ed@oakhill.UUCP (Ed Rupp) (07/16/84)
I've been informed that some sites truncate messages to 64K, apparently
cutting the Ward pamphlet in half. At the risk of again making the
Usenet python look like it swallowed a dog I'm going to repost
the pamphlet.
It's been a week, anybody solved it yet? :-)
Ed Rupp {ihnp4,seismo,gatech,ctvax}!ut-sally!oakhill!ed
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.C
THE
B E A L E P A P E R S
containing
Authentic Statements
regarding the
TREASURE BURIED
in
1819 and 1821,
near
Bufords, in Bedford County, Virginia,
and
Which Has Never Been Recovered.
price fifty cents
Lynchburg:
Virginian Book and Job Print
1885.
.CE
.BP
.sp 25
.C
Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1885, by J. B. Ward, in the
Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
.CE
.BP
.sp 5
.C
The Beale Papers
-------- **** --------
.CE
.PP
The following details of an incident that happened many years ago, but
which has lost none of its interest on that account, are now given to the
public for the first time. Until now, for reasons which will be apparent
to every one, all knowledge of this affair was confined to a very limited
circle -- to the writer's immediate family, and to one old and valued friend,
upon whose discretion he could always rely; nor was it ever intended
that it should travel beyond that circle; but circumstances over
which he has no control, pecuniary embarrassments of a pressing
character, and duty to a dependent family requiring his undivided attention,
force him to abandon a task to which he has devoted the best years
of his life, but which seems as far from accomplishment as at the start.
He is, therefore, compelled, however unwillingly, to relinquish to others
the elucidation of the Beale papers, not doubting that of the many
who will give the subject attention, some one, through fortune or accident,
will speedily solve their mystery and secure the prize which has eluded him.
.PP
It can be readily imagined that this course was not determined upon all at once;
regardless of the entreaties of his family and the persistent advice
of his friend, who were formerly as sanguine as himself, he stubbornly
continued his investigations, until absolute want stared him in the face
and forced him to yield to their persuasions. Having now lost
all hope of benefit from this source himself, he is not unwilling that
others may receive it, and only hopes that the prize may fall to some
poor, but honest man, who will use his discovery not solely for the
promotion of his own enjoyment, but for the welfare of others.
.PP
Until the writer lost all hope of ultimate success, he toiled
faithfully at his work; unlike any other pursuit with practical
and natural results, a charm attended it, independent of the ultimate
benefit he expected, and the possibility of success lent
an interest and excitement to the work not to be resisted. It
would be difficult to portray the delight he experienced when
accident revealed to him the explanation of the paper marked
"2." Unmeaning, as this had hitherto been, it was now fully
explained, and no difficulty was apprehended in mastering the
others; but this accident, affording so much pleasure at the time,
was a most unfortunate one for him, as it induced him to neglect
family, friends, and all legitimate pursuits for what has
proved, so far, the veriest illusion.
.PP
It will be seen by a perusal of Mr. Beale's letter to Mr. Morriss
that he promised, under certain contingences, such as failure
to see or communicate with him in a given time, to furnishing a
key by which the papers would be fully explained. As the failure
to do either actually occurred, and the promised explanation
has never been received, it may possibly remain in the hands of
some relative or friend of Beale's, or some other person engaged
in the enterprise with him. That they would attach no importance
to a seemingly unintelligible writing seems quite natural;
but their attention being called to them by the publication of
this narrative, may result in eventually bringing to light the
missing paper.
.PP
Mr. Beale, who deposited with Mr. Morriss the papers which
form the subject of this history, is described as being a gentleman
well educated, evidently of good family, and with popular
manners. What motives could have influenced him and so many
others to risk their health and their lives in such an undertaking,
except the natural love of daring adventure, with its
consequent excitement, we can only conjecture. We may suppose,
and indeed we have his word for so doing, that they were
infatuated with the dangers, and with the wild and roving character
of their lives, the charms of which lured them farther and
farther from civilization, until their lives were sacrificed to their
temerity. This was the opinion of Mr. Morriss, and in this way
only can we account for the fact that the treasure for which
they sacrificed so much, constituting almost fabulous wealth,
lies abandoned and unclaimed for more than half a century.
Should any of my readers be more fortunate than myself in
discovering its place of concealment, I shall not only rejoice
with them, but feel that I have at least accomplished something
in contributing to the happiness of others.
.sp 4
.C
The Late Robert Morriss
.CE
.PP
Robert Morriss, the custodian of the Beale papers, was born
in 1778, in the State of Maryland, but removed at an early age,
with his family, to Loudoun county, Va., where, in 1803, he
married Miss Sarah Mitchell, a fine looking and accomplished
young lady of that county. In obtaining such a wife Mr. Morriss
was peculiarly fortunate, as her subsequent career fully
demonstrated. As a wife she was without reproach, as a generous
and sympathizing woman she was without an equal; the
poor will long remember her charities, and lament the friend
they have lost. Shortly after his removal to Lynchburg, Mr.
Morriss engaged in the mercantile business, and shortly thereafter
he became a purchaser and shipper of tobacco to an
extent hitherto unknown in this section. In these pursuits he
was eminently successful for several years, and speedily accumulated
a comfortable independence. It was during this period
of his success that he erected the first brick building of which the
town could boast, and which still stands on Main street, a monument
to his enterprise. His private residence, the house now
owned and occupied by Max Guggenheimer, Esq., at the head
of Main street, I think he also built. There the most unbounded
hospitality reigned, and every facility for enjoyment was furnished.
The
.ul
elite
of the town assembled there more frequently
than elsewhere, and there are now living some whose most
pleasant recollections are associated with that period.
.PP
The happiness of Mr. Morriss, however, was of short duration,
and reverses came when they were least expected. Heavy
purchases of tobacco, at ruinous figures, in anticipation of an
upward market, which visions were never realized, swept from
him in a moment the savings of years, and left him nothing save
his honor and the sincere sympathy of the community with
which to begin the battle anew.
.PP
It was at this time that Mrs. Morriss exhibited the loveliest
traits of her character. Seemingly unmindful of her condition,
with a smiling face and cheering words, she so encouraged her
husband that he became almost reconciled to his fate. Thrown
thus upon his own resources, by the advice of his wife, he leased
for a term of years the Washington Hotel, known now as the
Arlington, on Chruch street, and commenced the business of
hotel keeping. His kind disposition, strict probity, excellent
management, and well ordered household, soon rendered him
famous as a host, and his reputation extended even to other
States. His was the house
.ul
par excellence
of the town, and no
fashionable assemblages met at any other. Finding, in a few
years, that his experiment was successful and his business remunerative,
he removed to the Franklin Hotel, now the Norvell House,
the largest and best arranged in the city. This house
he conducted for many years, enjoying the friendship and countenance
of the first men of the country. Amongst his guests
and devoted personal friends Jackson, Clay, Coles, Witcher,
Chief Justice Marshall, and a host of others scarcely less distinguished,
might be enumerated. But it was not the wealthy
and distinguished alone who appreciated Mr. Morriss; the poor
and lowly had blessings for the man who sympathized with their
misfortunes, and was ever ready to relieve their distress. Many
poor but worthy families, whose descendants are now in our
midst, can remember the fact that his table supplied their daily
food, not for days and weeks only, but for months at a time;
and as a farther instance of his forbearance and unparalleled
generosity, there are now living those who will testify to the
fact that he permitted a boarder in no way connected with him,
to remain in his house for more than twenty years, and until he
died, without ever receiving the slightest renumeration, and that
he was never made to feel otherwise than as a favored guest.
.PP
In manner Mr. Morriss was courteous and gentle; but when
occasion demanded, could be stern and determined, too; he
was emphatically the master of his house, and from his decision
there was no appeal. As an "old Virginia gentleman," he was
.ul
sans peur et sans reproache,
and to a remarkable extent possessed
the confidence and affection of his friends. After a checquered
and eventful life of more than eighty years, passed mostly in business,
which brought him in contact with all classes of people,
he died, lamented by all, and leaving not an enemy behind.
His death, which occurred in 1863, was just two years subsequent
to that of his wife. It can be truly said that no persons
ever lived in a community for such a length of time who accomplished
more good during their lives, or whose death was more
universally regretted.
.PP
It was the unblemished character of the man, and the universal
confidence reposed in him, that induced Beale to entrust
him with his secret, and in certain contingencies select him for
a most important trust; that his confidence was not misplaced,
every one remembering Mr. Morriss will acknowledge.
.PP
It was in 1862, the second year of the Confederate war, that
Mr. Morriss first intimated the possession of a secret that was
destined to make some persons wealthy. At first he was not
very communicative, nor did I press him to reveal what he
seemed to speak of with reluctance; in a few weeks, however, his
mind seemed changed, and he voluntarily proffered his confidence.
Inviting me to his room, with no one to interrupt us,
he gave me an outline of the matter, which soon enlisted my
interest and created an intense longing to learn more. About
this time, however, affairs of importance required my presence
in Richmond, and prevented further communication between
us until after my return, when I found him ready to resume
the interesting subject. A private interview was soon arranged,
and, after several preliminaries had been complied with, the
papers upon which this history is based were delivered into my
possession.
.PP
The reasons which influenced him in selecting me for the trust,
he gave, and were in substance as follows: First: Friendship
for myself and family, whom he would benefit if he could.
Second: The knowledge that I was young and in circumstances
to afford leisure for the task imposed; and finally, a confidence
that I would regard his instructions, and carry out his wishes
regarding his charge. These, and perhaps others, he gave during
our frequent conversations upon the subject, and doubtless
believed he was conferring a favor which would redound greatly
to my advantage. That is has proved otherwise is a misfortune
to me, but no fault of his. The conditions alluded to above
were that I should devote as much time as was practicable to
the papers he had given me; master, if possible, their contents,
and if successful in deciphering their meaning and eventually
finding the treasure, to appropriate one-half of his portion as a
remuneration for my services; the other half to be distributed
to certain relatives and connexions of his own, whose names he
gave me; the remainder to be held by me in trust for the benefit
of such claimants as might at any time appear, and be able to
authenticate their claims. This latter amount, to be left intact,
subject to such demands, for the space of twenty years, when, if
still unclaimed, it should revert to myself or my heirs, as a
legacy from himself.
.PP
As there was nothing objectionable in this, the required
promise was given, and the box and the contents were placed in my
possession.
.PP
When the writer recalls his anxious hours, his midnight vigils,
his toils, his hopes and disappointments, all consequent upon
this promise, he can only conclude that the legacy of Mr. Morriss
was not as he designed it - a blessing in disguise.
.PP
Having assumed the responsibilites and consented to the
requirements of Mr. Morriss, I determined to devote as much
time to the accomplishment of the task as could be consistently
spared from other duties. With this purpose in view, I requested
from Mr. Morriss a statement of every particular connected
with the affair, or having the slightest bearing upon it, together
with such views and opinions of his own as might ultimately
benefit me in my researches. In reply, he gave me the following,
which I reduced to writing and filed with the papers for
future reference:
.LM +4
.PP
"It was in the month of January, 1820, while keeping the
Washington Hotel, that I first saw and became acquainted with
Beale. In company with two others, he came to my house
seeking entertainment for himself and friends. Being assured
of a comfortable provision for themselves and their horses,
Beale stated his intention of remaining for the winter, should
nothing occur to alter his plans, but that the gentlemen accompanying
him would leave in a few days for Richmond, near
which place they resided, and that they were anxious to reach
their homes, from which they had long been absent. They all
appeared to be gentlemen, well born(?), and well educated, with
refined and courteous manners and with a free and independent
air, which rendered then pecu??? attractive. After remaining
a week or ten days, the two left, after(?) expressions of satisfaction
with their visit. Beale, who remained, soon became a favored
and popular guest; his social disposition and friendly demeanor
rendered him extremely popular with every one, particularly
the ladies, and a pleasant and friendly intercourse was quickly
established between them.
.PP
"In person, he was about six feet feet in height, with jet black eyes
and hair of the same color, worn longer than was the style at
that time. His form was symmetrical, and gave evidence of
unusual strength and activity; but his distinguishing feature was
a dark and swarthy complexion, as if much exposure to the sun
and weather had thoroughly tanned and discolored him; this,
however, did not detract from his appearance, and I thought
him the handsomest man I had ever seen. Altogether, he was
a model of manly beauty, favored by the ladies and envied by
men. To the first he was reverentially tender and polite; to the
latter, affable and courteous, when they kept within bounds,
but, if they were supercilious or presuming, the lion was aroused,
and woe to the man who offended him. Instances of this character
occurred more than once while he was my guest, and
always resulted in his demanding and receiving an apology. His
character soon became universally known, and he was no longer
troubled by impertinence.
.PP
"Such a man was Thomas J. Beale, as he appeared in 1820,
and in his subsequent visit to my house. He registered simply
from Virginia, but I am of the impression he was from some
western portion of the State. Curiously enough, he never
adverted to his family or to his antecedents, nor did I question
him concerning them, as I would have done had I dreamed of
the interest that in the future would attach to his name.
.PP
"He remained with me until about the latter end of the following
March, when he left, with the same friends who first accompanied
him to my house, and who had returned some days
before.
.PP
"After this I heard nothing from him until January, 1822,
when he once more made his appearance, the same genial and
popular gentleman as before, but, if possible, darker and
swarthier than ever. His welcome was a genuine one, as all
were delighted to see him.
.PP
"In the spring, at about the same time, he again left, but before
doing so, handed me this box, as he said, contained
papers of value and importance; and which he desired to leave
in my charge until called for hereafter. Of course, I did not
decline to receive them, but little imagined their importance
until his letter from St. Louis was received. This letter I carefully
preserved, and it will be given with these papers. The
box was of iron, carefully locked, and of such weight as to
render it a safe depository for articles of value. I placed it in a
safe and secure place, where it could not be disturbed until
such time as it should be demanded by its owner. The letter
alluded to above was the last communication I ever received
from Beale, and I never saw him again. I can only suppose
that he was killed by Indians, afar from his home, though
nothing was heard of his death. His companions, too, must all
have shared his fate, as no one has ever demanded the box or
claimed his effects. The box was left in my hands in the Spring
of 1822, and by authority of his letter, I should have examined
its contents in 1832, ten years thereafter, having heard nothing
from Beale in the meantime; but it was not until 1845, some
twenty-three years after it came into my possession, that I
decided upon opening it. During that year I had the lock
broken, and with the exception of the two letters addressed to
myself, and some old receipts, found only some unintelligible
papers, covered with figures, and totally incomprehensible to
me.
.PP
"According to his letter, these papers convey all the information
necessary to find the treasure he has concealed, and upon
you devolves the responsibility of recovering it. Should you
succeed you will be amply compensated for your work, and
others near and dear to me will likewise be benefitted. The
end is worth all your extertions, and I have every hope that success
will reward your efforts."
.LM -4
.PP
Such, in substance, was the statement of Mr. Morriss in answer
to the various interrogations propounded to him; and finding
that I could elicit no further information, I resolved to do the
best I could with the limited means at my disposal. I commenced
by reading over and over again the letters to Mr. Morriss,
endeavoring to impress each syllable they contained on my
memory, and to extract from them, if possible, some meaning
or allusion that might give, perhaps, a faint or barely preceptible
hint as a guide; no such clue, however, could I find, and
where or how to commence was a problem I found most difficult
to solve. To systematize a plan for my work I arranged
the papers in the order of their length, and numbered them,
designing to commence with the first, and devote my whole attention
to that until I had either unravelled its meaning or was
convinced of its impossibility - afterwards to take up the others
and proceed as before.
.PP
All of this I did in the course of time, but failed so completely
that my hopes of solving the mystery were well nigh abandoned.
My thoughts, however were constantly upon it,
and the figures contained in each paper, in their regular
order, were fixed in my memory. My impression was
that each figure represented a letter, but as the numbers so
greatly exceeded the letters of the alphabet, that many different
numbers represented the same letter. With this idea, a test
was made of every book I could procure, by numbering its letters
and comparing the numbers with those of the manuscript;
all to no purpose, however, until the Declaration of Independence
afforded the clue to one of the papers, and revived all my
hopes. To enable my readers to better understand the explanation
of this paper, the Declaration of Independence is given
herewith, and will be of interest to those designing to follow up
my investigations. When I first made this discovery, I thought
I had the key to the whole, but soon ascertained that further work
was necessary before my task was completed. The encouragement
afforded, however, by this discovery enabled me to proceed,
and I have persisted in my labors to the present time. Now,
as I have already said, I am forced by circumstances to devote
my time to other pursuits, and to abandon hopes which were
destined never to be realized.
.PP
The following is the letter addressed to Mr. Morriss by Beale,
and dated St. Louis, May, 1822, and was the latest communication
ever received from him;
.br
.nf
St. Louis, Mo., May 9th, 1822.
Robt. Morris, Esq.:
.fi
.ti +3
.ul
My Esteemed Friend: -
Ever since leaving my comfortable quarters at your
house I have been journeying to this place, and only succeeded in reaching it
yesterday. I have had altogether a pleasant time, the weather being fine and
the atmosphere bracing. I shall remain here a week or ten days longer, then
"ho" for the plains, to hunt the buffalo and encounter the savage grizzlies.
How long I may be absent I cannot now determine, certainly no less than two
years, perhaps longer.
.ti +3
With regard to the box left in your charge, I have a few words to say, and, if
you will permit me, give you some instructions concerning it. It contains
papers vitally affecting the fortunes of myself and many others engaged in
business with me, and in the event of my death, its loss might be irreparable.
You will, therefore, see the necessity of guarding it with vigilance and care
to prevent so great a catastrophe. It also contains some letters addressed
to yourself, and which will be necessary to enlighten you concerning the
business in which we are engaged. Should none of us ever return you will
please preserve carefully the box for the period of ten years from the
date of this letter, and
if I, or no one with authority from me during that time demands its restoration,
you will open it, which can be done by removing the lock. You will find,
in addition to the papers addressed to you, other papers which will be
unintelligible without the aid of a key to assist you. Such a key
I have left in the hands of a friend in this place, sealed, addressed
to yourself, and endorsed not to be delivered until June, 1832. By
means of this you will understand fully all you will be required to do.
.ti +3
I know you will cheerfully comply with my request, thus adding to the many
obligations under which you have already placed me. In the meantime,
should death or sickness happen to you, to which all are liable, please
select from among your friends some one worthy, and to him hand this
letter, and to him delegate your authority. I have been thus particular
in my instructions, in consequence of the somewhat perilous enterprise
in which we are engaged, but trust we shall meet long ere the time
expires, and so save you this trouble. Be the result what it may,
however, the game is worth the candle, and we will play it to the end.
.ti +3
With kindest wishes for your most excellent wife, compliments to the
ladies, a good word to enquiring friends, if there be any, and assurances
of my highest esteem for yourself, I remain as ever,
.nf
Your sincere friend, T.J.B.
.fi
.PP
After the reception of this letter, Mr. Morriss states that he was
particularly careful to see the box securely placed where it could
remain in absolute safety, so long as the exigencies of the case
might require; the letter, too, he was equally careful to preserve
for future use, should it be needed. Having done all that was
required of him, Mr. Morriss could only await Beale's return,
or some communication from him. In either case, he was disappointed.
He never saw Beale again, nor did a line or message
ever reach him. The two years passed away during which
he said he would be absent, then three, four, and so on to ten;
still not a line or message to tell whether he were living or dead.
Mr. Morriss felt much uneasiness about him, but had had no means
of satisfying his doubts; ten years had passed; 1832 was at hand,
and he was now at liberty to open the box, but he resolved to
wait on, vainly hoping that something definite would reach him.
.PP
During this period rumors of Indian outrages and massacres
were current, but no mention of Beale's name ever occurred.
What became of him and his companions is left entirely to conjecture.
Whether he was slain by Indians, or killed by the
savage animals of the Rocky Mountains, or whether exposure,
and perhaps privation, did its work can never be told. One
thing at least is certain, that of the young and gallant band, whose
buoyant spirits led them to seek such a life, and to forsake the
comforts of home, with all its enjoyments, for the dangers and
privations they must necessarily encounter, not a survivor remains.
.PP
Though Mr. Morriss was aware of the contents of the box in
1845, it was not until 1862, forty years after he received it, that
he thought proper to mention its existence, and to myself alone
did he then divulge it. He had become long since satisfied that
the parties were no longer living, but his delicacy of feeling prevented
his assuming as a fact a matter so pregnant with consequences.
He frequently decided upon doing so, and as often
delayed it for another time; and when at last he did speak of
the matter it was with seeming reluctance, and as if he felt he
was committing a wrong. But the story once told, he evinced
up to the time of his death the greatest interest in my success,
and in frequent interviews always encouraged me to proceed.
.PP
It is now more than twenty years since these papers came
into my hands, and, with the exception of one of them, they
are still as incomprehensible as ever. Much time was devoted
to this one, and those who engage in the matter will be saved
what has been consumed upon it by myself.
.PP
Before giving the papers to the public, I would say a word to
those who may take an interest in them, and give them a little
advice, acquired by bitter experience. It is, to devote only such
time as can be spared from your legitimate business to the task,
and if you can spare no time, let the matter alone. Should you
disregard my advice, do not hold me responsible that the poverty
you have courted is more easily found than accomplishment
of your wishes, and I would avoid the sight of another
reduced to my condition. Nor is it necessary to devote the
time that I did to this matter, as accident alone, without the
promised key, will ever develop the mystery. If revealed by
accident, a few hours devoted to the subject may accomplish
results which were denied to years of patient toil. Again,
never, as I have done, sacrifice your own and your family's
interests to what may prove an illusion; but, as I have already
said, when your day's work is done, and you are comfortably
seated by your good fire, a short time devoted to the subject
can injure no one, and may bring its reward.
.PP
By pursuing this policy, your interests will not suffer, your
family will be cared for, and your thoughts will not be absorbed
to the exclusion of other important affairs. With this admonition,
I submit to my readers the papers upon which this
narrative is founded.
.PP
The first in order is the letter from Beale to Mr. Morriss,
which will give the reader a clearer conception of all the
facts connected with the case, and enable him to understand
as fully as I myself do, the present status of the affair.
The letter is as follows:
.nf
Lynchburg, January 4th, 1822.
.fi
.ti +3
.ul
My Dear Friend Morriss: -
You will, doubtless, be surprised when you discover,
from a perusal of this letter, the importance of the trust confided to you,
and the confidence reposed in your honor, by parties whom you have never seen,
and whose names even you have never heard. The reasons are simple and easily
told; it was imperative upon us that some one here should be selected to
carry out our wishes in case of accident to ourselves, and your reputation as a
man of the sternest integrity, unblemished honor, and business capacity,
influenced them to select you in place of others better known, but perhaps, not
so reliable as yourself. It was with this design that I first visited your house,
two years since, that I might judge by personal observation if your reputation
was merited. To enable me better to do so, I remained with you
more than three months, and until I was fully satisfied as to your character.
This visit was made by the request of my associates, and you can judge from
their action whether my report was a favorable one.
.ti +3
I will now give you some idea of the enterprise in which we are engaged, and
the duties which will be required of you in connection therewith; first assuring
you, however, that your compensation for the trouble will be ample, as you have
been unanimously made one or our association, and as such are entitled to share
equally with the others.
.ti +3
Some five years since I, in connection with several friends, who, like myself,
were fond of adventure, and if mixed with a little danger all the more acceptable,
determined to visit the great Western plains and enjoy ourselves in hunting
buffalo, grizzly bears, and such other game as the country would afford. This,
at that time, was our sole object, and we at once proceeded to put it in execution.
On account of Indians and other dangers incident to such an undertaking,
we determined to raise a party of not less than thirty individuals, of good
character and standing, who would be pleasant companions, and financially able to
encounter the expense. With this object in view, each one of us suggested the
matter to his several friends and acquaintances, and in a few weeks the requisite
number had signed the conditions, and were admitted as members of the party.
Some few refused to join with us, being, doubtless, deterred by the dangers,
but such men we did not want, and were glad of their refusal.
.ti +3
The company being formed, we forthwith commenced our preparations, and,
early in April, 1817, left old Virginia for St. Louis, Mo., where we expected
to purchase the necessary outfits, procure a guide and two or three servants,
and obtain such information and advice as might be beneficial hereafter. All
was done as intended, and we left St. Louis the 19th of May, to be absent two
years, our objective point being Santa Fe, which we intended to reach in the
ensuing Fall, and there establish ourselves in winter quarters.
.ti +3
After leaving St. Louis we were advised by our guide to form a regular military
organization, with a captain, to be selected by the members, to whom
should be given sole authority to manage our affairs, and, in cases of necessity,
ensure united action. This was agreed to, and each member of the party bound
himself by a solemn obligation to obey at all times, the orders of their captain,
or, in the event of refusal, to leave the company at once. This arrangement
was to remain in force for two years, or for the period of our expected absence.
Tyranny, partiality, incompetency, or other improper conduct on the part of the
captain, was to be punished by deposing him from his office, if a majority of the
company desired his dismissal. All this being arranged, and a set of laws
framed, by which the conduct of the members was to be regulated, the election
was held, and resulted in choosing me as their leader.
.ti +3
It is not my purpose now to give you details of our wanderings, or of the
pleasures or dangers we encountered. All this I will reserve until we meet
again, when it will be a pleasure to recall incidents that will always be
fresh in my memory.
.ti +3
About the first of December we reached our destination, Santa Fe, and prepared
for a long and welcome rest from the fatigues of our journey. Nothing
of interest occurred during the winter, and of this little Mexican town we soon
became heartily tired. We longed for the advent of weather which would
enable us to resume our wanderings and our exhilerating pursuits.
.ti +3
Early in March some of the party, to vary the monotony of their lives, determined
upon a short excursion, for the purpose of hunting and examining the
country around us. They expected to be only a few days absent, but days
passed into weeks, and weeks into a month or more before we had any tidings of
the party. We had become exceedingly uneasy, and were preparing to send
out scouts to trace them, if possible, when two of the party arrived, and gave
an explanation of their absence. It appears that when the left Santa Fe they
pursued a northerly course for some days, being successful in finding an abundance
of game, which they secured, and were on the eve of returning when they
discovered on their left an immense herd of buffaloes, heading for a valley just
perceptible in the distance. They determined to follow them, and secure as
many as possible. Keeping well together, they followed their trail for two
weeks or more, securing many and stampeding the rest.
.ti +3
One day, while following them, the party encamped in a small ravine, some
250 or 300 miles to the north of Santa Fe, and with their horses tethered, were
preparing their evening meal, when one of the men discovered in a cleft of the
rocks something that had the appearance of gold. Upon showing it to the
others it was pronounced to be gold, and much excitement was the natural
consequence. Messengers were at once dispatched to inform me of the facts, and
request my presence with the rest of the party, and with supplies for an indefinite
time. All the pleasures and temptations which had lured them to the
plains were now forgotten, and visions of boundless wealth and future grandeur
were the only ideas entertained. Upon reaching the locality I found all as it
had been represented, and the excitement intense. Every one was diligently at
work with such tools and appliances as they had improvised, and quite a little
pile had already accumulated. Though all were at work, there was nothing
like order or method in their plans, and my first efforts were to systematize
our operations, and reduce everything to order. With this object, an agreement
was entered into to work in common as joint partners, the accumulations of
each one to be placed in a common receptacle, and each be entitled to an equal
share, whenever he chose to withdraw it - the whole to remain under my
charge until some other disposition of it was agreed upon. Under this
arrangement the work progressed favorable for eighteen months or more, and a great
deal of gold had accumulated in my hands as well as silver, which had likewise
been found. Everything necessary for our purposes and for the prosecution of
the work had been obtained from Santa Fe, and no trouble was experienced in
procuring assistance from the Indians in our labors. Matters went on thus until
the summer of 1819, when the question of transferring our wealth to some secure
place was frequently discussed. It was not considered advisable to retain so
large an amount in so wild and dangerous a locality, where its very possession
might endanger our lives; and to conceal it here would avail nothing, as we
might at any time be forced to reveal its place of concealment. We were in a
dilemma. Some advised one plan, some another. One recommended Santa Fe
as the safest place to deposit it, while others objected, and advocated its shipment
at once to the States, where it was ultimately bound to go, and where
alone it would be safe. The idea seemed to prevail, and it was doubtless correct,
that when outside parties ascertained, as they would do, that we kept nothing
on hand to tempt their cupidity, our lives would be more secure than at present.
It was finally decided that is should be sent to Virginia under my charge, and
securely buried in a cave near Buford's tavern, in the county of Bedford, which
all of us had visited, and which was considered a perfectly safe depository.
This was acceptable to all, and I at once made preparations for my departure. The
whole party were to accompany me for the first five hundred miles, when all but
ten would return, these latter to remain with me to the end of the journey.
All was carried out as arranged, and I arrived safely with my charge.
.ti +3
Stopping at Buford's, where we remained for a month, under pretense of
hunting &c.. we visited the cave, and found it unfit for our purpose. It was
too frequently visited by the neighboring farmers, who used it as a receptacle
for their sweet potatoes and other vegetables. We soon selected a better place,
and to this the treasure was safely transferred.
.ti +3
Before leaving my companions on the plains it was suggested that, in case of an
accident to ourselves, the treasure so concealed would be lost to their relatives,
without some provision against such a contingency. I was, therefore instructed
to select some perfectly reliable person, if such an one could be found, who
should, in the event of his proving acceptable to the party, be confided in to carry
out their wishes in regard to their respective shares, and upon my return report
whether I had found such a person. It was in accordance with these instructions
that I visited you, made your acquaintance, was satisfied that you would
suit us, and so reported.
.ti +3
On my return I found the work still progressing favorably, and, by making large
accessions to our force of laborers, I was ready to return last Fall with an increased
supply of metal, which came through safely and was deposited with the
other. It was at this time I handed you the box, not disclosing the nature of its
contents, but asking you to keep it safely till called for. I intend writing you,
however, from St. Louis, and impress upon you its importance still more
forcibly.
.ti +3
The papers enclosed herewith will be unintelligible without the key, which
will reach you in time, and will be found merely to state the contents of our
depository, with its exact location, and a list of the names of our party, with
their places of residence, &c. I thought at first, to give you their names in
this letter, but reflecting that some one may read the letter, and thus be enabled
to impose upon you by personating some member of the party, have decided
the present plan is best. You will be aware from what I have written, that we
are engaged in a perilous enterprise - one which promises glorious results if
successful - but dangers intervene, and of the end no one can tell. We can only
hope for the best, and persevere until our work is accomplished, and the sum
secured for which we are striving.
.ti +3
As ten years must elapse before you will see this letter, you may well conclude
by that time that the worst has happened, and that none of us are to be
numbered with the living. In such an event, you will please visit the place
of deposit and secure its contents, which you will divide into thirty-one
equal parts; one of these parts you are to retain as your own, freely given
to you for your services. The other shares to be distributed to the parties
named in the accompanying paper. These legacies, so unexpectedly received,
will at least serve to recall names that may still be cherished, though
partially forgotten.
.ti +3
In conclusion, my dear friend, I beg that you will not allow any false or
idle punctillio to prevent your receiving and appropriating the portion
assigned to yourself. It is a gift not from myself alone, but from each and
every member of our party, and will not be out of proportion to the
services required of you.
.ti +3
I trust, my dear Mr. Morriss, that we may meet many times in the future,
but if the Fates forbid, with my last communication I would assure you
of the entire respect and confidence of
.nf
Your friend,
T.J.B.
.fi
.sp 3
.nf
Lynchburg, Va., January 5th, 1822.
.fi
.ti +3
.ul
Dear Mr. Morriss. -
You will find in one of the papers, written in cipher, the names of all my
associates, who are each entitled to an equal part of our treasure, and
opposite to the names of each one will be found the names and residences of
the relatives and others, to whom they devise their respective portions.
From this you will be enabled to carry out the wishes of all by distributing
the portion of each to the parties designated. This will not be difficult,
as their residences are given, and they can easily be found.
.sp 3
.PP
The two letters given above were all the box contained that
were intelligible; the others, consisted of papers closely covered
with figures, which were, of course, unmeaning until they
could be deciphered. To do this was the task to which I now
devoted myself, and with but partial success.
.PP
To enable my readers to understand the paper numbered "2"
the Declaration of Independence is given, by the assistance of
which its hidden meaning was made plain:
.sp
.C
[Ward's version of the DOI appears here]
.CE
.sp
.PP
The letter, or paper, so often alluded to, and marked "2,"
which is fully explained by the foregoing document, is as
follows:
.sp
.nf
.so 2
.fi
.sp
.PP
By comparing the foregoing numbers with the corresponding numbers
of the initial letters of the consecutive words in the
Declaration of Independence, the translation will be found to be as
follows:
.sp
.ti +3
I have deposited in the county of Bedford, about four miles from Buford's, in
an excavation or vault, six feet below the surface of the ground, the following
articles, belonging jointly to the parties whose names are given in number
"3," herewith:
.ti +3
The first deposit consisted of one thousand and fourteen pounds of gold, and
three thousand eight hundred and twelve pounds of silver, deposited November,
1819. The second was made December, 1821, and consisted of nineteen hundred
and seven pounds of gold, and twelve hundred and eighty-eight pounds of
silver; also jewels, obtained in St. Louis in exchange FOR SILVER(!!?) to
save transportation, and valued at $13,000.
.ti +3
The above is securely packed in iron pots, with iron covers. The vault is
roughly lined with stone, and the vessels rest on solid stone, and are
covered with others. Paper number "1" describes the exact locality of the
vault so that no difficulty will be had in finding it.
.sp 2
.PP
The following is the paper which, according to Beale's statement,
describes the exact locality of the vault, and is marked
"1." It is to this that I have devoted most of my time, but,
unfortunately, without success.
.sp 2
.C
THE LOCALITY OF THE VAULT.
.CE
.nf
.so 1
.fi
.sp 2
.PP
The following paper is marked "3" in the series, and as we
are informed, contains the names of Beale's associates, who are
joint owners of the fund deposited, together with the names of
the nearest relatives of each party, with their several places of
residence.
.sp 2
.C
NAMES AND RESIDENCES.
.CE
.nf
.so 3
.fi
.sp 2
.PP
The papers given above were all that were contained in the
box, except two or three of an unimportant character, and
having no connection whatever with the subject in hand. They
were carefully copied, and as carefully compared with the originals,
and no error is believed to exist.
.PP
Complete in themselves, they are respectfully submitted to
the public, with the hope that all that is dark in them may
receive light, and that the treasure, amounting to more than three-quarters
of a million, which has rested so long unproductive of
good, in the hands of a proper person, may eventually accomplish
its mission.
.PP
In conclusion it may not be inappropriate to say a few words
regarding myself: In consequence of the time lost in the above
investigation, I have been reduced from comparative affluence
to absolute penury, entailing suffering upon those it was my
duty to protect, and this, too, in spite of their remonstrances.
My eyes were at last opened to their condition, and I resolved
to sever at once, and forever, all connection with the affair, and
retrieve, if possible, my errors. To do this, as the best means
of placing temptation beyond my reach, I determined to make public
the whole matter, and shift from my shoulders my responsibility
to Mr. Morriss.
.PP
I anticipate for these papers a large circulation, and, to avoid
the multitude of letters with which I should be assailed from all
sections of the Union, propounding all sorts of questions, and
requiring answers which, if attended to, would absorb my entire
time, and only change the character of my work, I have decided
upon withdrawing my name from the publication, after assuring
all interested that I have given all that I know of the matter,
and that I cannot add one word to the statements herein contained.
.PP
The gentleman whom I have selected as my agent, to publish
and circulate these papers, was well-known to Mr. Morriss; it
was at his house that Mrs. Morriss died, and he would have been
one of the beneficiaries in the event of my success. Like every
one else, he was ignorant of this episode in Mr. Morriss' career,
until the manuscript was placed in his hands. Trusting that he
will be benefited by the arrangement, which, I know, would
have met the approval of Mr. Morriss, I have left the whole
subject to his sole management and charge. It is needless to say
that I shall await with much anxiety the development of the
mystery.