But let us turn our Eyes now and view the Effects of the improving English Genius, the Colonies of New-England and Virginia, despis’d by the Spaniards, as well before we discover’d them, as afterwards; for the same Columbus, which discover’d New-Spain, discoverd all the Northern Coast, but left it again as not worth while to plant and possess it. I say, these barren, cold, poor and uncultivated Climates, the Leavings of the Spaniards, How have we improved upon them to infinite Advantages?
— DANIEL DEFOE