Charged with Felony.
--
Samuel H. Jefford, a man of some notoriety both here and elsewhere, made his appearance before the
Mayor yesterday, to answer the charge of stealing $30 from
Martin L. Covington, on the 15th of May last.
Mr. Covington testified, that he left
Norfolk, on the steamer "
Curtis Peck,"
in route for home, and being anxious to see all the places of historical note along the river, made the acquaintance of the prisoner by asking him a few questions.
Finding
Jefford to be quite intelligent,
Covington entered into conversation with him, and when the breakfast bell rang, the two left the deck together,
Covington going to the bar and taking a julep, at the invitation of
Jefford.
After imbibing the two started to the breakfast saloon, but had only gone a few steps, when they discovered a very pleasant gentleman sitting at a table, passing cards to and fro, and offering to bet two to one that no man could name either one after seeing the faces of all, so rapidly could he pass them. --
Jefford, having no designs on
Covington, asked to see the pasteboards manipulated, and doubtless believing that he could turn an honest penny, pulled out a roll of notes to bet, and then inquired of
Covington as to the kind of money he had.
Covington replied that he had very little of any kind with him.
Jefford wished to know if he had any small notes.--
Covington replied that he had three $10 notes, and supposing
Jefford wished to get change for a $30 note, pulled them out and allowed J. to take them.
Jefford then rolled the notes together, laid them down, raised the wrong card by accident, and the gentleman at the table pocketed the pile,
Jefford remarking to
Covington, on losing the bet, that the money was gone C. replied that he hoped his was not, that he had no interest in the bet, never bet a dollar in his life, and must have his money.
Jefford insisted that C. was partner in the bet, which C denied, and reported the circumstance to
Capt. Gifford, who set about recovering the money.
Jefford had paid his way to
Richmond, but attempted to leave the boat at
City Point, where the winning man went on shore.
He, however, was prevented from doing so, and, on getting to this city, was turnover to the police.
Berry Grubbs was called for the defence, and testified that he took passage for
Richmond in the Peck that morning, getting on board at the
Williamsburg wharf — that
Covington advised him against playing with the card man, as he had lost $30 that morning — and that
Jefford,
Covington, and himself, took two or three drinks together, in the course of the morning.
Other evidence was adduced during the investigation, at the conclusion of which the
Mayor remanded the accused for further examination before the Hustings Court, at its December term.
