Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1880-11-13
Is TT CAPT. KIDD's SHIP.
A DISCOVERY THAT HAS SET THE LN1IAB-
ITANTs OF PEEKsKILL ALL AGOG. y


Up in the Highlands of the Hudson,
almost ia the shadow of Dunderberg
Mountain and right mlderSt Anthony's
Nose, is tract Of land and stone com
prising about fifteen acres, circular in
shape, called Round Island. 1t is thanked
Nv Iona Island on the north and on the
south by Peekskin Bay, wiach is the
entrance to the historical and pictu-
resque Highlands About thirty-five
years ago this island was bought by
ID. D. Chaplin, a mineralogia Of Phil
lipsburg, Nj, 70, what purpose no
body but himself knew or appeared to
care.
The owner visited the island frequent
ly without any companion, apparently
prospecting or making some secret sur
vey. He kept his own counsel and
finally went away. About this time
there was great excitement occasioned
in New York by the public announce
ment that the spot where Capt. kidd's
vessel was sunk had been discovered in
the Highlands. The spot was located
Mt the point of Dunderberg Mountain.
A company was organized in 1916, q
caisson was sunk there and work was
begun. In the course of months nothing
was found to reward the company for
its labor. Mr. Chapln had discouraged
its officers and the whole thing was pro-
nounced huge swindle.
70 discover the sunken vessel and the
treasure, Mr. Chaplin at last constructed
what he calls q mineral compass. With
the different needles he Claims, that he
can locate gold, silver, copper, steel,
iron and other metals. About two years
ago, after long absence, he went TO
the island, which is about three miles
from Peekskill, and remained there for
several days. He then went away and
nothing more was seen of him until
last Thursday.
On that day q strange schooner bear
ing the name of Mary D. Leach, of
Philadelphia, dropped anchor just OF
the east side of the island. She had q
large crew, was well supplied with all
kinds of machinery, pumps, powerful
boilers and everything that indicated q
well planned expedition Of some sort.
Mr.. Chaplin was seen moving around
the deck; but to inquiries as to the
sehooner's business no satisfaction was
given. Yesterday the business OF the
schooner was made known. 1t was an
nounced in Peekskill that Capt. Kidd's
wrecked vessel had been found A New
York Herald reporter rowed out to the
schooner few hours later and was met
at the gangway by Mr.. Chaplin and
Charles f. Pike, superintendent Of a
submarine company. The vessel belongs
to this company and is operating under
their direction. Mr.. Pike said the
company had make,a contract with MIR.
Chaplin, after careful investigation OF
his plans, to search for Captain Kidds
vessel, which it was believed went on
the rocks at that point.
The object was, of course, to find the
treasure it was supposed to contain
They began their soundings on Friday,
and yesterday were rewarded by strik'
ing what is supposed to be the hull OF
d vessel buried seventeen feet under the
mud and about twenty-five feet under
the surface of the water. Pieces Of tho
huh brought up by the steam sounde'
soon crumbled to powder when exposed
to the air. The surface of the wreck
has been traced twenty-five feet il
width at the time the reporter visited
the spot.
"There is no mistake about it's being
q vessel of some kind" said Mr.. Pike
but whether or not it is Capt. Kidd's ii
n subject for further determinations"
allow soon will you be able to rais'
the wreck"
"That depends upon its size and shape
As soon as we get it cleared off we shall
send o diver down, and he can tell pref
ty nearly what it is. ] suppose, if W.
have good luck we shall know what i
is u week from to dap.N
"How much gold do you think it con
tainse' Mr.. Chaplin was asked.
81 Think was the reply, "that ther
is at least 100000 in gold and NOR
than that in silver.
Peter Cooper owns the west half o
Round Island, having purchased it sopl
years ago from Mr.. Chaplin. The Brook
lyn Bridge Company has bought tn
stone at the south side, and is nov
quarryins it for use on the bridge abou
500 feet from the wreck.