Letter from J. H. Pierce to Major William Atwood; February 14, 1870

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Letter from J. H. Pierce to Major William Atwood; February 14, 1870

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Document Metadata

Each transcribed document contains links that connect it to other documents on the same topic in the collection.

People

Atwood, William Avant, W. T.Avery, Unknown Crandall, O. H.McClain, John M.Mooney, C. E.Pierce, J. H.West, Unknown

Events

Crime Crime--Murder Crime--Robbery Crime--Theft Criminal Procedure--Arrest Criminal Procedure--Escapes

Military Units

United States. Army

Organizations and Businesses

Jails

Occupations

Physicians

Places

Jackson (Miss.)Kentucky Panola (Miss.)Tallahatchie County (Miss.)

Social Identifiers

African Americans Criminal Status--Fugitives from justice Criminal Status--Imprisoned people Historically free and newly freed African Americans

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[seal]

Panola Feb 14th 1870

Maj. W^m Atwood, U. S. A.
Aide de Camp A. A. A. Gen^l,,
Jackson.

Major,

On the 7th inst, I recev'd the official Copy of an endorsement from your office on a letter of mine in relation to the Tallahatchie prisoners, Avery having failed to Come for them, on last night, with outside assistance, they broke the Jail & escaped, accompanied by another prisoner. In about an hour after they escaped, I ascertained the fact, and have used every means in my power to recapture them, but they have eluded every vigilance.

One of the prisoners, & the one most important, C. E. Mooney, is charged, & very justly too, of having murdered a Mr West, a Kentucky drover, in Tallahatchie Co, and robbed him of his money & mules. I should like very much if there could be a reward offered for his arrest to the amount of $1000,00, This I would ask as a favor to myself, as it may relieve

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public opinion, which, I fear, is against me somewhat, as the whole Country was anxious for the fellow to meet his deserts, I am very sorry that it has happened, but I endeavored to perform my duties, I should like to have a Copy of the notice of the reward sent me, & I will have several hundred copies struck of &send ^them^ throughout the Country—

Mooney is about 6 feet 1 1/2 or 2 inches high, rather dark complected, dark hair, ^& about 28 years old^ he is very slim & spare build, has high cheekbones & his Eyebrows heavy,
Had on snuff Colored pants, & grayish frock coat, & wore a black hat.

W. T. Avant is charged with stealing a horse, He is about 22 years of age, 5 feet 8 inchs high, light complected, light hair & is very strong built,

The third one, John M^c,,Clain, freedman, about 20 years old, dark complected.

If you should think proper to offer the reward of $1000. for Mooney, the quicker it is done the ~~better~~ it ~~will~~ be more certainty there will be of ~~ever~~ ~~taking~~ capturing him.

I am Major, Most respectfully
Your ob't Svt

J. H. Pierce

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Dr. Crandall,

I think it would have a good effect if a large reward were offered for this fellow.

Atwood

500 Reward offered for C. E Moony 17 Feb 70