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.
What the Witches of New York City personally told me,Doesticks, you will find written in this volume, without theslightest exaggeration or perversion. I set out now with nointention of misrepresenting anything that came under myobservation in collecting the material for this book, but withan honest desire to tell the simple truth about the people Iencountered, and the prophecies I paid for.
So far from desiring to do any injustice to the Fortune Tellersof the Metropolis, I sincerely hope that my labors mayavail something towards making their true deservings morewidely appreciated, and their fitting reward more full andspeedy. I am satisfied that so soon as their character is betterunderstood, and certain peculiar features of their businessmore thoroughly comprehended by the public, they will meetwith more attention from the dignitaries of the land than hasever before been vouchsafed them.
I thank the public for the flattering consideration paid towhat I have heretofore written, and respectfully submit thatif they would increase the obligation, perhaps the readiest wayis to buy and read the present volume.
The Author.
Sept. 20th, 1858.
| CHAPTER I. is simply Explanatory so far as regards thebook, but in it the author takes occasion to pay himselfseveral 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 sheis oily and water-proof. | 27 |
| CHAPTER III. wherein are related divers strange things ofMadame Bruce, the “Mysterious Veiled Lady,” of No. 513Broome Street. | 51 |
| CHAPTER IV. Relates the marvellous performances of MadameWidger, of No. 3 First Avenue, and how she looks into thefuture through a paving-stone. | 73 |
| CHAPTER V. Discourses of Mrs. Pugh, of No. 102 South FirstStreet, Williamsburgh, and tells what that Nursing Sorceresscommunicated to the Cash Customer. | 99[xii] |