Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1859-09-09
A WELL PLOTTED AND SUCCESS.
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Prom the NsE York Herald Sept II
One Of the most remarkable cases Of swim.
ding which has been perpetrated for a long
time came to light last evening, In which h
appears that, as alleged, fifteen Young ladies
o. Philadelphia were duped by a person named
Johnson, who, under the pretext OF hiring
them a. teachers Of music In southern famf-
lies, managed 10 get them 10 this city, and then
decamped with about one hundred and fifty
dollars Of their money, and nearly an their
baggage, Amounting in value 10 between -four
and I'VE thousand dollars.
The circumstances Of the case 70 70 show
that the party who carried outthis swinale had
laid his plans admirably, and 20 successful
was he that several leading merchants Of Phil
adelphis were also victimized BY him. II
seems that, about two weeks ago, an adveF.
tissment appeared in the Philadelphia Lsdga.
stating that fifteen young ladies were wanted
70 60 south and teach music in private fami-
lies, The party advertising had also called
upon the firm OF Smith, Woodman & Co, pub.
fishers, No. coo Chestnut street, who frequent.
w furnished music teachers, and stating his
object TO them, they al once agreed 10 procure
the required number, and those answering the
advertisement were requested 10 call upon the
/ above firm. The result Of beir advertisement
as might be expected, brought very many an.
plications, and the addresses % the Young IA.
dies being furnished Johnson, be at once
sought an interview with then. Various sto.
ries were related 20 them respecting the p7si-
lions that were required 10 be filed, and after
several DAYS some fifteen young ladies were
accepted by johnson. From the fact tina,
Johnson had succeeded m misleading the above
firm, many Of the friends and parents were Ted
to sappose that all was az represented, and
they were Immediately fitted out for their Jour
ney.
Some six were 70 be promised situations in
the family Of a Mr.. Brooks In Alabama, while
others were 20 be located In various plantations.
Moreover, they were each b pay half their
travelling expenses, and Tuesday the 30th ult.,
was allotted as the time Of departure. Ac-
cordinglY, on Tuesday evening the young ladies
were at the railroad depot and under the care
OF Mr.. johnson they left for New York, intend
ing TO take the steamer for Alabama yestsr-
day. Soon after they left Philadelphia, the
conductor Of the train called for the fare. when
Johnson refused 70 nay, and told them tHat he
did not bear part Of their expenses unt they
left New York They were accordingly com
PEELED 30 paw their own fare 10 New York. On
their arrival in this city yesterday morning,
eight Of them were conducted 70 the Howard
hotel Broadway, and he others 70 some other
hotel their whereabouts not ~ vet having been
aseertained Their baggage was an sent to
The Stevens hotel, johnson stating he bad en-
gagged rooms for them AZ that house, but they
being somewhat crowded thew could not be &C
cOmmOdated until evening. Soon after break
fast he called upon them al their rooms, and
stated that he would require their portion Of
the money as be was going 20 procure their
tickets Ia the steamer. Accordingly each Of
he young ladies handed him over fifteen dol
lars, and saying he would return soon, be left.
He proceeded 10 the office az the hotel, and
succeeded in getting the loan Of five dollars
and departed, saying that he would be back in
a short time. About two O'Clock the proprie-
tors Of the hotel received a letter, signed by
Johnson, stating that he wished them 20 inform
the young ladies that he would not be back till
four O'Clock, owing 10 his not being able TO ar
range his banking papers.
One OF the young ladies finally became sus-
picious that al was not right, and proceeded to
The Stevens Hotel. 10 make inquiries about her
baggage, when 10 her surprise she found that
all the baggage, with the exception Of a few
Of the trunks, had been removed, and that
johnson had called for them. The fact was
accordingly made known 20 the proprietor Of
the Howard House. and upon further investi-
CATION, no traces Of the whereabouts Of John
son could be learned, OF where he had carried
the trunks. Deputy Superintendent Carpenter
being made aware Of the fact, Immediately de-
tailed Detective Slo'Tev 10 work M the case,
but up 10 a late hour last evening he had OBJ
aimed no clue 10 him. Il is thought that he
has fled the city. He is described rs being a
man about I've feet six inches IN hight. sandy
hair, and was dressed In a brown sack coat
and check pants. The trunks belonging 70 one
OF The young ladies' Is said 10 have contained
nearly $1,000 worth ef valusbies.
Last evening they were al congregated to-
eether at the hotel in the greatest state Of ex-
~eiteurnt. The proprietors. however, informed
Them that they could remain AZ ease, as their
house was open 10 them until they conld re-
turn hone. Several OF their friends r ON
philadelphia, who were here m the city. called
on them, having heard Of their unfortunate
position, and offered them any assistance re-
quired.
johnson represented that he owned a large
plantation IN Alabama, and over one hundred
slaves.