The Daily Advertiser

On Thursday last, about break of day, a most daring attempt was made by some criminals in the New Prison, to effect an escape. Six felons were confined in the condemned room, three of whom were chained to the floor. On that morning the turnkey went his customary rounds, to see that all was right. He had no sooner entered their apartment, than he was seized by the three who had liberty of the room, who, with knives at his breast, forced from him the keys, locked him in, made their way down stairs, and passed thro' the doors below the debtors' rooms, the last of which they bolted on the lower side. Mr. Little, the gaoler, hearing the noise, opened his sleeping-room door, but had scarcely appeared, when he was knocked down, and severely cut in the head. By this time the debtors above were alarmed, and hastened to the assistance of Mr. Little; but their intention was frustrated by the felons' precaution of bolting the lower door. In this state, they would most probably have effected their purpose, but for the presence of mind displayed by Mrs. Little,—who rushed up stairs, and unbolted the door, before the villains were aware of her design. The debtors now, with an alacrity which does them honor, immediately arrived to the assistance of Mr. Little; and the fellows were speedily overpowered, and reluctantly conveyed to their former habitation. Tho' Mr. Little was dangerously wounded, yet we do not understand that any bad consequence is apprehended.