The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-11-17
WASHINGTON ITEMS.

CoLoRED MAN SUsPECTED.-The Star says,
Saturday morning, Alfred Lee, well-known
colored man, for many years dealer in meal,
grain, and horse-feed, in this city, was arrested
by officer Yeatman on suspicion Of being con-
cerned with DR.. Boyd, now in custody at West.
minister, in running off a slave of Mrs. S. +.
Howell. The ground of suspicion was the find
ing of bag or bags, marked A. Lee" with
the woman, and also a rumor that one of the
horses in Boyd's possession belonged to Lee.
The Justice required s 900 security for a
further hearing on Monday week. Lee bears
so good reputation in this city, that though
the office was filed with the stoutest of Pro
Slavery men, not one believed that he was
guilty of any participation in the affair. 1t is
notorious that Lees feed-bags have been in
very general use where coarse material would
answer. Lee saws he don't know Boyd or the
woman never gave a cent to any siave-steal
er's project in his life, and asks suspension
Of public opinion until after the final hearing.
A BEGGAR CoNsPIRAToR,-The Washington
correspond ent of the Baltimore Sun says
son Friday evening last, Detective Allen ar
rested stout-built man who was wandering
along Seventh street. On being Intercepted,
the stranger said he was from Harpers Ferry.
He bore the appearance Of having been ail in
telgent man, with an intellect somewhat isa
paired. A partial examination of his body dis
covered numerous marks or scars, which indi-
Gated sharp practice in some way. After ex-
animation, Justice Thomas c. Dom held the
prisoner for another hearing. Officer A lien
telegraphed Governor Wise, who quickly re-
sponded, directing him to inform President
Buchanan, and telegraphed to Harper's Ferry
and Charlestown, Va, for persons to come and
identify the man arrested.
"This morning, Messrs. Michael Ault, George
s. Calls, George Hufmerster, Timothy Harring
ton, and Linn Curry, of Harper's Ferry, reached
here i'll the cars. They were accompanied by
of Baltimore, who happened to be at Harper's
Ferry when the call was made Justice Dom
Captain Goddard, Deputy Marshal Phillips, and
other officers, met at the prison. They were
soon joined by officer Allen, the Baltimore off
GERS, and the visiting gentlemen.
Tie prisoner was brought down in the
guard room-a poor, degraded, lazy-looking in
dividull, now considerably improved under the
cleansing operation of the prison. and the kind
ness of some of the guards who had furnished
him with articles of clothing.
His fist examiner was Mr.. Ault, who al
once recognised the prisoner as having passed
and paid toll to him last Sunday morning, on
the Harper's Ferry bridge. He told Mr.. A
that he was going TO Columbia. Said Mr.. A.
Did you not tell me that you we're going &c
Columbia p well, said the prisoner, this as
the District of COlumJia.' The visiting gen
tlemen all recognised him as having been ar
rested at Harper's Ferry, but there being nc
evidence against him, he was suffered to de
part, on condition of his leaving the place in 6
few hours.
IT is certain that the loathsome appearance
of his entire body is caused by vermin. In re
ply to question from Captain Goddard h'
said, When a young man, the Freemasons
had broken his wrist He intended to reside
here was born in Philadelphia, claimed re
lationship with respectable citizens OF Boston
&c The entire interview seemed to satisfy thu
visiters, as we'll as most others present. that thu
prisoner is sort of national pauper,' who will
find employment soon in our work-house. U
course, he remains in custody, and probabl
will for some days"
We find in the States thrilling account q
the arrest of this fellow. According to tina
journal, he admitted his completely in Brown
attack on Harper's Ferry, and had shot-wound
upon his back and neck. We quote as fol
lows:
He was searched, and, on removing hi
outward apparel, he proved to be in disguise
not over "a or &c.
"A further examination disclosed the fact Q
fresh shot wounds, from his neck all over HI
breast.
He was then accused by the officer of be
ing one of the tribe of Ossawatomie Brown
a fugitive from Justice. He admitted that b
was in the armory at Harper's Ferry at tn
time of the riot, and made his escape to tn
mountains, and took refuge, till within fey
days he reached the District of Columbia.
He feigned to be insane, and said he wa
an educated gentleman, and wealthy-born il
Pennsylvania, lived in Boston and Philade
phia He refused to render any other accoun
of himself, denying any knowledge of or com
munication with Ossawatomie, or the conspil
aey at Harpers Ferry.
There acas found on his person ldrge-sia
Pocketknite, case Of needles, and spool Q
black thread"
Ifthis last fact, in regard to the arms born