The Virginian

A GUN-POWDER PLOT.

A scheme was fortunately discovered on Friday night, which if brought to maturity would have destroyed a worthy individual and no clue probably left to ascertain the manner of his death. Mr. Lyon was employed by the Canal, in completing a contract which he had made with the James River Company. He was sleeping in a small cabin—and about 3 o'clock in the night, he was roused by a negro, who delivered him a small box, saying it was from Mr. E. a friend, who begged him to take care of it till he came. As soon as he had delivered the box, the negro retired from the cabin with great precipitation—a circumstance which appeared extraordinary and suspicious. Mr. L. took the box in and placed it under his bed. A singular glimmering appeared in the room—and it was traced to the box. Upon examining it, it was found with a covering over it—the box itself seemed like a window glass box; with two small holes bored in the sides, to let in the air—two bits of candle stuck in augur holes, bored at the bottom—and a small keg of gunpowder, containing from 6 to 8 lbs. The candles were burning low, and in a few minutes it is probable the explosion would have blown Mr. Lyons to atoms.

Who could have contrived this nefarious plot:—Mr. L's suspicions were directed by a variety of circumstances against a bricklayer, by the name of Macon Green, who had been deprived of the contract which Mr. L. had obtained—On the information of the latter, the Mayor issued a warrant for the apprehension of Green, who is now in jail to answer to the charge.