Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-07-07
CAPTAIN FLEMING.
The Circumstances Under Which He
Came Back from Arkansaw.
Wanted as a Witness, Not as a
Criminal.
American. 5.

| NoPt1Au Otmco ". Hlcmluk AUG
Detective R. NJ Porter arrived from
Hot Springs, Ark, about z o'clocl
last night. They parted at the depot, tn
former going to the Nicholson Houal
and the latter to see Attorney Geaera
Washington and make his report.
Upon Investigation, 9 reporter Of the
American learned the facts connected
with Captain Fleming's absence and
return to Nashville to be as fol-
lows:
For some Is days past he has beer
At the Hot Springs, Ark, under the
care Of DR.. j. Nj. Keller, who has for
warded certificate to this city dated
July 3, stating that Captain Fleming
had been under his care for about
three weeks, and left the springs at q
considerable risk TO his health.
Captain Fleming lived openly at the
springs, without any attempt whatever
to conceal his Whereabouts, and re-
ceived his mail and the American
daily, addressed to Captain James @.
Fleming, Hot Springs, Ark" 1t is
said that he never received the slight
est intimation from the State author
tiles that he was wanted as a witness
in the Polk case, and that had they
telegraphed him that he was wanted as
a witness he would have hurried
hither.
1t appears that Detective Robert M.
Porter met Captain Fleming in Hot
Springs on the afternoon of July 2,
aud after passing the time of day
with him said he had authority to
carry him back to Tennessee. On
being asked to show his papers
he handed the Captain q warrant
issued by the Governor of Arkansaw
for his arrest, based upon requisition
issued by Governor Bate, which, it is
purported, was issued on the strength
of an affidavit charging Captain Flem-
ing with having made a false entry of
SAC, 600 on the books of the Treasurer
of the State Of Tennessee, aiding and
abetting Marsh T. Polk in the embez-
Of $400, 900 from the State of
Tennessee and being a fugitive from
Justice.
Upon reading the warrant through,
the Captain remarked TO the detective
that he saw through it all, and that it
was nothing more than a dodge to get
him back to Nashville as witness in
the Polk case. Porter is said to have
admitted that such was the case, and
then said he had instructions from
Attorney General Washington
to the effect that in
the event Captain Fleming would
agree to 90 back to Tennessee with
him, willingly, and testify to what he
knew in the Polk case, he need not
serve the papers upon him. Captain
Fleming then had a consultation with
his friend Judge Flippin, of Memphis,
after which he promised to do as the
Attorney General desired, the detec-
tive agreeing to await the Captain
convenience, as he was sick.
Finding he could get ready on the
Oui hO uObluSu OiLcL VI Gu6 ldCJ, anu
the latter met him at the depot that
evening, and they came straight
through on the same train, arriving
here at the hour above stated.
I Although the detective and the
witness travelled on the same train,
they frequently rode in separate cars.
Just before reaching the city last
evening, Porter asked Captain Flem>
ing if he would go to see the Attorney
General with him. The Captain asked
Porter if he considered him under
arrest. The latter replied that he did
not, and Captain Fleming replied that
he did not see the necessity of going
10 see the Attorney General and would |
90 to the Nicholson Hsuse, where be |
would remain and await the detective |
lfter he had seen General Washington. |
This arrangement was adhered to, and |
she action of Captain Fleming seems
% be satisfactory to all parties con
,erned.