Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-06-15
CHASTAINE,
The History Of An Adventurer,
Who Makes Things Lively Around
Memphis'.-A Gay LOthariO.

For some time past curious rumor.
have been in circulation throughout the
city with reference to the fast life lived
by Mt. Jas. A. Chastaine, assistant book.
keeper and cashier of the Front street
house Of Ely, Harvey & Richardson
Mr.. Cbastaine had been spending lots OIL
money, was a perfect Don Juan, and hi.
name became connected with severaI
scandals known to society.
Some weeks ago Messrs. Ely, Harvey
4 Richardson fled an attachment bill il
the First Chancery Court against Mr.
Chastaine, alleging that he had used the
money Of the firm, amounting to aboui
$4,000, and had not accounted for the
same. The attachment was levied on
certain property SO as to secure the debt
and Mr.. Chastaine ceased to be an EN-.
ploye of ely. Harvey & Richardson. In
a few days ugly rumors as to forging be.
gan to circulate and he left the city sud.
denly and secretly.
The following circulars we're gotten
out and each circular was adorned with
a photograph Of the hero:
Two hundred dollars reward. James
A. Chastaine, forger. The ABOVE re.
ward will be paid fer the arrest and de-
tention of James A. Chastaine, about
thirty years old, five feet eleven inches
high, black hair, eyes, mustache (may
have shaved), weight about $50 pounds,
right hand dis6gured from gun shot
wound through the center of hand,
bump on back Of hand, quiet in an.
p~earance, pleasant in plays
billiards, is fond of women, impeachment
in speech. Address or telegraph P. R.
Athy, Chief Of Police, Memphis.
The forgery consisted of getting up
the signature Of Mr.. Ely to a $500 piece
OF paper and attempting to sell the
same. Chastaine was arrested at Hot
Springs, Ark, on a Telegram from Chiei
of Police Athy, and on Saturday officer
Pryde, of the force, left the city for the
purpose of bringing back the prisoner
but before the necessary requisition
could be gotten Chastaine was released
from custody on that greatest Of all
writs for wrong, doors, the habeas cor.
pus. he Immediately left Hot Springs
for parts unknown, and he has disap
peared from public view for the preset.
THE HERO.
Mr.. Chastaine is a native of Georgia
and belongs to one Of the very best fam.
lilies in the State. He intermarried with
a most estimable lady from Florida, and
her devotion to him even after HE vii.
lainies had come to light was most re.
markable, and reflected the highest
honor upon that womanly affection and
trustfulness which causes the true wo.
man to cling to even a worthless hns
band through storm and sunshine.
through misfortune aud ever through a
career OF CRIME on bis part. 1t is vel
known that Chastaine had been leading
a fast life in this city for some time past.
He moved in a gay, fast set, and had, Of
course, to keep up his end of the ex.
penses. BE dressed well, wore jeweliy,
played a good game Of draw poker, and
became a Don Jdal, a gay Lotbario, who
made a break toward every m who
lead a suspected life, but who was not
exactly barred out sociulIy. Several Of
these escapades ecame the talk Of the
town, and he became the envy of many
who we're less favored.
A STRANGE INCIDENT.
This course Of life led him to grow
weary of the virtuous surroundings Of
his home and to desire a separation from
his wife to whom he had pledged his soul
to love and protect through life. He
became infatuated with a lady whose
virtue did not keep pace with her beauty
and whom he desired to associate with
aud probably marry, provided be could
throw off the irksome bonds Of matri.
mony which had become a burden 10
him. 1t is reported that he secured the
services offs lawyer to draw up a petit
ton for divorce for his wife. and accom-
panying the petition, which was sent to
the outraged lady, was a cold blooded
bill Of particulars, giving names, dates,
witnesses and minute incidents of his
amours in Memphis, so hat no further
proof was needed to secure a divorce for
the wife whom he had basely deserted
for a fast woman.
THE RESULT.
The authorities here are determined
to bring Mr.. Chastsine to justice, and it
is more than probable that he will be re-
arrested at some other point and there
held until a requisition and an officer
can be sent for him. The mercantile
community should protect itself from
such employees who are guilty of breaches
Of trust, and so long as business men
fail to prosecute and agree to compro.
mise with such criminals, as has been
done several times in this city within