of North Carolina. 359 



There are several sorts of rich Mines in this Country, 

 some of which the Indians are well acquainted with, and 

 particularly one, whereof they make Bullets for their Guns 

 to shoot Deer and other Game: I have seen some of this 

 Oar with them, which is Lead, and of the richest sort, but 

 they will not discover to us where they get it, especially if 

 it be near their hunting Quarters; for, they say, it is this 

 Metal the Europeans so much covet (as they do their Peak 

 and Ronoak) which if they should discover to the Christians, 

 they would settle near them, and so deprive them of the best 

 hunting Matches they have, as they have already done where 

 they are settled or inhabited; so that by that Means they 

 shall be driven out of their Country to some unknown parts 

 to live, hunt, and get their Bread in. 



These are the Keasons that they give for not discovering 

 what they know of this Mature. But amongst the Chris- 

 tians there have been few or no Enquiries made at present, 

 but what were discovered by Chance ; yet I am satisfied that 

 the Mines and Minerals that this Country produces are 

 extraordinary good and valuable, several Pieces whereof are 

 daily to be seen amongst them, who make no other use of it 

 than what I have already mentioned. 



The principal Reason of our want of Knowledge in the 

 Mines and Minerals, and many other valuable Secrets in 

 JSTature that are produced in this part of the World (as the 

 Spaniards are with theirs) is for want of Encouragement 

 amongst us ; for I am certain were such an Affair managed 

 and carried on by a Company of Wealthy Members, they 

 would not only find their Account in so advantageous an Un- 

 dertaking, but likewise be a great Means to enrich the British 

 Monarchy. This I testifie from the Knowledge and Dis- 

 covery 



