Who was DeSoto's private secretary?

DeSoto's private secretary was Ranjel, who accompanied him during his expeditions in the Americas. Ranjel's role was significant since he documented the journey, providing valuable insights into the exploration and encounters that DeSoto faced, which include interactions with various Native American tribes. This documentation is one of the few primary sources available regarding DeSoto’s expedition, highlighting the importance of Ranjel not just as a secretary but also as a chronicler of events.

The other individuals mentioned had their own distinct contributions to exploration and colonization. LaSalle, for example, is known for exploring the Mississippi River region and claiming Louisiana for France, while Onate was a Spanish explorer and settler in the American Southwest. Coronado became famous for leading an expedition into the present-day southwestern United States, notably searching for the Seven Cities of Gold. These figures were significant in their own right but did not serve in the capacity of a private secretary during DeSoto's expedition.