LDWhitney,
Maybe my instructions were not clear, I apologize. There is a 5 mile clue. The common one I see is from an Adolph Ruth story, mentions the 5 mi. circle with the needle at its 'center'. I grew up remembering the clue as 5 mi of/from Weavers needle. If you look at his other 2 'location' clues, Peters is a South to North flowing canyon, and they used
a compass, due 'Magnetic' South is the Needle. A little more 'clarity' to its location and the Needle. This is the only location clue of his that could be in 2 places, Boulder/Needle at 2 1/2 mi and Peters at 5 mi. I found the Mexican Sombrero mine, and much evidence of the mining activity. There is no 'other' place out here that could have this many 'detailed' clues. 2 1/2 or 5 is the only question mark-check 'em both and you are correct-why did none of
the old timers check 5 miles?
Guys,
The clue concerning the “imaginary 5 mile circle”, comes from the January 1895 San Francisco Chronicle article, by P.C. Bicknell.
If you read the article, the 5 mile circle comes up in the introductory part of the article. I used to think that the “5 mile circle” info, came from Waltz.
Not until rereading the article recently …. Many times 🤓, did I come to the conclusion that maybe that’s not correct.
Just my opinion, but it actually sounds like just part of Bicknell’s lead in, to the story as relayed to him, by “the woman”.
The accounts as relayed by “the woman”, don’t start until later in the article.
My guess, is that Bicknell had already interviewed many about the LDM, and Bicknell’s personal assessment, is that it lies in that 5 mile circle (not 10). 🥴
The reason for the area (in my opinion) is because of the monumented trail, and the general consensus of where (what area) those directions lead. There was no Holmes Manuscript, at that time and would not be for several decades to come. Pretty much, any information would have come from Julia (imho, the woman from Bick’s article), and Rhiney.
The monumented trail, according to that same article, was used by Waltz and Weiser to locate the mine. Then shortly after, they threw down all the monuments. So the directions are for a trail that was but is … no longer marked with monuments.
The 5 mile circle, is a conclusion ….. question is whose conclusion, Waltz’ or Bicknell’s?
If I were you guys, I might try and see if those directions even can get you anywhere close to where you are talking 😁
Ignore (temporarily) the 5 mile circle, and see where you get ….
Then it is up to you to decide where to go when it comes time for boots on the ground to verify your research, or rule it out.
I have not seen the math behind anyone’s work, that adds up to Peters Mesa, and Canyon areas.
If you are able to come up with the math, I would love to see it 👍🤓
Sincerely,
Idahodutch