Vandalia Whig And Illinois Intelligencer

Smuggling & murder.--An attempt was made, on Monday the 21st instant to arrest the notorious smuggler, John Stearns, at the house of the two Mr. Beaches in Canaan, Vermont, who harbored him and aided his escape. The house was surrounded by several citizens, authorized by proper authority to assist, among whom were two Mr. Grouts, sons, of the Custom House Officer. Stearns threatened to take the life of any one who should attempt to enter the house--the two Beaches at length went out of the house and commenced a quarrel with those who surrounded it, to give Stearns an opportunity of making his escape, which he improved. The two Grouts pursued him; when Stearns, finding he must be overtaken, turned round and fired a pistol at Daniel Grout, who was only a few steps from him, which took effect in his thigh and hip, and proved fatal. He survived only a few hours. The other Grout was prevented from pursuing Stearns far, by his threats to shoot him also; and he made his escape into the woods. Stearns is an old aggressor.--Vermont North Star.