The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-05-24
The Outrage in Charlestown, Mass.

From the Boston Atlas, May %.
One of the most unparalleled outages Of which have
heard occurred in Charlestown Saturday night
The scene the curriers' shop of Mr. Samuel o. Pol
lard, who nearly became the victim of most horrible
crime The facts in the case az we learn from Mr. Pol
lard himself, substantially foows:-During Sat-
urday he had taken in considerable money for labor
formed, and usual that evening in the week. he
kept open until about nine O'Clock in order TO serve
customer who generally makes his vi-iss 81 between
had Also been in and paid Mr. Pollard $6O While
he was in NJ roisrd counted his money and ascertain
"a nat ne had on his person $582
After Mr. Hartshorn had gone Pollard went pay the
board bill Of one Of his apprentices and had just return
cd to lock up his shop when the outrage occurred There
was no in the BUILDING and he had reached the head
Of the first flight of stairs, when two entered and
proceeded Immediately to the place where Mr. Pollard
was, one standing each side OF him. The first conner
inquired for the bos" and receiving from
Mr.. Pollard that he the person wanted asked he
wished to hire our" Before an answer could be re-
turned, the second man, with o violent blow placed
plaster On Mr. Poard's mouth, which, by its close ad-
herance, prevented his speaking. The other then
bis hands down to Them thus making complete roll Of
his body. The villains then robbed Mr.. Pollard Of his
pocket book containing al the money as stated above
distance Of six eight feet from him. and pouring ON
them some substance resembling spirits Of turpentns in
ts action they set fire to them, and left Mr. Pollard to
his fate. Such horrible death not however In store
for him BY great exertion Of strength bound he was
Mr. moving his body s%o. the
he preciptated himself From the gag his mouth no
was unable to speak but with his legs and feet he kicked
time the FIRE had made progress and observed
from the adjoining sausage factory Of Furbush Davis
one Of the men there employed went to the rescue and
BY breaking window, got to Mr. Pollard and liberated
him He tore of the gag some portions Of the plas-
ter 1t afterwards difficult TO remove with soap
and water and cut the cord which bound him, which
was retained by Mr. Pollard evidence The alarm was
then given, and the citizens and engines arrived IN
to prevent the entire destruction Of the building
which was damaged probably about $500.
Mr.. Pollard received some slight bruises in the back
but ID otherwise uninjured He il unable to give any
description Of his intended murdeers other t6aA that
they larger and stronger than himself and also 10
account for the outrage committed him. He
members no quarrel with any person, and the affair can
only be accounted for the ground of robbery and the
coneeament Of the crime. The pocket book red Of s
contents, found fence in the back yard. Great
excitement existed in Charlestown during the night and
continued yesterday, heavy reward viii undoubtedly
be offered for the detection and conviction of the
princpled ruiians Mr. Pollard is about 80 years
Of age Of unexceptionable character and has been in
business in Charlestown for many his house was
broken open and robbed tho 4th Of July last during
the absence of the family and his shop has boon
destroyed by an incendiary fire.