CHILD STEALING AT CHARLEMONT.--On Wednesday evening, the 4th inst., a soldier named DUFFY, belonging to Captain WOODWARD's company, 5th Fusileers, joined his Regiment at Charlemont, with his wife and five children, one of the latter a little more than four years old, and fine looking little boy, who not knowing the locality, wandered the next morning towards the Ulster Canal, farther then [sic] which, no trace of him could be discovered. Every search was made during the course of the day, the bell was rung through Moy and Charlemont, and enquiry made through the entire neigbourhood, but all in vain.

Apprehension being entertained that he had fallen into either the Canal or Blackwater river, (from the latter of which his mother had been carrying water), the parents were in great distress of mind. Matters remained in this situation until Friday, when information was obtained, that a child answering the description, had been seen in company with an improper female named MARGARET BENNET, on Thursday, at the Canal bridge, and subsequently in the direction of Loughgall. Thither the distracted father went, and having obtained the assistance of the police force, he was fortunate enough with the prompt and active co-operation of Sub-Constable CAFFRY to apprehend the unfeeling monster with the lost child in her possession. It appears BENNET represented herself, as the wife of a stone-cutter, by whom she and her helpless son had been deserted, that she was pursuing her way to Belfast in quest of him, and that she had been left without any provision, in consequence of which she was obliged to make a most melancholy appeal to the charitable feelings of the stone-cutters engaged in the work of R. W. C. COPE, Esq., of Loughgall. The men were in the very act of subscribing handsomely for her assistance, when her apprehension by CAFFREY blew up the well planned imposition. Information having been lodged by the proper parties, before JOHN HARDY, Esq., she was committed to Armagh gaol on the 7th inst., for trial at the ensuing Assizes. We trust this unusual incident, will prove a salutary warning to parents, to be more watchful about their children, and that the inhuman wretch who committed such a detestable crime, will meet that condign punishment she so justly deserves.

This reprint is intended SOLELY for the non-commercial use of family historians, with the sincere hope that a Lister may find the content useful. I am not descended from the person(s) mentioned herein.

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