Page:Life of David Haggart, who was executed at Edinburgh, 18th July, 1821, for the murder of the Dumfries jailor (1).pdf/7

7 through the windows, and grasping whatever goods lay in his road: breaking into numerous houses, picking pockets of watches, &c.— In the course of these operations he removed to different lodgings.

On the first of March, while sitting in his lodgings with a pickpocket of the name of Forrest, in Johnston street, North Leith, Captain Ross, of the Police, and one of his men came in upon them; Ross seized Forsest and carried him off, leaving Haggart in charge of the Policeman: when left alone, the Policeman opened a bed-room door, and was looking into it, when Haggart forced him in, locked the door, and was making his way down the stair, when he was met by Ross and another Policeman; a struggle commenced, but the three overpowered Haggart and he was carried to the Police Office streaming with blood. He was kept here two days, and then put into the jail to stand trial. On the 27th he got a small file, and cut the chains off his legs, penetrated through two thick walls with his handcuffs, liberated Forrest, and got to the outside about five o'clock next morning. When on the outer stair, he saw a man coming up Queen Street, and he prepared to give him battle; but the man only said, “Run, Haggart, run, I wont touch ye.” Haggart took hold