Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-08-31
From the. Columbus o) State Journal, August "a.
Strange CreduIity--A % 900 swindIe.

From the Columbus TO- State Journal. August "a
Strange Credulity--A % 900 swindle.
About two weeks ago, as q gentleman far
mer, living in Madison county, was riding to-
wards his home, not far distant, he observed
man and woman by the road side, engaged in
repairing tinware. A few days afterwards
woman called at his house, and, after some con-
versation, asked him if he did not recollect her.
lie replied that he did not. She then told him
that she had seen him on the road few days
before, and that his appearance had made such
an impression upon her mind, that she was com
PEELED to call and see him. She told him that
she was an astrologer, and that she was well
acquainted with its mysteries. She sawiat once
that ne was an extraordinary person, and knew
that ne had been born under particular
planet, and that great things might beexpected
OF him. She then took from her apron book
which seemed to contain number Of diagrams
figures, nc, and read from it, in an unknown
tongue, few "hocus pocus" sentiments, after
which, closing. it and putting it back into its
hidingplace, she went into the kitchen, bought
man, for which she paid literally, and went on
her way.
A da-y or two afterwards, the woman called
again, reiterating what she had said on her first
visit, the farmer paying but little attention to
what she said, looking upon the whole affair as
an attempt to humbug him. Not at all dis
couraged, the woman called again the next day,
and wound up her conversation by saying that
she knew where three hatcrowns full Of gold
had been buried on his farm, and that, if he
would do as she directed, they could recover it.;
but that it was necessary to allay the spirits
that stood guard over it; that large sum of
money must be present with them, at the mean
tation. She. thought Eve thousand dollars
would be required, but was not sure as to the
amount; and she proposed, if he would 20 into
it, and furnish the money, that she would give
him two-thirds of the treasure, while she would
reserve the other one-third as her share. I,
Up to this time, the farmer appears to have
had no confidence in the woman but as she
took his hand, and traced the mysterious lines
therein, telling him the great things in store
for him, he began to place some confidence in
her, especially as she had told him some things
that had occurred in his life that he supposed
had never been known. About this time he
sold large lot of cattle, for which he received,
in cash, about $4,000 The next day the
woman called again, and said that $4,000 was
the amount required to be present to allay the
spirits. The farmer then produced the pack
age of money received for the. cattle, and the
two sat down to a table, and counted ont 5000
in bank notes, excepting four small gold coins
The money was then folded up, the woman
all the time making strange motions and talk
ing strange talk. The next day and day after
the money as before, making the same signs,
&C., but leaving the money with the farmer,
wrapped up in the handkerchief
AT tho nc vt visit aba rann;rad b;n, 70 taLo a
solemn oath that he was not to tell to living
soul the object they we're in pursuit of, that
she was going away, to be absent for q.
short time he wassnot to look at the package
of money at any time, excepting when shewas
present; and after making an earnest prayer,
she took hold of him, while she held the pack.
age of money in her hand, and swung him
around, so that they came together, back
to back. She then gave him back the hand
kerchief, as he supposed, all right, and told
him that she would return on the 18th, 18th.
or 18th Of August and then they would 90 on
in company, and secure the hidden treasure.
On the 18th, he hardly expected to meet her, and
was not disappointed that she did not come.
On the 10th, he sat up late at night expecting
her arrival. so
After waiting till near midnight, on the 18th,
he began to suspect all was not right, and he
feared all this might be trap to rob him. So
strong did this suspicion fasten upon him, that
he took up his gnn, loaded it, and went out
into the shrubbery surrounding the house,
where he could see all who approached, with
out being seen, and remained there until two
o'clock in the morning. But no one came. As
the time had elapsed that was set for his fair
visitor, he considered himself absolved from
his obligation, never doubling in the least but
that his money was safely deposited in the
handkerchief
Unrolling it carefully what was bis dismay
at seeing, not roll of bank bills and four
pieces Of gold, as he had left it, but package
of brown paper and four cents, in lieu thereof.
Even the handkerchief had been changed; in
stead Of being his own, it was one precisely
similar One Of the strangest things in all
this strange transaction is, that q counterfeit
fve-dollar bill that was placed in the package
Of money, was taken out of it and returned in
the roll Of brown paper. How this was done
Is a mystery we cannot solve. The farmer who
has been so completely bamboozled out of
$4,000, now seeks to find some remedy at law.
Strange as this story may appear TO many,
we have the facts from the most undoubted
authority, and we have given them Just as they
occurred. We can sympathise with our friend
the farmer in the loss Of his money for he is
not the first Of the masculine gender who has
been-and, alas he is not the last who will
be-duped by a pretty woman.