The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-02-27
Miscellaneous,

Miscellaneous.
Ofthe following narrative, from the Nor
witch Courier, the New York Con. merciu
Advertiser suys:--"We know the facts TO be
correctly narrated. We are personally ac-
quainted with all the parties named. and
heard at the time, when the occurrence took
place, the particulars ofthe transactions from
the gentlemen who were the bondsmen of
Mr. w. The latter left WATERFOWL, and
when we last heard ofhim he resided in one
ofthe Western States"
A TALE FROM REAL LIFE.
The various incidents comprised in the
| following narrative are substantially true
! ne iuris were gathered by the writer from
one who was at that time residing i'll the I'M
mediate neighborhood and consequently pos
sessed knowledge of the whole transac-
ton.
In the year 1914, MIR w. of Wntertown,
Jefferson county, N. Y, was appointed pay
master General of the army then stationed at
Sacket IIarbor. He was man quite above
mediocrty with respect to intelligence,and OF
unimpeaChed moral character. He was II
/ I
and respect ofall with whom he was associa-
ted.
His wife, ofwhom more particular ac-
count is necessary, was rather above middle
stature, and of somewhat beautiful appear
ance; she possessed a mind of extraordinary
capability, cultivated by the most assiduous
application; and her refined taste and polish
ed manners gave her access TO the best soci-
ETY.. She was IGNORED with the most con-
spcuous place mt all social gatherings, and
was regarded as a model ofall fcmenine vir-
tues and accomplishments In entering up
on his new office. Mr. WIS sureties were
Judge *. and Mr. f. of the same town. The
former was a lawyer ofmuch distinction, and
had for n number of years been Judge of
some of the higher courts of the state of n.
Y. He was a man rarely equalled for sound
ness ofjudgment, and was especially charac-
terized by discriminating penetration, which
qualified him well for the part he bore in the
tragical affair am about to relate.
lie resided in the neighorhood of Mr. w,
and possessing unbounded confidence in his
integrity, did not hesitate to aflix his name to
the bond. Mr. f. Il less conspicuous charac-
ter was plain honest and upright farmer, of
considerable wealth, and maintaining high
standing in society. Nor did he for mo-
ment hesitate to sign the bond of MIR w. with
Judge X.
In discharge of the duties ofhis new office,
Mr. w. accompanied by his wife, in the spring
of 1914, left Watertown for Albany, to re-
ceve there the amount of public funds nee
essary to meet the demands of'the year. The
reason ofhis wife's accompanying him is not
known, and whether the course taken by her
was premeditated, the reader must judge
They arrived safely at Albany, and after
spending day or two there, Mr. w. received
money TO the amount of 100000, and they
left for home. They had travelled on their
return as far as Schenectady, when Mt pub
lie house where they passed the night, the
trunk containing the money was opened and
$4,000 distracted. What must have been the
feelings of Mr. w. thus to find one-tenth ofthe
amount entrusted to him stolen! The house
was Immediately searched, and every meas
ure taken for the recovery of the funds and
the apprehension of the robbers, but it was
all in vain-no clue that might lead to is
discovery could be obtained.
No one dared to suppose or deemed it were
possible, that the beautiful and accomplished
person accompanying Mr. W., who seemed
equally afflicted by his misfortune, could bt
in any way concerned in the deed. Nor coult
the slightest suspicion enter his own mind
after the matrimonial intimacy ofyears, Oft thu
guilt of his bosom companion. Atter making
every possible effort for the recovery of thu
los, sum. and all proving Intellectual, the.
proceeded on their return and arrived at Wat
ertown, where all gave credence to thei
statement of the occurrence at schenectady
and the missing funds having been satlstac
tor;lv accounted for to the Government,noth
inc worthy of note trauspired till the sprinI
fls15, when Mr. w. again made prepare
tons for going to Albany,to receive the Gov
: eminent funds. In order to be secured iron
: any felonious attempts, he decided to go OF
: horseback and return with the money Ill M
portmanteau Strange as it may appear, hi
wife again persisted in accompanying him.
J What were MIR WIS own wishes with regar
to the matter, know not; deeply laid plot
which had been years in maturing, could no
otherwise be consummated, and consequent
" no refusal on his part could be effectuaI'