Daily National Intelligencer

A most singular impostor, as a deaf and dumb person, was detected by Mr. Sicard in 1806. He was ordered to Paris to be examined at the institution for the deaf and dumb. As he could write, his manner of spelling gave Mr. Sicard the first conviction that he was an impostor, but no decisive proof was obtained upon the first examination.- The second was not with greater conviction. At the third trial he was threatened to be confronted by those who had taught him, and reminded of his contradictions. He kept his countenance. On the next morning, before a select company, he drew from his pocket a paper, which he read with a loud and distinct voice, "These are the first words which have issued from my mouth during four years." He said he should prefer death to this confession: that Mr. Sicard was the only person who could have obtained it. He added, "in many cities I have been subjected to different and cruel experiments, but never has the smallest symptom of surprise been seen in my countenance. At La Rochelle, the warder was directed to sleep with me, but even my dreams were never expressed in any thing more than guttural sounds. Several times have I been purposely awakened out of a sound sleep; my alarm was, however, marked by nothing more than plaintive croaking. The hundred prisoners who were with me did all which had been ordered them, in order to surprise me. In Switzerland, a young, rich and beautiful woman, offered to marry me, if I would speak. I resisted every thing. Often have I had the intention of roaming into some wood and living like a beast. At first I did so. I passed a whole month living on roots, potatoes and wild fruit, without tasting bread. My true name is Victor Foy." Crowds were assembled as soon as the confession was known. A collection was made for him, and it had great effect upon him. He said he had been so accustomed to his illusions. that he had unlearned his hearing. Among all the experiments practised upon him in Switzerland, the following he said was most powerful. I was in a room under interrogation. where had been previously suspended, unknown to me, immediately behind me, a great vase of copper money; suddenly the cord was cut, and the whole came tumbling down with prodigious clatter. Yet not the slightest indication of any emotion was discovered in my countenance." So ended a deception which had been imposed on Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and France! The history is to be given of this young man.