Alexandria Gazette

An Outrageous Affair.—The following particulars of an extraordinary outrage, perpetrated upon a colored citizen, will be read with some interest, and no little amazement.

The colored citizen here spoken of, is Edward Norfitt, who now resides in the upper part of the city. He came hither about four years since from Suffolk, Nansemond County, Virginia, which place he had been compelled to leave on account of a charge of alleged interference in the escape of some slaves. He was then possessed of an estate, located near Suffolk, consisting of a small house and several acres of land, which has since become of considerable value in consequence of certain improvements in its immediate neighborhood.

There is a schooner called the Time, which runs from Norfolk, Virginia, to this city, and is commanded by one Robert Gwynn, who has often expressed to Norfitt a desire to purchase this property, and, on Friday last, sent him a note, requesting him to meet him on board that vessel, then lying at the South ferry, and stating that he was ready to give him $450 for his house and acres. The hour of appointment was 4 o'clock, at which time Norfitt repaired on board, and saw Gwynn in the cabin. He was requested to be seated, and the latter counted out upon the table $450 in specie, which he pushed over to Norfitt, saying, as he did so, 'you must give me an obligation of the estate.' He declined doing this, and said that he had heard it was now worth at least $2,000. Gwynn then said, 'd—n you—you shall sell it, or go back to Virginia.'

At which threat, Norfitt becoming frightened, sprang upon deck, and found the vessel under sail proceeding down the bay, and nearly opposite Governor's Island. He made one attempt to jump overboard, but was surrounded by all the hands, two of which seized him, and swore they were Brooklyn Police officers, and then thrust him back into the cabin. The vessel came too off Staten Island, where Norfitt, being alarmed, consented to sign the deed conveying his property to Gwynn. He was taken on shore to an office, which had the appearance of that of a lawyer, where the occupant, who acted the part of 'legal functionary' for the occasion, produced a deed with the signature (or a forgery thereof,) of Norfitt's wife. He again protested, and made another attempt to escape.

At this juncture a respectable looking woman, who said she was the 'legal functionary's' wife, rushed out of the adjoining room and told Norfitt not to sign, as the intention was to cheat him. The 'legal functionary' ordered her out of the room—she made her exit, and the melo drama was continued to the denouement. 'One or two other actors were introduced, the 'consideration' was increased to $750, and the deed was signed.—Norfitt then asked for the 'consideration'—the $750—and was told to 'go to H—l' for it. He was then turned out into the street—without a cent in his pocket—knowing no one on the Island, and in the midst of a tremendous storm.

He made his way up to the city the next day and applied, immediately, to Mr. W. J. Haskett, Attorney and Counsellor, to whom we are indebted for these facts, and who desires us to say that he is anxious to receive, at his office in Chambers street, any information touching this transaction and the sailing of the vessel [New York Times.