Page 273
An.1686
Kingdom of New Mexico.
an o'd intelligent Spaniard now aboard, who said that he spoke with a Frier that made his escape a- mong them.
New Mexico, by report of several English Prisoners there, and Spaniards I have met with, lyeth N. W. from Old Mexico between 4 and 500 leagues, and the biggest part of the Treasure which is found in this Kingdom, is in that Province; but without doubt there are plenty of Mines in other parts, as well as in this part of the Kingdom where we now were, as in other places; and probably, on the Main, bordering on the Lake of California; al- though not yet discovered by the Spaniards who have Mines enough, and therefore, as yet, have no rea- son to discover more.
In my opinion, here might be very advantageous Discoveries made by any that would attempt it: for the Spaniards have more than they can well manage. I know yet, they would lie like the Dog in the Man- ger; altho not able to eat themselves, yet they would endeavour to hinder others. But the Voyage thither being so far, I take that to be one reason that hath hindered the Discoveries of these parts: yet it is possible, that a man may find a nearer way hither than we came; I mean by the North West.
I know there have been divers attempts made about a North West Passage, and all unsuccessful: yet I am of opinion, that such a Passage may be found. All our Countrymen that have gone to discover the N. W. Passage, have endeavoured to pass to the Westward, beginning their search along Davis's, or Hudsons Bay. But if I was to go on this Discovery, I would go first into the South Seas, bend my course from thence along by California; and that way seek a Passage back into the West Seas: For as others have spent the Summer, in first searching on this more known side nearer home, and so before they got through, the time of the year