The Virginia Gazette

London, May 10.

On Monday last, died, much lamented, at her House at Rochester, Mrs. Wood, a Widow Lady of a plentiful Fortune. What seems most to have contributed to her Death, was, an Accident which lately happen'd to her, the following Account being the Particulars of it:

A few Weeks ago, Mrs. Wood had a Letter dropt in her House, (in the Names of Ten Men) threatning, That if she did not lay 10 Guineas the very next Morning under a large Stone near the House, her House would be immediately reduc'd to Ashes, and all Appurtenances belonging thereto. She advis'd with a Gentleman, (a near Neighbour) who knowing the Credulity of Mrs Wood, (of which some ill designing Persons had taken Advantage) advis'd her, by no Means to comply with, or take any Notice of the Letter.

The next Day she received another by the Post, wrote by the same Hand, and to the same Purpose; adding withal, That if the Gentleman whom they believ'd dissuaded her from complying with their reasonable Demand, (as they urg'd, being only a Guinea a Man) did persist in his unreasonable Advice, they would make him severely pay for it; and according to their Promise, (the next Letter also not being complied with) they were so enraged at him, as knowing him to be the Means which obstructed their Purpose, that they set Fire to a Barn belonging to this Gentleman, about Three Miles distant from that City, in which was Grain to the Value 50 or 80 l. and was intirely consum'd.

Mrs. Wood was so concern'd at this Gentleman's Loss, as being on her Account, and so much frighten'd at the Danger which hourly threatned her, that 'tis suspected it must in a great Measure, have occasion'd her Death. Neither the Writer, or others concern'd in these Letters, have been as yet discover'd. tho' 20 l. Reward is offer'd on the Conviction of any one of them.