Year: 1875

We we're Informed yesterday by what
we consider reliable authority, that
Joseph Reed, colored, the murderer Of
policeman Frazier, did not only escape
by miracle the clutches of the mob of
over two weeks ago, bu. of the civil law
itself, which would have meeted out to
him the penalty of death.


We are told that IN his descent from
the suspension bridge Reed struck upon
a tree, which broke his fall and thus pre-.
vented his death, and at the same time
enabled him to successfully make his
escape, aided by the kindly cover of the
darkness. 1t is said that when he stuck
the ground, after striking the tree he
did not roll, as was supposed, but went
down the bank as rapidly as the declivity
and others obstacles would permit. He
had about his neck the rotten rope which
he is said to have cast out into the river
in the moment o. his excitement and ter,
ribls scare, and dashed it into tie river,
that no trace might be eft to show
that he still survived. After get,
ting well out Of the pathways that would
naturally lead people of curiosity down
to spot where he had fallen, be felt CON-
paratively safe. But tlis did not stop
hig fight. Ga, on he went, at the swift.
est possible speed, until finally seeking
the friendly cover Of colored man s roof,
he abided there during the night, having
his wounds dressed in the meantime, by
a physician in the city who can testify
to the fact, and departing Nashville in a
hack the following morning, for parts
unknown.


He is described as having beer wound,
ed in the back Of the head, the ball max.
ing an indenture in the skull, The
second shot EFT through the cheek and
Clipped off his nose the two wounds
causing him to bleed rather profusely at
the start. This accounted for the find
ing of blood on the railing of the bridge.
1t had evidently been the int3ntion Of
the party shooting to have placed the
lnuzzle of the revolver behind the but
of the ear, and to have sent the bullet
whlzzing through his brain.


1t will be remembered that the frs,
shot was fred on Front Street. 1t wa
then believed that the ball had made
quick work with him, as be reeled ana
staggered, being stunned, and it was with
scme difficulty that they dragged hin
along to the bridge. This was the TINT
at which he ceiyed what was supposed
to have been a fatal wound but showing
signs of life as they tied the rope to the
railing OF the bridge, which was to swing
him into space, they shot him in tn,
head with the intention of leavi no pos
sibility of his escaping death. But hi
weight proved to be too great for the rope
which Immediately on receiving tn,
strain, suddenly snapped asundsr and le
him down into the tree instead of int
the turbid waters OF the Cumberland.


Though there were rumors to the eff
feet that be had escaped. yet no one coult
bring themselves down to believe wha
seemed so absurd probability. No on,
who went through so much agony while
the Lob was engaged in cutting down tn,
seven doors leading to his cell, who wa
hurled forth with mad impetuosity; VIII
was half led and dragged through From
Street; who was shot, and in response t.
the sharp echo, which filed the spectator
with horror, while he groaned out, "0h
mercy y who was then taken to the bridge
shot again and cast over into the yawnln,
abydss below, to have escaped all this an
lived was a miracle, which no one, VIII
witnessed it all, was willing or ready t
believe.


His escape was known but BY few, wh
kept his secret we'll.