The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-04-27
A STRANGE STORY.

ALLEGED DEATHBED CONFESSION or A SALOON
xEEPRR-FIvE MEN ROBBED, MURDERED AND
THEIR BODIES sEcRErED-A woMAN's IN
PROBABLE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. SEARCH
FOR THE REMAINS.
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.1
NORFOLK. Va, Apri "a, 1878.
This community thrown into quite an excite
msnt to-day by the startling details OF u confession
made by the late b. Weeks, keeper OF second class
drinking saloon. mado just before his death q low
weeks ago. revealing the particulars Of i've nor.
rbls murders committed by himself and an 40 com ;
vestigativn Of the matter.
DISCLOSING rHE SECRET
About nine O'Clock this morning man, Swing his
name Leander Wilmington, met Mayor Tucker, who
wss on his way to the City Hull 10 opon court, and
stated 70 him that he had secret disclose, one
which ought 10 be made public The Mayor requested
him to proceed. when Wilmington submitted the fol-
lowing statement In writing which no says made
10 him by his vito the evening previous aud which
no had written OUT
NORFOLK, Va, April %, 1875
pfATKHRxr or THE LATIN L. wkgKs, MADK MIS-.
JULIA G. wiTHIxGTox. MbN
He called me into his room and told me that he had
he would tell mo mis- secret IL would 40 Is no SAID
This promised TO do He then told mo that he and
another man, whose name do not now recollect got
possession OF large amount OF money from some
drunken gamblers, ana that iodl play WAS resored TO-
anu thar they we're all murdered ana buried
Guy. They sailors and strangers. Tho
man who Weeks accomplice died very
suddenly time Alter leaving all she money
hts disposal but that he did NO, dare to use auy OF
his tlyotsen gains alsrward, and that 10 seGrstsd
the money. He furthermore stated that 10 the
best oil his knowledge there were hvo bodies buried
on the premises.
rue MONEY! QUESTION.
Weeks requested me 10 wait tor about four weeks
after his death and then 20 the Mayor Of the CITY
aud disclose toe secret, that In all probability
would no. have all OF i. He replied that that vas
shs best plan, for would be more likely 10 got part
Of the money II procssdsd IN that way. He said
that ono.third would DO enough for me.
sEAKch YoR THE kxNAIxA
Alter reading the above statement Mayor Tucker
sent for Mrs. Wilmington. who promptly appeared
aud made oath 10 u before him. The Mayor sum-
monsd Chief OF Police @. @. Benson, with whom no
had consult aiion which resulted despsichini the
cham gang, under OGcer Butt, 10 house No II Church
street, which was occupied by Wcoks At the time Of
his death Captain Benson, who directed the opera
lions Of the prospsetns party ordered the FIRST floor
Of the building 20 DO taken up, and tho members Of
tho gang went vigorously 70 work with pick and
shovel IN Of the remains Of the murdered men.
Tue work was continued until six O'Clock r. NJ, the
hour when tho daily aDors OF the gang suspended,
shs building had boon sxcavated 70 . considerable
depth, but human bones were found several bits
Of cioIh variety Of poultry and Deef bones were
unsarlhed but noth ng more. rho will be con.
tinued tomorrow #
ST or rHE PEOPLE.
The news spread through the city ike wiidhro and
the house Was surrounded constantly by large
thro0g Of cosiosisy seeking ctixens, but only =
favored lev were admitted. Mr.. Wilmington was
present and repeated TO all who Inquired the Sob
stance OF his wiic's statement Tho police have
charge oil The premises to-nighis keeping y strong
guard around them.
Wilmington employed Weeks barkespcr and
roomed with his wife above the saloon. During
Wcsks' last illness MA Wilmington used ~ pay him
little attentions There 10 great diverslty Of opinion
IN regard 10 The matter. Weeks came here surAg
The war ~ . federal soldier from New Hayon, OHIO.