This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his office, 115 West 35th Street, Virginia Beach, Va., this 9th day of January, 1931, in accordance with request made by themselves.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno. Thomas House and mother, Hugh Lynn Cayce, L. B. Cayce, and Gray Salter.

TEXT

1. GC: You will have before you the bodies and the enquiring minds of Gray Salter, Hugh Lynn Cayce, Edgar Cayce and Thomas House, present in this room, and the dream which Gray Salter had this morning, January 9, 1931, in which he and Hugh Lynn and Thomas discovered an iron tub containing layers of manuscripts and gold pieces, after which a voice spoke from space, saying "This is a small amount which if used aright will lead to finding the great fortune. Let's see what you'll do with it." You will interpret this dream, telling whether it refers to the places visited on the afternoon of January 7, 1931, and you will answer any questions which these individuals will ask regarding this or any other experiences.
2. EC: Yes, we have the enquiring minds, Gray Salter, Hugh Lynn Cayce, Edgar Cayce, Thomas House, present in this room, also that experience of the subconscious forces or mind of Gray Salter in which there were visions and the discovery of iron tub, papers or manuscripts, with gold, also the voice.
3. In the interpretation of this, as respecting the information that has been given concerning the manner in which each might - through their own individual experience - bring that to bear which would enlighten each as to how, why, and in what manner each, as individuals or as groups, might aid in furthering those interests mankind may gain in those sources or channels, or information, as each has set self to do:
4. This, as is seen, is an individual experience of the entity, as a test - for the greater portion of same is true, yet WOULD not, COULD not be located until the proper time, the proper attitude, the proper conditions were within the experiences of each individual. Is not just the condition being sought materially? that as has been questioned in others, as to their attitude, as to their ideal - the IDEA well, but material. Ready for questions.
5. (Q) Are these four proceeding in the correct manner, so as to allow the forces to direct them individually?
   (A) This, as is seen - at least ONE has held that within self that has enabled him to so gain an attunement as to be able to put, as it were, on the rack, as to whether the individual will act within accord with that which has been given; for when direction has been given, do these intend to follow it? or to BEND it to suit their own convenience and the needs of the hour?
   The conditions are set forth, that each - in their own respective ways and manners, in conducting their lives, their activities, in that channel - as well as they know, using that IN HAND from day to day - there will be given all that thou art ABLE to bear. One is not TEMPTED beyond that they are able to bear; neither are those given that which they are not able to understand. Will they apply those given, those conditions in their experience, in their individual lives, more will be given them. Remain true, or in the same attitude that has oft been given, "There is set before thee this day GOOD and evil. Choose thou."
6. (Q) Should Gray Salter use this experience now?
   (A) Use this experience now in the manner that has been given; not the time nor the place, but committed unto the body as that (which was given), "What wilt thou do with this?" Remain true or attempt to abuse that as given.
7. (Q) What was the voice that spoke to the body?
   (A) That of the superconsciousness of the body.
8. (Q) Will you give these four any practical suggestions as to how they may allow these forces to come through?
   (A) These have been set in VERY DEFINITE lines. Use that thou hast! Do all you know to do at present, as it were. DON'T try to hasten that thou knowest is not the best!
9. (Q) What is the best for Thomas House to do in regards to going home at this time?
   (A) If that seemeth the best, in the mind, in the circumstances, in the conditions, that do. Use that circumstance, that knowledge, that IS IN HAND! As that is applied, that necessary will be given. We are through for the present.

   Copy to Gray Salter
   Copy to Hugh Lynn Cayce
   Copy to Thomas House
   Two copies to Ass'n office (in Edgar Cayce's file)

BACKGROUND

1. See 3812-4 and conductor's suggestion for Rdg., 3812-5.

REPORTS

1. 1/21/31 EC's ltr. to Mr. Preston:
   Mr. A. C. Preston, Room 403, New Amsterdam Hotel, Washington, D.C.
   Dear Mr. Preston:-
   I have yours of the 8th, and certainly trust you will soon get your proposition in shape there in a satisfactory manner, so that you can go on with the other matter.
   Recently I have received a letter [See 3940-5 Reports] from some acquaintances of mine in Alabama, who have quite a large amount of acreage that is certainly very promising oil and gas property. They are anxious to have someone develop the property, and I believe it would be a good proposition for you and Dr. Snyder to look into. I would like to talk this over with Dr. Snyder when he comes. There is possibly twenty-five or thirty thousand acres that can be gotten in a block. I have some reports on the land, several readings, and logs of some wells that have been attempted in the vicinity - all of which I am sure you will find very interesting.
   Please remember me to Dr. Snyder. By the way, I didn't hear anything of that check he was to send.
   Kindest regards from all.
   Sincerely, EC:GD
2. 1/25/31 Mr. Preston's ltr. to EC:
   NEW AMSTERDAM HOTEL (Letterhead) 2701 Fourteenth Street N.W. Washington, D.C.
   Dear Mr. Cayce:
   Have been working on the oil deal here since my arrival and am sure that we will have some real money on it by the tenth of February or sooner. We have a contract signed with people here that have plenty of money and if the check-up proves correct - we are elected and I am not uneasy about the check-up as I know the property is OK.
   Dr. Snyder has been out of Ironton quite a bit since Xmas and I guess that is the reason why you haven't received his check, but I am forwarding your letter to him and am sure that he will send you a check within a very short time.
   As soon as this oil deal is closed we are going after the treasure down in Virginia and will stay with it until we get it. It is our plan to buy about ten acres around this location so that we can work without being disturbed, don't you think that is the best way to do it.
   The Alabama deal sounds real good but I believe that if we stick to what we have all ready that we will be able to carry out the plans as have been outlined for us, don't you think?
   It is our purpose to get the treasure in Virginia [See 3812-1 through 3812-5] and then on to Florida and start drilling on the leases in the Everglades and while that is being done to locate the other treasures that information has been given that could be located down there.
   With kindest regards to you and yours, I am
   Sincerely yours, [signed] A. C. Preston Suite 403, Phone Columbia 7400
3. 1/27/31 EC's ltr. to Mr. Preston:
   Mr. A. C. Preston, New Amsterdam Hotel, Suite 403, Washington, D.C.
   Dear Mr. Preston:-
   I am just in receipt of yours of the 25th. Many thanks. I am certainly glad to know that you are making headway on the oil proposition. I feel very sure, if you are able to put over this deal, that you should not lose sight of the opportunity in the Alabama acreage. Don't understand that I am trying to induce you to leave out something else to take over this. You know the circumstances surrounding Birmingham as a manufacturing center, especially of steel, iron, and ores of the nature. Think of what it would mean for you to be able to supply natural gas (which is the thing to be found in that vicinity) for those propositions.
   I had a letter from the man - or one of the men at the Police Department - in Ashland, who had heard about the work through Dr. Snyder. He wrote for information and instruction as to how he might obtain a reading. Many thanks. I haven't heard fro Dr. Snyder as yet.
   About the treasure, I suppose you are going at it in the proper way. I don't know - I just don't know what to say about such. There has been so much pro and con, I don't understand these things - but we will just hope for the best, as there has never been a time in my whole experience that I needed it any worse. Kindest regards from all.
   Sincerely, EC:GD
4. 1/29/31 Mr. Preston's ltr. to EC:
   NEW AMSTERDAM HOTEL (Letterhead) 2701 Fourteenth Street N.W. Washington, D.C.
   Mr. Edgar Cayce, 115 West 35th Street, Virginia Beach, Va.
   Dear Mr. Cayce:
   Your letter dated 27th inst received and I certainly feel as you do about the Alabama gas proposition and it was not my intention to say that we would not be interested, but to say that we all should work out one of these deals so that we would have sufficient finance to do the necessary work as outlined heretofore. That is, form a corporation as has been suggested as a holding company and then form a gas company, an oil company, a treasure exploration company, and so on until we had covered the industries as the information has suggested, with the control of all companies in the holding company.
   As to locating the treasure - I believe that we will find it when we are in position to follow the instructions as has been given and I think that that has been the trouble in locating buried treasures - in not following the information to the letter - when we get this oil deal closed that is what I will devote my time to until we work it out and find the silver and gold. I expect to close the deal - or at least one of them this week and probably the second one too.
   Dr. Snyder intended to go to Tennessee this week and you may not hear from him until sometime next week but am sure that he will send you his check as soon as it is called to his attention and as soon as he reads your letter.
   If it is convenient, would like to have what information you may have on the Alabama proposition, so I could make a study of it and work it into our other plans.
   With kindest regards to all, I am
   Sincerely yours, [signed] A. C. Preston
5. 2/05/31 EC's ltr. to Mr. Preston:
   Mr. A. C. Preston, New Amsterdam Hotel, Washington, D.C.
   Dear Mr. Preston:-
   I have yours of the 29th, and am sending you the data which was sent us on the proposition in Alabama. I think it is in such a shape that with a little interest at this time the greater part of the acreage could be held for a year or so, while if there is not any interest shown soon - that is, in the next month or so - it is liable to get out of these peoples' hands, when it would be to go over again in blocking it up. If you see fit you might send a letter to the man who can acquaint you with the circumstances better than I could at long range.
   Mr. John D. Head, 3203 Highland Drive, Birmingham, Alabama
   I hope you will succeed in getting your matters lined up there real soon, so you can get on to the treasure hunt. I think the idea is well. We would like to be of help if possible.
   Let us hear from you. With kindest regards, I am
   Sincerely, EC:GD
6. 2/17/31 Mr. Preston's ltr. to EC:
   NEW AMSTERDAM HOTEL (Letterhead) 2701 Fourteenth Street N.W. Washington, D.C.
   Mr. Edgar Cayce, 115 West 35th Street, Virginia Beach, Virginia
   Dear Mr. Cayce:
   Have been in New York for the past seven or eight days closing details on our oil deal and while there I secured the Treasure finding machine which I was telling you about. It is an electrical affair and from all the instructions it will be an easy matter to work out and as soon as the weather will permit - Dr. Snyder and I are going to try it out on the location down in Virginia.
   Our Oil deal funds will be available sometime this week about Thursday according to all understanding, at least, the first down payment, and balance as soon as abstracts are completed. Will make a nice little sum out of the deal and will be on my feet and will be in position to do a lot of things we have had in mind for a long time.
   Will keep you advised from time to time and with the kindest regards to you and yours,
   Sincerely yours, [signed] A. C. Preston #403 New Amsterdam Hotel, Washington, D.C.
7. 2/24/31 EC's ltr. to Mr. Preston:
   Mr. A. C. Preston, #403 New Amsterdam Hotel, Washington, D.C.
   Dear Mr. Preston:-
   Glad to have yours of the 17th, and to know that things have started your way in some respects, at least; also that you have gotten the machine. I do hope you will find it working out satisfactorily.
   I want to tell you a very funny thing. Remember that I told you about how we first heard of the treasure you are looking for in Virginia? from a couple of men who came from up in Maryland to Birmingham to see Mr. Mohr and I? I had a letter from one of them this week. I had no idea where he was, as he has never written or anything.
   We are to have a meeting of the official board of the Association the day after tomorrow. There may be a great many changes. I may want to talk with you rather seriously about some developments soon thereafter, and would like to see you and Dr. Snyder when you get an opportunity to come this way.
   With kindest personal regards, I am
   Sincerely, EC:GD
8. 2/25/31 Mr. Preston's ltr. to EC:
   NEW AMSTERDAM HOTEL (Letterhead) 2701 Fourteenth Street N.W. Washington, D.C.
   Mr. Edgar Cayce, 115 West 35th Street, Virginia Beach, Virginia
   Dear Mr. Cayce:
   Received your letter this morning and called you or tried to get you on phone but you had left for New York - I talked to Mrs. Cayce.
   We closed our oil deal here yesterday and am feeling pretty good today, but, didn't get any money as leases and funds are in escrow until the abstracts are checked up and the money released as abstracts are approved by their attorney. It will be about the 25th of this next month before the first payment will be due.
   Dr. Snyder had to go back to Kentucky for a few days to complete a few details about the leases but he will return here in about two weeks or thereabout and we hope to get started on the work down in Virginia. I have the instrument here and it looks as if it would do the work. We are going to experiment with it before we take it down on the location, so that we will know exactly how it does work. It looks as if we may be out of the woods before long and it is our purpose to co-operate with you in every manner suggested by the information and you may be seeing much of us.
   Am much interested to know how you come out with your Board meeting to-morrow and it is possible that I may have a chance to come down there this weekend if it would be convenient to you, that is, if you are going to be home.
   With kindest regards to you and yours, I am
   Sincerely yours, [signed] A. C. Preston
9. 3/06/31 EC's ltr. to Mr. Preston:
   Mr. A. C. Preston, New Amsterdam Hotel, Washington, D.C.
   Dear Mr. Preston:-
   My wife told me about your call during my absence.
   At the meeting they decided they would close the hospital, withdraw their support from the Association and dissolve same.
   We have been getting some information as to the course to pursue [See 254-52 through 254-54.], and will be glad to hear from you if you feel interested in our undertaking. I don't know yet just what will be the final decision, for - of course - I'm still very much dependent upon those to whom I have tried to be of service. I hope you can arrange to come sometime in the very near future. I would like to talk matters over with you, and see just what can be developed. Let me hear from you. With kindest personal regards, I am
   Sincerely, EC:GD
10. 3/18/31 Mr. Preston's ltr. to EC:
    HOTEL McALPIN (Letterhead) Broadway at 34th Street New York City
    Dear Mr. Cayce:
    Dr. Snyder and I hope to see you around the weekend. Dr is in hearty accord with the work and is much interested in future plans.
    We hope to get our first cash payment here on oil deal to-day or to-morrow.
    Kindest Regards
    Sincerely [signed} A. C. Preston
11. 3/21/31 Mr. Preston's ltr. to EC:
    Washington, D.C.
    Mr. Edgar Cayce, 115 West 35th Street, Virginia Beach, Virginia
    Dear Mr. Cayce:
    Enclosed herewith a letter stating a few suggestions as to the future of the work and while they may seem to be very much of the material side of life but it is my idea to make the program cover both the spiritual and material.
    I would suggest that three or four of us get together and form a tentative program and then work out to something that would cover a big program as may be outlined for us through the Universal forces.
    Dr. Snyder and I were unable to get down there this weekend as we did not finish in New York. I am going back there to-morrow and hope to get away from there about next Wednesday or Thursday and then we will be on down there. I would like very much to talk with you before the meeting and if it is possible I will be down there about Friday of this next week.
    I will be at the McAlpin Hotel in New York if you should want to get in touch with me at anytime up until Thursday of this next week. With kindest personal regards to you and yours, I am
    Sincerely yours, [signed] A. C. Preston
12. 3/21/31 Mr. Preston's ltr. to EC [enclosure to above letter, Par. R11]:
    Washington, D.C.
    Mr. Edgar Cayce, 115 West 35th Street, Virginia Beach, Virginia
    Dear Mr. Cayce:
    Your letter received [See 254-54 Reports] and as requested, will make certain suggestions that may or may not be of some help in working out a workable plan for the future of the work as started through you.
    The Phenomena as manifested through your body and others throughout the world is not a new phenomena; in our histories are recorded many instances of the appearance of the Spirit phenomena and it has been the verdict of mankind throughout the ages to scoff, to ridicule and condemn those who have had faith and hope in the truths as presented through the manifestations of the Spirit Phenomena. We are now entering upon the threshold of a new era in the material and religious history of the human race. The present thinking individual no longer has a closed mind as to the things that may seem impossible. With the advent of the radio, television, airplanes, medical discoveries and many other scientific inventions of to-day, the human race is now in a receptive mood to the unseen and unknown forces from the Spirit World and they are ready to follow in the truths that may be manifested through the phenomena as God may direct.
    It is our duty to make suggestions as to the direction of the work as started through the body of Edgar Cayce and to try to determine in our lowly state certain methods to pursue in the operation of the work in the future. I am convinced that through the manifestations of the Spirit phenomena, the way and manner may be brought to the realization of those that would build an invisible and visible empire in the hearts of men, then to suggest to the Universal Forces the basis upon which the work may be started and builded for the ages to come:
    First. As has been suggested by the forces - the choosing of those who would give self in holy communion with this one purpose, and making self right with God, choose to be used as an instrument of good for the saving of the good in human principles; for as is seen, as has been given by the forces, the world awaits the coming of those who will proclaim the day of freedom from the bonds of those who would rule, either through prestige, through political or religious fear; then let the ones so chosen be confirmed through the Universal Forces as to their fitness and their place in the development and the establishment of the principles as may be approved by the Universal Forces.
    Second. The following suggestions to be started in a small way and develop as necessity demands - for it is mandatory to set a definite plan and goal to which we would attain, as has been given by the forces, set forth that purpose and put same into active operation. I would suggest that a holding corporation be formed that would control as many corporations as it may be necessary to form in order to carry out the principles as given us through the Spirit phenomena and as a basis of a beginning the following brief outline is suggested, to-wit:
    1. THE UNIVERSAL CORPORATION: The parent corporation to control and direct the activities of all corporations formed and all matters pertaining to the instructions as given by the Spirit phenomena. The full power of the corporation to be devoted to the upbuilding and develop- ment of the human race.
    1. SPIRITUAL AND EDUCATIONAL: As a sub-division of the Universal Corporation, we may divided as follows:
    1. THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH OF GOD: Established by the will of God. Devoted to the development of the souls of men. Teaching and establishing the truths as manifested through the Spirit phenomena as it broadcasts from the shores of eternal life. Churches to be established in all countries of the world.
    2. THE UNIVERSITY OF MAN: Established for the purpose of developing and establishing the truths as manifested through the Spirit phenomena and working out the mysteries of life that may help the human race. The University to include the following colleges:
    1. College of Theology 2. " " Medicine 3. " " Science: Engineering Chemistry Physics and all departments of science. 4. " " Agriculture 5. " " Law 6. College of Psychic Phenomena 7. " " Journalism 8. " " Business Administration and Finance. 9. " " Government Administration 10. " " Music and Art.
    3. PSYCHIC HOSPITALS: Devoted to the ills of the human flesh. Handled and directed by the graduates of the college of medicine and Psychic phenomena of the above University. Hospitals to be established in all the countries of the world.
    2. FINANCIAL: The following corporations be formed for the purpose of handling the material side of the affairs of men:
    1. INTERNATIONAL BANKING CORPORATION: Establish- ed for the purpose of helping the human race help themselves and to keep the circulation of the medium of exchange so directed as to prevent panics and hard times; also to handle the funds of the various corporations of the Universal Corporation. Banks to be established in all countries of the World.
    2. UNIVERSAL CONSOLIDATED SECURITIES: Devoted to securing control of the following industries so as to direct for the benefit of the masses:
    1. Telephone and Telegraph Companies 2. Newspapers and news syndicates 3. Oil and Gas corporations 4. Steel and Coal Corporations 5. Steamship and Railroad Corporations 6. Airplane Companies 7. Automobile Companies 8. Banking corporations 9. Metal and ore corporations 10. Food Supply companies 11. And any and all other corporations that effect the welfare of the human race.
    3. UNIVERSAL OIL AND GAS CORPORATION: Devoted to handling the by-products of oil and gas from its raw state to the consuming public throughout the world - on a basis as directed by forces.
    4. TREASURE EXPLORATION CORPORATION: Seeking and recovering the lost treasures of the world and the returns therefrom to be used for the development of the truths as directed by the Spirit phenomena. 5. RESEARCH CORPORATION: Purpose to gather together the best scientific minds of the world so as to work out the scientific problems that are necessary for the advancement of the human race.
    6. UNIVERSAL RELIEF ASSOCIATION: Devoted to the relief of the poor of humanity and to help them help themselves and all other work that will enable man to make of himself a better man.
    7. And many other corporations that may be formed as it becomes necessary in the development of the work.
    I do believe that if some such plan as above outlined is established and developed for the sole benefit of the human race that through its operation, it will aid the soul of man to gain a better insight as to its relations with its Creator.
    I am aware that it will take money to start such a program and plenty more to keep it going but if such work is established right there is nothing that can stop it and it is the only way to reach the masses and do the most good - and lasting good too.
    The only thing left for me to say, is, that I am ready and willing to do what is directed of me by the Universal Forces and I will fit into that niche as may be directed by the powers that be.
    Yours very truly and sincerely, [signed] A. C. Preston #407 New Amsterdam Hotel, Washington D.C.
13. 3/28/31 Mr. Preston's ltr. to EC:
    NORFOLK AND WASHINGTON, D.C. STEAMBOAT COMPANY (Letterhead) District of Columbia Aboard the Steamer
    Dear Mr. Cayce:
    Am anxious to see the report of your reading [254-56] this afternoon and I regret very much that it was necessary for me to leave there.
    As I told you I am willing to do anything that the forces direct as I have the greatest faith in the information and the purposes as may be outlined from time to time.
    The crying need is funds as I see it in order to get underway so that there will be no delay in the work. As soon as I get sufficient capitol to start exploration on the Va. treasure [3812-1 through 3812-5] I am off - and I hope that it will not be longer than week after next. The finding of what will give us a financial basis that is badly needed.
    Trusting I may hear from you at an early date, I am
    Sincerely [signed] A. C. Preston
14. 4/08/31 Mr. Preston's wire:
    24FHX 10 FREDERICKSBURG VIR 512P APR 8 31
    EDGAR CAYCE VIRGINIA BEACH VIR
    DR SNYDER AND I WILL SEE YOU TOMORROW MORNING REGARDS
    A C PRESTON
15. 4/09/31, 4/10/31 See 3812-6 & 3812-7 re. buried treasure in Princess Anne County, Va.
16. 4/12/31 See 3976-7 re. World Organization.
17. 4/16/31 See 3812-8 re. buried treasure in Culpper Co., Va.

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