My involvement with this story started with my late mother, author and lecturer, Betty Dorsett Duke, and her search for the truth about the outlaw Jesse James and our family lineage. Looking into Jesses life, exploring his diaries and other artifacts passed down through the family, opened doors I never would have known existed. I found myself in a whirlwind of topics ranging from Old West outlaws to secret societies, buried treasures, political figures, esoteric traditions and religions, alchemy, the Knights Templar and more. In my pursuit of knowledge about the treasures associated with Jesse and all the questions that come with that; who, what, when where and why, I found myself returning to the beginning, each revisit adding to my cache of knowledge and understanding. The focal point of chapter 8 in my first book; ‘Jesse James and the Lost Templar Treasure’, was to establish a lineage connecting my research to the Knights Templar. Previous chapters have intricately linked my quest to Williamsburg, Virginia, and traced it back to the influential figure, Sir Francis Bacon.
Connecting the dots from Jesse, through Freemasonry and other organizations and figures led me to three pivotal figures: Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin. All Freemasons, Jefferson’s ties to the College of William and Mary, and Washington’s pivotal role as its first American chancellor, lay the groundwork for a deeper connection. As for Franklin, his ties to the College of William and Mary reveal a fascinating link to the Rosicrucian community, further cementing the interconnectedness of these luminaries.
The lineage extends to influential minds like Isaac Newton, Christopher Wren, and John Dee, mentors who shared a profound interest in alchemy, mathematics, and the Enlightenment. As the narrative unfolds, the Royal Society emerges as a clandestine meeting ground, providing a safe haven for these thinkers to exchange ideas without fear of persecution.
The story unfolds further, connecting the Knights Templar to individuals like Abraham Gikatilla, Abraham Abulafia, and Johann Reuchlin. Their shared interests in various forms of Kabbalah and the pursuit of knowledge echo the ideals of secret societies, leading to the birth of the New Atlantis—a dream realized through collective efforts.
A central figure in this clandestine lineage is John Dee, the polymath who served as advisor to Queen Elizabeth I and is hailed as the original 007. Dee’s connections to Gerolamo Cardano and his involvement with the Knights Templar illuminate a fascinating web of historical interplay.
As the narrative weaves through history, the Knights Templar’s legacy endures, shaping the foundations of the New World. The tantalizing question arises: What treasures lie buried, guarded by the Tree of Life and Veil templates? From Victorio Peak, New Mexico to Georgetown, Texas, the enigma persists, suggesting that the secrets hidden by these societies transcend mere material wealth.
In conclusion, the documented lineage presented here serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who sought liberty and freedom from political and religious tyranny. The buried treasures become symbols of their quest, safeguarding invaluable documents that could reshape our understanding of history. The New Atlantis, conceived through the struggles of these luminaries, continues to be unveiled, offering a glimpse into the profound mysteries that lie beneath the surface of our collective past.
Official website of author Daniel J. Duke 
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