The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a Letter from Exon, May 9.

Yesterday was brought under a strong Guard from Dartmouth, one Thomas Limpus, for robbing the Post-Boy, and taking from him the Western Mail, on the 28th past in the Night, between Crewkerne and Sherborne.

Since his Commitment he confesses the Fact; and what induced him to do it was, in Expectation of a Lisbon Mail being in it; but finding himself disappointed, he broke open the Western Bags, and took out what Bank Bills, accepted Bills, and Notes of Hand he could find; which he took with him and made back to Salcombe, near King's-Bridge, where he agreed with a Master of a Sloop to carry him to St. Malo in France, for Eight Guineas, lodging a Bank Note of 20 l. in the Master's Hands for the same. Set Sail on Wednesday last, but they were forc'd back to Dartmouth by contrary Winds, where endeavouring to Exchange the said Bank Note, that was endorsed by one Foller, of Topsham, and sent in the same Mail for London, gave some Suspicion, which he suspected: He thereupon made the best of his Way to King's-Bridge, but a Warrant being got, and being pursued by seven Men, one of which soon came up with Him, and secur'd him. He was carried before Mr. Justice Fowell, who committed him.

He says he is of Newberry in Berkshire; was many Years employed as a Messenger in the General Post Office: and hath a Wife and six Children. The Notes and Bills which he took, amounting to near 100 l. he left with the Justice, except the 20 l. Bank Note.

There were two others concern'd, who made the best of their Way for Guernsey, and were to meet Him at St. Malo: He doth not deny his being concern'd in robbing the Bristol Mail some Time since. When the Irons were put on last Night, he was ask'd how he lik'd 'em? He said if they were much heavier, they were no more than what he deserv'd. for he own'd he had been a notorious Offender. and that he had nothing to do but to make his Peace. He is very free in his Discoveries, and expects what the Law in such Cases hath provided.