Year: 1869

The Notorious Missouri Outlay Sues for Peace


The ST. Louis Democrat of the 21th inst. contains
the following relative to the greatest Of Western


letter was received in this city day or two ago
from Sam. Hildebrand, the notorious outlaw,
stating that he had come to the conclusion that he
could no longer keep up war against the whole
country, and begging to be 'le alone" He promises
that ne Will never more molest anybody and will in


This letter in the hands of some OF the friends Of
Hldebrand-gentemen who served in the Confede-
rate army, and will no doubt be published. An effort
is also being made to raise subscription for the
outlaw, to set him up in his new home. We are not
Bowen, and the people OF St. Francois county are
willing to allow the outlaw to pass the remainder OF
his days in peace, whether he will be followed to
his new abode and brought to justice.


Last night we met with Judge Sebastian, OF Farm
ington, who has known Hildebrand for many years.
The Judge gave us short sketch of the career of
this most daring and desperate outlaw OF modern
times, and as it is doubtless strictly true, we publish
some OF the facts.


Hdebrand Is an illiterate backwoodsman, unable
to read write, and the letter in circulation here
must have been written by somebody else. At the
breaking out OF the Rebellion Hildebrand went to
Arkansas and joined the halfcivlliZed band OF JEFF.
Thompson. He made business OF stealing and
hang him, If he could have caught him. Finding
that the rude soldiery OF the "Swamp Fox were
dspost to punish him for his misdeeds Hildebrand
LETT the army and came up into southeast Missouri
as a bushwhacker.


and made distinction between the property OF
friends and foes. He shot his partner in the bush
Whacking business, ana tine German troops In the
county finished the man soon afterwards. Hide
brand also killed Rowan and Rowans son, in retail
ation killed Hildebrands brother. Hldebrand killed
an old man named Ringer, and shot young McIva ne
while he was at work in his field How many men
he killed is not known, but his last victim was Nc
Claim, whom he shot only a few months ago.


A good deal Of sympathy has been excited in be-
half OF Hldebrand by stories of his wrongs-the
burning OF his mothers house, the killing OF his
brothers, and the persecution Of his whole family ;
but Judge Sebastian assures us that Sam was the
hIst aggressor, and was never il-used before he
committed depredations upon others.


About two weeks ago Hidebrand went to Farm
ington, at night, and removed his wife and six chill
dTen. He crossed the Mississippi at Rush Tower, in
skiffs, and is now in Southern Illinois Mrs Hide
brand had an interview with Judge Sebastian just
before the removal, and she assured him that her
husband would never more molest any one, as he
was tired Of being constantly pursued and in danger
of his life. A few weeks ago IIildebrand came one
night to the store of Judge Sebastian, In Farming
ton, and made the Judge walk backwards into side
room, keeping his eye steadily fixed upon him.


He had four revolvers in his belt lie wanted two
canisters OF guBpowder, having obtained three at
another store; but the Judge did not have the
article needed Hldebrand expressed his desire to
abandon his mode of life, and live at peace with the
world. When asked why he acted so badly, he re-
piled hat he had commenced, and had thought he
ought TO fight it out.


ii to be hoped that the Southeast is permanently
rid OF the most audacious outlaw that ever preyed
upon community, and that we shall hear no more
Of Sam Hildeprand.