Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-07-01
MAIL RoBBER CONVICTED.

| During the June term of the U. S. District
Court, which commenced its session on the
18th at Williamsport, Pa, man named Par
don Barrett was tried and convicted of "advis-
| ing and procuring the robbery of the mail at
Jackson, Susquehanna county, Pa. 1T APP
peared from the evidence, that Barrett and a
young man whose name it would not be prop
| er to reveal at present, in the latter part OF
February suggested to Henry w Fletcher,
aged about thirteen years, son of the Post Mas
ter at Jackson; that Gas the boys in the ar
my were sending home money, he might have
the luck to get some il he were to take let
terS out of the Post Office" In order TO per-
suade the boy into the commission of the Of
fence, these infamous men agreed not only to
''see him out of the scrape if he was caught, -
but promised that, if he would divide with
them the money he obtained, each to have a
third, they would take him to Buffalo and
thence across the Lake into Canada, where
they could not be found, and after the affair
was forgotten, they would all GO to one OF the
Western States, seek retreat in the woods
build hut, and pass their days in hunting
fishing and other sports. By his frequent i'm
portunities, and by constantly keeping this
faciDating prospect before the lad, Barrett
overcame the scruples of little Fletcher, and
hnally induced him, in the beginning of May,
on day when his father had gone to New
Milford, to take package OF letters, out of
which he realized $50. He at once reported
to Barrett, who said, ssYou had pretty good
luck; keep it a-going!'' which the boy did
for three or four weeks; during which time
he distracted upwards of forty letters, which
contained nearly $3.50 in money. Barret had
instructed the boy to take no letters directed
to their own office. but only such as were pas
sing through to neighboring offices, (matter
for several of which, remained over at Jack
son "A hours,) and to take such as con tanned
letters from Washington. He also told him
not to attempt to use any checks or drafts
which he might find, and advised him further
not to carry the money with him, but to hide
1t until the 4th of July, at which time the
three were to meet at Susquehanna Depot,
divide the sspoils," and start on their Jour.
ney. All these precautions and instructions
the boy followed strictly. Barrett did not
take any of the money, probably thinking it
best to wait until as large sum as possible
could be gathered by the lad, but he wanted
to make an arrangement by which he could
borrow $40 week from the latter. por-
tioH of the money (9iGS) was found in shed
adjoining meeting house, and upwards of
thirty of the letters in barn. The attention
of the P. o. Department was drawn to the rob-
berry on the 9th of June. A few days after
Barret was arrested on the 9TH he was taken
10 WiliIamspert on the 18th he was put up
on trial; on the 18th convicted and on the
Goth was confined in the Western Peniteatia-
ry at Allegheny City. In consideration of
Barret's age, ochich is 56 years, His Honor,
Judge NJ Candless sentenced him but to three
years Imprisonment. The Investigation was
conducted by Special Agent Row.