The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-01-25
ALLEGED swINoLINs OPERATIONS.

A Pretended Confidential Agent Of President
johnson Arraigned ON n Charge of Forgery
and Of Obtaining Money Under False Pre-
sences-Examination Before Justice Dodge,
&C.. &c.
Colonel Felix O'Byrne figured pretty extensively
during the last stages OF the late rebellion and around
Washington aud this city, and many the stories told
Of his operations in the alleged swndlng lne couple
of his latest transactions have been brought 10 light
within tho past few days In this city, complaints
lodged before Justice Dodge az the Jefferson Market
Police Court One Of the complaints which was noticed
IN the HERALD few days since states that OBync
In payment offered check on VIM j.. Leonard, OF Erie,
Pa for $3.50 receiving the balance in cash. Tho chcck
was forwarded 70 Erie and there protested. Another
complaint is made by James Kelly, OF No POT West
Tenth street. charging 0Byrnc with swindling him out
Of $3.50 by means Of check Ar. Leonard. OF Erie,
Pa Mr. Kelly cashed the check for O'Byrne and for
warded 1t TO Erie and received in reply Mr. Leonard
telegram telling him TO hold 0Byrue, tina; he
t0'Byrne) had swindled him out OF $4o0 and tried TO
pass four forged checks on bis name.
Mr. Kelly caused the arrest OF Oyrne, and yesterday
afternoon the case came up for examination before JUS
tico Dodge, and commenced with the
nation OF Mr. Kelly who testified ioIowsI first
OByrne about the 9th Of December last; 1t at pub
lie school 90, in Twenty fifth street: never knew
heard Of him until that time he stated to my
first introduction TO him, IN answer my question
whether he connected with the pubic schools, thai
no not connected with the schools that was the
confidential agent OF the President OF The United States
- also stated mat he rs came 10 this country under
England, with letters TO tho government and that he
had been in government since; that he had
defended q suit for Mr. Adams In London, and Dir
Adams was much pleased with him that he recon-
mended MIN 10 out here he also spoke OF the edu
caonal system and said he had written largely the
subject that he formerly cnncced with the press
he went to Of the public schools where introduced
him; the TO Of tho schools he spoke Of his
cousin Mics Coee spoke OF her Mary; lie said he
had influence with the government and suggested he
might do something for me the internal revenue col
lcctorsbp OF the Sixth strict beng vacant, and
there being disposition to make 1t vacant he under
stood IT, either he or suggested that Mary could be
Ested Observed that took the collector ship in hat
district u would be with the purpose OF dividing the
entire receipts Of the Office with Mr. Waters Principal Of
school No o. who 10 bc cashier, aad with Mary he
professcd and pretended 20 aid in getting tho col
he pretended that through his influence with
AIRS Patterson, the Presidents daughter and Colonel
Johnson, the Presidents son. who the powers be-
hind the throne, he could secure the movement Of
my fends in behalf that could get position
that about the time Of first acquaintance and
this state OF things existed up Ia the time cased the
draft tor him; IL had known no n rascal would
not have cashed a, the time advanced the money
believed OByrnes statements TO be true; thought he
Office at the time casAed the draft.
Queston-lf you had not believed that he vas doiug
and would do all he could to get you taat otce would
you have cashed the draft Objected 20 by MI. Ke-
leys counsel be immatcral Duration admitted and ex.
ceptioas iaken J Answer would have advanced IL II
he bad said he would his influence M lbchalr
After litile further xamiaaion 20 Mr. Kel-
ley's knowledge or Gr Leonard. and connected
with the psoesting OF the draft the adjourned
aud will be resumed this afternoon at two oc.cca, when
some rich developments are promised