The French in Early Florida: In the Eye of the Hurricane (review)

Most accounts of the French attempt to settle Florida have focused on the Spanish reaction to this alleged invasion. Thus, this reviewer looked forward to an effort to balance the historiography. John McGrath definitely presents a new point of view in this meticulously researched and well-written study, but the activities in Florida take a back seat to the political and religious maneuvers in France.

If one is looking for a narrative of the hardships and struggles of these intrepid French settlers, it will not be found in this book. What McGrath has accomplished is a very detailed and painstakingly researched study of mid-sixteenth-century France in so far as it related to the attempts of Admiral Gaspard de Coligny to establish a French colonial empire in the New World. Most general accounts of his efforts, however, do not describe the incredible obstacles, the shifting alliances of French politics, and the royal apathy that the dynamic French imperialist faced. McGrath does this in full detail, particularly Coligny's attempts to cope with the quicksand of shifting religious values during the early days of the Huguenot movement. Jean Ribault was the central figure on the scene in Florida. Ribault first established a small settlement at Charlesfort in 1562; upon returning to the continent to secure supplies for his colonists, Ribault encountered civil war in France. Ending up on the losing side, he fled to England; while there he attempted to interest the English in supporting an expedition to Florida to rescue the unhappy settlers at Charlesfort. Not only was he unsuccessful, but he was eventually imprisoned by the English.

During a lull in the civil wars, Coligny began to prepare for a second expedition to Florida. With Ribault out of action, he chose René de Laudonniere to lead it. In June 1564, the French leader landed on the St. John River in Florida. Almost immediately, he and his men begin the construction of Fort Caroline.

Laudonniere and his colonists did not get along well with the local Timucuan Indians, and before long their food supplies were dwindling. The situation became desperate while they waited for the relief ships that Laudonniere had promised. It was not until the following year, 1565, that Ribault—now home from English imprisonment—led an expedition to resupply and reinforce Fort Caroline. Although he arrived along the Florida coast early in August 1565, Ribault dallied for weeks exploring the coastline before finally delivering his supplies to the hungry colonists. McGrath could find no explanation for Ribault's strange actions.

At almost the same time, the formidable Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Aviles arrived along the Florida coast in his storm-damaged ships. Although he had a smaller fleet than Ribault, Menéndez managed to outmaneuver him, capture Fort Caroline as well as most of Ribault's fleet, and end the French dream of an empire based in Florida.

McGrath blames poor leadership for the failure of the French effort in Florida. Laudonniere could not control his men at Fort Caroline, and Ribault did not obey orders. On the other hand, the author cannot help but give credit to the daring and brilliant Menéndez, who saved Florida for Spain and established its presence there. This book should become a standard for the study of early Florida history.