New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-07-14

DESPERATE ArrExPr Of ~ OLD OFFENDER To
EscAFE FRoy TIE TonBs "A Desperate sttsmp. on
tie ra,t CT az old of uier named Caleb Gushing as
Johnson to escspe from the City Prison, where be La,
been foi some time past confiued awaiting his t,sl
charge Of petit lacery, was discovered day or Two
ago ana the designs Of the pris,ner frustrated. Last
Saturday Deputy Keeper Mulisn, who has chsrge o.
the third ter, in ole Ct the cells o. which, Nc. 70
Cushing was confined mad bis attention attracted by
su,pioous-lookirg fellow VITO entered the prison on
"psss ard went to the cell Of the prisoner where be
remained some time, apparently eOgsgei IN earnest
conversation with him. While so engaged the visitor
kept close watch upon he movements Of The Dep
uty ard every moment or two locked about 10 zee II
any ore was observing him. The Deputy, from the
peculiar movements of the vster suspected something
was wrong, and accordingly kept close watch upon
the prisoner until day before yesterday, when ne de-
termned upon thoroughly investigating the mater
Deputy MuIsn .hen communicated with Deputy
CleamaD, and the two preceded TO Cushirgs CELL
MuIlau, BY wsy Of trying the prisoner feelings, told
him thst he vas gorg 10 tes down several newspapers
that we're fastened against H. ard hsvs the esl white
washed and thoroughly ceansed. Gushing, upon
hearing this, became greatly excited sni with a
yoey of oaths sad that certain persons were consprng
TO involve him still deeper in trouble. The officers
were st once convinced that something was wrong from
the scons OF Cushng but lid not a. the moment take
any action IN the prenses After the lapse OF an hour
or two they again entered the CELL aud saw on the
shelf knife and razor. Deputy Muan stepped forward
70 seize Cushing when the latter backed toward the
wall of bis CELL at the time making an effort 20
draw something from his fob pocket. Deputy Ciesr-
man noticed the movement, and, springng forward,
grabbed the prisoners hands. Upon seNching him the
officer found tws.edged dagger seoretsd between his
pants and shirt l. was undoubtedly the intention Of the
villain to take the life of his Keeper as lie hsi repeat
edy been heard to say since bis Incarceration that he
had been to State prison once and would never be
sent there again alive and that he would take the life
of any one who should be instrumental in sending him
back 10 his old quarters. The prisoner was hand
cufed and Oh ain and ball attached to his feet, after
which he was removed TO cell the lower corridor
Upon tearing down the newspapers that were
tackled agsirs st the rear wall Of Cushngs CELL the Off
Ger found that hole had been made and several srgs
stones removed. The prisoner had broken pieces from
his iron bedsa al in order to obtain implements TO ena
bic him to break away the wall A foot AMI a hsf
deep of solid masonry had been removed, the stones
and rubbish being secreted under the bed. The hole
when completed, would have admitted his body, and
il was evidently bis design to lower nsef by means
OF rope WHICH "oWu piOoaOy ho'e pOoN '"ff''" y!
an aocomplce. Had he gained the yard his chances OF
escape would have been doubtful as half dozen tero-
cous bulldogs are released al night, and the night
watch would have detected him. Gushing has served
enc term in State Prison for forgery, and but recently
came Off Blaokwells Island, where be hsi been con-
fired six months for srceny. He is % yesrs OF age
ard native Of Charleston, S. c where his relatives
reside On the occasion Of his last arrest tic gave tue
officer the slip, but osPtvred a',~r oxc't'rS
chase.