A CHARLOTTE HARBOR LANDING for Soto is sup-ported in all respects by the various chronicles. The unique relationship of "four fathoms of water two leagues from shore" occurs in San Carlos Bay. Soto set out in a small boat but "disappeared from sight" by sailing through Pine Island Sound. In moving to deep water, because of "contrary wind," the fleet captains were able to spot Soto the next day "far to the leeward." Coming up to Soto, the ships sailed through a pass requiring station ships on the flying bars, and two vessels "scraped bottom" navigating the 15-foot channel. An initial landing to disembark the army was made on the east shore of Charlotte Harbor where there is a "beach nigh the bay which runs up to the town" pre-selected for a base camp. Soto and the cavalry rode ahead to try and march around the harbor, while General Porcallo in a small boat approached the base site on a "cape at the head of the bay." The cavalry could "in no way get around" the huge marsh at the east end of the harbor so backtracked to a place "opposite the town." Soto was ferried across that night and the rest of the army the next day. Upon setting out for the interior, the expedition marched first toward the "setting sun," paused at two lakes to visit Chief Mococo, then "turned northeast."
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