The Madrugada Estrella Mapa Oro and the Horse and Saddle map aren't connected, About two miles apart from each other. According to one unnamed source, the James gang acquired the map from the Mexicans they killed near Chihuahua, when they acquired the eighteen jackloads. From the same source who wished to remain anonymous, one of the members made a copy on a rock. The place I have found matches the details on the M.E. map, and about two miles downstream the place matches the details on the H. & S. map, with the capital letters JJ above a plugged cave. 42 paces west is another plugged cave and two more paces west is yet another. So what is supposed to be here at 42 paces west is according to one map is $38,000 in gold, plus an unnamed amount of greenbacks, and
jewelry. 44 paces west is, according to the other published map, $23,000, $18,000 of it is gold, and $5,000 is greenbacks, with "jewels" here at this location as well. Whether I am correct or not, something is definitely marked, and some great effort was made for concealment. The combined total for the two particular maps is $219,000 in gold coin, $5,000 in paper currency, an unnamed amount of paper currency, jewelry, jewels, and eleven handbags. With "my version" of the Horse and Saddle cave being plugged, and the anonymous source stating that there may have been as many as five maps that overlay each other, who can say what I have come across. Perhaps it is in Commanche county like everyone keeps telling me. However, it is quite obvious to me that after my current search and excavation for a poorly documented cache of Spanish tools and possibly a cannon comes to either a conclusion or a standstill, then this marked area will be next in my sights for an attempt at recovery of whatever may be there. Then, success or failure, upstream about two miles to attempt recovery of whatever may be hidden amongst the markers that match the M.E. map. At least for now these are my plans and intentions, which will fill a vast amount of time.
-bill-