Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-12-16
A STRANGE HISTORY.
A Prisoner I'm His own HOuse-More
Than Two Years. C0nfnem eDt.

From the New Orleans Times.l
The following is the outline of a his
tory as narrated to us, the truth or falsity
of which is unknown to us: .5.,A /.
Last evening, Just before dark, blind
man was led into the third police pre-
cinct station-house, inquiring for Cap
tain Rey. He was at first treated as
beggar or some one seeking aid, notwith-
standing the fact that his personal ap-
pearance indicated him to be of the bet
ter class Captain Rey appeared, when
the stranger stated that his name was
Eslava, seventy-one years old, blind
since 1866; that he lives on Bienville
street between johnson and Prieur,
where he has been kept in close confine-
r.ent for two years and a half by his
family, in room eight feet by ten, on
the excuse that he was insane. AS some
of the persons present thought that
it was possible that he was in
sane, they questioned him in
French, English and Spanish concern
ing his former business and acquaint-
ances. His responses were distinct,
even vivid-his memory not being at
fault concerning circumstances and per-
sons. He even remembers some of the
persons who were conversing with him,
especially Mr.. Blasco, an old and well
known resident. To that gentleman he
repeated the story of his wrongs, saying
that he had been imprisoned because he
would not make a will in favor of GER
tain of his relatives, for it appears that
he owns considerable property in Mobile
and elsewhere.
He has been married twice, having
children by both wives, and two of his
sons are now living in Mobile. 1t is the
children of his second wife who live on
Bienville street, and the wife yesterday
left for Alabama on the Chattanooga
railroad. This absence gave him an OPP
portunity to escape, he says.
We we're also informed that several
attempts have been made by DIR. Anfoux
and Others to effect his release, but their
advances have invariably been foiled
through the Vaccinations of interested
persons One Of his daughters having
ascertained his whereabouts, followed
him to the station house, where she
begged him 10 return home with her.
She was repulsed by him and chided for
| mast COnuOcts ne utterly TeIuheu 10 ~
company her, although she pleaded with
weeping eyes. The scene is represented
as having been very affecting indeed,
and moved those who witnessed it to
tears. She, however, disclaiped having
been instrumental in HE incarceration,
but did not derry a full knowledge
Of the feet. Several Of those who
saw Mr.. Eslava last evening, remem-
bered him well, as they had once had
business transactions with him, so that
his identity was well assured. Mr.. Dras-
eovitch, keeper Of the saloon corner of
Chartres and St Peter streets, said he
could not be mistaken in the person.
Having made these revelations, and be
come quite exhausted from excitement,
the old gentleman most willing y accom-
panied Mr.. Blasco, who will take proper
care Of him for the present. 81.
The above terrible statements were
made in the presence OF twenty OF thirty
citizens, who were generally impressed
with the belief that they were true. We
give the history as related TO Us by one
who was there all the time and heard the
revelation. !