Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1905-10-28

Alstead, N. H.-Fleeing through the
forests in the southwestern corner OF
the Granite State to escape capture
by an armed posse, George Ford, who
on Oct. "a shot Fred j. Shortcleeve
and then defied the sheriff who came
to arrest him, evaded his pursuers
throughout the day and when dark
ness fell the chase was abandoned Tor
while. Ford was seen several times
during the day, but was always so far
In advance Of the pursuers as to cas-
lily evade capture.
Edward Hodgman of Marlow arrived
here Wednesday night and reported to
the authorities that he had been ac-
costed by an armed man while driving
over from NARROW. Hodgman says
that the man suddenly appeared from
behind clump of bushes, and, point
ing revolver at him, ordered him to
halt.
Instead of complying with the de-
mand, Hodgman lashed his horses and
drove ahead, narrowly missing the
highwayman, who turned and fed into
the woods.
Hodgman is not sure of the mans
identity, but the authorities are salts
fed that 1t was Ford.
Nearly every available man in this
village joined in the pursuit, and re-
ward of $50 has been offered by the
selectmen for the apprehension of the
fugitive.
Despite the close watch that was
kept on the besieged ran throughout
the night, when it was thought that
every avenue of escape from the hotel,
where he had barricaded himself in
his room, was closed to him, Ford
took advantage of a momentary re-
Taxation of vigilance and dashed into
the woods. He had evidently watched
for his opportunity, for the moment
that one of the besleging party left
his post for a bit of food, Ford low
cred himself out of the window by
rope made of sheets and effected his
escape.
Once during the night the officers
had attempted to batter down the door
but bullet from Ford's revolver made
the attacking party cautious, and it
was decided to bring the prisoner to
submission by starving him. The Off
GERS surrounded the hotel, and guard
ed the corridors and prepared for
long siege.
During the night Ford conversed oc-
casionally with the deputies, on each
occasion warning them that any at
tempt to enter his room would result
in the death of the invading party,
and adding that he would never be
captured alive.
1t is the belief of the authorities
that Ford has headed in the direction
of NARROW, where he Is known to have
friends. 1t is felt that If he leaves the
woods he will surely be captured. In
asmuch as he is known to have been
without food since Tuesday noon, it is
thought he will be forced to leave the
forest before long
Fred ]. Shortcleeve, the man shot
by Ford, is not SO seriously wounded
as at first supposed. The bullet en-
tered the back below the left shoulder,
but did not penetrate any vital spot.
Shortcleeve will be taken from his
home to the hospital at Keene, where
an attempt will be made to remove
the bullet.
Shortcleeve gave an account of the
conversation Immediately preceding
the shooting. He says that he was
leaving the hotel to go to his home in
Langdon when Rord approached him.
"Who are you coughing att" asked
Ford.
81 was not coughing" answered
Shortcleeve.
Flourishing revolver Ford said,
Don't you dare cough at me-
Shortcleeve then told Ford that he
was not afraid Of the revolver and as
he turned to walk away Ford fired at
him.
Insanity Is the only explanation that
can be assigned for Ford's actions. A
few days ago he announced that he
had received a divine command to abb
stain from food seven days. Other
strange speeches and actions are now
recalled and it is thought that he was
mentally unbalanced when he shot
Shortclceve.