Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1877-04-11
The Story Of TWeed's Escape and
Flight to Cuba.

William NJ Tweed, the old Boss
OF the New York Tammany ring, has
given to the public the story of his
escape from his keepers, and his flight
from the country. We condense from
the narrative the following account
No member Of the bar, nor nis
counsel, nor any friend or person
whatever of his previous connections
knew OF his proposed flight, or had
any part in its execution. Neither
did they know of his whereabouts al
any time until it had become necessary
for him to communicate with them
after his arrest in Cuba by the Span
ish officials. Tweed understood that
he was to be taken in charge by a
well-org anized body of men, distributed
Throughout the country, having every
facility, their connections and method
being thoroughly tested and we'll es-
tabllshed. He was furnished with a
short key for teIegraphic commupica-
ton, and one for postal facility. The
latter included system of Enclosures
through FIVE different envelopes, with
addresses at removed points He was
to find occasion to visit his house and
deliver himself over secretly and uDat-
tended at his own door. The execu-
ton of the agreement included his
landing in Spain or under the Span
ish flag and on Spanish territory safely
and secretly. He was given the name
OF John Secor, by which he was to be
known to his new connections, and. his
personal identity and his own name
were TO be concealed from all persons
without exception from the moment
he passed out Of his own stoop.
The exact minute of departure was
at s O'Clock in the evening, not one
minute before or one minute after that
hour. The time of his flight was left
undetermined, but he was to visit his
house on certain days, and when the
whole train was ready, sign was to
be given by certain mark upon the
stoop, which he would see by ascend.
ing the steps. Accordingly, Tweed
took occasion to obtain from the Sher.
if and his keepers the usual privilege
of the Jail yard to visit his family
and transact some business. Several
such visits having been made to bis
house at the usual hour after dark, he
secretly made some preparation of per
sonal matters, and putting his business
affairs in as good order as possible
| finally reached the 4th of December
1875, which proved the occasion oi
his departure. On the evening ol
that day he was driven in the custom.
airy hack, attended by two keepers, tc
his house. Ascending the stoop, he
saw the sign.
It was about half-past 7 o'clock, and
dreary December evening. The
signal at once aroused him with &
startling shock, Gas he describes the
occurance) his blood and nerves were
thrilled with an electrical excitement
which thrilled every fiber of his frame.
Controlling himself with some effort
he led his attendants to their wontec
and welcome feast, which on this occa
sion was amply provided in the dining
room. The keepers ate, and Tweed
took care also taat they drank. Al
just the right moment, one of the
keepers rose and went to a wash-basir
in the room to wash his hands and ge,
ready tor the usual cigar after dinner
| Tweed took the opportunity, rose also
and, saying be would wash in an ad
joining room, he passed into the hall
closing the door as he left the room
He quickly took the first hat and coat
and slipped out the front door. He
saw the hack before the door without
a driver, who also took advantage Of
the occasion in the kitchen. Not &
person Or sound appeared to respond
to his appointment. 1t was not quite
one minnie past s. He had stolen
forth from his home to place himself
in the hands and guidance Of a picket.
ed gang of desperadoes. AS he
shrunk back under the shadow Of the
stoop. it seemed to him long period
of doubt and self-examination, until
his attention was attracted by noise
of wheels, and he saw a common
tradesman's wagon, such as is used BY
grocers and express divers. He saw
also mans arm reach out from a
cover, which was the sign that it was
for him.
AS be descended the stoop he also
saw man passing slowly, which
caused him to hesitate but this person
said in low tone, "All right. Get in
the wagon" So he scrambled into
the covered wagon, which drove
quickly around the block into Madison
avenue, bat as they got there, car
having run off the track, some mounted
police and passengers stood in the
way, and the fugitive was stopped for
two or three minutes. The swaeon
soon started again, and drove zig.zag
across the city toward the North
River, which was soon reached. and
beside big truck on the pier thew