[1] A physical description of him in his late twenties stated that he was about five feet seven inches (5'7") tall, had high cheekbones, dark hair, and a "thin face somewhat feminine in appearance ... the eyes sharp and clear.

[4][5] Sharkey decided at an early age to adopt the "flash life" of a burglar, pickpocket, gambler, and "sporting man.

"He was a power in the Eighth Ward primaries, had a club named after him, and belonged to every influential political organization in the fifth congressional district.

"[6] Sharkey returned to his old ways: "After this, he gave up hopes of office, and devoted himself to the pursuit of his ordinary avocations, gambling, and stealing.

[3][8] He then returned to New York City and recruited an associate named Robert S. Dunn, a professional gambler who also held a position as a public servant in the office of the Comptroller.

The defense requested a retrial on procedural grounds, and the court convened again on the 23rd and 29th of June 1873 to consider the motion, which was ultimately denied.

One author noted, "He became so violent in his demonstrations that Warden Johnson ordered that he be locked up and put in close confinement," and that Sharkey was "continually insolent and abusive to his keeper.

"[4] On 6 August 1873, the day before Sharkey's appeal was granted, he was reportedly found under the influence of "intoxicating liquors, though from what source these have been obtained the Warden has been unable to find out.

[4] The women visited Sharkey for an indeterminate period of time, then Jourdan presented her exit pass to the guards at the prison gate and left.

A second woman presented a pass at the gate an hour or so later and exited the prison, dressed in a black coat and hat.

According to one account, Jourdan "had taken an impression in wax of the lock on her lover's cell, and assisted by Sharkey's confederates outside the prison, had managed to have a key made.

The superintendent of police thought that "the plan of escape has been arranged for some time, and was not a thing of a moment's decision, as the prison authorities would pretend.

Coincidentally, Tweed also fled to Cuba aboard the Frank Atwood in 1873 after escaping from jail, where he was imprisoned for corruption charges.

[1][6][16] His source of income remains unknown, although "he seemed to have plenty of money, and in answer to some inquiries made, he stated that his brothers furnished him with all he wanted from New York.

][10] The Auckland Star reported in June 1900 that Sharkey was "located in Southern Spain, where he is eking out an existence as a guide, and the police have information which should result in his capture.

[8] Although Sharkey officially remained a fugitive, he was born in 1847 (178 years ago) (1847), so it is essentially certain that he is dead, and that his death and burial was recorded under an alias.