An ancient iron Clad.
--We examined a few days ago, in the office of
Attorney-General Galbraith, a very interesting historical relic, being a portion of the armor of one of the
Spanish Knights who first invaded and explored the wilds of this Western continent.
The armor was found in the neighborhood of
Monticello, in
Jefferson country, in this State.
The portions preserved are the helmet, the vizor and gorget, and coverings for the arms.
We understand that the rest of the armor was found, but has been inadvertently lost or destroyed.
This armor is of the most solid and substantial character, that for the head alone weighing fifteen or twenty pounds, and being impenetrable to musket or rifle balls.
It is probable that the armor belonged to one of the expeditions of
Pamphillo de Narvaez, which was lost in the country, or to one of the army of
De Soto, and is about three hundred and fifty years old — perhaps much older.
There is a romantic interest attached to these relies of the early conquerors of the New World.
These iron trappings probably encased the form of one who sought gold and glory, and found a grave in the vast wilderness of
America or perhaps some old knight who invested the remainder of a sad and unhappy life in the search for the "Fountain of Youth," but whom death surprised cry his limbs had been bathed in its rejuvenating waters.
Be this as it may, he was no "carpet knight," for the frame that could bear this iron encasement must have known the discipline of arms, and been strengthened in the battle and the breeze.
The armor is of complete workman ship; strong rather than fine, and must have been as complete a covering for the human form as the armor of the ocean monsters that bid defiance to the rifle cannon shot of the present day. Probably, in future times, the iron-clads of our own day will be regarded as the curiosities of a past age, the utility of which will hardly be perceptible to our descendants.--
Tallahassee Floridan and Journal. 
