News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1885-09-10
Lawrence Brainerd Captured.


WNNEPEG, Man., Sept. 1.-THE
kidnapping of Lawrence Rrainerd,
lately an American bank President, is
the sensation of the day. Brainerd,
after wrecking the St. Adams Bank a
year ago and running scores of farmers
and others, went to Denver and after
ward came here with his wife about
four months ago. He concealed his
identity, registering as Jackson, and
lived quiet life at the Winnipeg
Hotel, At first he went out but little.
but was occasionally seen at horse
races and other sporting events. He
was also observed to attend church
regularly. Brainerd gave out to Ger,
tain people that he was an American
speculator and was interesting himself
in mica mining, and he was known tc
freqently exhibit specimens thereof
A couple of months ago two detectives
from Wiggin & Woods Agency, Bos-
ton, came here, announcing them
selves as Spectators. One became
acquainted Brainerd, and, to gain his
confidence, said that he was ''crook. u
They became quite intimate and fire.
quently went on excursions together.
These detectives made themselves
known privately to the Winnipeg po-
lice, but threw the latter on the wrong
scent. Although the strangers re-
manned in the city for so long our
police never suspected them. They
frequented bar-rooms and endeavored
to cultivate the impression first crea
ted that they were blatant individuals
who had more money to spend than
they knew what to do with. Last
Saturday afternoon one of the detect
ives proposed a duck shooting expe-
dition to Brainerd, and the two started
south in blackboard. When several
miles from the city, in lonely place,
they were joined by the other detect
i've and a friend. When Brainerd
was informed that they knew who he
was and wanted him to go quietly with
them across the border to avoid the
expense of legal proceedings. Brain
erd at first refused, and the detectives
threatened him and finally, it is
charged, overpowered him, binding
him hand and foot. They threw him
into a wagon with a fast team and
started for the boundary in all haste.
1t is alleged that, in order to proven
detection while passing through the
country and the villages, they poured
a quantity of laudanum down their
captiye's throat, and kept him drug
ged till safely across the line. AS
Brainerd did not return, his wife be-
came alarmed, communicated with the
police and a legal firm. 1t dawned
upon the former what had occurred,
and although it was late a special
train was chartered, and the police
started for the boundary with all speed
to intercept the detectives. On the
way to st. Vincent a collision occurred
and the police had fearfully narrow
escape from being killed. On Sunday
another special train was chartered
and the police went to. the boundary,
where the detectives, with Brainerd in
custody, were found. The detectives
refused to give him up, and while the
police were searching for the authori-
ties to arrest the detectives for assault,
the latter put Brainerd in wagon and
drove off at railroad speed. This was
the last seen of them, and they are
now safe in Minnesota or Dakota.
The Winnipeg police being powerless,
returned disguised.