Richmond Enquirer

Salem, (N. Y.) November 21.

STAGE ROBBERY

Night before last at nine o'clock, the Whitehall stage started from the hotel in this village for Albany. It had not proceeded more than half a mile before some daring villains cut the baggage straps, and, in the course of the next half mile, took off 6 valuable trunks. They left two others of uncommon size and weight, the last of which, suddenly falling to the ground, made a noise that attracted the attention of the passengers, who were thus fortunately apprised of their loss in less than 15 minutes after it occurred. The alarm was immediately given, which thus prevented the villains from carrying off the rest of their intended booty. The night was very dark, but a swift messenger having been dispatched to the village to announce the robbery, in a few moments a great number of citizens were searching for the lost property with lanthorns & torches along the road, behind the fences, and in the adjacent fields. During a diligent search of about three hours, four of the trunks, and happily the most valuable ones, were found unopened, having been secreted in as many different places near the road. The search was perseveringly continued last night, and by morning both the other trunks were found: both had been carried a considerable distance, in different directions, and cut open, one entirely emptied, the other had been left, probably in consequence of the close pursuit, before its contents were taken out. It is worthy of remark, that although there was cash to the amount of $20,000 in the other trunks, the two which were rifled contained nothing but clothing and papers. We are truly mortified that the records of our little village should add so flagrant an instance of bold, high-handed felony to the catalogue of atrocious villainies, which appear of late to have been extending with unparalleled rapidity.