82 OF NORTH CAROLINA. 



tains, amongst a nation of Indians in their way, 

 there happened a difference while they were 

 measuring of gun powder, and the poAvder by ac- 

 cident taking lire, blew out one of this king's 

 eyes and did a great deal more mischief upon the 

 spot. Yet this Sapona king stood firmly to the 

 Englishman's interest, with whom he was in com- 

 pany, still siding with him against the Indians. 

 They were intended for the South sea, but were 

 too much fatigued by the vast ridge of mountains, 

 though they hit the right passage ; it being no 

 less than five day's journey through a ledge of 

 rocky hills and sandy deserts. And which is yet 

 worse, there is no water nor scarce a bird to be 

 seen during your passage over these barren crags 

 and valleys. 



The Sapona river proves to be the west branch 

 of Cape Fear or Clarendon river, whose inlet with 

 other advantages, makes it appear as noble a 

 river to plant a colony in, as any I have met 

 withal. 



The Saponas had (about ten days before we 

 came thither) taken five prisoners of the Sinnagers 

 or Jennitos, a sort of people that range several 

 thousands of miles, making all prey they lay their 

 hands on. These are feared by all the savage na- 

 tions I ever was among, the westward Indians 

 dreading their approach. They are all sorted in, 

 and keep continual spies and outguards for their 

 better security. Those captives they did intend 

 to burn, few prisoners of war escaping that pun- 



