The New York Packet

The thieves who lately broke open the store of Stephen Hooper, Esq. of Newbury-Port, were apprehended at Old-York, and proved to be three negroes, who came in there in a boat with several swivels, and said they came from Nova-Scotia. One of them, a very stout, strong made fellow, pretending he was lame, the Sheriff took them on board a large decked boat to proceed to Newbury-Port; but the wind being contrary, they put into Portsmouth, from whence they proceeded by land with two of them, leaving the one who pretended lameness on board the boat under the care of Captain Low, of York, who had only a woman and a boy on board, besides the negro, who was hand-cuffed.

On Thursday night, the 9th inst. about four or five miles from Newbury-Bar, the negro caught up an ax and aimed a blow at Captain Low, who evaded it, and took up a hatchet; with it he kept the negro off for some time—but the negro swearing that the vessel was his—that he would kill them all if they were thrice as strong—that he would neither give nor take quarter, and that he never would be carried alive into Newbury-Port—Captain Low finding he must either kill him or submit to be murdered by him, called for his gun, and presenting it at the fellow's breast, again offered him quarter, but he still persisting in his threats, with the ax raised over his head, the Captain fired and killed him on the spot—previous to this they had several scuffles, in which the Captain received some slight wounds and bruises. Captain Low on coming into Newbury-Port, immediately informed of what had happened; upon which a Jury of Inquest was summoned, whose verdict was, Justifiable Homicide, and Capt. Low was accordingly dismissed.