Phenix Gazette

PHILADELPHIA. Jan. 19.—Capt. Ridgway, from St. Thomas (Dec. 24) informs, that about ten days before he sailed, a desperate gang of Thieves and Pirates, 15 or 20 in number, had been arrested, and would be tried after the holidays. Among them were some old offenders. It appears to have been their intention to supply themselves with goods and money from the stores and iron chests in that place, and to take possession of two or three of the best vessels in the harbor to carry off their booty. Two vessels had already been selected for this purpose, viz : the new schooner Joanna Hamilton and brig Morris, Williams, both of Baltimore. Part of their number, under pretext of wanting passages, actually shipped on board with a view to assist in capturing them immediately after sailing. They had a small sloop belonging to one of the leaders, which was to take out men and arms to effect their object. The same sloop was afterwards captured with five of her crew, by a Danish sloop of war. Capt. R. adds, that too much praise cannot be bestowed on gov. Van Scholten, of St. Thomas, to whose vigilance the public are indebted for the timely arrest of those outcasts of society.