The Daily Advertiser

A certain Isaiah Whitcraft, who lived near the Lake Tavern, in Gloucester county, New-Jersey, having been confined in Burlington gaol for a variety of robberies, broke gaol and escaped to his own neighborhood; The gaoler having offered a reward of 40 dollars for apprehending him, William Fowler and Jonathan Smith went to his house to apprehend him. Finding the doors shut, they went each to a door; when Fowler attempted to force in, and having got the door partly open, Whitcraft presented a loaded musket to his breast, declaring he would shoot him, if he came any further. Fowler replied, he might shoot if he dared, for that his party would take him, and called out to break open the other door; on which Whitcraft delivered up his musket which was loaded with 17 buck shot, but by address afterwards made his escape.

On the Sunday following, the third of February, this resolute and brave character, William Fowler, and his companion Smith, having armed themselves, again attempted to take the thief; when having got near to Whitcraft's house, he discovered them, and ran off with a musket and tomahawk in his hands. Fowler and Smith pursued, and after running near half a mile, Fowler was likely to overtake him, and having got within 20 yards of him. Whitcraft turned and presented his gun at Fowler, who then called to him not to fire, for that he was determined to take him, but would not hurt him; on which Whitcraft swore he would fire, and immediately did, and wounded Fowler in the cheek, the ball having glanced the jaw-bone. Smith instantly fired on Whitcraft, and put a charge of buck-shot through him, who, notwithstanding got up, and attempted to tomahawk Smith. Whitcraft immediately after fell, and died in about half an hour.

Future villains may now see, however safe they may think themselves by being armed in the pines, that there are men who will brave the greatest danger to take them. Fowler and Smith surrendered themselves to Colonel Joseph Hugg, and were bailed.