Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-03-16
HORRIBLE AFFAIR IN THE ILLINOIS PENI
TERTIARY.
!, st. Louis News, of Tuesday last, say.:

The st. Louis News of Tuesday last, says:
We learn from gentleman from Alton that an
outrage occurred at the State Pehtentisry 10 that
place. yesterday, which, for novelty, audaclty and
desperation, surpasses anything In tho history OF
prison rebellion we ever heard Of
After breakfast. yesterday morning. prisoner by
the nsme OF Hall, seven years man, came IN the
turnkey. Mr.. Crabbe. and complained OF being un-
WE'LL The turnkey conducted Hall to his cell for the
purpose of locking him up, when, just as he was
opening the door, the convict drew slungshot and
struck Mr.. Crabbe q severe blew on the forehead,
which left deep wound and felled the turnkey to
the floor. lie then dragged him into the cell and
shut the door.
A prisoner who had witnessed the affair, info rmed
the warden, Mr Buckmaster, who repsred with as.
sistants to the spot When they reached the door,
the desperate was seen through crack, to be stand
Ing with appraised dirk the body OF the PROSTATE
turnkey. He warned the officers not to enter, and
threatened, in they should approach the door to
do go, to plunge the dirk into the heart of the turn
key, whose hands were bound 30 As to be unable TO
make the slightest resistance
Hall further commanded the officers to proceed to
Springfield instantly procure pardon from the Gov.
ernor. provide him with loaded revolver, one hun
dred dollars in gold aud carriage. These should be
handed to him in the cell, when he and the turnkey
would march out together, he with his pistol pointed
at the turkeys head. They together we're to take
possession of the carriage and drive out Of the city
and when he considered himself safe from pursuit. ne
would release the turnkey and take care OF himself
He swore that unes, these stringent conditions were
complied with, he would butcher Mr. Crabbe, even
though his own life should pay the penalty.
In this attitude the affair stood all day yes ferdsy'
and up to O'Clock, this morning. The officers, I'M
willing to release The prisoner and more unwilling
still to the turnkey killed, were undecided what
to do. pardon had been obtained from the Gov
ernor to be used in the last extremity: The convict
had been shot at through an opening n the door, but
lodged the ball He did not sleep last night, but SAT
up, with the terrible dagger constantly raised above
bis victim. Heha been promised exemption from
punishment, if he would submit and 90 quietly to
work; but be will not accept this compromise Is he
declares that they will kill him in the event OF his
succumbing.
Thus the matter stood when informant left this
morning. The warden, Mr. Buckmaster, had deter
mined TO end the affair some way or other to day
and end the suspense.
The st. Louis Leader, of Wednesday evening, thu.
records the tragic termination of this unprecedented
event:
Last evening, all other means having failed, the
warden, Mr.. Buckmaster, had the door broken IN;
but, as the officers entered the CELL the desperate
prisoner plunged his dirk into Crsbbes heart, and
was, moment after, ridded with balls by the en-
ragged company.