Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1903-07-30
CONYICTS BREAK PRISON
Thirteen Desperate Prisoners Made a
Successful Fight.
USED THE GUARDS AS SHIELDS.
convlcts 10 the Folsom PenItentiary Make
Sudden Attack Upon th: Warden and n
Subordluates-Eseaped to the Bald Mount
alas-Statc Troops Are Ordered to the
Scene.

Folsom, California Especially .-Thir-
teen desperate prisoners confined in the
Folsom Pcnitentiary made successful
break for liberty at the breakfast hour
Monday morning After fierce fight
in the captains office, during which
turnkey was fatally stabbed, guard
killed and another officer was wounded,
the convicts seized arms and ammuni-
ton and, using the warden and other
officers as shields, escaped. 1t is be-
lieved they are making for the Bald
Mountain. State troops ordered out by
Governor Pardee have gone to the
scene.
The convicts made their break for
liberty about 7 a. m They went to the
Office OF R. J. Murphy. captain OF the
guard, and seized Warden Wilkinson,
his grandson, Harry Wilkinson, Cap
tain Murphy and several other officers
and guards. A desperate fight took
place. The convicts were armed with
knives and razors, and witt, these they
assaulted Warden Wilkinson and his
officers. The warden's clothing was
slashed into shreds with razor, but
the blade did not touch the flesh. Turn
key Cochrane fought the convicts with
a chair, raining blows upon them right
and left. Finally he was felled by a
knife thrust in the back. Guard cotter
was dsemboweled by cut in the alb
domen. and he deC about noon. Pal
mer was severely cut in the head. The
floor OF the office was covered with
blood.
The officers were easily outnumbered
and were soon relieved Of their arms.
Then, using the officers as shields, the
convicts started for the armory, on the
outskirts OF the penitentiary grounds
They passed a gatling gun on one OF
the walls, but the guards were afraid
to shoot at the convicts for fear OF kill
Ing the prison officials. When the ar,
mory was reached the officers there
attempted to interfere, but were quickly
overpowered
The convicts, after fortiiying them,
| selves further with rifles, knives, pis'
tolls and ammunition, made dash tof
the country. =,
Convicts, each armed with a rifle
marched on either side OF Warden WI.
kinson. who was threatened with dealt
| II he made an attempt to escape. nc
officers were told that if any OF tho
pursuers took the life OF one OF thcii
number that they would rctallate. litt
for life. At Mormon Bridge, about
mile from the penitentiary, the warden
his grandson and Captai IN Murphy were
released and sent back. he other
were marched along with the convicts
Further on the convicts went to
farmers house. seized his four-hors'
team and wagon, stripped the house o
all its portable values, took the iarne'
with them as driver, and headed fo
Bald Mountain. Evidently 1t is thei
intention to reach Alabastcr Cave, SIT
uated near this mountain. All the con
yicts are still at large. Among the 9th
GERS carried off by them is Genera
Overseer McDonough. Some fears arr
felt for his safety. as he bears the esp
pecial ll-will OF the cOnvcts.
Later in the day Governor Pardc'
ordered Company D. OF Placervile, t'
the scene, and Company c, Second In
iantrv Of Nevada City, was ordered t'
be in readiness.
The several hundred remaining pr's
oners made no attempt to get ava,
and were quietly returned to their cell
and locked up. !.
Warden Wilkinson was the first t.
return to the pcnitcntiary. The con
yicts had taken his hat. Captain Muir
ply appeared afterward, minus part o
his clothing, and later young W'lk'n
| eo, came in