The present plan

[Old Silver]

In his letter sent from St. Louis, Beale was careful to not mention treasure, or names, even his own. Why is this? Even in the letter left to Morriss in the iron box, Beale said "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." So, even in this letter, though he did tell of the treasure, Beale was careful to not give names, even his own, as he signed it T.J.B., as in the other letters. The reason he gave, underlined above, was a pretty good reason, I think. If anyone would have shown up to claim the iron box from Morriss, what would the imposter say that would convince Morriss to hand it over? Who would he say sent him? If he couldn't tell Morriss the name of the guy he was representing, then he just might leave empty handed. The way an imposter could have known about Morriss would have been to intercept one of the letters, and as I said, Beale was careful to not mention treasure in the letter from St. Louis, which was sent by mail. And even in the letter handed to Morriss in the iron box, Beale was thinking of the possibility of someone reading that one, too. He didn't sign his name on the letters, just initialed them. Remember, Beale was a member of the party too, so, as he said the 'present plan' was to keep the names secret from anyone who might impersonate 'some member of the party.' That would include Beale.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Diving for Pleasure and Treasure - Grab it through Amazon!

[TN_Guest1523]

In his letter sent from St. Louis, Beale was careful to not mention treasure, or names, even his own. Why is this? Even in the letter left to Morriss in the iron box, Beale said "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." So, even in this letter, though he did tell of the treasure, Beale was careful to not give names, even his own, as he signed it T.J.B., as in the other letters. The reason he gave, underlined above, was a pretty good reason, I think. If anyone would have shown up to claim the iron box from Morriss, what would the imposter say that would convince Morriss to hand it over? Who would he say sent him? If he couldn't tell Morriss the name of the guy he was representing, then he just might leave empty handed. The way an imposter could have known about Morriss would have been to intercept one of the letters, and as I said, Beale was careful to not mention treasure in the letter from St. Louis, which was sent by mail. And even in the letter handed to Morriss in the iron box, Beale was thinking of the possibility of someone reading that one, too. He didn't sign his name on the letters, just initialed them. Remember, Beale was a member of the party too, so, as he said the 'present plan' was to keep the names secret from anyone who might impersonate 'some member of the party.' That would include Beale.

Seems if he used his full name someone may have reconciled with it in the area 50 miles were he was from .

 

[Old Silver]

Seems if he used his full name someone may have reconciled with it in the area 50 miles were he was from .

He seems to have used the name while he was in Lynchburg, but not in any of the letters. And I think he gave a good reason why.

 

[TN_Guest1523]

He seems to have used the name while he was in Lynchburg, but not in any of the letters. And I think he gave a good reason why.

He was only there in Lynchburg for about a few weeks at a time in winter . Normal people would work all they could in good weather and it seems he spent the worst of the cold in Lynchburg . 5-10 thousand people living in Lynchburg at the time, it would be possible that only a hand full of people knew he was there .

 

[TN_Guest1523]

If in fact the letters did have only the TJB on them, more than likely he was known and was seeking to hide his name from the people of the area if the letters became public .

 

[Old Silver]

If in fact the letters did have only the TJB on them, more than likely he was known and was seeking to hide his name from the people of the area if the letters became public .

Maybe, but the papers say Beale became a favored and popular guest, and that his character became known to all. But we don't know how many people that was, so...

 

[TN_Guest1523]

Maybe, but the papers say Beale became a favored and popular guest, and that his character became known to all. But we don't know how many people that was, so...

I would say, all the people staying at the hotel ( House ) he was in and possibly a place close enough to the hotel . But there was not a lot of people from his home town of Fincastle 50 miles away there for winter time, possibly if it was summer time there may be more people going to Lynchburg at the time from his home town . And I am looking at Captain Thomas Beale as my #1 Beale for this person . He possibly could have been noticed at Bufords Tavern, but we don't have that side of history from Bufords, just Mr Morriss's statement .

 

[TN_Guest1523]

Maybe, but the papers say Beale became a favored and popular guest, and that his character became known to all. But we don't know how many people that was, so...

We have a lot of hotels here, but I do not go to them unless I was going to stay there . And this Washington Hotel was a top dollar place from what I know about it .

 

[Old Silver]

I would say, all the people staying at the hotel ( House ) he was in and possibly a place close enough to the hotel . But there was not a lot of people from his home town of Fincastle 50 miles away there for winter time, possibly if it was summer time there may be more people going to Lynchburg at the time from his home town . And I am looking at Captain Thomas Beale as my #1 Beale for this person . He possibly could have been noticed at Bufords Tavern, but we don't have that side of history from Bufords, just Mr Morriss's statement .

Ya never know.

 

[TN_Guest1523]

In his letter sent from St. Louis, Beale was careful to not mention treasure, or names, even his own. Why is this? Even in the letter left to Morriss in the iron box, Beale said "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." So, even in this letter, though he did tell of the treasure, Beale was careful to not give names, even his own, as he signed it T.J.B., as in the other letters. The reason he gave, underlined above, was a pretty good reason, I think. If anyone would have shown up to claim the iron box from Morriss, what would the imposter say that would convince Morriss to hand it over? Who would he say sent him? If he couldn't tell Morriss the name of the guy he was representing, then he just might leave empty handed. The way an imposter could have known about Morriss would have been to intercept one of the letters, and as I said, Beale was careful to not mention treasure in the letter from St. Louis, which was sent by mail. And even in the letter handed to Morriss in the iron box, Beale was thinking of the possibility of someone reading that one, too. He didn't sign his name on the letters, just initialed them. Remember, Beale was a member of the party too, so, as he said the 'present plan' was to keep the names secret from anyone who might impersonate 'some member of the party.' That would include Beale.

In the locked box !
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 the 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 or 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 that 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 of May, to be absent two years, our 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 selected 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 we 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 the left Santa Fe they pursued a northerly course for some days, being successful in finding an abundance of game, which they secured, and were on the eve of returning when they discovered on their left an 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 Fe, 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 efforts 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 favorable 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 Fe, 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 endanger our lives; and to conceal it here would avail nothing, as we 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 Fe 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 is 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 etc. we visited the cave, and found it unfit for our purpose. It was too frequently visited by the 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 a 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 reported.

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 forcibly.

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, etc. 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 thirty-one equal parts; one of these parts you are to retain as your own, freely given to 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 beg 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

 

[TN_Guest1523]

In the locked box !
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 the 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 or 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 that 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 of May, to be absent two years, our 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 selected 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 we 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 the left Santa Fe they pursued a northerly course for some days, being successful in finding an abundance of game, which they secured, and were on the eve of returning when they discovered on their left an 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 Fe, 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 efforts 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 favorable 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 Fe, 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 endanger our lives; and to conceal it here would avail nothing, as we 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 Fe 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 is 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 etc. we visited the cave, and found it unfit for our purpose. It was too frequently visited by the 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 a 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 reported.

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 forcibly.

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, etc. 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 thirty-one equal parts; one of these parts you are to retain as your own, freely given to 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 beg 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

req·ui·site (rĕk′wĭ-zĭt)
adj.
Required; essential
n.
Something that is indispensable; a requirement

 

[Old Silver]

According to the story, they required 30 men, and that's what they ended up with. And Beale told Morris that he (Morris) would receive an equal share. Morris was the 31st man.

"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 thirty-one equal parts; one of these parts you are to retain as your own, freely given to 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."

 

[TN_Guest1523]

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.

500 miles from Colorado is Oklahoma, Indian Country . So they went back to the mine and continued to mine .

 

[TN_Guest1523]

According to the story, they required 30 men, and that's what they ended up with. And Beale told Morris that he (Morris) would receive an equal share. Morris was the 31st man.

"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 thirty-one equal parts; one of these parts you are to retain as your own, freely given to 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."

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.

I do believe it possible that they did not have the full 30 to begin with, but in St Louis they did add to there numbers . ( procure a guide and two or three servants, and obtain such information and advice as might be beneficial hereafter. )

 

[franklin]

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.

I do believe it possible that they did not have the full 30 to begin with, but in St Louis they did add to there numbers . ( procure a guide and two or three servants, and obtain such information and advice as might be beneficial hereafter. )

You are contradicting your post of what Thomas J. Beale said? TJB said in a few weeks the requiste number was met. And then you Jean Laf turn in and said you believe TJB did not get the full 30 members until he got to St. Louis, MO.? Guides and cooks do not qualify as members of the party. They are hired to help the members. Good Lord man, you see things the way you want and you can not look at the truth when it is starring you right in the face.

 

[TN_Guest1523]

You are contradicting your post of what Thomas J. Beale said? TJB said in a few weeks the requiste number was met. And then you Jean Laf turn in and said you believe TJB did not get the full 30 members until he got to St. Louis, MO.? Guides and cooks do not qualify as members of the party. They are hired to help the members. Good Lord man, you see things the way you want and you can not look at the truth when it is starring you right in the face.

Some people do determine to get something, I was only looking at the possibility of the requisite number being a minimum in order to go on with the trip .

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.

(requisite) 1800's
Contract containing terms or a stipulation that it is to be performed, and in case of failure, the penalty of the bond is to be incurred. [.] 8. Terms given, or provided, as the ground of something else; that which is established, or to be done, or to happen, as requisite

 

[Old Silver]

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.

500 miles from Colorado is Oklahoma, Indian Country . So they went back to the mine and continued to mine .

Yes, 11 men, including Beale, went to VA, and the rest went back and worked the mines.

 

[TN_Guest1523]

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.

Something I am missing here, have need to break this down more .

1. The whole party fist 500 miles ,
2. when all but ten would return,
3. these latter to remain with me to the end of the journey.

The Date of this letter is 1822

 

[TN_Guest1523]

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.

Something I am missing here, have need to break this down more .

1. The whole party fist 500 miles ,
2. when all but ten would return,
3. these latter to remain with me to the end of the journey.

The Date of this letter is 1822

( Before leaving my companions on the plains it was suggested that, ) So we have the rest on the plains 500 miles from the mine at a safe place enough that they the 20 returned to the mine to work . 10 go with Beale to Buford's for one month .

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, ( Mr Morriss ) made your acquaintance, was satisfied that you would suit us, and so reported.

 

[TN_Guest1523]

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.

Something I am missing here, have need to break this down more .

1. The whole party fist 500 miles ,
2. when all but ten would return,
3. these latter to remain with me to the end of the journey.

The Date of this letter is 1822

250-300 mile North of Santa Fe New Mexico and 500 miles west from a safe point on the plains, safe enough for 11 men with a lot of gold not to have problems !

Were on the Planes would that be so we may triangulate a 50 mile square area were the mine would be ?