Buccaneer’s spirit said guard Dungeon Rock treasure

By Eric Stanway

Late in the summer of 1658, the residents of Lynn, Mass., woke to an ugly surprise. In the middle of the harbor was a sinister vessel, painted black and flying no colors. Its very appearance threw the populace into a panic. There could be no doubt, residents ascertained, that they were looking at a pirate ship.

Even as they debated what they could do about it, a boat was lowered from the ship and a chest was loaded into it, and four oarsmen rowed it toward shore. The small craft headed up the Saugus River and landed near the Saugus Iron Works.

The next day, a note was discovered on the door of the iron works, requesting shackles, hatchets, shovels and other such items. There was a promise of payment if the goods were to be left where they could be picked up.

The tools were manufactured, the payment delivered, and everyone thought that was that.

It wasn’t. Not by a long shot.

According to the Friends of the Lynn Woods, the buccaneers made camp in a place now known as Pirates’ Glen, just off the Saugus River. The party consisted of two men, Thomas Veal and Captain Harris, along with two Spanish ladies. They then settled in a remote part of the woods that provided a good view of the harbor.

Lynn Museum Board of Trustees member Steven J. Babbitt takes up the story:

“The pirates went drinking in a tavern called the Blue Anchor one night, and they started talking. The conversation caught the attention of the constabulary, and they came looking for them.”

Three of the party were caught, but Veal escaped, fleeing to the place now known as Dungeon Rock. Veal might well have thought himself lucky; his companions were undoubtedly hanged.

As Veal settled into his uncomfortable new home, he took up a trade as a shoemaker. He would occasionally venture into town for provisions, but pretty much kept his own company.

According to a book by the late historian Richard G. Provenzano, there is a local legend purporting that a woodcutter by the name of Joel Dunn became lost in a storm. Seeking shelter, he walked into the dark entrance of Dungeon Rock.

Dunn was looking at the floor of the cave when he saw a ring. Picking it up, he put it on his finger. Suddenly, Veal appeared from nowhere, screaming and waving a dagger. Seeing that the woodcutter had a small keg with him, he demanded a dram of rum.

Dunn told the man that the keg was empty, and Veal lunged at him viciously. As Dunn fled the entrance of the cave, there was a deafening crash, and he was blown clear.

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