The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1874-02-28
-
j" SQUAT" !"
a Gang of Robbers go Through a Steam
boat Down in Louisiana.
From the New Orleans pieayune. Feb. ga.

! From the New Orleans Picayune, Feb. 90.
From DR.. |. w. Jordan, a planter o.
Morehouse Parish, who has just reached
the city, we learn the particulars of n most
outrageous act of piracy, committed in thai
| parish last Saturday evening.
1t appears that the steamer Ellen D.,
which left here some months ago, fitted out
| for a trading Expedition by Messrs. Krant-
faatz Il Gerson, was tied up at Point JEFF
ferson, on Beuff River, during the greater
part Of last week. They had been doing a
pretty good business, and felt satisfied with
the result.
On Friday, however, just before dark,
five men, whom none of the traders had
ever seen before, came aboard at nearly the
same time. Some of them had crossed the
river, others had ridden down to the land
ing by the different approaches. No two
arrived together, yet all arrived within the
space of fifteen minutes.
They were handsomely dressed, good
looking men in every instance, and there
was striking air Of intelligence and refine
ment about them. With the exception of
this prevailing similarity. they seemed to
be quite unknown to each each other, bent
on entirely independent crrands, and only
assembled thus by the most unaccountable
Of accidents. They were sitting or stand
ing about, as all customers on trade boat
are in the habit of doing One particularly
handsome fellow had just bought a
pair of boots; another was rejoicing in a
new hat; others were contemplating differ
ent purchases, and everything seemed to be
going on as usual. Suddenly the handsome
man cast his eyes around and said, in low,
clear tone: "Shall we" and instantly the
other four started to their feet READY"
they all answered, and quick as thought
their pistols were drawn, presented at the
heads of the clerk, salesman, pilot and en-
ginecr Of the hapless boat, and the laconic
but suggestive command was given:
"Squat.,'
1t was done like lightning. Before those
unsuspecting traders quite comprehended
the state of things, they were tied, blind
folded and lying helpless on the floor The
elegant looking gentlemen then proceeded
below, where the four deck hands were sub
jected to similar operation.
After this the real business of the day
commenced. 1t transpired that the five
gentleman knew each other quite intimate
ly, for they laughed and talked in the pleas
ATTEST possible way, while they went through
the safe and the stock of goods, taking all
tho money-about 81, ,000-and such of the
goods as were at once valuable and portable
which, by the way, evinced the greatest
Notwithstanding to $500 and upwards. |
After accomplishing all this with a neat
ness and dispatch quite remarkable, the |
party made off at a great rate, and were far !
advanced on their road when assistance |
came to the disconsolate victims on board /
,he Ellen D.
All sorts of speculations are said to be rife |
concerning The five mysterious strangers; /
'ut little is known beyond the fact that no
,ody about Point jefferson ever saw them
'efore OF has seen them since. It is sup
'osed by some that they are fragment of |
he famous Mccoy band of Missouri, though |
his appears to be nothing more than con- /.
ecture.
The sheriff and volunteer posse started
n pursuit immediately; but when Dr. Jor-
Ian left Morehouse nothing in the shape Of
success had attended their efforts.