The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1858-02-09
Execution of McDougaI.

scene. |...
We have before us the first number Of
the Ligonier Register, containing full
account Of the late proceedings in Noble
County, Ind. From it we extract tie fol-
lowing reasons for the coune pursued, and
desert tion of the execution:
1t is we'll known fact, that for years
our county and La Grange have been
known hundreds Of miles, as the dens Of
blacklcgs Of every conceivable grade, and
honest citizens, while from home, have
hardly dared to own their place of resi-
dence, for fear Of being looked upon as
one not safe TO run at large, and, rs the
sequel will show, not without cause
Years since, while our country was new,
and hiding places plenty, the notorious
Latta, Hill, Ulmer & Co., formed their
nucleus near the Tamarack, as n place
where all might meet TO take counsel, lay
| plans, manufacture. counterfeits, and be
safe from harm. For years their gang, in
q measure, controlled our elections and
sat upon our juries, thus rendering the
laws Of no avail. Year after year has
passed away, and the same state of things
has continued. Our horses, buggies, bar-
uesses and other property have been stolen
by the Wholesale; our stores broken open
and goods taken. Our citizens have been
met by the highwayman, and at the pis-
tolls muzzle, robbed, and in one instance,
stabbed; and so well wero their plans laid
that detection seemed impossible.
Thus, for years, has this banditti pur-
sued their course; no man, or his property
were safe while this gang remained in their
midst. If, by chance, one was arrested,
he would be released by his comrades,
break Jail, 60 on inadequate straw hail, or
if held to court, be sworn clear by his con-
federates under the oliJi dodge, until our
citizens lost all hopes as to the laws ac-
complishing the desired result.
By chain Of fortuitous circumstances,
about week since, the gang, their num-
bcrs and places of deposit, became known,
when Committee of Vigilance was form
ed TO bring them to justice. The result
was, some twenty-five were arrested, and
Of the number fourteen are now in Jail,
well guarded, while others have not yet
been examined. During the Investigation,
it became known that one of the gang, a
former accomplice of the notorious Town-
send one Gregor McDougal, alias Grcgor
McGrcgor, Geo. McLane, Geo. Bates, was
in custody OF the court; man, who, by
his own confession, WAS born in Wallace
burg, Kent county, Canada West, in the
year 1881, where he commenced his ca
reAr Of crime by breaking into the Chath-
am Jail, where bis brother was confined,
robbing he jailor's wife of purse Of gold /;
also robbing the schoolmaster Of watch,
on the ice; and names other affairs in Can
ada, the details of which, from policy, are
ut present withheld from the public. De
tails which stamp him rs one OF the most
| desperate and hardened villains that the
annals OF crime present. Since April last,
he, with two othcis, bavo stolen no less
| than thirty four horscs, broke two jails,
robbed four stores and two tanncries, took
the cntilo loads of two pcdlars, besides a
large amount of harness, saddles, buggies
and other property tco numerous to men
ton; WHO publicly boasted tliat no Jail
could hold him, and that he feared neither
| God, man nor the devil. Further, there
seems to bc other and deeper acts, which
he did not confess, and which VIC will
briefly detail.
The deputy L. S. Marshal of Michigan
states, under oath, that lc has had in his
| possession for soine time, reward from
Canada, for the apprehension of this man,
for tho crimes Of robbing, an attempt to
break Jail, and murder. McDougal con.
fesses to his identity in the acts of robbing
and attempt 10 break Jail at Chatham,
Canada, to release his brother, but denies
that the murder occurred. The Marshal,
| Mr.. Halstcad, however, states that he went
TO Canada twice 10 investigate the matter
and that the murder WAS committed upon
the very person that McDougal confcsses
Of robbing, TO wit: the jailor's wife Of tho
prison whore McDougal's brother was con-
fined. Added TO tlis, We have tho testi
mony Of confederate, taken separate and
apart from the statement of the Marshal
that McDougnl, in relating his exploits
stated that these occurrences took place,
and that he gave the blow that caused the
| death.
McDougal also confesses to robbing n
scnOOIInastCr OH the HP, out UcOIcB Ills
murder. We have from the same authori-
tics, and others, that the schoolmaster was
not only robbed, but murdered and found
de, d OH tho ice.
One other crime We mention and close
this narrowing and sickcning detail. This
former confederate, heretofore mentioned,
states that McDougal informed him that
he and another accomplicc, hearing Of a
Scotcbman that had received quite sum
of money proceeded 10 rob him Of the
treasure. With pistol to their victims
breast they demanded his money. He
told them that he had deposited il in o
Bank. After a search and not believing
his statement they proceeded to divcst
him of what clothing was necessary and
procuring live Goals of fire, roasted him
upon them; they released him before death
occurred, becoming satisfied that their vic
tim had told them tho truth.
McDougal in his confession, qualities by
| saying that he held his accomplices' horses
whilo they did the act. We leave our
readers TO Judge Of the executed mans
completely in these acts.
Proofs being positive, jury of citizens,
a