Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-09-15

Awaiting himself of the credulity Of
bis countrymen, he pretended to hold
frequent intercourse with a spirit or
genie, still much distinguished in the
west Highland under the appellation of
Chasing. This he turned 10 excellent
account, as the stories which his partl-
sans fabricated of the command he had
over the Chasing, and the connexion
between them terrified the people SO
much, that few could be prevailed upon
to watch their cattle at night, and they
thus fell an easy prey TO this arttul
rogue.
Archibald's father having died early,
bis mother afterwards married second
husband, who resided in neighbouring
island. When she died, her son was
out of favour with his stepfather, and he
vHas refused the privilege of having the
disposal of his mothers remains, nor
did he think it prudent 10 appear openly
at her funeral. He however obtained
accurate information of the place where
her corpse was lying in dark night
he made an opening in the thatched
roof of the earthen hut, and the walkers
being occupied in the feats of athletick
exercises usually pracused on these oc-
casiuns, the body being excluded from
their sight by screen which hung
across the house, Archibald carried it of
to his boat like another Eneas. He also
got possession of the stock of whiskey
attended for the occasion, as it lay in
;ae same place,-thus discharging the
last duties of pious son with little ex-
pense to himself.
A fatal event at length occurred;
which rendered it necessary for the
man to retire from trade.-He made a
descent on one of the small islands on
that coast, and had collected the cattle,
when the proprietor, who had informa-
ton of the circumstance, made his ap-
pearance to rescue them. Archibald
was compelled TO yield up his prey, but
one Of the Villains who accompanied
him, levelled bis musket at the gentle
man, and shot him dead from the boat.
The robber was finally aware of his
danger, and with the assistance Of fair
wind he shaped his course for the main
land. He pushed of with all possible
speed, and arrived at lnveTary before
sunrise the following morning. Having
information that Stewart of Appih was
then in town, he watched bis motions,
and at an early hour saw him on the
street in conversation with the sheriff
Of the country-ArchibaId, who was
an old acquaintance, saluted him and his
salute was returned. When Appin parted
with the sheriff, Archibald complained
shat he mad taken no notice of him the
preceding day, when he accosted him
in the same place. Appin said he was
conscious of having seen him, but that
he was much hurried at the time and
hoped he would excuse him. The rob-
ber's object was accomplished Appin
had no doubt of the truth of what he
said and on his trial for the murder,
an abb was established in his favour,
from this very extraordinary piece of
address. Some of his crew were after
wards taken in Ross-shire, and executed
there by order of the Earl of Seaforth.
Though the actual murderer escaped
punishment, Archibald, however, never
again plundered on large scale. He
died about the middle of the 18th ceutu-
ny, and his name still stands unrivalled
for cunning and address in the calling.
London Lit. Gazette.