The New York herald., 1861-12-28
A Bogus Captain OF the American Fcde-
raj Army-His Swindling Tricks and
Arrest i'm Paris.

Translated from tho Courier du Havre Of tile 7th Dec
for the NEW YORK HxRALD.l
We read Ia lie Droit;-A French commission merchant
n. -, residing in the Ruo Montmartro, had, in the
pursuit of his business TO make voyage to the United
States On :he 18th of October last he sailed from New
York his return to France. During his passage he
made the acquaintance OF an individual wearing bril-
liant uniform Of an officer Of the'federa army.
merchant friend Of Monsieur A-----, also q pap.
senger on the same steamer, and with whom the Amer
officer seemed 10 have boen already quite intimate
introduced the captain to NJ. A, as one Captain Lal-
emapn sent by his government to make large purchase
OF and war materials in Europe
Tho captain seemed to be q man of high fashion and
he very unostentatously exhibited some letters and
papers which apparently established the validity OF his
mssion lie made II understood that he expected to get
tho things he wanted in England, limiting that II would
be a most important purchase.
Aured by tho hope Of realizing large profits Monsieur
A. resolved within himself to supply tho goois that
needed He sounded the captain the subject by
telling him that, instead Of going to London, it would
be better to to Paris. where he would get the goods
on reasonable terms He added that, he was in
tmtatey acquainted with the place. enjoying excellent
credit, he might be of great use to Captain Laemanp
and that there nothing to prevent him from seeing
the whole purchase.
These propositions seemed to cause the captain 10 no
fleet great deal. When they arrived Liverpool he
appeared to have the air Of having accsded though with
reluctance, to the solicitation Of tho merchant
which by this time had become very press
ing. lie accompanied the merchant to Paris
and at once installed himself in tho Hotel
du Louvre WHERE for three days, he led the life Of
Nabob. Monsieur A. received him in his house, pre-
sented him his family and friends carried him to his
country house and showed him all Kindness attention
and friendship.
Having come one day 70 see the Captain at the Hotel de
Louvre with the view Of convsrsing with him concerning
the operations which he had already begun the merchant
found him in the public saloon.
Captain Lalcmann brought him into his private room
and said" viii you me II leave you korc onc
moment; am in great need OF being shaved, but will
return nstanyn Az the end Of about half en- hour be
returned His dress in disorder, and he seemed to
BE- aborng under great excitement g What Of a
hat rnt spnT ha
you believe II, they have just robbed my porte.
monnae containing $5s5? Il Ia shameful You
must make o complaint - said the merchant tTut ?,
replied tho Captain twill that bring back my money!
At any other moment this loss would have been OF very
sary for me to 90 to London 70 make arrangements
drawing out the contracts on New York banker for
million Of dollars to provide for the payment Of the
French merchants who are 70 furnish these goods" an
operations should be interrupted by this accident can
advance you the you require" And be sent three
thousand francs (six hundred dollars the pretended
captain, who loft for England.
Before leaving he should have Informed Mr. A. al
what hotel he proposed 70 stop in London Not
this information, the merchant wrote to him. The Cap
tain replied that he had been sick but that he getting
better and that he would return 10 Paris in fow days.
81 will not bring the contract with the bankers, =
he added the Minister OF War at Washington forgot
70 give the necessary order on the Treasury and have
been compelled TO send them back to New York"
Captain Laemann In duo returned to Paris and
showed his friend letter from his brotherinaw mer
chant in the United States. This latter belonged TO q
society whose members in the habit, he said, Of
Offering coddu to their president every year He had
stoned his brother nlaw To send him for this pur
pose three dam nds price OF about thousand francs
(S200). Tn, Captain requested Monsieur A. TO MAKE
security order for $6,0o0 signed by the President
the Bank Of New York.