Kidnapped.

In 1561 a Spanish ship commanded by Pedro Menendez de Aviles journeyed into the Chesapeake Bay and seized an adolescent boy. The Spanish named the boy Don Luis, and he stayed under the care of Menendez, who became commander of Spanish Florida in 1565. Don Luis viewed Spanish colonial society firsthand for ten years. He was taught the Spanish language and the intricacies of Catholicism. Menendez hoped to use Don Luis as an interpreter and missionary for a Spanish colony to be established in the Chesapeake region. Since Don Luis was related to a Powhatan chief, Menendez treated him well; he lived in Cuba, Mexico, and Spain at different times and even met King Philip II.

Return to the Chesapeake.

In 1570 Don Luis returned home accompanied by two Jesuit priests and seven assistants, but with no military support. Don Luis directed the...