The Placer herald., 1870-05-21
SAN FRANCISCO LETTER.
From our Regular Correspondent

gossip about. allade to
THE GREAT FORGERY
So clevery carried out on Saturday, and the
still cleverer capture of the forgcrs on Monday
Some time ago, in the course Of conversation
with firm Of Montgomery street brokers, officer
Lees requested to be told if any stranger should
desire TO purchase an unu sual amount OF currency
or bonds. SO when a gentemanly dressed man
stepped into their Office last week and asked how
soon they could let him have about fifteen thou
sand dollars worth of grecnbacks, the caution WAS
remembered and the detective notified. The
''gentleminly dressed man" was one Howard an
experienced New York counterieter and lorger
who had heard so much of the beauties of the
Golden State that he invited two of his friends
to accompany him on visit to California They
did not register their names or occupation at any
Of the hotels, but took quiet lodging onStockon
street, and calmly watched professional open
ing. On Friday Mr.. Howard thought it was time
to be doing something, so he commenced opera
tons by making purchase ut Treadwcll IL Co.'S
hardware store, rendering fifty dollars in pay
ment, and desiring q check for the balance on he
Bank of California in order, he said to remit it
securely TO lady residing at San Jose. This
was furnished him and returning to his rooms
be obiterated all the writing except the sigma
ture, by means of acids, and in place Of the orig
iuel amount substituted $l4, GALLO, and for MIA
ry Dooley," his feminine acquaintance, the better
known names Of Hickox & Spear.
SO Tor, so well. lie next called as above re-
lated on the brokers, but changing his mind
thought it would be better TO pass the check on
Iiickox Spear. So Instead OF returning as
promised, he neglected his first engagement and
thereby made false step. In the meantime the
brokers had sent for Lees, who becoming anxious
that the stranger did not put in an appearance,
wal Ikp1 IN hp tnL nf 'ali and On
toned them not to cash any check for large
sum purporting to be drawn by Trcadwell d Co.
The officer WAS on his way to warn the other
bankers when he met Mr.. II ickox and gave him
similar advice. why" said Ilickox THAT fel-
low was round an hour ago and wanted big bills,
let's hurry" And hurry they did back to the
office, only to find that Spear had paid over the
desired legal tenders, and that the stranger had
left two minutes before. In the meantime Mr..
Howaid's friends were not idle One Of them
went to the establishment of l.. Holmes Il Co.
and presented several checks, amounting to seven
thousand dollars, for which he desired grecn-
backs. Mr.. Holmes did not like the looks of the
fellow,and said that he conldn t accommodate him,
upon which the man walked quickly away. The
other confederate called upon Seigman Co.
and opened negotiations for nine thousand dol
lars worth of U. S. bonds. but their suspcions
were also excited, and they desired him to call
again. SO the first forgery was the only one sue
Cessiuliy eAecutcu. LnleI CrOWley Immediately
sent ont all his detective force, and tclegraphed
descriptions of the men to various points. Ellis
went along the line of the Western Pacific; Stone
posted Tor San Jose. and Lees took charge OF the
Sacramento boat. Just as the last bell was riCg
ing, and the gang plank being hauled aboard,
Howard walked hastily down to the boat and,
Notwithstanding his change of clothes, shaved
face and clean cut hair, was Immediately identi-
fed by the officer as answering the description.
How are you" said Lees. GLOW are you. re-
piled the man. Got much money with your"
Il don't know as that is any of your business"
Eyes it is. | am red hot after that forgery OF
yours" And so the discounted worthy was taken
to aIoom and prospected, pauning out so rich in
greenbacks that if Lees had any doubts in the
first instance, they were now removed. Spear
at once identified him. and to make Il long story
short, the other two OF the fraternity were cap
tured on Sunday at Stockton. with $40 $40 on
their persons, and the brotherhood of three are
now rejecting on the mutabiity of human affairs
in 6x9 cell, and will no doubt shortly be trans
ierred to an elegant mansion situated at San
Quentin, for all such cases made and provided.
NOTABLE CONVERSION.
That erratc genius, the Hon. Frank VI, Pixlcy,
having run with the Republican party for several
years, without the least warning suddenly re-
noupoes all his hercsies, and comes out with
noble denunciation OF Radicalism and its infamous
creed. On Saturday night he made public re-
cantation of his errors and acknowledged that
the encouragement of Coolic immigra ton had so
filled the cup of his forbearance that he could
have nothing further to do with the doctrine OF
universal brotherhood, but should in future flil-
late with white men, and use his utmost abilities
to preserve .America from the contamination of
Asatic hordcs. This desertion, or conversion,
has fallen like a thunderbolt among the Radicals.
and they have opened all their batteries of deri-
sion and scorn. Good men will welcome this
accenson to our ranks, and as we open the door
TO repentant sinners, so we will loylullY greet
one who has successfully freed himself from po-
ltical error. Welcome, Frank, to the glorious
ranks OF Democracy, and be very Saul in aiding
those whom you formerly prosecuted
ANOTHER POLITICAL pECAPITATIoN.
Last week | told you OF the removal of awdow
lady froIl the Mint to make way for Radical
politician, and now battle SCARED soldier, Col.
Coey, San Francisco postmaster, is behcaded Ivy
Grants guillotinc, to furnish snug Office for
Napoleon Bonaparte Stone, wire.puller aud
aspiring demagague. The greatest CONSERVATION
prevails in official ranks, especially amongst the
one armed veterans employed rs postmcn for
they see that they will be discharged at be first
opportunity to provide for more ucive friends of
the LET us have peace" administration.
An INTERESTING IIvoRcE CASE
Will shortly afford plenty of gossip for our
community Mrs. Ann Eliza
Brannan has for many years lived in Europe, and
consequently apart from her husband the cele-
brated Sam. A short time ago she returned to
California, and to-day filed complaint in The
Tenth District Court praying that she be releas-
ed from the bonds of malrimory on account of
her leige lords cruelty, habilull drunkenness,
and adulterous deeds. Petitioner also demands
half the common property the value OF which
runs up into The millions, and liberty 10 resume
her maiden name. Frank NJ. Pixley is attorney
for the complainant.
THE PICKwICK CLUB REVIVED.
At the end OF Long Bridge there are two or
three mounds Of earth, possibly sanddrifts per-
haps natural rise in the ground, or more likely
an artificial elevation made FOR some forgotten
purpose by early settlers. But our Academy of
Science has got it into its head that these hiocks
are the work OF an extinct race OF Indians who
lived about the time Noah's Ark was in the ship
yard, waiting TO be launched; and SO last nj ght
these mild gentlemen solemnly resolved to meet
10 nd al. N nj mi, t;,n rn,