The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1880-04-09
THE BAD NAN PRTRIE.
The History Of . Desperate Cr'niasi


creates some interest In his former his
tory.
Petrie, who is a native of New Or
leans, is considered by the police to be
one Of the most desperate as we'll AZ
most expert burglar in the country,
and one that would hesitate at nothing
to effect his nefarious purposes. Petrle,
in following the adventurous career he
had selected, has had many narrow es-
capes, notably one at the corner of st.
Ann and st. Claude streets, where Ia
company with professional named
Petersen, he attempted to break into
the grocery at that corner. They had
succeeded In forcing the door and were
cautiously opening it when the propri-
etor, who had been awakened by the
noise and had armed himself, fired.
Petersen fell, but the grocer, fearing to
be taken at disadvantage, remained
inside, not even venturlng to proceed
to the door to ascertain what effect the
shot had.
Pe.rie, then quite young, dragged
Petersen to his mothers house, and
there had medical attendance offered,
his pal, but all efforts to save the life Of
Petersen proved unavailing, and he
died few weeks afterwards. Petrie,
after that episode, devoted himself en-
CISOSlSONy ~ HAOASooAOAS SSAANA OASAAOA
alone or in company with such ex-
perts as Bertin, Capdeville and others,
effected many a job. One night in
April, 1872, he, in company with
others, entered DIR. Choppin's residence,
and proceeded to ransack the house.
DIR. Chopin was awakened, and quick
ly jumping from his couch, attempted
to effect Petrie's arrest. He was, how
ever, SO unfortunate as to cut his foot,
which the robber taking advantage of,
effected his escape, leaving his cap be-
hind, taking DR.. Choppin's overcoat
with him. The gang next proceeded
to the late VIM. Woelper's residence,
on jackson street, but became alarmed
at some noise in the house and fled,
dropping DR.. Choppin's overc0at in the
yard. t
They next visited another house up
town, but were again unsuccessful.
Shortly after this night of adventure
Captain Malone, the present chief of
detectives, and Aid Pecora, managed
to effect Petrie's capture, and on DR..
Choppin's evidence he was convicted
to the State penitentiary for life. This
was in May, 1872. On May 2, 1874,
Pefrie effected his escape, and was not
heard from again until he was arrested
in Ohio, and sentenced to n four years.
term in the penitentiary there. After
having served his term he was again
free, but a reward had been offered for
his return to Louisiana. This awaken
ed the cupidity Of some of his would
be friends, and the Cincinnati police
were informed of the fact aud arrested
him about four weeks since.
Petrie endeavored by every possible
means to avoid returning to the prison
authorities at Baton Rouge, and the
governor of Ohio was appealed to. 1t
was positively asserted that he was not
the man who was wanted In Louisiana
and to prove the assertion his term of
four years in the Ohio prison was
pointed to as evidence.
This necessitated delay, and the chief
of police in New Orleans was informed |
that all the documents bearing upon |
Petrie's case, accompanied by photo. !
graph and full description of the pris-
oner, the date of his capture and es-
cape, and everything appertaining to
his record must be forwarded.
This work was entrusted to Captain
Malone, and all the papers were sealed
with the seal of the superior criminal
court, and transmitted by mail to the
Cincinnati authorities. This had the de.
sired effect, and the result Is that Pc
trie has been sent back to his old quar-
tiers Mt Baton Rouge.
PLAIN WORDS TO THE SOUTH.
Washington Herald.1
Gen. Winfield Scott Hancock ought
to receive at the national Democratic
convention the votes Of the solid South.