New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-11-27
< STRANGE HISTORY
PRISONER IN HIS OWN HOUSE
More than Two Years Confinement

The following is the outline of history
as narrated to US. the truth or talsity OF
which is alike unknown to us:
Last evening, just before dark, blind
man was led into the third police precinct
stationhouse, inquiring for Captain Rey.
He was at first treated rs beggar or some
one seeking aid, notwithstanding tho fact
that his personal appearance indicated him
to be of the better class
Captain Rey appeared, when the stranger
stated that his name is 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 con-
family, in room eight feet by ten, on the
excuse that he is insane. AS some of the
persons present thought that it was pos
sible that he was insane, they questioned
him in French, English and Spanish con-
cerning his former business and acquaint-
ances. His responses were distinct, even
vivi,l-his memory not being at fault con-
-celning circumstances and persons. He
even remembered some of the gentlemen
who were convcrsing 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 i'm
prisoned because he would not make will
in favor Of certain of his relatives, for it
appears that he owns considerable property
in Mobile and elsewhere.
He has been married twice, having chill
dren by both wives, and two of his sons are
now resi,ling in Mobile. 1t is the children
of his second wife who live in Bienville
street. and the wife. yesterday left for Ala
bama on the Chattanooga Railroad This
absence gave him an opportunity to escape,
he says.
We were also informed that several at
tempts have been made by DIR. Anfoux and
others to effect his release, but their ad-
vances have invariably been foiled through
the Vaccinations of interested persons.
lone of his daughters having ascertained
his whereabouts, followed him to the sta
.tionhouse, where she begged him to return
home with her. She was repulsed by him
and chitled for past cOnduct he utterly re-
fused to accompany her, although she plead
cd with weeping eyes. The scene is repre-
sented as having been very affecting indeed,
and moved those who witnessed it to tears.
She, however, disclaimed' having been in
strumental in his incarceration. but did not
deny full knowledge of the fact.
Several of those who saw Mr.. Eslava last
evening, remembered him well, as they had
once had business transactions with him, SO
that his identity was well assured. Mr..
Drascovitch, 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 willingly accompanied
Mr.. Blasco. who will take proper care OF
him for the present.
The above terrible statements were made
in the presence of twenty or thirty citizens.
who were generally impressed with the be-
lief that they were true, We give the his
tory as related to Us by one who was there
all the time and heard the revelations