Gettysburg Compiler
(Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)
November 6 Page 2
Cumberland, Md., Oct. 27 1822
MURDER!!
Mr. William Polling, of this county, was shot on Sunday night last, about
7 or 8 miles from this place, by a negro man belonging to a Mr. Stewart of Virginia. The wife and children of the
negro, we understand, had been sold by their master, and Mr. Milbourn, of this place, accompanied by Mr. Polling,
were going to the house for the purpose of bringing them away. The negro fellow awaited their approach, and on
perceiving them, immediately lodged the contents of a musket in the side of the unfortunate Polling, who survived
but a few hours.
The murderer has been committed to the jail of Romney, in Virginia, to await
his trial. – Herald.
[Submitted by: Nancy Piper]
Cumberland, Md. Aug. 13 (1826)
Strong suspicions having been entertained by many of our citizens that the late fire was the work of a vile incendiary
and those suspicions having been strengthened by a report that a certain James Palmer of Hampshire county, Virginia
had declared his intention to fire our town, about twelve or fifteen of the young men of the place on Wednesday
night last, after having equipped themselves with arms of defense, proceeded to the residence of this notorious
desperado whom they found at home and on the lookout, but they took him rather by surprise and after having secured
him, proceeded to search his house and found secreted a large quantity of dry goods, &c which had been stolen
on the night of the fire, from Mr. Beall’s stock. He was brought to town and after an examination, committed to
jail, there to await his trial at Court in October next. No doubt is entertained of the guilt of this man in setting
fire to Mr. Beall’s mill, but proof positive of this fact has not yet discovered itself, but there is proof abundant
to fix the guilt of theft upon him and we trust he may be made an example to others whose corrupt natures would
suffer them to be guilty of so base an act.
Much credit is justly due to the young gentlemen who took this daring wretch.
[Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania August 30, 1826 -
Submitted by Nancy Piper]
