lEx iCthrtJs SEYMOUR DURST "When you leave, please leave this book Because it has been said "Ever'thin^ comes t' him who waits Except a loaned book." Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library Gu t or Skymoi'r B. Durst Old York Library Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2014 https://archive.org/details/skillinansnewyorkOOskil SKILLMAN'S IVEW-YORK POLICE REPORTS. SKILIiMAN'S NEW-YORK POLICE REPORTS. ILLUSTRATED WITH ENGRAVINGS. WRITTEN IN 1828 -29. " Tho sheriff with a most monstrous watch is at the door." — Shak. PRINTED BY LUDWIG & TOLEFREE, CORNER OF GREENWICH & VESEY-STS. 1830. ,N5Z 5c. SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW-YORK, »». lTik'*'S^"*'iTt'^ rr REMEMBERED, That on the twelfth day of January, tT^_ ^ intlieycarofnurLurd one thousand ciglit hundred and thirty, A^X^JrfzT "'^ fiftv-fourth year of the Inde|iendencn of the United Slates .T ■ « •'o'"' Skillinan, of the said dislricl, hath deposited in this office, the title of a booli, tlie right wliercof lie claims »s Author, in the words lollowing, to wit; — "SKILLMAN'S NEW-YORK POLICE REPORTS, Illustrated with engravings. Written in 1828-29. The Sheriff with a most monstrous watch is at the door.— SAaJt»." In conformily to the Act of Congress of the United Slates, cnlillcd, " An Act for the cncoiirairenuMit of Learni[,g. I.y securing the copies ol M .ps. Charts, and Books, tntlie auihors and pn.prji t.irs of such copies, durini; the liirie ther.'in raentioije.l." And aliiO to an Act, ci.i.il.-d, "An Act, supplementary to an Act, eniiilrd an Act for the cncrour^.gemeiit of Leiirning, by securing tlic copies of Maps, Ci. irts, and Books, to the anihois and proprielors of snch copies, during the limes therein meiilioned, and »nd°ot^iefpriotr" '""^ ''''^'^"'"K' enfraving, and etching historical FREDERICK J. BETTS, Clerk of the Southern District of New-York. DEDICATION. The Subscriber, with pride and with plea- sure, dedicates the following Reports to the Police Magistrates of this city. He takes this opportunity of acknowledging, that he has re- ceived many favours, and much information from those gentlemen. He would also tender his thanks to Messrs. Stevens and Townsend, (clerks in the Police Department,) both of whom have rendered im- portant services to the Subscriber. The Captains of the Watch, and the Watch- men themselves, have likewise rendered the Subscriber very material aid; they have his thanks. JOHN B. SRILLMAN. PREFACE. Custom, all-prevailing custom, hath decreed, that aPREF ace shall accompany, (as a sort of pioneer,) every original work or compilation, which issues from the press. Whether it imparts wisdom, wit, or folly, still, a preface is requisite. Many of the following "Polices," have never been pub- lished before. To those who would wish to know why I pubhsh these " Polices " in a volume, I would answer, 1st, It is by request. 2d, The Polices will exhibit to the public the arts and devices which are resorted to by the idle and iniqui- tous. 3d, I have been infonned that these "Polices" will be both useful and amusing. The public will determine. 4th, Every one, no doubt, has heard of the Spanish Epitaph. The following is a translation. " I was well, I wish'd to be better, I took medicine, And, Here I am." I can say of myself, I was well, I wish'd to be better, I embarked in an expensive and hazardous business, And, Here I am, With pockets M. T. POLICE REPORTS. Police, — Half past Four, a.m. — July 31. Alderman Valentine, Present. Black spirits and white, Red spirits and grey, Mingle, mingle, mingle, You that mingle may. — Shdks, William Jones, (a coloured boy,) brought up for . Magistrate. What have you to say for yourself ? Prisoner. Nothin'. M. Have you ever been in the watch-house before ? P. Yes. M. Have you ever been in the Penitentiary ? P. Oyes. M. How long were you there ? P. Four months. M. Did you serve the term out for which you were sen- tenced ? P. Me ? (scornfully) To be sure I did ! I served my time out like a man .' 10 M. You will probably have a chance of displaying your manly qualities again in the same place. [Committed to Bridewell.] John Duffy, and his wife, an interesting woman, (that is, she might, by a little stretch of the imagination, pass for the Witch of Endor, had become belligerents, instead of leading a peaceable life, as they had promised each to the other, and to the parson, " many a time and oft." John Duffy, as may be deduced from the foregoing, is no Socrates, although he might fancy himself in the possession of a modern Xantippe. John repelled encroachments by encroaching, and hard knocks by a " knock down." In a word, John proved him- self the lion of the day. John was committed to Bridewell. Bill Seaman, 14 or 15 years of age, and of ebony hue, had absconded from his master, a respectable butcher. Mr. was in the habit of taking a nap in the afternoon, before he went to sleep at night. Bill was in the habit of wearing habits and eating edibles at his master's expense ; and was like^vise in the habit of easing his master, (kind, considerate soul,) of that which was, in days of yore, and is in modern times, con- sidered " the root of all evil." Bill, even at that tender age when children move like snail to school, was a kind of a Little John, or Bardolph — i.e. he was suspected of being a robber by some, and of having a propensity to stealing by others. His master, however, undertook that which turned out to be more than a Herculean task — the business of reclaiming this de- scendant of some Prince of Congo. Bill had stolen from his 11 master, first and last, about $250. His system was not pre- cisely a lottery system, and yet it was a system of drawing. Bill's master had a pocket-book that was ever lined with bank bills, (something of a phenomenon now-a-days,) of various denominations and value. Bill was in the constant practice of taking the said pocket-book in his left hand, and applying the thumb and fore-finger of the right to one of the said bank- bills, and then — draw. By this means, this " minion of the moon" drew considerable — sometimes a 3, sometimes a 5, and sometimes a 10 dollar bill. It frequently happens, how- ever, that Fortune does not always favour the adventurous, and Bill, unluckily, as he considered it, no doubt, drew a 1 dol- lar bill ; whereupon he exclaimed, "open. Sesame !" and drew $15. Bill is now drawing what little air he can get through the grates of Bridewell. James Donnell, as sooty as Vulcan, although in all proba- bility he had never heard of Mount iEtna, was brought before the Magistrate. James Donnell, Gent., has no clothes, nor any money, and lives no where. — Has no wife nor any family for aught he knows. He was escorted to the Penitentiary, for the benefit of his health and society. Mary Holland, with a black eye, smutty face, and rummy breath, as hot as Vesuvius, entered with a courtesy. Magistrate. Were you ever here before ? Prisoner. I was here wid your honour long before. M. Have you a home ? P. Yes, your honour. 12 M. Methinka you had no home last night. P. Yes, no, your honour, (with a smile that was intended to be bewitching,) I knew no better last night. M. Why are you in' this plight ? P. My husband hates me. M. Why does your husband beat you ? P. Why, your honour, I takes a draj) of liquor, I don't deny that. M. Have you any money, Mary 1 P. Not a cint, your honour. M. Will you go home and conduct yourself properly, if I discharge you ? P. O, no, your honour, I can't think of it. [Committed to the Penitentiary for safe keeping.] Henry Edmonson, a mulatto, and somewhat prepossessing in his manners and appearance, had been found, like the dog in the fable, in bad company, (as he alleged.) A watchman testified that Edmonson with others had thrown stones at him. Prisoner. You can't prove it ? Magistrate. It is proved, and you must go to Bridewell. P. I don't wish to go, I never have been in Bridewell. [Ed- monson plead his cause well. His words were fluent, and his looks discoursed eloquence. But then there were "damning proofs" against him. He was committed.] Another new method devised to make money. — There are persons prowling about our streets at night, for the purpose of robbing those who are returning home from parties, the 13 theatres, &c. — They go in squads of three or four — tliey espy a gentleman ahead — all, suddenly, pretend to be drunk — they rush against the gentleman — he steps aside, imagining they were what they seemed to be, i. e. persons in a state of inebriation, — one of the squad follows the gentleman, and says, " you have insulted me, and I'll have satisfaction ! " and at the same time commences battle. The gentleman, of course, defends himself. The others, peaceable souls, rush in to make peace. — They succeed after considerable difBculty. The gentleman walks home, and lo ! his watch and pocket book are missing. A peep into Bridewell. — Alderman Valentine gave us an invitation, which was accepted, to walk into this den of va- grants, thieves, robbers, and murderers. Here we saw young and old, white and black, male and female. Some were phy- sically sick, while others were sick of their place of abode. Two persons are now confined (whether guilty or not guilty,) whose names are Johnson, on the charge of murder. We were pleased to see that Testaments were provided for the prisoners, and we were likewise pleased to see that many of the prisoners were engaged in reading them. Without dero- gating from the merits of Alderman Thorp and Mr. See, both of whom have been humane and faithful public servants, we would make a passing remark, that Mr. Skelhorn, and Mr. Egbert, (successors to the above named gentlemen,) are active and vigilant in the discharge of their respective duties. 14 Police, — August 1. Five o'clock in the morning — breezes balmy. Alderman Valentine, Present. Celia. — Here comes Monsieur Rosalind. — With his mouthful of news. Cel. — Which he will put on us as pigeons feed their young. jRoj. — Then shall we be news-craram'd. Cel. — AH the better — we shall be more marketable. Bon jour Monsieur , what's the news ? Le Brun. — Fair Princess, you have lost much good sport. Cel. — Sport? Of what colour ? Shakespeare. William Ward worked " along shore " — is a kind of Bar- harossa, inasmuch as he has a red beard and a fierce aspect — and is strongly suspected of piratical practices. — Committed. George Lyons, a coloured gentleman has changed his name without the consent of the Legislature, and assumed one which he conceived, no doubt, to be more poetical and sono- rous. He now goes by the enviable baptismal name and cognomen of Charles Johnson. Mr. Johnson had been in the Penitentiary a few weeks, but his visit was not as long as was anticipated. The keeper does not sleep, as may be supposed, with one eye open, and Mr. Johnson took advan- tage of the " silent night," and gave him what is termed in slang phrase, " leg bail." Mr. Johnson has an enemy, as it would seem, in the shape of a coloured lady, and whose guise is somewhat striking. She was present at the office. She asserted, he repelled — she argued, he replied — she crimi- 15 nated, he recriminated ; but the woman prevailed — her tongue was too nimble for Mr. Johnson. He was re-sent to the Penitentiary. Francis Silvia, a little man with a cadaverous countenance and dark mustaches, genteelly ragged, and " speaks small like a women," was complained of by Miss A. Magistrate. What is Silvia's offence ? Miss A, He burst my door and smashed my crockery. M. Did you, Silvia, perform this manly feat ? S. Yes, but the house I hired, and the crockery I paid for. Miss A. What he says is not true ; he lived in the house with a lady who protected him, and whom he was pleased to call his wife — but she was too good to be his wife. M. Protected him ! You mean he protected her. 3Iiss A. No, sir, (blushing like an evening sun,) she pro- tected him, and protected him too, for years, until he became so bad she would have nothing more to do with him. (The Magistrate expressed his astonishment, and the Reporter bit his lip, but did not laugh.) M. Silvia, I shall provide you with other protection. S. Very good. It don't make any difference to me, pro- vided I am well protected. G. W. S , a married man, who was in the habit of dis- guising himself, sometimes with distilled waters, and some- times with a big hat, was introduced. Mr. G. W. S. is well known to our watchmen in general, and to the Cyprian ladies of this city in particular. He was caught at No. — Anthony- 16 street. Previously to his incarceration in the black hole, he whispered audibly that "he did not care a d — n for a watch- man, nor for any one else." An interesting little lady (not his wife,) with a twinitling eye, and what Cobbett would probably call a ruta haga nose, that is, a turn-up, was deter- mined to try the force and value of her silvery tones. They proved to be all-powerful, and Mr. G. W. S. was discharged on his parole of honour that his conduct hereafter should be that of a decent citizen. A highly respectable looking gentle- man called a few minutes after, and acknowledged with grief, that Mr. G. W. S. was his son. Julia Smith was complained of by her neighbours for disor- derly conduct — i. e. she was ambitious of making a noise in the world. She came from the same continent which gave birth to Cleopatra, and were it not for her flat nose, might pass for a descendant of that famous and voluptuous queen. She poured forth what a poet would terra " honeyed words," and her tears were "all prevailing." She was discharged on parole. Margaret Ferguson complained of Henry Ferguson, her husband, for striking her on her shoulder. Magistrate. Did you strike your wife 1 Prisoner. I did, but then I had cause. M. What cause ? P. I caught her setting on a man's knee. M. I presume it was not a very agreeable discovery. P. Agreeable ! I can tell you it was any thing but agreea- 17 ble ! After some further conversation the matter was drop- ped, and the parties decamped. George Riley, a coloured man and a sly fellow, and it may be said a cunning one withal, has found out the secret of dri- ving hogs — a secret hitherto supposed to be undiscoverable. Riley was performing this philosophic experiment at about 2 o'clock in the morning, and in the most secret manner possi- ble, when his principle was discovered and the whole theory blown, by one of those night-walkers commonly called watch- men. George Riley, the philosopher was sent to Bridewell to cogitate. Happy Wood is not very happy, having very little to eat in the summer, and no wood in the winter. He contrives, how- ever, to lead a tolerable life — that is to say, " he keeps his spirits up by pouring spirits down." — Taken care of. Mary Malony, a common drunkard about the streets, was despatched to Bridewell, and her child, about six years old, was sent to the Aims-House. Mrs. Malony attempted a ruse, but it would not do : — she pinched her child slily, and made him cry, hoping by that means to make " Justice break her sword." Isaac Decker was ushered into the audience (chamber we came near saying) cellar, or more genteelly speaking, basement story. Mr. D. is pale : no crime. Mr. D. is old : old age is 3 18 honourable. — Mr. D. is given to liquor (lick-her) i, c. he drinks rum and whips his wife : — not to be endured. Mr. D. was ordered to be committed. He remonstrated. His re- monstrance, to use a parlimentary phrase on ajudico-executive occasion, was laid on the table. — Mr. D. in all probability is in Bridewell. Wm. Briggs, Thomas Burges (and one other individual the sound of Avhose name did not fall upon the timbrel of our ear) were sent to Bridewell on the charge of stealing a boat. These worthies were gliding about like so many gondoliers on the extended and beautiful expanse of the Naples-bay of A- merica when they were arrested. This trio belongs to a mu- sical club, and they were in the act of " pitching their pipes" to the tune of the " bonny boat," by way of serenading the water-craft. The arrest was somewhat mal-appropos, and rather unexpected. In the boat, were found vinegar, sugar, bread, and " though last, not least," a well replenished " crooskeen lawn," or in unpoetical language, a jug of whiskey. 19 Police, — August 2. Half past 4 o'clock in the morning, a clear sky, and refreshing breezes from the West. Alderman Valentine, Present, What's the matter? Have we devils here ? Do you put tricks upon us with savages and men of Inde ? Stephano. Mrs. Mary Ann Lee " laved " the " sea-girt " isle some iew years ago. Were Mrs. Lee to lave in Hudson's river, no one would say it was " a-mdss." Mrs. Lee's person and apparel are somewhat begrimraed ; but then she might ex- claim, in the language of one of the heroes of " the immortal bard, " " that's my humour ! " Mrs. Lee was discovered in the kind, considerate, and humane act, of administering to the 20 comforts of Mr. Wm. R. a gentleman recently arrived here, and a son of John Bull. Her mode of doing all this was by thrusting her hand into his pockets. Mr. R. was enjoying himself, all the while, in his own peculiar way, (after having swallowed a comfortable soporific, called brandy and water, rum and water, and gin and water,) by taking what is called by persons of education and refinement, a " snoose." The earth was his pillow, the sky his canopy. Mrs. Lee has a brother who works "along shore," and who on this par- ticular occasion, was good enough to disburden Mr. R. of his hat, papers, (fee, and £14 in British gold. Mrs. L. is in Bridewell, and her brother will probably soon be there to keep her company. T s W s made his bow in front of the iron railing. Mr. T. W.'s countenance was all suffused with blushes — i. e. his face was red, and his nose, (Christopher what a nose !) looked as if it had been dipped in Tyrean die. It was an ornamental, or rather an ornamented nose, and might vie with the far-famed and classical nose of the man of Strasburg, or even with the proboscis of Falstaff's man himself, of uni- versal notoriety. Magistrate. Mr. W , your conduct last night was highly reprehensible. Prisoner. I know it was bad conduct sir. M. What was the cause of it ? P. Sir, I had a little too much steam aboard, I believe. M. You believe ! and I believe you have been here before. P. I-I-I believe I have ; but if you'll let me go this time, I'll take good care not to trouble you again. 31 M. Have you a family ? P. No, sir. M. What business do you follow ? P. I am a mason. (Whether the prisoner is a Morgan mason or a brick and mortar mason, we did not ascertain.) M. It is a pity that such a respectable looking man should be brought here. You say you will not trouble me any more. I hope you will not ; if you do it will go hard with you. Officer let this man depart. John Woolsey broke open Miss Eliza B 's trunk. Miss Eliza lives at No. — Catharine-slip — puts lodgers to bed — sometimes quite a number in an evening. Put John Woolsey to bed ; in return for said kindness, said John made free with Miss Eliza's choicest habiliments. John has been to Sing Sing — he made an excursion there once — he will probably repeat his visit. He is now inhaling atmospheric air in that celebrated and hospitable mansion called Bridewell. Jasper Smith, about 17, brought up for creating a mob in Hudson-street. Master Jasper is something of a roving sprig (after night fall,) and plays ten-pins, and possesses considera- ble forensic eloquence. Master Jasper promised to walk peaceably and uprightly. Mrs. Sweeney has no house, no home — her husband is in the hospital — slipped out of an alley under rather suspicious circumstances — drinks too much, people say so. Mrs. D. was escorted to Bridewell in the most " purlite and genteel " manner possible. 22 John. Devoe, long beard, no clothes, no money, no friends, no bail. We leave our readers to guess his fate. Mr. Hopper, Gent, and Mr, Pulis, Gent, had a trifling mis- understanding — settled. A child, about eight years old, brought in. Has no father, no mother, no home. Taken care of. Susan Conly, Angelina Raff, and Ellen Bleeker, (frail and fair) were introduced. It appears that a gentleman racently^ from the Emeral Isle, and more racently from a sister city sometimes termed Philimedelphie, stopped in a grocery store kept by one or all of the above ladies, jist to take a drop, and took a drop too much. He naturally sunk into the arms of Mur- phy, (Morpheus.) When our friend from Kilkenny awoke he found that his beautiful little breast pin was missing ; that his money (amounting to $20) had taken to itself wings and had flown ; and that his watch, instead of ticking for its law- 23 ful owner, was now ticking for one of the ladies, and by con- sequence, he himself was under the necessity of going on tick. The ladies were sent to Bridewell. Walter Maze was considerably amazed at finding himself in a watch house, and in the presence of a police magistrate. Magistrate. Do you know what you were brought here for? Prisoner. No, sir. M. Where you ever in the Penitentiary ? P. No, sir. M. Where did you obtain that Penitentiary looking shirt, and those striped pantaloons ? P. I bought 'em, sir. M. Where? P. I don't know, sir. M. How came you on Mr. premises last night ? P. I was high, sir. M. Yes, so high that you were caught upon the top of his house. [The prisoner endeavoured to assume a look of humility.] What were you doing there ? P. Nothin\ sir. M. It appears to me you took a great deal of pains to do nothing. Committed. 24 Police, — August 3. Half p&st 4, in the morning — wind blowing "fresh and strong" from the north. Justice HopsoN, Present. Thus do all traitors : If their purgation did consist in words. They are as innocent as grace itself. — Sraks. Zachariah Goss (looks like a goose without feathers) got out of genteel habiliments — was out of shirts and pantaloons, and his coat was out at the elbows. Mr. Goss turned his fingers into hooks, and hooked a tolerable stock of wearing apparel ; but unluckily for Mr. G. he was caught by one who did not admire the system of " touch and takeV Mr. G. came to York in the Independence, and was " walked off" to a place where his independence will be somewhat abridged. Harriet S , like Niobe all in tears, and with an aspi- ring nose, was ushered in. Miss S threw a brick bat at Mr. B , and hit him on the temple. How she missed his nose no one knows. It is said that Julius Caesar had a famous nose ; but if his nose protruded more than Mr. B's nose, we give it as our passing opinion that when this celebrated gene- ral was about passing the Rubicon, his feet must have been planted on one bank, whilst his nose was snuffing the breezes on the other. Miss S. was committed. Job Ellis has something betwixt a Penitentiary look and a hanging one. It is a kind of a Sing Sing look. Job says he met a stranger who was so kind as to give him $50. This 25 was considered a kind of fish story. The fellow in the play M'as " main ignorant," but then he was " willing to lam." Job is " main ignorant," and is " woi willing to larn." Most people know a " thing or two." Job only knows one thing, Mr. Job Ellis knows that his head is on his upper end. — Bridewell. J. A. S. and S. W. " pulled and hauled " two females, and turned a pail. Watchmen appeared — whereupon the above gents turned pale. Looking for bail. John Lax has no affection for locks — was drunk a little last night — plead hard — promised much — departed on parole. James Ackerman Avas discovered selling goods which belonged to a merchant in this city. Mr. J. A. had no com- mission — committed. Winslow Baxter struck his wife in a most brutal manner. Was sent to Bridewell without ceremony. Andrew Shippy, John Hamilton and Phibs Brown, two " Calibans " and one " rare monster " discovered lying in an open lot. Taken care of. Mungo Thomas scorched Amelia Roberts. Mungo (judg- ing from his interesting eastern dialect, his sugar loaf brow, expanded nostril, spacious mouth, from hear to hear, as a a cockney would say, and beautifully turned and crescent- 4 26 like shins, came from that region which lies between the pyramids and Hottentot. Mungo was probably named after the celebrated traveller, but let that pass. Mungo's method of scorching is not exactly a new method, and yet it is a method unique. Not to keep our readers in suspense, for that we hold to be unnecessary ; and not to be verbose, ver- bosity being the mar-all of all wit, as " brevity is the soul of wit," we will come to the point (pint.) Our modern Mungo had a pint pitcher — in the said pitcher he had put a pint of vitriol ! He met Miss Amelia, and did on her pitch the con- tents of the pitch-er. Amelia is scorched and Mungo is roast- ing in Bridewell. A Man and a Woman called at the Police Office to com- plain against another Man and Woman. — We shall distin- guish the parties, by way of being more perspicuous, 1st and 3nd. It appeared in evidence that the 2nd party keeps a "poor" boarding house, and that they have a " weekly" din- ner — viz. they contrive to have a dinner for their boarders once a week! To proceed in our narrative — the first party were servants in the employ of the second party — the 1st par- ty had money, the 2d had none. The 2d party wished to feast upon a turkey one day, and not knowing how to " raise the wind" precisely, hit upon the expedient of sending the 1st party about town and to pawn brokers' shops to dispose of or pledge a number of silver spoons. The female to whom the spoons were entrusted not liking the business, and supposing, too, that she might be suspected by strangers of having sto- len them, went to a gentleman in — street, for advice. She 27 set forth that she had some little money of her own, (which she had earned by hard labour) and that she would rather make the advance required than subject herself to the hard thoughts of the invidious and uncharitable. The gentleman advised her under all the circumstances to make the advance and retain the spoons — She followed his advice — Mark the se- quel. Unfortunately a misunderstanding subsequently took place between the parties concerned. — The 1st party were dismissed — They sought refuge and employment elsewhere — They obtained both ; but they were followed by the persecu- tions of their former employers. The unfortunate couple were represented as having embezzled the property of their previous employers. The consequence was, that they were again dismissed ; and that they are liable to be hunted down by their unprincipled and heartless pursuers. They are too poor to prosecute for damages, and therefore are obliged to submit to every species of degradation and misery. The above is a case that does not fall under the supervision of the Police department ; but Justice Wyman gave it as his opin- ion that the individuals aggrieved, ought to excite the sympa- thies and good feelings of the charitable and just. He further- more stated that in case any person or persons thought pro- per to asperse their characters hereafter, that they might re- fer to him. He concluded by saying that the case in question was the most aggravated one that had for a long time come under his observation. 28 Police, — August 4. Half past 4 in the morning — wind blowing fresh from the east, and rainy. Justice HopsoN, Present. Here's neither bush nor shrub, to bear off any weather at all, and an- other storm brewing ; I hear it sing i' th' wind : yond' same black cloud, yond' huge one, looks like a foul bombard that would shed his liquor. Trinculo. Ann Jones looked like a •western queen ; graceful — loqua- cious — intelligent : Ann has an elegantly turned person — her tones are silvery and musical, and her complexion is that of the setting sun. Ann is a Squaw!!! Magistrate. Where did you come from? Prisoner. From Patchague. M. What are you doing in New- York ? P. Me ? I'm not in New-York ! M. Not in New-York ! Where are you ? (The prisoner simpered sweetly and said nothing.) Where are you going to? P. To look for my husband. M. Why do you and such as you come, to the city — get drunk and violate the laws — and put the city to expense ? P. Drunk ! I never was drunk ! Captain of the Watch. She's drunk now, Sir ! M. If I let you go, will you go home and conduct yourself properly ? P. I will, Sir. M. Officer, let her go. 29 A R , and F / , two white young men, piously given, as they would fain make the Magistrate believe, entered a house in Elizabeth-street, where coloured people worship. The religious zeal. of this pure and saint-like brace was such, that it went ahead of any thing that was ever heard of before. The age of the crusades could not furnish a para- lel — the days of the martyrs will be as nothing on the histo- rical page — and the deeds of the puritans will sink into insig- nificance, by a comparison with those of the above sprigs of religion and morality. When the parson, the elders, the dea- con, and members of the church were engaged in prayer, Mr. R. and Mr. I. sung psalms — when the above fraternity sung psalms, our heroes prayed audibly — and at every period of the sermon Amen .' was responsed in a stentorian-like manner. — Considered too good — sent to Bridewell. Ant) I , an old, and strange as it may appear, a volun- teer customer. Mistress Ann is a kind of intinerant, feminine Cyclops — i. e. she has one eye, and but one eye, and chants the solo " I've been roaming." Magistrate. Where do you live ? Prisoner. Up the river. M. Where have you been ? P. Over the river. M. WTiy there ? and wherefore here ? P. I went there to see my cousin. M. A cozening concern. P . And I came here because the watchman was very civil to me and invited me here to spend the evening — (a smile — omnes.) 30 M. What do you follow for a living? P. Me? M. Yes you. P. I sell barks, and roots, and yarbs. M. What quantity have you of these things ? P. O quite a quantity. M. What do you call quite a quantity ? P. A good deal. M. How much is a good deal ? P. Quite considerable. M. Is it a cart load ? P. Ono. M. Your answers are quite satisfactory ! P. I hope so sir. M. Will you go home if I let you go ? P. Yes, sir, as soon as I sell my yarbs. M. Well go and sell your yarbs, as you call them, as soon as possible and then go home ; and don't let me see you here again. A Jonathan and a Pat declared war, one against the other. Previously to their becoming open and avowed belligerents and candidates for fame, there was carried on a war of words, somethins; like that which has been maintained between the Czar of Moscow and the Sublime Porte. There were threats and defiances ; demands and refusals ; encroachments and re- pulsions ; marches and countermarches. The campaign was opened at last, and a battle was fought. It was a Cossack-like fight, i. e. it was a running fight. It was a hard fight too, 31 for one of the high contending parties (like a certain warrior of yore) brought to his aid a stone, but he did not use a sling. Pat, although he came from the same country that gave birth to the conqueror of Bonaparte, did not possess the skill of a Wellington, or the prowess of an Ajax. Pat displayed sci- ence — Jonathan confounded with originality of design. Pat is a kind of Cond^ ; Jonathan would remind one of the Mar- shal Turenne. Turenne stopped Cond^ — Jonathan put a stop- per on Pat. — After considerable negociation the parties sign- ed preliminaries of peace. Police, — August 5. Half past four o'clock in the morning — wind East, and cloudy. Justice HopsoN, Present. " He made her melancholy, sad, and heavy. And so she died : had she been light, like you. Of such a merry, nimble, stirring spirit. She might have been a grandam ere she died — And so may you — for a light heart lives long." A woman was brought up who has no name (as the fellow in the farce said, " perhaps her father was poor, and could'nt aflbrd to give her a name.") She is recognized, however, sometimes by the ostler-like cognomen of Farrier — some- times by the sportsman-like name of Tarrier — but most com- monly by the appellation of Mrs. Tarry. Mrs. Tarry is in the practice of sipping — not of the waters of Helicon, but of the waters of vie, (I'eau de vie) — and she is likewise in the 32 practice of taking up her lodgings where she has plenty of room and night air. Mrs. Tarry tarries in the streets — does nothing — is suspected of filching. Need we tell our readers where Mrs. Tarry now tarries ? No ! we will leave them to wander in the mazes of conjecture, and revel in the blissful- ness of fancy ! John Taylor belongs to the Navy — got a furlough — staid in New- York too long. R. H. N. ordered him to return to his duty — would'nt go. Magistrate. Why did you not go to your duty when you were ordered so to do ? Prisoner. I don't know. M. You were drunk. P. Yes, sir, I was drunk and crazy both — I had been drink- ing different kinds of liquor — otherwise I should have gone. I am willing to go now. R. II. N. No, no ; I want him sent to Bridewell. I'll pay the fees. P. T did not know what I was saying — I am sorry — I am willing to go aboard-ship and do my duty. R. H. N. No I want you sent to Bridewell. M. Come, come, don't display a persecuting disposition; the man is sorry for what he did, and is wilHng to do his duty. I shall not send him to Bridewell. (Exit.) Mary L , an interesting girl, 19 years of age, and re- cently from the country, was examined — she was suspected of being a thief. She was arrested under rather odd circumstan- 33 ces, and after a patient examination on the part of the Magis- trate, was declared innocent. Mary has made a sacrifice to society, or rather she was compelled to make a sacrifice, (inasmuch as she was locked, for a time in Bridewell on suspicion,) which ought, no doubt, to appease any angry feel- ing and animadversion against her. Mary was discharged. Whether she be innocent or not, is not our province to deter- mine ; suffice it to say, that the presiding Magistrate enter- tained the opinion that she was not guilty. G S Esq. had been at the fire. Mr. G. S. is an imperious kind of character, and a considerable warrior, and turns up his " honourable nose" and gives battle, sans cere- monie, to those who encroach upon him either positively or by implication. Mr. G. S. after having fatigued himself ex- cessively by looking on and doing nothing, stooped himself and sat himself down upon a stoop. "Mortal man" sometimes " stoops to conquer." Such, however, did not precisely turn out to be the fact with regard to our hero. Our gentleman had not been seated long (his eyes fixed upon the "milky way" all the while, and his mouth whistling what might by a forced construction be termed the tune of "All's well") when he M'as suddenly joined in the chorus by one who could emulate the fife in loudness and sweetness. After the duet was ended, the stranger took his seat by the side of Mr. G. S. Mr. G. S. turn- ed his eyes towards the stranger, and to his indescribable and unutterable horror, discovered what was (in the language of Mr. G. S.) a — big Nigger — 5 84 " IVatehman. Halloo — what are you about 1 " — pafe 3S> G. S. Thou sable monster, what dost thou here ? Nigger. Noddin, whistlin. G. S. Nod-din ! I'll make your head " nod" — and a " din" about your ears, if you don't go about your business — you d — d barbarian. N. Wha, wha, wha. G. S, Go about your business. N. I can't. G. S. You can't ! why can't you ? JV. My inclinations won't let me. G. S. I'll give you a pumellivg. as N. How do you know ! G. S. Take that. N. Take iliat. [A square off — roll up sleeves — a regular set-too — down went the Nigger — up again, as quick as a peice of a sturgeon's nose; — down goes Mr. G. S. into a mud puddle, and soiled his breeches, (claret begins to flow) — Fair play, says the Nig- ger — "pon honour, says Mr. G. S. Whack — whack — whack — whack.] Watchman. Halloo — what are you about ? iV. Noddin Taken to the watch house — amicably adjus- ted. Police, — August 6. Half past four o'clock in the morning — wind east, and somewhat cloudy. Justice HopsoN, Present. "You always end with a jade's trick ; I know you of old." Miss Europa Africana Williams, a kind of Amazon, marched up boldly in front of the Magistrate. This heroine is doubtless the offspring of some high-born European and a princess of Guinea — her complexion is golden. She had declared war against one of the descendants of Pepin. Europa Africana was too much for the Frenchman ; he there- fore sought succour, and obtained it, in the basement story of the City Hall. 36 Judah Holmes was brought up on the charge of stealing a watch. Proofs were adduced which were circvmstantially condemnatory ; but not legally so. Mrs. Judah is skilled in the occult sciences. Her means of discovering stolen goods and mysterious things is the old fashioned gossiping one. She sees every thing after having surveyed the dregs of a cup of tea, which was previously well laced (as it is called) with New England " sperrets." Judah has two days to make ready to depart to the place of her nativity. A wine bibber, all the way from Lunnon, (as he said,) valked into a vine store to buy some vine. He took his 'at off, and placed his 'at on the counter, and vas vatin for the vine seller to come in. Wm. Smith, a kind of fashionable, happened to place liis 'at near the gemman's from Lunnon and when he went away he happened to make a mistake, and took the wrong 'at. Wm. Smith, Esq. was pursued, surround- ed, and brought to the watch-house. Wm. Smith, Esq. learnt his manners and imbibed his principles at those places com- monly called genteel squeezes, and contends that an " ex- change is no robbery." The gemman (who was brought up within the sounds of " bow bells ") entertained a different opinion, and thought that such willainy vas, or ought to be, wery punishable. The Magistrate coincided in opinion with the gemman, and Wm. Smith, Esq. is in a bad way. Nicholas Hatchett was found taking a nap on terra firma. Magistrate. Where is your home ? Prisoner, (laughing) — At Holmes'. 37 M. What countryman are you ? P. I'm an Irishman, and I don't care who minds that. M. You were drunk last night ! P. There's where you're under a little bit of a mistake ; I was only on a spree ! M. What do you call a spree ? P. Why, to spake out, I was on an Irish spree ! M. What do you call an Irish spree ? P. Why, to get half drunk, or half crazy, or a little of both. M. I believe you have been here before 1 P. And you belave true. M. You are always tipsy. P. O yes, and I always intend to be. M. How do you furnish yourself with the means of getting drunk ? P. Furnish the means! why, I'm a /arnz'sAer (varnisher.) M. You ought to be sent to Blackwell's Island to dig stones. P. Black-well! dig stones! I'd rather go to Black-sione and dig wells. — [Taken caie of.] John Lolly — red hair — one eye — quite lawless — gets drunk — ^beats his wife till she cries murder — and possesses a dispo- sition to emulate him who " fired the Ephesian fane :" — Joha wished to ignite the city. John Lolly is now lolling in Bridewell. Nathaniel Nicholson, a married man, and a Mrs. Utter (not his wife), were brought up by Alderman Valentine on the charge of open concubinage. They now occupy different cells in that mansion called Bridewell. 38 Joseph Paulby was not hy a pall, and yet he was caught wheezing and snoring in a church-yard. Joseph Paulby is not a resurrection man, for he is not a vender of carcases, and it was with difficulty that he himself could be raised. Joseph possesses a tolerable stock of stupidity and good nature. Jo- seph was permitted to run at large on parole. Pat M was brought up for attending to that kind of bu- siness which was not his business. It appeared in evidence that a Mr. , who had quaffed a little too freely of the juice of the grape, was pursuing what he conceived to be an independent course, by following the bent of his own inclina- tions, and by sleeping where he thought proper to sleep, to wit, in one of our streets. Pat was considerably and particularly officious on the occasion. Pat wished to handle the gentle- man, and was suspected ofhaving a disposition to handle the gentleman's pocket-book also. Pat was requested to walk off. Pat did walk off, but ever and anon Pat would walk back a- gain. Pat is now walked off to a place whence it will not be 80 easy to walk back. 89 Police, — August 7. Wind Dorth-north-east, &nd refreshing. Justice HopsoN, Present. Marry, sir, he hath ofifenied the law ; and, sir, we take him to be a thief too, sir. — Elbow. A. Freeman is no longer a free man. A. Freeman has red hair, red beard, red whiskers, and a red proboscis ; — caught and brought in probably, as a curiosity — possibly on suspicion of being a thief. -4. Vampire was brought in. It is a curious Yampire — sucks no blood — and is considered a harmless Vampire. — Let go. Jacob Plank is a sZa6-sided sort of a person, and was deem- ed a species of scant-ling — i. e. it is supposed that edibles with him were somewhat scant-y. Mr. Jacob Plank says he has shingled (singled) out a place where he will be permitted to board. If any Mr. Paul Pry is "curious to know" the fate of the gentleman with a wooden name, he has permission to call on the clerk. Eliza Anderson and Mary Hutchinson, apparently two decayed Venuses, smiled and courtesied outside of the bar. Caught wandering about the streets, " seeking whom they might devour." Were ordered to go about their business — had no business. Ordered home — had no home. Where- 40 upon they were sent (by Alderman Seamen) to the watch- house. If any person or persons are desirous of knowing where Miss Anderson and Miss Hutchinson are, we recom- mend them to call on Alderman Thorpe. Peter S , a "poor gentleman," (as he alleges himself to be,) entertained the opinion last night, and which opinion he expressed, in the streets, in a stentorian-like manner, " that all our watchmen were a d d set of rogues." Considered at the time rather a sweeping denunciation. Brought to the watch-house. Entertains a different opinion of the watchmen this morning — considers them a clever set of fellows. After some few Chesterfieldian civilities had passed between the watchmen and Peter S . Esq. the business was amicably settled. Hector S. V. and Traverse Achilles espied each other ap- proaching each other in one of our public streets. (The street we will not name, for one very good reason we — have forgot- ten its name.) Ahalt was effected by the parties respectively. Great military skill was displayed on the occasion, and obser- vations were made with industry and accuracy, in relation to each others movements and forces. " How now — whence comest thou, and whither art thou going?" demanded Trav- erse Achilles. "I came from the Hook, and I am wending my way to the Battery. — Now what's that to you?" responded Hectors. V. Achilles. My baptismal name is Traverse, and I allow no man to traverse the path I tread. Thou sayest thou camcst 41 from the Hook, and art going to the Battery; then thou hadst better hook-it around yon' corner, or else I shall hatter thee. Therefore, " avaunt thee .'" Hector. "I will not fly thus." A. "Then yield thee!" H. "Never!" A. "Phyrgian Turk ! prepare for battle." H. "Come on — lam prepared." [A fight — ^fifty-nine rounds in fifty-nine minutes — ^when Achilles was seized and put into "durance vile."] Police, — August 8. Wind west, and elastic. Justice HopsoN, Present. Cassio. Let me go in, Or I'll knock you o'er the mazzard. Mon, Cou.e, come, you're drunk. Cos. Drunk ! logo. Away, I say! go out and cry a mutiny, — Shaks. Elizabeth Guzzle is in the habit of guzzling, and breaking the peace of her -peaceable neighbours — is a great liar, and lies down on peoples' steps, commonly called stoops — drinks but a small quantity of "fiery waters," only a quart in a morning; — asserted on the honour of a feminine combatant, that she would inflict upon Mr. O. O. summary and merited chastise- ment — "If I don't whip him my name is not Elizabeth Guz- zle!" Alderman Thorpe (as we are informed,) has taken 6 43 compassion on Mr. O. O. and has taken means to prevent the the dire catastrophe. Jane Smith. I am a poor cripple. Magistrate, Where are you crippled ? Prisoner. In my right hand. M. Let me see it — let me see your left hand. I don't per- ceive any ailment about either hand. P. O, it is as dead as a stick! — it has been dead four days. M. What was the cause of it ? P. I don't know. O, O, dear me there's no feeling in it. M. You have been here before ; you are an old customer — how many times have you been in the alms-house ? P. Only twice ! M. There is nothing the matter with your hand — ^you are a lazy baggage, and wish to live upon the industry and chari- table feeling of the public. Open the door for this woman, and let her out. An odd fish, (O. Fish,) a celebrated son of Crispin, had been at that celebrated andnever-sufhciently-to-be-condemned place, called the Five Points. O. Fish lost a large sum of money on the occasion of his recent visit — don't drink, and yet don't deny that he smokes — was suspected of making an attempt to smoke one of the clerks of the Police. Didn't succeed however. Magistrate. How much did you lose 1 (The prisoner pre- varicated.) What was the amount ? P. A considerable of an amount. 43 M. What was the precise amount ? — Come to the point. P. Sir? 3f. The amount, sir. P. Ten shillings York ! ! ! Peter X. Sniffin, very nearly in a state of nudity, was not backward in coming forward, - and represented himself as being a poor unfortunate kind of Billy Lackaday, (at least by construction it would appear so,) and stated that he had been robbed of his coats, shirts, vests, and inexpressibles. Has gone in pursuit of his property. Sarah Pry wanted a search warrant in order to pry into the secrets of some of her neighbours, whom she suspected of having purloined from her a silk shawl. "Was known to be troublesome, and was suspected of being addicted to thieving herself. Let go. Biddy Stewart and Ellen M'Carty, pretty girls, and sur- mounted with " bonnets of blue," had been pulling caps. Settled for four shillings. S. T. and W. T. were introduced under extremely disa- greeable circumstances. These persons were young men, and brothers, highly respectable, and even affectionate towards each other. One of them accidently, as was proved, and for the first time as was alleged, became intoxicated, and during the phrenzy under which he was labouring, came near committing the horrible crime of fratricide. They were permitted to depart under suitable admonitions. 44 Sambo came out in the ship . Miss Arabella Sophonisbo was a passenger in said ship. Sambo is a kind of dandy, and is as black as ink. Arabella is as white and as pure as the mountain snow — her cheek is tinged with the rose, and her breath exhales aromatics that would rival those of Arabia Felix. Sambo is making love to Arabella. Arabella is not unconscious of the charms of one, whose forefathers had fought the lion, given chase to the tiger, and plunged into the Nile in pursuit of the Hippopotamus. But — Sambo is suspected of being a thief! We are sorry to spoil a good story, but the truth must be told. It was reported privately, and by a visiter, in the office, that a Kentuckian was discovered curled up and covered up in a quantity of salt. The reason he assigned for this odd covering was, that he had not fought a battle in a whole week, and he was afraid of spoiling. Messrs. N. B. and P. S. two distinguished sons of Thespis, and attached to one of our dramatic establishments, had often fought in " mimic show." " Many a time and oft " one had died to please the other, and to gratify some eight or ten hundred spectators. This was a sacrifice, a mal-sacrifice — and each submitted with a display of courage and an evidence of devotion that would emulate the heroism of a Pompey, or rival the patriotism of a Regulus. It was confidently sup- posed, that these heroes of the " sock and buskin " would rival the far-famed and classical heroes, Damon and Pythias, in their disinterestedness toward each other, and singleness 45 of purpose in reference to the inhabitants of this wicked world in general. How easily people may be deceived ! Mr. B. and Mr. S. are not only "tragedy kings" and "tragedy heroes," but are well versed in ancient lore, and have "suck- ed in " a considerable quantum of modern knowledge. One knows that Solon and Lycurgus were law-givers — -the other that Demosthenes and Pericles were orators: the one be- lieves firmly that Xenophon was a great historian and a great soldier, and made a matchless retreat out of Persia — the other contends that Alcibiades was the pupil of Socrates, and that he was pretty considerable of a warrior, but a dissolute character. One asserted from historical knowledge, that the first dramatic writers were players themselves, and enacted their plays in a — Cart ! The other sprang up in a dramatic kind of rage, "his eye in a fine phrenzy rolling," and contra- verted the assertion in positive terms — terms that could not be misunderstood. The result was a " pitched battle " — the hour was the " midnight hour " — and the place was con- tiguous to one of our public places." Need we record that this contest of arms (naked arm) was espied by the spies of the public ? — that the disputants had been watched, and ■were carried to the watch-hoMse ? No ; we will leave the public to wander in the labyrinths of conjecture. 46 Police, — August 10. Half past four in the morning, vane pointing S. W. Justice Wyman, Present. " Oh, my lord — the Sheriff with a most monstrous watch is at the door." Sandy Talmadge — Came from the same country which gave existence to Wallace and Bruce, and to him who has given in song immortality to the latter. Talmadge has been but a short time in this country — is considerably pugnacious, tenacious, and loquacious — has something of a dogged disposi- tion. In consonance, however, with the advice of the Magis- trate, is willing to go home, and lead a peaceable and an indus- trious life. Mr. Quinn (not the Quinn who was universally recog- nized as a shining star in the histronic art) endeavoured to rescue a friend. Had been drunk — had been a few times previously. He and a friend wished to " demolish" (a vile phrase) one who had been somewhat obstreperous — brought up by a watchman ; begged — apologized — promised. Under proper restrictions permitted to depart. Charles Duff, a young sprig, unprincipled, and disobedient towards his parents, and only 14 years of age, was properly dealt with. Mary Ann Arlington — Innocent, beautiful, young; well read, well educated, studious; reads music admirably, plays 47 divinely; sings exquisitely; can dance a Spanish Fandango, a French Cotillion, or a German Waltz — is tickled with Ser- vantes — delighted with Fenelon, and enraptured with the "sweet bard of Avon!" But!!! (how we dislike to throw "cold water" upon a good thing) but! Mary Ann Arlington gets drunk on cider!!! John Smith, selling ardent spirits without a license. Pre- tended to be selling under another man's license — vvouldn't do — Call at the Police for further particulars. Julia Ann Spriggins, a pretty girl — a romantic -girl — a Queen Elizabeth kind of a girl, was introduced. She was a great swearer — so was the daughter of Henry the Eighth — she possessed great energy; so did she who headed her own army, and by her own influence repelled the celebrated Span- ish Armada — she patronized the fine arts — so did the distin- guished and relentless persecutor of the frail, but talented fair one, who bore the name of Mary Queen of Scots ! Julia Ann Spriggins, (Jupiter Ammon, what a name!) Is, — ask the keeper of Bridewell. Paddy O. Reily and Dirck Vander Stuyvesant, (the one a Paddy from Cork, the other born and bred in Gotham,) en- countered each other at the corner of Broadway and Leonard- street. The side-walk, at that particular spot, is too nar- row, just by one inch — we hope Mr. Graves will see to it. Paddy made an eflbrt, from pure motives of civility, to step aside half an inch but couldn't succeed : Dirck was deter- 48 mined not to be outdone in politeness — made the same effort, and unfortunately with no better success. The consequence was, they struck: We don't mean to say that they struck their colours — far from it; but they struck as vessels some- times strike, one against the other; and Paddy and Dirck were suddenly wheeled around, and were espied, espying each other askance. The one had as much courage as an O. Reily should have ; the other as much bravery as any descen- dent of " hard koping Peit." Paddy don't fear the devil, and Dirck isn't afraid of Paddy. Paddy. What do you mane you spalpeen ? Dirck. Schpalpeen — what de divel is dat ? Ha ! P. Will you jist plase to look at that — (showing his fist,) did you ever see the like of it before ? D. Ya, I've seen such a ding before, but never behind. I always looksh ahead! P. Can you fight 1 D. Ya, will you fight ? P. Are you ready ? D. Ya. Justice Wyman chanced to be in passing by at this particular crisis, and advised the parties to settle the matter of difference between them in an amicable manner, and depart each to his own home. Paddy and Dirck did not consider this good counsel, and besides they might possibly have had a desire for a little depletion of the system — it being considered beneficial to health in certain cases The Cap- tain of the Watch will tell the rest of the story. 49 Police, — August 12. Wind west and bracing. Justice Wyman, Present. The flying rumours gather'd as they roU'd, Scarce any tale was sooner heard than told, — Pope. Samuel Q. Johnson was accused of having committed something of a novel crime — that of breaking open his own trimk, and stealing therefrom. After a patient investigation on the part of the Magistrate, it was decided to be a mali- cious fabrication. Mr. J.'s trunk was forced, and the guilty person is now in custody. Catharine Vail stole a veil and six yards of crape — proofs adduced were incontrovertible — is now in Bridewell. J B , a young man of talents and of prepossessing appearance, 19 years of age, has been accused of making a note and signing another man's name to it. He is labouring under the most poignant grief, he is pale and wan, and denies the charge. We hope he is innocent. John J complains most bitterly of his two brothers-in- law — says that his wife is leagued with her brothers, and verily believes that there is a plot entered into to take away his life. Mr. J. went to bed and left his wife up — he went to sleep — suddenly his wife knocked down the pannel of the door and entered — was considerably maltreated — wishes no 7 50 charges to be preferred against his wife. The persons con- cerned were taken care of. Sarah Ann P , 20 years old — a sylph-like figure — pretty foot — rosy cheek — ruby lip — sloe black hair — and one eye, and but one eye — was brought up for fingering wearing apparel, which belonged to other persons. Twelve citizens will decide upon her innocence or guilt. .Tamea P was brought up on the charge of having beaten, and of being in the habit of beating his ■wife, a beau- tiful, amiable, and talented woman. Mr. James P is a complete wreck of one who was high born, high bred, and wealthy, and of exalted mental powers. His countenance is completely cadaverous, his eye is unsteady and inflamed ; he possesses a trembling hand, and the cold perspiration of ago- nized feeling stands continually upon his brow. It has been said that Lucifer was the inventor of the art of distilling ; whether he was or not, is not our province to determine, but we will venture to assert that this secret has given birth to more vrickedness, and more enormities, than any other art de- vised by the ingenuity of man. Mr. P. portrayed, in feeling terms, the virtues of his wife ; represented her as an afl'ection- ate companion, and an exemplary mother. That his own infirmity was an unfortunate one — that it was nearly or quite beyond his control — in a word, that he was too frequently under the influence of the intoxicating draught. — Sure bail. 51 Police, — Jlugust 13. Half past 4, in the morning — wind blowing fresh from the north. Justice Wyman, Present. " O weary night ! O long and tedious night ! Abate thy hours : shine comforts from the east." Noble McDonald, a kind of sham nohle from Scotland, says there is too much rum in New-York — has been guilty of a high misdemeanor (call on the turnkey at Bridewell,) and intends, should he get clear from this charge, to clear from the state. Jane Davis, sometimes recognized as Mrs. Lecruse, all the way from Kilkenny, has a peculiar fondness for a little croos- keen lawn. Mrs. Lecruse is not a Venus, for she is not par- ticularly beautiful — she is not a Hebe, for instead of being a cup-bearer for others, she only uses her cups for herself — has no aversion to a " kick up " — may be considered a suc- cessful rival to the French dancers — a legitimate daughter of Terpsichore herself — had been dancing for her amusement — is now picking oakum for the amusement of the keeper of Bridewell. James Hqffstead is running a queer rig, and is in the habit of stealing rigging. Had stolen (per testimony incontrover- tible) from on board the John