GC389VV Spies of the Revolution (Unknown Cache) in New Jersey, United States created by nikcap

This cache has been archived.

nikcap: Unfortunately, both stages have disappeared. I really liked this cache theme and placement, but a new cache is placed in the area that is somewhat more of a challenge. Perhaps I will resurrect this one in the near future. Thank you all that visited and dropped me a favorite point. Happy Caching!

GC389VV ▼

A cache by nikcap Message this owner

Hidden : 11/25/2011

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

The cache is not at the posted coordinates.
This is a short two stage cache. You may need so special equipment, so be prepared before you head out into the woods. Ideally this one should be done at dusk or at night. So, please be mindful of the park hours (Winter: 7a-8p, Summer: 7a-11p). If the gate is closed, please do not attempt this cache. Give yourself 15-20 minutes to complete.

Puzzle cache disclaimers:
    • The cache is not at the posted coordinates.
    • Anything in or on the cache page may or may not be useful.
    • Solve the on-line puzzle to get the initial coordinates.
    • Complete the puzzle at stage one to get the needed information to find the final.

Like modern secret agents, American and British spies during the American Revolution used a number of methods for hiding and transmitting information, including invisible ink, secret codes, blind drops, and other "technology."
Congratulations, you have found the secret message.
In 1775 the Second Continental Congress created the Committee of Secret Correspondence. The CSC was in charge of gathering intelligence and corresponding with the Great British and other countries of the world in search of information that would be helpful to the American cause and to forge alliances with foreign countries. Benjamin Franklin was one of the original members of this committee, which was the forerunner of the CIA.
Proceed to N40 12.629 W74 17.333. There you find tree with a hole in it.
Encrypting was common for trading messages. The book cipher was a popular method to hiding messages in plain sight. Benedict Arnold used a cipher to deliver his messages to John Andr?. The cipher's key was a standard published book, either Blackstone's Commentaries on the Laws of England or Nathan Bailey's Dictionary. When Arnold composed his letters, he first found the word he wanted to write in the key. Instead of writing the word directly in the letter, he wrote down the page number, the line number, and the number of the word counting over from the left. Therefore, each secret word was represented by a series of three numbers.
About 15 steps SW of a small bridge.
Another method was called the "blind drop". Letters or messages would be left at a location that was agreed upon in advance, such as a bridge or hollow tree. The message would be left by one person to be picked up later by another. Sometimes messages would be cut into slivers and stored in the hollow stem of a quill. Hollow silver balls or "bullets" were also used to store and carry messages. Not much larger than a musket ball, these balls could be easily concealed, or even swallowed if the messenger were captured.
There is another message there. You will need a UV light to read it.
Perhaps the most sophisticated method was the use of invisible ink. Several kinds of invisible inks were used by both sides during the war. One type was activated with heat and others by various chemicals. The invisible message was usually written between the lines of another letter. Upon receipt, the reader would either heat the letter over a flame or put it into a chemical bath to reveal the hidden message.

About the location
This cache is hidden in Michael J. Tighe Park (Formerly Liberty Oak Park). Please be mindful of the park hours:
Summer 7am - 11pm.
Winter 7am - 8pm. The daily hours are noted at the entrance of the park. If the gate is closed, please do not attempt this cache. Give yourself 15-20 minutes to complete this.

The terrain rating is really 1.5 on dry days, 2.5 after rain, mud and mushy ground seems to be persistent in the area and may be encountered. Total foot travel shouldn't be more than a 1/2mi.

The cache is hidden along the Manasquan river, in an area believed to be a hide out for traitors or those that conspired with the loyalist. From this outpost, they would venture into the cities, gathering intelligence from the patriots and then slip back into "The Pines" to avoid detection.
Who knows now what lurks in these woods now-a-days. Be safe and have fun!

This cache is certified Central Jersey!
UV Light Required