Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-03-22
A Singular Story--A millionaire in the Poor
House.

The Lockport, N. Y. Advertiser relates very
strange story, which it seems is true. 1t says:
"Some two weeks since young man of gen.
tlemanly address, and who, from appearance,
bore evidence of having seen better days, arriv-
ed at Tonawanda, and, calling at the house OF
Mr.. Browning, of that place, begged for some
thing to eat, and asked for situation. he gave
a history of his circumstances as ws:-He
said his father was wealthy, lived in France, and
that he had left his home, in that country, on q
pleasure trip to the United States, bringing with
him SCI, 900 for spending money and other pur-
poses. ,4s-r -ogl-r
"On landing in New York, and after sojourn-
ing in that city short time, deposited $4,000
with banker, who was Jew. He was then
led BY some new made acqusintances into scenes
of dissipation and gaming, where he lost the re-
mainder of his money. To add to bis misfor-
tunes the Jew banker failed, and swindled him
ont of the money he had deposited with him..
His father, he said, had banker in New York,
from whom be might have obtained assistance.
but he determined from motives of pride and
chagrin, not to appeal to him in his extremity,
by giving statement of his condition. On re-
ceiving, with some doubts of its truthfuness, the
above statement, Mr.. Browning took the young
man into his employ for q few days, and set him
to work "packing shingles" He afterwards
went to Buffalo. Mr.. Browning in the mean,
time. however, out of motives of curiosity, wrote
a letter to the above mentioned banker, whom
tho Young man had stated was doing business
for his father, enquiring of him in regard to the
truth of the matter.
"The banker, on receipt of Mrs. BIS letter, i'm
mediately repaired to Tonawanda and confirmed
the truth of the statement, and also related other
facts in connection with the case more wonder.
full still. He stated that he had recently learn
ed of the decease of the young mans father, who
had died leaving him heir to $2O0O,0OO and
also that 100000 had already been RENTED
and was in the hands of himself. The banker
on receiving the news, and not finding the for
tunate nheritor of this vast sum, advertised for
him in the papers. The banker then gave Mr..
Browning S25 to prosecute the search for him
in Buffalo, where it was supposed he had repair
ed. After two days spent, the object OF the visit
was found in the Erie county work-house, where
he had been committed a few days previous as q
yaprant. He was very sick, and his disease was
pronounced by the doctors to be inourable. He
had two days longer to remain before the time
for which he was committed would expire.
SIT may be readily conceived that the news
of his good fortune, and q certainty not only OF
immediate relief but of restoration to the head
Of wealthy estate, with all the surroundings
of ease and luxury, melted the most powerful
emotions in his breast. The few days ne had
vet to linger among the destitute, seemed to him
ages but it was impracticable to obtain release
except through the interposition OF the Govern
or. Accordingly, it was arranged tnat the
Count De- should remain until his tme
should expire without any further effort being
made for his release. After his release from the
workhouse he was brought to the honse Q. Il mr.
sboSs Where he still remains very sick under
the medical attendance of DR.. Locke; The
vonno Count has since two more remittances
S from bis banker, and his condition is as good
under the circumstances as could be expected
Thus ends for the present the first chapter of
this strange, eventful, but nevertheless true his
tory" i.,ii.l.- -ra .rin.sy rts.a ie5