The native American., 1838-01-13
From the st. Louis Bulletin.
RICHARD CRAWFORD, THE FoRC

RICHARD CRAWFORD, THE FORGER.
1t is not, perhaps, generally known that this in
dividual, who has recently, been sentenced at
Louisville for forgery, under the assumed name
|of A.. G. Woods, upon Forsyth ~ Co., was for
some months last spring, resident of our city.
The following facts respecting Crawford, we
learn from gentleman who had with him per-
sonal acquaintance. He is the son Of respectable
parents, in the State of New York. His educa-
ton has been good, and his manners are ac-
complished, and those of man accustomed to
refined society. In person, he is finely formed,
dark complexion, dark eyes, black hair, and his
age cannot be far from thirty. His first debut
upon the stage Of the world, was at New Orleans,
where for some time he transacted an extensive
business; and finally wound up his concerns by
swindling New York gentleman, who had fur
nished him with capital out of thesum of $50, 900!
He then left New Orleans with the intention OF
returning to his native State. On his way up
the Mississippi, on board the steamer Chief JUS
tice Marshall, he met with Miss S. very beau
tfu and accomplished girl, daughter of one of the
first families in the State of Virginia. A mutual
attachment ensued between them, and on reaching
Wheeling they became husband and wife, much
against the will of her father The next thing
we hear of Crawford, he defrauded gentleman
Of Richmond Va. by the name of Swan, of 81 900,
by means of forged bill of lading. The inter-
val between the forgery Of the bill, and its period
of payment and, the consequent detection, was
passed by Crawford with his wife in the city OF
New York, in wild and extravagant course Of
life. He was arrested at length, at Wheeling,
for the forgery; but the matter was compromised
by a note to Swan from Crawford, for the sum
forged, with irresponsible endorser. AT the in
stance of his father-in-law, however, he was inn
medately arrested on behalf of the State, and
lodged in prison to await his trial. By the as
sistance Of the friend who had endorsed for him
he released himself, and escaped to this city.
/ Here, by tissue of deceptons, he contrived to
establish himself in the office Of DR.. ----, as
clerk, for which capacity he is said to be pre-
eminently qualified. He boarded at the City
Hotel, and was well known to many of our mos
respectable citizens. While here, a reward o
100 was offered for his detection, by the civi
authorities at Wheeling, and his WIFE father; ant
/ the police officers came on to st. Louis to ap
lprehend him. He became aware of the fact, ant
l went from the city for few days till the polio,
had returned to Wheeling, leaving behind him
note, that it would be impossible to find him. III,
was for some weeks after this, employed on bust
ness in the country for DIR. -, but finally de
camped taking with him a quantity of stoel
ljewelry and money. On arriving at Louisville
he perpetrated the forgery on Forsyth & Co. an,
with the money purchased an elegant carriag
and horses, and went on to Wheeling, to visit hi
4 wife, who was residing with her father. re
] ward of $500 was offered for his detecton an,
rlhe had been at Wheeling but short time, whel