One of the best stories I have ever read is the one about Swift's Silver Mine in SW_VA. I wish I had it on computer to send you, but expect with a little research you may be able to find this story. One of the interesting things about silver and money is that with the silver from Swift's Silver Mine, some Melungeons made counterfeit silver coins. The coins were widely accepted and appreciated because they contained more silver than those minted by the government. I believe, but am not sure, that the name of the main counterfeiter was Mullins, "Counterfeitin' Sol Mullins." The Melungeons were so important in this region of SW_VA. I feel that many of our family lines who passed this way were touched by the connection to this group. Nancy S