Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-06-07
THE IMpOsTOR.

We noticed few days since, the imposition
attempted to be played upon our citizens
by a person calling himself the son of the Gel
ebrated'Indian Chief, General Ross. A friend
has furnished US with the following particulars
! of this accomplished scoundrel:
.Messrs. Smith 4 Parmenter.-Glancng
over the columns of the Literary Cadet Of
Wednesday, paper for which subscribe and
which read with more than ordinary interest
my attention was attracted by an editorial
article headed "INpIANs." In the descrip-
tioa the individual whose recent appearance
| and conduct in your town, had elected the re-
marLs alluded to, thought that l recognized
a strange being whom had frequently seen
Early in the Spring Of 1927, parsonage, cor
responding in all material respects with the
| account you give Of the late Providence guest,
appeared in Norfolk County, Virginia, place
in which had resided for several years. He
| claimed to be General Ross, the son Of dis
tingushed A" Military" Ind;an) "Chieftain "
OF that name. His tribe have forgotton.-
| He had the address and effrontery to impose
himself on many very respe ctable citizens, in
Norfolk, Portsmouth and Gosport, as a char
acter Of no very Inconsiderable distinction
Commodore Barron, was among those who ex-
tended to him fattering civilities and hospi-
| talities, which, perhaps, would have been with
| held from a ,Dhite man whose sound preten.
sions might have entitled him to honorable
| consideration. So powerful is the empty pag
| cant Of mobility, even in an Indian; and that
too even in Government Of Republican white
men! He was complimented with party So
| ect, at tho Commodore's; and the chvalrous
chieftan of the forest condescended to give
conspicuous display Of his " far-fetched " gal
| lantry, by attending the Commodore's daugh-
| ter to Norfolk, and other places Of fashion
able resort. Having an Unsuitable thirst for
variety, after he had remained in these viii
! lagos several days, his exclusive mind conceived
| the idea Of country excursion. Accordingly
be bent his course towards small village, call
cd the Great Bridge, about ten miles from the
| Borough OF Norfolk. At this place he sue
ceeded to his very hearts desire. Selecting
the inn Of Mr.. John Jones, as his Head Quar-
ters, and indulging, in the outset, free use Of
| the choicest wines his host could furnish, he
SC. about his usual operations, by making his
depoirs to the principal inhabitants of the vii
lage. This had the same extraordinary effect
which had been ordinarily attendant on the
first exhibition Of himself al other places. Soon
he was seen promenading the street, accom-
panied by gentlemen Of respectability, arm
locked in arm, making their way towards the
Sachem's Quarters Liquors of the best quail
ity and in the greatest variety, we're plentifuly
4 ordered by the illustrious General, who had
honoured the citizens Of the Great Bridge with
his dgn6ed presence.
The interchange of the most cordial civili-
ties and respectful courtesies having taken
place. and the bottle freely circulated, the
hosptable entertainer, directed his landlord,
incognito, to prepare sumptuous entertain
ment for that evening, and that no labor or
expense be spared in rendering it as splendid
as possible. Every thing in and about the
tavern was hustle and confusion in the prep
aration, while the General was assduously en-
poyed ik circulating invitations to his feast
Evening at length arrived, and with it the
party. The tables groaned under the weight
Of costly viands and the choicest fruits Of the
season. The bottle bled freely--merriment
and hilarity prevailed, and expressions of the
most exquisite pleasure, beamed on every
countenance! The General osien moistoned
his clay, and pressed his guests to do the same.
How could they refuse the honor, couched in
language so condescending and polite! Some
Of the party, having rather more precognition
Of consequences, than the others, very judic-
iously took leave at an early hour, while he
managed to have those who.remained, safely
locked in the arms Of Bacchus, in good season.
The landlord testified, on oath, that the Gen.
eral drank him drunk and to bed before o o.
clock, P M. He kindly relieved Doctor Wies'
pocket-book Of all its pecuniary burthen while
the Doctor was enjoying a comfortable nap in
his chair; and then, astriding the Doctors
horse, which was tied at the gate, he nodestly
evacuated his Quarters, sans eeremonie!
Proceeding in the direction Of North-Caro-
lima. he moved leisurely along, making fire.
quent calls, and laying the inhabitants on his
route under contributions for liquors, provisions,
and provendcr for his horse. So tardy was
his march, that he was easily overtaken the
next day, by gentleman, whom the Doctor
had sent GREErINo; and he soon found q
steady home - in the County Jail, at Nor
folk. attended his trial, which presented a
most ludicrous scene. 1t occurred before tho
Superior Court for Norfolk County, at its April