The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1876-03-10
THE WATCH ON BELKNAP'S HOUSE,

WASHINGTON, March 5.-The Secret Service
Officer last night heard from an unquestion-
able authority, and best known to themselves,
that Gen. Belknap contemplated escaping to
Bermuda. Vigilsnt, faithful guards were, after
speedy consultation with the Administration
authorities, placed about Gen. Belknap's
house.
It was closely guarded in front and rear.
The officers informed United States District
Attorney Wells this morning, at o'clock, Of
the course they had taken. Mr.. Wells told
them to exert themselves to the utmost to
prevent escape. The officers told Mr.. Wells
that they did not know how Belknap could
be held, If he attempted to escape, as there
was no process; but it was decided to main
tain watch until process could be OBJ
tanned.
The force was SO numerous as to attract the
attention 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 preferred that he
should watch inside. Ths officer replied that
he was Watching the house, and that he had
orders to do SO from high authority. He ac-
cepted her invitation and took seat in the
hall Il
He had not remained there long, when Mn.
was still watched; that there were 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 off,
GERS reported the situation to Mr.. Wells this
morning.
They afterwards went before magistrate,
and one, A. ]. Howell. made complaint upon
information and belief, based upon the evil
dence taken by the House Committee, that
Mr.. Belknap had received bride. Upon
this information warrant was issued.
In the mean time communication was
received from the Attorney General direct
ing the officers not to permit Mr.. Belknap
to escape. The letter containing this
order was in very emphatic language,
hazards, and to arrest him if he attempted to
leave. Up to this time the officers were not
absolutely certain that Mr.. Belknap was in
the house. None Of them had seen him.
They had learned during the night from q
negro that he was there and asleep, but the
officers were instructed to assure themselves
of this. Armed with the letter of the Attor
ney General and the magistrates warrant of
detention, to be used if needed, one of them
rang the bell and asked for Mr.. Belknsp
The latter at first declined to see him upon
receiving his card. Gen. Belknap was then
informed that he was under surveillance, BY
order Of the Attorney General of the United
States, and that the officer in charge of the
watch, not wishing unduly to annoy him. de-
sired to see him. Upon receiving this def
mite intelligence Gen. Belknap came down in
tears. He was very greatly changed. The
officer who saw him says he is q 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 nc
intention of escaping, and could not if he 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 Mrs. Bel.
KNAPP had been somewhat excited. Soon after
this the Secret Service officer waited upon
the Attorney General. He approved of what
had been done, and arrangements were made
to relieve the Secret Service officers and t.
place the local police in charge Of the house
Major Richards, Chief of the Police, soor
waited on Gen. Belknap and informed him
that he had orders 10 relieve the Secret Servic,
officers, and to charge his men to see that b
Gen Bslknap) did not escape. The loca
police are now in charge.-N. Y. Tribune.