The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-11-18
Police Intelligence


THE FRAUD PRACTICED ON MR. DAvENPoRr--PUR-
TIER PARTICULARs-ONE OF THE PRISONERS
IDENTIFIED
Yesterday. Mr. Lawrence Davenport q very respec a
bic elderly gentleman residing at New Rochelle West.
chester county appeared before Justice Stuart and made
an affidavit setting forth the facts under which
he was dsfrauded out Of $685. by two men calling
themselves George johnson and Thomas Smith II
appears that, the morning OF the 18th OF
October last, Mr. Davenport was passing along
Ninth ct rect the Fifth avenue when noticed the
calling himself George Johnson Tor as he is now
known to be George Potter looking up at newly
erected buildings As Mr. Davenport advanced johnson
remarked that he about buying Of tho houses
and asked Mr. Devenports opinion to the value; Mr.
D. gave bis opinion; at this time, Mr.. johnson was
cloth 60; as they in conversation, up came
third gentleman, who addressed Mr.. Johnson
saying aa not send me the horse
Thos Smith, replied Because you only sent me $3.50 in.
stead Of s2s5 and win not let my horse go cent
less than ] at frst told youn Indeed sirn replied
Johnion, you are mistaken, sent you my check for
$780, well then" said Smith, your servant only
offered me $3.50 he must have drawn the check first and
" Il that is the case. iii discharge him from
my service on my return home Some angry words now
he would not sell the horse to johnson at all; John.
son offered then to pay Smith the $255 in gold but
he refused to accept it saying he declined to have
pealed to Mr.. Davenport to aid him. Mr. Daven
port went to Mr. Smith and endesvored bring about
more nmcable understanding but without effect Smith
then took the opportunity to tell Mr. Davenport that
MIR. johnson was clergyman. and preached at st.
Paul's Church In this city Mr. Davenport remarked II
he connected with the Rev Mr.. johnson OF Brookyf
and Smith said he Mr.. johnson then gave a purse
Of gold to Mr. Davenport, and asked him to pass the
amount TO Mr.. Smith for the horse. a. he (Smith)
would receive 1t from him Mr. Davenport took the
gold and endeavored to get Mr.. Smith to take it
Mr.. Smith said he would do such thing, that he
had aged father who would doubt be much
dspleased should he cell the horse under such crcum
stances. BY this time Mr. Davenports sympathies had
become deeply interested Believing the to
be highly respectable. minister of the gospel aud
fearful that the unpl asant dia about the horse
might lead to personal outbreak. Mr.. Davenport at
the suggestion OF johnson, agreed to pay the
$3.50 himself, In other words buy the horse him.
SELF and then pass 1t to Mr. johnson Ac-
cordingy. Mr. Davenport taken to the livery
stable OF John Nodine, in Amos street. when the horse
made over to Mr. Davenport subject to his ordee
MI d. not having the money about him went, accom-
panied by Mr. Smith to his son from whom Mr. d. got
check for che required amount, which check Mr. D.,
still accompanied by Smith went to the bank and got the
money They then both returned in omnibus back to
tho stable where Mr.. D. paid the S255 Smith
took the money and bid Mr. Davenport good day. Mr..
johnson had agreed to Mr. Davenport the Kos
suth house on his return give him the $685. and take
the horse But searching for Mr. johnson he could
no where be found did Mr.. Davenport him again
until he him under arrest at the police court The
horse examination. left with Mr. was not worth
$50 There s yet another charge against these
which they got 1915 from a countrym for horse and
wagon under precisely the same false representations
At Potter the only out Of the three taken
identified.