The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-08-18
Desperate Fight with Gang or 8uru,arx-,
cry Waterman shot-Two of nc Rob--
beers Caught.


From the Albany Atlas Augustlel
Between one and two O'Clock this morning as
two of the night police, James Wilson and Thomas.
Meads, were passing through Liberty street, they
discovered person sitting upon stone wall OF
building consumed in the great fire of 1873. Upon
being questioned why he was there at that time OF
night, he gave the watcbnlen evasive aud unsatis-
factory answers. While intenogatiug him. the
watchmen. heard a noise IN the of VIM. Mitch
ellis liquor store, which fronts on Broadway and
runs through 10 Liberty street, and Wilson pro-
ceeded to the spot, while Meads arrested the man
sitting upon the wall.
In a moment, the report Of pistol was he ard
and Wilson, staggering, exclaimed " | am shot"'
whereupon, Mead, tuning to assist his companion.
lost possession of his prisoner. A chase then oc-
CURED, each of the burglars, three IN number,
taking dliierentdirectons One ran through Unon,
down Hamilton streets, and when about entering
DeAler's stable, was caught by George A. Barnard
and Michael Mcmahon, two other watchmen: He
was recognized as a person whose name is HOgh
Johnson, and Is the man first discovered sitting
upon the wall, acting, no doubt, as u seutinel-
When taken, he was brandishing in one hand
six'barreled revolver, and i'll the other a large
dagger, the blade Of which is fully eight inches 10
length.
This man was taken to prison, and the officers
dispatched to his boarding house, where they
found his trunk, which was conveyed 10 the police
office and opened. Among its contents were found
three or four pistols, identified by Mr. Otis Churchlt
as those which were stolen from bis store Sun
day night a week The dagger taken from the
hands of Johnson was also recognized by Mr.
Churchill, as one taken from his store
In the trunk was also found several pocket pearl
handle knives, which were identified by clerk of
Messrs. Pmyn Il Vosburg, as having been taken
from their store, some ten days since, when il was
entered in the night by burglars, through the
scuttle.
common carpenters morticing was found
in The area, under the rear door of Mr.. MtchelPs
store, which was evidently being used in attempting
10 force opeu the doors, when they Were discoy-
ered as the impression which is left corresponds
will he nf "a In heir
hasty retreat the burglars also dropped their dark
lantern, which was shortly after found y ing in the
alley.
Johnson appeared at the police office, under the
charge of officer Brainard at ten o'clock this
morning. He manifested stoica indifference,
not even desiring the assistance of codnsel, and
when asked by the police justice whether he de-
sired any assistance in the examination he scarcely
gave AN audible reply. He is young man, some
25 years OF age, about i've feet inches in height
of a florid complexion, dark hair, aud wears "A
rather sullen countenance. He possesses a p0wes--
full frame; and possesses strength and nerve, we
should judge, co npetent to cope with any ordinary
antagonist. With the weapons he possessed when
taken, he could have defended himself with great
effect.
We learn that Messrs. Meade and Wilson, who
discovered the burglars, are not attached 10 the
Watch Department proper, but volunteered their
services to the city authorities. They have been
constant duty during the last eight nights ira
versiDg the streets in search Of the midnigh, rob
beers who have recently annoyed our citizens by
their depre datlOns.
Mr.. Wilson was shot by one OF the escaped bur
glars the very moment they were discovered by
him. One shot entered through the nose and
glanced under his eye, tearing of the flesh
Another shot passed into the bridge of the nose
We understand that he is in very bad condition.
and may perhaps lose the sight Of his eye. Ii the
ball had entered one inch further back his instant
death would have been inevitable. These two
men deserve something more substantial than n
mere vote of thanks from our citizens.
The police justice waived minute examine
ton to day, stating TO Johnson that time would be
given him TO consult counsel if he desired to do
He WAS then re-commited to prison.
One or both of the other burglars were recog-
nzed during the afray, and, no doubt, will speedily
be arrested.
The excitement at the police office was intense.
Hundred Of citizens gathered thither to obtain a
glance at one of the dcsperadoes, who has, during
the last month or so, created much alarm. II
his hands had been reeking with the blood Of halt
q dozen citizens more anxiety and eugerness would
net have been manifested.
Another of the desperate villains, named John
Finnigan, was arrested about noon and committed
to prison
Thus, at length, the operations OF the gang OF
burglars which has 80 long infested our city with
their consecutive depredations, are probably for
time, at least, brought TO close, and our citizens
rest secure again.