The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-03-14
A Feast for the GOssips.
FORKS A DLSGRACEFUL PLOT FOB TIE
RUIN OF HER HUSBAND.
From Chicago Tribune, Ma rch /.

From Chicago Tribune, march,.
Members of certain circles in the city
were yesterday startled by rumor that a
gentleman by the name OF David Vaughn,
and lady named Mrs. Chloe Hills had
been arrested by the police, charged with a
conspiracy to cause ex-Alderman Jacob
Harris to commit crime which should en-
title his wife to divorce. 1t was also
mysteriously limited that divorce was
what Mrs. I'll. had for a long time been aE-
ter. The facts in this case, as far as res
vealed upon preliminary examination be.
fore Justice Akin, held 10 the Recorders
Court Room yesterday afternoon, are as
follows:
1t appears that On the 18th day of Feb
ruary last Mrs. Lydia q. Bellows was Wis
tied at her residence. No. 4S3 State street,
by Mrs. Hills, who proposed the matter
OF slight pecuniary speculation, which she
intimated might result in putting four Or
five hundred dollars 10 the not oVersflled
purse of Mrs. Bellows. She informed Mrs.
Bellows that there was person in the city
who wanted divorce from her husband,
and that in order to accomplish her ends
it was absolutely necessary that the said
husband should be detected 10 a criminal
act, which should be witnessed by at least
two individuals. The plain question was
asked /: "Will you perform the part requir-
ed for proper sum ?" Mrs. Bellows said
she would. After this another meeting was
had, in which Vaughn participated, and
n inst fol- Of trpn
hundred dollars, which was to be given for
the deed without name, was paid over.
Vaughn, let it be understood, is a relative
by marriage to the man who was to be de-
luded, by the conspiracy. He concocted
the plan as related by the principal wit
ness for the prosacution--Mrs Bellows
and advised her to write note to Mr..
Harris. She hinted that she could easily
do that, but would he come to her?
Vaughn suggested that be new the ex-al-
derman well enough to be convinced that a
letter from lady soouZd bring him "every
time" Mrs. b. did write the following
delicate epistle, signing the alias of Gray"
and iS did bring Mr.. Harris as had been
anticipated:
CHICAGO, Feb. l3, 1862.
Mr.. HARRIS Pardon a strange lady
writing you note. You are not stranger
by reputation. because | have had the plea.
sure of seeing you at different times, and, sir,
| wish to become acquainted with you. want
some one to advise me what to do, and | was
told to go to you. | shall call no names. 1t
was lady. Ii you will call on me will tell
you why l wish to see you. Please call at
OF o clock to-day, or tomorrow afternoon
it convenient, and | shall be at home. Please
call at ASS State Street, corner of Eldrige
Court Please ring the bell and will answer
it. Call for Mrs. Gray, MRS. GRAY
P. S.-Please hand this note to me when
you call or may net known you. Let 10 one
see this. Be sure and call.
This was considered pretty good diplo>
macy, but the conspirators, it appears,
reckoned without their host. Although
tempted with goGdly sum in ready money,
and, perhaps. net uainclined to do what the
prime movers in the game desired OF her,
the woman Vaughn and Mrs. Hill! thought
to be their supple tool had no sooner got the
victim 10 her room than she revealed to him
the entire plot, n all its Nervousness. 1t
may be supposed that Mr.. Harris was not
pleased with the unpleasant news. This
interview took place on the 18th of Febru
cry On the 10Th Mrs. Bellows had
meeting with Mrs. Harris, ut the residence
OF Mrs. Hill, when the final arrangements
were concluded. Il was proposed to place
5000 in the hands OF some responsible per-
son to be paid to Mrs. G. as soon as the
deed was done and properly set forth in an
affidavit. Several persons were named to
hold the funds, but were objected to by
Vaughn or Mrs. Harris. Fifty dollars Of
the money was paid Mrs. Bellows, and fifty
to Mrs. Hill soon after, in the presence of
Vaughn. An application was made to D.
D. Driscoll, Esq, to hold the money, bat
he refused to have anything to do with it.
Thus bad the train been placed ready for
the spark to blow the reputation of the
victim entirely out Of sight. A letter YVES
written to the ex,Alderman appointing
Thursday evening of the present week, for
the elimination of the plot. Mr.. Harris
appeared at the appointed time and place.
Mrs. Bellows was there, and a gentleman by
the name of Smith, not down in the bills as
far as the Vaughn and party was concerned,
and presently Mrs. B. gave the signal which
should have announced the consummation of
the foul deed to those waiting to rush in and
witness it--they came in and were almost
Immediately arrested by Capt. Jack Mel.
son and possee of police who had been
stationed outside for the purpose. Thus
have the conspirators been checkmated and
placed in the hands of the offended law.