Cherokee Phoenix and Indians' Advocate
Wednesday, July 1, 1829
Vol. II, no. 13
Page 2, col. 3d

 Indian Relics.  We are informed by an intelligent gentleman, that in digging for Gold recently, in the county of Burke, a crucible was found at a considerable distance below the surface, which bore evident marks of having been much used.  It is believed, that the Aborigines were aware of the existence of the gold formation, and doubless the crucible found had been put in requisition by them for the purpose of fluxing the precious metal.  This belief is strengthened by the fact, that in the same place whence the crucible was taken, a soapstone slab was found, with excavations of various sizes, which had probably been used in moulding ornaments, to decorate the ears and noses of the Indians, from the gold which had been previously melted in the crucible.      Raleigh Register.

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