In 1821, James Grant Forbes published one of the earliest descriptions of the newly acquired American territory of Florida. Titled Sketches, Historical and Topographical, of the Floridas; more particularly of East Florida, the book was, most likely, a marketing tool for land Forbes owned in Florida.

Still, Forbes presents some interesting views of the region in the early 19th century, including some of Florida's more exotic critters:

Alligators and rattlesnakes are numerous; but through they are held in great dred by the timid, they are inoffensive, unless roused to protect themselves. The Alligator, in particular, must often be awakened from its profound sleep on the banks of the rivers, before it will attack the traveller. Its shell is so impenetrable, that a bullet will not injure it, unless it strikes the head between the eyes. The Rattlesnake, and the tail part of the Alligator, are sometimes eaten by the hungry traveller.

Forbes book is one of a number of publications that have been scanned and placed online at Florida State University's Florida History and Heritage Collection.