THE ITALIAN BRIGAND FACCIONE.

North Otago Times, Volume XIV, Issue 542, 26 July 1870, Page 8 (Supplement)

THE ITALIAN BRIGAND FACCIONE.

Some curious details respecting the Italian brigand Faooione hare been given in a Frenoh paper. ' This celebrated captain of banditti haa his oim peculiar method of providing for his wants or fancies at the expense of his neighbour. He does nob ask for your money or life by holding a knife to your throat. He seems to carry on his business by haunting the high road, and prefers to make the postmen run on his errands. If he wants a new toy or an embroidered oigar oaae, he lends for his secretary, and dictates inch a letter as the following, which is authentic :— " To Signor Saverio, Proprietor at Porugino. My dear Brother in Adam, — It is written that men should hfllp each other. I am poor and you are rioh; be bo kind as to forward to me th» following artioles of which I ettmd in need: Tiro maaioal snuff-boxes, with gold meohanism ; six double-barrelled revolvers, with carved bntt-ends; six silk neokkerohief s, to pro* teot xn« against the chills of evening ; a pair of Busiia leather boots ; an English teleeoope, with morocco case, bearing my initials, P. F. That ii all for my* self, you aee my taBtea are simple. For the worthy peraons who do me the honour of serving under mo, you will be bo good as to add — a hundred yards of velvet ; twelve dozen shirts, longest size ; six Gala* brese hats (not forgetting the medals of the Madonna) ; six hampers of your best wines at twelve bottles to the hamper; fifty bundles of oigara, and twenty pounds of tobaoco. I forgot to mention a little pooket-money (200 marenghi) for my own use; and that old oook Teresa., who dressea • ravioli f so well for you ; I will return her to you in a month. — Prospeotively and gratefully yours, "POPOIiO FXCCIONB. " P.S. — I know you are * good Christian ; bat this letttr may find jou in an unsuitable frame of mind, and you may hesitate to gratify me. I must then inform you that when I draw at sight on my neighbour it is essential to mo that my signature should be honoured. If my bill is dishonoured I shall be under the cruel necessity of regarding you as a • mauvais riohe.' " Signor Saverio proving intractable, notwithstanding this letter, his brother in Adam mrronnded his house with banditti, and insisted on receiving the value of all the articles he had demanded in money, only requiring a gold w«tch from Signor Saverio in consideration of the trouble to which he was put by hia obstinacy. A price is set on the head of this considerate person by the Government.