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                               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




CHAPTER I.

Which is simply explanatory, so far as regards the book, but in
which the author takes occasion to pay himself several merited
compliments, on the score of honesty, ability, etc.




CHAPTER I.

WHICH IS MERELY EXPLANATORY.


The first undertaking of the author of these pages will be to
convince his readers that he has not set about making a merely
funny book, and that the subject of which he writes is one that
challenges their serious and earnest attention. Whatever of
humorous description may be found in the succeeding chapters