Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1850-11-21
McDOnOugh, the Miser Millions
sRirR.

former acquaintance of John McDon-
ough, the millionaire who died lately in N.
Orleans, furnishes The Newark Advertiser
with the following "reminiscences of him:
He resided, for many years Of the latter
part OF his life, in Algiers, village on The
opposite side of the Mississippi to New Or
leans, where he cultivated and maintained
the slrlc;est habits ofindustry and economy.
His custom was to visit the city daily, and
10 avoid the expense Of the ferry boat, the
usual mode of crossing, he kept a small SIX fl
in which be made his house servants row
HIM over. The foundation Of his fortune
was laid by the transfer Of Louisiana to the
United States, when large tract where N.
Orleans is now located was acquired bv him.
The rise in value of this would, OF itself,
have constituted at this day a large fortune.
Ihe income of his possession he studiously,
and with much good Judgment, Invested IN
improved property in the city, and so partic-
ular was he in the collection of rents, that
he made out with the most perfect exactness
himself, every BILL and though ne had col
| lector employed, he would never suffer him
TO append his name to a receipt. lie was
never known 10 have friend call upon him
| except on business, which he would compel
him 10 despatch with all convenient speed
lest his time should be occupied with some
thing which would not result in his pecunia-
ry advantage.
The old gentleman whom he employed to
collect his rents, &C., was not even allowed
TO have his brother call en- him. lest, as Nc
Donough aledged, it would cost him an ex-
ira meal. His apparel, when in the city,
was always neat and clean, but bore the un-
mlstakeable evidence of being very ancient:
| So particular was he to save his clothes from
| the usual wear, that he has been known fire.
quently TO take off his linen on his return
| from the city, and replace it with that which
was of less value. The umbrella which be
invariably carried with him, was said to have
been found by him during his services in
Gen. Jackson's campaign against the Indian
tribes When he put on new coat it was
noticed and made the subject of familiar con
versa'Ion among business men thIougho
the city, as a matter of astonishment.
A few years ago, a nephew visited him, an6
was told he need not repeat his visits, as j
was expensive, and he subsequently died il
the Charity Hospital, his uncle contributn!
nothing towards his funeral expenses. o.
one occasion, he applied to the Legislature
for the passage of an act appointing hmsel
executor OF his own estate, by which he in
tended 10 save the usual fee Of 2 10 per cen
TO the Probate Court. In answer TO his pc
tition, the Legislature replied, that if he
would make affidavit that he tcas dead, they
would act favorabiy upon hts petition.
Much is said abou, his iberatng his slaves
and an erroneous impression is gone abroad
in relation 10 it. When he purchased one
he al once opened an account with him
charging his cost, expenses Of clothing, &c.
and creditng him with the money receive,
for his wages, and when the slave had pait
him his first cost, expenses and interest o
money, with far consideration Cor risks
&C., he gave him his freedom provided III
Colonization society would take Charge G
him.