The Letter From Beale
St. Louis, Mo., May 9th, 1822.
Robt. Morris, Esq.:
My Esteemed Friend: - Ever since leaving my comfortable quarters
at your house I have been journeying to this place, and only
succeeded in reaching it yesterday. I have had altogether a
pleasant time, the weather being fine and the atmosphere bracing.
I shall remain here a week or ten days longer, then
"ho" for the plains, to hunt the buffalo and encounter
the savage grizzlies. How long I may be absent I cannot now
determine, certainly no less than two years, perhaps longer.
With regard to the box left in your charge, I have a few words to
say, and, if you will permit me, give you some instructions
concerning it. It contains papers vitally affecting the fortunes
of myself and many others engaged in business with me, and in the
event of my death, its loss might be irreparable. You will,
therefore, see the necessity of guarding it with vigilance and
care to prevent so great a catastrophe. It also contains some
letters addressed to yourself, and which will be necessary to
enlighten you concerning the business in which we are engaged.
Should none of us ever return you will please preserve carefully
the box for the period of ten years from the date of this letter,
and if I, or no one with authority from me during that time
demands its restoration, you will open it, which can be done by
removing the lock. You will find, in addition to the papers
addressed to you, other papers which will be unintelligible
without the aid of a key to assist you. Such a key I have left in
the hands of a friend in this place, sealed, addressed to
yourself, and endorsed not to be delivered until June, 1832. By
means of this you will understand fully all you will be required
to do.
I know you will cheerfully comply with my request, thus adding to
the many obligations under which you have already placed me. In
the meantime, should death or sickness happen to you, to which
all are liable, please select from among your friends some one
worthy, and to him hand this letter, and to him delegate your
authority. I have been thus particular in my instructions, in
consequence of the somewhat perilous enterprise in which we are
engaged, but trust we shall meet long ere the time expires, and
so save you this trouble. Be the result what it may, however, the
game is worth the candle, and we will play it to the end. With
kindest wishes for your most excellent wife, compliments to the
ladies, a good word to enquiring friends, if there be any, and
assurances of my highest esteem for yourself, I remain as ever,
Your sincere friend, T.J.B.
Letter Sent by
Beale
Letters in the Box
Declaration of
Independence
Page II Decoded and
the code
Page I Locality of
The Vault Code
Page III Names and
Residences Code
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