The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1846-08-01

we ever heard of-and, it is quite probable
as the account states, the plan embraces
portion of Vermont:
The Markham Gang of Robbers.
The Toronto CoLoRiSi contains an account
of the trials and conviction of n hnnd of bur
glars, who have long been pest to the whole
province, and whose proceedings seem to
have been conducted on scale more resem-
bling those ola Spanish banditti than ordina-
ry robbers. This formidable gang has been
long known as the Markham gang, because
their existence was first discovered in that
Township. "Their ramifcations," SAYS the
Col0niSt, "are now ascertained to extend
through the entire Province, from the town.
ships ofLower Canada in the east to the state
of Michigan in the west, with branches in the
States of Vermont, New York and Illinois"
The moditS operandi ofthis gang was at once
skiful and daring; and such was the terror
they inspired that whole districts were held
in state of intimidation, and magistrates,
constables, and jurors were alike afraid of do
ing their duty An instance is given in which
a justice refused TO grant warrants against
two of the ringleaders OH the ground that it
was not safe to do so, and another in which
a constable had been instructed to apprehend
a member of the gang, sent private informa-
ton to the culprit that he would not do so.
Indeed, so far did the terror extend, that sew
eral ofthe gang who have just been convict
ed, openly boosted that had the jury been
from their part of the country they burst not
have gone against them.
g With regard TO the origin and history of
the gang" says the CoLoniSt,-
| cite facts recently disclosed render it OBJ
vious that the present association grew out of,
or rather is but continuation for other pur-
poses ofthe associations which were original
| ly organized for purposes of n revolt, previous
TO the late rebellion. The principal families
| implicated in the present gang were also inn
plicuted in the late rebellion. Many individ-
uals not so implicated have undoubtedly
been induced to Join them, but the nucleus of
this association of thieves was undoubtedly
formed from the refuse of those of the rebels.
The mode of Communication between distant
individuals and branches of the gang, viz by
special messengers rather than by written
correspondence being the same in both cases.
Written correspondence being rarely resort
ed to in either case, and then only between
special individuals, and in language so dark
and cabalistic than none but the initiated
could comprehend its meaning.
| "One of the most remarkable features OF
this association is, that the whole of its mem
1 bers are either Americans or native Canadi-
ans of American parentage not one old
countryman, not one native Englishman
Scotchman or lrishman, being found in the
gang, although it comprises some hundreds
of persons.
"Another singularity of this association
is that the parties are all apparently in fair cir
cumstances, and in condition of life which
divests them ofthe plea ofnecessity for their
crimes. They are persons Saving phreno-
logical developments) Of good appearance
and as well dressed as the generality of the
better class of our farming population. Some
of them are owners of farms, many of them
are the sons of freeholders, strong, able
bodied, wel-dressed Young men some are
tavern keepers; some are owners or lesees
of saw mills and all of them are in condi-
ton Oflife to be able to earn an honest llveli-
hood. There has not been one instance, so
far as has been developed, in which the party
could offer the plea of poverty or necessity
for the commission of the crimes charged
against him; while some Of them since their