small bets are made and won by the bystanders. The gambler “treats,”
bystanders again bet, win, are “treated,” and grow courageous. A better
state of feeling exists; the gambler grows more complacent, and treats
oftener. All are anxious to bet, the gambler is considered one of the
best of fellows--one of that kind of men who would a little prefer
_losing_ money to _winning_ it. Again bets are made and won, and all
appear anxious to share the gambler’s money, as it is, doubtless, about
to be distributed among the _fortunate_ bystanders. All drink and bet
liberally; but this time they lose. This is, however, the first loss,
and they bet again, but it so happens that they lose this time also.
They drink and bet again, and again lose. They now find that they have
only half as much money as they commenced with. They now resolve to
recover what they have lost, and quit. But, alas! when the victim
arrives at this point in the drama, he is lost. He loses every bet,
until, seized by a feeling of reckless desperation, he risks _all_, and
is immolated upon the altar of avarice.
Hundreds who have never risked, and who think it impossible they ever
could risk, a dollar in a game of chance, are daily drawn into the
vortex. They come to town with well-filled purses, the proceeds,
perhaps, of six months’ hard labor, to buy the necessary provisions and
clothing, get their letters, &c. They meet old friends, drink, go to the
gambling house, drink again, and finally bet a small amount, and perhaps
win. They bet again, and again win. A feeling of avarice is now excited,
and they risk a large sum. But after repeated bets, with varied success,
they discover that they are losers. They now make the _fatal resolve_
that they will win back what they have lost and quit; the next moment
they are ruined.
Chapter Ten.
THE “HOUNDS”--VILLAINY--INDIGNATION MEETING--VIGILANCE COMMITTEE.
San Francisco was, at this time, infested by a gang of desperados
disposed to repudiate all laws, and be governed only by their own
fiendish propensities. They styled themselves “hounds,” and neither life
nor property were secure against their depredations. They felt so secure
in their strength and numbers, that they did not seek the protection of
night, but frequently committed the most revolting crimes at noon-day,
and under the eye of the public authorities. They would enter public
houses, demand whatever they wished, always forgetting to pay for the
same, and, perhaps, before leaving, demolish every article of furniture
on the premises. This would be a mere prelude or introductory to a night
of fiendish revelry. They would plunder houses, commit the most
diabolical acts upon the inmates, murder in case of resistance, then
commit the building to the flames to hide their infamy.
On the first Sunday after my arrival, several of the leaders of the gang
returned to town, after a few days’ absence. They crossed over from the
opposite side of the bay, having with them a fife and drum, the music of
which was accompanied by yells, groans and hisses, such as one would
only expect to hear from demons. After landing they marched into the
main plaza, and executing a few peculiar evolutions, dispensed with
their music, at least the instrumental part of it, and commenced their
foray. I was seated in a restaurant as the captain and five of his
followers entered. He drew up to a table upon which were several
glasses, decanters, &c., together with sundry plates of refreshments. He
raised his foot, kicked over the table, smashing the crockery into
atoms, then taking his cigar from his mouth said, with the utmost
_nonchalance_, “waiter, bring me a gin-cocktail, G--d d--n you.” After
having satisfied their thirst and hunger, they sallied forth without
taking the trouble to learn the precise amount of damage done.
During the night, after committing several robberies, they entered a
Chilian tent, and, after committing the most brutal outrages upon the
mother and daughter, murdered the former, and in their struggle with the
latter, she, after receiving several severe wounds, caught a bowie-knife
from the hand of one of them and, after dealing him a deadly blow, made
her escape. She immediately gave the alarm, and although robberies had
been committed with impunity, this outrage upon defenceless females,
awakened an impulse that was irresistible. The excitement was most
intense; citizens flocked together, armed with a determination to meet
out summary punishment to the perpetrators of this inhuman outrage.
Several arrests were made, and, although many were in favor of summary
vengeance, better counsel prevailed, and they were put into the hands of
the authorities and locked up. They refused to give any information as
to the stolen property, but upon searching the tent of an accomplice,
various articles were found, and snugly stowed away in a mattress was a
large amount in gold dust, the wages of their infamy. A few hours after
the above arrests, a demonstration was made by accomplices, in order to
force open the jail, and release their comrades. This caused the
strongest feelings of indignation, and the citizens assembled _en masse_
in the plaza, all armed to the teeth, determined to avenge this
additional aggravation to the atrocious crimes already perpetrated. They
immediately organized themselves into a police, and determined to act
with decision upon any proposition that might be sanctioned by the
meeting. Had a resolution passed to hang the prisoners it would have
been carried into immediate effect. Notwithstanding the excitement of
the moment, many of the “hounds” had the effrontery to show themselves,
and during a speech by one of the citizens, made some menacing jestures,
upon which the speaker drew a revolver from his bosom, and with a
determined emphasis requested all those who sympathized with the
prisoners to separate from the crowd. Had they complied, the
determination manifested in every countenance gave fearful token of the
doom that awaited them. It was resolved, in consideration of the
insecurity of the jail, to transfer the prisoners to the man-of-war,
“General Warren.” This was carried into immediate effect, the citizens
forming a double file from the jail to the shore.
This demonstration secured but five of the numerous horde that infested
the city, and it was not to be expected that the arrests of these would
prove a salutary check, nor did it. The desperados stood in greater fear
of this self-constituted police than of the regular authorities. This
organization was undoubtedly the germ from which the “Vigilance
Committee” eventually grew. It is well known that, upon the breaking out
of the gold excitement, the cities of the world sent forth their vilest
scum, consisting of gamblers, pickpockets, murderers, and thieves, and
California was the receptacle. They immediately fraternized, and were at
once the most adroit, wily and experienced embodiment of villainy with
which the prospects of a city were ever blighted. They were not men
broken down in their _profession_ at home, but the very _aristocracy_ of
crime. Too well-skilled to be detected, they had escaped the meshes of
the law in their own country, and resorted to California for its
superior _business_ prospects. As if to have the organization complete,
the convict islands of Great Britain vomited forth a herd that seemed
almost _festering_ with crime. This sealed the doom of San Francisco.
She was infested by an organization, the very incarnation of infamy.
They would fire the city for plunder, and commit murder to screen
themselves from detection.
The city had grown to the stature of a giant; all were reaping the
reward of their enterprise, when on the 5th December following, the
torch of the incendiary was applied, and within a few short hours San
Francisco was in ashes. Citizens who had assumed their pillows in wealth
awoke in penury. Many, after a year of toil and anxiety, were preparing
to return to their families in affluence, but in one brief moment their
dreams of happiness were blighted, and their riches a heap of
smouldering ruins. The city was immediately rebuilt, but citizens had
barely entered their new habitations, when it was again devastated by
fire. Again it rose, Phenix-like, from its own ashes, and again business
was resumed, but for the third time it was in ruins.
The citizens were appalled. That it was the work of incendiaries no one
doubted, yet to detect them seemed impossible, so skillfully were their
plans laid, and so adroitly executed. Added to this, the sequel proved
that some of their number had got into “high places,” were conniving at
their acts, and sharing their ill-gotten booty. This, in part, accounts
for the tardy proceedings against those who were arrested, and the
numerous reprieves of those who were clearly proved guilty. Property to
the value of some twenty millions of dollars had already been destroyed,
hundreds of citizens had been reduced from affluence to bankruptcy,
others were in momentary fear of sharing the same fate. They had lost
confidence in the city authorities, and there seemed no alternative but
to take the matter into their own hands. They consequently organized
themselves into what was termed a “Vigilance Committee,” with the
determination of bringing every suspicious person to a strict account.
Many of the most influential and wealthy citizens were the first to
enrol themselves, and they called upon all to join them in their effort
at self-protection. Their head-quarters was at the engine-house of a
fire company, the tolling of the bell being the signal for all to
assemble. This well-known signal was always heard when an arrest was
made, and became the death-knell to many a wretch, who for his
villainies was hastily summoned into another world. The meetings of the
Committee were strictly private, none but members being admitted. The
proceedings were summary, and if the prisoner was proved guilty his
sentence was carried into immediate effect. None were executed, however,
without the unanimous consent of members present, this being one of the
provisions of their constitution. Those who were executed were not only
proved guilty, but confessed their guilt before their execution. Most of
those who fell under the ban of the Committee were “Sidney convicts,”
and subsequently they were all ordered to leave the country within a
specified time, upon the pain of death. The Mayor issued a proclamation
against the proceedings of the Committee, and the coroner’s juries
summoned over the bodies of those who were executed, found against them;
yet it is a question of doubt, whether _any one_ was secretly opposed to
their proceedings.
Persons living in well-regulated communities, and looking at the matter
in the distance, may feel disposed to censure the Committee and its
proceedings as hasty and precipitate; but, when we take into
consideration that not only property to an immense amount, but life
itself, was in jeopardy--the want of facilities for securing and
retaining criminals during the tardy process of law, the numerous
rescues by accomplices, and the frequent pardons by the authorities when
the accused were notoriously guilty,--I say, when we take these things
into consideration, together with the fact that not an individual was
executed who was not clearly proved guilty, and even confessed his
guilt; we can look upon the acts of the Committee not only as just--but
imperative. In the confessions of some of those who were executed they
implicated men in authority, in such a manner that not a doubt was left
upon the public mind. The result of these summary measures is apparent
to all. Crime, since the organization of the Committee, has decreased
one half, and they have now ceased to make arrests, leaving all to the
jurisdiction of the proper authorities. They, however, maintain their
organization, and would, no doubt, act in case of emergency.
Chapter Eleventh.
START FOR THE MINERAL REGIONS--BANKS OF THE SACRAMENTO RIVER--SHOT
AT--GOLD VS. MICA--SUTTERVILLE--PRIMITIVE MODE OF LIFE--SACRAMENTO
CITY--AN INDIVIDUAL WHO HAD “SEEN THE ELEPHANT.”
I spent the interval between the 5th of July and the 19th in preparing
for the mines. I found many of the miners in town on account of the high
state of water in the rivers. My friends who had visited the interior,
spoke discouragingly of the mines, preferring the mercantile business.
But goods were at the time selling at less than New York prices, and
rents were enormously high. Many of the merchants were anxious to sell
out and go into the mines, and I came to the conclusion that mining was
the only sure way of making a fortune.
On the 19th July I went on board the brig “North Bend,” with three men
who had been hired in New York and sent out by a company in which I had
an interest, and sailed for the Sacramento river. We crossed the bay,
and in an hour were in the strait, running up with a stiff breeze,
passing numerous small islands inhabited by water fowl and covered with
“guano.” There were innumerable ducks, brant, loons, and geese flying
through the air; the scenery delightful, the first fifty miles being a
succession of small bays, all studded with islands. At the right the
bank rises gradually to the height of from twenty to fifty feet, covered
with wild oats, with an occasional “live oak” tree, and relieved by
frequent ravines through which small streams find their way to the
strait. This plain, during the rainy season, furnishes pasture for heads
of wild cattle--elk, deer, and antelope, but at this season they had
retired to the marshes and lower lands; and the whole of the right bank,
as far back as the eye could reach, appeared one immense field of
ripened grain. The left bank, on the immediate margin, presents the
same appearance, but relieved in the background by the coast range of
mountains with which we were running parallel. This range appears a
continuous ledge of granite, destitute of vegetation, and at one point
towers up into a peak of considerable height, called Monte Diablo,
(Devil’s Mount).
At 12 M., we arrived at Benicia, now a port of entry and United States
naval station. The man of man-of-war, “Southampton,” was anchored in the
stream--guarding the passage--to prevent smuggling. As soon as we came
in sight they lowered their boat, and pulled out toward the middle of
the stream, to intercept us, and examine our papers--at the same time
hoisting a signal for us to come to. Our captain was an “old salt,” and,
in his estimation, the greatest blessing conferred upon man is a fair
wind. He had every inch of canvas set, and manifested a determination
not to shorten sail; we were running before a ten-knot breeze, and flew
by them like a shadow. They hailed us, but not being obeyed they fired a
gun from the ship, when our captain ordered the helm put down, and in an
instant our sails were fluttering in the breeze; we had distanced the
jolly-boat--they being obliged to row half a mile against the current to
reach us. The officer boarded us in not the most amiable mood; it was
quite apparent that we were enjoying a joke he thought somewhat
expensive to himself. He informed us that a foreign vessel had passed
them a few days previous; but they were now on their guard and would
have given us the next shot in our rigging. He pronounced our papers
satisfactory, and pulled off for the ship, being most heartily cheered
by us.
We were soon under way dashing along at lightning speed; soon arriving
at the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers, fifty miles
above San Francisco, the latter river coming in from the east, the
former from the north. The strait up which we had sailed, running in the
same direction, is called, by many, the Sacramento river. At the
junction of the two rivers there is a marsh, of some extent, in the
midst of which is located the “New York of the Pacific,” of newspaper
notoriety. I am informed that it now contains _one house_. There were
not so many when we passed up. It is said there has never been a death
in the city. We soon entered “Sui Sun” bay, which is an extensive, but
very shallow body of water, requiring careful pilotage to take vessels
through in safety. We again enter the Sacramento, which now presents a
different appearance--the immediate margin being walled up by heavy
timber, beyond which the marsh extends as far as the eye can reach. The
depth of water on these marshes frequently covers the grass, presenting
the appearance of a succession of lakes--all swarming with water fowls.
Soon after reëntering the river our pilot brought us to a dead stand by
running us on a sand bar. It was ebb tide, and there was no alternative
but to await the flood. We loaded our rifles, lowered a boat, and pulled
for the shore, preparatory to a hunt.
On landing, we were greeted by the most ravenous swarm of mosquitos it
was ever my fortune to fall in with. They seemed to constitute the very
atmosphere, and for size and spirit, I think they are without rivals,
even in the “Montezuma swamp.” We did not at first retreat, but soon
came to the conclusion that game must be poor, where there are so many
_bills_ presented. We carried a few of them on board, and they were so
well pleased, they remained till morning. At 10, A.M., the tide flooded
us off, and we were again under way. We soon left the river, and entered
what is called the “slough,” which is a part of the river running out
twenty miles above, and by passing through it, half the distance is
saved. On both sides the “slough,” it is densely timbered; the branches
hanging over the stream, and many of the trees inclining over, it
required the greatest care to avoid their coming in contact with our
spars. We had a fine breeze, and each of the passengers took his turn at
the wheel. None of them attracted the attention of the captain, until it
became my turn. Whether it was that I understood navigation better than
my fellow-passengers, I am not prepared to say, but, certain it is, that
I had stood at the wheel but a moment, when, without consulting the
compass, I found myself at a dead stand in a tree-top. I did not claim
much credit for it, _and did not receive any_.
After cutting away branches, grapevines, etc., we were again under way,
with the captain at the wheel. He proved as skillful as myself, and made
fast to the first tree-top. We soon reëntered the main channel, and were
passing through a more
[Illustration: G. V. COOPER DEL.
ON STONE BY J. CAMERON
LITH. of G. W. LEWIS 111 NASSAU ST. N. Y.
SUTTER
_3 miles below Sac City_]
pleasant country, being a succession of forest and plain. At 4, P.M., in
passing the mouth of a small stream, we again found ourselves aground,
with a prospect of waiting twelve hours for the next tide. A boat was
lowered, and some of the passengers went off to hunt. There were fish
here in abundance. We offered them refreshments, but they seemed to
“loathe the sight.” The passengers who had gone on shore, had
disappeared in the forest, but soon two of the number were seen hurrying
toward the shore. They pushed off the small boat, and were soon coming
over the side of the brig. They appeared much agitated, and, after
consulting a friend in whispers, the three started for the shore.
After an hour’s absence, they returned with their handkerchiefs filled
with something, which was evidently not for the public eye. It was
immediately put under lock and key. From the self-satisfied air and
knowing winks of the three fortunate individuals, it was apparent that
their fortune was full of hope. After mature reflection, they, no doubt,
came to the conclusion, that as there was enough for all, as it was in
their power, with a word, to place wealth within the grasp of all, it
was their duty to make all happy, without delay, and, with great
magnanimity, informed us that they had ascended the stream some
distance, and, as they approached the ripple, to their astonishment,
they found the water gurgling through pebbles of gold. They had each
secured a competence, assuring us that we could go and do likewise. Some
evil-disposed person stood by, who informed us that he noticed the same
thing, and did not think it was gold. The three above-mentioned
individuals, to reassure us, unlocked their trunks, but, lo! their
fortunes, like fancy-stocks at the present day, had a downward tendency.
It proved to be mica. It had somewhat the appearance of gold, but on
separating it from the sand, it was found to be very light, having the
appearance of small pieces of gilt paper. It was a most _blighting_
illustration of the adage, that “all is not gold that glitters,”
particularly to the three above-mentioned individuals. The bed of the
river at this place had the appearance of being constituted of golden
sands. The same has been noticed in almost all the streams in
California, and has, undoubtedly, given rise to many of the golden
reports. At 10, A.M., (Sunday,) we were again under way, the day
excessively hot, and at 12, M., arrived at “Sutterville;” and, when
opposite the _town_, found ourselves out of the channel, and aground. We
all went on shore, and had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of
one of the proprietors, with whom we walked a mile back from the _town_,
to view “_Capitol Hill_,” the _anticipated_ site of the State House.
Although we did not break ground for the cornerstone, we were among the
first to know the _precise spot_. The _town_ is situated four miles
below Sacramento City, and three from the fort. It contained three
houses, visible to the _natural_ eye, but, to the eye of the worthy
proprietor’s imagination, it numbered many thousands. This had caused a
very perceptible rise in the value of city lots.
It afterwards became a town of some twenty houses. The owners offered to
a company owning the bark “Josephine,” thirty lots provided they would
land their effects and make improvements. The proposition was accepted,
and the improvements commenced. (See Plate.) A cannon is seen in the
foreground which was taken from the Josephine, and used to salute
vessels in passing up and down the river, as occasion might require. At
the left, are two Oregonians riding at full speed, and in the centre is
seen the Indian chief, Olympia, his squaw, and several natives of lesser
note. The Josephine is seen at the river bank. She was subsequently sold
and sailed for Oregon.
I here visited a family that had been wandering about since 1845,
without having entered a house. There were two men, a woman, and three
children, from three months to five years of age. They started from one
of the Eastern States, with a wagon, two yoke of oxen, and two cows,
passed through Missouri, crossed the Rocky Mountains into Oregon, and
finally drove down to California. The children were all natives of the
forest except the eldest. They were encamped under a large oak-tree a
short distance from the river. The bed was made up on the ground, the
sheets of snowy whiteness, the kitchen furniture was well arranged
against the root of the tree, the children were building a playhouse of
sticks, while the mother was sitting in a “Boston rocker” reading the
Bible, with a Methodist hymn-book in her lap. The infant lay croaking on
a white flannel-blanket, looking like a blown up life-preserver. While
I
[Illustration: G. V. COOPER DEL.
ON STONE BY J. CAMERON
LITH. of G. W. LEWIS 111 NASSAU ST. N. Y.
ENCAMPMENT AT SAC CITY, NOV. 1849.
_My own tent._]
was conversing with, the woman, one of the men went into the back room
to change his linen, _i. e._, he stepped behind the tree. They were all
enjoying good health and appeared happy. I am disposed to think their
house will be a poor protection during the rainy season; but for a
summer-house, one could not well conceive of one better ventilated.