Great Lakes, where, in more modern times, many of the richest deposits of this metal in the world have been discovered.[1] There is no evidence that copper was mined in aboriginal Virginia within the limits of the modern State. In 1608, when the Potomac was first explored, the voyagers were informed of the existence of a mine of antimony a few miles from the banks of the Quiyough,[2] a tributary of that beautiful river, and when visited, it was found to have been opened by the Indians and extensively worked, the metal being washed free of all dross in a neighboring stream, and sold to the tribes throughout Virginia for personal ornament.[3] A warrior who had recently used this article of adornment is said to have resembled a blackamoor sprinkled with silver, and instances of this effect fell under the observation of the adventurers only a few days after they disembarked at Cape Henry, apparently confirming their hope of obtaining the precious metals in the new country, so ignorant were they of the true nature of the powder which they saw glittering on the bodies of the Indians around them.[4] An alum spring was also discovered in the vicinity of the Quiyough.[5]
- ↑ Copper may also have been obtained from the southwest. Ralph Lane reported that there was a “province up the River Moratoc (the modern Roanoke and its tributary, the Dan) which hath a marvellous and strange minerall . . . Wassador, which is copper . . . which is very soft and pale. Of this metall, the Mangoaks have so great store that they beautifie their houses with great plates of the same.” Hakluyt’s Voyages, vol. III, p. 315.
- ↑ The modern Acquia.
- ↑ Works of Capt. John Smith, p. 418. The site of this mine has been rediscovered in recent times.
- ↑ Percy’s Discourse, p. lxv.
- ↑ “I likewise found a kind of water issuing out of the earth which hath a tart taste, much like unto Allum Water; it is good and wholesome, for my men did drinke much of it and never found it otherwise.” Letter
