The Mississippi Creole

FAUNTLEROY ALIVE, Who was Hanged for Forgery.

It may seem strange, but it is no less true, that there are strong opinions abroad that Fauntleroy, the banker, who was several years ago convicted and hanged for forgery, is now living with his son in America. So strong are the opinions on that point, that about nine months past his executors, in answer to a bill of equity filed against them respecting his property, put in an affidavit praying time to inquire after him, as from report and hearsay they believed he was alive. It appears that the proprietor of a large hotel in Marylebone, whose name was Pearce, died childless, bequeathing his property to his nephews and appointing Fauntleroy executor. The nephews, who were wild young men, were at the period of the uncle's death either in the army or navy. The friends of the nephews, mistrusting Fauntleroy, insisted upon his vesting the money left by the uncle in the funds. This Fauntleroy did, but afterwards sold it out with the exception of £140. After Fauntleroy's supposed execution one of the nephews returned, and having been informed that a legacy had been bequeathed him, instituted proceedings against Fauntleroy's executors to account for that property. A bill was consequently filed against them in the Vice Chancellor's Court, and the executors in reply stated their belief that Fauntleroy was not hanged to death, but that he was alive with his son in America. Having put in an affidavit to that effect, the Court granted nine months to make the necessary inquiries. The nine months will terminate the next term. It is said most confidently that Fauntleroy had a protection around his neck against the rope; that he was suspended for a very short period, and that as soon as he was cut down he was immediately conveyed to a house in West Smithfield, where the necessary restoratives were immediately and successfully applied. This, it is supposed, was done with the privity of the government and the officers of justice. Be the report well founded or not the affidavit was made, and the time alluded to was granted for instituting the necessary inquiries respecting the existence or non-existence of a wretched man, around whose neck, it is said, the rope virtually was for fourteen years previous to his conviction, as he was a forger for that period. [This is a strange story. Fauntleroy may be alive, but we saw him executed, and saw him hanging for some time. If the answer to the bill be not put in till Fauntleroy be found alive, we fear the delay will be longer even than a Chancery suit.]—London paper.