Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1854-09-21
From the Evening Post.
LEWIS, THE ROBBER.

A favorite and highly interesting feature
among the amusemcnts of fDoublng Gap, Penn
sylvania, is to ascend the mountain and obtain
view from Flat Rock. Recently party, con-
sisting of several ladies and gentlemen, made
the ascent. All equipped and prepared in suit
able costume, they set out about eight in the
morning Starting ere the sun had cast his gold
en- beams across the towering summit, they soon
penetrated thick woods, shrubbery and rocks,
following narrow pathway, cxcclsior-lke, up
ward and onward
After journeying half mile Or more, follow
ing leader who at intervals sounded his bugle
which was answered back in echo from neigh
boring cliffs, they reached the celebrated g Rob
ber's Cave" or lurking place of Lewis the no.
torious robber and counterfejter, who, with
Connolly, and anoCher bandit, hid themselves
and prowled in this region. The cave opens
under large rock, which projects several yards
from its bed, and overhangs yawning preci-
picc, In former times it was artifcally en-
bellished, and suited to the purposes of its in
mates with rough wall. built by them thirty
five years ago. Immediately in front is beau
tiful spring of water gushing forth, as pure as
crystal and cold us ice, from its bed of rocks,
murmuring down the wild ravine in limpid
beauty. How long this stream.et has made mu-
sic in solitude to the wldness of nature, is not
for man to know, but we tasted Of its waters
they were sweet, refreshing, and grateful to us
wearied pilgrims. The place seems to be just
such u one as bandits would select to hide
from justice, and plan deeds Of darkness.
Lewis. the notorious robber, from whom this
cave takes its name, was the master-sprit of his
confederates. A one time his name and fame
spread far and wide, while he Was terror to
the whole Cumberland valley and mountain re-
gion round about. Accomplished and successful
in his profession, yet he possessed traits Of char
acter which, us they stood out isolated, were
noble even in depravity. lie was rcputed to be
the handsomest and most perfectly formed man
that had ever been seen-tall, majestic, and pos
sessing strength and agility unequalled. In sin
gle combat none could withstand his physical
powers Having been small boy myself at the
time of his career, resident too of the neigh
borbood, well remember the fearful stories of
his exploits, and can attest to his manly ap-
pearancc from once accidentally seeing him as
he passed the home of my boyhood, He meas
urcd full twenty-four inches across the shoul-
ders, was over six feet in height, and altogether
OF full proportions, yet his hands and feet were
50 small and delicate, that the securcst irons or
shackles could be slipped over them. Owing to
this peculiarity, he SO often escaped from prison.
1t is said of him that he never committed muir.
der, nor allowed it to be done by his compan-
ions.
On one occasion, after perpetrating robbery
his friend Connolly proposed to kill the victim,
alleging that " dead men tell no tales" Lewis
demonstrated and Connolly persisted. Finally,
when the bloody deed was about being consum-
mated, Lewis seized his rife, and commanded
Connolly to desist, or his life should instantly
pay the for felt. He did so coweringly, and the
man escaped in thanklulness, minus only filthy
lucrc. On another occasion he went to coun-
try house for the purpose of plunder. Finding
it inhabited by an elderly widow lady, he told
her his business. She said she was poor, had
no money, and expected soon to have her prop
erty sold for rent. Looking out, she saw the
officer then coming Lewis asked theamount o
Indebtedness. She informed him, and he pre-
sented it to her, with an injunction to make NJ
disclosures. He then went out, and waited il
retired spot until Che constable returned -
Stepping up, he demanded his money or his life
The former was given, including the amour
received from the old lady for rent, and fifty dol
lars additional
Numerous similar incidents are told of him
When in prison at one time, beautiful young
lady, o friend of tho .ailors daughter, fell ii
love with him lie broke jail; they ran off to
gether, and were married. So distinguished an'
varied was the character of this man, that b.
was made the hero of romance, written AM
published many years ago by well-known gen
, tleman of New York. If his eye chance to fal
! upon this account, he. will no doubt stir mp tn
/ musty archives and bring it forth.
$ The career of Lewis ended by his being sho