The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1859-07-08


Persons rob one another every day, but he must
have been clever who robbed the Pretectwr
de Police (the head police officer in Faris.) And
this man did whose name has become historical
Beaumont. He was the Jack Sheppard among
thieves.
When Beaumont accomplished the immortalizing
feat (among his brethren) he had just returned
from the Bagne, (the galleys) at Brest 1t took
place in the DAYS of the celebrated Nidocq. He
actually robbed the strong box at the head police
office, and this box contained not only bank notes.
but all the iewelry which is found, or in any way
into the hands of the police. After his urn
from the gaeys, he frequently called upon Mon
sieur Henry principal officer of the second division
of police, and these visits made under pretence
of making certain revelations, giving useful in
formation, in hopes of becoming attached to the
police himself. Monsieur Henry's office next
to the cashiers office. In going and coming Beau
mont had taken impressions in wax of all the locks
and had keys made to fit them. This was doubtless
a great point gained, but it was not all; it was
necessary to watch a moment when the cashier
would be out, not come, having left his office,
and when Monsieur Henry, who never scarcely was
absent, should be away. Everything turns well for
those who choose to wait patiently. Beaumont
found the long watched for opportunity and as he
never did anything hastily, he did all at his ease
this time, and as cleverly quietly. He put
black coat belonging to Monsieur Henry, dress
then little worn, except by those high in office; he
walked down stairs and went to the nearest guard
house, asked for the officer, who took him for some
high official, and two soldiers were sent with him
without the least difficulty.
Beaumont gravey placed them one at each end oi
the corridor, with strict orders to let no pass
until further directions. 1t was very daring, but
equally sure. When he had made his selection
amongst heaps of precious things, and filled his
pockets with gold and Jewels, he passed of the
sentinels and said
"That's right, my friend | am going to the
head directors. Everything must remain as have
left it until my return shall soon be back; let no
one pass"
But the Office hours arrived and all the clerks
too, high and low
"1ou can't pass! they told.
So they all went out and walked up and down
the yard. Some, however, went round, at last
tired Of waiting, to the other entrance.
''You can't pass! p saluted their ears again.
Then came the heads of the office, and lastly Mon
sieur Henry himself who did not take matters quite
so quietly. He ran to the guard-house. The officer
knew nothing of the rank or name of the func.
tionary who had asked for guard. To release the
soldiers from their duty, the minister of police had
to be sent for and they got into see what? If a
thunderbolt had fallen amongst them all, they could
not have been more dumbfounded. The strong box
was rihed, and the ground strewn with rejected
valuables. Who could have done it? To whom
attribute this audacious act? All the persons
| employed were under examination and suspicion,
| when Beaumont was betrayed by a comrade, and
| condemned a second time. He had stolen several
hundred thousand francs, the greater part of which
| was found upon him.
est man; should have turned one," be said. 'I
is easily done when you rich; yet how many o.
| the wealthy are request"
This is all he uttered. He was sent to Brest
| where he died, leaving immortal name among
| thieves.