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Your Story: The Princess Susanna Hoax |
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On arrival in America she was put up for auction and sold to a Mr. W . Devall, a planter from Bush Creek, Frederick County, but she escaped to Virginia almost immediately.
Somehow, she still had amongst her personal belongings some of the stolen items from the Queen - including a ring, a dress, and the miniature portrait. Now the imposture began to take shape. She transformed herself into 'Princess Susanna Caroline Matilda, sister of Queen Charlotte', forced into exile in America following a scandal and a family quarrel.
An impressive hoax
With her intimate familiarity with Court life and her knowledge of the gossip of upper class English society, 'Princess Susanna' was soon in demand at various gentlemen's houses. She particularly impressed those of the older generation of settlers who were emigrants from England themselves, as they listened fascinated to her stories of the old country. Some had other motives; as people not unreasonably assumed, the princess would soon be restored to favour back in England, so in return for favours to be granted when she regained her rightful position, she was often given money and gifts.
The imposture was proving a success, although some were suspicious about her refusal to speak German, despite being born in the country, and her perfect grasp of the English language. There were also those who wondered why they had never heard of a younger sister of the Queen before.
Words: Brian Haughton
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