The most widespread literary form today is the newspaper, and this book is written in that style in so far as possible without compromising historical accuracy. The techniques of investigative reporting are here employed to help clarify centuries-old mysteries.

All the original narratives relating to the three earliest explorations of mainland United States have been gathered into one volume for the first time so they can be cross-checked easily. These are printed in a distinguishing type to facilitate maximum consideration. Even those who are not intrigued by mystery will find the eye-witness accounts of absorbing interest.

The objective of this book is to help readers evaluate evidence of landing places of early explorers and gain greater appreciation of their adventures. To this end, chronicles of the Narvaez and Soto expeditions are followed to Tallahassee, Florida --- the point of geography which all scholars agree was an authentic route-stop. Some historians attempt to determine the landing places by back tracking from this "anchor."

Events beyond Tallahassee are omitted for the sake of focus, but additional reading from the

bibliography is strongly recommended. The true experiences of the bold men who opened up a continent are more incredible than fiction.

For reading ease, some modern editing has been applied to archaic translations. For example, long sentences and paragraphs have been divided where there is a clear separation of ideas.

There are no footnotes because of the journalism practice of attributing sources worthy of reader notice as part of the story. Explanatory matter by this writer is enclosed within parentheses immediately following unfamiliar or otherwise unclear wording.

The various spellings of places and persons by the several chroniclers are left intact. Thus, those readers with knowledge of historical languages have access to contemporary pronunciations. Perhaps an echo of the past is incorporated in a surviving name.

Suggestions or information contributing to increased accuracy and interest of a future revision of this book will be gratefully acknowledged.

Lindsey Wilger Williams Punta Gorda, Florida

Reconstructing past events requires input from diverse sources of knowledge as well as encouragement from family and friends. It is with great appreciation that I acknowledge such help from the following:

Cona, my patient wife, who typed manuscript, read proof and kept me company on the numerous trips to view possible landmarks of the explorers.

Dr. Michael Hansinger and Jeffrey Brain -- dedicated scholars and scientists, whose suggestions and critical evaluation were invaluable.

G. William Averill, June Stillman and Lonie Black, Florida Technical University, Orlando, for historical references.

Dr. Robert Carr, for east coast archeology.

Ralph L. Chamberlin, Sanibel Island, Fla., for cartographical references.

Elinore M. Dormer, for Sanibel Island history.

Cona Williams Falcon, Annapolis, Md., for Spanish translations.

Dr. Michael Gannon, for information about Spanish missions.

Elaine Jordan, for Pine Island history.

Dr. William Marquardt, for Florida west coast archeology.

O.B. Osceola and George F. Goetz, Ft. Myers, Fla., for help with Seminole Indian vocabulary.

Rep. Vernon Peeples, U.S. Cleveland and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Max Jones for Charlotte Harbor history.

Prof. Robert Smith, College of Wooster, and Roger Rowe, Wooster, Ohio, for information on archeology techniques.

Many thanks go to the libraries which generously cooperated with requests for books and photos -- especially the Library of Congress and the National Archives. These are priceless repositories of information.

Other libraries to which I am indebted are P.K. Yonge collection, University of Florida, Gainesville; Spanish history collection, University of South Florida, Tampa; Karpinski collection, William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Florida Historical Society, Gainesville, Fla.; Tequesta collection, University of Miami, Fla.; National Maritime Museum, Newport News, Va.; National Geodetic Survey; Ohio State Public Libraries; Book Seller, Akron, Ohio; history department, Cleveland Public Library; Florida State Public Libraries, rare book section; New York City Public Library.