The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

HARTFORD, November 27.

In the Evening preceding the Thanksgiving, a strolling Vagabondly Fellow in his way (as he pretended) to Boston, coming into a private House in the eastwardly Part of the Town, in the Habit and Character of a Beggar plausibly sought for Entertainment; calling himself a Native Subject of the King of Denmark; from whose Dominions about Ten Years ago he came into this Country; since which among other misfortunes, he has that of losing all the Fingers on one Hand, and the free use of those of the other by falling into the Fire in a convulsion-Fit. Being thus recommended to the Pity and Charity of the hospitable Family, commiserating his calamitous Circumstances they could do no other than receive him as their Guest: But as he preferr'd solitary Retirement to Company under a Pretence of not being troublesome to the Family, was introduced to a comfortable Fire in the Kitchen. But while the Family were busy in the other Room, confiding in the Simplicity and Honesty, as well as imbecility of their new guest, he, with several Articles of Value, was soon found to be missing; whereupon with all convenient Speed, the Thief was pursued, and overtaken at a Tavern about a Mile distant, where in merry Mood, he was offering his new Assortment upon Sale to the highest Bidder.---i.--

This Merriment might have lasted longer, had it not been interrupted by the true Owner challenging his Property, who after some proper Diversion, bound the apprehended Criminal, for a more easy and convenient Escortment about seven Miles in a retrograde March to a civil Magistrate. But the reluctant Villain, choosing rather to make a present than a future Settlement, made the Proposal, to which, with the Advice of the Company the indulgent Creditor consented; for the Receipt of which (Matters being thus amicably accommodated) he voluntarily tripping himself receiv'd upon the Spot even thirty hearty Lashes, with a good sturdy Horse-Whip warmly apply'd, which he tamely submitted to and endured with all the Patience and fortitude which his own Circumstances and the Nature of the Thing would well admit of.--A requital in the Judgment of the company nearly commensurate to the Merits of the Cause; as well as to the seeming Content and satisfaction of both Parties. His Account being thus balanced was allow'd to make off (upon his third March) in quest of new Quarters ! And is hereby recommended to the Public, as worthy of their special Notice and Regard.