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Foreign News March 22, 1770

The Virginia Gazette

Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia

What is this article about?

In Bristol, a man claiming to be from Virginia attempted to burgle and murder Mrs. Dixon at Captain Dixon's house in Stapleton on Monday last. He assaulted the maid but fled after alarm; apprehended that night at Shirehampton.

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OCR Quality

95% Excellent

Full Text

BRISTOL, Dec. 7. On Monday last a Negro fellow went to the house of Captain Dixon, at Stapleton, and told the maid he was lately come from Virginia, and had a message from the Captain for her mistress; but being informed Mrs. Dixon was ill in bed, was desired to leave his message, which he refused to do, saying he must see Mrs. Dixon, on which he was permitted to go up stairs. After he had delivered his story he received a gratuity for his trouble, with a belly full of victuals, and went over to a publick house in the neighbourhood to drink, where he remained until the family, going to bed, were obliged to turn him out of the house; but about three o'clock in the morning he found means to break into Captain Dixon's house at one of the windows, and went immediately up to the room where Mrs. Dixon lay. A noise being heard by the maid, she opened the door to see what it was, when he instantly knocked her down with a great stick (but providentially the blow fell on her arm, or else it is thought it would have killed her on the spot) on which he proceeded to the mistress in bed, whom he attempted to strangle; but the maid recovering, ran to the window and made an outcry, which so alarmed him that he jumped out of one of the windows without executing his horrid design, which could be no less than murdering the inhabitants and plundering the house. Strict search was made after him, and by means of printed hand bills immediately dispersed he was apprehended the same night at Shirehampton; and lodged in the bridewell without Lawford's gate.

What sub-type of article is it?

Burglary Attempt Assault

What keywords are associated?

Bristol Assault Negro Burglar Virginia Impostor House Break In Apprehension Shirehampton

What entities or persons were involved?

Captain Dixon Mrs. Dixon

Where did it happen?

Stapleton Near Bristol

Foreign News Details

Primary Location

Stapleton Near Bristol

Event Date

Monday Last (Reported Dec. 7)

Key Persons

Captain Dixon Mrs. Dixon

Outcome

assailant knocked down maid (injured arm, non-fatal); attempted to strangle mrs. dixon but fled; apprehended same night at shirehampton and imprisoned.

Event Details

A Negro fellow from Virginia posed as messenger to enter Captain Dixon's house, received food and gratuity, then broke in at 3 AM, assaulted maid with stick, attempted to strangle Mrs. Dixon; fled after outcry, captured via handbills.

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