This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Va. Beach, Va., this 7th day of July, 1932, in accordance with request made by Mr. [370], new Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc., recommended by Mr. [3940].

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Mildred Davis and Hugh Lynn Cayce.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the territory extending some twenty-five miles in either direction from the Post Office at Blountsville, in Blount County, Alabama, or the valley in which Blountsville and Cleveland lay. You will also have the enquiring mind of [370], who is in the office of City Clerk, ..., Alabama, and his interest in this land with Frank P. Turner and H. J. Moses. You will advise whether or not this territory may be expected to produce oil or gas, or both, in paying quantities, and answer the questions as I ask them about specific locations.
2. EC: Yes, we have the territory in Alabama in which Blounteville and Cleveland are located. Much of this we have had before.
3. As we find, this territory - in MANY specific locations - may be expected to produce oil and gas in paying quantities. As is seen and indicated, MANY do reject this character of formation by the close proximity of the iron ores in the adjoining territories - and the faults that come in the distant territory to the far north of this, in the edge of the State of Alabama, below the Tennessee River - and the CHARACTER of the minerals that are shown in THIS territory; yet - when there is considered that there is also that formation that is BROKEN BY this fault in the northern portion of the State, to the north and west of this PARTICULAR territory, with the underlying area to the north and east being of the coal producing with an overlap of lime - this PRESSURE HAS brought both oil AND gas into those traps that are indicated on either side of this particular valley in which Blounteville and Cleveland are located. These traps, or folds in which this may be found, are on the west side, more particularly, of this valley. While there will be found that gas may be found of heavier nature on some of the east side - that is, the west fold - but the east side, see, of the ridge - on the west side of the valley - this will not be as great an oil producing as the west side of the east ridge.
4. In the specific locations, as we find, there is - some eight to nine miles to the north and east of Blountsville - a school building that tends to be on this particular fold which offers the greater opportunity for production at the least depth; which, as we find, would run from nine eleven to eighteen seventy-five (911 to 1875) in depth, and those in the higher - to be sure - producing more gas than oil. Those in the greater depth near the school, or within the area of one to one and three-quarter miles of same; the area, or the fold, running northeast southwest along the west side of the eastern ridge. These in the greater depth producing, then, from three to three seventy-five (300 to 375) million cubit feet of gas, and with sixty to seventy-five (60 to 75) barrels of twenty-eight (28) specific gravity oil per day. This, of course, rather of the flush production, settling - in later developments - to twenty to twenty-five (20 to 25) per day; reducing in the gas pressure, yet sufficient of this to be of great commercial value in the ADJOINING commercial activities of the State.
5. In following these, we would find that these would produce something as of this nature:
6. In the upper portion will be found a shale or gravel to a depth of sixty to eighty (60 to 80) feet, with a thin strata of heavy lime that would carry some formations that would tend to make the appearance of stylolite - or iron, in a form (this only a thin layer); going then to a blacker lime shot with formations with the appearance of a white substance that has the texture very much as the milky-gray formation from which asbestos might be expected; changing - in a little lower depth - to a grayer lime, with some water strata that would be easily cut off in the eighty to two eighty (80 to 280) depth; then a heavier black lime through the greater portion of the whole area, and making for the cap - or the real heavy - in the eighteen seventy to seventy-five (1870 to 1875) depth.
7. Ready for questions.
8. (Q) Please give the best definite location from the school?
   (A) On the area that is within the three-quarter to one and three-quarter miles along this ridge.
9. (Q) What is this school known as?
   (A) Find something for yourself! It's only the distance as given here!
10. (Q) Is there enough gas to force oil above the surface?
    (A) The amount of pressure as given would indicate it would be - This would be something to be reckoned with!
    We would give, follow these out here FIRST. Then if more specific from that given is needed, seek.
11. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Mr. [370]
    Copy to File
    [On waking EC told dream he had during the rdg. - see 370-1, Par. R1.]

BACKGROUND

1. 5/27/32 to Esther Wynne: "I have been interested in the work of Edgar Cayce since I knew him in Selma, Ala. In fact, since I saw, or realized the evidence of the phenomena through him in 1914 [See 370-4, Par. B1], I have sought by all means I have found available and DEPENDABLE, to grow in the knowledge of the spiritual and psychic world... I will begin preparation for organizing a study group."
2. 6/29/32 He submitted questions in re Ala. lands.

REPORTS

1. 7/07/32 EC's dream during 370-1: "I had a dream about an enormous cow that furnished milk by the thousands of gallons. Didn't have anything to feed her. Then began to sell milk to buy her feed. A man came by and said he would send a mountain of hay for the cow."
2. 7/14/32 "The information in the rdg. bears out my original desires. Mr. Turner and I had been encouraged to take interest in two other counties... As soon as I can provide Mr. Moses some 2-3 hundred dollars he will begin to take up the leases... I shall write you later and keep you advised on our progress." [He promised 10% of profit to A.R.E.]
3. 6/20/30 He requested 370-2 in re Tenn.-Ky. lands: "We expect this to be done rapidly so we may return to Ala. with sufficient cash to develop land we are interested in, in this State."
4. 7/08/33 See 370-2.
5. 11/02/39 "I find that people from other States are here taking up leases for oil in the western part of Ala. and are preparing to begin drilling. A friend of mine wants to acquire interest in territory about Blountsville, Blount County, about which I one time wrote you. If it turns out profitable to me I shall not forget you, and if I ever appear to forget you in more prosperous conditions, don't let me do it. I am convinced there is a great deal of good you and I could do with money. And when we get it we will begin to do the work it can be made to do. I thought in '31 & '32 I was about to arrive financially, but the vision passed, as it did many others. Now I am glad it did. I don't believe I was prepared to take it at that time, and, too, I may not have been here now to tell it. I am thinking of my physical condition revealed in rdg. in '36 [370-4] when I was about finished."
6. 7/30/40 Letter from Mr. [370] to EC:
   Mr. Edgar Cayce, Virginia Beach, Va.
   Dear Mr. Cayce;-
   "I have been wanting to write you a personal letter, during some stress of the experience I have been having in recent weeks, and am attempting to do so now or attempting to if I can gather words in logical sequence to reflect some observations I have made these past weeks.
   "My health has been a constant thing for my attention and the experiences I have had tend to be excitable and I can't take excitement as I once did. I sometimes have difficulty to relax and sleep. If you were to review the readings given me, you would know that I am a rather difficult case mentally & physically. But as said in one reading nothing is impossible to God, I have realized the truth of this in my own case and too with this also I have realized what a great help you have been and are in your service to me & humanity.
   "The excitable weeks referred to were instigated by the process of letting a contract to drill three oil & gas wells in Blount Co., Ala in a 1 1/2 mile area of the School House in Brooksville which location was given in a reading to me in July 1932. This agreement was entered into with Graner Hortt and R. A. Hodges of Dallas, Texas, who returned to Dallas last weekend to arrange for drilling machines which they say will be on the field in six weeks. In this agreement I am retaining 2,500 acres of the 10,000 acres acquired, they getting the larger portion of the land as well as most of the 1 1/2 mile area.
   "When there was an impetus of oil men leasing land in Ala. early in the year (with two associated) I blocked this particular area for the purpose guiding the development of the territory immediately and not to hold for a long period of time. So one of the problems was to find such a developer and in due time they came unsolicited. From the very first day they saw the area they were very much interested. Some time was consumed in coming to to a definite legal contract and it was this experience and the several conferences that tended to create excitement. But the closer the week came for final agreement the clearer I could think and the more I could meditate and fix my purpose with my original purposes as well as philosophies. I learned a lot of lessons where materialism or money is involved with higher ideals and purposes.
   "In this deal that gives promise to make millionaires, - the reflection came to me of the meaning of the parable of the rich man (Dives). How a man can be diposessed sessed of all the finer elements of life by a rigid adherence to a rule of money making. I saw in the controlling of myself the other men could be brought to a better view point a little less selfish - better for themselves and for me.
   "In the intensity of this experience I saw clearer the principal or law of the Christ Spirit of sacrifice exemplified, not during the arguments but afterwards, - that it is based on our original purpose - we can go through a testing period and afterwards receives the commendation we have proven worth of. With all this I want to grow healthier so I may receive. "I can understand the experience of Job - He knew "his redeemer liveth - that he was righteous to begin with - and after all the argument, and that he had heard the Lord with the hearing of the "ears" - he "saw" him as he was, and was blessed.
   "Perhaps man can't philosophize on an oil contract but I do and shall continue.
   "The reading given me stated that there was such heavy gas pressure that it would have to be "reckoned with." I am going to try keep these men friendly to me and as they locate and go down with their drilling, if they will listen to me I will ask you to help guide them, to prevent disaster or inquiry to those doing the work. I am told that 300,000,000 cu. ft. of gas has never been tapped in this country. Mr. Hortt plans to bleed it in several holes on outer edge. This seems logical. But I would like to know more definite. I want success for this thing for myself and associates, you and farmers to all good purposes.
   "We get $400.00 in cash when they spud in. But I will be writing you before then.
   "I shall continue to remember your attitude and admonition when I asked for the original information." [370]
7. 3/03/41 "I am now in the midst of an effort of convince Hortt & Hodges that they must not expect production as shallow as 500 ft. They seem to be taking this phase of it logically and attentively. My big effort that has caused me much thought is to convince them of the amt. of gas pressure indicated in the rdg."
8. 3/07/41 EC's reply: "Very glad to have yours of the 3rd. Had a very funny [peculiar?] dream of you last evening [3/06/41]. Dreamed our friend Schlosser [Slosser?] came to see me here at the Beach, asked about you, and I told him where you were, that I had just heard from you. He said, 'Well, I want you to go with me to see him - I think he is about to make a very bad mistake.' I asked him what sort of mistake. 'Well, I don't know just what it is, but something about some money he has charge of - he thinks it is his but it isn't.' We went to see you, found you looking very well, but you said you had a bad heart trouble or something of the kind. You were living on a very large estate, one of the most beautiful places I ever saw - very large lawn, appeared to be a 20 or more room house, beautiful shade trees about the place. You said you had just moved there. You came out to meet us but for some reason wouldn't invite us in, or didn't. I asked you if you remembered Schlosser. 'Oh, yes, but I'm surprised he would come here now. He never did pay me that money he borrowed from me.' "There I awoke. Strange, isn't it? You remember Schlosser, don't you?"
9. 3/07/41 Mr. [370] mailed the following contract to EC.
   WHEREAS, [370] has acquired certain Oil and gas leases in Blount County, Alabama, and has contracted to have a test well drilled within 1 1/2 miles of School House in Brooksville in said County, and;
   WHEREAS, [370] has retained in said contract 2000 to 2500 acres adjacent to the location of said drilling contract, being in Sections 8, 20 and E 1/2 of 17, N 1/2 of 30, NW 1/4 of 7, S 1/2 of SW 1/4 of 6 all in Township 10 Range 2 E; and also S 1/2 of SE 1/4 Section 1 and SW 1/4 Section 1 and NE 1/4 Section 12 and NW 1/4 Section 13 and NE 1/4 Section 14 and S 1/2 Section 23 and S 1/2 Section 24 all in Township 10 Range 10 1 E, Blount County, Alabama, and
   WHEREAS, Edgar Cayce has rendered valuable service and aid in acquiring above named lease and contract, NOW THEREFORE,
   For and in consideration of One ($1.00) Dollar and above premises, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned present owner of said leases and all rights thereunder or incident thereto, do hereby bargain, sell, transfer, assign and convey one tenth (1/10) undivided interest, rights, and title of the aforesaid original lease and present owner in and to said leases and rights thereunder, unto the said Edgar Cayce.
   IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 7th day of March, 1941. [370] Seal
10. 3/11/41 Letter from Mr. [370] to EC:
    ..., Ala.
    Dear Mr. Cayce;-
    "Glad to have yours of 7th. I know I am growing in importance for better or worse when you dream about me and am glad to hear from Schlosser again and most of all I am glad he came to know you before he left Selma. He had a lot of fine traits that makes me remember him pleasantly. I have been interpreting the dream because it seems very germane to the subject.
    "My contract specifies that I will retain 2500 acres in certain Sections, 1/2 Sections & 1/4 Sections & 1/2 quarter Sections. It was made July 23, '40 and they were to spud in in 4 months which would have been limited to Nov. 23. The week before Nov. 23 they called me to make extension of time - this was done and also I asked them to take liability for the payment of my yearly rentals on leases which would begin Mar 7th, '41 and some on in April & May. This was due me on account of the waste of time and they readily agreed. They agreed in addition to pay for the registration of my leases with the Probate Judge of that Co. I am suffering some uneasiness lately as to have my leases are being handled. I turned all the recorded leases I had (covering about 2000 acres) for them to extend or pay rental on. They tell me that they were encountering no trouble getting them EXTENDED. I want to check into this & also the additional 500 acres that they have not had recorded. Mr. Hodges tells me this morning he will go into this with me.
    "You see I had 10,000 acres through this area out of which I retained 2500 located all around the School House area. They wanted to get additional acreage as well as the spots I had missed around Brooksville. I gave them the 7500 acres for the agreement to drill within 1/2 mile of the School House and a little cash. They have added some 30 or 40 thousand acres in Bracon and Big Spring Valley to add to my beginnings there. They seemed to have been disappointed some 3 or 4 times about their finance. I believe there was a general withdrawal from supporting the Alabama development by the major companies and who perhaps discouraged others. I looked for this to happen when they come in here so heavy more than a year ago.
    "You will see that I am crowded (on diagram) back 1 to 2 miles from where the well is located. The well is about 300 yards from the School House.
    "I was a little disappointed to find these men were short on finance but I will be pleased if they now can carry on with no hindrances and also that my part of the leases are in good shape.
    "The rig they are using drilled four shallow holes above the Tenn. River & in some of the same formation. It is a small Spudder (cable tools) and good for about 2000 ft. Hortt says if he gets down and can't keep going he will get a larger rigg.
    "About the money Schlosser was worried about may be the $400 these contractors were to pay me when they spudded in; and too the state or condition of these leases. Anyway this lease business is very important to my interest.
    "About the 20 room house I have talked to my children friends repeatedly that I wanted a large house, a large basement, with everything to play with and plenty of room out side. My own and my wife's sister (3 girls) who lived with us while they were smaller brought many fine children around my place. Back in '32 we talked and planned much what we would do when my oil came in. So the dream of a 20 room house or something similar has been much talked of. I wanted to make the children happy, but most of them are grown up now. All of my own are married off and the old place is not like it used to be. [Copied into 1243-1, Par. R7; see 640-1, Par. R5.]
    "Yes and this heart trouble seems too true for comfort. It has been troubling me lately [Copied into 370-7, Par. R6] - I couldn't sleep night before last for the pumping and beating. My last reading didn't say anything about it and the Chiropractor that treated me last summer didn't think much of it - seemed to think I was in good shape & blood pressure was up only a little. I am going to find out if it is cigarettes by quitting them. Any way something is wrong and the dream is right about what I think about it any way.
    "I don't like the reception I gave you & Schlosser and I will have to find out where I am wrong here. Evidently I am doing someone wrong. You help me interpret this part as well other parts of the dream. Say what you please to me any time - I probably need a call down somewhere. You are a privilege character any time you want to ramble around in my make up.
    "I have 2 other associates one has 1/4 interest and the other 1/5 interest. This makes us 45 & 55 per cent. So I lopped off 10% and sent it to you last week. So I guess you have a right to tell me what's wrong with my oil business. So I am listening when ever you speak. Any way we have enough of profitable acreage if it is taken care of. So PLEASE tell me what ever you can.
    "The weather has been had and no progress is made at well for 3 or 4 days. Will write when they get going or make any progress.
    "Yes and I want to continue the righteousness. And I am trying to get this oil well drilled differently, as I think one of my family friends know.
    "Yours for the Master & righteousness"
    Sincerely, [370]
11. 3/14/41 EC's letter: "Thanks for yours of the 11th and also for the data sent me.
    "Yes, Schlosser was an unusual boy, had many fine traits. We became very good friends while we were in Selma. Certainly would like to know what happened - the last I heard he was ordered with others to go to Russia - never heard any more." [World War I?]
12. 3/30/41 "Your dream was further prophetic for me. In going over the situation with Mr. Hodges about the leases I found some discrepancies. Further checking of the copies of assignments made to them when I ret'd home I found discrepencies that the marked map did not show. These assignments were made at the lawyers office and I had never checked them before. They did not leave to me what I was due or what was agreed to. I have ret'd them to him, and expect him to make corrections and get the return of the erronious assignments. These descriptions are difficult on a lot of small tracts by metes and bounds but now that the error is found I feel confident of the restitution and thanks again for the dream."
13. 6/04/41 (See entire letter under 370-7, Par. R6): "I wanted to do so much for the work you are doing and I have done nothing. Even the oil well you helped me on made 3 starts and each of them failed. I don't know when they will begin again or what interest I will have."
14. 8/26/41 "My oil men left town without notice and I don't know where they are."
15. 12/01/41 Mr. [370] reported on Life Rdg. 2613-1 for a little neighbor girl.
16. 12/10/41 EC's letter: "This last declaration of war puts the whole world at war now and will be a serious one for many." (Missing several sentences)
17. 12/17/41 Mr. [370] wrote about the war.
18. 12/22/41 EC's reply: "Never hear from you that my mind doesn't go back to friend Schlosser [Slosser] and the last message from him, alive as we know it, and since then, the last letter, as you possibly know, was as he was going into Russia, and after his first week there - and how most of all he said has come to pass."
19. See subsequent correspondence under 370-8 Ck. Physical Reports, and under 370-3 Life Rdg. Reports.

Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation