Alexandria Gazette

A most shocking outrage took place on Thursday, the 24th ultimo, in Farmville Va. The boarders, travellers, &c. who dined at the Eagle Tavern on that day, were all poisoned! It is supposed arsenic was put in custard; as all those that ate thereof were taken sick the night following and next day. There were one or two that did not eat of the custard, and consequently escaped. There are various speculations about this affair, but that it was done by negroes, (I mean the cook or house servants,) there is no doubt. There are, I understand, forty persons very sick from the effects of being poisoned, (as the Doctors say,) twenty five of whom are citizens of Farmville. We have heard, as yet, of only one death, a Mr. Ligon, twelve miles from town, who dined at the Eagle Tavern on that unfortunate day. Some of those in town are a little better this morning, but several are very dangerously ill; from others in the neighborhood we have not heard this morning.--Rich. Enquirer.