Pisgah, Pope county, Aug. 25, 1883.Editor Democrat:
If you will allow me space in your paper, I will endeavor to give the public what information I have in regard to the taking of our horses at New Hope, on the night of the 12th of August by Smith and Reed.
As a statement in detail is needless, I will briefly state the facts. After a long ride through the mountains, I arrived at Clinton in company with Robert Harkey and Willie Brooks, and, after a short interview with Sheriff Poe, we were soon in jail in the presence of Smith and Reed, when the following interview was had:
“Well, Jimmie, we have been looking for you and have come up with you at last.”
Reed: “Yes, sir, I expected so, and am sorry I am here in this fix.”
“Did you take my horse?”
“Yes, sir. Charley picked him out and told me to get on him and I did it.”
“Why did you take him, Jim?”
“I don’t know. I thought it was John Faulkner’s horse, and Charley and me rode off together.”
“Was Webb with you, as was supposed?”
“No; we never saw him at any time.”
“Did you help rob the store at Eglantine belonging to Collum and McGehee?”
“No; I staid out and held the horses. I didn’t want to do it and Charley cursed me.”
“What did you get from the store?”
“Some tobacco, candy, and some jewelry, but they charged us with more than we got.”
“Where were you going to?”
“I don’t know. I just followed Charley. I wanted to stop and write back home, for I thought you would catch us some time.”
“Who captured you and Charley, and where were you at?”
“F. M. Adams, an officer of Red River township, and another man took us. We were in Batesville at a billiard table at the time. They brought us back here. I have been well all the time and get plenty to eat.”
“Have you any word for your mother?”
“Yes sir, tell pa I am sent to the ‘pen’ for three years, and to come down soon as he can. I’ll be in Little Rock tomorrow, and I want ma to pray for me, and I don’t want you to be mad at me, I’ll never do so again.
We recovered our horses and rigging. but in bad order. All my friends who have assisted me in any way will please accept my warmest thanks for their kindness to me, and especially Mr. Robert Harkey, and Sheriff Poe, of Van Buren county, for substantial favors.
Fraternally yours,
M. G. Hearn.