Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1876-07-22
Charlie Ross
A VERY RENARKABLE STORY AS TOLD By A

n
NULATTo NAN.
The Philadelphia Inquirer contributes an
Ross mystery. A mulatto man has visited
that city and claims TO be able 10 restore the
child. The man says his name is George.
and that he was born and raised In Utica,
n. \. He is tall, powerfully built, abOat 2S
or 80 years OF age, with complexion very
light, even for mulatto, ana keen, dark
eyes. his manner is simple and quiet. but
earnest. He says that he was the cook OF a
gang OF thieves which was a branch OF the
general organization OF which MoSher and
Douglass were the leaders. TIE latter were
with division No. l." which had its quar-
teIs here In the northeast. and he was with
DIVISION Ma. 2" which located AMI oper-
Stod In the south and west. Charlie Ross
wss stolen on the LIST OF July, and three days
anerward be was IA the custody OF "DlYfs-
ION No. ." then at a point near Cincinnati,
Ohio. George says that Charlie was turned
over 10 bis care, ana the FIRST thing he was
ordered TO 90 was 10 clip the curis from Char
les head: that lie did SO, aud another man
Their went over the work again and cut the
child's hair very close into the scalp. The
party, with the child In their possession,
soon moved south, and for nine months con-
stantly shifted their quarters, but kept south
All The time. When ssked IL he knew that
there was reward Offered for the recovery
OF the stolen boy, he answered that he knew
that the day after it was publicly offered,
but had too much regard for the safety of his
life TO attempt before this time TO disclose
any information In his possession. He as
keIts that he saw the child alive aud well
NliIlD UNe weeks. and tnat within n week,
II the facilities he asks are afforded him, he
VIII recover the long lost boy safe aud
sound George alleges no fine feelings OF
humanity as the motive which prompts htm
10 new seek 10 restore Charlie Ross TO his
heart crushed parents, but says plainly In at
he is after the reward, which he would have
that he had no hand in the abduction, aud
that he never did any crooked work with the
gang. IL is said that he was able to give
very straight answers concerning the names
OF leaders OF the latter, detailed Information
as 10 work done by them, &C., In response
10 questions put by Captain Helms and
others, together with other Information
which would imply that he has seen Charlie
Ross since the latter's abduction. The mu
lRtto solemnly protests that every word he
utters about the matter is the truth, and
says he only wants his assertions tested aud
that he is ready To do what he promises or
forfeit his life. Mr.. Ross has been summon
ed 10 the city, and will arrive to-day, when
there Will be another examination OF George
In his presence. There are three theories re-
garding this mans action, one OF which is
inevitably correct. First, the man may De
simply "beat," 10 use an expressive slang
term, ebdeavoring 10 make a few dollars out
OF Mr.. Ross, or secure free transportation TO
certain distant point he is anxious 20
reach; second, be may be commissioned by
men having possession OF the child, which
has grown burden on their hands, TO play
the game be is trying on, with the object OF
securing the reward and sharing il with
them; third, he is telling the truth, and is
really able and willing 10 DO what he pro-
| poses.