Elizabeth Town Gazette

From yesterday's Evening Post.

U. S. Mail Robbed.—The great Southern Mail from Philadelphia to this city was waylaid and robbed last night, by three footpads, who were dressed in short jackets, with their faces painted. They met the mail coach near Bridgetown, and called to the driver, desiring him to stop, which he did. They then instantly rushed upon him with presented pistols, and ordered him down from the box. One of them cut the traces of the wheel-horses, to make sure of their object. This done, and the driver secured, they proceeded to rob the passengers, five in number, who kept their seats in the coach. They presented pistols at them, and brandished a large carving knife or dirk over their heads, threatening their lives if they did not give up their watches, pocket books and money. One of the passengers complied with their demand, and gave them his gold watch; and the others gave them what loose money they had in their pockets. They then enquired for the mail, and on being told that it was not inside of the coach, but forward, they left the passengers and proceeded to rifle it of its contents. They filled a large pair of saddle bags and a pocket handkerchief with letters, and then took to their heels. We understand, that on examining the mail at our post-office, there appears to be two Philadelphia packages of unpaid letters for New-York missing, and probably many single packages from south of Philadelphia were taken out. This is the second time that the mail has been robbed within a short time, and unless the government will furnish a guard for its protection, there is no security in trusting money in it.

Since the above was written, we learn, that one of the passengers had in his charge $33,000 in bills for one of our banks. As soon as he discovered the unpleasant predicament he was placed in, he contrived to slip the package out of his pocket on to the floor of the coach, and covered it over with straw, by which means he saved it. When they searched him, all they found in his pockets were a few shillings in silver.