Edward Ortiz’s Reviews > The History of Puerto Rico: From the Spanish Discovery to the American Occupation > Status Update

The West Indian seas swarmed with French privateers, and their depredations on Spanish commerce and ill-protected possessions continue till Phillip II signed the treaty of peace at Vervins in 1598. But before that, war with England had been declared, and a more formidable enemy than the French was soon to appear before the capital of this much afflicted island.

news of the wonderful achievements of Cortez in Mexico reached San Juan in 1520, and stirred ... Ponce. On Feb 10, 1521, he wrote to the emperor: “I discovered Florida ..” He left the port of Aguada on the 26th. When he and his men landed they met with such fierce resistance from the natives... they were forced to reembark. The captain did not return to San Juan but sought a refuge in Puerto Principe, where he died.