Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1895-10-25


ports made out in Havana had no cur
rency in the face of the enemy, but at
any rate it proved that whatever my in
tentions might be had at least hailed
last from Havana, and this would prevent
my peppery captain from enjoying the
pleasure of standing me up in the morn
ing to be fusilladed, such being the law
for captives in the savage contest.
Down my gentleman sat on barrel,
pompous and important, and ordered me
to be searched. All this time dozen
hands were holding me fast. I told my
officer he was fool and clown, but
my captors began to 60 through my
pockets, and speedily there was heap
of gold and paper; money on the barrel,
and my little friend fingered it with a
covetous eye. Ihad my $40, 900 in bonds
pinned in the sleeve of my undershirt
This they missed, but found all else I
carried. Ii. the meantime there was an
eager audience looking on, absorbed in
the interest Of the scene.
There was a collection indeed on that
barrel. Besides my ring, there were five
other valuable diamonds, and my chro-
nometer, with its regular beat and
stem winding arrangement, was great
curiosity. Then the heap Of money was
a loadstone for all their hungry eyes.
The captain was making out an inven-
tory and statement, while I stood white
with rage to see the half breeds, blacks,
browns and yellows handle my property
so freely. I was especially in rage
with the impudent captain, who had the
nerve to put my watch in his pocket.
Absorbed by the interest of the scene,
my captors had insensibly loosened their
hold, and I determined to have some
satisfaction out of the captain. Sudden
ly seizing one Of the revolvers before I
could be stopped, I gave him stinging
blow with it and sprang on him. We
rolled on the floor, and there was
scene. was dragged off by 80 hands,
every one trying to seize me if only by
one hand. The captain got up with the
blood running down his face, and rush.
ing to peg he seized saber bayonet
and flew at me like mad bull. Ishout-
ed at him in Spanish, calling him a
cur and coward, bidding him to come
on. He was not unwilling while my
captors held me firmly exposed to his
assault. Another second would have
ended my life, when woman spectator,
who stood rear nursing child, threw
her arms around him. This, joined to
my indifference, for I continued my
jeers and taunts, changed his purpose,
to my disappointment, for I preferred
death to going back to Havana
Ten days after sailed once more into
Havana, this time a prisoner. Two
days after my capture, by order Of the
captain general Of Cuba, was put on
board the little gu,.boat Santa Rita, a
wretched little tub that steamed four
miles an hour and took eight days going
from Puerto Novo on the south to Ha-
vana
Twas taken by a guard Of soldiers to
the common prison, where an entire
corridor was cleared Of its inmates to
make room for me and my guards. Cap
tain Pinkerton was the first man to call
He Of course was delighted to see me.
While giving me credit for my escape,
he told me he did not purpose to have
me leave him again, and, having per-
mission from the authorities, he or some
Of his men intended to keep me conf
pany night and day. Of course re-
spected Curtin for his honest determine
ton to do his duty. He really was an
altogether good fellow and showed me
all possible courtesy and consideration.
In fact, on his first visit he brought me
letter from my wife along with box
of cigars and bottle Of wine on his
own account.
One of his men, Of the name of Perry,
used to sleep in my little room with me,
and every morning Curtin would relieve
him, remaining until dinner time. We
had many long talks on all sorts of SUBJ
jects. and he gave me many inside his
tories of famous criminal cases which
he had been engaged in. In time we be-
camo very good friends, and I am happy
to state that Captain John Curtin is to-
day well and hearty, prosperous man
and very generally respected by the cltl-
zens of San Francisco, where he lives.
About ten days after my arrival he
brought me q New York Herald con-
tanning these dispatches:
Especial to New York Hcrald.l
MADRID, April II, 1873.
Tho American ambassador, General Sicklcs,
has formally notified Senor Castelar, that the
| American 20, 'rnmcnt will consent to the sur
render to the British government Of Austin
| Bidwrll now under arrest in Havana upon
| charge of being concerned in tho Bank Of Eng.
land forgery.
Especial to New York Hcrald.l
| LONDON, April IL, 1873
To tho great qualification Of the authorities
hero official confirmation Is given to the ru
NOR that tho Spanish government has con
cluded to grant the oXtradition OF Austin Bid
well, now u.idcr arrest in Havana. There
seems to be no doubt that Bidwell is the mys
tcrious Frederick Albert Warren, and there Is
very general curiosity to see him. Many
conflicting stories have been published Of hi:
extraordinary escape and equally cXtraor
binary capture. The Times report had 1t that
he was mortally wounded and that hn had or
his person when captured diamonds to ar
enormous value which had disappeared soor
after. Scrgcants Hayden and Green of tho
Bow street forco and Mr.. Good Of the Bank o.
England sail on tho Java tomorrow to escor
Bidwell to London.
So tho web was closing in on me- Ot
my daily sad interviews with my wife
1 will say nothing here. In due time
Green, Hayden and Good arrived ant
were introduced to me. did not give
in, but made, by the aid Of my friends.
hard fight to persuade the captain gen
eral to suspend the order for my deliv
, cry and succeeded for time