Haunted Mansion- John Sullivan

The Missing Tomb of John Sullivan

Name: John Sullivan[1]

Born: 1789

Died: 1846

There are few tales of ruthless betrayal to compare with that of John Sullivan.

John was more than the average gentleman. He was bright in the ways of business and loyal to a fault. Honesty, hard work and dedication were his hallmarks. In short, John Sullivan was a good man to have around no matter what your profession.

While still a young man he became involved in the legitimate dealings of one Ambrose Gracey. John would file claims with the insurers, process invoices and collect debts for the powerful merchant seaman. Years passed and his standing with Master Gracey rose accordingly. Yet even in the center of this questionable enterprise, John was impeccably trustworthy. He made his beliefs quite clear to Gracey one day when invited to join the pirate’s crew.

“No, Sir! Not if the Devil himself were to promise me the gold of Midas and years of Methuselah. A man only has his brains, his brawn and his soul. I’ve done no wrong and know of nothing you have done.” Gracey was no fool and maintained the discreet young upstart’s employ.

John continued with the family after Ambrose died in 1810 and served Lady Gracey and her son George for many years. He became a most trusted partner and confidant, a mentor really, for the young Master. Everything changed in 1846.

George Gracey had appointed John to be his agent in Florida. This was no trivial assignment as much of the Gracey trade moved through the smaller, more understanding ports. It would not be well for too many questions to be asked about unmarked crates and hasty shipments.

Sullivan had become well known by important people all over the Union. If you needed something moved fast and securely, Sullivan at Gracey’s was your man. In early July of that year he received a letter from the Treasury Department in Washington D.C. It seems a shipment of badly needed coin was slated for Texas but no one was able, or willing, to take it. Would Gracey’s consider the contract?

John leaned back in his chair, pursed his lips and whistled silently. George had a longstanding rule about not working for the Yankees. He would be furious. Yet this was a chance earn a hefty commission, establish ties with the capitol and open connections to the growing West. If only he could contact George and present his argument, he was sure Master Gracey would listen. But there was no time. Arrangements had to be made now if they were to ship on Washington’s schedule.

He decided to borrow the Gracey line of credit and finance the operation. John then sent out letters to banks and financiers all over the country asking for personal loans against his good name to repay the Gracey’s. Thus John would be taking the risk. He further decided to rent another man’s ship, the S.S. New York, further insulating the company. If all went well, John stood to make a personal fortune.

On the very morning of the shipment John Sullivan died of a stroke. George, who had been the Devil himself with fury when he learned of the scheme, repented and allowed his old friend to be buried in the mansion’s graveyard.

During the two week inquest John rested peacefully, but with the verdict and dark hints that he and even Gracey himself were involved with a plot to steal the gold, George’s anger reignited. He smashed the grave marker with a hammer and dug-up the body with his bare hands. No one ever found John’s remains.

Tales whispered in the dead of night speak of a gruesome pact forged between George and the witch Madam D’Thave, also known as Le Ota. It is said he took John’s body to her and together they weaved a magical spell to create a gholam, the undead servant who possessed great strength and obeyed without question. It is said their first prize was a legendary gold skull-headed coin by which to rule the undead..

Using her powers, D’Thave raised the spirit of Cliff Huet and demanded to know what happened and more importantly, where the ship had sunk. Their fantastical plan was to have the zombie retrieve the treasure for Gracey. Victoria would be given a place in the Mansion and support for the rest of her life in reward.

Did they succeed in their nefarious plans? It is impossible to say. But even today one can find quarter, double and even full-eagle coins being held by collectors all over the country. Coins which should be sitting under the placid waves of the Gulf.

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[1] John Sullivan retired as President of the Magic Kingdom; a tombstone was erected for about two weeks.