The Virginia Gazette

The following Letter, just come to Hand, cannot, I think, be better explained, than by publishing it as it was wrote.

Something very mysterious happened here lately, at Isle of Wight County, Dec. 12.

On Thursday last, Two Men, mounted upon Bay Horses, (one appearing like a Gentleman, and the other as his Servant, carrying a large Bundle before him) came to Warwick Squeak Bay Warehouse, and without speaking to any Body, rode a little Distance from the said Warehouse, and then alighted, tied their Horses, and went down to the River Side. Mr. James Ransome, the Inspector here, going on board a Sloop about an Hour after that, saw them walking about on the Sands near to my Landing, but spoke not to them: After he came ashore he found they were gone, but presently overtook them going along the Road to Surry, as he was, and again passed them without Speaking. That same Night, a Negro of mine going to feed my Hogs, found a large new Spade, which they had been digging with, and a new hilling Hoe by it, laid close by the Hog-Pen. Next Day, Mr. Baker, Mr. Ransome, and I, went and tracked their Footing, both upon the River Sands and up the adjacent Banks, and discovered several Places where they had been digging and thrusting Weir-Sticks a good Depth into the Earth. The same Night, viz. Thursday Night, (as I am inform'd,) they came to Hog-Island, and went over the Ferry with great Precipitation. If you think proper to promulge this Narrative your own Way, 'tis well; but if not, please to advertise the Spade and Hoe, and where to be found, and you will oblige
Sir,
Your most humble Servant,
JOHN GEMMILL.

N. B. He who appeared like the Gentleman, had on a light-colour'd riding Coat, with the Cape muffled almost over his Face, and is a very large Man.