Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-12-03

formation, that the robbery was in conte mplat.on'
laid his plans with great ingenuity to permit 10
take place, and Immediately to arrest the ROBBERS.
He communicated his information to Justice Hop
son and Lownds; they. from its daringness: could
scarcely credit the account; and then to High
Constable HAYS, who, familiar as he has been
with the depreciation of robbers, thought the at
fair 50 improbable, that he preferred to entrust
the whole matter to the management OF MIR. Mer-
lit, and act under him. than conduct II hinscii.
Mr.. Schuyler has been in the habit oil placing
large sums of money at his window, wrapped up
in bundles, and the amount marked on the ehVe-
lope, which tempted the villains to their daring
plan. On Wednesday evening OF last week, the
robbery would have been committed, bit Tor the
schemes Of Mr.. Meritt-then there were many
thousand dollars in the power OF the gang. HaV-
ing suspicion, that if the robbery Of the window
could not be accomplished, 1t was the Intention
Of the villains to way Lay Mr.. Schuyler on his road
home at night, aud murder him, 1t necessary.
Mr.. Merritt, communicated the secret to him, and
arranged that the robbery should be permitted to
take place. Accordingly, Mr.. Schayler placed
only two bundles in his window, to appearance
as valuable as before. and marked large amount
on their enveopes-on each fifty dollar bill be-
ing uppermost-thongh in fact both did not con.
tain over 8 l4O-enough to make the offence grand
larceny.
Last Saturday was the next time fixed for the
preparation of the robbery. but Mr.. Schuyler
! having by misapprehenson closed his Office ear.
| Iier than was arranged between Mr.. Merritt and
himself it did not take place that night; thoush
Mr. Merritt, in disguise, saw the men at the spot
FIVE minutes after the Office was closed apparent
| " cbagrlned at their disappointment. Monday
evening. at half past ten o'clock, the robbery did
take place-there were five villains, whose names
are Elisha Sanders, VIM. & Russell Moore, Abra
ham Ricklow, and Francis Faysrd.
One of them with billet Of wood broke the large
pane of glass, another standing ready, seized the
money, and the other three stood on the side
walk to facilitate escape, while they might seem
gulltless. The one with the money ran down
Verey street. part ran down Ann street, and one
mingled in fight, which at that moment acciden.
tallv took place between some hack .drvers-all
escaped, and, SO expedi,iously was the robbery
committed, almost without pursuit.
The very instant the deed was done. MIR.
SCHUYLER hurried to the Park Theatre. where by
appointment MIR. Merritt was to be found. This
excellent officer, on receiving the information
immediately took a hack, and drove To Broom
street, between the Bowery and Christie street,
where he had stationed five officers, namely high
| constable Hays, Messr Sparks, Thomas, Tomp-
kins and Lyons.
Mr.. Merritt fixed on this station. as the rem.
devious of the robbers was in garnet room OF
the Bowery House, at the corner OF Broom st.
and the Bowery, and a signal was arranged. by
which the officers should know that the Williams
had lodged After waiting full halt an hour. du-
ring which Mr.. Merritt had fears that his we'll
laid schemes were discovered and frustrated, the
preconcerted signal was given; he then proceed
ed to the spot. followed by the other officers
When he had assembled the stairs, and was with
in sight of the room, he saw the door open, AMI
the five villains counting their ilgotten spoil
on discovering him, they blew out their candle
and bolted the door, but dark lanthern being
provided, Mr.. Merit burst it open, and instant
| iy, with the aid of his assistants, secured the
robbers who were 80 much amazed, that they
were unable to offer resistance. They were im-
| mediately conveyed, manacled, (for manacles
had been providet) to the Police Office, where
they were received by Justice Hopson and the
District Attorney, Mr.. Hoffman, who were anx-
iously awaiting their arrival. After undergoing
an examination, the whole five were fully com
mitted for trial.
Well may we exclaim-
"Truth i. strange, stranger than fiction"
The money was all recovered; some Of it was
found on bed, some on the table and some on
the floor. There was also found ON the robbers
hook made Of strong iron, to which was affixed
moose; this they intended to have thrown ON
the knobs of the door, 10 prevent MIR. Schuyler
from opening it, to follow in pursuit-of this cir
cumstance Mr.. Merritt was aware, but it seems
they had no time to accomplish that part of their
design.
We have been explicit in this story, for the
deed was daring one, and too much credit can
not be awarded to M. Merritt, for the admirable
manner of his proceeding in the case. Had this
robbery been prevented, there is not doubt but
Mr.. Schuyler would have been way-aid. robbed
of his property, and most likely Of his life. Much
is he indebted to Mr.. Merritt's energy, ingenuity
and decision.
Sanders and Ricklow are old offenders. the
latter was pardoned from the State Prison only
very short time ago. The Meores are good look
ing Young men-twins, and SO much alike, that
one cannot be told apart from the other They
are perfect Dromios.
Fatal .4ccident.-On Sunday morning the 18th
inst party of men, being in pursuit of deer in
Al e Al W.