Dickinson received the title of governor somewhat in mockery, but he took it in good part. He flourished rather more than a century ago.
JAMES WHITNEY.
This notorious person, who was executed in 1694, for robbery, was bred a butcher, and it is said that his first attempt at crime consisted in an effort to steal a calf. He and a companion had endeavored, in the course of a certain morning, to purchase the calf; but as the owner demanded an exorbitant price, they determined to steal it the next night.
It happened to be very dark, but, after some parley, Whitney agreed to enter the stable and seize the animal, while his companion watched without. He entered accordingly, and began feeling about for his prey. He soon felt something rough, and taking it for the calf, began tickling it, in order to make it rise. Suddenly, the animal seemed to get upon its hind legs, and anon grasping Whitney with its fore paws, gave him a most severe hug. In this posture, he was forced to stand, lost in astonishment, unable to move, and afraid to cry out, lest he should alarm the inn-keeper or some of the family; the thief without, wondering all the time at his delay.
The latter, at length, putting his head in at the door, said, “What is it that keeps you? Are we to be all night stealing a calf?” “A calf!” exclaimed Whitney; “why, I believe it is the Imp himself, for he has got his paws about me, and keeps me so close that I can’t stir a step.” “Pooh!” cried the other; “what nonsense; but imp or no imp, I should like to see him,—so make haste, and fetch him out at once.”
Whitney was too much alarmed to be pleased with this jesting tone, and immediately rejoined, impatiently, “Oh, do be quiet, and come to my assistance, for I don’t half like him.” The other accordingly entered, and after a little examination, they discovered, to their amazement, that they were deceived.
It seems that a muzzled bear, belonging to an itinerant showman, having been accidentally placed in the stable during the day, the calf had been removed to make room for him. By their joint efforts, Whitney got relieved from the bear’s grasp, when both made off with all speed, half resolved never again to try their hand at thieving, since the trade had had so luckless a beginning.
Unfortunately, Whitney did not mind the warning conveyed by this ill success. He soon after became an inn-keeper in Hertfordshire, and connected himself with a set of people, called Gentlemen of the road. These were robbers, who waylaid travellers, and robbed them of their money, jewels, watches, &c.
These desperate men were in those days so numerous along the great roads in England, that no persons who had money, thought of travelling, unless they were sufficiently armed. Many of these robbers became distinguished for their daring feats, and some of them were almost as famous as Robin Hood. Whitney, at last, became a leader among these men, and a great many wonderful tales were told of his dexterity, boldness, and success. It seems that he pretended to be a generous robber, and the following story is told of him.