Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-09-04
Invading n Sanctuary.

The castle barracks az EnnlsEillen NJ one
time enjoyed the privilege, shared by som,
other localities, Of being sanctuary within
the bounds Of which no one cold be ar
rested for debt. | do not know whether
this still is the case. but il probably arose
from the site having bee3 formerly occn-
pied as royal castle a. the name would
imply. Al all events. the freedom from
arrest for debt was not only frequently
considerable convenience To impecunou,
officers, hut was also at times OF service to
several Of the gentlemen OF the nciyh5or'
hood, who, living "not wisely but too
well,r had outrun constable, and Tor a
time became the guests OF those who had
enjoyed the hospitality dispensed at their
various houses with so free hand. ] re-
member q very ludicrOus scene that was
brought about by an occurrence OF the
kind.
one very hot dav in the height OF sum
mer party. consisting Of half a dozen or
SO Of MS. were refreshing our heated "cor-
puses." after 4 loneish parade aud drill, in
the room Of a brother officer, and pipes,
cigars. and various cooling drinks were the
order Of the day. The room was on the
first floor in the corner Of the barracks,
and on going out OF the door OF the house
in which it was situated, the barracS gate
was at some distance to the left, while close
to the right ran the deep and rapid western
branch Of the river, that flows on both
sides Of the island upon which the town
stands.
A postern gate in a high and strong pail
sadc gave access 10 the water, from which
gate flight Of several stone steps. running
down to the left along the wall, enabled us
10 get 10 the boats lying there; but, save
small platform at the top OF the steps, there
was nothing between the open gate and
the river. The gate was not locked during
the day. a. we constantlv used it.
While we were chatting hurried step
was heard on the stair. the door was flung
open, and Mr. Dane. gentleman OF tn
neighbOrbood, rushing in, flung himself
into a chair eXclaiminc: "Safe al las,
But, by Jove had a squeak for it,"
Before he had time 10 explain. however,
after him dashed Il bailill, who. though
considerably blown. at once put his hand
on Mr.. Danes shoulder, aud babe HIM con.
slider himself his prisoner. The biilii
must either have been a stranger or very
Young at his trade not TO have known that
he was acting illegally; but at this june
ture the officer to whom The quarters be-
loEgcd in,erposed, and stcrnly ordered
him to leave the room, under pain OF being
removed by force il he did not.
This the baiill, with much insolcnt Ian.
guaee. refused to do unless Mr.. Dane came
with him. interspcrsing his refUsals with
uncompmentary remarks upon officers
and soldiers in general and the present
company in particular. Upon this, the
officer went to the open window. ana see.
Ing one OF the servants in the barrlck-
yard. desired him to come up stairs and
bring thee or four others with him: and
iii less than minute several stout fellows
entered the room.
Pointing to the bailif. Put this man
ont Of barracks at once. y was the next
order.
"les, your Honor" replied the leader
OF the party, a gigantic lrish1Ian; and in 4
second the baiiII found himself in bands
from which there was no escape; and As he
would not be quiet, but continued TO strug-
gle and resist, he was turned face down
ward. and 40 carried by his arms and legs
down the stairs.
Anticipating some fun, from acquaint-
ance with the character OF the giant leader
Of the party, we all went TO the windows,
and presently the procession appeared com.
ing out OF the door, the bailtf still objur-
eating and struggling as well as he could,
which was not much. Just outside the
door they clme 10 a halt.
sure, Bill" said the big man, nodding
his head toward the postern gate, "didn't
the captain tell us To put him out OF the
barracks at onest aud isn't this the short
est way Out!"
Fright you are, and I'm sure don't
want to be carrying this haste all across
the yard, such a broiling day as this"
"Oh, gentlemen. gentlemen /" screamed
the bsilih. who only then realized their
meaning, "for mercy's sake don't put me
in the water. I'll get my death OF cold
Let me go-oh, do let Inc go"
"Cap We swiml" was the question put
In storm tone by the giant.
"Oh, yes, sir-yes! " shrieked the catch
pole, whose fears led him to anticipate no.
thing short OF murder; ~ can swim
WE'LL"
Thank your stars for that" was the
reioinder; you'd have been drowned il
you couldn't! Now you'll only be washed,
and You want it badly. Together now,
boys. One--two-three !"
And away flew the bailiff like spread
eagle, and, with a loud shrek, disappeared
beneath the water. The men jumped into
q boat. ready TO save him il 1t had been ne
ccssary; but il was not. The victim rose
TO the surface, blowing like grampus, and
struck for the shore below the barracks with
all the ease Of practiced swimmer, and
landing there, went his way sadder and
a wiser baiid than he was few minutes
before.
Nothing was ever heard Of 1t. lie was
so completely in the wrong that his en-
ployers would not have supported him in
any complaint.