Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1855-05-25

ARREST OF LEWIS BAKER, THE MURDERER OF BILL
PooLE.-The arrest and safe arrival at New York, of
Lewis Baker, the murderer OF Bill Poole, seems to
have caused the most intense excitement in that excl
table city. Five columns of the Times are occupied
with the particulars of the voyage of the famous
clipper Grapeshot the arrest of the desperado and
Of his conduct on the return voyage. From the dia
ry of of the police officers sent in pursuit of the
fugitive we make the following extract. 1t is dated
on board OF the Grapeshot, while at Cape Palmas:
TUESDAY, April 17-Last night at II O'Clock, the
wind being fresh and blowing from the north for these
several days, it was proposed that the barque get
der way and stand off and to be ready to intercept
the Jewett in she should make the land by day
light We weighed anchor and stood for the island
of Tenerife. Sunrise tackled ship and stood for the
harbor we had left. Discovered brig under the
land standing towards the town. Soon made her
out to be an American brig; made all SAIL and soon
pronounced her to be the Isabella Jewett At 81
O'Clock Overhauled her, about 81 miles from and
directly opposite the city. We hailed her, fired two
guns lowered our boat and boarded her, and arrested
Lewis Baker.
"He was seen at the wheel from our ship before we
got into our boat. And before we boarded the brig
he left the wheel and went into the cabin, not having
! the least suspicion who were, and intending to
leave by the first opportunity that offered itself. He
took all the money he possessed, being 500 in gold,
and put it in the fob pocket OF his pantaloons. He
came on deck again and went forward to look at Us.
| We boarded the Jewett about midshIps, jumped on
deck, (the captain standing in the waist) One of
our number being selected by spokesman, asked
" Are you the captain ?
" He replied Yes
1--WE sad Lewis Baker is on board of your YES
sci and we want him
"'Lewis Baker 2 replied the captain 'there is no
such man.
! cat this moment Baker who was watching the
whole of the proceedings, came from forward and
started for the cabin, we having our eye upon him,
and as we intercepted his retreat said. How are
| you, Lew . and stretched out our hands to shake
hands with lin; at the same moment we all sur
I rounded him-one taking him by the arm, another
by the wrist, another by the shoulder, &c, SC, and
forced him on his back the gunwales of the boat
that was on deck, and so Tut the irons upon him
he protesting and making all the resistance he was
able: calling out what does this mean !? What is
this for What do you want of me! We told him
he must go with He said he would not, and we
could not take him-haloing out, Captain, captain
these set Of pirates, and have come to take me
lhen' appealing to the men OF the brig Men, will
you let them take me- Two men belonging to the
brig said that we should not take him.
''The captain interfered, and said to US, Here
you are too fast! What is all this about q Baker
said, They are set of pirates, and they want &c
take me- One of us said, will blow the first
mans brains out that interteres, and presented pis
tol The captain said something that could not
distinctly hear when of loudly remarked, If
he nterfered that would take him. also. Baker
was Struggling and saying, Let go into the
cabin; you here with pistols you have the ad
vantage OF me; have got nothing TO defend myself
with | will not 60 unit! | see the captain of the
port He recognised the most of us, and called US
by name, saying, Do you get paid for taking me {!
and begged of to let him go into the cabin and he
t would 60 with During this time we inquired fo
his trunk and clothes two of went into the cabin
and brought them on deck midshps; finding all re-
sstance in vain, and being assured he 60, deaC
or alive and that the easiest way the best way
he asked for his things in the cabin, and gave direc
tons where they could be found. We found his box
containing Colts revolver, each barrel heavily loaded
! and capped with the key in the box, and the boz
unlocked; with flask of powder, caps and ball, We
took charge of all, put them into the boat with him
brought him on board the Grapeshot, made all sail
and stood for home.
The time did not occupy ten or tifteeI
minutes from the time left the barque until
turned with him. Baker had no idea that were
sent after him, and thought that they wrong
| Oh that wanted to put pilot on board. He ha(
hickory stripe shirt, and in his shirtseeves
wore also cap. He stood no watch during the pas
sage, but was on the briggs papers by the name o
VIM. A. Browne Before the boat left the side of tn
brig explained to the captin of the Jewe wha
the arrest for He appeared to be thunder-strck
en-, and much frightened said he knew nothing abou
r it ; will they do anything with me 2!