The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1857-10-23

Ep.-CoNFEssIoN OF One OF THE ROB-
BERY.-Robert Pulling alias Elias Whec-
Ter, one OF the Custom House robbers, was
brought to this city yesterday morning, in
the fredericksburg cars, from Washington.
not in custody, but accompanied by Con-
stables Allen and Boss. of the latter place.
1t appears that Wheeler alias Pulling,
whom t. eo.licers have all along regarded
as the chief operator iu the Custom House
affair, on his arrest, last Friday, at the
Washington depot, made certain PROPOSE
tons to the officers, which were not then
entertained but which were subsequently,.
after their return from Richmond talked
over between Pulling and them.
The prisoner. at the final interview.
made proposition that he would tell
where the money was, and deliver all of
it. but such portion as he named, which
he wished to reserve for his own use
He was to giveup $15, 900 of the plumber,
and retain the balance and then 90 scott
free. After seeing the Secretary Of the
Treasury, the proposition was agreed to
by the officers with his concurrence. He
ordered release of Pulling from Jail and
the Marshal discharged him in pursuance
of the directions received. Pulling, who
appears to have been wanting in that dis
trust and caution which we would expect
to find in so adroit a scamp, proceeded
hither with the officers; apparently not
dreaming of any treachery on the part Of
others or meditating any himself. In
deed so well pleased was he with the ar
rangement thatssheilad perfected with the
officers, and so well satisfied was he in
regard to bis own immunity from danger
from his disclosures, that his only anxiety
on his way hither, was as to whether his
pal Someryille, had not. after he left the
city removed the deposits He felt re-
assured after being told Of the finding of
the two check bags in the atter's boots,
for he considered the money safe. Ar
rived here, he proceeded in company with
officer Allen to the frame house on the
North side of Broad street below the stone
arch. After delving for some time under
this structure, entrance to which is easily
obtained from the rear, he produced two
bags while below the arch, and hidden
between the granite boultlers, another bag
and more money was found, the whole,
when counted, being found to amount to
near $15,000; while under the house
Pulling had helped himself to about s.
900, with which he was permitted to 60
off.
The fact tibet they went in to the
creek will readily account for their muddy
boots at the time they come back to the
Ballard House that night
Previously to this. officer Boss had Civ
en- Pulling $45 in Virginia notes to go
away with, in pursuance ofthe agreement
entered into in Washington. Pulling pro-
ceeded to the Peterrbusg cars, intending
to go South. While standing on the plat
form, Boss stepped up and arrested him,
doubtless much to his surprise, He was
told that the Government had not done
with him. The $4,000 in his possession
was handedover to the clerk of the Amer
lean Hotel, and Pulling marched to tie
cage by the officer.
Before the Mayor yesterday, Pulling
seemed much cresttallen and appeared to
entertain an idea that he had been the
victim of a "misplaced confidence" He
Intercepted both officers as to whether
they had not assured him that they could
not appear against him ifhe delivered the
money, to which both answered yes-but
added they did so by directions. The
amount restored reached ST., 1870, inclu-
sive it is believed of the $1,000 found in
Wheeer's valisc
Mr.. S H Gilmer, who appeared as coun-
Gil for Pulling, contended that the testi-
mony given against him was informal,
and such as would be received in no court
ofjustice. 1t was the continued) offensive
to all who had regard to the fidelity of an
oath. ''The prisoner had been entrapped
by mode of procedure unbelievable, dis
ingenious and disreputable." For the
purpose of having time to confer with his
client he asked that the case might be
postponed till o'clock, which request
was granted by the Mayor.
A few moments before - o'clock Mr.
Boss had an interview with Somerville at
the Jail. After telling him the discoveries
that had been made, the latter made a
clean breast of the whole affair. Pulling
had induced him to leave New Orleans
where he was earning his livelihood in an
honest way, and follow him. The rob-
berry was suggested by him on Friday
night, on their first arrival in Richmond.
He refused, and Pulling wished to fight
him. Afterwards he acceded to his sug-
gestions, and watched the Monday night
Pulling entered the Custom House. The
bolt of the door was priced up. The rob-
berry was effected about l o'clock. The
explosion of the safe did not make much
noise. They put the money away that
night.
Somervlle, while making the above
confession seemed deeply agitated and
shed some tears. He said it was his first
operation. Pulling was an old hand
Somerville's wife was expected on here
yesterday, and he would have obtained
policeman's station in New Orleans if he