The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-12-11
FuiI particulars of the Escape of
Morgan from the Ohio Penitentiary.

CINCINNATI, Nov. 28.-The names of
the prisoners who escaped with Morgan
are as follows: Capt. J. c. Bennett. Cant
5. b. Taylor, Capt. Ralph Sheldon, Capt.
l.. d. Hines, Capt. L. D. Hokersmith.
Capt G. S. Magee Col. Dick Morgan.
and the six captains who were confined in
the lower range OF cells, had, by means of
two small knives, dug through the floors
of their cells, which is composed of cement
and nine inches of brick work. Under
meath the cells is an cir chamber, extend-
ing the whole length Of the building. Of
this fact the prisoners seem to have been
aware. Once in the air chamber, one of
them could crawl to its terminus and dig
down in the soft earth with bis knife until
the bottom of the foundation of the wall
was reached; then, digging out under,
the thing was completed. Meanwhile,
ropes had been manufactured of the bed
ticking, and all arrangements ere com
pleued for their final escape. Everything
being in readiness by last evening, only
little strategy was necessary for the escape
of General Morgan. He occupied a cell
on the second range, just over the one oc-
eupied by bis brother Dick.
Last evening, as the prisoners were
being locked up for the night, the Nor
gans were permitted to exchange cells
with each other After Dick had seen
everything prepared, he permitted his
brother John to take his place. Some
time during the night the prisoners crawl
ed through the hole they had dug under
the wall, but had skillfully concealed, TAX
ing their rope with them. They escaped
from the prison Immediately between the
main building aud the female department.
Once in the yard, and their escape was
comparatively easy. They went to the
southwest corner of the outer wall, near
the big gate, and threw their rope over the
top, where it secured itself on one of the
spikes. On this rope, and by the aid of
some timbers near at hand, they Chamber
ed to the top, and easily descended on the
outside. There are no guards on the
outer walls after certain hour The
prisoners were dressed in citizens clothes
and not in prison habiliments.
Capt. Hines, who is mason and brick
layer, seems to have had charge of the
work which resulted in the escape of the
prisoners.
A note was left for the Warden of the
prison, of which the following is copy
CASTLE MERoIN, cell No 20, Nov. 9th, 1868.
Commencement, Nov 4lh, 1868. Conclu-
sion. Nov. Doth. 1868. Number of hours for
labor per day, 3. Tools small knives. La
patience est amer, mais sou fruit est dour. By
order of my 6 honorable COnfederates.
HENRY HINES. Capt. C, s.
/ understand that measures have been
taken to recapture the prisoners, which, it
is said, they will find it difficult to elude.
| have t been able to learn what thew
are.
One thousand dollars is offered for Nor
gau, dead or alive. Which way he has
gone no one knows. Some persons think
no has gone southwark, while others have
an idea that he has made for the Lakes,
and will strive to cross to Canada.
All the dwellings and cellars of this city
are being thoroughly searched for the
pr soners
There is much excitement here owing
to Morgan's escape.
The 18th Illinois Cavalry, under COM
mand of Col. HAsBRouoK DAVIS, have re-
enlisted, and arrived at Chicago from
Washington on Saturday last to recruit.
The regiment numbers 5sS officers and
men, out of over eleven hundred names
that nave been on the Adjutant's books.
Some three or four hundred were lost in
the score of battles through which the
regiment has passed. Col. DAVIS is from
good stock; his father was the late
" Honest JOHN DAVIS, formerly Governor
and Senator from Massachusetts his
mother daughter of the late Rev. DIR.
AARON BANCROFT, of Worcester, who read
the Declaration of Independence from the
steps of the old South Church in that
city few days after it was signed He is
also nephew of BANCROFT the historian.
"Blood will tell"
Private G. VRRLoTT, Fifth Minnesota.