The Lily and the Totem; or, The Huguenots in Florida

"The Lily and the Totem; or, The Huguenots in Florida" by William Gilmore Simms is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The narrative focuses on the Huguenots, French Protestants fleeing persecution, as they endeavor to establish a colony in Florida during the 16th century. The text documents their struggles, interactions with Native American tribes, and the overarching historical context of colonization, reflecting both picturesque and tragic elements of their story. The opening of the book sets up the premise of the Huguenots’ plight, detailing their desperate search for a safe haven from religious persecution in France. It introduces key figures, such as Admiral Gaspard de Coligny, who spearheads the colonization effort, and John Ribault, who leads the first expedition to Florida. Simms explores the motivations, aspirations, and challenges faced by the Huguenots as they navigate the complexities of forming relations with Indigenous peoples and the harsh realities of a new life in a foreign land. The initial chapters lay the groundwork for the unfolding drama, illustrating a blend of hope and foreboding as the colonists embark on their ambitious quest for a new home. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Gilmore Simms was a poet, novelist, politician and historian from the American South. His writings achieved great prominence during the 19th century, with Edgar Allan Poe pronouncing him the best novelist America had ever produced. He is still known among literary scholars as a major force in antebellum Southern literature. He is also remembered for his strong support of slavery and for his opposition to Uncle Tom's Cabin, in response to which he wrote reviews and the pro-slavery novel The Sword and the Distaff (1854). During his literary career he served as editor of several journals and newspapers and he also served in the South Carolina House of Representatives.