The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-07-29

John r.. Peph.m Wanted on a Charge or
Forgery and observation-disclosures y-One
Hundred Doiiurs the Amount Taken.

Some three weeks ago II was rumored
that Colonel John r. Popham, clerk Of the
United states Court for the Eastern district
Of Virginia, had been guilty OF some mai
feasance OF Office, but as the rumors took
no tangible shape, and the matter was kept
very quiet, nothing more was thought OF
the affair, and 1t was allowed to 20 70 the
credit OF runor.
Colonel Popham appeared In the city
about the time these rumors commenced.
Arriving on the night train from Washing
ton, he registered at the 1t. James Hotel,
and leaving his baggage there took hack
shortly afterward and drove out OF the city
by way of Fourteenth street. His move
ments were so sudden and mysterious that
several newspaper-rnen kept an eye on him,
but no developments at that time were
brought to the surface. II now appears
that serious trouble was annoying Colonel
Popham at this very time. the nature OF
which subsequent events have developed.
A few days ago United States Commis-
sioner Peasants issued warrant for the
arrest of Colonel Popham, in which be
was charged with forging the name OF
Judge Robert W. Hughes. OF the United
States Court for the Eastern district OF
Virginia, and embezziiDg S2.100. The
warrant was placed in the hands OF United
States Marshal Hughes, and by him re-
turned TO the court unexecuted. by reason
Of the fact that the Colonel could not be
found within the scope Of the MarshaPs
Jurisdiction.
This was Thursday. and as soon as this
return was made the warrant was sent to
United States District Attorney G.. ID. Cork
hill, of the District Of Columbia.
The money used was that in the hands Of
the Court by reason Of the bankrupt cases
Of d. c. Mayo, and the Dollar. Savings
Bank.
As soon as the forgery was discovered
Colonel Popham was removed from his po-
sition as clerk Of the United States District
Court, and his deputy, Mr.. W. B. Wall,
appointed in his stead. Mr.. Wall, how
ever. has not as Vet qualified, but l. dis
charging the duties OF the office a deputy
clerk. In q few days, perhaps. he will take
the oath OF Office and execute the customary
bond.
The newspaper correspondents in Wash
! ingtOn heard something about the telegram
| for Colonel POpham's arrest, and got-on
the wrong track. Colonel Popham held
| two otfices-one here a. clerk OF the court
and one in Washington n superintendent
OF the foding-room OF the House OF Rep
resentatiyes. The correspondents went tC
/ look for him and found him out OF the
city. They at once supposed that he wa
wanted on account OF being second t6
| CAPTAIN John :. Wise in the late Crockett
Wise duel, and dispatches to this eiiec
were sent of. II was stated that the lac
| OF the arrival Of the warrant for the arres
OF Popham was not generally known IL
Washington, AID it was given out that th'
Colonel had gone down into Virginia Il
secure much-needed recreation, and no
with view to avoid arrest.
Colonel Popham is well known IN klch
mond. where he has a number OF warn
friends, TO whom the news OF this unior
unate affair will be surprising and morti
fying. At one time Colonel Popham pub
lished an independent Republican pape
here called the Southern, Inteltgencer:
His arrest at any time may be conhdenti
| avnapfpd