The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-07-13
Correspondence Of the Republic.
New YoRK, July Ia p. m.
"THE CONFIDENCE MAN.

The COkFiDBhSk MAJ.
A great city like New York is constantly pro-
ducing great geniuses in all departments of human
industry and human speculation. The last produc-
ton in this line worthy of particulag note, is the
" Confidence Man." who, at present, shares with
Father Mathew, Captain McCerren, and the cho-
era, the public attention. Let me introduce this
celebrity to your readers for he is really worthy of
study. His modus operandi was as follows use
the past tense, for our hero is now in ethe Tombs,
and his business is at present wholly suspended.
Accusing gentleman in the street with an easy,
playful, of-hand manner, he would enter into con-
versation, and, as if struck by some sudden within,
would inquire
"Now, could you really place any confidence in
mel"
If the reply was in the affirmative, as it generally
was-for he selected his victims with infinite tact
saying
SWELL then, just lend me your watch till to-
morrow
The innocent wretch whom he had got into his
tolls, hands the chronometer to his smiling and
eccentric new acquaintance, and, bowling and grin
ming, the coincidence Man" disappears in mo-
ment. Next day the owner of the watch has some
uneasy misgivings, and on the next has very
vivid sensation of being duped and bamboozled.
The Confidence Man" selected his victims from
all classes and descriptions of men. One day he
met worthy member of the Society of Friends,
with hat Of ample breadth Of brim, and a cOun
tenance radiant with unaffected good nature
"Ah Mr. Brown, am delighted to see you
pray, how is the family"
"Verily, friend, thou hast the advantage of me,"'
says the benevolent man.
"Why don't you recollect me' Jefferson Biddle,
the son Of Mr.. Biddle, of Rockville"
"Truly, friend, thou hast grown 90 that did not
know thee; yet am glad to see thee-is it well
| with thee, friendi"
excellent well, replies our hero--"excellent
| WELL But yet doubt whether you would place
any confidence in the son of your old friends
coincidence Prithee, what confidence dost thou
demand -
"Why, only the loan of your watch till to-mor-
row, or the loan of fifteen dollars, just as you
please"
"Friend, this watch was the dying gift of Nehe-
miah, the father of Sarah, my wife--Ihat l cannot
lend thee; but here is the money--that do cheer
fully lend thee"
The bills were actually handed over to the rascal,
who speedily made himself Scarce
On one occasion he called on one of our Broad
way physicians to consult him about dreadful af-
lection Of the heart While the doctor was en-
gagged in the process of oscillation, his patient
managed to steal his watch and diamond breast
| pin. But an account of his Operations would
| fill columns Enough has been stated to show
| the character of his bold and inventive genius
| His career has now come to end for some time;
and the field is left to the other "Con6dence Men,
who prey upon human weakness and human credu-
lty.
| LOCAL NEWS.
| The city is unusually dull. have scarcely sin
gle item of interest to communicate. Gen. Scou's
letter on the annexation Of Canada is talked about
a good DEAL Many question the good taste of the
gallant General in thus venturing into the field of
politics; and apply certain Latin proverb to this
movement which will not repeat Hot weather
| Cholera continues to carry off many of the poor,
badly housed, and badly fed, and the incorporate,
and great number of cases of bowel complains
occur in the practice of the most respectable physi-
clans. The report to-day is eighty-6ve cases and
| thirty deaths Mr.. Vache, the actor died of the
epidemic last night. The empire" steamship
made trial trip yesterday, the pleasure of which
was marred by the degrading conduct of row.
dies who secreted themselves on board. Two hum
dred berths are already engaged in this fine vessel
| The Government steamers are fast advancing TO
completion, and will fully meet expectations.