The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1875-09-17

About seven o'clock last evening Jonathan
Watson, 0. M. Plummer and Thomas Nc
Carly escaped from the county Jail by cutting
the bars and letting themselves down to the
ground. Sheriff Pencil was at tea, when one
of the prisoners called him, saying he had bet
ter go into Watsons cell quick. Mr.. Pencil,
in company with the turnkey, Harry Hale, at
once went into the eastern wing and on enter
ing the poor debtor cell where Watson was
kept, found that the iron bar had been cut aud
Watson and two Of his fellow prisoners had
left The remainder of the prisoners 10 the
corridor could have escaped if they wished to.
The sheriff at once began the search. Word
was sent to the police station and to all parts
of the city Officers were stationed ON all the
streets leading from the city in very short
time, and arrangements were made to have the
city thoroughly searched.
THE ESCAPE.
The Jail is provided with the alarm bars, but
they have not been in working condition for
some time. The prisoners must have known
this or they never would have attempted the
escape, which would have been impossible had
the alarm been in order. Some time ago the
sheriff had information that Plummer had a
saw in his cell, and search was made for it, but
without success. Sheriff Pencil is of the
opinion that Pummer was the leader OF the
break, which is nice job. The cell in which
Watson was kept is the first one on the eastern
end of the east wing. 1t was formerly poor
debtors cell, but Watson has used it for some
time.
The three men we're given the liberty of the
corridor at two o'clock yesterday afternoon, land
as they have the same hours in the corridor
each day, they can pass in and out of
Watson's cell when they wish. The window
through which they made their escape was
found up. Two of the inside bars, which were
three-quarters of an inch through, were sawed
off and the cross bar broken off in two places.
A plank found in his cell was used to twist the
bars off, when they were about half sawed
through The outside grating is much strong
fer. Only one of three bars we're removed, and
this was sawed off as smooth as any workman
could do at both ends. A number of boys who
were passing by on the street saw the last man
leave the window, and gave the alarm to the
sheriff about the time he received it from the
prisoner inside. The boys say that all three of
the men ran down Greenleaf street. Proba-
bly, the officers were in pursuit of the men ten
or fifteen minutes after they effected their es-
cape.
DESCRIPTION OF THE MEN.
Jonathan Watson, it will be remembered,
was in Jail awaiting the decision of the Law
Court on exceptions. He has twice been tried
and convicted of arson. He is about 81 years
of age, stands five feet ten inches and is quite
corpulent, eyes blue, hair dark brown and
turning gray. He wears full beard which is
quite grey. He is dressed in grey pants, dark
frock coat and light checked hat. He recently
remarked to friend who called to see him
that it he could get outside the walls of the
Jail he never would enter it again. 1t is not
thought that he can travel far, but he will not
be arrested without fearful struggle for his
liberty.
Orestus NJ Plummer is well known in this
city as "Cocky" Plummer. He was in Jail
awaiting his trial as a common THE f. He has
been confined since May 22d. He stands five
feet seven inches and is about % years of age,
and is cross-eyed His eyes are brown, hair
dark and complexion light, and he wears a
very slight dark moustache. He wears dark
coat and light pants.
Thomas McCarty was recently committed to
Jail for adultery, and in the Superior Court he
plead not guilty. He is about 40 years Of age,
five feet ten inches in height and very stout
and thick set. His face is shaved smooth and
heis dressed nearly the same as Plummer.
All three of the men are well acquainted
with the lay of the land in this vicinity, and
will probably keep themselves secreted for
some time.
Sheriff Pencil has telegraphed to all points
for officers to be on the look out for the men,
A reward will doubtless be offered this morn
ing for their apprehension.
Deputy Marshal Williams sent officers out
on eli the late trains last night, to keep look
out and see who took the trains in the vicinity.
Deputy Sheriff Libby found several tracks in
the mud about Tukey's bridge last night, and it
is feared that the men have accomplices who
have provided them with boats with which to
make their escape.