The San Francisco call., 1899-06-25
Guards EIuded by Pri-
vate Hawthorne.
FIRED AT BUT DID NOT HALT
WAS CONFINED IN THE GUARD
HOUSE AWAITING TRIAL.
A Famous Light Battery From Fort
Riley Arrives at the Presidio.
Assignment of Of
GERS.

Private William E. Hawthorne Battery
O, Third Artillery, is a deserte~. YesIer-
day morning shortly after S o'clock he
made his escape and up TO a late hour
last night the military authorities had no
clew as 10 his whereabouts. Soldiers
have made their escape from the Pre-
sidio before, but for daring Hawthorne's
tight has never been equaled. Closely
guarded by mounted trooper in part
OF The post where the alarm could be
most easily given and where his chances
10 get away were comparatively small,
the artileryman took his life in his own
hands. succeeding in eludlng his guard
and in making good his escape from the
reservation. Hawthorne was confined in
the guardhouse a few days ago upon a
Charge OF larceny and was waiting his
trial by court-martial. He is a member
of the new battery now being recruited.
and attempted, SO II IS charged, 10 PUCK
the pocket Of fellow soldier
Yesterday morning Hawthorne, with
several other prisoners, under the conduct
Of Trooper Austin OF Troop b, were de-
sailed on fatigue duty. The men were
upon what is known as cart duty. That
Is they have to visit the officers quarters
and remove the garbage from the cans
that are always kept in the rear OF the
houses. The party under trooper AUSTIN
had visited the post hospital and re-
moved the refuse from that place. They
next went to Surgeon Wares quarters
was halted at the rear gate and Haw-
thorne and two of the other men went
into the yard. In short while two OF
the men came out, saying that there was
nothing to be removed, and then it was
that the guard heard the gate THAI sep
aTates the front and back yards slam
quickly together. In an instant he took
IN the situation and realized that Haw-
thOrne had attempted to escape by the
way of the front gate of the quarters,
which opens upon the drive that sepa-
gf o. he officers
from the maze.
Austin sprang from his horse at the
same time unslnging his carbine. He ran
through the yard, and just as he reached
the front gate he saw Hawthorne dash
down the embankment into the maze.
Austin had no time to take aim, but
hlaZed away at the escaping soldier. He
missed him and the bullet cut the leaves
from the trees just as hawthorne diVed
into the thick underground and disap-
prared from sight. Austin mad TO return
and take charge Of the other prisoners. As
soon as he was able to do so he reported
HaWthOrne's escape at the guardhOuse \
search was made for the fugitive. but ne
had succeeded In getting off the reserVa-
tiun. The officers OF the post hope to eff
feet the capture Of the soldier before he
can leave the city.
Light Battery {, Captain J. NJ. Calif
commanding, arrived at the Preside yes
terday. This battery was ordered here
from Fort Riley and viii become a part of
the garrison. The battery has a fine rec
ord for gallantry. both in the Mexican
and Civil War. 1t is known as Bragg's
Battery from its gallant service during
the former war. and upon its flag is in
scribed Saved the Day at Buena Vista"
colonel Jacob Rawles and Lieutenant
Colonel Wallace Randolph. Third Artil-
lery. are expected here the first Of next
month. Colonel Rawles viii probably
succeed to the command Of the post upon
the departure Of Colonel Freeman, who
sails for Manila about July y, or possibly
sooner.
During the absence of Captain Thomas
[. Raymond. assistant surgeon, from de-
partment headquarters. Major Robert
Gibson. surgeon now at Angel Island
has been ordered to department head
quarters for temporary duty