The Newberry herald. [volume] (Newberry, S.C.) 1865-1884, 1875-01-27

bats. But it requires strength
and dextcrity, a dexterity that
comes Of long practice, and this
practice had been denied Morgan
men. Gen. Morgan then shifted
from the dividing wall, after lis
tening 4 minute to find whether
the noise CT the unlucky tumble
had been heard, to the corner fur.
thcst from the prison.
In former years on this corner
had been u platform and box
for a sentry. But as the guard
was over women, not given to at,
tempted escapes, and as the sentry
was subject TO a continuous vol,
ley Of abuse from the female wards
below, the guard had beon removed.
Aided BY the corner, that served
as 4 support, the human ladder
succeeded in reaching the top of
the wal, and the men clambering
upon it with their improvised
rope, made it fast. One by one
all Of the fourteen came up, and
dropped on the outside, and in a
few minutes the entire party found
themselves free.
Here, Of course, they were met
by their sympathizing friends.
Ny informant. on this part Of the
business was silent. Who guard,
ed the escaped prisoners to a place
Of refuge and gave each change
ofclothing-warm overcoats, cloth
travelling caps and carpet bags
will probably mover be known.
John Morgan selected one of
, his officers, now an eminent Judge
in Kentucky, q man noted toc his
cool seIf:possession and courage,
as his companion, and, separating
from the other twelve, the two
walked into the depot at Colum-
bus at the moment the eastern ex.
press train was about to start for
Cincinnati. They had no time to
procure tickets, and boarding the
cars, Gen. Morgan purposely Sc
lected q seat by a Federal officer.
In a few seconds the cars were
dashing into the night, towards
Cincinnati. Shortly after Gen.
Morgan's companion pointed with
his finger through the window
next which he sat, and said:
"That, sir, is our penitentiary,
and just now, you know, it is the
residence Of the famous John Nor
gan"
"Indced, it's there is it 2" re-
sponded Morgan. "Well, let US
drink to the strength of its walls, "
and pulling from his breast pocket
a flask Of old whiskoy the officer
joined in the toast.
The conductor collected his fare,
and the passengers nodded and
slept, and among the rest Gen.
Morgan's Federal officer, who hav-
ing taken several draughts from
Morgan's flask, and doubtless being
fatigued by his many labors Of the
day, snored in the deepest sort Of
slumber.
Daylight and the trains were ap-
preaching Cincinnati 10 &c b c r,
when Morgan, leaning over whis-
percd to his companion that it was
about time to get off. Putting his
valise under his coat he went
quietly TO the rear platform. In
a few minutes after his companion
followed. Fortunately tho brake
man was at the other end of the
car. Morgan directed his friend
to throw his night and strength
upon the brakes when he (Mor-
gam should pull the belI.ropc that
signals a stop. This was done.
The shrill scream Of the locomo
tive was heard, followed by the
rasping noise Of brakes along the
train. Before it came to 4 full
stop, but after it had ceased to
run as to be dangerous to jump
off, the two fugitives jumped from
the platform and Immediately hid
i nthe bush that lined both sides
of the road. They heard the
train come to full stop, they
heard the voices of the conductor
and brakeman crying to each
other with much profanity; then
the bell rang, the locomotive
screamed and the train moved on.
They waited until the last faint
roar died in the distarce, and then
emerged from their hiding places
to fall almost into the arms Of
FIVE government soldiers travelling
along the track.
"What the devil are you about
here ?" cried one facing Morgan
and his companion.
"Rather," replied Morgan quiet
ly, but firmly, "what are you doing
from camp at this hour?"
The question WAS embarrassing
for the men were laden with al
admirable assortment Of deat