Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1883-01-18
a Leap tor Liberty.

A writer from Athens, Georgia, says VT
saw Joe Dhurmond and he told us all about
his escape from the Clarke county Court
House, his flight TO Canada and his return
when pardoned by Governor Colqultt. Ii
is thrilling chapter. Said IhurEond:
~ had no idea of attempting an escape
when was carried from the jail to the
! court house, but had determined 10 die
sooner than go TO the penitentiary. But
while sitting in my chair in Judge Jack
sons office a sudden desire seized me to
make the attempt and without stopping to
consider for moment or count the prob
able cost | made bolt for the window,
but some one caught my foot just as | was
| about passing through that caused me to
| fall on my head and receive fearful shock
then rushed for my horse. expecting each
instant to be shot down in my tracks,
| but intended TO die rather than surren-
der. One of Browning's bullets grazed
my leg and passisg through the saddle
| skirt and blanket entered the side OF The
nag was riding, After getting beyond
range of the balls headed toward Brook
, lyn; but when about two miles out of
town the horse began 10 give way under
me, when | rode out in pine thicket to
| see what was the matter. Upon removing
| the saddle | discovered the wound, and
knew that the beast could not carry nae
| further. | turned it loose and started for
| home on foot, and by circutous route
had 10 travel fourteen miles before getting
there. But my leaving my horse behind
saved me from capture, as the officers
thought | was still hid out in the thlcket
and so did not telegraph. | only remained
home IA hour just long enough To get
some money, bid my fanHl goodbye and
start for Lawreucevlila thirty miles
distant,
Taking my htho brother IN the buggy
we made the trip in Just three houIs, but
it nearly killed the horse was driving.
| travelled at night, passing through jug
| Tavern, and met several plen on the road
that knew, but as had pny hat slouched
over my face they did not recognize me,
not even my uncle, whose house passed.
Just as | drove into Lswrencevllle the
train was steamed up ready to leave and /
| got aboard. Had been ten minutes later
| it would have left me. | met with an
| other streak Of good luck when rot TO
Suwannee, the junction with tue AR Line.
| got from aboard rs soon as the cars
stopped and stepping INTO a dark corner
remained there until the regular tram came
along, which was just ten minutes.
boarded the smoklng-ear, that was flrtu
nately unOccupied.
When | got to Atlanta did not wait for
the train TO stop before jumped off and
secreted myself near the Chattanooga
train, that the conductor told me would
| leave In ten minutes. / feared telegram
had been sent ahead and was AFRAID TO risk
even buying ticket, prelerring To pay my
fare 10 the conductor. | had no way TO
disguise myself, rs | was ceanly shaved,
and had TO take the chances, Just as the
Western and Atlantic tram was moving
off | Jumped aboard aud soon left AT.
laDta behind me. But l dreaded every
stopping place, expecting to meet telo-
gram. When Chattanooga was reached
for the first time felt pretty safe, but
pushed on to my destination, Canada.