American Pioneeers and Patriots The life and expeditions of the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. The book traces de Soto’s early experiences in the New World, his role in the conquest of Peru alongside Pizarro, and his subsequent ambition to explore and colonize lands in North America. Abbott describes de Soto’s arduous journey through Florida and the southeastern United States, highlighting his encounters with Indigenous peoples and his eventual discovery of the Mississippi River in 1541. First published in 1873, this edition is derived from the original book with 5 black & white illustrations. As always, this edition is complete and unabridged.