The unwritten history of old St. Augustine

"The Unwritten History of Old St. Augustine" by A. M. Brooks and Annie Averette is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work compiles a wealth of documents, letters, and reports from the Spanish Archives in Seville, providing readers with insights into the early Spanish explorations and settlements in Florida, particularly relating to the establishment of St. Augustine and the conflicts with French settlers. The opening of the book sets the stage for the narrative by presenting a royal decree from King Philip II of Spain regarding the establishment and control of Florida in 1565. It introduces Pedro Menendez, the appointed governor tasked with ensuring Spanish dominance in the region by reporting the presence of English and French settlers and outlining the necessity for a Spanish settlement. The subsequent chapters promise a deep dive into events such as the capture of Fort Matanzas and the encounters with local Indigenous populations, providing both a chronological and detailed account of the unfolding history of early colonial Florida.