The New York herald., 1870-09-16
TERRIFYING CRIMINALS.
An Old Gentleman Brutally Beaten and
Robbed-Confssion Of One Of the Robbers-
Judge Bedford Sends Him to the State
Prison for Eighteen Years.

soon after the opening Of the Court Of General
Sessions yesterday Patrick Eagan was placed at the
bar, and pleaded guilty to assaulting and yobbing
Joseph A. Jackson. at No. Amty street. the 18th
OF March, and stealing from him q diamond pin
valued at $3.50, q gold watch and 500 In money.
This Is O very interesting case and the prisoner
never would have been arrested for this offence had
he not voluntarily confessed his guilt It appears
that Eagan was arrested charged with being impll.
Gated In the Nathan murder, and while In custody,
revealed his connection with the most daring rob-
berry ever committed In this city.
Mr. Fellows, IN moving sentence said that two or
three terms ago two parties tired In this court
for rObbing Mr. Jackson. The theft was committed
under circumstances Of peculiar aggravation The
store was entered In the day time and Mr. Jacksons
attention was called or by one OF the men giving
him letter to read, and, while perusing Its con-
tents, he was knocked senSeess with heavy insru.
ment and his property stolen There was very little
in the plea that called for mitigation OF punishment,
and II he received the full term which the law meted
out for crime OF this character, he would only get
what he expected when he gave himself up.
Judge Bedford said-Before passing sentence In
this case Of robbery, which is Of most aggravated
character, shall take this opportunity OF stating
that the Recorder and myself have determined to do
wicked, wayward careers, and In this determination
have resolved, with the appreciation Of the District
Attorney, to urge the next Legislature the pract
cal necessity Of changing the terms OF Imprisonment
in cases OF burglaries and robberes from term Of
years to Imprisonment for life. Holding as we do
that all burglars and robbers are woud-be murder
ers and II need be, will take life II the occa-
sion require 1t, the law-abiding citizens may
rest assured that my colleague the District Att0r-
ney and myself in endeavor to have these bills
passed will throw our official influence, power and
weight into the argument, believing as we do that
II few doses Of this legal medicine could be pro-
Of certain portion OF New York society would at
once be changed. AS for you, Eagan. know all
about you. You are one OF the worst and most des.
perate men In New York city. recOllect Mr.. Jack
son, respected ana respectable gray-haired old
gentleman, whom you, with two other fellow ruff
when ne was unawares felled him to the ground and
nearly Killed him. He was confined to his bed and
was delirious Tor two weeks. The sentence Of the
Court In your case Is that you be confined IN the
State Prison at hard labor for the term Of eighteen
years ana six months.
TWO YOUNG ROBBERS SENT TO THE STATE PRIsoN
FOR TWELVE YEARS EACH.
Thomas Walsh aud John Bentley pleaded guilty to
robbery in the first degree. The complainant, Timo-
thy CrOnan. testified that while passing through
Cherry street he was met by the prisoners ana
Charles Leslie. One OF them Knocked him down and
took his of, another held Knife over him and
said he would drive through him IL he moved, and
Leslie took on his shoes and threw them back to
him.
Judge Bedford in passing sentence said that he
learned through officer Conner that the prisoners
were desperate thieves and he would therefore send
each OF them to the State Prison for twelve years
and six months.
Charles Leslie was tried and convicted OF the same
offence and was sentenced to the Sing Sing Prison
for ten years. the City Judge remarking that Leslie
belonged to that class OF young desperadOes In our
midst who murdered Mr.. Rogers.
The Grand Jury brought In an additional number
OF indictments, upon which the prisoners were ar.
raigned. John DOnohue and Richard Jackson who
were charged with assaulting and attempting to
rob Jacob Harris on the 16tn Of August, were con-
victed Of simple assault and battery. Mr.. Howe,
their COUNSEL stated TO the Court that when Harris
made the complaint at the police Office he only
alleged that he was assaulted. The City Judge sent
the prisoners one year each to the Penitentiary.
THE ANTIGAMBLING SOCIETY IN COURT.
In the afternoon jury was empanelled to try an
indictment for alleged false pretences against Row.
land West, who Is jointly indicted with Henry Call
way and Charles Prescott. The defendants are
charged with organizing an antLgambling society,
by means Of which, IL is alleged, that they swindled
number of citizens out OF large amount OF money.
When the parties were arrested protracted prellm-
mary examination took place before the police
magistrate, full account OF which appeared In the
HERALD. Mr.. Howe appeared for the accused. AS
sistant District Attorney Fellows postponed the
opening until this Friday) morning.