Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1890-01-16
A WONDERFUL SILVER MINE.
And Only an Old and Reticent Indian
Woman Knows Where IT. Is.

The excitement over the discovery of
the supposed maria Roman mine" is
still increasing. The mine is located
about thirty miles from here, near the
bend of the Carmel river. Those who
have come from there say that large
number of claims have been taken up.
Many people are arriving daily.
There seems to be conflict of opinion
among the old residents here in Mon
terey, many refusing to believe that the
old mine had been discovered. Accord
ing to the story of the old Indians, old
"Aunt Maria" as she is called, would
would often return the same day, bring
ing with her large quantity of silver
ore. The mine which has been discov-
cred is about thirty miles from the mis-
sion, in a rough country, and it would
be impossible for any one to make the
trip on foot in less than three days.
Old Aunt Maria" is still living in Car
mel, and is now over IS years of age
When seen by Chronicle correspon-
dent and informed of the discovery
of the mine she became greatly ex-
ClUou, anu IL was SeNeIdl ulluuCeS Dc-
fore she could be induced to speak, as
she seemed to be in a state of fear. On
being informed as to the location of the
mine she seemed to be greatly relieved,
and remarked in Spanish: "They are
fooled" A great many questions were
put to her in regard to the mine, but she
seemed to be in great fear when the
word ''mine" would be mentioned, and
nothing could be learned from her.
With smile she will tell of the good old
mission padres and the vast amount of
lands which they had. Although she is
over IS years of age, she often visits the
old Carmel mission, walking the distance
of eight miles.
From Francisco Rico, an old citizen of
Monterey, the following information is
cleaned: In 1858 old ''Aunt Maria"
brought large amount of silver ore to
the store of David Spence and exchanged
it for calico and provisions. Mr.. Spence
was astonished at the rich ore, and tried
in every manner to induce the old wO-
man to tell him where she found the
rock, but could get no information.
That same year Mr.. Spence sent large
amount of the ore, which he had pur-
chased at different times, to Peru by
Capt. Cooper to have it assayed, and it
was reported that it yielded $4,000 ton.
Mr.. Rico, when he heard the report of
the assay, went to Mrs. P. Amestie, one
of the leading ladies of this, place, and
who was great friend of the Indians,
and tried to get her to find out from old
Maria the location of the mine. She took
her to an old house where she had fur
mace, and also a large quantity of ore,
and showed her how she got the silver
out. She seemed to be willing to give
her all that she had and bring her more
silver, but would not divulge the secret
which the old mission padres had adj
vised her to keep. 1t appears that when
ever the Indians discovered or heard of
anything their first thought was to lay it
before the mission padres, and they would
act under their advice.
According to the statement of old Ma
ria Roman, when she discovered this
mine she at once went to the padres, who
advised her never to revealit not even to
her children. They informed her that on
account of its great richness, if it were
known throughout the world, large num-
bers of white men would flood the coun-
try, kill all the padres, destroy the mis-
sions and kill and drive the Indians from
their lands. She accordingly took an
oath that she would never reveal the loca-
ton, and seems to this day to live infear of
her life lest the mine may be found, and
the prediction of the padres come true.
She has time and again been offered
large amounts of money to reveal the
whereabouts of the mine, and always
gives the same answer: Il promised the
padres never to tell, and [ don't want to
be killed" She will go on and describe the
great excitement which would follow,
and how the Indians would have to run
away to save their lives.
In 1864 Rico, who had never given up
hope of discovering the mine, finally in
duced a son of old Maria, who had often
gone with her to the mine, and who is
the only one besides her who knows its
location, to tell him where it was.
Mr.. Rico took the boy to one of the
stores in Monterey and gave him $50
worth of provisions. He appeared to be
delighted with the gift, and promised to
accompany Rico to the mountains. Mr..
Rico made the necessary preparations,
and in company with several citizens
and the Indian boy started for the mine.
A few miles from the mission the Indian
began to act in queer manner, and com
planned of being sick.
Camp was pitched and new start to
the mine was to be made next morning.
All hands retired early, and in the morn
ing, to the great surprise of all, the In.
dian was missing and the search had tC
be abandoned. The Indian was seen
afterward, and it was the same excuse
that he was afraid to tell on account OF
what the padres told him.
That the mine exists there is no doubt
but it is safe to state that old Maria Ro
man will take the secret to her grave
This agitation will put new life in the
matter, and no doubt strong efforts will
be made to get old Aunt Maria to divulge
the secret. Some years ago MIR. Mar.
tin, living at Carmel, found a large piece
of the rock at the old mission, where the
blacksmith shop stood, weighing about
seven pounds. The rock is very rich
and is still in his possession. Mr.. Mar