Sassafras and sarsaparilla, then known as china root, were popular specifics AN101 for syphilis. Found on the Florida coast from Cumberland Island to the Savannah, they were one treasure that brought the Spanish more problem than profit. [Note 81: On the medicinal and commercial importance of Florida plants see…] Between 1595 and 1610 particularly, large numbers of French ships visited the Indians to trade for medicinal herbs, sometimes leaving factors to accumulate the next season’s cargo. The presence of French traders divided the natives into Hispanophile and Francophile factions and was the cause of prolonged war, both civil and internecine. The relatively well known Guale Rebellion of 1597 was only one phase of this long conflict. (Bushnell KC)