Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1866-01-23
4 Discharged Soldier Buys a HIfe-H6w he
Was taken In.

The ST. Louis Democrat, of January Sd.
says: Charles Moritz is an un,ophsticated
bachelor OF th1rty-sIx. Having served ft.lI
term Ill the army, where he was successful ir
codglng tho rebel bullets, he considered him
self equal to an emergency, and concluded TO
take unto himself q wife. Moritz. therefore
called on his friend, Geo. Walther, who keeps
saloon at the corner of Morgan and twenty
first streets, and offered George fifty dollars
to get him a''goOd, plump and docile wife"
Having no license in this business, but il be-
ing Chritmas time, be thought he would play
little Joke at the expense of poor Charley.
Heacquanted several ether friends with his
intention, and they entered into the conspiracy
with right good will. Among the friends
consulted by Walther were Joe GottwaId and
Anton Jorgen. Joe had brother Who was
a smooth-taced, rosy-cheeked boy fat and
plump as head Of cabbage, and full of mis-
chief Joo's brother was dressed up in the
gorgeous array of bride, and grave looking
Hesslnn was engaged to play the part of,Jus
tice Of the Peace, and tie the nuptial Knot
NORTH was delighted with the appearance Of
his BRIDE" He considered that he lad obtain.
cd" great bargain" and at once accepted her
as his better half. a room in Walthcr's house
was nicely scrubbed by Jorgeu, aud there tt e
marriage ceremony was performed MoritZ
was IN ecstacies. AS soon as the moose was fai+
y round his neck, he gave the squire FIVE dol
lars for his trouble, presented five doIIs,s r.,
Jorgen for scrubbing the room, and made
young Gottwald present Of fifteen dollars as
abridal present.
The lberality of the happy man did not stor
here. lie sent out and invited a number OF
ecquantanccs to the frolic, aud spent seventy
hVe dollars for wines, cakes and cigars. The
spree was kept up until late hour, and when
the wedding guests at last took their debe.rtGre
horltz vas informed that the sister Of bis bride
was very sick and desired Mrs. Moritz IN sit
up with her that night; it would be taken ss
favor If he would remain at his old quarters
until morning, when he could come and take
MS Vile home. Moritz reluctantly agreed to
THIS arrangement, but fearing something might
De wrong, he demanded Of the Justice hi.
marriage certificate. He was handed a card
containing the following:
Reward Of Merit, Presented 70 Louis Ef7e,.r
by N. h. Secor, teacher"
with this document in his pocket NFori.x
retired to bed, thanking his good fortune that
ne had at LAST procured young and handsome
Wie. Morltz was not sluggard next morn
ing, but, bright and early, he arose and has
tened over to Walther's house to fetch his
bride. He was told that there was no such
person there. After going nearly crazy, and
searching the whole house, he was told that he
had been made the victim of practical joke.
For two days poor Moritz was confined to his
room, refusing to eat or drink, and disdaining
all offers of consolation. He nleditated re.
ysuge, and tOokthe proper course to obtain it.
He called on the police force. and officers Ros-
seau, Dickson and Vonlupe arrested George
Walther, Anton Jorgen and Joe Gottvald
on charge Of obtaining money under false
Pretences. The bogus Justice could not be
found, and Joe's syounger brother, the "bride."
was also missing. The three men we're taken
TO the calaboose, and will be examined before
the ResoEder on charge offelonE