The New York herald., 1873-10-18
A PITTSBURG BANK ROBBER.
Hampton Convicted OF Robbing the Safe
Deposit Bank-The True History of the
Theft-The Omcials OF the Bank Blame-
less.


Theft-The Omcials or the Bank Blame-
less.
PITTsBURG, Pa Oct 16, 1873.
The true story OF the famous Sale Deposit Bank
robbery which took place on the night Of the 9Th OF
April last was told for the first time to-day by the
prosecuting attorney, Il. Butcher Swope, at the
trial OF Charles G. Hampton. one OF the robbers.
The arrest OF this man In New York and his at,
tempted release on writ Of habeas corpus by his
friends, was detailed at length at that time in the
columns OF the HERALD. The bank mentioned was
robbed of box containing something like $3.50, 900
in bonds and $500 in cash. How it was
taken remained q profound mystery for
many day. At the time the locks OF the safe
were critically examined, but not the slightest
signs OF interference could be discovered. The
locks on the doors were also inspected, but they,
too were found to be in perfect order; besides
there was q watchman on duty the entire night.
Detectives made an examination OF the premises,
and the examination induced them to believe that
the box must have been taken by some attache of
the Safe Deposit Bank. With the lapse OF week
tue box was ound, minus the cash and number
OF $1,000 OF the Allegheny Valley Railroad. was
offered to Fitch, Otis Co., OF New York. and sub
party who disposed OF the bond, was taken into GUS
tody but through the aid OF influential friends he
was within an ace OF being set at liberty. However
he at length was given in charge Of officers from
this city, and has remained In jail here awaiting
trial. which is now in progress.
THE HISTORY OF THE ROBBERY.
The circumstances connected with this mysteri-
Gus affair were related to-day, before stated, by
the aa, n ana are as u ,Sn
Colonnade Hotel, in Philadelphia, man named
Donahue, otherwise known as John Klutz. He
sent despatch to Baltimore addressed to Horace
Hoven, " no was no other than the defendant ask
ing him to come on Immediately. Hampton came,
and the party, now consisting OF Klutz, John
Price. one John Fiiey and Hampton, arranged to
make q raid on the banks OF Pennsylvania. They
went 1rst 10 Reading, and there they robbed
ira rnrfq In
daylight. Afterwards they went to Harrisburg,
and nom there Hampton teegraphed an order to
anar,et then came on to Pittsburg. All icur Of
them went to the Union Depot Hotel, where they
registered and on the following day left and en-
gagged rooms at the Monongahela House, where
they also registered. Aterward they took stroll
about the city and called at the office OF the City
the gate to the railing areHnd the Treasurers
ONCE for the protection oil money. Hampton tried
to get through the gate ana tnen into the vault,
night while on Fourth avenue, their attention was
directed to the safe Deposit Bank, which was
upon the other side OF the street, where they could
observe all that was going on. soon afterwards
the cashier Of the odd Fellows Bank was seen to
watched him closely, and when he came out one OF
the number went In and engaged in conversation
with the cashier Of the Safe Deposit Bank. While
the conversation was going on Hampton slipped
in behind the counter and distracted the box.
iour then TOOK u down sn 70 and
the ready cash and number OF available bonds.
The box was then thrown aside, and the parties
went TO the Monongahela House and that night, In
room 49, they divided the spoils. Price got $500,
Filey $500, and Hampton about $l,S 800. The latter
refused 70 divide WIZ .reatsnsd ne ne mao 20 do
and Hampton then gave him $500. Inc next morn
ing TWO OF the parties went 70 fniladelphia ana
This s the history Of the robbery, and the weight
OF suspicion that rested on the bank officials now
for the 1rst time Is lifted.