The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1872-10-04
An Extraordinary Robbery.

Mr.. Samuel Pope, II member OF the
New Jersey Legislature, is six feet in
height, and giant in strength. H. lives
in Broadway, Paterson. His beautiful
residence is on Broadway Hill, about a
half mile from the nearest house. On
Monday night, he and his wife retired
early. About II o'clock Mr. Pope was
awakened by somebody shaking him
gently by the shoulder. Rubbing his
eyes, he saw five outlaws surrounding his
bedside, with cooked rCvolvCrs pointed at
his head. Two others stood by the win.
dow. All were iashiOnably dressed, as
could be seen by the light ofthc lamp and
Of several sperm candles which the gang
held IN their hands. But their features
were hidden under masks, oil black, with
the exception Of one, which WAS white.
The leader OI the party, in gGntlemanly
voice, told MI. Pope that he needn't be
alarmed All he had to do was to remain
quiet while the gang were at work, and
submit To their manpulatiuns, and he
would be unharmed. Otherwise instant
death awaited both him and the wife be.
side him. Mr.. Pope signiled his willing.
ness 10 remain quiet.
The robbers then tied his (Nr. POpe's)
hands behind his back, and also tied his
vile with u long piece OF strong tarrCd
rope. lie was then carried TO u closet
under the stairway and fastened therein.
The robbers returned aud subjected Mrs.
Pope to similar treatment. Her hands
and feet were securely tied, which opera.
ton WAS performed with rigid regard to
the deliCacy due u woman in dishabillc.
Both Mr.. and Mrs. Pope could see that
the hands Of the masquGradcrs were white
Hnl suIt
The burglars then proceeded with the
object Of their visit. they stationed two
At the window, and it was 0scertaincd
by their conversation that there were
three more outside keeping watch. There
were altogether about ten mcE. The five
inside who commenced to gather up the
valuablcS wore wOmCnS stockings over
their boots Procuring the key of the
sale from MIR, Popc's pocket they opened
it, Others ransucked the bureaus and
closets. They sCraped together nearly
one thousand dollars in money, IL good
part Of which was in specie, and u thou.
dollars worth of watches, diamonds, Jew.
eIry, silvcrware, &c, including hand
some set presented to Mr.. Pope while he
VAS in the Legislature. From the safe
they Hbslractcl $500 more Of railroad
bonds and other valuable papers, includ.
ing large lot Of mortgages. Their
search continued for an hour and Il half,
during which time Mr, Pope was shivcr.
ing in the closet, although the thieves
gave him blanket 10 keep himself
warm, and Mrs. Pope was shlvcriug with
fright in bed. When ready to leave the
thieves awokC Mr. POpe's little adopted
daughter, and took her down stairs and
placed her in the bed with Mrs Pope.
The thieves handled her gently and told
her no harm would happen to her il she
remained quiet. They told her that she
must not unite Mr.. and Mrs. Pope Tor
some time After which they drove otl in
their carriage
No trace Of the thieves has been discov.
cred. The only things the authorities
have TO work upon is the tarred rope and
stockings which they left behind. II is
certain that the thieves are wcllaCQuant.
ed with Mr. Pope and his business, ard
that they do not live many miles from
Paterson. The family watch dog was
poisoned a few days ago, probably TO get
him out Of the way OF making au alarm
Mr. Pope, on Monday morning, expected
10 receive cash payment Of $4,000, but
was disappointed, and the burglars were
disappointed in not finding it in the safe.
Il is the most uudICiOus robbery ever
committed in Paterson. Mr.. Pope has
stopped the payment oI tile stolen bonds