Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Let me introduce you to a Bagdad much closer to most than that in the sands of the Middle East. On the Gulf Coast, just across the Rio Grande River from Brownsville TX is the modern beach resort called Bagdad. It is now a thriving and popular vacation resort built up with condominiums and hotels much like South Padre Island on the U.S. side.

What does this have to do with lost gold coins? Well, lets look back to the 1860’s and the Civil War. Almost immediately, the U.S. Navy blockaded all the ports from which the Confederacy could obtain supplies. Since the South was primarily an agrarian economy, they had depended upon the North and Europe for almost all manufactured items, thus when the war broke out, the Union saw it necessary to cut these supply lines as quickly as possible.

However, Mexico was not a participant, and soon there were long wagon trains of bales of cotton wending their way from not only Texas, but other southern states. These, upon delivery to Bagdad and a fleet of ships from England, France, and other countries waited to purchase and ship the cotton to Europe. And inbound were critical war supplies.

Now, for a war-time lesson in economics. The Confederacy’s currency was worthless, the United States dollar was severely depreciated, the Mexican Peso was suspect and not nearly adequate in quantity, European currencies were not acceptable. So, the only suitable currency was gold coins! Bales of cotton for gold!

Here is where Bagdad became a boom town overnight. The population grew to perhaps 30 to 40,000 almost immediately. Gamblers, saloon keepers, prostitutes and others seeking a quick fortune quickly gathered in this “free-for-all, anything goes” town. The Mexican government was too week and unable to administer any form of government. Mexican bandit gangs fought for the same rights, but mostly it was wide open.

It was reported that there were at times several hundred sailing ships of foreign flags anchored just off the beach at Bagdad, waiting to unload critical items and load cotton for their return to Europe. The transactions were gold on the barrel head. It was reported that a Whitworth rifle with an early version of a telescopic sight went for from $500 to $1,000. It was the most accurate, most sought after sniper rifle used by both sides in this war.

Given there were no banks, no security, where did folks keep their earnings? Gold coins in any quantity begin to be a burden to carry around on one’s person all the time. There were shootings and killings every night. Short of having a 24-hour guard with Colt pistols and a lock box, it was a serious problem.

I have guessed that some of these fortune seekers had, in the wee hours of the night, gone out and buried some of those coins in the surrounding sand dunes. They planned on recovering their treasure upon leaving town. However, with the lawlessness and murder rate, it was possible some of these were never recovered!

With a Walter Mitty mind set, I wondered if anyone with a metal detector could do a search in some fashion around the sand dunes and rediscover some of this lost treasure? However, when I Googled Bagdad, to my amazement it was as developed and the South Padre Island in Texas! It would be very difficult, if not impossible to do any systematic search now, especially for a foreigner, but just a thought.

When I had first visited this beach in the 1960’s that wasn’t the case. There were a few folks enjoying the surf, a cow eating a leftover watermelon, but otherwise a different world. I guess I was a day late and a dollar short, again! Just Sayin…RJS
 

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Some feedback, please. I am a big boy and can handle negative comments. Just Sayin...RJS

Iowa Farmer Loc: Iowa City Iowa

Good story. I will usually open and enjoy your posts!

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Iowa Farmer: Thanks for your kindness. I've posted about 3 a day since we've been in quarantine. I figured it will keep me with something to do, and if anyone reads my stories and are amused, it has been worth the effort. Seems they have a life of 3 to 4 days, then go dormant. Just Sayin...RJS

Jeff Menard Loc: Toledo Bend

I enjoy your stories. Some are a skosh on the long side but, still enjoyable reads. I wish I had your memory! Some days, I walk into a room and forget why. Now, what was I saying.......🤪

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

Don't quit writing RJ. Your stories are fun and entertaining and informative. My thanks. You have led a colorful life.

Fish Dancer Loc: Guntersville, Alabama

RJS I always enjoy your stories even if I don’t comment on them all the time, just know they are appreciated. Thanks and happy Easter 🐇🐣🐰

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Thanks Mucho! Yes, some stories take longer to set up, sorry. I seem to have the same habit as a dog does when they start to lie down, they circle and circle. I never seem able to dive straight to the heart, but have to dance around it for a bit. Just Sayin...RJS

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

jOSH: I know what you mean. When i drop something, i always look around carefully because I've probably dropped other things and have just forgotten to pick them up. Just Sayin...RJS

coryb Loc: michigan

enjoyable and interesting stories, thanks RJ

Big TC Loc: Raytown, MO.

RJS you keep dancing. That's what makes the stories come to life. Nosiree, you keep telling those stories just the way they are and I'll get to read and enjoy them tremendously. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Even though we are not related., I still see you as grandfather. I never meet mine, they both passed away before I was born. Again Thanks.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

TCroft: well Hoss: that’s the same reason I got into telling stories! I only had one grandparent o got to know and felt I’d been cheated!

So, you too need to write down stories of your ancestors and your own experiences for your grandkids! Just sayin... RJS

Big TC Loc: Raytown, MO.

I am, I write in my journal daily. Tell what happened that day along with the meds I took and what times. Use to write down my blood pressure, heartbeat, and oxygen levels in my blood. But both monitors broke. Going to get more journals and write the stories that happened as I was growing up. Those will be the most interesting. I got this idea while I was researching my ancestors on Ancestry. So far I'm back to the 1500's in Germany, on my dad's side.