THE
Witches of New York,
AS ENCOUNTERED BY
Q. K. Philander Doesticks, P. B.
NEW YORK:
RUDD & CARLETON, 310 Broadway.
MDCCCLIX.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1858, by
RUDD & CARLETON,
In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern
District of New York.
R. CRAIGHEAD,
Printer, Stereotyper, and Electrotyper,
Carton Building,
81, 83, and 85 Centre Street.
Preface.
What the Witches of New York City personally told me, Doesticks, you will find written in this volume, without the slightest exaggeration or perversion. I set out now with no intention of misrepresenting anything that came under my observation in collecting the material for this book, but with an honest desire to tell the simple truth about the people I encountered, and the prophecies I paid for.
So far from desiring to do any injustice to the Fortune Tellers of the Metropolis, I sincerely hope that my labors may avail something towards making their true deservings more widely appreciated, and their fitting reward more full and speedy. I am satisfied that so soon as their character is better understood, and certain peculiar features of their business more thoroughly comprehended by the public, they will meet with more attention from the dignitaries of the land than has ever before been vouchsafed them.
I thank the public for the flattering consideration paid to what I have heretofore written, and respectfully submit that if they would increase the obligation, perhaps the readiest way is to buy and read the present volume.
The Author.
Sept. 20th, 1858.
Contents.
| [CHAPTER I.] is simply Explanatory so far as regards the book, but in it the author takes occasion to pay himself several merited compliments on the score of honesty, ability, &c., &c., &c. | [15] |
| [CHAPTER II.] is devoted to the glorification of Madame Prewster, of No. 373 Bowery, the Pioneer Witch of New York. The “Individual” also herein bears his testimony that she is oily and water-proof. | [27] |
| [CHAPTER III.] wherein are related divers strange things of Madame Bruce, the “Mysterious Veiled Lady,” of No. 513 Broome Street. | [51] |
| [CHAPTER IV.] Relates the marvellous performances of Madame Widger, of No. 3 First Avenue, and how she looks into the future through a paving-stone. | [73] |
| [CHAPTER V.] Discourses of Mrs. Pugh, of No. 102 South First Street, Williamsburgh, and tells what that Nursing Sorceress communicated to the Cash Customer. | [99] |
| [CHAPTER VI.] in which are narrated the wonderful workings of Madame Morrow, the “Astonisher,” of No. 76 Broome Street, and how by a Crinolinic Stratagem the “Individual” got a sight of his “Future Husband.” | [123] |
| [CHAPTER VII.] contains a full account of the interview of the Cash Customer with Doctor Wilson, the Astrologer, of No. 172 Delancey Street. The Fates decree that he shall “pizon his first wife.” Hooray! | [147] |
| [CHAPTER VIII.] gives a history of how Mrs. Hayes, the Clairvoyant, of No. 176 Grand Street, does the Conjuring Trick. | [169] |
| [CHAPTER IX.] tells all about Mrs. Seymour, the Clairvoyant, of No. 110 Spring Street, and what she had to say. | [195] |
| [CHAPTER X.] describes Madame Carzo, the “Brazilian Astrologist,” and gives all the romantic adventures of the “Individual” with the gay South American Maid. | [215] |
| [CHAPTER XI.] In which is set down the prophecy of Madame Leander Lent, of No. 163 Mulberry Street; and how she promised her customer numerous wives and children. | [239] |
| [CHAPTER XII.] Wherein are described all the particulars of a visit to the “Gipsy Girl,” of No. 207 Third Avenue; with an allusion to Gin, and other luxuries dear to the heart of that beautiful Rover. | [261] |
| [CHAPTER XIII.] contains a true account of the Magic Establishment of Mrs. Fleury, of No. 263 Broome Street; and also shows the exact amount of Witchcraft that snuffy personage can afford for one dollar. | [281] |
| [CHAPTER XIV.] describes an interview with the “Cullud” Seer Mr. Grommer, of No. 34 North Second Street, Williamsburgh, and what that respectable Whitewasher and Prophet told his visitor. | [305] |
| [CHAPTER XV.] How the Individual called on Madame Clifton of No. 185 Orchard Street, and how that amiable and gifted “Seventh daughter of a Seventh daughter,” prophesied his speedy death and destruction—together with all about the “Chinese Ruling Planet Charm.” | [327] |
| [CHAPTER XVI.] details the particulars of a morning call on Madame Harris, and how she covered up her beautiful head in a black bag. | [353] |
| [CHAPTER XVII.] Treats of the peculiarities of Several Witches in a single batch. | [371] |
| [CHAPTER XVIII.] Conclusion. | [395] |