Delaware State journal and statesman., 1869-07-06
Another Revolt at Sing Sin. =.

Only a short time since the Tribune gave
Il iull history Of a revolt at Slug Sing prison,
which resulted in the death OF keeper and
the killing OF convict. Not many days pre-
vious To that occurrence there had been
another revolt, and during the succeeding
week there was still another. Revolts were
becoming epidemic, and for while it ap-
peared as though the convicis held full con-
troll of the institution. Much of this deplora-
Bile condition of affairs was doubtless owing
10 the overcrowding of the prison, and ac-
cordingly, n few days subsequent 10 the last
bloody revolt, large number of desperate
criminals, including (it is said) Steve BOYLE,
the famous bulcher-cart thief, were trans
ferred to Clinton Prison, where the disci-
pine is very admirable. Even with this
transfer Sing Sing was still overcrowded.
Each day il received new accessions, and
within n few weeks was as crowded as be-
fore. Another reason for the frequent bold
outbreaks of convicts is the knowledge they
possess Ol the almost utter uselessnesss OF
many of tho guns carried by the keepers. II
is SAID TINT some of the guards are armed
with what is known as the Harper's Ferry
muskei, Il weapon which will scarcely do as
good execution as paving stone in the
hands ol determined convic'
On Wednesday seven convlcis, headed by
the notorious Henry Watson OF New York,
made desperate attempt 10 escape by means
OF the sloop Martha and Elizabeth, which
they were engaged in unloading This gang,
under charge ul keeper, were engaged in
unloading wood from the slonp, aud had
worked well from early morning; but, al 8
O'clock, when the anchor of the vessel was
raised to enable her crew To change her no.
sitiun, one OF the convicts, armed with a
heavy billet of wood, rushed on board, and.
aeizlng The captain, threatened to take his
lite if he made an outcry. Meanwhile the
other conVicts busted themselves In showing
of the vessel and cutting her lines, SO that
by the time the first man had elected the
captain they were all ready 10 embark. In
a moment the vessel floated out into the
stream, and the convicls pulled with a will
at the sail halhards, hoping that the iayor-
ing wind would wait them beyond the hated
precincts OF Sing Sing before the officers
could oYertake them. While the sail was
being hoisted the guard of the dock gave
| The alarm, and IN u lew moments a number
of guards assembled and poured yolley in.
to the vessel. Watson had the helm, and
exhibited the utmost contempt i0r the guards
and their bullets. One shot took effect on
Drake, who was hoistng the sail, and as he
| iell upon the deck, wounded in the breast
the others (excrpling Watson) went below
and the sail, which had been more than hall
hOisted, came down on The run. BY this
time small boat, containing Ellis Ward
Gone oi the famous Ward bIothers) and
Thomas +. Adams Of New York, both keen.
ers in the prison. had started after the yes
sol. The iib was flying when they reached
the sloop, and Watson still held the helm.
but on beng ordered to surrender, he and
the other unwounded men delivered them.
selves up without resistance. Drake was
taken To the hospital, where his wound was
| lam luatu s,t fat IhT.
and the other convicts were put in irons and
placed in strong cells. 1t is only a few days
since Wilson attempted to Kill one of lie
keepers al the lime kiln.
II would seem that allowing men of his
desperate character to work in places where
escape is possible, is bad policy, since
within the walls Of the institution there are
many shops in which he and others like him
could be employed with profit to the State,
and with grealer chance OF sale Keeping
N. Y. Tribune, Wednesday.