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Story
September 6, 1820
The Rhode Island Republican
Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
In December 1819, accounts confirm suspicions that a Stoneham murderer fled on the ship Osprey from Salem to Sumatra, appearing aboard shortly after sailing and feigning idiocy, prompting crew vigilance and efforts to detain him.
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THE STONEHAM MURDER.
In our paper of December 7, 1819, we remarked, that there was some fear that one of the Stoneham Murderers had slipped off in the ship Osprey, which sailed on the 5th from Salem, for Sumatra. Our suspicion is now further confirmed by accounts from that ship since her arrival at Sumatra, which state, that 2 hours after her departure from this port, a man appeared on board whom they had not seen before; and on being questioned, he said, with an affecting idiotism, that he belonged to Pelham, and came to this town with his father, and went on board this vessel, which had carried him off. -- He continued throughout to act the idiot; but not so thoroughly as to escape the suspicion of the officers and crew that he was a fugitive from justice, perhaps one of the murderers, and of course they kept a watchful eye upon him, and doubtless would take care that he did not get off. Besides, letters were sent out by another vessel, which sailed soon after, stating the suspicions entertained here, and giving such advice that on their receipt they would feel an additional obligation and authority to secure him. -- Salem Gaz.
In our paper of December 7, 1819, we remarked, that there was some fear that one of the Stoneham Murderers had slipped off in the ship Osprey, which sailed on the 5th from Salem, for Sumatra. Our suspicion is now further confirmed by accounts from that ship since her arrival at Sumatra, which state, that 2 hours after her departure from this port, a man appeared on board whom they had not seen before; and on being questioned, he said, with an affecting idiotism, that he belonged to Pelham, and came to this town with his father, and went on board this vessel, which had carried him off. -- He continued throughout to act the idiot; but not so thoroughly as to escape the suspicion of the officers and crew that he was a fugitive from justice, perhaps one of the murderers, and of course they kept a watchful eye upon him, and doubtless would take care that he did not get off. Besides, letters were sent out by another vessel, which sailed soon after, stating the suspicions entertained here, and giving such advice that on their receipt they would feel an additional obligation and authority to secure him. -- Salem Gaz.
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime Story
Mystery
Deception Fraud
What themes does it cover?
Crime Punishment
Deception
Justice
What keywords are associated?
Stoneham Murder
Escape Attempt
Ship Osprey
Fugitive
Idiot Disguise
Where did it happen?
Salem, Sumatra, Pelham
Story Details
Location
Salem, Sumatra, Pelham
Event Date
December 1819
Story Details
Suspicion that a Stoneham murderer escaped on the ship Osprey, which sailed from Salem on December 5, 1819, for Sumatra. A man appeared on board two hours after departure, claiming to be from Pelham and acting idiotic, but suspected as a fugitive and watched by the crew. Letters were sent to secure him.