19049. Fourth National Bank (Philadelphia, PA)

Bank Information

Episode Type
Run → Suspension → Reopening
Bank Type
national
Bank ID
286
Charter Number
286
Start Date
February 20, 1869
Location
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (39.952, -75.164)

Metadata

Model
gpt-5-mini
Short Digest
ea5fbfc0

Response Measures

Capital injected, Full suspension, Books examined

Other: Reorganization/recapitalization by local stockholders to avoid receivership.

Receivership Details

Depositor recovery rate
100.0%
Date receivership started
1871-12-20
Date receivership terminated
1872-02-13
OCC cause of failure
Losses
Share of assets assessed as good
100.0%

Description

Multiple articles report a slight run around Feb 20, 1869 after discovery of cashier defalcation (names spelled MacMullin/McMullen). The bank suspended on Feb 23, 1869 due to the cashier's embezzlement, and reopened under a reorganized board by Mar 10–11, 1869. OCR variations in cashier spelling and in reported amounts ($10,000, $60,000, $100,000, and later reports of larger totals) are present; I preserved facts only when supported by articles.

Events (5)

1. February 26, 1864 Chartered
Source
historical_nic
2. February 20, 1869 Run
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Reports that the cashier (MacMullin/McMullen) was a defaulter; discovery of large deficiencies in the accounts prompted withdrawals.
Measures
Doors remained open; bank officials reviewed accounts and attempted investigation (no closure at this stage).
Newspaper Excerpt
There was a regular run on the bank to-day, but its doors were not closed.
Source
newspapers
3. February 23, 1869 Suspension
Cause
Bank Specific Adverse Info
Cause Details
Investigation of books revealed large overdrafts and fraudulent entries attributable to the cashier's defalcation; board closed bank to allow thorough examination and reorganization.
Newspaper Excerpt
The doors of the Fourth National Bank were not opened this morning owing to the defalcation of Cashier Mac Mullen.
Source
newspapers
4. March 10, 1869 Reopening
Newspaper Excerpt
Under new regime its doors were again opened for the transaction of business this morning ... The whole Bank has been reor ganized. renewed, and reconstructed.
Source
newspapers
5. December 20, 1871 Receivership
Source
historical_nic

Newspaper Articles (23)

Article from Nashville Union and American, February 21, 1869

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PHILADELPHIA. A National Bank in Trouble. PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 20.-It is reported that the Cashier of the Fourth National Bank is a defaulter in the sum of over one hundred thousand dollars, and has made his escape. There was a regular run on the bank to-day, but its doors were not closed.


Article from The Daily Phoenix, February 21, 1869

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News Items. KEY WEST, February 20.-The Persian iron-clads have arrived. MEMPHIS, February 20.-The Arkansas militia who killed Davis, near Mound City, were arrested Monday, court-martialed Tuesday, and shot Wednesday. NEW ORLEANS, February 20.-The Cuban refugees have addressed a protest to the Governor, against the charges by the Spanish Consul of designs on their part to provoke an outbreak between the slaves and Spanish residents. They declare that notwithstanding their political opinions, they do not design to infringe upon the laws in any manuer. BALTIMORE, February 20.-Charles A. Gambrell, an extensive flour manufacturer, is dead-aged 64. PHILADELPHIA, February 20.-It is reported that the cashier of the fourthnational bank in this city is a defeaulter in the sum of $10,000, and has fled. There was a slight run on the bank to-day. CHICAGO, February 20.-The General Assembly to-day, by a vote of 51 to 30, passed the bill restoring capital punishment. CHARLESTON, February 20.-Arrivedsteamers James Adger, New York; Prometheus; Philadelphia.


Article from The Evansville Journal, February 22, 1869

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TELEGRAPH SUMMARY. Gold closed in New York, Saturday, at 1333/8. The track of the Central Pacific Railroad is again clear through the deep snow of Sierra. Six counterfeit money dealers of New York City were on Saturday sentenced to the Penitentiary for different terms. Advices from Arizona to the 30th ult. report favorably of the mines, and mention no fresh Indian troubles. Washington's birth day will be celebrated by public proclamation in San Francisco, and observed generally as a ho.iday. A Washington special says that the Senate Finance Committee, after an informal discussion, has postponed the Bank Bill for the present. McLaughlin and Shaw, who made false affidavits arainst the Co lector of Internal Revenue, Mr. Bailey, of New York City were on Saturday sentenced to five years each in the penitentiary. It is reported that the Cashier of the Fourth National Bank of Philadelphia is defaulter in the sum of over $100,000, and has made his escape. There was a slight run oà the Bank on Saturday, but the doors were not closed. The President has pardoned John H. Eager and Nicholas Henry, conviced in New York in November and sentenced to the Penitentiary, for defrauding the Government by false bounty money and back pay papels. The Chicago Lake and Harbor Bill pass_ ed the Illinois House of Assembly on Satruday by a vote of 52 to SO. It cedes the property submerged by Lake Michiganone mile wide and three miles long-to the Ilfinois Central Railroad. It is rumored that General Butler and Mr. Fisk, of Erie notoriety, are about to purchase a newspaper in Springfield, Massachusetts, to run in opposition to Mr. Bowles, of the Republican. Two large gambling hells up town in New York city, were raided on by the police on Friday night Thirty-four gamblers were arrested and a large amount of gambling property was seized. It is stated that parties in New York, who raised one hundred thousand dollars to present General Sherm in with a house, have bought Grant's house in Washington, for sixty thousand dollars. Marshall and Escale, the alleged bond robbers, were arraigned before Justice Dodge, of New York, on the 19th inst., when the bonds found in their possession, amounting to ninety-five thousand dollars, were identified as having been stolen from the Pequannock Bank, of Bridgeport, Connecticut. The prisoners were committed. Judge Hoge, of South Carolina, is in Washington, claiming a seat in Congress from the Third District of that State, for which Mr. Reed (Democrat) has received a certificate of election, by a majority of votes cast, while Hoge has a certificate from the Governor that he received a majority of the legal votes cast. Moses Sargent, of Boston, and City Marshall Fills, of Newburyport, Massachusetts, assisted by Chief of-Police, Major McElrath, of St. Paul, and Day, of Minneapolis, have arrested Leonard Choate, the alleged incendiary that has been such a terror to Newburyport for so many years. It is estimated that over fifty buildings, including four churches, have been burned by him. The arrest was made some fifty miles above the Falls of St. Anthony, whither be had fled when learning he was suspected. Gen. Smith, commanding in Georgia, has issued a letter of instructions to the Sheriffs of the different counties, in reference to the outrages perpetrated by Ku Kux. He says they are invested with ample authority to protect citizens and preserve order, and If they are unable to do so by means of a posse com-tatus, it is their duty to call p. the military commander of the nearest post, who, under a standing general order from the War Department, will furnish all requisite assistance.


Article from The Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, February 22, 1869

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PFNRSYLVANIA. PHILADEPHIA, Feb. 20. It is reported that the Cashier of the Fourth National Bank is n defaulter in the sum of over $100,000; he made his escape. There was a slight run on the bank to-day, but the doors were not closed.


Article from The Daily Dispatch, February 22, 1869

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Reported Defalcation and Flight of a Bank Cashier. PHILADELPHIA, February 20.-It is reported that the cashier of the Fourth National Bank of this city has filed, being a defaulter for $10,000. There was a slight run on the bank to-day.


Article from The Wheeling Daily Register, February 22, 1869

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Defaulter. PHILADELPHIA, February 20.-It is reported that the cashier of the Fourth National Bank is a defaulter in the sum of $100,000 and has made his escape. There was a slight run on the bank today but the doors were not closed.


Article from Chicago Tribune, February 22, 1869

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A Defaulting Cashier. PHILADELPITIA, Ftb 20.-It is reported that the taabier of the Fourto National Bank 14 & ceralt. er in the sam of ever $100,000. and his made tis escape. There was a enght run on the bank w day, but the docrs Here nut closed.


Article from The Evening Telegraph, February 23, 1869

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FOURTH NATIORAL BANK-IT SUSPENDS PAYMENT-THE CASHIER AN ALLEGED DEFAULTER TO THE SUM OF $60,000.-Considerable excitement was created in the city this morning by the announcement of the fact that the Fourth National Bank, in Arch street, near Eighth, had suspended payment in consequence of certain trouble in the institution. Long before banking hours a large number of persons were congregated in front of the bank. and the presence of the officers soon after 9 o'clock gave evidence that something was wrong. Taen followed the announcement of suspension. This created a surore among those assembled, and all sorts of rumors were afloat concerning the cashier. bank. directors, etc. An investigation on the part of our reporter disclosed the following:some days since, Mr. MacMullin, cashier of the institution, resigned, and another gentleman was elected to supply the vacancy. The accounts were gone over, and deficiencies were found to exist. At first the amount was put down at $10,000, but now the sum in default is estimated at $60,000. The old cashier has not left town, as reported some days since. He was in consultation with the directors last evening, and what transpired between them we are unable to lay before our readers. We only know that in consequence of that interview, and from further investigation of the books this morning, the bank suspended payment. Mr. Albert C. Roberts, President, desires the public to understand that in a few days everything will be right. He says the depositors will not lose a penny, and the only ones to suffer, If any great loss has been incurred, will be the stockholders. The amount of capital invested is ample to meet all demands, and no fear 18 entertained of a "smash-up." The President and directors are anxious to make a thorough investigation of the books, papers, etc., and until that 18 done the bank will be closed. They expect to reopen in about one week.


Article from The Evansville Journal, February 24, 1869

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TELEGRAPH SUMMARY. Gold closed in New York, yesterday, at chests 182 1/2. An English party have returned from the island of Alta Vela, reporting the guardo there worthless. Four more persons have been bitten by mad dogs in Brooklyn, N. Y., within two days. Porto Rico advices state that heavy rains have preventeil caue grinding, and plant= ers fear they will be unable to make a good crop of sugar. General Sherman has returned to St. Louis from New Orleans, much improved in health He will leave for Washington in a fet days. W.R. Brown & Co.'s Bank, of Toronto, Canada, closed their doors on the 23d, in consequence of heavy losses in New York. Some of the Chinese of San Francisco are reported to be armed for a struggle to secure possession f females who arrived on a steanier on the 23d. The Chief of Police has takes measures to prevent a riot. Gov. Haight, of California, has received an invitation from Chicago to meet the Go Vernork of other States in that city on the 1th of July, to celebrate the openin of the Pacific Railroad. The doors, of the Fourth National Bank of Philadelphia, were not opened yesterday morning, owing to defalcations of the Cashier. McMullen, who is in custody, but refuses to give any information. The capital of the bank is $225,000; deposits $500,000, and circulation $130,000 at its last report. General King, who was arrested in Cincinuati some days ago on charge of robb Dg the office of Cambrieling & Pine in Wall Street, of bonds to the amount of $150,000, was committed to the Tombs on the 22d. Assessor Webster, of New York City, has returned to his post and to the raid upon bankers and brokers which was temporarily suspended on account of his illness. The brokers have determined to make a test case of his right to assess and tax the capital they use in their business. Another victim of hydrophobia has died on Long Island. A little child and several others who have been bitten are reported to be in a critical condition. Dogs are being killed quite rapidly in the outskirts of Brooklyn. Five hundred complaints were made yesterday it the government office, against soldiers' bounty sharks. The soldier swindler,/Herman, has not been found, and it is said that all his property is in the hands of a city official here, so that the unfortunates who have been victimized by him will neyer be able to obtain redress. The statements by Masterman and Bliss have been published in the New York Tribune. They deny the charge of complicity in the conspiracy against Lopez. The details of their sufferings while imprisoned shows their treatment to have been most barbarous. They say that Washburne did all in his power in their behalf/ald his own life was endangered. Havana dispatches state that no further military field operations will be attempted by the Spaniards, but all the fortified points,will be occupied by garrisons. An A merican blockade runner has successfully landed a cargo of insurgents. Two thousand Cubans had revolted at Palma, near Cardinas. A Spanish gunboat was captured by the revolutionists near Mazanino. An attack on Puerto Principe was d layed on account of the women and children. A Rio Janeiro letter of January 26th Augustura surrendered on the 30th of December, the garrison marching out with the honors of war. Seventy-five guns H are among the captures. Ascunsion was o cupie on the first without resistance by Blie troops sent forward on gunboats. Lopez himself was entrenched in the mountains with 5,000 men, and the Paraguayan gunboats were safe above Ascunsion. MeNahon still accompanies Lopez, and his attachment to him caused considerable f eling on the part of the Brazilians, who tilkas if their Government might at any moment break off its diplomatic relations with-the United States on account of it.


Article from The South-Western, February 24, 1869

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MISCELLANEOUS. ST. LOUIS, Feb. 16.-A Very rich gold mine has been discovered near Virginia City, Nevada. Missouri Legislature has passed a bill prohibiting prize fighting. NASHVILLE, Feb. 16.-A large amount of tobacco from Kentucky, Virginia and North Carolina seized to day on account of forged stamps and brands. MOBILE, Feb. 17.-Southern press convention meets to-day at 12 o'clock. Delegates have arrived from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. LOUISVILLE, Feb. 17.-The pugilist Aaron Jones is dead. ST. Louis, Feb. 17.-Official advices from Washita mountains state the Indians are coming in rapidly and will be immediately placed on reservations. Kansas Senate defeated motion to strike the word white from the constitution of the State by 14 to 17. Two senators voted may because they wanted the word male also erased. MOBILE, Feb. 17.-The southern press association met at noon to day, II. M. Lamar, of Columbus, presiding. After appointing a committee to prepare business, the convention adjourned to 10 o'clock, to morrow morning. RICHMOND, Feb. 17.-In the United States Circuit. Court, Judge Underwood presiding, the case of Robt. Stevens, negro, of Charleston, South Carolina, against the Richmond and Fredericksburg railroad for putting his wife in a second class ear by force, after selling her a first class ticket, came up. The Judge, in his charge. to the jury, which was half blacks, said distinction on account of color was a relie of barbarism which has been happily done away with, even in that sink of iniquity, New York, where it had been tolerated longer than elsewhere to secure Southern trade. After an incidental statement to the effect that Virginians were given to drunkenness, and their clergy were not exempt from this frailty, the Judge read several extracts from the Bible, and closed by instructing the jury to+ teach this company that they must not make distinctions on account of color. The jury brought in a verdiet of $1600 dollars damages for plaintiff. NEW YORK, Feb. 17 - A special to the Herald dated Havana 14th, says the i surgents appeared in Colon district under the leadership of Col. Inclan, Mexican officer. Cuban passengers found on board the schooner Galvanic sentenced to death, will probably be commuted. Trinidad advices of the 9th, state the American Consul there joined the insurgents. Insurgents held Talnits and have many Spanish prisoners. BOSTON, Feb. 17.-John W. Coleman is under arrest, charged with absconding from Baton Rouge, La., with funds belonging to the freedmen's bureau, with which he was formerly connected at that place. He denies guilt, but proof is said to be strong against him. MOBILE, Feb. 18.-The Southern Press Association appointed a committee day looking into the propriety of independent news service, fourteen papers taking telegraph reports represented. No delegates present from Louisiana or Virginia; chiefly from Georgia and Alabama. OrTAWA, Feb. 18.--The Newfoundland Legislature, by twenty to eight, adopted an address recommending union with Canada. MOBILE, Feb. 19.-The Southern Press Association to-day reèlected A. R. Lamar, of Georgia, President; M. J. Williams, of Alabama, Vice President; A. W. Reese, of Georgia, Secretary and Treasurer; J. A. Englebart, of North Carolina, F. W. Dawson, of South Carolina, James Gardner, of Georgia, W. J. Ramage, of Tennessee, W. W. Screws, J. Armstrong of Mississippi, directors. Board of directors authorised to contract for best system of news attainable. Board of Trade and citizens of Mobile have been profuse in their hospitality to the Press Convention. KEY WEST, Feb. 18.-One hundred and thirty-seven refugees arrived and more coming. BOSTON, Feb. 19.-Resolution introduced in the Massachusetts House, that the ratification of any treaty which does not concede the liability of England for the acts of its protege and the Alabama and her consorts, will be spurned with contempt by the American people, and satisfaction thereof would be dishonorable to our nation and unjust to our citizens. KEY WEST, Feb. 2).-Peruvian iron-clads arrived. MEMPHIS, Feb. 20.-The Arkansas militia who killed Davis, near Mound City, were arrested Monday, court martialed Tuesday and shot Wednesday. CHICAGO, Feb. 29.-The Assembly by 51 to 30 passed bill restoring capital punishment. BALTIMORE, Feb. 20.-Chas A. Gamberell, extensive flour manufacturer, is dead, aged 64 years. PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 20.-It is reported that the cashier of the Fourth National Bank of this city is a defaulter in $100,000, and fled. Slight run on bank to-day.


Article from New-York Tribune, February 24, 1869

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SUSPENSION OF THE FOURTH NATIONAL BANK OF PHILADELPHIA. PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 23.-The doors of the Fourth National Bank were not opened this morning owing to the defalcation of Cashier Mac Mullen. The suspension caused a large crowd to collect in the vicinty of the bank. Mac Mullen is here, but refuses or is unwilling to give any information. The police have him in their possession. The bank has been in bad odor for some time and the event has not caused much suprise. The capital of the bank 18 $225,000, the deposits $500,000, and the circulation $130,000 at the last report.


Article from The Portland Daily Press, February 24, 1869

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PENNSYLVANIA. ANOTHER BANK DEFALCATION. PHILADELPHIA, Feb 23.-The doors of the Fourth National Bank are not open this morning, owing to defalcation of the Cashier, Mr. McMullen. The suspension caused a large crowd to collect in the vicinity of the Bank. McMullen is here, but refuses or is unwilling to give any information. The police have him in their possession. The bank has been in bad order for some time, and the event has not caused much surprise. The capital of the bank is $2,250,000, deposits $500,000, and circulation $130,000 at last reports.


Article from The Daily Dispatch, February 24, 1869

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Failnre of a Philadelphia Bank. PHILADELPHIA, February 23.--The Fourth National Bank of this city has closed. The amount of deposits at time of suspension were $500,000. The failure is attributed to the defalcation of the cashier.


Article from The New York Herald, February 24, 1869

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PENNSYLVANIA. Suspension of the Fourth National Bank of Philadelphia, PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 23, 1869. The doors of the Fourth National Bank were not opened this morning owing to the defaication of Cashier MacMullen. The suspension caused a large crowd to collect in the vicinity of the bank. MacMullen is here, but refuses or is unwilling to give any information. The police have him in their possession. The bank has been in bad oder for some time. and the event has not caused much surprise. The capital of the bank is $225,000, the deposits $500,000, and the circulation $130,000 at the last report.


Article from The Jeffersonian, February 25, 1869

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Suspension of the fourth National Bank of Philadelphia. PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 23.-The doors of the Fourth National Bank were not opened this morning owing to the defalcation of Chaster Mac Mullen. The suspension caused a large crowd to collect in the vicinty of the Bank. Mac Mullen is here, but refuses or is unwilling to give any information. The poice have him in their possession. The bank has been in bad order for some time and the event has not caused much suprise. The capetal of the bank is $225,000, the deposite $500,000, and the circulation $130,000 at the last report.


Article from The Jeffersonian, February 25, 1869

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It is reported that the Cashier of the 4th National Bank, of Philadelphia is a defaulter in a sum said to exceed $100,000, and that he has made his escape. There was a slight run on the bank, yesterday. but the doors were not closed.


Article from The Daily Dispatch, February 25, 1869

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TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.D NEWS FROM THE CAPITAL. SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE DISPATCH. WASHINGTON, February 24,1869. THE DIPLOMATIC APPROPRIATION BILL. The conference committee on the diplomatic appropriation bill has decided to report in favor of the appointment of a United States commissioner, at a salary of $3,000, for Honduras, San Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, in Central America: for missions to Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, and Uruguay, salary not to exceed $3,000. The salary of the Minister to Chili is not disturbed. THE HOUSE BILL REDUCING THE ARMY. The House Military Committee to-day decided to offer an amendment to the House bill reducing the army to thirty regiments of infantry and five regiments of cavalry, in place of Blain's amendment, said to be in accordance with General Grant's suggestion. THE SUFFRAGE AMENDMENT. The conference committee or. the constitutional amendment on suffrage had a meeting to-day without definite conclusion. Another meeting is suggested for this evening, but the indications are that the committe cannot agree. SUSPENSION OF A NATIONAL BANK. The Comptroller of the Currency yesterday received information in regard to the condition of the Fourth National Bank of Philadelphia, which has been compelled to suspend on account of the defalcation of its cashier. According to this information the officers of the bank are in hopes that they will be able to make a satisfactory arrangement and reopen for business, and give the assurance that every cent of the deposits shall be made good. This bank withdrew its securities as a Government depository early last month. DISCHARGE OF EMPLOYEES, &c. About fifty female clerks now employed in the loan branch of the Treasury will be discharged on the first proximo. Although the fund for paying the salary of those employed under the acts authorizing the national loan has been very nearly expended, enough has been retained to pay the women about to be discharged. The great discharge of clerks from the Treasury will not begin until the latter part of March, as Mr. McCulloch declines to take any action in the matter. Preparations are being made to take possession building of immediately the north wing after of the the inaugura- Treasury tion; will it occupy the Internal the greater Revenue portion of department it, and is room the thought of the that Secretary the office and the and offices reception of assistant secretaries will hereafter be in this part of the Treasury. WALLACE. ASSOCIATED PRESS TELEGRAMS. CHANGES IN THE DISABILITY BILL. WASHINGTON, February 24.-The Reconstruction Committee is considering the Senate amendments to the disability bill. The progress is slow. The name of Shackleford, of Virginia, has been stricken off. That of Judge Parker, of Virginia, whom Sumner called atrocious, was retained by a vote of four to three-Mr. Bingham voting aye. Nothing of importance was done in either House this morning. VARIOUS ITEMS. It is believed that General Grant will notify his Cabinet officers between now and Monday. It is conceded that they will be moderate Republicans. Caleb Cushing's treaty for a ship canal across the Isthmus of Darien is favorably considered in the Senate Committee of Foreign Relations. Colonel Parker, of Indian descent, and heretofore on General Grant's staff, is prominently spoken of for Commissioner of Indian Affairs. General Sherman is expected here Friday. General Sheridan will succeed General Sherman as Lieutenant-General. The body of Captain Wirz was to-day delivered to his friends. The Senate Judiciary Committee has resolved to take no further action this session on the removal of political disabilities. The progress Reconstruction to-day considering Committee bill the made Senate little amendments to is more strong political that disabilities, nothing the House and will the impression be done removing this session, the House being certain to erase some of the names, which will involve the return of the bill to the Senate for concurrence. Both Houses will caucus on Tuesday next on officers for the ensuing session. New members are earnestly urged to be present. Further business by either House is improbable.


Article from Wilmington Journal, February 26, 1869

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From Philadelphia. PHILADELPHIA, PA., Feb. 20-P. M. It is reported that the Cashier of the Fourth National Bank of this city is a defaulter to the amount of tep thousand dollars. He has fled the city. There was a slight run on the bank to-day.


Article from The Daily Dispatch, February 26, 1869

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THE SUSPENSION OF THE FOURTH NATIONAL BANK IN PHILADELPHIA.-The Philadelphia Ledger of Wednesday says: The Fourth National Bank of this city, located on Arch street near Eighth, Buspended payment on Tuesday morning. The bank has not been in good credit for a year and a half past with the few most intimately acquainted with the manner in which it has been operated. For the last three months it has been under close watch of the board of bank presidents, and enough that was irregular was discovered in the conduct of the cashier of the bank to warrant a request from the board for his resignation, which was subsequently made and at once formally tendered. The resignation took place in the forepart of last week, and the fact becoming known, various surmises were started, and the bank's troubles were necessarily increased. A committee of the board of presidents made an etimmnation on Thursday or Friday last, and though they detected some irregularities, and reported positive fraud to the amount of $10,000, they nevertheless expressed their belief that the bank was able to go on, and united in a resolve to sustain it through its present emergency. The old cashier having left, the investigation of the books of the bank was continued, and Monday being a dies non in the business of the bank, two or three clerks from other banks were brought in as experts to aid in the examination, and continued their labors until late at night. The accounts were found in a very unsettled and disordered state, overdrafts and fraudulent entries being detected to the amount, in round numbers, of at least one hundred thousand dollars. On this showing the board of bank presidents advised a suspension of business until a thorough examination could be made, and under this advice the bank closed its doors yesterday morning. One of the directors of the bank, we understand, was dispatched to Washington to have Mr. Roberts, the president, appointed receiver, and word was at the same time sent to the Comptroller of the Currency to have an examiner make immediate investigation. Of course the Fourth National does not appear in the weekly clearinghouse statement of averages. By its last statement, on the 16th, it showed liabilities on account of deposits to the amount of $508,938, and resources to the amount of $180,278 in legal tenders, and $547,676 in loans and discounted paper-in all, $727,954 from which to pay $508,938 of deposits. Back of this there is the cashier's security of $25,000, and beyond that again the capital of the bank, $225,000 more. " How much of the assets now on hand reundisposed of, and how much are good, is of course at present unknown, It is the opinion of the president of the bank that there can be no loss to depositors-the noteholders are of course protected-and he hopes that even the capital of the bank is unimpaired. There are two things developed in the failure of this bank worthy of note; the first is, the value and importance of the board of bank presidents in discovering and exposing any irregularity leading to weakness or failure of any of their number, and, second, to the insecurity and utter worthlessness of the examinations made by the examiners sent out by the department at Washington. The Fourth National was visited last month by one of these, and reported, as we are informed, all right. S. J. Macmullen, the late cashier, is still in the city. He says, we are informed, that the missing money from the bank was lent to various parties, from whom he expects to recover a considerable part. He has not named the parties, but says he will."


Article from The Evening Telegraph, March 10, 1869

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CITY INTELLIGENCE. CITY CRIMINAL CALENDAR. stripped the Clothes Line Store Rob. bery Wanted a Coat. Yesterday a certain John Smith was ob served with bag under his arm He arrested and the bag hed. contained quantity of still dripping washed clothes. was subsequently ascertained that they had been stolen from the line the yard of dwelling on Dauphin street east of Front, Our friend John was committed by Alderman Heins. Last night liquor store No. 233 South Delaware avenue WEB entered and robbed The thieves wanted to wet their whistles, They got into the place by breaking open the panels of door opening on a side alley, Six dollars in money was taken from thetill and a num ber of whisky gathered together to be removed juncture Harbor Policeman Denard happened along and arrested one of them. His name is Henry Givin He will have a hearing this afternoon at the Central Station Although the weather yesterday was warm, John Hughes thought ne would like an overinclination the means or the hadn' He cost. to buy one. and so he walked into the entry of the dweiling portion of the Sixth Ward Station House. on Cnerry street, west of Fourth, and deliberately took one from the rack That was venturing pretty near the lion's mouth but he got $10 worth of cloth by 80 doing. Frank Dougherty owned the coat and. discovering its loss, gave Information Poor Hughes was arrested whilespreading himself in at Eighth and Vinestreets Officer Kensali, of the Eighth district, did the arresting. John was held by Alderman Carpenter in $800 bail. THE FOURTH NATIONAL BANK Excitement ad speculation institution somewhat subsided. Under new regime its doors were again opened for the transaction of business this morning Before 10 o'clock a goodly crowd of persons were in and out of the place, but they were not, however, the merely Idle. keeking after some new thing. battparties directly interested in business. The whole Bank has been reor organized. renewed, and reconstructed. The very books in the place are new. and before 9 o'clock this morn nnolled with ing were figures. inky Mr. Charles Callender, the Special Agent of the Treasury Department who has been investigating the difficulty is still present directing and watching. It is his inten. tion to remain for some sixty or ninety days further. or until the new institution has been fairly and successful launched. He expresses himself in terms of the highest commendation in regard to the conduct of the old stockholders, out of whom new board of directors has been organized. He says, and justly, that their bold. ready. and praiseworthy action. after having lost through the mismanagement of the old institution some $250,000. in subscribing 8200,000additional to the new for the purpose of preventing the bank falling into the hands of a receiver. proves their honesty as well as their business foresight Instead of obstructing they have cordially aided him in all hisinvestigations. Tt. now appears that the legitimate losses of the bank arising from the nature of the business as formerly conducted. have been very small: and it is expected enough will be realized by the reconstruction in the course of a few months to pay the old stockholders a handsome dividend. great deal of the money supposed to have been lost will be recovered. This morning, when the institution again opened, notwithstanding all the hubbub which has been raised about it, before a single check had been presented for payment, several deposits were received. New books have been issued to the depositors. Now everything is going along smoothly When the design of the new certificates was about being prepared by a happy idea it was conluded to make the medallion phoenix arising from its ashes The applicability of the rep resentation is seen at once. Last night Mr. Callender sent a report of the progress of theIreorganization to the depart ment at Washington. He stated that it must prove a matter of just pride and gratification to the department that the bank had been so completely reconstructed that no fear need be entertained of any further suspension. He gave credit to the gentlemen comprising the present new board. and to the old stockholder for having afforded him every facility in their power towards a thorough estigation and 10% coming forward so readily with fresh funds to prevent the institution going into the hands of receiver The new officers of the bank are as follows:A. C. Roberts, President J.B. Askin, Vice President. Directors-Robert Clark. Samuel Miller James C. Kelch John Fareira, S. J, Cresswell, J. Bardsley E. A. Sballeross. L H. Raser. AssistantCashier. THE CAMDEN MUNICIPAL ELECTION, which took place yesterday, resulted in a decided triumph for the Republican ticket in the city at large. Last November the vote of the city stood as follows:Governor. President. 1945 2055 Republican 1582 Democratic 1604 473 Rep. maj 341 Hon.Charles Cox. Republican, the present incumbent, was re-elected Mayor by a ma. jority of about 500, fully maintaining the majority received by the Grant electors, and showing a large increase on the Republican majority for Governor. Mr. J. Kelly Brown the Republican candidate for Marshal, received about the same majority as the Mayor, The Republicans electe ed their entir ticket in the North ward by a majority of over 300 votes. and nearly, if not quite, every candidate on their ticket in the South ward The returns are now being counted, but will not be completed untillate this afternoon. The election yesterday passed off very quietly all the drinking saloons being closed, in strict compliance with the law of e State DEVOTED STILL.-Last evening, the large room in the Soldiers' Home, Sixteenth and Filbert streets. was crowded to excess on the OC casion of a complimentary concert to the soldiers in that Home It proved a ided success in pecuniary view and gave the utmost satisfaction to all present The ladies under whose immediate auspices it was gotten up, have reason to be gratified at the delightful entertainment At the same time, their friends witnessed their devotedness to the care and protection of those who perilled their lives in behalf of the country during the late war, with the same interest as when the Rebel armies were confronting and engaged in the great struggle with the Union armies, and when the lympathies, care, and attention of the ladies were 80 much needed and so effective. Ladies. we join our thanks with the soldiers for the evening's enjoymant. and the vast good that must flow from 11 VETERINARY.-The Pennsylvania College of Veterinary Surgeons held their annual meeting at Diligent Hall yesterday. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:James McCoart, President: William A Wisdom. Vice President Robert Koldewey Recording Secretary James A. Marshall Cor responding Secretary Thomas B. Ravner, Treasurer. Censors, B. Rayner M. W Birch, R Jennings, T. J. Corbyn. James McCoart, and John Rayner Faculty, Isaiah Michener, Pro. fessor of Theory and Practice of Medicines R. Jennings, Professor of Pathology and Surgery M.W Birch. Professor of Materia Medica and


Article from The Jeffersonian, March 11, 1869

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The Philadelphia, Fourth National Bank Fraud. PHILADELPHIA, March 5. The Commerical List says: "The Government examiner appointed to examine the affairs of the Fourth National Bank, which suspended on the 23d ult., reports that its whole capital stock of $250,000 has disappeard; but the depositors will secure all their money. The defaulting Cashier has vanished on leaning that: a warrant was out for his arrest. The charter of the institution has been purchased by a number of Philadelphia gentlemen, headed by John Austin, late President of the Southwark National Bank, who have subscribed the new capital, and will attempt to reorganize the concern.


Article from Vermont Daily Transcript, March 11, 1869

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NEW YORK, 10th. The Times' Washington special says, the President will to-day send to the Senate the following nominations: For Secretary of State - Hamilton Fish, of New York. For Secretary of the Treasury-Geo. S. Boutwell. Minister to France-Elihu B. Washburne, of Illinois. The Tribune says, Ex-Gov. Boutwell will surely be made Secretary of the Treasury to-day if he will accept. Major-Gen. Dix will soon return home his as to been having resignation accepted, Minister and the usual France letter of recall has been forwarded by the Department of State. The Inman steamship City of Brooklyn, which left Liverpool Feb. 24, arrived here yesterday, and brings 2 days' later news. A letter from Rome says that the Holy Father is much at annoyed the France. project to erect a statue to Voltaire, in A despatch from Constantinople announces that a detachment of Bashi a of irregular Turkish cavabout on realry, Bazou, prowling corps the frontier, Prussian met a detachment at a called cently troops place Kermanshaw, of near Both bravely from till 3 p.m., Bagdad. morning sides fought when retire. the Bashi Bazou were compelled to In Constantinople the fight is attributed to motives of religion, the Persians being a dissentient sect from the Church which racognizes Mahommed as its founder. The bulk o." the Turkish army is now at Bagdad, preparing to march on the Persian frontier as soon as the weather permits. NEW YORK, 10th. Ripe tomatoes, hot house strawberries and cucumbers are now offered for sale in Broadway fancy stores. The injunction of Judge Barnard, upon of the R. and the proceedings Directors, subsequent Union Pacific H arrest of Ames and Dillon, end of excitement. causes Oakes no Sidney The Fifth Avenue Hotel seems to be favorable for Fisk's arrests. The cause of the diffiis the same as last year. Fisk be a subscriber a claims culty to to large amount of Union Pacific stock. The Directors insist that there is no validity in his claims. Opinions vary, but has the many believe will succeed in Fiske he sympathy of carrying who his It is ones not to pry too knowing point. thought advisable far into the by the affairs of the Union Pacific. PHILADELPHIA, 11th. The Fourth National Bank was reopened yesterday, undera new regime. amount embezzled does not of fall The short total $1,000,000. $200,000 has already been subscribed by stockholders to the institution prevent from going It is hands of a receiver. that in a short thought into the time the bank will be in a flourishing condition. The death warrant was read to Twitchell and Ervan by the Sheriff yesterday. They will be executed April8th between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. It is reported that Twitchell contemplates a confession to his spiritual advisers. LONDON, 10th. The Spanish Government has teleto Gen. Dulce to graphed insurgents suspend con- the proposed execution of demned to death in Cuba. PETERSBURG,VA., 10th. In the convention to-day, there was some excitement. A colored sergeantwas appointed, a white man levelled his at-arms against pistol while at- whom to make an arrest. tempting the police. The latter A was taken in charge by motion to ask the mayor to withdraw the police was defeated, but the officer shortly afterwards withdrew the force from the hall. The nominations resulted as follows: For Governor, H. H. Wells; Lieut.Governor, Dr. J. D. Harris (colored) Thomas Atty.-General, H. R. Crane. Bowden Congressman at large, A. NEW YORK,10th. A Harrisburg despatch says, the constitutional amendment was passed to a fecond reading in the Senate last night. Gold 1314.


Article from Middletown Transcript, March 13, 1869

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FALSE REPORT.-We find the following in the Wilmington Journal and Statesman. We copied the same statement from the Times, and cheerfully make the correction. The Smyrna Times of last week announced that the contractors of the Queen Anne's & Kent Railroad Company had failed, on account of losses sustained by the defalcation in the Fourth National Bank of Philadelphia. We, in common with other copied the report. We are state that there is not one ath in the statement of the essrs. Stearns & Co. the COI ave not failed, and do not in this or any other contract they Mertake. And moreover, they never had any dealings directly or indirectly with the Fourth National Bank of Philadelphia, and consequently are not affected by its suspension. The whole story is gratuitous, and the Smyrna Times owes it to the character and business reputation or the contractors to correct the statement forthwith. The oad is now in excellent condition, and the wor k progresses finely. The grading and bridging is all complete, to within two miles of Centreville, and the cross ties are ready. As goon as the Townsend end of the road, now being built by the Delaware Railroad, is finished, the track will be laid without delay, and strong hopes are entertained that it will be completed by the first of May. We have received the following letter from Mr. Stearns, in contradiction of the above report: WILMINGTON, DEL. March 8th, 1869. Editors Middletown Transcript: GENTLEMEN :-In your paper of March 6th you state that Stearns & Co. have failed on account of the defalcation of the 4th National Bank, Phila. Allow me to say to you we never had one dollar dealing with the said Bank. We have not failed, neither do we intend to: Our liabilities will be paid at any time presented, and the Queen Ann's Rail Road will be built by myself, and not by other parties as you represent. Please correct your statement in the issue of the 6th. Yours with respect GEORGE STEARNS.