The San Francisco call., 1905-03-26
CONVICT MAKES
ESCAPE At SEA
j. 2. Morgan, a Convicted
Horse Thief, Disappears
From the Steamer Corona
BOUND TO SAN QUENTIN
Humboldt Sheriff Search
ing Vessel for Man Who
Perhaps Jumped Overheard

J. P. Morgan. 8 convicted horse
thief an ex-solcier and reputed bad
man, made his escape early yesterday
morning while on the high sea from
Sheriff Brown of Humboldt County,
who was escorting the prisoner from
Eureka to San Quentin. At some time
between and > o'clock. while the
Sheriff slumbered in a lower berth on
the coasting steamer Corona, Morgan
climbed from the berth above his Gus
todian's head, passed out into the
night and since has not been seen. A
search Of the Corona failed to uncov-
er the missing convict. If Morgan
jumped overheard he probably went
10 q speedy death.
Morgan was sentenced to serve four
years in San Quentin. He is a young
man Of slight physique and appeared
TO be reconciled 10 the fate meted out
"a him by the hand Of the law. Sizing
up his prisoner. Sheriff Brown decid-
ed that il would be unnecessary TO re-
strain him, and Morgan was given the
liberty Of The shin.
PRISONER RISES EARNIY.
The Sheriff and his prisoner retired
late Friday night. Brown made him
self comfortable in a lower berth af-
above. At 1870 q. m. Brown and his
prisoner exchanged words. Brown
said goodnight and dropped into a
sound sleep. About a. m. Morgan
arose and went on deck. A watch
man asked him what he was doing up
at thar hour and Morgan explained
he was chilly and would like a cup Of
coffee. The watchman secured mug
ef the steaming beverage and Nor
gan drank it, thanked the watchman
and said goodnight. A few minutes
later The Watchman encountered Nor
gan again The horsethief explained
that he was going TO pace the deck
for few minutes to let the coffee set
tie. Morgan walked TO the after end
Of the boat and that was the last the
Watchman saw Of him.
Brown awoke about 8 o'clock and
within few minutes was searching
the steamer for his prisoner. High
and low he looked, but found no Nor
gan. The Corona signaled for the po-
lice as she came in through the heads
and when the steamer reached Broad
way wharf Detective Coleman and a
squad from the Harbor police station
were there TO receive her.
SEARCH IN VAIN.
Policemen were posted so that
every man leaving the steamer came
under strict scrutiny. Officers Nc
GoWan and Conlan, who know all
about ships and the habits of stow
sWays, made another search of the
vessel. They looked into boats, peek
ed down venulators and even exam
lned the interior of the smokestack.
In glory-hole and fireroom the sleuths
searched. They explored the shaft al
hey and groped into the darkest cor
ners Of the hold. Grimy, hungry, but
without Morgan, they abandoned the
search after two hours toll. Sheriff
Brown and Detective Colman accom-
panied the Corona to Oakland, where
C she is discharging the balance of her
cargo. They believe that the missing
man, If he did not commit suicide, is
slowed away among the freight and
the law officers will not leave the
steamer until she is empty, when they
will make another search.
At the time Morgan disappeared the
Corona was within two and a half
miles Of shore. There was a good sea
running and even if provided with a
life preserver, ii is hardly possible
that a man of Morgans physique
would be able to make his way to
land.
Brown has been Sheriff of Hum
boldt County for forty years. He has
brought many prisoners TO this CITY.
but never before has he lost his man.
The next prisoner he brings from Eu-
an Oregon boot and if necessary a.
straitjacket. And Brown will sleep
with one eye oDen.