Andrew Jackson Howell, Jr. - Money Island
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Andrew Jackson Howell, Jr. >> Money Island
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MONEY ISLAND.
by
ANDREW J. HOWELL, Jr.
Copyright, 1908, by
Andrew J. Howell, Jr.
Commercial Printing Co.,
Wilmington N.C.
CONTENTS:
Page.
Money Island 5
The Conquest of Jamesby 51
[Illustration: The Little Island Among the Marshes]
MONEY ISLAND.
This is the story of the buried treasure on Money Island, which lies in
Greenville Sound, not far from Wilmington, North Carolina. It was told
by Mr. Jonathan Landstone many years ago, and is a part of another story
which follows, and which will explain something further about the
mysterious little island that blinks in the sunlight and tries to hide
its secret. The words are Mr. Landstone's and were written by him, to
make sure that the story would be told correctly when the time came to
publish it.
(Mr. Landstone's MS.)
My grandfather lived in Charleston, S.C. My home is in Philadelphia. In
my boyhood I visited him several times. He was a fine old man, and was
very fond of me. He used to tell me many stories of the good old
colonial days. He said his father was a pirate; but that pirates in
those days were gentlemen. Although they made game of the King's revenue
on the high seas, it was regarded as nothing very wrong; and, although
they played havoc with the Spanish shipping, it was but the assertion of
a time-honored right of Englishmen, who never did love Spaniards. They
were, many of them, ingloriously hanged, it is true, but it was by the
King's officers, and not by the people.
However, not to defend pirates, or indeed to condemn them, I will tell
you what my grandfather narrated about his father, who was Capt. John
Redfield. He was a gallant seaman, who consorted with Charles Vane and
other doughty corsairs of those days of romance upon the seas.
When Captain Kidd forsook the King's commission to run down the pirates
on the American coast, and organized his formidable squadron, Captain
Redfield was chosen as his trusted counsellor, to accompany the
brilliant leader on his adventures. He gave up his own ship, and was
with Captain Kidd on many voyages, being entrusted with many a
commission of importance.
One fine spring morning, while off the Carolina coast, Captain Kidd was
pacing his deck, enjoying the warm splendor of the early sunshine. He
had just returned from a successful voyage among the Spanish colonies of
the south, and was gaily attired after the manner of a Spanish cavalier.
He wore a cocked hat, decked with a yellow band and a black plume, and
a coat of black velvet which reached down to his knees. His trousers
were blue, and were adorned by large golden knee-buckles. He wore
massive silver buckles on his shoes. With his well-proportioned body,
neatly trimmed beard, and steady, alert eyes, he presented as fine a
picture of a man as could have anywhere been found. His manner had the
dignity and repose of a beneficent prince, as he gave his orders for the
day and received the salutations of his men.
The ship had passed the Cape of Fear, and was making in towards the
shore-line, which Captain Kidd was observing with great interest. Some
near-by point was evidently the destination. At length, at his orders,
the sails were lowered and the anchor dropped. "We will lie here
to-day," he remarked, "and have a little rest."
This information met the ready approbation of the men, who soon disposed
themselves in careless groups about the ship. They knew it would be a
day of idleness; because there were no forays to be made upon the land,
for the reason that there wore no human habitations in those parts. To
the buccaneers the locality was well known as furnishing a safe retreat
when retirement from active work was desired.
During the day there were singing, dancing, feasting. It was a day such
as only a gallant corsair could have with his merry crew. The hours sped
swiftly; and at dusk anchors were weighed, and the ship moved a few
miles to the northward.
Captain Kidd, standing at the prow, called Captain Redfield to him.
"Captain," said he, "I wish to entrust you with a most important
service. I am somewhat overstocked. I have not failed to be generous to
the men; but still I do not feel at ease for a journey to New England.
You appreciate the situation. I wish to make a deposit; and, as our
interests along the coast are now beginning to be extensive, I desire to
detail you as a resident of Carolina to keep an oversight for me. You
will live on this coast near the location of to-night's deposit. You
will find the climate agreeable, and other things favorable. I will hand
you for your own use, in case of need, gold to the value of one thousand
pounds. Is it agreeable, Captain?"
"Aye, sir; your wishes are my orders."
"Then, swear by the Holy Virgin that you will faithfully watch over the
stuff; that you will not touch the chests or their contents, nor give
any information or suggestion that might lead any one to their
discovery--in fact, that you will not disclose to any one the object of
your residence in this secluded place."
Captain Redfield doffed his hat, and, raising his right hand, said,
"Captain, I so swear."
"Your hand with the oath, Redfield. You are a trusty fellow, and I have
the fullest confidence in you."
"Thank you, Captain."
"But, hold," Captain Kidd continued in his great benevolent voice, "I
had forgotten the conditions. They are: You are to keep the engagement,
if necessary, for five years. Our calling; as you know, is a little
uncertain. At the end of that period, if I have not returned, you will
be at liberty to take up the smaller chest to be deposited to-night, and
use the contents, subject to such division--not to exceed one-half to
each of us--as I may demand on my return. The same conditions will apply
to the other chest for an additional period of five years. In the
event, however, of any special need, I may send an order for some of the
stuff. But look you for my signet. See!" And he drew from his pocket a
piece of resin upon which he had stamped his signet. "Keep that to prove
the genuineness of my written orders. Is everything satisfactory,
Redfield?"
"Everything is satisfactory, Captain."
Captain Redfield was a man of stalwart build. His height was six feet or
more, and his movements were quick and firm. His face was beardless and
wore an expression of stability and energy.
The two stood for some time upon the prow of the ship, and discussed the
locality of the proposed hiding of the precious booty. Then Captain Kidd
called two men by name, who promptly responded. He said, "I have trusted
you in times past, and I desire to do so again. I believe you will not
betray my confidence. We are going to make another deposit to-night. I
have long had the location in mind. Now, swear by the Holy Virgin that
you will not disturb the stuff yourselves, nor in any way aid or abet
any one else in doing so."
They swore with deep earnestness.
The group continued there awhile, until the moon rose and shed its
silver splendor on the rolling water about them, touching the
white-capped breakers with a soft and magic radiance as they dashed upon
the near-by beach.
Then orders were given for the lowering of the boat.
Captain Kidd proceeded to the lockers of the ship, which opened into his
cabin; and, with the aid of Captain Redfield, drew forth two iron
chests. These he carried to the outer deck, and carefully lowered them
to the boats by means of ropes. From a respectful distance the sailors
who had no hand in this work watched the proceedings with eager
interest.
Firearms, shovels, and axes were then placed in the boat. Four rowers
took their positions; and Captains Kidd and Redfield climbed down the
rope ladder, and sat in the stern. Everything was ready, and word was
given to ply the oars.
Soon the ship became a mystic shape in the dim distance; and, as the
inlet was entered, it was lost entirely to view. By tortuous passages
among the marshes, they drew up at the island--Money Island.
"Island the fourth!" said Captain Kidd jocularly. "Magnificent indeed
will be the buccaneer's castle in Merry England when they all give up
their wealth! Ha, a fine life this; but I suppose as fine a one when
the retired merchant from the South Seas brings his well-earned fortune
to a corner of old England. Not Captain Kidd then, men, but John
So-and-So, a wise and revered merchant. Ha! Do you see the game?"
The sailors sprang upon the land and pulled the boat well in from the
water. The officers stepped lightly ashore, and railed against the
low-lying branches, which whipped their faces. The trees were thick and
low, making passage beneath them arduous and slow. However, the whole
island was small and soon traversed; and, finally, a spot was selected
as being accessible and suitable to the purpose.
Two deep holes about ten feet apart were dug, and the chests brought and
deposited within them. Some of the earth was replaced; and then they
sought two small trees to plant above the chests. This was accomplished
slowly and carefully, so that the growth of the trees would not be
stopped.
At length the task was completed; and the little island bore within its
bosom wealth sufficient to buy an earldom. The silence of the dreary
solitude sealed the secret; and there was no man who might discover it,
other than those who laid the chests in their earthly hiding place. The
moon gave testimony to the hidden treasure, and bore its silent witness
through the many decades that followed.
Upon leaving the island, they rowed to the mainland, which was but a
short distance away; and there Captain Redfield hid in three places in
the ground the money which Captain Kidd had supplied him for his own
needs, and as compensation for his services until his return. The axes
and shovels, also, were secreted in the woods.
It was past midnight when they returned to the ship, which set sail at
break of day towards the north. By sunset they reached Albemarle Sound,
the rendezvous of some companion buccaneers; and there waited for
several days feasting and engaging in jovial pastimes.
Meantime, a small sloop was procured for Captain Redfield; and, having
been supplied with necessary provisions and household comforts, and
manned by four sturdy men who knew naught of the buried treasure, but
engaged for the service on goodly pay, it sailed for the captain's new
home near Money Island.
Upon reaching their destination, the pioneer residents set to work at
once to construct temporary quarters, and were soon provided with a
comfortable house. According to the plans of the Commander-in-Chief, the
men who accompanied Captain Redfield were to understand that they were
to engage in any service that might come to hand. They were to clear the
land and till it, build houses and fences, and do such other work as
might tend to prepare the locality for a more permanent settlement in
case it should be desired to inaugurate such an enterprise.
The sloop gave them communication with the outside world, enabling them
to visit Charleston, where a colony had been lately planted, and the
several settlements to the north. It also afforded Captain Redfield
opportunity to find a wife, whom he brought to Rindout, as he styled his
new home. There the party lived in the quiet enjoyment of a life with
nature, which abundantly supplied, during the frequent periods of
recreation, every facility for hunting, fishing, and other sports.
One year passed, and another reached its seventh month; and the party
had experienced nothing to arouse more than a passing interest. There
had been no visitors to their settlement, not even an Indian.
On one October morning, however, a ship was seen lying off the inlet.
This was a sight which caused a considerable stir among them. Captain
Redfield debated the question within himself whether or not it was the
ship of the Commander-in-Chief, and if it would be wise to go out and
pay her a visit. But he hesitated, not wishing to jeopardize the
commission imposed upon him.
Finally, a boat was seen approaching the shore, bearing a flag at its
prow. In due course this was recognized as the ensign of Captain Kidd;
and everything wag hastily arranged to receive the leader with due honor
and welcome.
As the boat drew near, though, it was discovered that he was not among
the occupants; but on a seat at the stern, and with dignified mien, sat
Max Brisbau, an old shipmate of Captain Redfield's, and a former
companion in the service of Captain Kidd.
Brisbau alighted, and, extending his hand to Captain Redfield with suave
complacency, stated that he had came upon a little service for Captain
Kidd, and would later communicate his object. He showered courtly
attentions upon his host, who exhibited unfeigned pleasure in welcoming
him.
The visiting boat's crew consisted of six men, who enjoyed the
companionship of Captain Redfield's assistants, mingling with them in
their various pursuits. All the graces of hospitality were generously
displayed, and mirth and good cheer possessed the men.
In the afternoon Captain Redfield was entertaining his guest in his
private room. Brisbau said he would now advise him regarding the
commission upon which he was sent; which was, in fact, none other than
the execution of an order from Captain Kidd for the two cheats that he
had secreted in that neighborhood. Captain Redfield was to be awarded a
generous portion, and his arduous service as guardian of the treasure
would terminate. In the name of Captain Kidd, he graciously extended
thanks for the faithfulness which Captain Redfield had shown in the
discharge of his duties, and gave him assurances of the high esteem and
confidence of the gallant leader.
The words were very pleasing; but Captain Redfield hesitated to make
answer. "It may or may not be true," said he after a pause, "that
Captain Kidd has buried possessions in this immediate locality. It is
not to be denied that he has secreted treasure along the coast, but
where? That is the question. I have some knowledge of the hiding place
of some of it, but must have some written order over the signature and
seal of the Captain to warrant me in disclosing it."
Brisbau promptly responded that he had such a communication from Captain
Kidd, and proceeded to draw it from an inner pocket of his coat. He
failed to find it, and with a great show of annoyance and a sudden
recollection, he exclaimed with an oath that he had left it on the
dressing table on his ship.
What was to be done? He would send immediately out to the ship, and have
the paper brought to him. No, that was hardly worth while. He assured
Captain Redfield that he would hand him the paper on their return to the
ship, with Captain Redfield accompanying him.
That, Captain Redfield replied, would hardly be satisfactory. His
obligation was to give information as to the hidden treasure only upon a
well attested written order from Captain Kidd. Brisbau cajoled,
implored, and vehemently asserted the injury to his feelings which the
foolish reluctance of his friend caused him.
By intuition, Captain Redfield became convinced, on account of a certain
weakness in the attitude of Brisbau in defending his request, that there
were deceit and treachery in his conduct. Therefore, he coolly stated
his determination to make no movement in the matter without the
authority about which he had spoken.
At this Brisbau rose in great anger and exclaimed, "I shall have the
money, or your life will be no more than Jack Kettle's, who flaunted his
opposition before Captain Kidd himself!"
Hardly had he spoken when Captain Redfield in the flash of a thought for
self-preservation, sprang upon him. Brisbau, equally as quick, met the
onset and moved as best he could to avoid the grasp that threatened him.
They were quite alone. Redfield was entirely unarmed, but his opponent
wore a sword at his side, with pistol and knife hanging from his belt.
Having made the assault, the only safety for Redfield lay in his gaining
the ascendency over his opponent by sheer physical effort, to enable him
to keep Brisbau from using the weapons at his side. He missed the hold
around both arms which he had planned, but firmly secured Brisbau's
right arm, while his own right hand grasped the other's wrist. These
advantages he succeeded in holding, although he could do nothing towards
disarming Brisbau or binding him more securely as a captive.
They struggled long and furiously. Redfield, whose position required his
utmost exertion, gradually became exhausted; but he had a desperate
determination to win the mastery over Brisbau, who was likewise weary
from the struggle and doggedly angry. He feared a result disastrous to
himself if he gave his opponent an opportunity to use his weapons.
Finally, just at a critical moment, Mrs. Redfield appeared. She started
at the sight which met her eyes; but, seeing the situation at a glance,
she ran back into the room out of which she had come, and quickly
reappeared with a rope. With a woman's ready wit, she had found the
means of bringing victory to her husband. She threw the rope around
Brisbau's shoulders and wound it over his arms until he was powerless
to resist further. He was then easily bound and tied, body and legs, to
a chair, grumbling his angry displeasure at the turn of affairs.
Captain Redfield paused a little while to recover his balance, and sat
down to cogitate the matter of the disposition of his prisoner; and,
also, to watch for the return of his men from an excursion they had gone
upon for the entertainment of their guests. They were slow in coming,
and an annoying suspicion grew upon him. He could not tell what the
attitude of Brisbau's men might be; or if a conflict between them and
his own men were to occur, what consequences might ensue. At any rate,
he wished to avoid such a conflict if it were by any means possible; but
he feared it could not be done. His good wife was greatly concerned, and
urged upon him some amicable settlement with Brisbau, even to the
delivery of part of the treasure; for, after all, she thought, his claim
might be just.
An hour later, one of Captain Redfield's men returned; and, to his great
dismay, informed him that an agreement had been made with the visiting
seamen which would affect their standing with him, but would work him no
harm. He said that, upon the arrival of the other men, the matter would
be discussed with the Captain, and meantime he would take no steps
toward providing a defense for him in a conflict which was not likely to
occur.
This disclosure was startling, and a shock to the spirit which had
upheld Captain Redfield. His first impulse was to attack the man for
what he considered the basest treachery, but he desisted. Parley with
him he could not. He could only await the consequences of the compact
which had been hinted at. But upon one thing he was determined--not to
disclose any knowledge of the secreted treasure without first having in
hand the credentials from Captain Kidd which he had demanded. His honor
had been pledged to such a course, and he would not forsake his trust.
The men came. But they looked with indifference upon the bound prisoner.
There was no display of the strong feelings which had been anticipated.
The situation was obvious. So far as Captain Redfield was concerned, he
felt that he had been forsaken, betrayed. There was no man who stood
with him. In vain he pleaded with his men to stand by him in his defense
against a most dastardly plan to wrong him. He then inquired their
attitude towards Brisbau, and received an evasive answer.
At length he gave up the struggle, and sought to learn the purpose of
the men who had all now gathered before him; those of his own company,
and those who had come with Brisbau. One of them as spokesman, a
new-comer, informed him that he and his friends had accompanied Captain
Brisbau for the purpose of securing some of the buried treasure, which
was known to be in that neighborhood; and they intended to find the
booty before leaving. He also stated that Captain Redfield's men, upon
learning about the hidden treasure, had agreed to become confederates;
and that their master would be treated in every way as a friend, and be
given a full share of the treasure, provided he would properly inform
them and Captain Brisbau, whom they intended to release immediately, as
to its location. If he for any reason should refuse so to favor them, he
and his wife would be treated as prisoners, and dealt with as might seem
best--until, of course, he would consent to aid them in their project.
The response that came was firm and unmistakable. The brave custodian
averred that he would not betray his trust, even in the very face of
death. Nor did days of urging and threatening turn him from his purpose.
Brisbau was released, and given to understand that the men were in
control of affairs; and that his animosity towards Captain Redfield must
cease.
The woods were scoured for the treasure. Days passed, and weeks, and the
search was incessant; but there was no discovery made. Captain Redfield
and his wife, now prisoners in chains, were urged and implored; but he
could not be persuaded to give the information, although the mental
tension he suffered was almost unbearable.
One day on a sudden determination, Brisbau set sail with his men and
companions, together with the prisoners. His purpose was to take a short
cruise and then return; meantime allowing Captain Redfield a further
opportunity to disclose his secret; otherwise--and he repeated his
threat made upon his first day at Rindout.
The ship stopped at Charleston, and, almost immediately upon its
arrival, it was seized under a suspicion of piracy, and a search made
for evidences of the unlawful traffic. The prisoners were released
through some favor of the authorities, but Brisbau and his men were
imprisoned. In the hands of the king's officers their lives were in
great jeopardy, but they finally escaped the scaffold.
As to Captain Redfield and his wife, the unexpected release was a most
welcome boon. For her he had felt the tenderest and most agonized
solicitude. The temptation to acquiesce in the demand of his captors
and thus free her from the trying situation came often to him with a
weight under which he almost broke down. When it was over, the joy of
freedom was as great as the suffering had been while they were
prisoners. He lived thereafter at Charleston, and soon outgrew the
suspicion with which he was at first regarded, of having being connected
with the buccaneers. He determined to settle down to an honest,
industrious life. My grandfather was born soon after.
Captain Redfield was never afterwards known to refer to anything
connected with a pirate in conversation with any one; and I have never
learned whether or not he ever afterwards visited Rindout. I know he was
wealthy; but then he worked hard and saved his earnings, and I do not
believe he increased his store from the hidden chests on Money Island.
The story I have now written he told to my grandfather in his old age,
and, upon relating it, he urged the greatest caution in his use of it.
Twice my grandfather made unsuccessful efforts to find the chests. He
urged that I, his grandchild, should keep the knowledge of the treasure
as a family heritage; but that I might do as I liked about it. After
giving the subject very careful thought, I have now given up the secret
of Money Island, and have not withheld a single detail which was told
me. Of course, nearly a century and a half has elapsed since the
precious booty was hidden. The story, therefore, is old, but I do not
believe it has suffered from age. Captain Kidd was executed in London
not long after the hiding of the treasure, and his associates gave up
their old calling; and probably no one has since disturbed the precious
chests.
* * * * *
Now, as to when I first heard Mr. Landstone's story. It was when I was a
boy in the early forties, and the events connected with its telling have
modified its conclusion, as will presently be seen. I have heretofore
spoken very little of the subject to any one; and when I have done so at
all, it has been to one or two intimate friends as a matter of
particular confidence. In my old age, however, I am going to let my tale
forsake its hiding-place and become public property.
My parents owned a summer home on Greenville Sound not far from Money
Island. To us children it was the very heart of life. The best pleasure
of the year was confined to the four months spent there from the first
of June to the last day of September. We rowed, sailed, fished, swam,
hunted, frolicked, and ran the whole gamut of youthful delights. Those
good days are yet vivid in memory; and it is a matter of regret with me
that my grandchildren--as fine boys and girls as ever lived--cannot have
the same wild, wholesome fun at the Sound as fell to my lot when I was a
boy.