Here's the thing, tho... is it "buried a MILLION-DOLLAR PAYROLL in gold and paper currency" OR... "never was found, the $200,000 in gold or the paper money"; TWO treasures? Was it CSA payroll for CSA "natives" in the "Glades"... was it stolen YANK "payroll"? (Which I heard).
Only the one,but there are a least 6 versions/variations to this legend that made the rounds in treasure mags of the 1960's.
Capt Riley being chased by Union,Confederate paymaster being chased by Union,money was for soldiers pay,money was to buy arms from England,$240,000 in gold and currency,1/2 ton of gold bars,buried during batlle with Union,all escaped,all killed,and so on.
As you are aware,JPB was also head of the Confederate Signal and Secret Service,an umbrella org that included the signal core,torpedo bureau,submarine battery service,foreign agents for securing loans,trade and arms,and spies (Lola Sanchez was CSA Florida's main spy).
JPB set up all the blockade running routes and activities,and shipments of species and currency .I doubt that he would send a blockade runner or paymaster through the Everglades,when the nearest CSA Fort Meade was many miles north of the Everglades.Remember,it was the Lesley's of Fort Meade that aided JPB in his escape from Florida and the Union.