bigscoop
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- Jun 4, 2010
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The Telling of Two Books?
Ok, first off, what I’m presenting is simply a series of strange coincidences that others may wish to investigate further. This presented information carries no personal opinion either way, other then to say, “the circumstances are very strange indeed.” Also, the authenticity of the diary titled, “The Memoirs of Jean Laffite” is still largely debated, though in recent years many scholars now believe the diary is the real thing. I’m not putting this out here to create a platform for ugly arguments, however, any interesting debating of this material is always most welcome. In my research efforts I always try to maintain the thought that until the lost or missing is firmly in hand no solution can carry any measure truth and that any notion or ideal is worthy of investigation. So with all of this mind let me present you with the series of strange coincidences I’m referring to:
In 1941 a man named, John Andrechyne Lafitte produced what he claimed was the diary of Jean Laffite. Though no attempt to prove the diary’s authenticity has been made by modern science a large number of today’s historians are now beginning to believe that it just might be the real thing. And, if it is ever proven to be the real thing then the information contained within its pages just might help lead someone to the truth about an unthinkable fortune in gold and silver. But for now, set this mystery aside so I can tell about a different mysterious story, one that might very well be connected to the famous pirate and his mysterious diary.
In 1885 a man named J. B. Ward produced a pamphlet called, The Beale Papers. In this pamphlet we are told that a man named Thomas Jefferson Beale and several associates found a great treasure trove while on a hunting adventure out west, and that they eventually moved their new found fortune from west to east and that they placed it in a secret vault in Bedford County, Virginia, during the years 1819 to 1821. We are then told that they entrusted a hotel keeper named Morriss with an iron box that contained three encrypted papers, which through the use of the proper key, would reveal the names of the associates, the contents of the secret vault, and the location of the secret vault. Keep in mind that this pamphlet was copyrighted by J. B. Ward and printed by a man named, John W. Sherman, and that the original story was supposedly told by an unnamed source.
So here we have two completely different writings that tell of two entirely different stories, right? Well, before you pass final judgement keep reading because you just might find many reasons to pause your judgement before making your final decision.
Obviously there isn’t enough room here to present all the particulars of each of these writings, however, I will provide you with a few of the most concerning details and the string of strange coincidences that appear to make some very strange, “connexions” within the two publications. And “no” I didn’t make a spelling error in my use of the word, “connexions” as it is actually French Creole, the same heritage as Jean Laffite, and oddly enough, the same and only such language deviation used in the Beale Papers publication. Why would an American press use such a deviation in language? Why would they use that deviation in language in just this one word, “connexions” while presenting their mysterious story of possible solution to the general, mostly American speaking public? The current spelling of the word “connection” was in use back in 1885 and it appears later on in the pamphlet so why use, “connexions” in the very first portion of the pamphlet and why use this deviation only once and in that location of the pamphlet text? Or, was it placed there as a possible clue? Neither Sherman or Ward were French Creole. Odd, to say the least. But never mind, as this is just one minor curiosity when compared to the following string of strange coincidences.
In the Laffite memoirs we read the following, “If God wishes to love the fifth generation to come, he will unveil the intentions and the spirit of the dead. And with my entire help!” During the period in question, most dictionaries that I have examined defined a generation as a period of 30 to 33 years. This country was founded in 1776. Five generations would roughly place the fifth generation between the years 1926 & 1941. John Andrechyne arrived on the scene with his famous diary in 1941, or during this country’s fifth generation. Just a coincidence, right?
Remember the names Ward & Sherman, One man the acting agent of the Beale Papers and the other the man who published that work. In the Laffite memoirs we read this, as Laffite is preparing to leave his Galveston commune in 1821, his words in reference to his secret plans thereafter. “I recommended to Mr. Hall, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Sherman, and those of Bolivar to keep our promise and distribute the gold to the indicated places.” Did he just say, “Mr. Sherman?” Oh well, just another coincidence, right?
And later we find this statement in the memoirs, as Laffite is speaking of some business dealings involving the railroad, “I have offered the present of a large quantity of gunpowder to blow up boulders. Mr. Ward, Mr. Kingsley, and Mr. Peabody seem to me to be very honest, nice men to take care of the railroad.” Did he just say, “Mr. Ward?” Oh well, just another strange coincidence, right?
And talk about strange timetables. If motive and the timing of events could convict a man then Laffite would certainly be most suspect. In his memoirs Laffite writes, “Between the dates of November 1818 and February 1819, my commune had 476,000 dollars put away.” He also tells us, speaking about the added risk to his ships and cargo as his strength begin to fade while at Galveston Island, “My vessels were searched many times; certain vessels were prevented from transporting merchandise, slaves, gold, silver, and cannons and powder when it was discovered that they belonged to me, forcing me to find other methods.” In 1819 to 1821 there were no railroads in the regions, so if not by ship, then by what other means did he have to transport goods from west to east? Just keep this in mind as you continue to read further.
Now enter the Adam’s Onis Treaty, the single document that would forever put an end to Laffite’s privateering days and his commune at Galveston Island. So let’s do a matching chronology of dates and events and see what we get? Also be aware that in his memoirs Laffite tells us that he had advanced knowledge of the Adma’s Onis Treaty even before it was a signed proposal.
The two Beale deposits are said to have been made on November 1819 and December 1821. But of even greater significance are the dates of the Adams Onis Treaty, signed in February 1819 and ratified into law in February 1821. Both of the claimed Beale deposits take place “ten” and “eleven” months following the “signing” and the “ratification” of the “Adams Olin Treaty.” This brings into view the following question; Did Laffite order the two deposits to be made into the secret vault with the coming of these two events? The evidence certainly points to this very possibility. And if so, did he also deposit anything
of historical value for future generations? His entries in his memoirs certainly offer us this possibility as well.
In The Beale Pamphlet Morriss claims that Beale’s two visits at his hotel took place on January 1820 and January 1822. Both of these dates fall only eleven months behind the dates of the signing and the ratification of the Adams Onis Treaty. Checkout the following timetable of events, but probably just another strange coincidence, right?
Treaty signing date: February 1819
(11 months later)
Beale’s first visit: January 1820
Treaty’s Rat. Date: February 1821
(11 months later)
Beale’s second visit: January 1822
Going a step further it’s interesting to note that both deposit dates fall closely in order between the dates in the above table, nine and ten months respectively.
Treaty signing date: February 1819
(9 months later)
First Deposit date: November 1819
(2 months later)
Beale’s first visit: January 1820
(11 months later)
Treaty’s Rat. Date: February 1821
(10 months later)
Second Deposit date: December 1821
(1 month later)
Beale’s second visit: January 1822
Side note: Jean Laffite was forced from Galveston Island on February 25th, 1821, just four days past the treaty’s ratification date and ten months prior to the last Beale deposit date.
All of this, of course, is just a little bit more in an already bazaar series of most unlikely coincidences, right? When one reads the clear text for cipher 2 in the Beale Papers he right away thinks of a cemetery, “…in an excavation or vault, six feet below the surface of the ground….,” and in continuing, “….the vault is roughly lined with stone, and the vessels rest on solid stone, and are covered with others…..” In his memoirs Laffite makes it a point to tell us of Francois Little, an undertaker, who later became known by the name, Francis Little, Laffite’s eventual son-in-law turned furniture maker. Again, just another strange coincidence, right? And if the memoirs are real, then Laffite also spent a great portion of his life in Richmond & Charleston and other cities of the east-coast. More coincidence?
And what about the name, Thomas Jefferson Beale? The Declaration of Independence was the key to cipher 2. Thomas Jefferson is given credit as being the author of that very document, the same document Laffite claims as being, “the most sacred document of them all”. Again, just more coincidence, right? And there is so much more, but for now let me present you with two quotes from Laffite’s memoirs:
“People wondered why I felt an interest in the masses of future generations. The answer: Most of the gold that I possess was dug up and ripped from the earth upon the hardened backs of Mestizo Indians reduced to slavery in Peru and South America and in Mexico during the time when the provinces were under the iron fist of the Spaniards.” And then he goes to write; “My answers: No man can live two days in a row in the same way, for different influences and desires possess and dominate within him. I only understand the great laws of nature by its effects, which I conceive through vegetation planted in the ground that receives appropriate light, heat, and humidity to make it grow and produce its product. I feel happy; no one has found out what I personally possess. I have given presents to help other people, and now I feel more enthusiastic. My thoughts are always busy on the subject of future generations so that they will have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and the love, peace, and tranquility to reign complete mastery to infinity.”
“If God wishes to love the fifth generation to come, he will unveil the intentions and the spirit of the dead. And with my entire help!”
A) How do you unveil the intentions and the spirit of the dead?
B) What was Laffite making reference to when he remarks that, “”I feel happy; no one has found out what I personally posses.”
C) “My thoughts are always busy on the subject of future generations so that they will have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and the love, peace, and tranquility to reign complete mastery to infinity.”
D) “If God wishes to love the fifth generation to come, he will unveil the intentions and the spirit of the dead. And with my help!” How could he possibly help a society five generations in his passing? John Andrechyne Lafitte produced the Laffite writings in 1941, or during this country’s fifth generation.
E) Both writings contain the names Sherman & Ward. Laffite’s Sherman was entrusted with secret gold shipments to unnamed destinations. The Beale Pamphlet’s Sherman was the publisher of the pamphlet. Laffite’s Ward was involved with railroads. The pamphlet’s Ward was acting agent for the unknown author of the Beale Papers.
F) “Connexions” is French Creole. Laffite was French Creole.
G) The pamphlet’s main character was Thomas Jefferson Beale to which there is no known genealogical evidence to support his actual existence. However, and oddly enough, the key to cipher no 2 was the Declaration of Independence, a document penned by Thomas Jefferson, the same document Laffite calls, “the most sacred document of them all.”
H) The dates of the deposits and even Laffite’s ousting from Galveston Island all coincide with the signing and ratification dates of the Adam’s Onis Treaty, the very document that sealed Laffite’s fate and put the final end to not only his privateering activities, but also his efforts to establish French refugee settlements in the disputed territories.
I) “Between the dates of November 1818 and February 1819, my commune had 476,000 dollars put away.” And, “My vessels were searched many times; certain vessels were prevented from transporting merchandise, slaves, gold, silver, and cannons and powder when it was discovered that they belonged to me, forcing me to find other methods.” Take note of the dates, what happened to this wealth after February 1819? Where could it have gone, and why? The Adam’s Onis Treaty was signed in February, 1819.
As one continues to compare the two writings he will discover other odd circumstances, or are they, “connexions” in some telling way? It is, perhaps, unthinkable to believe that such a mystery could be conceived and carried out without notice and prior discovery. On the other hand, Laffite was a very dedicated man true to his cause and his personal beliefs. How is it that Laffite was able to stay on top for so long, the sending of navel forces obviously felt necessary in order to force him from his stronghold on Galveston Island, and then the permitting of his easy sailing away? According to his memoirs he was deeply connected to many political and influential sources, so just how resourceful and influential was his own presence within that same arena? What was the man’s true purpose and cause in life? If the memoirs are ever proven to be real then eventually those answers may truly surprise us. As for the comparisons of the these two writings, very odd to say the least. And if the memoirs are ever proven to be real, then allow me to add these final quotes:
“There is a little gold near the island of Largo; near other coast of Cuba as well, though I cannot direct anyone toward that place to retrieve the gold, for I do not know the exact spot. I can say is that some of my officers had some silver hidden on Caillou Island. I do not know the exact spot. The officers never returned.”
“Some Spanish silver and gold remains on Pecan Island. I do not know exactly where.”
“The gold hidden in my warehouses near Catouache was retrieved and moved long ago.” To where?
“Seven leagues to the west, two leagues to the north of the Spanish city of Saint Augustines, some of my officers buried a large quantity of gold under my orders. I have no knowledge of the exact spot, for they were taken prisoner and killed by warships, and their papers were destroyed.” Is it still there?
“He intended to obtain Negroes from the barracks of the Isle of the Pines and to find the gold plates and silver bars on the coast of Largo Island.”
It’s all very fascinating, all very intriguing, much of it contains a series of odd coincidences and circumstances, but is any of it, or possibly all of it, true? And if it is? Perhaps one or more of you would like to investigate all the possibilities further.
Ok, first off, what I’m presenting is simply a series of strange coincidences that others may wish to investigate further. This presented information carries no personal opinion either way, other then to say, “the circumstances are very strange indeed.” Also, the authenticity of the diary titled, “The Memoirs of Jean Laffite” is still largely debated, though in recent years many scholars now believe the diary is the real thing. I’m not putting this out here to create a platform for ugly arguments, however, any interesting debating of this material is always most welcome. In my research efforts I always try to maintain the thought that until the lost or missing is firmly in hand no solution can carry any measure truth and that any notion or ideal is worthy of investigation. So with all of this mind let me present you with the series of strange coincidences I’m referring to:
In 1941 a man named, John Andrechyne Lafitte produced what he claimed was the diary of Jean Laffite. Though no attempt to prove the diary’s authenticity has been made by modern science a large number of today’s historians are now beginning to believe that it just might be the real thing. And, if it is ever proven to be the real thing then the information contained within its pages just might help lead someone to the truth about an unthinkable fortune in gold and silver. But for now, set this mystery aside so I can tell about a different mysterious story, one that might very well be connected to the famous pirate and his mysterious diary.
In 1885 a man named J. B. Ward produced a pamphlet called, The Beale Papers. In this pamphlet we are told that a man named Thomas Jefferson Beale and several associates found a great treasure trove while on a hunting adventure out west, and that they eventually moved their new found fortune from west to east and that they placed it in a secret vault in Bedford County, Virginia, during the years 1819 to 1821. We are then told that they entrusted a hotel keeper named Morriss with an iron box that contained three encrypted papers, which through the use of the proper key, would reveal the names of the associates, the contents of the secret vault, and the location of the secret vault. Keep in mind that this pamphlet was copyrighted by J. B. Ward and printed by a man named, John W. Sherman, and that the original story was supposedly told by an unnamed source.
So here we have two completely different writings that tell of two entirely different stories, right? Well, before you pass final judgement keep reading because you just might find many reasons to pause your judgement before making your final decision.
Obviously there isn’t enough room here to present all the particulars of each of these writings, however, I will provide you with a few of the most concerning details and the string of strange coincidences that appear to make some very strange, “connexions” within the two publications. And “no” I didn’t make a spelling error in my use of the word, “connexions” as it is actually French Creole, the same heritage as Jean Laffite, and oddly enough, the same and only such language deviation used in the Beale Papers publication. Why would an American press use such a deviation in language? Why would they use that deviation in language in just this one word, “connexions” while presenting their mysterious story of possible solution to the general, mostly American speaking public? The current spelling of the word “connection” was in use back in 1885 and it appears later on in the pamphlet so why use, “connexions” in the very first portion of the pamphlet and why use this deviation only once and in that location of the pamphlet text? Or, was it placed there as a possible clue? Neither Sherman or Ward were French Creole. Odd, to say the least. But never mind, as this is just one minor curiosity when compared to the following string of strange coincidences.
In the Laffite memoirs we read the following, “If God wishes to love the fifth generation to come, he will unveil the intentions and the spirit of the dead. And with my entire help!” During the period in question, most dictionaries that I have examined defined a generation as a period of 30 to 33 years. This country was founded in 1776. Five generations would roughly place the fifth generation between the years 1926 & 1941. John Andrechyne arrived on the scene with his famous diary in 1941, or during this country’s fifth generation. Just a coincidence, right?
Remember the names Ward & Sherman, One man the acting agent of the Beale Papers and the other the man who published that work. In the Laffite memoirs we read this, as Laffite is preparing to leave his Galveston commune in 1821, his words in reference to his secret plans thereafter. “I recommended to Mr. Hall, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Sherman, and those of Bolivar to keep our promise and distribute the gold to the indicated places.” Did he just say, “Mr. Sherman?” Oh well, just another coincidence, right?
And later we find this statement in the memoirs, as Laffite is speaking of some business dealings involving the railroad, “I have offered the present of a large quantity of gunpowder to blow up boulders. Mr. Ward, Mr. Kingsley, and Mr. Peabody seem to me to be very honest, nice men to take care of the railroad.” Did he just say, “Mr. Ward?” Oh well, just another strange coincidence, right?
And talk about strange timetables. If motive and the timing of events could convict a man then Laffite would certainly be most suspect. In his memoirs Laffite writes, “Between the dates of November 1818 and February 1819, my commune had 476,000 dollars put away.” He also tells us, speaking about the added risk to his ships and cargo as his strength begin to fade while at Galveston Island, “My vessels were searched many times; certain vessels were prevented from transporting merchandise, slaves, gold, silver, and cannons and powder when it was discovered that they belonged to me, forcing me to find other methods.” In 1819 to 1821 there were no railroads in the regions, so if not by ship, then by what other means did he have to transport goods from west to east? Just keep this in mind as you continue to read further.
Now enter the Adam’s Onis Treaty, the single document that would forever put an end to Laffite’s privateering days and his commune at Galveston Island. So let’s do a matching chronology of dates and events and see what we get? Also be aware that in his memoirs Laffite tells us that he had advanced knowledge of the Adma’s Onis Treaty even before it was a signed proposal.
The two Beale deposits are said to have been made on November 1819 and December 1821. But of even greater significance are the dates of the Adams Onis Treaty, signed in February 1819 and ratified into law in February 1821. Both of the claimed Beale deposits take place “ten” and “eleven” months following the “signing” and the “ratification” of the “Adams Olin Treaty.” This brings into view the following question; Did Laffite order the two deposits to be made into the secret vault with the coming of these two events? The evidence certainly points to this very possibility. And if so, did he also deposit anything
of historical value for future generations? His entries in his memoirs certainly offer us this possibility as well.
In The Beale Pamphlet Morriss claims that Beale’s two visits at his hotel took place on January 1820 and January 1822. Both of these dates fall only eleven months behind the dates of the signing and the ratification of the Adams Onis Treaty. Checkout the following timetable of events, but probably just another strange coincidence, right?
Treaty signing date: February 1819
(11 months later)
Beale’s first visit: January 1820
Treaty’s Rat. Date: February 1821
(11 months later)
Beale’s second visit: January 1822
Going a step further it’s interesting to note that both deposit dates fall closely in order between the dates in the above table, nine and ten months respectively.
Treaty signing date: February 1819
(9 months later)
First Deposit date: November 1819
(2 months later)
Beale’s first visit: January 1820
(11 months later)
Treaty’s Rat. Date: February 1821
(10 months later)
Second Deposit date: December 1821
(1 month later)
Beale’s second visit: January 1822
Side note: Jean Laffite was forced from Galveston Island on February 25th, 1821, just four days past the treaty’s ratification date and ten months prior to the last Beale deposit date.
All of this, of course, is just a little bit more in an already bazaar series of most unlikely coincidences, right? When one reads the clear text for cipher 2 in the Beale Papers he right away thinks of a cemetery, “…in an excavation or vault, six feet below the surface of the ground….,” and in continuing, “….the vault is roughly lined with stone, and the vessels rest on solid stone, and are covered with others…..” In his memoirs Laffite makes it a point to tell us of Francois Little, an undertaker, who later became known by the name, Francis Little, Laffite’s eventual son-in-law turned furniture maker. Again, just another strange coincidence, right? And if the memoirs are real, then Laffite also spent a great portion of his life in Richmond & Charleston and other cities of the east-coast. More coincidence?
And what about the name, Thomas Jefferson Beale? The Declaration of Independence was the key to cipher 2. Thomas Jefferson is given credit as being the author of that very document, the same document Laffite claims as being, “the most sacred document of them all”. Again, just more coincidence, right? And there is so much more, but for now let me present you with two quotes from Laffite’s memoirs:
“People wondered why I felt an interest in the masses of future generations. The answer: Most of the gold that I possess was dug up and ripped from the earth upon the hardened backs of Mestizo Indians reduced to slavery in Peru and South America and in Mexico during the time when the provinces were under the iron fist of the Spaniards.” And then he goes to write; “My answers: No man can live two days in a row in the same way, for different influences and desires possess and dominate within him. I only understand the great laws of nature by its effects, which I conceive through vegetation planted in the ground that receives appropriate light, heat, and humidity to make it grow and produce its product. I feel happy; no one has found out what I personally possess. I have given presents to help other people, and now I feel more enthusiastic. My thoughts are always busy on the subject of future generations so that they will have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and the love, peace, and tranquility to reign complete mastery to infinity.”
“If God wishes to love the fifth generation to come, he will unveil the intentions and the spirit of the dead. And with my entire help!”
A) How do you unveil the intentions and the spirit of the dead?
B) What was Laffite making reference to when he remarks that, “”I feel happy; no one has found out what I personally posses.”
C) “My thoughts are always busy on the subject of future generations so that they will have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness and the love, peace, and tranquility to reign complete mastery to infinity.”
D) “If God wishes to love the fifth generation to come, he will unveil the intentions and the spirit of the dead. And with my help!” How could he possibly help a society five generations in his passing? John Andrechyne Lafitte produced the Laffite writings in 1941, or during this country’s fifth generation.
E) Both writings contain the names Sherman & Ward. Laffite’s Sherman was entrusted with secret gold shipments to unnamed destinations. The Beale Pamphlet’s Sherman was the publisher of the pamphlet. Laffite’s Ward was involved with railroads. The pamphlet’s Ward was acting agent for the unknown author of the Beale Papers.
F) “Connexions” is French Creole. Laffite was French Creole.
G) The pamphlet’s main character was Thomas Jefferson Beale to which there is no known genealogical evidence to support his actual existence. However, and oddly enough, the key to cipher no 2 was the Declaration of Independence, a document penned by Thomas Jefferson, the same document Laffite calls, “the most sacred document of them all.”
H) The dates of the deposits and even Laffite’s ousting from Galveston Island all coincide with the signing and ratification dates of the Adam’s Onis Treaty, the very document that sealed Laffite’s fate and put the final end to not only his privateering activities, but also his efforts to establish French refugee settlements in the disputed territories.
I) “Between the dates of November 1818 and February 1819, my commune had 476,000 dollars put away.” And, “My vessels were searched many times; certain vessels were prevented from transporting merchandise, slaves, gold, silver, and cannons and powder when it was discovered that they belonged to me, forcing me to find other methods.” Take note of the dates, what happened to this wealth after February 1819? Where could it have gone, and why? The Adam’s Onis Treaty was signed in February, 1819.
As one continues to compare the two writings he will discover other odd circumstances, or are they, “connexions” in some telling way? It is, perhaps, unthinkable to believe that such a mystery could be conceived and carried out without notice and prior discovery. On the other hand, Laffite was a very dedicated man true to his cause and his personal beliefs. How is it that Laffite was able to stay on top for so long, the sending of navel forces obviously felt necessary in order to force him from his stronghold on Galveston Island, and then the permitting of his easy sailing away? According to his memoirs he was deeply connected to many political and influential sources, so just how resourceful and influential was his own presence within that same arena? What was the man’s true purpose and cause in life? If the memoirs are ever proven to be real then eventually those answers may truly surprise us. As for the comparisons of the these two writings, very odd to say the least. And if the memoirs are ever proven to be real, then allow me to add these final quotes:
“There is a little gold near the island of Largo; near other coast of Cuba as well, though I cannot direct anyone toward that place to retrieve the gold, for I do not know the exact spot. I can say is that some of my officers had some silver hidden on Caillou Island. I do not know the exact spot. The officers never returned.”
“Some Spanish silver and gold remains on Pecan Island. I do not know exactly where.”
“The gold hidden in my warehouses near Catouache was retrieved and moved long ago.” To where?
“Seven leagues to the west, two leagues to the north of the Spanish city of Saint Augustines, some of my officers buried a large quantity of gold under my orders. I have no knowledge of the exact spot, for they were taken prisoner and killed by warships, and their papers were destroyed.” Is it still there?
“He intended to obtain Negroes from the barracks of the Isle of the Pines and to find the gold plates and silver bars on the coast of Largo Island.”
It’s all very fascinating, all very intriguing, much of it contains a series of odd coincidences and circumstances, but is any of it, or possibly all of it, true? And if it is? Perhaps one or more of you would like to investigate all the possibilities further.
