Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 December 1902 — Untitled [ARTICLE]

Highway Bobbery Very Prevalent in England a Century Ago. The frequency of highway robberies only a century ago sounds surprising to the present generation. Horace Walpole, in a letter to a friend, recounts an adventure of this kind which befell him and his friend and neighbor, Lady Browne, iu the autumn of 1781. The night I had the honor of writing to your ladyship last I was robbed. Lady Browne and I were, as usual, going to the Duchess of Montrose at seven o'clock. The evening was very dark. Iu tluxcloSe lane under her park pale, and within twenty yards of the gate, a black fignre on horseback pushed by between the chaise aud the hedge on my side. I suspected it was a x higlnvayman, and so I found did Lady Browne, for she was speaking and stopped. To divert her fears I was just going to say, "is not that the apothecary going to the ducliess?” when I heard a voice cry, "Stop!” and the figure came back to the chaise. I had the presence of mind before I let down the glass to take out my watch and stuff it within my waistcoat, under ray arm. He said, “Your purses and watches!” 1 replied, “My watch is not in my pocket.” “Then your purse.” I gave it to him; it had nine guineas. It was so dark that I could not see'his hand, but felt him take it. He then asked for Lady Browne's purse, nnd said, “Don’t be frightened; l wdil do you no hurt.” I said, “No; you won’t frighten the lady.” lie replied, “No; I give you my word I will do no hurt.” Lady Browne gave him her purse and was going to add her watch, but ha said, "I am much obliged to you. I wish you good night!” Then he pulled off ids hat and rode away. “Well,” said I, “Lady Browne, you will not be afraid of being robbed another time, for you see there is nothing in It." “Oh, but I am!’i said she. “And now I am in terrors lest he should return, for 1 have given him a purse with my old had money that I carry on purpose.” “He certainly will not open It directly,” 1 said, "and at worst he can only wait for us at our return; but 1 will send my servant back for a horse and a blunderbuss,” which 1 did.