The Witches of New York - Brossura

"One has only to turn to the advertising columns of a certain prominent New York journal, to assure himself that there is in this country a very numerous class of benighted souls who nurse a blind faith in 'the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter,' and who contribute liberally to the support of that apocryphal female and the large family of imposters to which she belongs. These charlatans spend thousands of dollars annually in advertising their wares, and the inference is that the enterprise pays. We do not refer to the vendors of quack medicines, but to fortune-tellers, dealers in the supernatural, dispensers of love-powders and magical amulets which bring good luck, ward off pestilence, preserve youth, and perform a variety of pleasing offices for their fortunate possessor....Any one who is curious in those matters, will find in 'The Witches of New York,' by the now obsolete 'Doesticks,' a capital account of the transparent dodges by which sentimental cooks and coachmen, and simple-minded country people are swindled out of their earnings....The magician and the soothsayer do not belong to a progressive age, and have learned no new tricks. Nor is it necessary, for the supply of people ready to be gulled by the old ones is inexhaustible." -Every Saturday: A Journal of Choice Reading

CHAPTER I. is simply Explanatory so far as regards the book

CHAPTER II. is devoted to the glorification of Madame Prewster, of No. 373 Bowery, the Pioneer Witch of New York

CHAPTER III. wherein are related divers strange things of Madame Bruce, the “Mysterious Veiled Lady”

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

CHAPTER V. Discourses of Mrs. Pugh, of No. 102 South First Street, Williamsburgh, and tells what that Nursing Sorceress communicated to the Cash Customer

CHAPTER VI. in which are narrated the wonderful workings of Madame Morrow, the “Astonisher,” of No. 76 Broome Street

CHAPTER VII. contains a full account of the interview of the Cash Customer with Doctor Wilson, the Astrologer, of No. 172 Delancey Street

CHAPTER VIII. gives a history of how Mrs. Hayes, the Clairvoyant, of No. 176 Grand Street, does the Conjuring Trick

CHAPTER IX. tells all about Mrs. Seymour, the Clairvoyant, of No. 110 Spring Street, and what she had to say

CHAPTER X. describes Madame Carzo, the “Brazilian Astrologist”

CHAPTER XI. In which is set down the prophecy of Madame Leander Lent and how she promised her customer numerous wives and children

CHAPTER XII. Wherein are described all the particulars of a visit to the “Gipsy Girl,” of No. 207 Third Avenue

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

CHAPTER XIV. describes an interview with the “Cullud” Seer Mr. Grommer, of No. 34 North Second Street, Williamsburgh

CHAPTER XV. How Madame Clifton of No. 185 Orchard Street, that amiable and gifted “Seventh daughter of a Seventh daughter,” prophesied a speedy death and destruction—together with all about the “Chinese Ruling Planet Charm.”

CHAPTER XVI. details the particulars of a morning call on Madame Harris, and how she covered up her beautiful head in a black bag

CHAPTER XVII. Treats of the peculiarities of Several Witches in a single batch

CHAPTER XVIII. Conclusion