New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-03-24
GAMING AND LOTTERY PESTS.
THE BARCLAY-ST. HE'LL.
TIEECED sDfPLEToNs THERE.


FIEECED sIMPLEToNs THERE.
The Infamous gambling den at No. Bar
cay-s whose principal prOpuetors have been arrested
ma narrated IN THE THrBUSB yesterday has long been
one of the most extensive and celebrated establishments
Of this kind in the country and Its history presents many
points Of interest. No. Barclay-s was purchased some
80 years ago by Reuben Parsons and was
opened as "A public gambling house. Henry Cotton,
Familiarity known rs "Jack" Cotton, Matthew. Dancer,
who recently died leaving half million dOarsnost OF
which his daughter by her will has divided among chart
table institutions were also Interested in It, The most
conspicuous dealers who played their parts there were
man, since dead known as Mccain, and Samuel a.
Suydm. This place has been tie scene OF moro large
gambling transactions than any other honse in America
Here Pettbone, Taylor Page Of Boston, James Becktt
James Thomas, James Mccullough, who was killed at
New-Orleans by Charles Reed now John Morrissey's
partner, the Hon. Benjamin Wood, Mat" Miller, ana
Samuel Mclaughlin OF trottng-hOrse not0riety were
wont to congrcgate. When times were easy visitor
at No. 8 could every evening watch sums
ranging from s. TO $4,000 change hands OH
the OF card Not uufrequcntly 100000 was trans
ferred in this way single evening. The games most
frequently carried In this house were called "con-
bnaton games" in which several gamblers combined,
each investing his proportion Thus bank" OF $780,
600 or 100000 would be made up. Each person con-
tribung his money reserved also his right to bet against
the game This style Of play brought together all the
rich gamblers OF the country. Unlimited stakes could be
waeered but $3.50 was usually the limit both Ways
that H. the player had the privilege Of betting at the
same time u card to win and a card 10 loss. Inc
game was generally under the direction and control OF
Henry Co ton frequently called the Judge because he
is said to possess extraordinary mathematical talents
and an acute legal mind Disputed points reserved
for his decision.
About 1861 John Mofrssey became partner in one
of these combination games with Cotton Thomas Peric,
and Dancer This was said to have netted to them or
81 100000 report is correct they did not have the
benefit OF these gains long John Morrissey wishing 10
get rich faster went into Walst. with his portion and
Ike many other gamblers came away stripped OF bis
wealth. Reuben Parsons also went to try his fortune ON
the street. and consequently when he died. instead OF
leaving III 900 O0 he left only pary S2OOOqO Col
ton named as one or the executors OI fdrsons'
Hence control of No. Barcayst TIS house IS con
ducted on the same system OF combination games now
There il hardly city in the country. it is aid that does
not pay tribute to 20 BIIclay-s through the person
Of Wealthy gambler or an experienced spendtbrft
Jack" Petrlc who II one ct the pr0pnelors OF tn3
gambling hell is from Paterson, n j.. ana Il an Oid
mariner OF M0rrssey, and with him has been involved
in several unpleasant affairs Among these was the
sLooting at ChamDorsst. and West Broadway. Petrle
and MOrr,cv " re Indicted for assault with intent to
Hall Tor political reasons it said. Pctlc is mild
man except when intoxicated. Then he Is Wild ana dan
gerUus. o,-.,- -,.. - Ia A.
came is eoncw consequential in his address precise
aud in his appearance, ana Ves qletIJ bl Apch-
lively m west Forty YcutA-st. lie SPecuatcs fre-
John Daily. who Is one Of the owners Of this place Is
vol In yyn 70 sportiUg men, His remarkable skill with
cards and h- dexerity in handling hcm together with
his sober habits. make aim yalu'iIe partner 10 slhi-
bers Although an Eastern mai he mas spent huch
time in the South, where nc mas Idi &c CIo4c Vi -, QUAINT
Another person interested in the game is VIM T. Gace
who is also Eastern man. The ponce Know htic
abont him He has some money which ne is perfectly
willing risk at faro, particularly when ne IS IN thr
person who snues the cards aI puts them III the IiIO-
Box.