The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-11-25
BORE TWEED TO SAFETY
YACHT ANNIE. NOW a SAN FRANCIS
co PLEASURE BOAT.
How the Escape Was Planned and
Carried Oat-yoyage to Cuba I'm
the Fast Single Sticker.


San Francisco Chronicle
Little do the merry-makers who spend
their holidays on the San Antonio estuary
realize that the graceful yacht which lies
Juggling at her moorings in Sessions basin
is a craft with a history. She is the sloop
Annie, owned by Commodore Philip Caduo.
of the Oakland Canoe Club One would not
think, seeing this vessel dipped to the
winds of the bay, that at one time in
her career she took from the United States
10 Cuba the noted criminal, Bill" Tweed.
She was at that time in the fleet Of the
New York Yacht Club, and was noted for
being ore of the fastest single-stickers
afioat. Having splendid sea qualities, her
owners were In the habit of making con-
slant cruises out into the ocean ofe OF New
York harbor. This fact led those who
planned the escape of Tweed TO pur-
chase her. as she was a familisr figure
TO the authorities who guarded the en-
trance to the harbor, and, like the SNUG
gler Emerald of local fame, she was al
lowed to go out and enter without being
molested. as she was considered merely
as the plaything of the rich. Even the
story of the celebrated trip did not come
out until almost year after Tweed had
been captured.
Ii seems that while in the city prison
OF New York, Tweed became acquainted
with one Bliss, OF many aliases, who had
worked some of the most daring bank
robberies of that time. 1t was at Bliss's
suggestion that escape was undertaken.
Tweed for a time would not consider it,
but the more Bliss talked to him about it
the more feasible the scheme became. Later
Tweed came in contact with man by the
name OF Charley Lawrence. who had been
arrested for silk smuggling. From this
person he received the necessary details
OF the existing treaties with foreign coun-
tries, and as at that time there was no
agreement with Spain for the return of
criminals. he decided that If he got away
he would make for that country.
Daily, when not observed he would go
over the plan with Bliss. The latter was
in communication with condederates on
the outside who We're members of a we'll
organized body OF men, equal to any des-
perate task and who We're distributed
throughout the United States.
When the compact was finally made
Tweed was furnished with a short KEY
for Geographic communication, and one
10 be used through the mails. The lat
ter included a system of Enclosures
through five different envelopes, with
different addresses on each, and which
were TO be removed at different points.
to visit his home. This was comparative
~ easy, as he was a sort of a privileged
character at the jail. When such requests
were granted a couple of deputies were
pleasant duty for the men, as every time
they Went to his home they were treated
TO a feast, not to mention an unlimited
supply OF wines and the best brands of
cigars The frequent visits caused the
guards TO be a little lax in their watchful-
ness
SECRET ARRANGEMENTS
The arrangements were that Tweed
should deliver himself over secretly and
unattended at his door. Those who were
TO assist him were pledged to see that
nc was landed in Spain or under the Span
ish flag safely and secretly. Some time
previous to the date set Tweed was given
the. name of John Secor by those who
had charge of the affair. This name was
sent to all the branches of this band of
desperadoes, so that If, in any way, the
plans should miscarry or his whereabouts
be suspected he could at once call for as
sistance that would be at his command
The exact time Of his departure was fixed
at D M, not more than minute before
or minute after.
When the day arrived and the whole
plan of operation had been perfected
Tweed was given the last sign, which was
TO be a mark on the doorstep which he
could see as he assembled. Dec. 4, 1875, was
the date set. During the afternoon of that
day, while talking with the sheriff, he
mentioned the fact that he would like to
have dinner at his home, which request
was gladly granted. A better time could
not have been selected even if the con-
spiratOrs had waited for ideal conditions.
1t was perfect night in every detail. The
heavens were overcast, it extremely
cold and dreary, and the police were hunt
ing excuses to find shelter from the chill
ing blasts. About Z d. m. Tweed drove
I'M N cln IA will rxUO
ers. As they assembled the steps he saw
the sign, and for moment was so over
come that he almost exposed the fact that
something unusual had happened Pulling
himself together, they all entered the house
and found a dinner little more elaborate
than on former occasions. n couple of
extra bottles of wine were brought on the
table and the keepers Toasted for almost
an hour. Just as the clock struck the
hour of 5 and Tweed was at a high ten
sion wondering how he was going to ex-
cuse himself from the table one of the
keepers arose to wash his hands before he
gan his after-dinner cigar. This was the
supreme moment. Tweed arose also and
said that he would go into the next room
and wash his hands. Going out he closed
the door and grabbed the first hat at hand
and in an instant was on the steps-a fugi-
tive from Justice The only thing in sight
was the empty carriage, the driver of
which was being entertained in the kit
chen For moment he drew back but
just then a covered wagon came in view,
q hs3i was waved from under the can
vas and he started for it. a man came
out suddenly at the foot of the stairs and
Tweed was about to return, when the
figure spoke, saying: "All right; get into
the wagon" Then commenced a wild dash
for freedom which lasted for almost a
year.
SEEKING FREEDOM.
A zigzag course was taken across the
city until the North river was reached
Getting out ON the river side he slipped
into a. small boat that was in waiting and
in a short time reached the Jersey side,
whence he was driven a short way inland
TO a farmhouse. Here he was disguised.
and on the following day was escorted TO
Staten island to a fisherman's hut about a
half mile from Fort Wadsworth. In the
meantime those interested in the escape
had purchased the Annie, which was
known at that time as the Annie Maria
and they had her under way cruising in
and out OF the Narrows. She was fitted
out for a long sea voyage For over two
weeks they kept under cover at the fisher
mans hut, as the police were hot on the
trail. Finally, the right night presented At
self. For over week IL had been bright
moonlight. but at last 1t was cloudy over
head. Tweed, with two companions and a
colored boy. started for the yacht which
was anchored of the fort In fact. he had