The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-09-06
MIXED HIS BORROWED PLUMES
Avn SAILED FROM GOVERNORS
ISLAND TO FREEDOM.
Milling Brecches, Tuxedo. Red Tie and
High Hat Redulsitioned by Hue Bells
prIsoncd boy for Trip TO Town
sentry wondered, hut Passed Him.

prIsoncd boy for Trip to Town
sentry wondered, but Passed Him.
prisoner who was serving a sentence
:, Castle Williams escaped from Governors
Island on Sunday evening disguised as a
Gentleman under the weather. The ease
with which he got away was due principally
f., the fact that most OF the soldiers now
stationed at the post have been there only
= few days. But the rig he wore was of
such an astonishing character that the
,cfficors of the garrison can't for the life OF
them understand why he was not detained
AS suspicious person either at the wharf
or on the boat which carried him to New
York
rbe prisoner was Private Frank Reese,
and inc had been sentenced to years con-
moment for desertion. He was in all
respects model prisoner, so he had become
"a -ir,lsty;" that is, he was trusted to do odd
obs about the island and was not kept as
strictly confined as most prisoners Among
those who were impressed by his good be-
havior was Capt. Horton of the Eighth
Infantry, the quartermaster at the island.
Capt. Horton took a great fancy to Reese
and showed in many ways that he put the
utmost confidence in him.
excellent but he was so mild hammered
and obedient at all times that no one at the
most ever dreamed that he was watching
for an opportunity to escape, particularly
as his sentence would expire in few
months.
When the Eighth Infantry went last week
10 Manassas to take part in the army man
puvres on that historic battlefield, they
we're relieved by the Fifty-first Company OF
Coast Artillery from Fort Hamilton and
tho Fifty sixth Company from Fort Wads-
worth. Capt Horton did not join his
company at Manassas until Saturday.
When he went away he gave the key OF
the back door of his house to his favorite
.tr,lsty" with instructions to him to keep
his eye on the place.
On Sunday afternoon Reese entered the
Captains house In his own shape he
was seen no more by anyone on the island
But at dusk strange figure emerged from
the back door of the house and walked
leisurely toward the ferry landing. AS
The figure passed along whisting Good
bv. NV Blue Bell" there were many who
stared at it in surprise, but none ohered
10 stop the man or question him about MS
odd costume.
He wore a silk hat Tuxedo coat, an
evening shirt with wide expanse OF bosom
high collar. a flowing red tie and riding
brooches that were several sizes too large
for him,
On reaching the wharf he took of his
high hat and mopped his brow with fine
white handkerchief. The boat had not
come in, and while waiting for her arrival
he sauntered about, apparently uncon-
scio,s OF the attention he was attracting
The sentry on duty belonged to one OF
the new companies and did not recognize
the strllsty" Reese in the freakishly dressed
individual who seemed to be bound for
dinner in the city There was a crowd
waiting to take the boat, composed mostly
Of visitors The costume Of the man in
the high hat attracted the eyes OF all, bu,
no one said anything tc him.
when the little ferryboat came in. the
strangely attired individual was among
the first to get aboard. On his way through
the cabin he passed the guard, also mem
her Of one Of the new companies. without
being molested. During the trip to the
BATTERY he leaned over the rail on the for
ward deck, gazing without apparent con,
Germ at the water. Never once did he
cesre whistling "Good-by, My Blue Bell
None Of the soldiers at the landing recog
nized him and, passing out the gate, he
was soon lost in the crowd near South
Ferry.
The queer figure hadn't been gone Ions
from Governors Island before the alb
senoe OF the "trusty' was noted by the
sergeant In charge OF the Castle Williams
puard An alarm was sounded and the
island was secured for the missing pris
oner. Knowing that he had the key TO Capt
Horizons house, those premises were
searched because 1t was believed thai
possibly he had hidden himself there
No one who knew him gave him credit fol
nerve enough to attempt an escape.
Only q few weeks ago two prisoners had
tried to get away from the island in a boat
They were seen by a sentry and ordered
to put back. Not obeying, the sentry
raised his gun and shot ono OF the mer
In the Jaw. This made a strong impression
ON the other prisoners and no more attempts
to escape had been made.
But In Capt. Horizons bedroom the search
ing party found evidences Of the recen
visit OF the trusty. Drawers were pulled
out and wearing apparel was strewn about
In confusion. Why the man didn't TAXI
the trousers that went with the tuxedo
coat or why he selected red tie instead
OF a black one will never be known unless
Reese IL recaptured. Apparently he hac
taken his time about dressing and hac
made a pretty thorough examination Of
the contents OF the room. Nothing was
missing, however, except the toys he wore
His prison suit was found on the floor.
The military authorities notified the
police Of Reeee's escape. but they don''
ssem to have much hope OF ever getting
MIN back. They think he has pawneo
Capt. Horizons clothes and bought Others