men
to return to Fort Caroline, and there await patiently the arrival of
Jean Ribault, now that they had a supply of provisions and a good ship,
but to no avail.
Simon, the armorer, expressing the sentiments of all the rest, save
only Le Moyne and R�n� de Veaux, said,
"What with fightings and fevers, we are in no condition to drive out
the savages who have doubtless ere this entered into full possession of
Fort Caroline. If we did regain the fort, what could we do save remain
there until this heaven-sent store of provisions should be exhausted?
and then would we not be in as sad a plight as before? No, your
Excellency, let us return to our own land while we may, and not linger
here longer in the hope of succor which seems likely never to be sent."
So Laudonniere, having numbers against him, was forced to accept the
situation as he had done before, and the work of transfer from one
vessel to the other proceeded rapidly.
When it was accomplished, and they were ready to start on their second
venture, the elements were again against them, and for a week they were
confronted by an impassable wall of foam-crested billows, breaking and
roaring upon the bar in the most tumultuous confusion.
Late one afternoon, when their patience had become well-nigh exhausted
by this tedious delay, all hearts were thrilled by the report of a
fleet of ships seen far out at sea, but approaching the land. An
anxious night followed, for again were the members of the little band
torn with conflicting fears and hopes. Were the ships French, English,
or Spanish? Daylight only could bring an answer to the question.
At length it came, and as the sun rose, its earliest beams fell upon
seven tall ships riding easily at anchor outside the bar. From each
was displayed in the golden light the fair lily banner of France.
At this glorious sight there was indeed joy on board the ship of
Laudonniere. At last the long-looked-for reinforcements had come.
There was no more talk of mutiny, nor of abandoning the country. Now
the cry was, "Ho for Fort Caroline, and destruction to the savages!"
Crowding all sail upon their newly acquired ship, and with its guns
firing salutes of welcome, and banners flung to the breeze from every
point, they sailed out over the still tumultuous bar to greet the
new-comers from their own land. It was indeed Admiral Jean Ribault and
his fleet of succor for the little colony. On board his flag-ship
_Trinity_, a joyful meeting took place between him and his trusted
lieutenant, the brave Laudonniere, who, supported by R�n� de Veaux and
Le Moyne, found strength to carry himself thither.
The admiral was highly indignant when he heard of the mutiny, and would
have punished the mutineers severely had not Laudonniere pleaded for
them, giving their sufferings and their despair of the arrival of
reinforcements as their excuse.
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