The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-05-27

Editor Of the Crescent: f
There has been much excitement here lately
among both Brazilisns and Americans, caused by
the disclosure of certain frauds and forgeries and
The arrest Of the adventuper who perpeTated
them. II appears that some months ago an indi-
vidual arrived here in the American packet, Ia
steerage passenger, though this was not known
till quite lately who soon managed TO ingratiate
himself into the confidence OF certain respectable
and influential citizens representing himself to be
Charles Edward Louis Ste wart, former editor OF
the New York News, published in New FORK. aud
exhibiting an old number Of another New York
paper, in which was likeness OF that gentleman,
much resembling himself, and containing sketch
of the character and capacity Of the aforesaid
editor, highly creditable and complimentary. He
also claimed TO have held some position under
Jefferson Davis during the war, and exhibited
letter of Introduction from him-now supposed to
be forged. This all seemed fair and plausible,
and those parties associated with him freely; and
the more readily as be disclosed his design TO
establish journal here on most gigantic scale
with unlimited means, which be claimed to pos
sess, whereby he could support powerful staff
and vast correspondence, and secure position
and influence in Brazil and the whole Western
world like that of the London Times in Europe
and the East.
be imposed on many OF the best citizens. obtain
ing money and credit, as is said to large amounts
and, as we know. from one highly respectable
house the considerable sum Of $2250. This was
auVdDceu upon MS uIdits on HORACE Ureeiey anQ
Il. j. Raymond. of New York. for which he ex-
bibited written authority. When these drafts
were returned protested, with the declaration that
be was not known and had no genuine an horizs-
ton, the fra1d became apparent, complaint was
made, and his arrest ordered. But this new Mon
roe Edwards was missing. Very soon. however,
our active police, one of the best in any country,
feueted him out and committed him to prison.
On bis examination he said bis name was Charles
Edward Louis Stewart, that he was British sub
ject, that he was born 10 Naples Italy, of Scotch
parents, etc. Letters Of his fabrication were pro-
duced from Gen. Webb, the American minister,
and Mr.. Monroe. the consul, giving him currency.
These and other documents formed the basis
upon which he obtained the money above stated.
Besides, he bad aletter Of credit for $3.50 900 from
Auguste Belmont Co., New York, with which
he was to carry out bis grand scheme. OF course
no doubt can be entertained TO its authenticity.
Upon the foregoing and other testimony he was
committed TO Jail for trial, no bail being allowed
or atainsble by him, as bis i'll gotten funds were
exhausted. While in the full blaze of his career
II was asserted be was the veritsbe Confederate
cavalry officer, Gen. ]. E. b. Stuart, though that
gallant champion has been dead some years. But
think this cheudher d'industrie had not the i'm
pudeDce to himself claim the high honor of being
so distinguished man and hero though for his
vainous purposes he may have caused the report
TO be circulated, and the similarity Of name may
have secured credit with persons not familiar with
men and events in the United States.
The Americans now here are anxiously looking
for the arrival Of steamer from New Orleans, as
many are expecting friends TO coue by that con-
veyance. God grant that all who start may arrive
safe.
I lately saw your correspondent. COL r. A.
Stewart, who was in fine health and spirits, and
highly pleased with the country. l
Yours, truly, CHARLES N. R0wLEY.