University of Virginia Library

THE ORIGINAL OF A RECENT PROPOSAL.

Not long since an advertisement appeared, and was noticed by several of the papers, purporting to enable any person to realize a large fortune by a small advance to the advertiser. It will readily be seen that the following is the original of the scheme, put forth in the Morning Chronicle, in 1818: —

`Important Offer. A gentleman of respectability has discovered a method of winning at any game of chance, fairly and honourably, to a certainty, by

a method hitherto unknown; — he will sell the secret for a consideration, or treat with a gentleman able to join him with a capital of £300, by which a fortune may be made; in either case he will engage with one person only. This will be found well worth the attention of a member of the superior clubs. * * * No personal application will we {sic} answered.'