Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1839-12-16

CUrrIrs AND RvSHIHe rson tn. Eeyrr,As
ToAss -Yestsriay morning all the indefstixabilitv.
together 18th slithe watchfulness," aud "al the
lysx- eyednsss," which pervade the police Office
ana the "Ionbs,' were in a terrible pucker Tive
| prisoners had escaped! This, in an ordinary way.
would have been = mere circumstance; but when il
recolccted that o them had all along pro-
missed 10 absquatuate--had said most decidedly that
there not prison this continent that could
detan him, when he was tired Of solitade-why the
honor Of the 'indefatigables" somewhat COM
promised especially this bcaster had tried
TO escape once before, and by dint Of great good
luck had his Intentions frustrated, for time. On
this occasion he not only took himself off but took
of another big rascal, just by way Of sympathy or
some otlcl kindred virtue. The style and title of
this descendant Of Jack Shspard,i William Tkomp-
son, alias Hail. alias Jackson alias Dupree, alias
trown. Seine weeks back, he was, a rested in q
t9or stone in Cedar street late mt night, aRd under
sIch circumstances rs left No doubt OF his intentions
in getting into the premises On this charge he was
fully committed 10 take his trial. Alter he had been
a few days in prison il ascertaned that he was
one oi he most accomplished " cracksmen this side
the Atlantic. lie is not only celebrated for his skill
at breaking into houses, where there is thing 10
he Ct, hut he is, ike his protosype, equally sk,ul
in getting oat e those uncomfortable residences
yclelt stone Jugs.' He was once tri.d and con-
Scted in the state OF Pennsylvania, and adjudged TO
solitary confinement in Moyamensing prison. = his
place had always been deemed the securest prison in
the weed, and fs Argus eyed keepers used to boast
that NOT one escaped. from their custody
Thompsoi heard this boast and retired res gai-
~ singing
" Stone walls do not prison make,
Nor iron bars cage,
Tie keen eyed rhiIa Optic rake
Can himself diengale
From such cnthrall. As easily
AS stupid keepers turn hey"
The next merning he was gone and with hin, de-
Isrted he glory and boasted security Of the state
prison cf Pennsylvania. How many .ther stone
walls this zero has violated, or how msny iron bars
hchas rueily ravishr from their hxings. il viii
m ain f,r his autobiography 10 inform II is only
few weeks since he tried 20 burn down .he door Of
his Cell in our Hoase 81 etestion. Happily ne was
discovered, heayiiy ioned. and chained To the wall
in aaother part of the prison Not at all discou-ag-
cd Thompson, II seems set 10 work afresh, aud by
means Of an old file, contr,ed 10 push back the three
bolts al the locks which hasten the inner door OF the
cell He then got open the door on the outside,
made tis way out ~ the corr.or iIto the passage
which leads To the Court at Sessions, succeeded IN
getisg open the door al that which leads into
the yeslihule - tie buding, and Of course the
SINAI iron gates formed but title impeachment 10 his
cnJpyiug the delights al freedom. The who ac-
on.paa'ed Tion.l son is known as George Roye;
he haS been conscted Of burglary, and awaiting
hi sentence AZ the present term of the Court.
IL seen their ahsesce was first discovered at,3
oclociSin The morning and every prro uiion used 10
re take them, but without sncces. Ii old be mead
less 10 enlarge upon.the frequency Of similar es-
capes from this building, or on The ute wait OF sys
ten w'i,cl seems IL persade the whole establish
ment. We DO not know that any more hlarue il to
he attao had 10 The prcsen officials than their pre-
decessors. The Keeper should have the entire con-
oil, and he should he Ia Id responsible. At present
. the higher powers" can adrait persons WHOM he
refuses, and thus the responsible iii be shifted
from the shoulders Of one 10 the other unt like the
security III the pri all vanshcs Iniu thin air.
l. an inluiry be instituted and refo efiec ed by
the Comma N Council Above all, let tbs keeper be
10 reside within the walls.