The
following is a reprint of "The Beale Papers" published
in 1885 by J. B. Ward. They supposedly lead to a fortune buried
in the Virginia hills that has never been recovered. For the
full story, check the Museum's Beale Cryptograms
Page.
The
Beale Papers
containing
Authentic Statements regarding the
TREASURE
BURIED in 1819 and 1821,
near
Bufords, in Bedford County, Virginia,
and
Which Has Never Been Recovered.
Lynchburg:
Virginian
Book and Job Print 1885.
Entered
according to act of Congress, in the year 1885, by J. B. Ward,
in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
THE
LATE ROBERT MORRISS
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 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.
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.
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 Church 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
As
there was nothing objectionable in this, the required promise
was given, and the box and the contents were placed in my possession.
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.
Having
assumed the responsibilities 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:
"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 peculiarly
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.
"In
person, he was about six 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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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 exertions, and I have every hope that success will reward
your efforts."
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.
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.
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:
St.
Louis, Mo., May 9th, 1822.
Robt.
Morris, Esq.:
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.
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.
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.
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,
Your
sincere friend, T.J.B.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Lynchburg,
January 4th, 1822.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stopping
at Buford's, where we remained for a month, under pretense of
hunting etc. 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.
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.
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.
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,
etc. 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.
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.
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.
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
Your
friend, T.J.B.
Lynchburg,
Va., January 5th, 1822.
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.
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.
To
enable my readers to understand the paper "No. 2," the only
one I was ever able to decipher, I herewith give the Declaration
of Independence, with the words numbered consecutively, by the
assistance of which that paper's hidden meaning was made plain:
DECLARATION
OF INDEPENDENCE
When(1)
in(2) the(3) course(4) of(5) human(6) events(7) it(8) becomes(9)
necessary(10) for(11) one(12) people(13) to(14) dissolve(15)
the(16) political(17) bands(18) which(19) have(20) connected(21)
them(22) with(23) another(24) and(25) to(26) assume(27) among(28)
the(29) powers(30) of(31) the(32) earth(33) the(34) separate(35)
and(36) equal(37) station(38) to(39) which(40) the(41) laws(42)
of(43) nature(44) and(45) of(46) nature's(47) god(48) entitle(49)
them(50) a(51) decent(52) respect(53) to(54) the(55) opinions(56)
of(57) mankind(58) requires(59) that(60) they(61) should(62)
declare(63) the(64) causes(65) which(66) impel(67) them(68)
to(69) the(70) separation(71) we(72) hold(73) these(74) truths(75)
to(76) be(77) self(78) evident(79) that(80) all(81) men(82)
are(83) created(84) equal(85) that(86) they(87) are(88) endowed(89)
by(90) their(91) creator(92) with(93) certain(94) unalienable(95)
rights(96) that(97) among(98) these(99) are(100) life(101) liberty(102)
and(103) the(104) pursuit(105) of(106) happiness(107) that(108)
to(109) secure(110) these(111) rights(112) governments(113)
are(114) instituted(115) among(116) men(117) deriving(118) their(119)
just(120) powers(121) from(122) the(123) consent(124) of(125)
the(126) governed(127) that(128) whenever(129) any(130) form(131)
of(132) government(133) becomes(134) destructive(135) of(136)
these(137) ends(138) it(139) is(140) the(141) right(142) of(143)
the(144) people(145) to(146) alter(147) or(148) to(149) abolish(150)
it(151) and(152) to(153) institute(154) new(155) government(156)
laying(157) its(158) foundation(159) on(160) such(161) principles(162)
and(163) organizing(164) its(165) powers(166) in(167) such(168)
form(169) as(170) to(171) them(172) shall(173) seem(174) most(175)
likely(176) to(177) effect(178) their(179) safety(180) and(181)
happiness(182) prudence(183) indeed(184) will(185) dictate(186)
that(187) governments(188) long(189) established(190) should(191)
not(192) be(193) changed(194) for(195) light(196) and(197) transient(198)
causes(199) and(200) accordingly(201) all(202) experience(203)
hath(204) shown(205) that(206) mankind(207) are(208) more(209)
disposed(210) to(211) suffer(212) while(213) evils(214) are(215)
sufferable(216) than(217) to(218) right(219) themselves(220)
by(221) abolishing(222) the(223) forms(224) to(225) which(226)
they(227) are(228) accustomed(229) but(230) when(231) a(232)
long(233) train(234) of(235) abuses(236) and(237) usurpations(238)
pursuing(239) invariably(240) the(241) same(242) object(243)
evinces(244) a(245) design(246) to(247) reduce(248) them(249)
under(250) absolute(251) despotism(252) it(253) is(254) their(255)
right(256) it(257) is(258) their(259) duty(260) to(261) throw(262)
off(263) such(264) government(265) and(266) to(267) provide(268)
new(269) guards(270) for(271) their(272) future(273) security(274)
such(275) has(276) been(277) the(278) patient(279) sufferance(280)
of(281) these(282) colonies(283) and(284) such(285) is(286)
now(287) the(288) necessity(289) which(290) constrains(291)
them(292) to(293) alter(294) their(295) former(296) systems(297)
of(298) government(299) the(300) history(301) of(302) the(303)
present(304) king(305) of(306) great(307) Britain(308) is(309)
a(310) history(311) of(312) repeated(313) injuries(314) and(315)
usurpations(316) all(317) having(318) in(319) direct(320) object(321)
the(322) establishment(323) of(324) an(325) absolute(326) tyranny(327)
over(328) these(329) states(330) to(331) prove(332) this(333)
let(334) facts(335) be(336) submitted(337) to(338) a(339) candid(340)
world(341) he(342) has(343) refused(344) his(345) assent(346)
to(347) laws(348) the(349) most(350) wholesome(351) and(352)
necessary(353) for(354) the(355) public(356) good(357) he(358)
has(359) forbidden(360) his(361) governors(362) to(363) pass(364)
laws(365) of(366) immediate(367) and(368) pressing(369) importance(370)
unless(371) suspended(372) in(373) their(374) operation(375)
till(376) his(377) assent(378) should(379) be(380) obtained(381)
and(382) when(383) so(384) suspended(385) he(386) has(387) utterly(388)
neglected(389) to(390) attend(391) to(392) them(393) he(394)
has(395) refused(396) to(397) pass(398) other(399) laws(400)
for(401) the(402) accommodation(403) of(404) large(405) districts(406)
of(407) people(408) unless(409) those(410) people(411) would(412)
relinquish(413) the(414) right(415) of(416) representation(417)
in(418) the(419) legislature(420) a(421) right(422) inestimable(423)
to(424) them(425) and(426) formidable(427) to(428) tyrants(429)
only(430) he(431) has(432) called(433) together(434) legislative(435)
bodies(436) at(437) places(438) unusual(439) uncomfortable(440)
and(441) distant(442) from(443) the(444) depository(445) of(446)
their(447) public(448) records(449) for(450) the(451) sole(452)
purpose(453) of(454) fatiguing(455) them(456) into(457) compliance(458)
with(459) his(460) measures(461) he(462) has(463) dissolved(464)
representative(465) houses(466) repeatedly(467) for(468) opposing(469)
with(470) manly(471) firmness(472) his(473) invasions(474) on(475)
the(476) rights(477) of(478) the(479) people(480) he(481) has(482)
refused(483) for(484) a(485) long(486) time(487) after(488)
such(489) dissolutions(490) to(491) cause(492) others(493) to(494)
be(495) elected(496) whereby(497) the(498) legislative(499)
powers(500) incapable(501) of(502) annihilation(503) have(504)
returned(505) to(506) the(507) people(508) at(509) large(510)
for(511) their(512) exercise(513) the(514) state(515) remaining(516)
in(517) the(518) meantime(519) exposed(520) to(521) all(522)
the(523) dangers(524) of(525) invasion(526) from(527) without(528)
and(529) convulsions(530) within(531) he(532) has(533) endeavored(534)
to(535) prevent(536) the(537) population(538) of(539) these(540)
states(541) for(542) that(543) purpose(544) obstructing(545)
the(546) laws(547) for(548) naturalization(549) of(550) foreigners(551)
refusing(552) to(553) pass(554) others(555) to(556) encourage(557)
their(558) migration(559) hither(560) and(561) raising(562)
the(563) conditions(564) of(565) new(566) appropriations(567)
of(568) lands(569) he(570) has(571) obstructed(572) the(573)
administration(574) of(575) justice(576) by(577) refusing(578)
his(579) assent(580) to(581) laws(582) for(583) establishing(584)
judiciary(585) powers(586) he(587) has(588) made(589) judges(590)
dependent(591) on(592) his(593) will(594) alone(595) for(596)
the(597) tenure(598) of(599) their(600) offices(601) and(602)
the(603) amount(604) and(605) payment(606) of(607) their(608)
salaries(609) he(610) has(611) erected(612) a(613) multitude(614)
of(615) new(616) offices(617) and(618) sent(619) hither(620)
swarms(621) of(622) officers(623) to(624) harass(625) our(626)
people(627) and(628) eat(629) out(630) their(631) substance(632)
he(633) has(634) kept(635) among(636) us(637) in(638) times(639)
of(640) peace(641) standing(642) armies(643) without(644) the(645)
consent(646) of(647) our(648) legislatures(649) he(650) has(651)
affected(652) to(653) render(654) the(655) military(656) independent(657)
of(658) and(659) superior(660) to(661) the(662) civil(663) power(664)
he(665) has(666) combined(667) with(668) others(669) to(670)
subject(671) us(672) to(673) a(674) jurisdiction(675) foreign(676)
to(677) our(678) constitution(679) and(680) unacknowledged(681)
by(682) our(683) laws(684) giving(685) his(686) assent(687)
to(688) their(689) acts(690) of(691) pretended(692) legislation(693)
for(694) quartering(695) large(696) bodies(697) of(698) armed(699)
troops(700) among(701) us(702) for(703) protecting(704) them(705)
by(706) a(707) mock(708) trial(709) from(710) punishment(711)
for(712) any(713) murders(714) which(715) they(716) should(717)
commit(718) on(719) the(720) inhabitants(721) of(722) these(723)
states(724) for(725) cutting(726) off(727) our(728) trade(729)
with(730) all(731) parts(732) of(733) the(734) world(735) for(736)
imposing(737) taxes(738) on(739) us(740) without(741) our(742)
consent(743) for(744) depriving(745) us(746) in(747) many(748)
cases(749) of(750) the(751) benefits(752) of(753) trial(754)
by(755) jury(756) for(757) transporting(758) us(759) beyond(760)
seas(761) to(762) be(763) tried(764) for(765) pretended(766)
offenses(767) for(768) abolishing(769) the(770) free(771) system(772)
of(773) English(774) laws(775) in(776) a(777) neighboring(778)
province(779) establishing(780) therein(781) an(782) arbitrary(783)
government(784) and(785) enlarging(786) its(787) boundaries(788)
so(789) as(790) to(791) render(792) it(793) at(794) once(795)
an(796) example(797) and(798) fit(799) instrument(800) for(801)
introducing(802) the(803) same(804) absolute(805) rule(806)
into(807) these(808) colonies(809) for(810) taking(811) away(812)
our(813) charters(814) abolishing(815) our(816) most(817) valuable(818)
laws(819) and(820) altering(821) fundamentally(822) the(823)
forms(824) of(825) our(826) governments(827) for(828) suspending(829)
our(830) own(831) legislature(832) and(833) declaring(834) themselves(835)
invested(836) with(837) power(838) to(839) legislate(840) for(841)
us(842) in(843) all(844) cases(845) whatsoever(846) he(847)
has(848) abdicated(849) government(850) here(851) by(852) declaring(853)
us(854) out(855) of(856) his(857) protection(858) and(859) waging(860)
war(861) against(862) us(863) he(864) has(865) plundered(866)
our(867) seas(868) ravaged(869) our(870) coasts(871) burnt(872)
our(873) towns(874) and(875) destroyed(876) the(877) lives(878)
of(879) our(880) people(881) he(882) is(883) at(884) this(885)
time(886) transporting(887) large(888) armies(889) of(890) foreign(891)
mercenaries(892) to(893) complete(894) the(895) works(896) of(897)
death(898) desolation(899) and(900) tyranny(901) already(902)
begun(903) with(904) circumstances(905) of(906) cruelty(907)
and(&)(908) perfidy(909) scarcely(910) paralleled(911) in(912)
the(913) most(914) barbarous(915) ages(916) and(917) totally(918)
unworthy(919) the(920) head(921) of(922) a(923) civilized(924)
nation(925) he(926) has(927) constrained(928) our(929) fellow(930)
citizens(931) taken(932) captive(933) on(934) the(935) high(936)
seas(937) to(938) bear(939) arms(940) against(941) their(942)
country(943) to(944) become(945) the(946) executioners(947)
of(948) their(949) friends(950) and(951) brethren(952) or(953)
to(954) fall(955) themselves(956) by(957) their(958) hands(959)
he(960) has(961) excited(962) domestic(963) insurrections(964)
amongst(965) us(966) and(967) has(968) endeavored(969) to(970)
bring(971) on(972) the(973) inhabitants(974) of(975) our(976)
frontiers(977) the(978) merciless(979) Indian(980) savages(981)
whose(982) known(983) rule(984) of(985) warfare(986) is(987)
an(988) undistinguished(989) destruction(990) of(991) all(992)
ages(993) sexes(994) and(995) conditions(996) in(997) every(998)
stage(999) of(1000) these(1001) oppressions(1002) we(1003) have(1004)
petitioned(1005) for(1006) redress(1007) in(1008) the(1009)
most(1010) humble(1011) terms(1012) our(1013) repeated(1014)
petitions(1015) have(1016) been(1017) answered(1018) only(1019)
by(1020) repeated(1021) injury(1022) a(1023) prince(1024) whole(1025)
character(1026) is(1027) thus(1028) marked(1029) by(1030) every(1031)
act(1032) which(1033) may(1034) define(1035) a(1036) tyrant(1037)
is(1038) unfit(1039) to(1040) be(1041) the(1042) ruler(1043)
of(1044) a(1045) free(1046) people(1047) nor(1048) have(1049)
we(1050) been(1051) wanting(1052) in(1053) attention(1054) to(1055)
our(1056) British(1057) brethren(1058) we(1059) have(1060) warned(1061)
them(1062) from(1063) time(1064) to(1065) time(1066) of(1067)
attempts(1068) by(1069) their(1070) legislature(1071) to(1072)
extend(1073) an(1074) unwarrantable(1075) jurisdiction(1076)
over(1077) us(1078) we(1079) have(1080) reminded(1081) them(1082)
of(1083) the(1084) circumstances(1085) of(1086) our(1087) emigration(1088)
and(1089) settlement(1090) here(1091) we(1092) have(1093) appealed(1094)
to(1095) their(1096) native(1097) justice(1098) and(1099) magnanimity(1100)
and(1101) we(1102) have(1103) conjured(1104) them(1105) by(1106)
the(1107) ties(1108) of(1109) our(1110) common(1111) kindred(1112)
to(1113) disavow(1114) these(1115) usurpations(1116) which(1117)
would(1118) inevitably(1119) interrupt(1120) our(1121) connections(1122)
and(1123) correspondence(1124) they(1125) too(1126) have(1127)
been(1128) deaf(1129) to(1130) the(1131) voice(1132) of(1133)
justice(1134) and(1135) of(1136) consanguinity(1137) we(1138)
must(1139) therefore(1140) acquiesce(1141) in(1142) the(1143)
necessity(1144) which(1145) denounces(1146) our(1147) separation(1148)
and(1149) hold(1150) them(1151) as(1152) we(1153) hold(1154)
the(1155) rest(1156) of(1157) mankind(1158) enemies(1159) in(1160)
war(1161) in(1162) peace(1163) friends(1164) we(1165) therefore(1166)
the(1167) representatives(1168) of(1169) the(1170) united(1171)
states(1172) of(1173) America(1174) in(1175) general(1176) congress(1177)
assembled(1178) appealing(1179) to(1180) the(1181) supreme(1182)
judge(1183) of(1184) the(1185) world(1186) for(1187) the(1188)
rectitude(1189) of(1190) our(1191) intentions(1192) do(1193)
in(1194) the(1195) name(1196) and(1197) by(1198) authority(1199)
of(1200) the(1201) good(1202) people(1203) of(1204) these(1205)
colonies(1206) solemnly(1207) publish(1208) and(1209) declare(1210)
that(1211) these(1212) united(1213) colonies(1214) are(1215)
and(1216) of(1217) right(1218) ought(1219) to(1220) be(1221)
free(1222) and(1223) independent(1224) states(1225) that(1226)
they(1227) are(1228) absolved(1229) from(1230) all(1231) allegiance(1232)
to(1233) the(1234) British(1235) crown(1236) and(1237) that(1238)
all(1239) political(1240) connection(1241) between(1242) them(1243)
and(1244) the(1245) state(1246) of(1247) great(1248) Britain(1249)
is(1250) and(1251) ought(1252) to(1253) be(1254) totally(1255)
dissolved(1256) and(1257) that(1258) as(1259) free(1260) and(1261)
independent(1262) states(1263) they(1264) have(1265) full(1266)
power(1267) to(1268) levy(1269) war(1270) conclude(1271) peace(1272)
contract(1273) alliances(1274) establish(1275) commerce(1276)
and(1277) to(1278) do(1279) all(1280) other(1281) acts(1282)
and(1283) things(1284) which(1285) independent(1286) states(1287)
may(1288) of(1289) right(1290) do(1291) and(1292) for(1293)
the(1294) support(1295) of(1296) this(1297) declaration(1298)
with(1299) a(1300) firm(1301) reliance(1302) on(1303) the(1304)
protection(1305) of(1306) divine(1307) providence(1308) we(1309)
mutually(1310) pledge(1311) to(1312) each(1313) other(1314)
our(1315) lives(1316) our(1317) fortunes(1318) and(1319) our(1320)
sacred(1321) honor(1322) .
The
letter, or paper, so often alluded to, and marked "2," which
is fully explained by the foregoing document, is as follows:
115,
73, 24, 807, 37, 52, 49, 17, 31, 62, 647, 22, 7, 15, 140, 47,
29, 107, 79, 84, 56, 239, 10, 26, 811, 5, 196, 308, 85, 52,
160, 136, 59, 211, 36, 9, 46, 316, 554, 122, 106, 95, 53, 58,
2, 42, 7, 35, 122, 53, 31, 82, 77, 250, 196, 56, 96, 118, 71,
140, 287, 28, 353, 37, 1005, 65, 147, 807, 24, 3, 8, 12, 47,
43, 59, 807, 45, 316, 101, 41, 78, 154, 1005, 122, 138, 191,
16, 77, 49, 102, 57, 72, 34, 73, 85, 35, 371, 59, 196, 81, 92,
191, 106, 273, 60, 394, 620, 270, 220, 106, 388, 287, 63, 3,
6, 191, 122, 43, 234, 400, 106, 290, 314, 47, 48, 81, 96, 26,
115, 92, 158, 191, 110, 77, 85, 197, 46, 10, 113, 140, 353,
48, 120, 106, 2, 607, 61, 420, 811, 29, 125, 14, 20, 37, 105,
28, 248, 16, 159, 7, 35, 19, 301, 125, 110, 486, 287, 98, 117,
511, 62, 51, 220, 37, 113, 140, 807, 138, 540, 8, 44, 287, 388,
117, 18, 79, 344, 34, 20, 59, 511, 548, 107, 603, 220, 7, 66,
154, 41, 20, 50, 6, 575, 122, 154, 248, 110, 61, 52, 33, 30,
5, 38, 8, 14, 84, 57, 540, 217, 115, 71, 29, 84, 63, 43, 131,
29, 138, 47, 73, 239, 540, 52, 53, 79, 118, 51, 44, 63, 196,
12, 239, 112, 3, 49, 79, 353, 105, 56, 371, 557, 211, 505, 125,
360, 133, 143, 101, 15, 284, 540, 252, 14, 205, 140, 344, 26,
811, 138, 115, 48, 73, 34, 205, 316, 607, 63, 220, 7, 52, 150,
44, 52, 16, 40, 37, 158, 807, 37, 121, 12, 95, 10, 15, 35, 12,
131, 62, 115, 102, 807, 49, 53, 135, 138, 30, 31, 62, 67, 41,
85, 63, 10, 106, 807, 138, 8, 113, 20, 32, 33, 37, 353, 287,
140, 47, 85, 50, 37, 49, 47, 64, 6, 7, 71, 33, 4, 43, 47, 63,
1, 27, 600, 208, 230, 15, 191, 246, 85, 94, 511, 2, 270, 20,
39, 7, 33, 44, 22, 40, 7, 10, 3, 811, 106, 44, 486, 230, 353,
211, 200, 31, 10, 38, 140, 297, 61, 603, 320, 302, 666, 287,
2, 44, 33, 32, 511, 548, 10, 6, 250, 557, 246, 53, 37, 52, 83,
47, 320, 38, 33, 807, 7, 44, 30, 31, 250, 10, 15, 35, 106, 160,
113, 31, 102, 406, 230, 540, 320, 29, 66, 33, 101, 807, 138,
301, 316, 353, 320, 220, 37, 52, 28, 540, 320, 33, 8, 48, 107,
50, 811, 7, 2, 113, 73, 16, 125, 11, 110, 67, 102, 807, 33,
59, 81, 158, 38, 43, 581, 138, 19, 85, 400, 38, 43, 77, 14,
27, 8, 47, 138, 63, 140, 44, 35, 22, 177, 106, 250, 314, 217,
2, 10, 7, 1005, 4, 20, 25, 44, 48, 7, 26, 46, 110, 230, 807,
191, 34, 112, 147, 44, 110, 121, 125, 96, 41, 51, 50, 140, 56,
47, 152, 540, 63, 807, 28, 42, 250, 138, 582, 98, 643, 32, 107,
140, 112, 26, 85, 138, 540, 53, 20, 125, 371, 38, 36, 10, 52,
118, 136, 102, 420, 150, 112, 71, 14, 20, 7, 24, 18, 12, 807,
37, 67, 110, 62, 33, 21, 95, 220, 511, 102, 811, 30, 83, 84,
305, 620, 15, 2, 10, 8, 220, 106, 353, 105, 106, 60, 275, 72,
8, 50, 205, 185, 112, 125, 540, 65, 106, 807, 138, 96, 110,
16, 73, 33, 807, 150, 409, 400, 50, 154, 285, 96, 106, 316,
270, 205, 101, 811, 400, 8, 44, 37, 52, 40, 241, 34, 205, 38,
16, 46, 47, 85, 24, 44, 15, 64, 73, 138, 807, 85, 78, 110, 33,
420, 505, 53, 37, 38, 22, 31, 10, 110, 106, 101, 140, 15, 38,
3, 5, 44, 7, 98, 287, 135, 150, 96, 33, 84, 125, 807, 191, 96,
511, 118, 40, 370, 643, 466, 106, 41, 107, 603, 220, 275, 30,
150, 105, 49, 53, 287, 250, 208, 134, 7, 53, 12, 47, 85, 63,
138, 110, 21, 112, 140, 485, 486, 505, 14, 73, 84, 575, 1005,
150, 200, 16, 42, 5, 4, 25, 42, 8, 16, 811, 125, 160, 32, 205,
603, 807, 81, 96, 405, 41, 600, 136, 14, 20, 28, 26, 353, 302,
246, 8, 131, 160, 140, 84, 440, 42, 16, 811, 40, 67, 101, 102,
194, 138, 205, 51, 63, 241, 540, 122, 8, 10, 63, 140, 47, 48,
140, 288
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
THE
LOCALITY OF THE VAULT.
71,
194, 38, 1701, 89, 76, 11, 83, 1629, 48, 94, 63, 132, 16, 111,
95, 84, 341, 975, 14, 40, 64, 27, 81, 139, 213, 63, 90, 1120,
8, 15, 3, 126, 2018, 40, 74, 758, 485, 604, 230, 436, 664, 582,
150, 251, 284, 308, 231, 124, 211, 486, 225, 401, 370, 11, 101,
305, 139, 189, 17, 33, 88, 208, 193, 145, 1, 94, 73, 416, 918,
263, 28, 500, 538, 356, 117, 136, 219, 27, 176, 130, 10, 460,
25, 485, 18, 436, 65, 84, 200, 283, 118, 320, 138, 36, 416,
280, 15, 71, 224, 961, 44, 16, 401, 39, 88, 61, 304, 12, 21,
24, 283, 134, 92, 63, 246, 486, 682, 7, 219, 184, 360, 780,
18, 64, 463, 474, 131, 160, 79, 73, 440, 95, 18, 64, 581, 34,
69, 128, 367, 460, 17, 81, 12, 103, 820, 62, 116, 97, 103, 862,
70, 60, 1317, 471, 540, 208, 121, 890, 346, 36, 150, 59, 568,
614, 13, 120, 63, 219, 812, 2160, 1780, 99, 35, 18, 21, 136,
872, 15, 28, 170, 88, 4, 30, 44, 112, 18, 147, 436, 195, 320,
37, 122, 113, 6, 140, 8, 120, 305, 42, 58, 461, 44, 106, 301,
13, 408, 680, 93, 86, 116, 530, 82, 568, 9, 102, 38, 416, 89,
71, 216, 728, 965, 818, 2, 38, 121, 195, 14, 326, 148, 234,
18, 55, 131, 234, 361, 824, 5, 81, 623, 48, 961, 19, 26, 33,
10, 1101, 365, 92, 88, 181, 275, 346, 201, 206, 86, 36, 219,
324, 829, 840, 64, 326, 19, 48, 122, 85, 216, 284, 919, 861,
326, 985, 233, 64, 68, 232, 431, 960, 50, 29, 81, 216, 321,
603, 14, 612, 81, 360, 36, 51, 62, 194, 78, 60, 200, 314, 676,
112, 4, 28, 18, 61, 136, 247, 819, 921, 1060, 464, 895, 10,
6, 66, 119, 38, 41, 49, 602, 423, 962, 302, 294, 875, 78, 14,
23, 111, 109, 62, 31, 501, 823, 216, 280, 34, 24, 150, 1000,
162, 286, 19, 21, 17, 340, 19, 242, 31, 86, 234, 140, 607, 115,
33, 191, 67, 104, 86, 52, 88, 16, 80, 121, 67, 95, 122, 216,
548, 96, 11, 201, 77, 364, 218, 65, 667, 890, 236, 154, 211,
10, 98, 34, 119, 56, 216, 119, 71, 218, 1164, 1496, 1817, 51,
39, 210, 36, 3, 19, 540, 232, 22, 141, 617, 84, 290, 80, 46,
207, 411, 150, 29, 38, 46, 172, 85, 194, 39, 261, 543, 897,
624, 18, 212, 416, 127, 931, 19, 4, 63, 96, 12, 101, 418, 16,
140, 230, 460, 538, 19, 27, 88, 612, 1431, 90, 716, 275, 74,
83, 11, 426, 89, 72, 84, 1300, 1706, 814, 221, 132, 40, 102,
34, 868, 975, 1101, 84, 16, 79, 23, 16, 81, 122, 324, 403, 912,
227, 936, 447, 55, 86, 34, 43, 212, 107, 96, 314, 264, 1065,
323, 428, 601, 203, 124, 95, 216, 814, 2906, 654, 820, 2, 301,
112, 176, 213, 71, 87, 96, 202, 35, 10, 2, 41, 17, 84, 221,
736, 820, 214, 11, 60, 760
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.
NAMES
AND RESIDENCES.
317,
8, 92, 73, 112, 89, 67, 318, 28, 96,107, 41, 631, 78, 146, 397,
118, 98, 114, 246, 348, 116, 74, 88, 12, 65, 32, 14, 81, 19,
76, 121, 216, 85, 33, 66, 15, 108, 68, 77, 43, 24, 122, 96,
117, 36, 211, 301, 15, 44, 11, 46, 89, 18, 136, 68, 317, 28,
90, 82, 304, 71, 43, 221, 198, 176, 310, 319, 81, 99, 264, 380,
56, 37, 319, 2, 44, 53, 28, 44, 75, 98, 102, 37, 85, 107, 117,
64, 88, 136, 48, 151, 99, 175, 89, 315, 326, 78, 96, 214, 218,
311, 43, 89, 51, 90, 75, 128, 96, 33, 28, 103, 84, 65, 26, 41,
246, 84, 270, 98, 116, 32, 59, 74, 66, 69, 240, 15, 8, 121,
20, 77, 89, 31, 11, 106, 81, 191, 224, 328, 18, 75, 52, 82,
117, 201, 39, 23, 217, 27, 21, 84, 35, 54, 109, 128, 49, 77,
88, 1, 81, 217, 64, 55, 83, 116, 251, 269, 311, 96, 54, 32,
120, 18, 132, 102, 219, 211, 84, 150, 219, 275, 312, 64, 10,
106, 87, 75, 47, 21, 29, 37, 81, 44, 18, 126, 115, 132, 160,
181, 203, 76, 81, 299, 314, 337, 351, 96, 11, 28, 97, 318, 238,
106, 24, 93, 3, 19, 17, 26, 60, 73, 88, 14, 126, 138, 234, 286,
297, 321, 365, 264, 19, 22, 84, 56, 107, 98, 123, 111, 214,
136, 7, 33, 45, 40, 13, 28, 46, 42, 107, 196, 227, 344, 198,
203, 247, 116, 19, 8, 212, 230, 31, 6, 328, 65, 48, 52, 59,
41, 122, 33, 117, 11, 18, 25, 71, 36, 45, 83, 76, 89, 92, 31,
65, 70, 83, 96, 27, 33, 44, 50, 61, 24, 112, 136, 149, 176,
180, 194, 143, 171, 205, 296, 87, 12, 44, 51, 89, 98, 34, 41,
208, 173, 66, 9, 35, 16, 95, 8, 113, 175, 90, 56, 203, 19, 177,
183, 206, 157, 200, 218, 260, 291, 305, 618, 951, 320, 18, 124,
78, 65, 19, 32, 124, 48, 53, 57, 84, 96, 207, 244, 66, 82, 119,
71, 11, 86, 77, 213, 54, 82, 316, 245, 303, 86, 97, 106, 212,
18, 37, 15, 81, 89, 16, 7, 81, 39, 96, 14, 43, 216, 118, 29,
55, 109, 136, 172, 213, 64, 8, 227, 304, 611, 221, 364, 819,
375, 128, 296, 1, 18, 53, 76, 10, 15, 23, 19, 71, 84, 120, 134,
66, 73, 89, 96, 230, 48, 77, 26, 101, 127, 936, 218, 439, 178,
171, 61, 226, 313, 215, 102, 18, 167, 262, 114, 218, 66, 59,
48, 27, 19, 13, 82, 48, 162, 119, 34, 127, 139, 34, 128, 129,
74, 63, 120, 11, 54, 61, 73, 92, 180, 66, 75, 101, 124, 265,
89, 96, 126, 274, 896, 917, 434, 461, 235, 890, 312, 413, 328,
381, 96, 105, 217, 66, 118, 22, 77, 64, 42, 12, 7, 55, 24, 83,
67, 97, 109, 121, 135, 181, 203, 219, 228, 256, 21, 34, 77,
319, 374, 382, 675, 684, 717, 864, 203, 4, 18, 92, 16, 63, 82,
22, 46, 55, 69, 74, 112, 134, 186, 175, 119, 213, 416, 312,
343, 264, 119, 186, 218, 343, 417, 845, 951, 124, 209, 49, 617,
856, 924, 936, 72, 19, 28, 11, 35, 42, 40, 66, 85, 94, 112,
65, 82, 115, 119, 236, 244, 186, 172, 112, 85, 6, 56, 38, 44,
85, 72, 32, 47, 63, 96, 124, 217, 314, 319, 221, 644, 817, 821,
934, 922, 416, 975, 10, 22, 18, 46, 137, 181, 101, 39, 86, 103,
116, 138, 164, 212, 218, 296, 815, 380, 412, 460, 495, 675,
820, 952
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Editors Note: A reader has spotted what looks
like to him a error in the coding of the Declaration of Independence,
so we have provided his comments as a help to those looking
at the coding:
I was browsing your site on the reprint
of the Beale papers. You have a problem on your site, specifically
on the reprint of the Beale papers in the Declaration of Independence
section. It is the section where there are numbers in ( ) after
every word. The correct placement of the #'s should be as follows.
After # 480, starting with # 490 (#490 should be renumbered
as # 480 again and then proceed from there with the numbering,
thus ending in 1312 NOT 1322. Beale when encoding his message
from the Declaration of Independence, counted incorrectly (forgetting
that he counted 480 twice!) thus the problem. If you don't believe
me, see for yourself on your page how the letter "V" does NOT
match up with the # 807 as you have listed in the first sentence
"I haVe desposited....(you have # 807 as Into..not a V) If you
correct the numeration as I have listed everything will match
up. Remember, #490 needs to also be listed as # 480 again and
then go numerically from there.