Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1838-06-05

An IMPosToR -lmpesitions are SO frequently prac-
tlsed upon the community by tales of shipwreck and
captivity, desolations BY earthquakes volcanic erup
TONS &c &c. that strong duty seems to devolve
upon the press to place the public their guard by
exposing impostors. On Saturday last, we transfer
red into this paper an article which originally appear
ed in the Massllon (Oho) Gazette, detailing the cir
cumstances attending the lmpressment and long cap
hvity OF Mr.. JOHN WooD, who is stated to have been
at the commencement Of the war Of 1912, ga young
and industrious farmer of Bracken county Kentucky"
On Thursday, after that tale OF captivity, well cal
calated TO enlist the public sy mpathy, was put in the
hands OF the composor no less personare than
John Wood, the verable captive HIMSELF appeared in
our city, and attracted crowds to him. and to hear
from his own lips detail Of his wrongs and suffer-
lngs IN British prison ships and board British men,
of-war. Some heard his narrative without suspicion
OF mpostHre-others, more ncreduous, believed that
his language was too chaste and his department
rehned, for British sailor and occasionally insinua
ted doubt as 10 the truth of his statements.
On Friday the impression became general that he
was an inposfor, and 10 one Of the citizens who had
questioned him pretty closely, he finally acknow-
lodged the fact and Immediately expressed wish TO
see the resident minister of the Methodist Episcopal
church. Upon arriving at the residence of that gem
tleman, he Unexpectedly met, and was soon recog-
nzed by venerable clergyman Of the same denomi-
nation, late OF OHIO. As soon Wood beheld this
venerable minister of the cross he burst tears and
declared that he had come 10 acknowledge the fact
that he was an impostor. The history of Wood, as
lar as known. together with his disclosures, are, in
He is native of Vermont, between 80 and So years
oil age, about the ordinary size, OF rather pleasant
countenance, and agreeable manners. About ten or
twelve years since, he came to Moscow Ohio, in fee
BILE health and repeated substantially the same tale
which he has recently told at Massilon and other
places with this difference in the version that he had
lett mother and two sisters in Vermont instead Of
wife and two children in Kentucky, and that his
capture took place at different time and under other
circumstances from that now related.
His tale was readily credited, and he obtained en-
poyment as wood chopper for the glass works then
IN operation at Moscow: He renamed in that siiua-
ton for two years, and by his industry and morality
gained the respect and confidence Of the neighbour
hood. He subsequently, became member Of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. and shortly after, was
licensed 10 preach the Gospel He was assigned by
the presiding Elder, to the 81. Mary's NILSSON and
after dschargng his duties for some time TO ell human
appearances, with the utmost fidelity, he was se un-
fortunate when absent from home as to become in
toxicated and feeling himself disgraccd he abandon
Of him. His subsequent history 10 related By himself
He states that, after leaving his charge, he first
dered TO New OrleaHs-thence he found his way 10
Alabama, where he united himself with the Baptist
Church, and recommended preaching the Gospel.
Shortly after forming this connection the Christian
Advocate reached Alabama containing detail Of hs
improper conduct, with a description Of his person.
Fearing detectisn and exposure he Immediately aban
doncd Alabama, and went to the Creek nation Of
Indians. Dissatisfied with his situation among the
Indians, he returned to the States and sought an asy
lam in one of the aims houses of Maryland, where he
remained one year. Afterwards he went to Psnnsyl-
vsns, and remained five years in an aims house.
Nothing further isknown Of him until he appeared az
mass'llon as the returning "captiye.
Many persons who visited him, believe that ne 10
suffering under some mental Alienation. This oPn-
ION appears TO be the most charitable one rs ne has
manifested no disposition TO make heavy drafts spon
the sympathles excited by his tale OF woes rrem
whatever cause, however-whcther II be avafice OF
or mental aberrstion-we feel il duty to guard the
community against his imposition.
He left on Friday afternoon, evidently under some
was said or done calculated to excite his fears.