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Jean Ribaut, released from his detention in England, had at last
arrived with a fleet of seven vessels, including his flagship, the Trinity,
carrying 32 pieces of ordnance, the Exerillon, of 29 guns, the Pearl,
under command of the Admiral's son, Jacques Ribaut, and four other
ships, all laden with foodstuff, supplies, seeds for planting, and
agricultural implements. Aboard these vessels were reinforcements of
soldiers, laborers, adventurers, women and children, their number
variously estimated by different historians as being from 300 to 1200,
one modern authority placing it at about 600 persons.

Ribaut also brought orders from Admiral Coligny for the
resignation of Laudonniere's command, and for his return to France that
he might clear himself of certain charges that had been made against him.
Laudonniere was informed that these charges, ledged by malcontents
and persons antagonistic to the younger commander, including
accusations of cruelty and arrogance, and the declaration that he sought
to establish himself as an independent ruler in the New World.

But even while the French colonists were rejoicing over Ribaut's
arrival, and Laudonniere moped ill and morose in his quarters, a force
was approaching that was to bring destruction to Fort Caroline and thrust
into oblivion the hopes of France for dominion over Florida.

Philip II of Spain had watched with growing wrath the French
activities in this quarter. Adding depth to his hatred of the French
Protestants had been the activity of the Huguenot sailors from Normandy,
restless adventurers, who had sacked many towns of the Spanish Main,