. . . and, as they were an ignorant people, they all set out in search of this river, which was supposed to possess the powers of rejuvenating old men and women. So eager were they in their search, that they did not pass a river, a brook, a lake, or even a swamp, without bathing in it; and even to this day they have not ceased to look for it, but always without success.
—HERNANDO D’ESCALANTE FONTANEDA,
On the Country and Ancient Indian Tribes of Florida, 1575