When was it published?

June 15, 1739 in The Virginia Gazette

Domestic News June 15, 1739

The Virginia Gazette

Q: What keywords are associated?

Highway Robbery, Philadelphia, Arrest, Carolina Money

Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia

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What is this article about?

In Philadelphia, James Johnson was robbed on his journey from North Carolina by a highwayman who took over 300 pounds in Carolina money and a 50-pound sterling note. The robber attempted to escape but was captured and committed to prison after examination before a magistrate.

Clipping

OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

Philadelphia, May 31. Yesterday one James Johnson met a Man riding into Town, who (in Company with another Man not yet taken) robb'd him on his Journey from North-Carolina to this Place of upwards of Three Hundred Pounds Carolina Money, and a Note for Fifty Pounds Sterling; and laid hold of him: The Highwayman beg'd not to be expos'd, and pretended he had marry'd a rich Widow in Town, and would immediately refund the Money, if the other would go with him to his House; on this Pretence he led him to the outside of the Town, then leap'd on his Horse and made his Escape down to the Lower-Ferry; but finding himself closely pursued, and the Boat not ready to go over, he made into the Neck, where he was taken some Hours after; and being examin'd before a Magistrate, was committed to Prison.

What sub-type of article is it?

Crime

What keywords are associated?

Highway Robbery Philadelphia Arrest Carolina Money

What entities or persons were involved?

James Johnson

Where did it happen?

Philadelphia

Domestic News Details

Primary Location

Philadelphia

Event Date

May 30

Key Persons

James Johnson

Outcome

robbed of upwards of three hundred pounds carolina money and a note for fifty pounds sterling; highwayman captured and committed to prison; accomplice not yet taken.

Event Details

James Johnson was robbed by a highwayman and an untaken accomplice on his journey from North-Carolina to Philadelphia. The highwayman begged not to be exposed, pretended to have married a rich widow, and lured Johnson outside town to escape on horseback toward the Lower-Ferry. Pursued, he hid in the Neck and was captured hours later, then examined before a magistrate and imprisoned.