The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-01-31
conspiracy to Murder Two Of the Keep
ers or the city Prison.

conspiracy to Murder Two OF the Keep
ers or the city Prison.
'A.ne siEPHEss AND FELIX SANCHEZ, THE CONsPIR-
BOTH coNvIcTs, ARMED WITH Six BARRBLED
.pvrn THE VILLAINS SEIZED AND Dis
nnnIp-A HOLE DISCOVERED CUT IN THE WALL
OF siEPBENs CELI.-rHEfH PLANS or racapr
ETC. ~ ANs 0H HeoArH'
Eariy sasa evening iuporan, dsc,,ver, ca,cA n,
hsnt AZ Inc Osy Prison, which, had not the facts becoa
Ano"n, "o'o n"e shadow Of doubt but that in all
propaoy the lives Of two Of The keeersor night
men at the Tombs, named Finley and another whoa rr
we could not ascertain, would have been sacrificed and
murdered before assistance could be rendered them T,
desperate plot was one which, from a accounts would
have resuod in Instant death both tho kscpsrs aud the
escape OF two Of the convics James Stephens and Felix
sancnez wi be remembered that Stephens is the man
convicted OF numbering HIS wife, by administering poison
ana is 70 be hung on Friday next Felix Sauches h a
spanish negro convicted Of murder by killing his fasl,r
n'aw, Mr. cusncre, in Sullivan street. about fourtAeu
months ago. Both shcse prisoners occupy cells adoininr
on tne ground ioor of the prison, ut times have had
opportunities Of conversng together.
seems that Is supposed to be the first or,pra
tor Of the plot by which he had hoped To have secured
his liberty and that of Sanchez About two weeks apo he
considered the idea that all hopes Of pardon would bo
useless and accordingly to work to derive means u.
secure his freedom. With the aid Of friend he divulsed
10 the conspiracy, and soon all their plans were made to
carry into execution their murdcrou purpose, and last
night was arranged far be asceaincd TO carry
into execution their deadly work For some time they
were unable to decide upon what weapons should be used
hut finally at the suggestion Of Stephens reviewers were
agreed upon, they beng the most ecctua Accordingly
sepnens undertook to sesure the weapons and by
means at present unknown, but doubt through the
help OF third party, two revolvers loaded each the
muzzle were placed in their hands without the knowledge
Of the wsrdcns or any OF the deputies seems that
has been the habit Of the keepers give the above two
prisoners their suppers the remaining conycts had
been locked UP for the night and was At this time
that the attempt to carry into effect the plot 70
be pcrpeirated Stephens wns the minute the keeper
opened bis cell door, to step ot and shoot him dead and
then to kill the other keeper the like manner; he was
then to procure the keys an release Sanchez and pos
1T, however in some way became known TO the Warden
OF the prison. Mr. Charles sutton about four O'Clock yes
tsrday afternoon and bo at once took prompt steps 70 foil
the fact TO Sheriff Kelly and these two gentlemen with
two others, one Mr. Cunningham, Keeper forthwith
proceeded TO the cells OF the prisoners They called Ste
phens to his cell door, after opening it, and ordered him
10 submit to being searched. at this announcement
Stephens seemed greatly surprised but putting an air Of
armness demured ana said be thought il rather hard
that one whose life short should be subjected TO
being searched even suspected of having any such
signs and ut the same time being apparently very ndig
nant This plea was however, Of avail, aud the War
den, Sutton with Sheriff Kelly and the Others seised
quietly. As soon as tLey took hold of him he made q
desperate struggle and resisted with all his power
finally he was thrown TO the floor and white four held
hm upon bis back the other searched his pockets As
wns suspected, in one OF bis pockets found six
barrel revolver, heavily loaded When was taken out
Stephens eave.up, and hung his head, knowing full
well that it was now all DAY with him. He said
nrthipg, but was Immediately handcuncd by Mr.
Cunningham, and locked up in another cell They then
proceeded 10 the cell OF Sanchez and demanded him to
give The pistol he had In his possession which he In
stsnty did, producing like revolver, loaded 70 the
SnhCheZ were thent taxi tn n
dark cell On the fourth tier handcucd and safely secured
That the plot frustrated is fault Of Stephens
bis desperate character is too well known admit Of
doubt but that had he got out Of his Cell his csape
sure. On scaIchiDg Stephens cell hole discovered
partly made through the side wall between his cell
Sanchez's 1t hid by the bed and segar boxes
How the secret leaked has been ascertaned but
1t s presumed that Sanchez became alarmed aud
"squeaed' The only sure way Of escape for the pr-
soneJs, bad they been successful in killing the two
keepers were to procure the keys pass into the Court
room cbe Special Sessions thence Into the Ere Marshas
Office and opening the outer door, all they had to do
10 scale the iron railing, and they free There is
doubt but some of Stephens friends In waiting during
the pight TO aid them In their fight.