Daily Richmond Whig

Jacob Hays--the High Constable.--A spirited correspondent of the Boston Palladium, gives the following sketch of Jacob Hays, who in matters of Police, has earned a reputation entitling him to be called the American Fouche. By the way, had you ever a description of Jacob Hays? If you would like a brief Sketch of one whose very name carries terror and dismay into the ranks of vice, here it is. Jacob is a short, thick man, of great activity and unusual sagacity. He has been so long connected with the Police department that he knows every rogue and vagabond, and he has accomplished more towards the apprehension of desperadoes and the prevention of crimes than the public is apprised of. Before Reed and Stephens were arrested, Hays had accurate information of their various plans, one of which, to rob the mail to Boston, was so well contrived that it may be worth relating. In their visits to the Post Office they had an opportunity to observe the size of the mail bag, and calculating its dimensions, they resolved to try, in the first place, the following experiment. One of the gang, who bore a great resemblance to one of the stage drivers, was to take a bag which they had made corresponding in size and appearance with the regular mail bag and filled up with papers and packages, start in a horse and sulky which they were to get from the stable frequented by the drivers, overtake the stage about 12 miles off, and tell the driver he had taken the wrong mail bag from the Post Office. If the exchange of bags was made, their purpose was effected, and time given for deliberate proceedings. If the driver should refuse, they were then to wait near Stamford for the arrival of the mail from Boston that night, rob it and return to the city by water, before day light, before any information could be brought of the robbery. The arrest of Reed prevented the execution of the plan, but Hays had made such arrangements that they could not have escaped his grasp. At various times, Hays has brought to light circumstances of so extraordinary a character that the villains themselves think he carries on his operations by means of some supernatural agency. Be that as it may, he is a most indefatigable, vigilant and valuable man in his department, and in the event of his loss, his place could not be supplied.