Star.
London, England, 1817-12-29 00:00:00

THE FORTUN4TE YOUTH.

(FROM A seoninna !AMR.)
We thought It our duty to caution the Public
against an adventurer who had bet too socr.essfully
obtained credence to his tale of mtery and wonder.
There is'such a primeness in mankind to believe the
marvellous, and presumed wealth exercises such a
magical power over the understanding, that we have
been desirous for some time paqt to expose the pro-
ceedings of K the fortunate youth." chime relation of
them may serve as instructions against similar imp.-
sitioos, and at tke same time prevent the mischief in
fi.reign countries, which is but too probable, by ma-
terials being afforded for deceptions, under the slab
rances that the youth had been abused by unwarrant-
able charges. We were, however, requested to sus-
peed our communications until researches in progress
had been completed. Our Readers know the rank,
and saw our original statement confirmed " by Ni.
Weatherby, the solicitor and confidential friend of
the Fortunate Youth."
The hero of the tale is now about eighteen years
of age, and is the youngest son of a respectable fa-
mily, residing on the Ckippingham Estate, near New-
market The early talents and solidity of character
displayed by him attracted general notice; and he
appeared a boy of such promise, that no expense was
spared to cultivate his mind, and qualify him for the

Church.
A neighbouring Clergyman was his first tutor, and
hoas thence he was seat to Dr. BUTLIA'S &unitary,

at Zhrewsbury.
There was some doubt as to the regularity of his
conduct while in that seminary, for be did not him-
self make favourable report of it when questioned on
the subject at w late period ; but it is now understood
that Di. BUTLIIII gives him the highest character for
general conduct whilst under his care.
Young Cceraeou bad stated, that amongst other
causes for reproof, he obtained more money than Dr.
BtrtLaa,.approved, and a letter was sent to his friends
rernonstrAtiag against the indulgence of his ettrava-
genet. 1 t is now believed that he procured his
.trioney,(if lie had any excess, which may belloubted)
frum a family in the neighbourhood, although he
sought to convert the incident of his riches at that.
time into one of the proofs of has subsequent fable.
Still he pursued his education so as to acquire the
reputation of an excellent :chola', and daring his
vacations he conducted himself with so much pro-
priety, that be WAS alwary,s a welcome guest with a
family who patronized him; and his manners were
so prepossessing, that, notwithstanding a countenance
which was not, il strictly examined, a letter of credit,
he became ;p general favourite with every visitor.
About three months since a report prevailed that
the young CAwrrou had come into possessioo of an
immense lortone under most extraordinary circum-
stances. The father first mentioned the grovel fact,
and the son soon afterwards authenticited the state-
ment, and gave the following detail of the adventure
which rendered him so fortuitously one ol the richest

subjects in the world:
About eighteen months previously he bad been op
bis return to school. A sebo9l-fallaW who was te
have accompanied. him had, by WWI usistake,
dad him the day before, and be was lit to go alwaa
In the st4ge. On wiring at Birmisgbam, be was
shown into an ion parlour, where an old gentle
4
WAS sitting, and erbobscame his companion tor the
of the journey to Shrewsbury. In the course of sltss
old gentleman and himself entered into a warns
cation on the subject of the South American contest.
'Ai dispute continued to the journey% end. IMO they
parted
.4s •dyerseries I

The' ueet mining, to his great surprise. the old
sban sent for him, and on his coining tote the room,
said, " Young man, you were right in your argu.
meat yesterday. I admire your spirit, candour, and
bold Maintenance of your opinions r you shall find in,
me from henceforth a friend." From that time be
lavished malty favours on him ; money to the amount
which attracted Dr. BUTLilest notice and displeasure
and the envy of all his comrades, who nevertheless
paid homage to the superiority which be acquired by
the power of ccnferring favours"; and chip ill his boys
hood be proved the irresistible influence of gold, and
found that the word praxis should have been substi-
tuted for that of pad atilt, in the ethical maxim of
the animus.
Some months afterward% the old man, who had
hitherto promised only a censiderable establishment
in the Church, sent for him, and, declaring that be
felt his life was ebbing fast away, announced his in- •
tendon to make over to him immediately, by a deed
:fdifdt, the whole of his immense property.—" If,"
he, L should live, contrary to my expecte-
does, / shall then be a dependent on your gratitude
and bounty." From that moment the old man ini-
tiated him in all his secrets, enacted hie
whow to con-
dart bis extensive pecuniary transaction% gave hho
list of the various names be was obliged to assume to)
~eat his property in foreign countries, end mated
'all the adventures of his extraordinary, and, is some
.respects, eliwipmf life. Many of, these secrets he hod
mem Never to divulge, and others be should only
eraibld as the development became necessary factious
eeseetioolf kh trust and nooagmeui of his moo,.
Six weeks afterwards the old man died at a saws-
ku village pear Shrewsbury, and, in conformity with
his last command% a lawyer of great eminence and
respectability at Liverpool (Mt. 8.) was sent for,
sad who took back with him all the paribments, pa.
per% am belonging to the old mai, except the deed
of gift, which young CAnnon •woold Offer part with
maid his owe possession. At the-expiration of six
=oaths, the lawyer (Mr. fl.) *turned and pee him
up' all the tide-deeds, papers, &e. and at the same
titles etisermookated to him that he had almost bound-
less weld*, bat the preservation of the greater part
depeadmi ma his prudence, secrecy, and conformity to
got igiopedese sad promedings of the old man, his
we
bemfastor- *iodine were immedi-
ately buried is a garden of oat of the estates, and the
only perm (except sae of his schoolfellows of eleven
yen 0/11, who saw die interment of the itrung•box),
to whom he owsiblost any part of the momentous
story of hie Mcßae, was his mother, and who avowed
she bad bees is possession of the secret of his at.
gooey withootever having betrayed the confidence.
The oseeneet was now arrived when he Might'ex,
wait essfieneo, bat not yon-give fall publicity to
oho aunt of wool4s he possased. Aoied some of

• ,z..

bb property was derived from soma which aireetml
the most serious interests olds, highest pereeMesm io
even counts". •
The snot abject of the old man, his I=i
bad bees to sequin octet influence, by
easy Diode at possible into his trammels;
.nay!
• of this 'mysterious dominion had been an Maim
Ortmier Passion even than avarice. Most of the go;
reign Sovereigns therefore. owed him money.
The Empress of Russia was a debtor to the amount-
Of n hundred thossand pounds, bat she regularly rid
illlooo per annum interest.
Prince Emmen was also in his list for a large sue.
Mad on the King of Spain he had immense claims.
His principal estate, lay, indeed, in that country, but
be bad also large estates in Germany. Italy, Sicily,
and fo England—Many great moagages and vevare
ins unknown to the presumed successors, and
amongst the latter he cited the painful case of his
being one day obliged to dispossess his dearest friend
elan inheritance on which he relied, or make him
d dent on his generosity for the- restitution. •
eiliclusive of three millings in the Funds, he had
palaces in Madrid and Naples; many sets of dia-
monds ; and he intimated that the old man had been
largely concerned in the diamond trade, and that he
owed'tbe foundation of his fortune to that traffic.--
At another time be stated that his benefactor had
been the soul of the South American insurrection,
and that he had solemnly sworn to him on his death-
bed to continue the same aids; he was now, there-
fore, sending out great supplies of„„stlips, arms, Ste.'
He named two ships; the Asia and Fortitode, as be.
longing to him, and represented that he met a deputy
on the high road whenever he wished confidential
communication, as he dared riot trust the utterance
of his secrets, where there was any possibility of his
being overheard or suspected.
. When speaking on the South American subject,
tears came into hi* eyes at the mention of two of his
Spanish friends, who had perished in that country
under the most cruel tortures. The South American
affairs were indeed his favourite theme and inex-
haustible topic.
Ac every communication he however concluded
with the most solemn injunctions of secrecy, since he
must leave the country it any of the above partite.
Jars transpired, being resolved never to submit to any
legal jurisdiction which would infallibly be attempted.
To frustrate inquiry, he had forbidden all his
agents, bankers, to acknowledge any transaction
with him, but still he was in continual anxiety on that
subject, and had reason to apprehend that attempu
bad already boa made to intercept and peruse his
papers and correspondence. He, however, had warned
those of his family whom he suspected, against the
.indulgence of a curiosity ruinous to himself, and
inevitably fatal to them.

Some few days afterwards most of the abOve de-
tails having • appeared in a country paper,, and been
copied interthe London papers, young C. pretended
to be almost kande, and accused his family of having
betrayed his interest to gratify a pernicious vanity,
but when be was appeased, he pledged himself to
contiase the liberal arrangements he had resolved on
making, for the provision of hit relatives. Half a
million of money was to heappropriated to this noble
object, and the details ap ropriatinn were such as
augmented thereon' t tima: on of his principles and
knowledge. --
His brother immediately took suitable uteasotes to
altos into SAlalleei College, with an iasoillie of
46000 per estemm, 'sad young C. on being asked
abet his father had said on the information being
gives, that he was to have an estate purchased for him
with the 4100,000 destined to be his portion Re-
plied with emotion, es he barn into tears. •
For some reasons which young C. would not as-
sign, the realisation of his premises was to be deferred
until the In of Jetteery; 1818—but to su.taia ,his
statements in the intervil, and lull the suspicions of
an anxious suspense, he desired his father to take him
to to. W. at Newmarket, who, after the first intro-
duction was over, and the lather had retired, received
directions from young C. to make his wig. To the
observation that he was a minor, he replied, that the
property being tursesiat, he had the legal right. ,In
the next interview, be desired Mr. WiATHIMIT to be
one of the Executors, to which he agreed, if the father
or brother were joined with him, and at the third in-
terview be insisted that Mr. WI should 'accept of a
legacy to a considerable amount, but this Mr. W.
Vaud, although young C. always affirmed be had
acceded to the proposition.
The Will was made, and• a copy given 'young
•CatwsTon. From thit time the interviews with Mr.
W— became more frequent. and Mr. W— re-
ceiving instructions to purchase various estates.
opened a correspuedince with the agent of Lord
CHOLVONDILIT, &c. The knowledge Of this tact
enadeproselytes of the most sceptical, sod applica-
dons from all quarters, and on all subjects. were ad-
dressed to young Cewsecin, in the view of deriving
benefit from the• distribution of his treasures.
Every one who had. any thing to sell, whether of
real oe personal property, made their offers, and so
one received direct refnials.
Negocations were •
opened at the same time for
change of name, armorial honours, and such distine-
fions as his pride suggested, or his weans seemedi
to justify ; but although he sometimes affirmed that
a British Earldom would be added to his Spaniels
titles of Nobility, it is not belived that be was war•
ranted in such an assertion by any direct arrange-
ment with his Majesty's Ministry.
The want of ready money was, no doubt, for some
time. a subject of much solicitude to the Crosse e.
1818. but his tale had acquired so much confidence,
that a relative to whom he old AlO%OOO had been
promised on thereetpayday, entreated him to make
use of 41,200 laying idle in Oaks's bank at Bury.—
The offer was accepted. and young C. was So-
to grasp the prise, that his servant arrived 'wit=
check at tbs. bank before the doori were opened. This
circumstance, and the employment of a cOalepaat
groom as the resolver of such a large sum, exam(
some seapicloas, sad the clerk was sent over to young
C. with the mosey: Young C. gave him one pound
for his trouble, put 499 into the purse, which was
min earels4 left about, to be seen full of bank-
notes, and 41,100 were placed in the bank of Messrs.
Hariweew and Elm. at Neetmarket, who afterwards
opened a credit of 111,Que in favour of young C.
with their correspondents* Mews. Cox and Bra.
Man, Charinterossi

-

LIBERTY OF THE PRESS. •
- • • WEIMAR, DECEMBER rl. •
• The Gaverntnelit has addressed the following Cir. j
oar to the Residents and Charges d'Affaires of the'
'Grand Duchy :
" It has frequently happened, for some time putt
that some of the Charges d'Affaires of the Grand
Duchy have transmitted to Government complaints
on the p-art of foreign diplomatists, in regard to sr•
ticks inserted in the public journals of the Grand
Duchy. These reports can have no other- object than
dot of causing the publication of such articles to be
prohibited in future, or et inflicting punishment upon
the authors of such as have been already published.
But none of these purposes can be accomplished in
this manner ; and Messrs. the Charges d'Affaires
ought to know, according to the anterior cornmeal-
-cation made to them by the Government—. •
0 ist. That the Ceaserehlp of ;he Press has been totally she-
Used in the Grand Duchy of Weimar by the funtlantental
stitution of the /keen, which all the Siverelgas and States of the
Confederation have eolessaly guaranteed; sad couleauestly, thee
there gain ao legal mesas ef preventing the petaientsess of al*
Ohs that Isay prove offensive.
e, ad. That to the ease of well-founded consplalare, spina Is:
parlous and ohbecsaming aseenions published in print, the As,
than and Editors of sock preducdoos mew, after an wanes'.
tiou as to the importance of the matters complained of, be pre
corded against in a mode conformable to the Ordinance or the
filth April.
But Messrs. the Charges d'Affaires will easily
perceive, that, in order to apply the penalties therein
decreed, an accusation communicated verbally is nut
sufficient; but that it will be necessary to have com-
plaints in writing, addressed to the undersigned Mi-
nister, and founded chiefly neon the consideration
that the good understanding between the Colic of
the Grand. Duchy and that of the complaining Mi-
nister, Iraq not be interrupted.
II In referring anew to the fundamental law of the
ith of May, 1816, and to the ordinance of the 13th
April of the same year, such of you as, by receiving
and transmitting the expressions of disapprobation
above alluded to, chewing that they were strangers
to the spirit and intent of our constitution and legis-
latien—these presents will, at the same time, convey
to all the Residents find Charges d'Affaires of the
Grand Duchy the instruction, that they shall no
longer receive nor report upon any verbal complaints
made to them with respect to articles and passages in
the public Journals of the Grand Duchy, but shall
reject such communications ; and observe that, in
order to any proceeding in such cases, the complaints
must be addressed, in. due form, to the undersi
Minister of State, and founded upon the considera;
lien above-mentioned.
66 ref the rear, the Grand Ducal Rescript sub-
joined to these presents, and of the same date, is coin-
meniCated to you as a proof of the anxiety of his
Royal Highness the Grand Duke to do justice in all
aims of such complaints as may be presented to him,
'as far as may be compatible with the constitution of
the country.
66 Third Department of the Ministry of State.
(Signed) II COUNT EDIANCI.

" Weimar, Novekbei $4, -1617."

FRENCH PAPERS.

• PARIS, DECEMBER CS.
A brochure has beet seized, intituled, 14 On the
State of Liberty in France." The author M. Scbef-
fer, sod the printer, M. Guile, have been sited to ap.
pear no Saturday next before the Tribunal of Cor-1
rectional Police.
The suit of the Duke of CULLUM% for annulling
the sale in 1793, of the Theatre Francais, before the
first Chamber of the Tribunal de Premiere Instance,
et the Department of the Seine, M. Dunn was heard
for the Dukes M. TAII,IIIII is to be heard in eight
days on behalf of the Sieur Jutuets, the present pro-
prietor of the Theatre Francais.
CIiAiBER OF DEPUTIES, DECEMBER lc

The discussion was resumed on the Projet respect-
ing the Press.
An Amendment was proposed in Article 22, by
M. BLANQUART BAlLLitlig to give a right of dvil
action to any person aggrieved by a work deposited,
although not circulated.
This was opposed by MM. Baum:or, as VLLLELI
and MOSTC6LM, as having been already decided
against in principle, by the Amendment which took'
away, the prosecution of authors for works merely de.
posited and not circulated I and on the ground that
the right of civil action and criminal prosecution
could not in this case be separated.
M. Durour (de PEure) moved the previous
question. •
M. on Commas spoke of the absurdity of taking
greater care of individuals than of the public interest,
and supported the previous question.
M. JoLuvrr maintained, on the other hand, that
there was a material distinction ; and that, by reject-
mg the Amendment, they would open a door to pri-
vate vengeance.
M. de CASSAIOWOLLIIII supported the
M. BrQUZY quoted Art. 25, to prove that it was
intended to make a distinction betwettn public offen-
ces and private injuries.
M. BULAILT supported the Amendment. and wished
the chamber to reflect again upon the deter mination
it bad come to with respect to the exemption of an-
*then from prosecution for was deposited, but not
circulated.

M. Houma.) eppos*4l the Amendment, as being
pernicious in its consequences.
M. de BoicaLD ridiculed the idea of making the
deposit equivalent to a publication.
The discussion was closed. The Chamber, after
having rejected the
_previous question, adopted the'
Amendment of M. Blanquart Balboni.
On the 115th Article respecting prosecutions and ac.
dens, with reference to the deposit, being read,
M. BILLART wished to know by what means' the
epoch el the publication of a work was to be suer.'
taineti?..-After some discusson, it was agreed to
strike out the article.

To the 26th Article, for abrogating preceding laws
contrary to the present,
JACQUINOT PIIIIPZLIME proposed to add, that
it should not take away the effect of former laws,
coneerning songs, pamphlets, figures, or images, coa-
ster, to good morals.
DVEONT (do PEure) considered the penal code
sufficient, and mend the previons•question.
• hi, CORNiT D'lmocar *batted, that these .waa

no law to punish blasphemy. He propowd,
fore, to Wend this amendment of M. Jacq,
pelone to works hostile to religion and to dn•
ing of former works, either seditious, iL
blasphemous.
M. de COURIFOISER contended that this In;
its abuse, be converted into an attack urn
opinions, which would be at variance with u
The Count de MARCELLUS warmly supi
Amendment last m ved.
The previous question was then negatis,
amendment of M. Jacquinot agreed to.
The discussion continued on the amen.
by M. Cornet d'lncourt.
M. BELLART stated, that works against
were regularly taken cognizance at in the
M. CORNET D'INCoURT aererd to
part of his pruplisition, but i..sisied on ch.. erco, it
respecting the reprinting of former work,.
This was got rid of by the prrvii,us in.
Two Articles were read, mowed by M.
and M. de la 13:1UALTI, to the effect that
the Press should only continue tdl the Ist
1820, and that in the interval a Proj, t of L,„
be presented for applying the Trial by Jr'ay t
of the Press.

M. de Vu.eut—That wculd la! c. ntrAry to
Royal prerogative. '
M de SAINT Carat opposed the lturnimen:
The previous question was carried by .4'l
!Daintily
M. DUVERGIER DE HAVRANNE Wit!,4!seW
sition nearly similar, which had for its 61-'
gage the Givernnient to pr,oose, m ter
1819, a new law respeering the offEnces ni th

j,_':', lip

The scrutiny was then pn.ceeJed in ~it th,
Project. The numbers were—Fut the Ytojeo,
against it, 111.
It was ordered that each Bureau should n,in-
Committee-men, to torn) a Committee on the Bt.
the preparatory examination to commence on
day.—Adjourned.

THE EVENING STAR.

LONDON.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 18.47.
Pit.ICE OF STOCKS TEM DAY AT "CWELVE
Reduced ll—Cops. shit—For Drains. SO
4 per Cent. OIIF-5 per Cent. Nan shut
la& Roods 04 94 pr.—Exchequer Sills 12 *2O pr.

FLANDERS MAIL.
This morning brought us a Mail from .
The ptincipal article which it presents, .it this
ful crisis respecting the Liberty of the Press,
Circular by the Ministers of the Grand Duke

WlLltidetit addressed to the Residents and CI.

d'Affaires of the Grand Duchy. The history of

document may be briefly stated. The Auitri.o.
Prussian Ministers same time ago proceeded to

mar to obtain the suppression or correction n

Journals published there. The answer is penred
the same spirit that dictated that of the British '
net to a similar application made by BONAPARTE

years ago, to have the London Press put ur,

straint for speaking too freely, as he conceived, n'
acts. The Minister of State briefly informs
plainants that all censorship having by law bee::

lished in the Grand Duchy, such publicAtivasc4l
be prevented ; but the parties may seek their re.

P°ge

in the manner provided for by the laws. This
cigar, as might be expected, also appeals in the
French Papers, where the same subject now occup'ss
the public attention, but wiser., alas, the proposed
Amendment on the Project of the Law, to have al
questions relative to the Press tried by a Jury has bees
got rid of by the previous question, without even a
division.

These Journals contain also some other articles, no
devoid of interest, and which we subjoin. The law
relative to the Tea Trade has been passed in tie
Upper Chamber of the States General:

Wa
I'3l
thYl
elli

nra
far
cos

BRUSSELS, DECEMBER 2s. •
Mr. Williams, the English Adjutant-General, his
just arrived here from Valenciennes.
We learn from Douay, that it is Mr. Contort.,
Counsellor in the Royal Tribunal at Paris, who has
arrived to defend M. Maubreuil, Marquis d'Orvanit.
In the sittings of the 18th Mr. Couture pleaded for
above three hours, with equal eloquence and strength
of argument ; an immense crowd was present. On
the 19th the Advocate-General spoke. Sentence will
very soon be passed.

"P.e
'tcluino. pose
Toth.. r referri
that I
his tt;g, the d,
,et; fused.
"th :oh-, printe
SUpporte whole
Sectic
hived, a
idormt T In
have]
;aim rti, Diet.
the Court disco
:I
Clink
111'0
rict. sure i
condi
i by M. and r
to pr.
Ist
)t L 4,.. s., the A
t tier it
Upon
ntrAry to he di!
Tl.
rt►lmen:
iy 4,, itwie the
High
i`2"ll a pro the N
s 65j,,zt to
tt7r &sun
snort
esriot the p
4,n dt, w mem
Project, were
'laws
ould n t b 4
on the Buit
folio
!nem np
ctse
the F
TAR. whit
but
'Ott
said
11, IA.C.
this
cVEO'cLot: A
.20 pr. Cani
man
read
▪ front Fland
diets
..t this eve
Am
the Press, is
miss
rand Duke
ass;
is and ass
plisl
e history of t
e Auitrial
weeded to 9' rztu
▪ rectlon of so abu
rer is penned
!re British Csb
ONAPARTILW tttlh
s put under r.
oneeivect,
dorms thee post
y law bee:: al-. rev
dications can-, opp
ek their redrtis Fat
tws. This Cir. Th