Explorer; born in Borobia, Aragon, in 1519; and went to
Mexico about 1550.
In 1559 a powerful expedition was fitted out at
Vera Cruz, Mexico, for the conquest of
Florida, under his command.
He sailed Aug. 14 with a land force of 1,500 soldiers, many friars, and a number of women and children (the families of soldiers), to conquer and colonize
Florida.
He had a prosperous voyage to the
Bay of Pensacola, where he anchored his ships, but a week later a storm arose which drove the vessels ashore and wrecked them.
He at once sent out an exploring party in search of the fertile lands and cities plethoric with precious metals, of which he had dreamed.
For forty days they marched through a barren country before they found any food.
This they found at a deserted town.
Word was sent back to
De Luna of the abundance of food there.
He had lost most of his stores with the ships.
With 1,000 men, women, and children, he marched to the town.
The food was soon consumed,
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and great suffering followed.
De Luna marched back to
Pensacola, whence, in two vessels that had been saved or built there, he sent to the viceroy of
Mexico for succor.
Relief came, but the discontent of the remnant of his colony caused his return to
Vera Cruz in 1561.
He died in
Yucatan, in 1571.