New-York tribune., 1876-03-06
THE WATCH on BELKNAP.s HOUSE.
TBY Tr1EGRAPH 10 THE TRIBUNE.


WARRINGTON March J.-TbeTe is every reason 10
believe that Gen. Belknap had intended, last night
to escape and to flee to Bermuda. That he has not
done so is solely due to the determination OF the
President that Mr.. Belknap shall not es-
cane but shall answer for his crime III
the courts of law. The Secret Service Off
Ger last night heard from an unquestionabie
authority, and best known to themselves, that Gen.
Belknap contemplated escaping to Bermuda. Nig-
liant faithful guards were, after speedy consulta-
ton with the Administration authorities, placed
about Gen. Bellnap's house. 1t was closely
guarded in front and rear. The officers informed
United States Dlstnct-AttOmey Wells this morning
at l o'clock of the course they had taken. MI
Wells told them to exert themselves to the utmost
10 prevent escape The officers told Mr.. Wells that
they did not know how Belknap could be held, If he
attempted to escape as there no process but it
was decided to maintain watch until process
could be obtained.
The force was so numerous TO attract the atten-
ton of the inmates of the Belknap house. About
10 o'clock Mrs Belknap came TO the door and called
the officer in charge into the house. She said she
knew the House was watched and that she pre-
ferTed that he should watch inside. The officer re-
piled that he was watching the house, and that be
had orders to do so from high authority. He ac'
oepted her invitation and took q seat in the hall.
He had not remained there long, when Mrs. Belknap
returned and told him that the house was still
watched; that there were a number Of men
in the rear, and that she would prefer
he would leave the house. The officer
then took his position outside. The house was
closely guarded during the night The officers re-
ported the situation to Mr.. Wells this morning.
They afterwards went before magistrate, and one,
A. J. Howell, made complaint upon information and
ho1so f1,o
Committee, that Sir. Belknap had received brbe.
Upon this information warrant was issued.
In the mean time a communication was received
from the Attorney General directing the officers not
TO permit Mr. Belknap to escape. The letter con-
tanmg this order was in very emphatic language,
aud directed the officers TO retain him at all hazards,
and to arrest him if he attempted to leave. Up
to this time the officers were not absolutely
certain that Mr.. Belknap in the house. None Of
them had seen him. They had learned during the
night from negro that he was there and asleep,
but the officers were instructed to assure
themselves Of this. Armed with the letter
of the Attorney General and the magistrates
warrant of detention, to be used If needed,
one OF them rang the bell and asked Tor Mr. Belknap
The latter at first declined 70 him upon receiving
his card. Gen. Belknap was then Informed that
he was under surveillance, by order OF the
AttVAheS-Oeheial OF Ine Oulled OtdttS, anu
that the officer in charge of the watch
not wishing unduly TO annoy him, desired
TO see him. Upon receiving this definite intelli-
genee Gen. Belknap came down in tears He was
very greatly changed. The officer who him says
he Is perfect wreck Gen. Belknap stated
that he was conscious of being watched and
that men were about the house all night, and
said that he had no intention of escaping, and could
not If be had. Two officers were then placed in the
house, one each at the front and rear entrances
Gen. Belknap apOlogized for having put the
officer out in the night, stating that
slS. Belknap had been somewhat excited
SoOn after this the Secret Service officer waited upon
the Attorney-GeneraL He approved Of what had
been done, aud arrangements were made to relieve
the Secret Service officers and to place
the local police in Charge Of the house.
Major Richards, Chief Of Police, soon
waited on Gen Belknap and informed him that he
had orders 10 relieve the Secret Service officers and
10 charge his men TO see that he Gen. Belknap did
did not escape The local police are now in charge.
DEVIL GRANTS. BROKERAGE IN APPOINT
MENTS
FRoH An OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE.
PHLADELPHIA March Gin the Summer Of 1873,
J. r. Casselberry real estate agent OF this city
doing business oppcsits the Of the Post-ohace
a. L. BOnnaaOn. dry gOods merchant at No. 2ss