Ferdinand De Soto The Discoverer Of The Mississippi

1876. Illustrated. American Pioneers and Patriots series. The story of Ferdinand De Soto the renowned Spanish soldier of fortune who had served with Pizarro in the conquest of Peru. In 1538 under the patronage of the emperor, Charles V, De Soto formed a company for the purpose of exploring Florida. The emperor who was at this time the most powerful monarchy in all Europe, provided De Soto with unlimited resources at his command, and soon he found himself leading a company of nine hundred and fifty adventurers. In his quest for gold De Soto explored the lower Mississippi River in 1542. Although he claimed the land for Spain, died and was buried there, he left no more traces. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.