The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-08-08
HAD MIND ENOUGH
TO BREIE jail
Charles NebIett, a Cured Lunatic
Awaiting Trial, Gets Out Of
Chesterfield Prison.
Especial Dispatch to The rimss.1

Especial Dispatch to The T1ms2D
CHESTERFIELD, VA, August T..
Charles Neblett. young negro, who has
been confined In Jail here on the charge
OF burning the barn OF Mr.. Richard Eppeo
at Bermuda Hundred last November. and
CT stealing Mr.. Eppes' horse. to-day made
his escape from jail. and Is now at large.
Neblett was indicted at the December
term, 1901, for the offense charged against
him, and his case was set for trial at the
January term, 1902, OF the County Court
Before the day for trial arrived the man
showed unmistakable symptoms OF tn-
sanity and the court on January 18th sus-
pended his trial. and ordered that jury
be empanalled to inquire into his mental
condition. Upon the evidence brought be-
fore the jury and the expert testimony
OF physicians the jury brought In their
verdict that at that time they believed
the prisoner insane. but that they be-
Iieved him sane at the time the o:fense
with which he was charged was COM
ni:ted. Neblett was therefore committed
to the Eastern State hospital at Peters
burg, and remained there several months.
after which he seemed to DO restored to
sound mind. and was returned to jail here
Since his return. however, he has shown
many evidences that his mind Is unpai-
anced at times, and the jailer thinks ne
is crazy about three-fourths of the time,
while he seems to be Sane cftsn for sew
eral days In succession.
Mr.. W. h Cogbil, the jailer, was abb
sent for a while this morning. and about
one o'clock his assistant went IN to look
after the prisoners. and was told by some
OF them that Neblett had had crazy
fit In the morning and had gone Up
through the ceiling Of the jail into the
attic. About two o'clock Mr.. Cogbfll re-
turned and made search In the attic for
the missing prisoner, but he could not
be found. It is thought that he passed
t.. an adjoining room In the attic, dropped
! to the floor and secreted himself down
stairs in the jail. and when the lower
door was open escaped while the attend
| ant was upstairs. On account CT bis
weakened physical condition Neblett waS
allowed the privilege Of the Jail corridor
and the sunshine. He is small. delicate
looking man. OF gtnger-cake color and
apparently about twenty-one years OF aga.
The Middle District BAPTIST Association.
which has been held at Mt Hermcn Bap-
tsst Church. OF this county, since Tuesday
morning adjourned to-day. Many peopla
from this section and from all ever the
county have been attending, and those
who have returned homo report having
had a delightful time and to have been
royalty fed, which was in keeping WITH
the reputation which the people OF tht
Mount Eermon neighborhood enjoy az
expauents of real old Virg....a hospitality.
Judge s. \. Hancock was to have been
moderator of the Association, but on &C
count of sickness was rot able to attend.
Miss Virgie WInfree, who has been Wis
iting Mrs. 8. III. Firth. OF this place. to-
day returned TO her home in Richmond
Mr.. John E. Trueheart. well-kncwu
| figure at the courthouse and lover
| OF horse flesh. had the misfortune to lose
! a valuable horse last Sunday night while
| crossing Deep Creek. in Amelia county.
| The horse took fright at the sound OF
its feet on the bridge and leaped into the
! stream and was drowned.
| Several little sons Of Mr.. Joseph Blan-
| ton, Of Richmond. are staying with Mrs
I. S. Pilkinton. who has lately returned
from that city.