The New York herald., 1879-11-23
THE MYSTERY SOLVED.

TRAGIC STORY OF H. E. ELDER, OF DEME-
RAEA-RoBBED OF HIS MONEY AND WITHOUT
RESOURCES HE FLEEs FROM DESPAIR TO
DEATH-IDENTIFIcATIc.v OF THE BODY
FOUND OFF THE BATTERY.
The mystery surrounding the death and identity
Of the unknown South American whose body
found floating off the Battery on Wednesday morn
ing was completely dspelled yesterday. The body
was recognized as that of II. e. Elder, native of
Demerara vino landed in this city last month. and
a good deal of evidence was obtained. which
places beyond reasonable doubt the theory that he
came by his end through his own act. 1t is almost
certain that in fit of despair. caused by entire lack
OF resources. he bandaged his eyes. tightly bound
his own hands and sought oblivion from his
troubles in the river. Superintendent Walling from
the beginning took active interest in the case
After consultation with Captain Kealy, chief OF tho
detective squad. number of the most COM
petent officers in the department were de-
tailed to investigate, and il possible as
certain the manner of the mans mys-
terious death. Superintendent walling instructed
the keepers at the Morgue to send him word without
delay in case the body should be identified Not
however. until yesterday morning could anything
be ascertained which would shed light on the case OF
point to the identity of deceased. Tho corpse re-
mained at the Morgue and swas viewed by
number of people. Among these were two
men, of them mate on board
vessel, who identified deceased as H. T..
Elder He was 30 years of age. and on the alst OF
last October he arrived in this city on the brig
Ida, from Demerara, his native place. At home he
was employed as clerk in publishing house. He
was we'll educated and of good family. Failing in
business he concluded to try ms fortune IN TINS
city he was robbed Dy a room mate Of
all the money he possessed, amounting to
or Friends and not able to procure employment he
sought out the British Consul in this city and made
application to receive deportation back to Demerara
This request denied, and then it was that de-
ceased became respondent, as is alleged, and ex-
pressed his intention OF committing suicide. The
story OF his trip to this city on the brig Ida.
together with other interesting particulars, told
yesterday at the Coroners Office.
FULLY IDENTIFIED.
Edward Smith, captain of the brig Ida stated that
he left Barbados, w. L., on the 3Oth September with
a cargo OF molassas consigned to H. Trowbridge Il
Sons OF this city. and was twenty-one days making
the passage. ~ brought man over passenger by
the name Of II; L. Elder said Captain Smith. "and
l reported his arrival at the Mayors otiico
went ashore the next day the same passenger.
he had lost his money, and have not him
since; never knew the man until he came to my
vessel; he was addicted TO drink.
John c. Coleman. of No. 125 Schenectady avenue.
Brooklyn. truck driver, testified that two weeks
brig Ida Delaney street. the luggage consisted of
small square chest, two bags aiM small box.
IL. w. Fancy, of No. Glo Washington avenue,
Brooklyn, stated that about four weeks ago he heard
the brig Ida had arrived from Barbados. and went
to the mate Frederick Quinlan, with whom he
was intimately acquainted and i'll that manner be-
known to deceased. The latter would occa-
sionally talk about his trip from Barbados. II last
him alive" said Mr.. Fancy, "about two weeks
ago, since which tin.e ho has been stopping
ashore. went to the vessel yesterday and the
ence to man found off the Battery. On reading the
article the mate and concluded the drowned body
was that Of Elder, the passenger from Barbados;
Tho tn M fhnf hia in had a.
that i'll consequence of being out of work and funds
he, deceased. intended to commit suicide; this
morning went to the Morgue and Identified the
remains"
RoBBEp OF HIS MONEY.
Frederick Qunan, first mate OF the brig Ida, de-
posed 1--WE arrived from Barbados four weeks ago
yesterday. The deceased, Elder, passenger
from Barbados. He did not act at all strangely on
the passage and when he landed at this port
understood he had about $40 with him. He left
the vessel on reaching here and boarded
weeks board in advance On the Tuesday follow
ing he came to the vessel. saying that he had been
robbed of all his money. consisting of about $50.
the Sunday night previous while asleep. He blamed
compaIion VINO rooped with him. and whose &C
felt badly over his loss. l gave him
sixty cents, and he remained about the ves-
Sci until the following Friday. The captain
then requested him to leave. and gave him sufficient
money tor two weeks board. His baggage
moved to some place in the bowsry Before leaving
You will either find me in the East River or in the
Penitentiary.' He had previously visited the
grant him passage to Barbados and that he would
pay for the same reaching his destination. The
Consul refused to grant his request, This the
last saw of him alive. Yesterday read an article
in the HERALD in reference TO man being found off
the Battery, and spoke of the same to Mr.. Fancy.
We went to the Morgue and identified the remains.
believe that he committed suicide by drowning
himself"
After leaving the boarding house in Cortlandt
street, deceased took up his quarters on electlok
day at No IA Delaney street. boarding house aud
saloon, where he remained until last Tuesday morn
ing The previous night he took away his trunk.
saying he going on board ship. He returned to
the Delancey street boarding house Monday night,
and finally took his departure at noon the following
day. The proprietor of the saloon speaks OF de-
ceased as quiet, melancholy and studious sort of
man. and says that during his residence in the De-
lancey street quarters he abstemious in his
habits. He assisted in carrying away his trunk
by unknown boy. 1t has not been ascertained
what disposition he made of the trunk or the
tents. how he part with his heavy ulster.
The body will be Inferred i'll Potters Field.