should be the first to pass the river, and
none remained behind to do mischief."

From this untoward enterprise De Soto returned to the village of
Guachoya, renouncing all idea of establishing his colony in Anilco. He
immediately commenced with all energy building his two brigantines,
while he looked anxiously about in search of some region of fertility
and abundance, where his army could repose till the envoys should
bring back a sufficient fleet to transport those to Cuba who should
wish to return there, and could also bring those reinforcements and
supplies essential to the establishment of the colony. The river at
this point was about a mile and a half in width. The country on both
sides was rich in fertility, and thickly inhabited.

Upon the eastern bank there was a province called Quigualtanqui, of
which De Soto heard such glowing reports that he sent an exploring
party to examine the country. By fastening four canoes together, he
succeeded in transporting the horses across the stream. To his
disappointment he found the Cacique deadly hostile. He sent word to De
Soto that he would wage a war of utter extermination against him and
his people, should they attempt to invade his territories.

Care, fatigue and sorrow now began to show their traces upon the
Governor. He could not disguise the deep despondency which oppressed
him. His step became feeble, his form emaciate, his countenance
haggard. A weary, grief-worn pilgrim, he was in a mood to welcome
death, as life presented him nothing more to hope for. A slow fever
aggravated by the climate, placed him upon a sick bed. Here, the
victim of the most profound melancholy, he was informed that the
powerful chief, Quigualtanqui, was forming a league of all the
neighboring tribes for the extermination of the Spaniards. De Soto's
arm was paralyzed and his heart was broken. He had fought his last
battle. His words were few; his despondency oppressed all who
approached his bedside. Day after day the malady increased until the
fever rose so high, that it was manifest to De Soto, and to all his
companions, that his last hour was at hand.

Calmly and with the piety of a devout Catholic, he prepared for death.
Luis De Moscoso was appointed his successor in command of the army,
and also the successor of whatever authority and titles De Soto might
possess, as Governor of Florida. He called together the officers and
most prominent soldiers, and with the trembling voice of