Virginia statesman. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1828-1829, 1829-06-24
NJ w

W. ' Nv - - ANG-Hs
Daring attempt to rob the Franklin Bank
at South B0stoH-On Monday night a
most daring attempt was made to rob the
Franklin Bank, in relation to which we
have collected the following particulars,
from a gentleman from South Boston:
During the day, a person genteely dres-
sed, who appeared to be an American, cal
led upon Mr.. Whiting, the Cashier, who
with his family lives in the banking house,
and who is at present confined to his cham
Der by sickness. The stranger stated that
a failure was about to take place in the
city. of a person who had money in the
Bank, and that he wished to secure it for
another firm. Mr.. Whiting informed him
that the person alluded to had no money 10
the Back, and he retired. Just before
dark he returned, stating that he had taken
tea with the President of the bank, who
had told him that the person in question
had money there; and after further COZ YER
sation withdrew. In this wav he gained
such infornatioHin regard 10 localities. &c.
as would facilitate his future operations.
He also met a young man in the employ Of
Dr. Stephens at the door, asked him if he
had rung the bell spoke very calmly Of the
weather, and made some inquiries in rela-
lation to Mr.. W's illness.
In the night, about half past eleven, the
robber came to the door, and obtained ad-
mittance by stating that he brought some
medicine to Mr.. Whiting. lie was ad
united by Mrs. W. and Immediately turned
and locked the door, presented pistol at
Mrs w. who is "a very courageous woman
declaring that if she attempted to make the
least noise, he would blow out her brains.
lie then eIqmred how many persons there
were in the house, where her husband was.
and lfhc was armed. Mrs. w mmedi-
ately went up stairs, the robber following
part of the way; but hearing a noise that
was made by Mr.. Writings mother AID
Mrs. VS.. sister getting up and coming
down an upper flight of stairs, he became
arIed. turned about and went down.
The watch dog about this time made a
great noise and broke his chain, probably
at heaung some accomphces entering at
the back gate. Mrs. w. met her sister
az the head orthe stairs, aud both descend
saw the front door a,ar, and i'm
mediatcy locked it: Mrs ". then went
mp stairs, raised the window, and gave the
alarm.
She slw three men on horse back riding
from the bank down the Turnpike, towards
the city; bat the night being dark, she soon
lost sight Of them They PROBABLY went
but a snort distance, aud soon after, one
man on horseback returned accompanied
by two on foot, who asked the cause ofthe
alarm. She answered that she wanted to
raise the ucighbors, as robbers had attack
ed the bank. They told her that she had
already made noise enough to alarm the
whole city; that they were wltchmen; that
they would protect her; aud asked admit
lance. She asked them, why they did not
spriag their rat,es if they were watchmen;
TO which they made no reply, except by
swapping a pistol at her, aud went of.
Soon after the watchmeo approached. rat
ting, and the ne,ghbors Aocked around,
but nothing could be discovered of the rob
bers. luthe conversation among the crowd
one man affected to doubt that there had
been any attempt TO rob; but in the confu
sion, NO one undertook to scrutlnlze him.
We do not learn that any traces ofthe rob
bers have been found.
rEgszEEM