The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1828-08-27
From the Winchester (Va.l Republican.
KIDN PIPING.

KIDNAPPING.
The recent case of kidnapping in this
town, having excited much feeling, we have
collected the following authentic history of
the transaction, and lay it before Our read
ers in the presumptionthat it will not be
deemed embarrassing.
Mr.. Presley Saunders of Loudcn coun-
ty, died year or two since, and by his will
directed that all his slaves should De freed
when they should attain the age of 30 years.
Among the number was Rebecca. the sub
ject of this article, then about 25 years old.
She lived in the family of James Dewar, a
connection of Mr.. Saunders, who had direct
ed that she should remain in Dewtr's pos
session until the period above referred to-,
when she was to be freed. John and
Thomas Saunders of Leesburg, we're the
executors named in the will. Shortly after
the death of Mr.. Saunders, Dewar removed
to Winchester with his family, among
whom was Rebecca. He seems to have
been an obscure man, in moderate circum-
stances, although sufficiently removed from
poverty to prevent his necessities from be-
ing urged as plea FOR the deed which he
afterwards committed.
After residing here about three months,
he made covert sale of Rebecca to Fran
els MCann, a negro trader, and directed
her to repair at night to the house of his
brother, Thomas J. DeWdI, also IN this
town which having done, the latter at
tempted to force her into the stage, which
drove up shortly afterwards to convey her
away. She escaped from him, however, re-
turned to her mistress, related her fears,
implored her protection, and succeeded in
interesting her in her favor. Dewar being
thus foiled in his first attempt, seemed to
have abandoned his design, and Rebecca
hogan to enjoy feeling OF security, when
she was Unexpectedly sold to Mr.. Collier,
another trader, and conveyed as far as
Charlestown, his head quarters, and where
his gang was collecting. This bill of sale
was given by James Dewar. and witnessed
by Thomas j. Dewar. The sum paid Cor
her was 1925. There is no evidence that
Mr.. Collier was apprised of any fraud in
the sale on the contrary it is presumable
that he considered it made in good faith,
and that bona fide title was vested in the
seller.
1t was at this juncture that the .4nti-tla-
very Society Of Winchester became apprised
of the transactions, and instituted an in
qulry which led to the development we
have given. The Dewars were informed
that the public was aware of what had
been done, and they were advised to can
eel the bargain with Collier, and take the
girl home again. Collier was also inform
ed that she was not slave, and he readily
gave her up, the money paid for her hayilg
been refunded, or made secure. Rebecta
returned to J. Dewar's, and continued 20
live with him.
We now approach the finale of the trans
| action; the consummation Of the deed Of
blackness and villany. Enough having
TRANSFERRED to prove that the girls situation
was very hazardous one, and that her
master would sell her if he could A
family near his residence was requested 70
keep look out, and give immediate infof-
nation to the nti-Slavery Society, should
she at any time be found to be missing. On
the 18th ult. information was given that she
had that day been conveyed away in the
following manner. A man named Duling
arrived at James Dewar's from LoudoT,
as he said, with instructions to take Rehec-
ca to Mr.. Saunders, at the same time hand
ing her an order from Mr.. s. to that effect,
which being read by one Of the neighbors
to Rebecca, was in the following words:
"Mr. Thos. Dewar will please to deliver
Rebecca to Francis Dnling, AS there has
been great stir about her, and we wish to
get her back.
(Signed) JOHN SAUNDERS" \
Not suspecting any treachery, Rebecca
instantly complied with the order. and. with
her child, set off with her conductor for
Loudon. This intelligence having been
communicated to the Anti. Slavery Society.
il was thought somewhat strange. for Ger.
tain reasons, that Mr.. Saunders should have
given such an order, and messenger was
despatched to Leesburg to ascertain the
fact. 1t turned out, as they Suspected thnt
the order was a forgery, and Immediate
steps were taken to arrest Dewar and Nm
ling, and recover the girl.
During their absence Dulinp had ratprr-
ed to Winchester with the child of Rebec-
ca, and related that while on his wav n
Loudon, X. had become alarmed al the an
proach Of two men, whom she took 10 he
traders, had jumped from the horse. threw
down her child in the road, and escaned 70
the woods, and that all search for her had