The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1902-12-04
DAVID LEWIS.
The Noted Highwayman and
Counterfeiter.

Valleu on 10 go TO IMAM DorSOur2
to procure paper suitable for the
purpose, from Mr.. John Shryock
who is concerned in a paper mill
near that place. Owing to my
suspicious appearance or some
regulation among cautious and
honest paper makers, Shryock
refused to sell me any, and in con-
sequence of his refusal l was
obliged to go to paper mill in
Virginia carrying with me sam
pie of Shryock's manufacture,
which picked up off the table
while he turned round to speak to
some person who had entered the
apartment. Having procured a
stock of paper made agreeably to
the sample furnished, returned
to my comrades in the mountain,
where we went to work, and had
struck number of impressions
of different denominations. AS
is usually done among counter
feiters, we made an equal divide
of the false notes and then sepa-
rated to pass them off in the ex-
change of horses and other pro-
perty. Some of my companions
went into the neighboring states
of Virginia and Ohio, while l pre-
ferred Bedford, Somerset, Union
town and Brownsville.
In these towns and counties in
which they are situated, l was
very successful in passing away
and exchanging my bad money,
and escaped detection in such a
wonderful manner, that made me
bolder as l became more guilty
and criminal. There is such a
chain, --and connection among
counterfeiters and robbers in
Pennsylvania, and other states,
and so numerous are their ac-
com plices and secret friends, that
it is not easy to discover or com
prehend them. In traversing
Fayettecounty, l becameacquaint-
ed with a young woman, who bore
so striking a resem blance to my
deceased wife, that / determined
upon paying my address to her,
and her alone, if l ever changed
my condition, but my thoughts
we're chiefly occupied then about
returning to my comrades in the
mountain, all having agreed to
meet at the cave at a time pre-
viously fixed upon. At the ex-
piration of the stipulated period,
| prepared for my return, and
joining my companions as soon as
could, without meeting with
any serious accident or Interrupt
ton. In order to guard against
intrusion and protect us from the
unWelcOme visits of the officers
of justice of whom we were in con-
slant dread, there was a door in
the cave, which we called Susanna
and on the approach of any OF the
gang, the signal for entry was
'open Susanna open" as soon as
these words were uttered, by any
of the party who happened to be
within, acknowledged the signal
by crying out Susanna is al
home. y Unfortunately happen
ed to be detained by sickness on
the road, and did not arrive at the
appointed time. AS soon as
gained admittance, / found all my
comrades in the cave, and the
1rst salutation which greeted my
ears convinced me that something
was wrong. l was accused o.
lettering away my time with the
view Of spending the money o
the company, or concealing it.
denied the charge, which brough
on quarrel, that nearly came t.
blows; and while my companions
were in a deep sleep, silently
and quietly left them about mid
night, carrying with me not onl,
tne spoils which / had made my
sell, out of various exchanges
put ! rihed the pockets of m,
partners of all their illgotten con
TENTS thinking it light punish
ment and one which they deser
we'd, for their unjust suspicion
OF my honesty.
IN this manner | became pos
SeSSed of 81 varv ,,<,,s;do.ot>lo s,,r