The Virginia Gazette

ANNAPOLIS, in Maryland, July 17th

We have been infested in this Town and Neighbourhood for some Time past, with a Parcel of Thieves and Robbers, but from whence they come, or who they are, cannot yet be found out, although we have strong Suspicions. Almost every Day, since the Attempt made at Mr. Cole's, has brought a fresh Account of some new Villainy either attempted or perpetrated; but we must make Allowance for Exaggeration: However, it is certain, that on Friday last, near South River, a Gentleman of this Town was stopp'd by two Men well mounted and arm'd, who forc'd him out of the Road, and would have robb'd him, but as he happen'd to have no Money about him, they, after many Threats, let him go. Another Gentleman escaped them by the Swiftness of his Horse. They have robbed several Negroes of Things they were bringing to Market; and have done so many Villainies, that the travelling the Road, except in Companies, and with Arms, seems unsafe, and People are afraid of coming to Market. Several Companies have gone out at Sundry Times, with Fire-Arms and Dogs, to search for them in the almost impenetrable Fields of Pines near the Town; but without Success: And it is fear'd they are now grown more formidable, having stole sundry good Horses, and are (if we can believe Reports) four or five in Number. One Night three of them had the Impudence to ride almost up to the Town Gate, and hang their Horses, when one of the Watchmen (for we have a constant strong Watch kept every Night) stepp'd up to him, and would have taken him, but observing another of them stoop, as he apprehended to fire at him, presented his Pistol, but it miss'd Fire, on which the Rogues made off with great Precipitation before any more of the Watch could come to him, and left one of their Horses, which they took and brought into Town. Some Gentlemen in Town have published an Advertisement offering Forty Pistoles for the apprehending of them.