Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1839-10-03
KIDNAPPING,


ng statement in regard to a probable case
of kidnapping, in tina, town. No pains nor
expense should be spared to hunt up the
miscreant charged with the crime.
On the 18th inst. two persons calling
themselves Perlcy or Perrin Shcarcr, and
- Dickcrson, came to the house Of John
j. Francis, a colored man, IN this town, and
stated that Shearer was in want of a boy to
live with him, and offered to take son Of
Francis and "brng him up" Shearcr, as
he WAS called, represented himself as ira
der in Palmer, which was confirmed by
Dickinson, who professed to be Shcarer's
clerk. and recommended him as very excel.
lent person with whom to place t. boy. The
parents finally consented to let them take a
little boy Of theirs, nbou, years old. After
they were gone, the parents became uneusy,
and, finally, on the morning Of the 18th, the
farther went in pursuit Of his son. He wrote
from Springfield, a day or Two after, stating
that his son had gone to some place over the
mountains, about 40 miles from that place,
whittier he was going after him. Since that
time nothing has been heard from him. He
left home with about three dollars in money.
which sum must have been soon exhausted.
\ In the mean time, on the morning Of the
Odd inst, letter was received from the
mayor of Fredericksburg, Virginin, dated
FRkDERIcKsBURG, Va. Sept. l9, 1889.
To the Mayor ofthe Town of Worcester. Ms:
Sir: On the 18th inst. man calling HIM
self Dickinson Shearer, arrived here aud had
with him negro boy, whose name he called
Franklin, and whom he called his slave. He
| rtp .yith h.. ,..ht =.
feared sold him IN trader. The crcum.
stances were 50 suspicious MS to lead TO en-
qnirics nnd to his arrest. On his examina.
ton he admitted the boy to be free, that he
came with him from Worcester, where his
father and mother reside, that he did not
know their names, had never seen them be-
fore, and then for an hour only, and they
permitted tho boy to come with him admit.
ted that he did not tell them he was bringing
the boy to Virginia. The story is so absurd
as to create a strong impression that he is
kidnapPer, and that information is sent to
you that proper enquiries be made, and, il
possible, evidence sent here to prove the
boys freedom and 10 identify him. This of
course must be some white person, and the
Abolitionists, if there be any among you.
have now an opportunity of displaying their
humnne feelings. This man says he came
from Pelham, Mass. and has a brother, a
Doctor Shcarcr, residing there. Enquiries
OF the truth of this statement may be ina.
tcrIal. All that humanity requires will be
done here 70 recover the unfortunate boy
A messenger will be- despatched tonight in
pursuit, and the constituted authorities invited
10 aid him. This man is in custody. but can
not be long detained without evidence. You
will, therefore, reply by return mail and lie,
the statement be made on oath, and let the
person to identify be- sent Immediately.
] am sir, respectfully your obi sorv't,
BENZ. CLARK, Mayor.
A true copy-Attcst: Geo. NJ. Rice.
On receipt of this letter. immediate mea
sures were taken to procure oil the necessary
dispositions &C., and yesterday morning, two
of our Inhabitants started for Fredericks sburg.
one Of whor knows the boy, and will be
able to identify him If he is to he found.
The circumstance has produced strong
sensation here, and much Indignation il fell
at the commission of SO daring an outrage
The humane feelings displayed by tho Mayor
Of Fredericksburg, and the prompttudc of
his action in the case, are worthy Of especial
commcndation. There is reason to believe
that the name Of Perley or Pcrlin Shearer
was false one, and that the person nssum.
ing It was merely an instrument in the hands
of Dickinson, or Dickinson Shearer, who is,
unquestlonaby, the principal in the transac.
ton. We are not certain what the penalty
for the offence il in Virginia, to the laws of
which State he will be amenabIc, for selling
the boy, but wo believe the crime is pun.
ishable with death.