Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-11-16
Buehignanf-Jhe Last Exploit of the
Italtan AdventuFer who Married
Mrs. General Eaton.
Erax,, Mon Naws

RuchtB BnanA-Sm me- AlbSt EApIOIt VI tme
Italian Adventurer who Married
Mrs. General Eaton.
Frem the Montreal News.]
On Saturday forenoon there might havs
been observed q small crowd of people
opp osite the Delmonico Restaurant, or
St. Francis Xavier street, vsinly endesv
oriDg 10 effect an entrance into tha
tablishmeDt. A closer observation
would have led to the discovery that the
peculiar interest they evidently took in
the premises did not arise from any
desire for the creature comforts sup
posed TO be stored within; and if the OBJ
server had been Of an analyticA turn oi
mind he might have found out that the
crowd was composed of a jeweler, fur
rier, q shoemaker, tailor, q vino mer
chant, and other parties who deal in the
necesssries and Injuries Of life, but MOI
always on the cash system.
Loudly they knocked at the door, think
ing mayhsp that the occupant had par
taken too freely the previous night of the
contents of his bar, and that deep SLEEP
thereby had fallen upon him, but no re-
sponse came from within. Determined
not to be bsffled, they called in the aid
of the law, and very shortly thereafter
obtained an entrance, only, however, ia
find nothing but few empty bottles in
the bar, and couple of bedsteads with
out the bedding in the bedrooms. Tbs
inmates had fed, taking with them all
their household goods, even to the globes
on the gasaliers And thereby hangs d
tale, which we shall proceed to unfold,
though in doing so we may repeat facts
already known to our readers t.stf
A number OF years ago an italian from
Tuscany was engaged in the business not
uncommon among Italians of the lazier
sort, of peddling plaster images through
the country--a fact unworthy of record
except in connection with what follows.
Our hero, whose name is Buchignani, it
seems, was not content with this mode of
life, aud being rather good-looking and
1.-THE of limb, he turned his attention to
dancing, and soon became proficient in
that art. Forsaking his plaster images,
he set out for Washignton, where he
established a dahcing school, and, it
seems, met with considerable success
At any rate, in his character as dane
ing master be succeeded in captivating
the heart of certain widow lady, by
name Mrs. General Eaton. She had
wealth and influence, by means of which
she secured for the EXCHANGING master
situation in the library of Congress, at
salary of $4,000 year. Mrs. Eaton was
remarkably handsome woman, and had
great influence with General Jackson,
when be was President of the United
Slater. In fact, she caused disruption
of his Cabinet, because the families of
the Cabinet Ministers refused to associate
with Mrs. Eaton, whom they looked
upon as disreputable woman. When
sixty years Of age, Mrs Eaton married
Buchignani, who was then but little
over twenty one.
Not satisfied with this, nor with the
charms of the fair widow, he eloped with
her grand. daughter, taking with him the
triAlng sum of $780, 900 of the old lady's
money. Our hero next turns upin Paris.
He had been leading fast life, and the
$4,000 was all spent, This was two
years ago. In his extremity he applied
for aid 10 Signor Pignstelli, a uoblemsn
and the son of leading Neapolitan
merchant, and represented to him that
be was man of good family, and owned
a large amount of property in Washing
ton. Signor Pignatelli wanted references
and he WAS referred to New York
banker The banker being deceived as
TO the character aud position of Rnchi
gani, reported fayorably, and Signor Pig
uatelli was induced to advance the quon.
dam wax figure peddler the sum of
SIG 900, with which he purchased
very large stock of French goods, and
brought them with him 10 New York.
Subseq queu,ly be sent signor Pignstelli
sn order Tor 500. 600 Of wines aud liquors,
promising to send him bill of exchange
for the amount by mail. This letter was
addressed from Memphis, Tenn, though
the rascal, az was subsequently found
out, was living at Quebec at the time, and
was aided by an accomplice at Memphis,
who fret received the letter, and then
posted it for France. S;gnor Pignatelli,
however, being warned 10 time by a
friend in America, instead Of sending on
the wine, came on himself to look after
his $4,000. He first went to Memphis,
and Of course failed to End Buchignaui
there, bat aiisrwsrd traced him to Que
bee. Buchignsni asked and obtained de-
lay. Subsequently he went to New York,
where he was Immediately arrested at
the instance of his wife, whom he had so
basely deserted, but through the inha-
ence Of Signor Pignatelli, he was set at
liberty.
Then be came to Montreal, bringing
with him the granddaughter of his wife,
and started the Delmonico Restaurant in
ST. Francis Xavier street he veatured
to pay second visit to New York, and
was second time arrested. This time
be was brought before the court, aud
compelled to give security for the pay
ment Of eight dollars week to hls vile
suring her life. Subsequently DIVORCE
was obtained, and be married the grand
daughter with whom be had previously
been living, While living in this city he
10 cultivate an acquaintance
with the better class Of Italians, but with
small success, bis character being pretty
veil known. At the time Of the dinner
given to Cavalier Secchi by the ltallass
"a tha .lts "a aua M. brother nut their