The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-05-05

adjoining hall. After while they were
missed, and upon investigation it was found
that they had changed their clothing. They
were eeen going out Of the yard. The SEN
tinel had let them pass, they being 30
disguised that he did not recognize
| them. Ford and Donovan had access to
| the Office in the performance of their du-
ties. Mr.. Wardwell was up stairs in his
house when the escape was effected. He
was told Of it, and at once gave pursuit.
Fairbanks had been pardoned q few days
previous, and up to that time had been
staying with the superintendent, declaring
his intention to leave each day. Witness
did not know what the prisoners were doing
in the Office on the evening Of the escape.
They must have been there by permission
Of Mr.. Champion, the officer on duty. Fair
banks, went out Of the prison just pre-
oeding Donovan and Ford, according to the
account of the sentinel. They must have
passed out either by the permission of some
tfficer, or else through neglect of duty on
the part Of the sentinel. Fairbanks re-
turned to the penitentiary on the day after
the escape, and remained with the super
intcndent until the next evening, when he
left the city. Witness had never before
known of superintendent's entertaining
pardoned convict. -z-=-----.
Mr.. E. D. Champion testified that he was
at the penitentiary on the evening OF the
escape. Ford and Donovan came to the
Office and asked to see Fairbanks. They
said they wished to see him before he went
away. They were admitted into the office
by permission Of witness, who sent up
stairs for Fairbanks, in the superintend-
cnt's house. AS he came down, the prison
ers got up and went out into the hall to
meet him. Not over two moments elapsed
between the time that the parties had passed
out Of the Office and the time when the
escape was noticed. The prisoners we're as
secure between the gates as in their cells.
They could not have passed out without
permission unleas under violation Of orders
by the outer sentinel in allowing them to
20 30. Prisoners could not escape through
the gate except in citizens clothes. Witness
attached no blame to the superintendent.
He assumed all responsibility himself, and
told the superintendent that he expected to
be discharged. The outer sentinel was at
once discharged, and every exertion was
made to recapiure the prisoners. Fair
banks came back to the penitentiary at
about 10 o'clock that night. Mr.. Wsrdwell
was up in his house at the time Of the
escape, and had no communication with
the prisoners when they we're out in the
hall. Witness did not give permission to
the sentry to allow the prisoners to leave
the hell and 90 out. A number Of prison
ers are allowed to remain in the yard after
locking.up time until searching time for
the purpose of carrying water, etc. Ford
and Donovan we're not engaged in carrying
water on the evening Of their escape. Wit
ness did not know what they were there for.
They were singing with others in the yard.
They were not serenadipg the superintend-
ent. Witness presumed they we're prac-
ticing for the choir. 1t was observed as a
general rule to lock up the prisoners at sun
set during all seasons Of the year. It was
customary to leave Ford's and Donovsn's
cells open until 8 o'clock every evening.
Witness had seen tobacco brought into the
prison for the use of the prisoners, but
could not say who brought it in. He had
seen it in boxes and papers both. IT had
no United States revenue stamp on it that
witness could see. Had not known the su-
perintendent to bring any tobacco. The
bills for the tobacco we're made out in Mr..
Burr's name, and approved by the Board
Of Directors in his favor. Gould not say in
whose vehicle the tobacco vas brought in.
The man who brought it. in did not belong
to the penitentiary. ....
Mr.. Thompson testified that he was in
Mr.. Champions Office, with Mr.. Theodore
Wardwell, on the evening Of the escape.
Donovan and Ford came to the Office and sat
down. They asked Theodore Wardwell where
Fairbanks was. He replied that he was
up stairs in the superlntendent's office.
Wardwell did not seem inclined to 60. MIR.
Champion went up. Witness went out into
the rear yard; heard men singing went
to hear them; saw confusion in the ofics,
,snd upon inquiry found that Ford and
of the penitentiary and asked Mr.. Burn
ham Wardwell where Fairbanks was. He
replied that he was up stairs. Witness
suggested that he should arrest him ; te
which reply was made that Fairbanks was
clear. Witness, by superintendent per
mission, went down town and gave infor.
nation of the escape at the police station
He returned that night and vent up into
| the superintendent's house. While there
he saw Fairbanks pass down stairs, as hi
said, to get ready TO 60 away. Witness
suggested to superintendent the proprietJ
OF his going down town to institute nea
sures for recapture. Superintendent saie
that he need not. He did not want then
there, as Donovan WAS a thief, and he woulc
be compelled to punish Ford if he wa
brought back. About thirty prisoners were
left out in the yard after. .lecking-u up time
Did not know what for. Some of then
we're required for service in the choir
Witness had seen large paper package o
tobacco in the penitentiary without revenu
1 stamp on it. Witness was employed at tn
penitentiary as interior guard. He Wa
discharged about three months after tn
escape. He did not know what for. Tn
discharge simply stated that his service
were no longer, required. He asked 70
/ reasons, but they were not given him. H
had stated to several parties before his dis
! charge that WardHelldid not want the prl
soners brought back. He could not ren,em
ber whom he told. Wardwell ordered Nj,
/ ness to go and give information Of th