Theme: What Wasn’t Written Down
This story follows directly from the previous week’s theme.
Actually “it” WAS written down but has never been found.
When the young Thomas Darchy was collected from his Guardian Dr. Sacc in Neuchatel in 1829 by Julius Charles Hare, ostensibly to be returned to his mother’s family in England, Hare was also handed a mysterious sealed package which was labelled “Not to be opened except upon the death of Mr. Broadfoot.” Broadfoot was the original Guardian of the child, present at his baptism and authorising his transfer to the care of Dr. Sacc.
If only that package had been retained! It almost certainly would have solved the mystery of Thomas’ birth. Who were his parents? Why all the mystery and subterfuge? Despite years of research by various persons including myself, no clear explanation has ever been found. It is not with the estate papers of Dr. Broadfoot, who died in 1837, nor with any of the voluminous papers of Julius Charles Hare.
The early existence of such a package is not in doubt. It is mentioned in a long legal document. The relevant part, as translated into English, reads:
“On his side the aforementioned Dr Sacc having perused the documents produced by the Bearer (ie Hare) and compared it with his correspondence and with the document in the same hand and recognised the writing and the signature of Mr Alexander Broadfoot as well as his seal …. And in no way doubting the reality of Mr. Charles Hare’s mission …. He sends back with him in all good faith the aforesaid Thomas Darchy to bear him to his destination according to the instructions he has received on this matter, and adds for him (ie Darchy) sincere good wishes for his happiness.
“Then … Mr Charles Hare acknowledges this action in the name of his client and in his own name. He guarantees the said Dr. Sacc from all other charges in the matter of the said child by giving to him this paper in full and entire discharge for and against any future claim (he having) besides received with the said child his original Baptismal Certificate as well as a packet with an unbroken seal which was given to him by Mr Broadfoot which bears the inscription ‘Not to be opened except upon the death of Mr Broadfoot’. In support of this action the parties have had the present document drawn up …. They renounce everything which might affect its validity, or obligation on their property now or in the future. “
