Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser

A new mode of recruiting the army—perhaps not the most honorable. A few months since, a most valuable horse, owned by Mr. William J. M'Cartee, of the city of Schenectady, was stolen out of his stable, by a young man, a transient person, who represented that he was a native of Vermont, and recently from that state. By instant pursuit, and by offering a large reward, the thief was soon taken, and the horse returned. And at the late court, at Schenectady, the thief was brought to trial, convicted and sentenced to hard labor for four years in the state prison. But better fortune awaited him—A petition to the Governor was set on foot—names obtained and the convict pardoned, on condition of his enlisting into the army for five years!!