ere formed an acquaintance
with a young woman. In the fall of 1826, being then at Philadelphia, he
resolved to go and get married to her, but, being destitute of means, he
now set his wits to work to raise some money and get a recommendation,
so as to obtain the fair one of his choice. He went to a man named
Lawrence, and stated that he had discovered in Pennsylvania, on the bank
of the Susquehanna river, a very rich mine of silver, and if he,
Lawrence, would go there with him, he might have a share in the profits;
that it was near high water mark, and that they could put the silver
into boats, and take it down the river to Philadelphia, and dispose of
it. Lawrence asked Joseph if he was not deceiving him.

"No," replied Joe, "for I have been there and seen it with my own eyes,
and if you do not find it is so when we get there, I will bind myself to
be your servant for three years."

By oaths, asseverations, and fair promises, Lawrence was induced to
believe in Joe's assertion, and agreed to go with him; and as Joseph was
out of money, Lawrence had to defray the whole expenses of the journey.
When they arrived at Harmony, Joseph was strongly recommended by
Lawrence, who was well known to the parents of the young woman; after
which, they proceeded on their journey to the silver mine, made a
diligent search, and of course found nothing. Thus Lawrence had his
trouble for his pains, and returned home with his pockets lighter than
when he started, whilst honest Joe had not only his expenses paid, but a
good recommendation to the father of his fair one.

Joe now proposed to marry the girl, but the parents were opposed to the
match. One day, when they happened to be from home, he took advantage of
the opportunity, went off with her, and the knot was tied.

Being still destitute of money, he now again set his wits to work to
contrive to get back to Manchester, at that time his place of residence,
and he hit upon the following plan, which succeeded. He went to an
honest old Dutchman, by the name of Stowel, and told him that he had
discovered on the banks of the Black River, in the village of Watertown
(Jefferson County, N.Y.), a cave, in which he found a bar of gold as big
as his leg, and about three or four feet long; that he could not get it
out alone on account of its great weight; and if Stowel would frank him
and his wife to Manchester (N.Y.), they would then go together to the
cave, and Stowel should share the prize wit