Escapes
- Prison Riots - Man Hunts
Often
the quiet little prison village would suddenly be aroused, and all
would be quickly on the alert and guards off duty would report
immediately to the front. The prisoners were unlocked from their
cells in the morning and, after breakfast were assigned to their
various tasks throughout the reservation, and after their evening
meal, they were again lined up for lock up. This was at five o'clock
in the afternoon. The Turnkey would supervise the count and, if all
men were accounted for the Turnkey would signal to the bell tower and
the bell would be rung with three taps which meant "All Is Well."
Everyone
waited for this signal and if the taps did not ring, all would know
that something was wrong, and likely a man was missing. A quick check
up would identify who was missing, and a man hunt would start
immediately. The nearby areas would be thoroughly searched to see if
he was hiding out close by. If not, a man hunt of the surrounding
hills, beaches, canyons and woods would be made. The situation would
often be tense, as a person breaking for his freedom can become a
very desperate man and be ready to use desperate measures to
accomplish his aim. He is ready to risk his life and often take the
life of others who may stand in his way. The discovery of the missing
convict was made at lock up time or just about sunset. Guards, armed
with rifles or shotguns would be taken to distant roadways to check
all traffic. Darkness would complicate the search making it more
hazardous. Invariably the fugitive was eventually found, but
sometimes it would be after a few days if the man had a good head start.
In
a few instances he may make a complete get away and never found. The
families at home in the village were always apprehensive in this
situation, as the head of the family was in danger and those at home
and unprotected were subject to attack. But they were philosophical
about it, knowing that it was a part of the husband's or father's
job. In spite of the potential harm to families, no one ever locked
their doors.
In
the very early days of San Quentin prison, escapes were a very
regular occurrence. The prison was operated under contract with free
individuals who paid for their care and were allowed to place them
out on jobs as contract laborers. The prison had no walls or
stockades and the contractor kept his hired personnel, or guards, at
a minimum, so escapes were routine and not much effort was made to
retrieve the escapee.
Author:
William J. Duffy, Jr.
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