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.
Entered according to act og Congress, in the year 1885, by J. B. WARD, in the
Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washinton.
THE BEALE PAPERS
_______________
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 value
friend, upon whose discretion he could always rely ; but circumstances over
which he has no control, pecuniary embarrassment of a pressing character, and a
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
seem 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 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 paractical 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 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 furnish 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 enterprice 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 the
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, on 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 by Max Guggenheimer, Ecq., 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 marked, 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 become 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 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 favoured guest.
In manner Mr. Morriss was
courteous and gentle ; but then 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 gentlemand," 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 selected 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 interrups 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:
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 it 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 goven 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 for myself.
As there was nothing
objectionable in this, the required promise was given, and the box and 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 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 thed 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 estavblished 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 boon 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,
which 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 devolved 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 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 at 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. How, 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.Lous, 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, the
"ho" for the plains, to hunt the buffalo and encounter the ravage
grizzlies. How long I may be absent I cannot now determine, certainly not 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 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 perlious enterprise in which we are engaged, but trust we shall
meet long ere the time ewpires, 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 i 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 ;
sill 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
wears since these papers came into my hands, and, with the exception of one of
them, they are still as incomprehensible as ever. Mush 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
that the 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
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 of 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 the 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 May, to be absent two years, out
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 elected 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 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 they left Santa Fè they pursued a northerly course
for some days, being successful in finding an abundance of game, which they
secured, and were in the eve of returning when they discovered on their left
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 Fè, 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
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 favorably 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 Fè, 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 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 Fè 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 it 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, &c., we
visited the cave, and found it unfit for our purpose. It was to frequently
visited by 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 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 report.
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
foreibly.
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.
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 thiry-one equal parts ; one of these
parts you are to retain as your own, freely given 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 bed 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 number "2." the Declaration of Independence is
given, by the assistance of which its hidden meaning was made plain :
1 2
3 4 5
6 7 8
9 10
When, in the course of human events it becomes necessary for
our people to
dissolve the political bands which have (20) connected them
with another
and to assume among the powers (30) of the earth, the
separate and equal sta-
tion to which (40) the laws of nature and of nature's God
entitle them, (50) a
decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that (60)
they should declare
the causes which impel them to the (70) separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that (80) all men
are created equal ;
that they are endowed by (90) their Creator with certain
inalienable rights ;
that among these are (100) life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness :
that to secure (110) their rights, governments are
instituted among men, deriv-
ing their just (120) powers from the consent of the governed
; that when any
(130) for of government becomes destructive of these ends,
it is (140) the
right of the people to alter or to abolish (150) it, and to
effect their (180) safety
and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that
governments long (190)
established, should not be changed for light and transient
causes ; (200) and
accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are now
(210) disposed to
suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right (220)
themselves by abolishing
the forms to which they are accustomed. (230) But, when a
long train of
abuses and usurpations, pursuing (240) invariably the same
object, evinces a
design to reduce them under (250) absolute despotism, it is
their tight, it is
their duty, (260) to throw off such government, and to
provide new guards (270)
for their future security. such has been the patient
sufferance (280) of these
colonies, and such is now the necessity which (290)
constrains the to alter
their former systems of government. The (300) history of the
present King of
Great Britain is a (310) history of repeated injuries and
usurpations, all having
in direct (320) object the establishment of an absolute
tyrrany over these States.
(330) To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid
(340) world.
He has refused his assent to laws the most (350) wholesome
and necessary for
the public good. He has forbidden (360) his governors to
pass laws of immediate
and pressing importance, (370) unless suspended in their
operations till his assent
should be (380) obtained; and when so suspended he has
utterly neglected to (390)
attend to them.
He has refused to pass other laws (400) for the
accommodation of large dis-
tricts of people, unless those (410) people would relinquish
their right of repre-
sentation in the legislature, (420) a right inestimable to
them and formidable to
tyrants only. (430)
He has called together legislative bodies at placed unusual,
uncomfortable
(440) and distant from the depositary of their public
records, for (450) the
sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his
(460) measures.
He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly for
opposing with (470)
manly firmness, his invasions on the rights of the people.
(480)
He has refused, for a long time after such dissolutions,
(480) to cause others to
be elected ; whereby the legislative powers, (490) incapable
of innihilation, have
returned to the people at large (500) for their exercise,
the State remaning, in
the meantime, (510) exposed to all the danger of invasion
from without, and
(520) convulsions within.
He has endeavored to prevent the population of (530) these
States, for that
purpose, obstructing the laws of naturalization (540) of
foreigners ; refusing to
pass others to encourage their migration (550) hither, and
raising the conditions
of new appropriations of lands. (560)
He has obstructed the administration of justice by refusing
his (570) assent
to laws for establishing judiciary powers.
He has made (580) judges dependent on his will alone for the
tenture of (590)
their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
(600)
He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent (610)
hither swarms of
officers to harass our people and eat (620) out their
substance.
He has kept among us in times (630) of peace standing
armies, without the
consent of our legislature.
He (640) has offered to render the military independent of
and superior (650)
to the civil power.
He has combined with others to (660) subject us to a
jurisdiction foreign to our
constitution, and (670) unacknowledged by our laws, giving
his assent to their
acts of (680) pretended legislation.
For quartering large bodies for armed troops among (690) us
;
For protecting them, by a mock trial, from punishment, (700)
for any mur-
ders whish they should commit on the inhabitants (710) of
these States ;
For cutting off our trade with all (720) parts for the world
;
For imposing taxes on us without (730) our consent ;
For depriving us, in many cases, of the (740) benefits of
trial by jury ;
For transporting us beyond seas (750) to be tried for
pretended offences ;
For abolishing the free (760) system of English laws in a
neighboring province,
establishing therein (770) an arbitrary government, and
enlarging its boundaries
so as to (780) render it, at once, an example and fit
instrument for (790) intro-
ducing the same absolute rule in these colonies ;
For taking (800) away our charters, abolishing our most
valuable laws and alter-
ing (810) fundamentally, (811) the (812) powers (813) of
(814) our (815) govern-
ments ; (816)
For suspending our own legislature, and declaring themselves
invested with
power to legislate for us in all cases, whatsoever.
He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his
protection, and
waging war against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our
towns, and destroyed
the lives of our people.
He is, at this time, transporting large armies of foreign
mercenaries to com-
plete the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already
begun, with circum-
stances for cruelty and perfidy, scarcely paralleled in the
most barbarous ages,
and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow-citizens, taken captive on the
high seas, to bear
arms against their country, to become the executioners of
their friends and
brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has
endeavored to
bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless
Indian savages whose
known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of
all ages, sexes and
conditions.
In every stage of these oppressions, we have petitioned for
redress in the most
humble terms ; out repeated petitions have been answered
only by repented in-
jury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act
which may define
a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have we wanting in attention to our British brethren. We
have
warned them, from time to time, of attempts made by their
legislature to extend
an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them
of the circum-
stances of our emigration and settlement here. We have
appealed to their
native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them,
by the ties of our
common kindred, to disavow these usurpations, which would
inevitably interrupt
our connection and correspondence. They, too, have been deaf
to the voice of
justice and consanguinity.
We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which
denounces our separation,
and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in
war - in peace, friends.
We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of
America, in gen-
eral congress assemble, appealing to the Supreme Judge of
the world for the
rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the
authority of the good
people of these
Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these United Colonies
are, and of right, ought to be, free and independent States
; that they are absolved
from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all
political connection be-
tween them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to
be, totally dissolved, and
that as free and independent States, they have full power to
levy war, conclude
peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all
other acts and things
which independent States may of right do. And for the
support of this declar-
ation, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine
Providence, we mutually
pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our
sacred honor.
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 that 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.
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