The Spirit Of Democracy

EXPRESS ROBBERS.

Attempt to Murder William Pinkerton by one of the Captured Express Robbers--Death of the Desperado--Capture of Another of the Gang in Illinois.

This morning, while William Pinkerton, in company with Detective Connell, was bringing Hillard Farrington (alias Clark) and Barton, the two express robbers arrested near Verona, Missouri, from Cairo to Columbus on a steamer, Clark asked Pinkerton to go out on the guard, as he had something to tell him.

No sooner had they reached the guard than Clark, though heavily ironed, snatched Pinkerton's revolver from his belt, cocked it, and presented it at Pinkerton's head, saying, 'I have you now.'

Pinkerton called to Connell, who springing to his side, knocked up the pistol as it was discharged, the ball grazing Pinkerton's temple. A desperate struggle ensued, during which Clark fell overboard, passing under the wheel, and sunk. It is supposed the wheel struck him. At all events he never rose again.

Barton had made a full confession. Clark, knowing this, attempted to kill Pinkerton for revenge. Barton was formerly a brakeman on the Nashville and Northwestern railroad. He was brought to Union City, near where the robbery was committed, and lodged in jail.

A dispatch this evening from Robert Pinkerton says Levi Farrington, brother of Hilliard, was captured to-day at Farmington, Illinois, after a terrible struggle. He will be brought to Tennessee for trial.

These brothers are notorious horse-thieves and murderers, and the Southern Express Company has for over two months had from twenty to forty detectives on their track.