The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1863-11-28

DR.. VIM. 7. Rucker, the wellknown
Union leader Of West Virginia, who was
cap, urcd a, the surrender of Summcrville,
in Nicholas County, Va. July, 1862, has
just arrived III Washington, having es-
capped from the Rebel Pentcntiary in
Pittsylvanla, Va. The story of the
treatment and escape of DR. Rucker is
full of interesting and instructive Incl
dent. He was first sent, with other
prisoners, to Sulphur Springs, where he
was put it irons, and otherwise violen-
ly trea ed He was aferward sent to
Lynchburg, where he is well known, and
hence his ac i've loyalty induced even
greater vioeucc. He was put in double
irons, with the cuffs firmly rive ed about
his arms and legs. In August he was
sent to Richmond, and closely confined
iu Castle Thunder, with special guard
over him to prevent his escape. While
at Richmond, he saw two Union prison
crs sho: at Libby, and one at Castle
Thunder, on The most trivial provoea-
tions.
Gov. Letcher represented to the Re-
bel Secretary of War that Rucker was a
notorious character, guilty of treason
against the State Of Virginia, and there
fore he should of right be surrendered to
the State au horities for trial. After
considerable correspondence on the sub
ject, the Confederate authorities consen-
ted, and turned over the prisoner to be
tried for crimes alleged to have been
committed against the State of Virginia
He was accordingly taken from the pris-
on at Richmond, sent to Allegany Coun-
ty, and confined in Jail to await his trial.
Ten separate indie mems were brought
against him-one for "murder," one for
"treason," three for "horse stealing"
one for "corn stealing" two for "nigges
stealing," one for "wagon stealing" and
one for 'sbridge burning" Dr. Rncker
believes that he escaped being indie ed
for several other crimes simply because
they did not occur to the mind Of the
Grand Jury.
On the charge of murder the prison er
pleaded change Of venue, which was
sustained, and the case was sent to
Botetourt County for trial. In the
Botetourt Court he put in the plea of
previous acquittal. This plea was also
sustained but Immediately after the de-
olson of the Court, Acknowledgement
Upper gave no; ice that he would fl lie a
bill of replica ion, to the effect that de-
PENDANT had procured fraudulent ac-
qui tai. The bill was filed, and defcn-
dant's counsel moved for immediate trial
on the replication. This was refused
and on moion of counsel for the Com
monwcaIth he case was con inued.
On all the other charges, Dr. Rucker
pleaded alien enemy, but being citizen
of West Virginia be was held to be a CT
tsen Of Virginia, and hence the plea was
disal owed. The rial was several times
continued and of en- deferred, though the
prisoner vigorously urged trial, know
ing that the sooner his case was brought
to q crisis the better it would be for him.
The prisoner was forced TO employ
four different counsel at $4,000 each,
and these were threatened with mob vi
olence in case they appeared in the de-
Tense. When nearly year had passed
IN fruitess effort to procure a trial,
during which time Dr. Ruckcr was held
in close confinement, the Uni ed States
Government determined to hold one Dir.
Green, an Assistant Surgeon in he Re-
bel army, of Danville, Va. as hostage
for The return of Ruckcr.
In June, 1863, he was removed to the
prison at Pittsylvania, which is the
strongest and most secure place of con.
fnement in the s ate. The cell in
which Bucker was confined is lined in
every part with heavy iron grating in
side of massive wall, the windows and
door were double barred inside and out
and the doors were securely Dol ed anc
locked.
1t was evident to the friends of Dr.
Bucker that escape was now impossible
and he was given over as lost friends
we're not allowed to visit his cell, bu
bisteI enemies had full priyilege to taun