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diff --git a/5802-h/5802-h.htm b/5802-h/5802-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e9a51ee --- /dev/null +++ b/5802-h/5802-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1646 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + San Francisco, by Stephen Palfrey Webb + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Sketch of the Causes, Operations and +Results of the San Francisco Vigilance Committee of 1856, by Stephen Palfrey Webb + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: A Sketch of the Causes, Operations and Results of the San Francisco Vigilance Committee of 1856 + +Author: Stephen Palfrey Webb + +Release Date: June 4, 2009 [EBook #5802] +Last Updated: February 7, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SAN FRANCISCO VIGILANCE COMMITTEE *** + + + + +Produced by David Schwan, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + A SKETCH OF THE CAUSES, OPERATIONS AND RESULTS OF THE SAN FRANCISCO + VIGILANCE COMMITTEE IN 1856 + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Stephen Palfrey Webb + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + 1874 + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + Stephen Palfrey Webb was born in Salem on March 20, 1804, the son of Capt. + Stephen and Sarah (Putnam) Webb. He was graduated from Harvard in 1824, + and studied law with Hon. John Glen King, after which he was admitted to + the Essex Bar. He practiced law in Salem, served as Representative and + Senator in the Massachusetts Legislature, and was elected Mayor of Salem + in 1842, serving three years. He was Treasurer of the Essex Railroad + Company in the late forties. + </p> + <p> + About 1853, he went to San Francisco, where he resided several years, + serving as Mayor of that city in 1854 and 1855. It was during this time + that he witnessed the riotous mobs following the Gold Rush of 1849, and + upon his return Salem made notes for a lecture, which he delivered in + Salem; and later, with many additions, prepared this sketch, probably + about 1874. He was again elected Mayor of Salem, 1860-1862, and City + Clerk, 1863-1870. He died in Salem on September 29, 1879. On May 26, 1834, + he married Hannah H. B. Robinson of Salem. + </p> + <p> + There have been several accounts of the activities of the Vigilance + Committee, but this is firsthand information from one who was on the + ground at the time, and for this reason it is considered a valuable + contribution to the history of those troublous days. It certainly is a + record of what a prominent, intelligent and observing eye-witness saw + regarding this important episode in the history of California. The + original paper is now in the possession of his granddaughter, Mrs. Raymond + H. Oveson of Groton, Massachusetts. + </p> + <p> + Many of the evils which afflicted the people of San Francisco may be + traced to the peculiar circumstances attendant upon the settlement of + California. The effect all over the world of the discovery of gold at + Sutter's Mill in 1848 was electric. A movement only paralleled by that of + the Crusades at once commenced. Adventurers of every character and + description immediately started for the far away land where gold was to be + had for the gathering. The passage round Cape Horn, which from the + earliest times had been invested with a dreamy horror, and had inspired a + vague fear in every breast, was now dared with an audacity which only the + all absorbing greed for gold could have produced. Old condemned hulks + which, at other times, it would not have been deemed safe to remove from + one part of the harbor to another, were hastily fitted up, and with the + aid of a little paint and a few as deceptive assurances of the owners, + were instantly filled with eager passengers and dispatched to do battle, + as they might, with the storms and perils of the deep during the tedious + months through which the passage extended. The suffering and distress + consequent upon the packing so many human beings in so confined a space; + the miserable quality and insufficient quantity of the provisions + supplied; the weariness and lassitude engendered by the intolerable length + of the voyage; the ill-temper and evil passions so sure to be roused and + inflamed by long and forced companionship without sympathy or affection, + all tended to make these trips, for the most part, all but intolerable, + and in many cases left feelings of hate and desire for revenge to be + afterwards prosecuted to bloody issues. + </p> + <p> + The miseries generally endured were however sometimes enlivened and + relieved by the most unexpected calls for exertion. A passenger described + his voyage from New York to San Francisco in 1849, in company with several + hundred others in a steamer of small size and the most limited capacity in + all respects, as an amusing instance of working one's passage already paid + for in advance. The old craft went groaning, creaking, laboring and + pounding on for seven months before she arrived at her destination. Short + of provisions, every sailing vessel that was encountered was boarded for + supplies, and almost every port on the Atlantic and Pacific was entered + for the same purpose. Out of fuel, every few days, axes were distributed, + and crew and passengers landed to cut down trees to keep up steam for a + few days longer. He expressed his conviction that every point, headland, + island and wooded tract on the coast from the Cape to San Francisco had + not only been seen by him, but had resounded with the sturdy blows of his + axe during the apparently interminable voyage. His experience, with the + exception of the axe exercise, was that of thousands. + </p> + <p> + The extent to which the gold fever had impelled people on shipboard may be + judged by the facts that from the first of January, 1849, five hundred and + nine vessels arrived in the harbor of San Francisco; and the number of + passengers in the same space of time was eighteen thousand, nine hundred + and seventy-two. Previous to this time, one or two ships in the course of + a year found their way through the Golden Gate and into the beautiful + harbor of San Francisco in quest of hides, horns and tallow, and gave + languid employment to two or three Americans settled on the sand hills, + and engaged in collecting these articles of trade and commerce. In the + closing days of 1849, there were ninety-four thousand, three hundred and + forty-four tons of shipping in the harbor. The stream of immigration moved + over the Plains, likewise; and through privation, fatigue, sickness, and + the strife of the elements, passed slowly and painfully on to the goal of + their hopes. + </p> + <p> + Thus pouring into California in every direction and by every route, this + strange and heterogeneous mass of men, the representatives of every + occupation, honest and dishonest, creditable and disgraceful; of every + people under the sun, scattered through the gulches and ravines in the + mountains, or grouped themselves at certain points in cities, towns and + villages of canons or adobe. Perhaps never in the world's history did + cities spring into existence so instantaneously, and certainly never was + their population so strangely diverse in language, habits and customs. Of + course gamblers of every kind and color; criminals of every shade and + degree of atrocity; knaves of every grade of skill in the arts of fraud + and deceit abounded in every society and place. In these early times gold + was abundant, and any kind of honest labor was most richly and + extravagantly rewarded. The honest, industrious and able men of every + community, therefore, applied themselves strictly to business and would + not be diverted from it by any considerations of duty or of patriotism. + Studiously abstaining from politics; positively refusing to accept office; + shirking constantly and systematically all jury and other public duty, + which, onerous in every community, was doubly so, as they thought, in that + new country, they seemed never to reflect that there was a portion, and + that the worst, of the population, who would take advantage of their + remissness, and direct every institution of society to the promotion of + their own nefarious purposes. + </p> + <p> + Absorbed in their own pursuits, confident that a short time would enable + them to realize their great object of making a fortune and then leaving + the country, the better portion of the community abandoned the control of + public affairs to whoever might be willing or desirous to assume it. Of + course there was no lack of men who had no earthly objection to assume all + public duties and fill all public offices. Politicians void of honesty and + well-skilled in all the arts of intrigue, whose great end and aim in life + was to live out of the public treasury and grow rich by public plunder, + and whose most blissful occupation was to talk politics in pot houses and + groggeries; men of desperate fortunes who sought to mend them, not by + honest labor, but by opportunities for official pickings and stealings; + bands of miscreants resembling foul and unclean birds which clamor and + fight for the chance of settling down upon and devouring the body to which + their keen scent hag directed them; all were astir and with but little + effort obtained all that they desired. The offices were thus filled by + rapacious and unscrupulous men. The agents who had helped to elect them, + or impose them upon the people by fraud, were supported and protected in + their villainies; and in the consciousness of impunity for crime, walked + the streets heavily armed and ready on the instant to exact a bloody + revenge for an interference with their infamous schemes, or an attempt to + bring them to merited punishment. + </p> + <p> + In San Francisco the effects of all this were visible at an early period + in the prevalence of crime and outrage; in the laxity with which offenders + were prosecuted; in the squandering of public property; the increasing + burden of taxation; and the insecurity of life and property. Now and then + when the evils of the system weighed with the most depressing effect upon + the business part of the community, some spasmodic effort for a time + produced a change. But a temporary check only was applied. The snake was + scotched, not killed. The ballot box upon whose sanctity, in a Republican + government must the liberties of the people depend, was in the hands of + the pliant tools of designing politicians, or of desperate knaves ready to + bargain and sell the result of the election to the party or individuals + who would pay the largest sum for it. By such infamous arts had many + officials of law and justice been placed in situations of trust and power. + Could it reasonably be expected that they would honestly and fairly apply + the law to the punishment of the friends who had given them their offices, + when they added to these crimes against society, the scarcely more + flagrant ones of robbery and murder? If it was possible, the people did + not believe it would be done. They saw enough to convince them that it was + not done. They saw an unarmed man shot down and instantly killed in one of + the most frequented streets of the city while endeavoring to escape from + his pursuer. They saw the forms of trial applied in this clear case, and + after every quibble and perversion of law which ingenuity could devise had + been tried, the lame and impotent conclusion arrived at of a verdict of + manslaughter, and a sentence for a short period to the State Prison. They + saw a gambler, while quietly conversing with the United States Marshal in + the doorway of a store on Clay Street, draw a revolver from his pocket and + slay him upon the spot. They heard that gamblers and other notorious + characters, his associates and friends, had raised large sums; that able + lawyers had been retained for his defense; and then that his trial had + ended in a disagreement of the Jury, soon to be followed, as they + believed, by a nolle prosequi, and the discharge of the red handed + murderer. They saw an Editor, for commenting on a homicide in the interior + of the State, committed by a man claiming to be respectable, and followed + by his acquittal in the face of what appeared to be the clearest evidence + of his guilt; assaulted by the criminal in a public street in San + Francisco, knocked down from behind by a blow on the head from a loaded + cane, and beaten into insensibility, and, as seemed, to death; while three + of the assailant's friends stood by, with cocked revolvers, threatening to + slay anyone who should interfere. Again they saw the farce of trial + resulting, as every one knew it would, in acquittal. At length, so + confirmed and strengthened were villains by the certainty of escape from + punishment, that they did not even trouble themselves to become assured of + the identity of their victims. A worthy citizen in going home through + Merchant Street between eight and nine o'clock in the evening was + approached from behind by a person who, pressing his arm over his shoulder + thrust a knife into his breast. Luckily the knife encountered in its + passage a thick pocket memorandum book which it cut through, and but for + which, he would have lost his life. The intended assassin undoubtedly + mistook him for another person whom he somewhat resembled. A few days + after a gentleman passing by the Oriental Hotel heard the report of a + pistol, and was sensible of the passage of a ball through his hat in most + uncomfortable proximity to his head. A person immediately stepped up to + him saying, "Excuse me, I thought it was another man." + </p> + <p> + The ally of the people in times of difficulty and danger, the Press, + seemed subservient from choice to this vile domination, or overawed and + controlled by it. Experience had proved that its conductors could be true, + bold, effective only at the peril of their lives. More than one had + suffered in his person the penalty of his allegiance to truth and duty; + until at length intimidated and desponding, they had ceased to struggle + with the spirit of evil.... + </p> + <p> + One man upon whom public attention was now turned, and whom the people of + the City and State began to regard as their champion and deliverer, was + James King of William, and he was no common man. He was born in + Georgetown, D. C., in January, 1822, and was therefore thirty-four years + old at the time of his death. Having received a common school education, + he was placed at an early age in the banking house of Corcoran & Riggs + at Washington City where he remained many years. His health at length + failing from steady application to business and conscientious devotion to + his employer's interests, he was induced to seek its restoration in the + invigorating climate of California. He arrived in the country just + previous to the discovery of gold. The marvelous growth of City and State + soon required facilities for the transaction of business, and he became a + resident of San Francisco, and established the first banking house in that + City. For several years he was eminently successful in business; and his + strict honesty and integrity secured for him the abiding confidence and + respect of the business community. But the sudden and extreme depression + in business in 1855 closed his doors as well as those of many other + bankers and merchants. By the surrender to his creditors of all he + possessed, even his homestead, which, to the value of five thousand + dollars, the laws of California allowed him to retain, and which might + well be coveted by him as a home for his wife and six children; every + claim against him was promptly met and discharged. Retaining amidst all + his reverses, the respect of all who knew him, he engaged as a clerk in + the banking house of Adams & Co. where most of his old customers + followed him, induced to do so by their confidence in him. After the + failure of that firm, he was for some time out of active employment. But + compelled by the necessities of a large family to seek it, he determined + to establish a daily newspaper and take upon himself the editorial charge + of it. For such an undertaking, his large experience in business, his + resolute spirit, his sound judgment, his keen insight into character, his + lofty scorn and detestation of meanness, profligacy, peculation and fraud, + eminently fitted him. The paper, the Evening Bulletin, was first issued on + the eighth day of October, 1855. From that day to the day of his death, he + devoted all his faculties most faithfully and conscientiously to the + exposure of guilt, the laying bare gigantic schemes for defrauding the + public, the denouncing villains and villainy in high or low station, and + the reformation of the numerous and aggravated abuses under which the + community was and had long been groaning. Day after day did he assail with + dauntless energy the open or secret robbers, oppressors or corruptors of + the people. Neither wealth nor power could bribe or intimidate him. It + would be difficult to conceive the enthusiasm with which the People hailed + the advent of so able a champion, and the intense satisfaction with which + they witnessed his steadfast perseverance in the cause of truth and the + right. + </p> + <p> + At length, on the fourteenth day of May 1856, the anxious fears and gloomy + forebodings of his family and friends were realized.... His assassin, + James P. Casey, was well-known and of evil repute in the City. Bold, + daring, and unscrupulous, his hand was ever ready to execute the plans of + villainy which his fertile brain had conceived. Sentenced in New York to + imprisonment for grand larceny in the State Prison at Sing Sing for the + term of two years, and discharged when that term had nearly expired; he + soon after sailed for California. Shortly after his arrival, he was chosen + Inspector of Elections in the Sixth Ward of San Francisco. Here he + presided over the ballot box, and was generally believed to have + accomplished more ballot box staffing, ticket shifting and false returns + than any other individual in the City or State. He made, as was generally + believed, his office a means of livelihood, and held the City and County + offices in his hands to be disposed of in such manner as might best + promote his interest or fill his pockets. Year after year by this means he + was accumulating money, until he was reputed to have made a fortune, + although never known by the people to have been engaged in any honest + industrial occupation in California. For the purpose perhaps of adding the + levy of blackmail to his other modes of accumulation, he established a + newspaper, called the Sunday Times, and without principle, character or + education, assumed to be the enlightener of public opinion and the + conservator of public morals. During the few months of its existence, the + paper was conducted without ability; advocated no good cause; favored no + measures for promoting the public interest or welfare; attained no measure + of popularity; and its discontinuance inspired no regret, but was felt + rather to be a relief. + </p> + <p> + The thought seems now to have suggested itself that having been so long + the distributor of offices to others he might well assume it himself; and + thus while obtaining position in society, enlarge his sphere of operations + in plundering the public. Accordingly a ballot box at the Presidio + Precinct in the suburbs of the City was so arranged or presided over by + friends or pliant tools, that four or five days alter the election, the + law being conveniently silent as to the time which might be consumed in + counting votes and making the return, it was made to turn out James P. + Casey a member of the Board of Supervisors of the County, although not + known to have been a candidate for the office at the Polls on the day of + election. In this responsible position, he could find his way on important + Committees, be able to squander the resources of the County, and by his + vote and influence assist in passing the most exorbitant claims, of which, + it is to be presumed, he received a satisfactory percentage. + </p> + <p> + So high-handed an offender against the law and the rights of the people + could not escape the notice or the withering rebuke of Mr. King. He + fearlessly proclaimed him a convicted felon, and dealt with him as one of + the principal of those offenders against all law, human or divine, with + whom San Francisco had been so long and so terribly cursed. + </p> + <p> + The Bulletin of May 14th, in which the charges founded upon the most + incontrovertible evidence, of Casey's conviction, sentence and discharge + from Sing Sing, was made in the plainest terms accompanied with comments + upon his ballot-box stuffings and other criminal acts in San Francisco, + was published at an early hour in the after noon. At four o'clock Casey + called at the Editor's room and demanded of Mr. King what he meant by the + article in the Bulletin just issued, and was asked to what article he + alluded? "To that" was the reply, "in which I am said to have been + formerly an inmate of Sing Sing State Prison." "Is it not true?" said + King. Casey replied, "That is not the question. I don't wish my past acts + raked up; on that point I am sensitive." King then pointed to the door + which was open, and told him to leave the room and never enter there + again. Casey moved to the door saying, "I'll say in my paper what I + please." To which King replied "You have a perfect right to do as you + please. I shall never notice your paper." Casey said, "If necessary, I + shall defend myself." King, rising from his seat, said, "Go, and never + show your face here again." Casey immediately retired. + </p> + <p> + At five o'clock, his usual dinner hour, Mr. King left his office. With his + arms crossed under his Taima, as was his wont, and his eyes cast down, he + passed along Montgomery Street apparently in deep thought, and at the + corner of Washington Street began to cross the street diagonally. When + about half across, Casey stepped from behind an Express wagon, dropped a + short cloak from his shoulders, and uttering a few words, the only ones + heard by Mr. King, as he said on his death bed, being "Come on," + immediately discharged one barrel of a large revolver into Mr. King's + breast. Mr. King drew himself up, and then made a slight motion sideways, + indicating plainly to the few persons in sight at the time, that he was + hit. The spectators immediately ran in towards him, and assisted him into + and seated him in the Express Office. He was badly wounded in the left + breast, and was apparently in a dying condition. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Casey was hurried by his friends and the Police to the + Station House in the City Hall, and from thence, when the demonstrations + of the immense multitude of infuriated citizens became awfully + threatening, in a close carriage, to the Prison on Broadway, where, within + stone walls, he might, as he did, receive the visits an congratulations of + his admirers and the haters of the good man, whom he had slain; and lay + his plans for eluding justice as so many before him had done. But he + reckoned without his host. His hour had struck. The Avenger was on his + trick, never more to lose sight of him till he had forced him to a speedy, + public and ignominious death. The People, whom he had so long abused and + deprived of their rights, as at last almost to have learned to ignore + their very existence, had reached that point at which forbearance had + ceased to be a virtue. Through the City darted with the speed of light the + intelligence of his crime; and to the scene of it rushed from all the + streets, lanes and by ways of the City, with wild haste and fearful + imprecations, the thousands upon thousands whom that word of fearful + import had filled with sorrow, hate and desperate resolve. Filling every + street and avenue in the neighborhood with the innumerable multitude which + swayed to and fro like the tempest tossed waves of ocean; the main body + continued for hours, loading the air with hoarse murmurs or angry shouts; + detachments breaking off from time to time to rush with frantic speed and + hurl themselves successively but impotently upon the iron doors and stone + walls of the Station House or Jail. + </p> + <p> + During the evening, so threatening became the demonstrations of the people + that every effort was made by the authorities to reinforce the Police. + Armed men were dispatched from time to time to be stationed around and on + the top of the Jail. They were received, as they made their way through + the dense mass with hootings and execrations. The Mayor vainly endeavoured + to obtain a hearing, and to calm the fiery passion of the multitude. With + wild rage, fruitless clamor and ineffective effort, that great crowd + waited impatiently but vainly for some leader to give direction to their + energy. At half past eleven a mounted battalion consisting of the + California Guards, First Light Dragoons and National Lancers, were + mustered, supplied with ammunition, and marched off to the Jail, where + they did duty during the night. The safety of the Prison being now + provided for, the people quietly dispersed to their homes, not, however, + until a Committee, consisting of Messrs. Macondry, Palmer and Sims in whom + they had confidence had been sent in, and reported to them that the + prisoner was securely locked in a cell within it. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, amid this wild tumult of the people, a number of merchants and + other prominent and influential citizens had assembled in a store in the + lower part of the City, and there after full consideration of the + intolerable condition of affairs, it was resolved forthwith to organize a + Vigilance Committee. At an early hour the next morning another meeting was + held and a Constitution adopted, the publication of which was sometime + after sanctioned by the Executive Committee. + </p> + <p> + This Instrument was deliberately approved, and was subscribed by several + thousand citizens of San Francisco, who, in action under it, periled life + and fair fame. The following extracts from it will show the causes of the + movement; and the ability and determination of those who inaugurated and + prosecuted it to its final issue: + </p> + <p> + Whereas it has become apparent to the citizens of San Francisco that there + is no security for life or property either under the regulations of + society, as it at present exists, or under the laws as now administered, + and that by the association of bad characters our ballot boxes have been + stolen and others substituted, or stuffed with votes that were never + polled, and thereby our elections nullified; our dearest rights violated; + and no other method left by which the will of the people can be + manifested; therefore, the citizens whose names are hereunto attached, do + unite themselves into an association for maintenance of the peace and good + order of society; the prevention and punishment of crime; the preservation + of our lives and property; and to insure that our ballot boxes shall + hereafter express the actual and unforged will of the majority of our + citizens; and we do bind ourselves each to the other by a solemn oath to + do and perform every just and lawful act for the maintenance of law and + order, and to sustain the laws when properly and faithfully administered. + But we are determined that no thief, burglar, incendiary, assassin, ballot + box stuffer, or other disturber of the peace shall escape punishment, + either by the quibbles of the law, the insecurity of prisons, the + carelessness or corruption of the police, or the laxity of those who + pretend to administer justice; and, to secure the objects of this + association, we do hereby agree, that the name and style of the + Association shall be "The Committee of Vigilance, for the protection of + the ballot box, the lives, liberty, and property of the citizens and + residents of the City, of San Francisco." + </p> + <p> + That there shall be Rooms for the deliberations of the Committee at which + there shall be some one or more members of the Committee, appointed for + that purpose, in constant attendance at all hours of the day and night to + receive the report of any member of the association or of any other person + or persons whomsoever of any act of violence done to the person or + property of any citizen of San Francisco; and if in the judgment of the + member or members of the Committee present, it be such an act as justifies + or demands the interference of this Committee, either in aiding in the + execution of the laws, or the prompt and summary punishment of the + offender; the Committee shall be at once assembled for the purpose of + taking such action as a majority of them, when assembled, shall determine + upon. + </p> + <p> + That whereas, an Executive Committee has been chosen by the General + Committee, it shall be the duty of the said Executive Committee to + deliberate and act upon all important questions and decide upon the + measures necessary to carryout the objects for which the association was + formed. + </p> + <p> + That whereas this Committee has been organized into subdivisions; the + Executive Committee shall have power to call, when they shall so + determine, upon a Board of Delegates, to consist of three representatives + from each division to confer with them upon matters of vital importance. + </p> + <p> + That the action of this body shall be entirely and vigorously free from + all consideration of, or participation in the merits or demerits, opinions + or acts, of all sects, political parties, or sectional divisions in the + community and every class of orderly citizens, of whatever sect, party or + nativity may become members of this body. No discussion of political, + sectional or sectarian subjects shall be allowed in the Rooms of the + Association. + </p> + <p> + That no person accused before this body shall be punished until after fair + and impartial trial and conviction. + </p> + <p> + That whenever the General Committee have assembled for deliberation, the + decision of the majority upon any question that may be submitted to them + by the Executive Committee shall be binding upon the whole; provided + nevertheless, no vote inflicting the death penalty, shall be binding + unless passed by two thirds of those present and entitled to vote. + </p> + <p> + That all good citizens shall be eligible for admission to this body under + such regulations as may be prescribed by a Committee on qualifications; + and if any unworthy persons gain admission, they shall, on due proof, be + expelled. And, believing ourselves to be executors of the will of a + majority of our citizens; we do pledge our sacred honor to defend and + maintain each other in carrying out the determined action of this + Committee at the hazard of our lives and our fortunes. + </p> + <p> + By this Constitution, it will be seen that the responsibility of + deliberating upon the subjects which demanded the interference of the + Vigilance Committee was devolved upon the Executive Committee consisting + of twenty-three persons. Of this Committee, the largest number were + merchants, but most of the professions and occupations were represented on + it. Many of its members were men of large fortune and extensive business; + all of them were men of standing and good character, and possessing the + confidence and respect of the community. All sects in religion, and + parties in politics had representatives among them. They were shrewd, + sagacious, business men; never seeking office; having no taste for + excitement; desiring only to be protected in their rights, and to be able + to devote their energies uninterruptedly to their business. Only a sense + of intolerable wrong and oppression could have induced such men to leave + their employments and engage in so anxious, laborious and perilous an + undertaking. Having assumed the task, never did men devote themselves more + entirely to the discharge of the duties which it imposed. Freely at all + times did they contribute their money to defray expenses incurred. + Faithfully did they dedicate all their forecast, sagacity and wisdom to + insure success; upon which indeed, their fortunes, and lives depended, and + which a single mistake might involve the loss. + </p> + <p> + The writer of this sketch was never more profoundly impressed than when, + on two occasions, he was summoned, at half past twelve and two o'clock in + the morning to the Executive Chamber as a witness. The room was of the + plainest, even rudest, appearance. A semi-circular table was liberally + supplied with stationary, and around it sat gravely, with faces paled by + long continued vigils, anxious thought and awful responsibility a few + individuals, some of whom he recognized, and knew to be quiet, humane, + order-loving men. On a raised platform sat the President, and in front of + him the Secretary. These few grave men, seen at so late an hour, by dim + candle lights, the leaders of an armed insurrection, usurpers of all + power, rule and supremacy in a City of at least sixty thousand + inhabitants; whose commands thousands of their armed fellow citizens + obeyed implicitly; who, in disregard of all law, arrested, imprisoned, + tried and executed offenders; but whose power, boundless and undisputed as + it seemed, rested solely on the conviction of their fellow men that they + were just, wise, patriotic and true; would faithfully administer the + despotic power of which they were the depositaries; and cheerfully resign + it whenever the work of the regeneration of society was accomplished. If + this conviction should be shaken, the association must instantly be + dissolved and each of these leaders and directors of it be left to die + upon the scaffold. Well might any person of the slightest sensibility look + on such a body of men with the utmost interest and curiosity, and in the + contemplation be filled with deep and solemn thought. + </p> + <p> + The Constitution likewise provided for a Board of Delegates, with whom the + Executive Committee might confer whenever matters of vital importance + should require it. This body was organized by the choice by each company + of two of its members, who, with the Captain, should be its Delegates. + When the military organization of the force was completed, the field + officers were added to the Board of Delegates; and when the organization + included many regiments, the number of Delegates was of course larger. + Whenever the death penalty had been decided upon by the Executive + Committee, the whole evidence upon which it was based was submitted to the + Board of Delegates, and a two-thirds vote of that Board in confirmation of + the Executive vote was required before it could be inflicted. The element + of discussion thus introduced into a body essentially revolutionary, and + whose success might be supposed to depend upon the secrecy, promptness and + unfaltering determination of its councils and of the blows it struck, was + thought at the time to be likely to detract from its efficiency, if it did + not endanger its existence. But the good sense and prudence of the members + restrained the innate Yankee propensity to speech making, and this danger, + with many others, which from time to time threatened to make shipwreck of + the organization, was happily surmounted. + </p> + <p> + The Constitution having been adopted, the doors of the Committee Rooms on + Sacramento Street were opened for initiation into the body. The greatest + caution was exercised to prevent the admission of any disreputable or + unreliable man. Every person presenting himself was carefully scrutinized + at the outer door by a trusty guard and at the stair head within by + another; and if unknown to them, was required to be vouched for by two + respectable citizens. From Thursday the 15th until Saturday the 17th at + two o'clock P. M. a crowd of people were constantly pressing forward for + admission. On Thursday both battalions of the City military refused to act + further as a guard upon the Jail; and the companies for the most part + disbanded; several of them reorganizing as part of the Vigilance Committee + force. The defense of the Jail being thrown entirely upon the Sheriff; he + placed arms and ammunition in it; and made strenuous efforts to provide a + force which might suffice with his Deputies, the Police & co. to + accomplish that object. On Friday his Deputies were very busy in serving + printed notices upon all citizens whom they could induce to receive them, + or to listen to their reading. The summons was to meet at the Fourth + District Court Room in the City Hall at half past three o'clock to aid him + in keeping the peace. The meeting took place at the time and place + appointed, but for various reasons, did not prove a very decided success. + The replies made when the question was propounded to each individual + whether he was prepared to proceed with the Sheriff to the Jail to defend + it against all assailants, were very various. A merchant said he had been + summoned, but he refused most positively to move, and wished it to be most + distinctly understood that he was not a member of the Vigilance Committee, + nor did he intend to act against it. A lawyer declined serving, and on his + reason for doing so being required, said he was afraid; as he was + afterwards in the ranks of the Vigilance Committee, with a musket on his + shoulder, it may be presumed that his fear was of fighting against the + people. A medical man professed great doubts about his ability; said he + was not accustomed to the use of firearms, and thought it not unlikely + that he might wound himself or kill his neighbor. At length, a party + started with the Sheriff for the Jail; but whether their sober second + thought was discouraging; or they had no stomach for the fight; or found + their courage oozing out of their finger ends; the number began to + diminish immediately after starting; at every corner some would detach + themselves from the group; at every saloon or restaurant a distressing + hunger or thirst would silently but imperiously demand a halt; and as the + Jail was neared, a light pair of heels was frequently put in requisition + without the slightest ceremony. As might be supposed, the number that + finally reached their destination, was distressingly out of proportion to + the work to be done; and the Sheriff, after detaining them for a time, was + reported to have dismissed them with but scant courtesy. + </p> + <p> + Bulletins meanwhile were issued daily and almost hourly, by the physicians + in attendance upon Mr. King, detailing his condition. They were posted in + conspicuous places, and were read and commented upon by eager and excited + crowds. The enlistments into the Vigilance Committee were constantly going + on. The French citizens held a meeting and tendered their services to the + Committee, and a battalion of three hundred men was at once organized and + armed. The Germans had no separate organization, but were distributed in + large numbers through the various companies. Arms were collected from all + quarters; cannon were obtained from ships lying at the wharves or in the + harbor; the gunsmiths shops were thronged; dray loads of muskets and + ammunition were taken to the Jail and the Committee Rooms; armed men + guarded and observed the Jail night and day; and although every thing was + done quietly, no person could escape the conviction that an awful crisis + was impending. In all the streets men on foot and horseback were + constantly passing and repassing, apparently engaged in their ordinary + pursuits; but a close observer could detect by the interchange of a word, + a motion, or a significant glance, that they had a mutual understanding + and a common purpose, and were on the alert and quick and observant of all + that was passing. + </p> + <p> + On Saturday evening, May 17th, in consequence of a telegraphic dispatch + from Mayor Van Ness earnestly requesting his presence, Governor Johnson + arrived in the City from Sacramento. He was met by General Sherman whom he + had appointed Major General of the Militia, Ex-Mayor Garrison and some + others. After a long conference with the Executive Committee at two + o'clock in the morning, he went with a sub-committee of that body to the + Jail. The Sheriff agreed that a detachment of ten men of the Vigilance + force should be permitted to enter and remain in the Jail to satisfy the + people of the safe keeping of the prisoner. It was agreed the Committee + should not take advantage of the permission to wrest the prisoner from the + hands of the Sheriff, but that if they should resolve such a course, they + would withdraw their guard. At two o'clock P. M. on Saturday, the process + of enrollment was suddenly stopped. Two thousand six hundred men had then + been enrolled. In the evening the whole force was broken up into + twenty-six companies or divisions, as they were called first, of one + hundred men. Each division then made choice of its officers, consisting of + a Captain, two Lieutenants; and Sergeants and Corporals were likewise + appointed. The Command-in-Chief was entrusted by the Executive Committee + to Colonel Charles Doane; who, in all the subsequent military operations + proved himself to be a most skillful tactician and efficient commander. + The great body of the force at first under his command, was infantry armed + with flint-lock muskets, afterwards changed for percussion ones. There + were, in addition, a company of horse; two companies of riflemen, and + artillerists for two field pieces. The evening closed with a sharp drill + of all the divisions. + </p> + <p> + Sunday the Eighteenth day of May was bright and beautiful. It dawned on + the pleasant and picturesque City slumbering in its holy light. The roar + and tumult of the populous City in its hours of business were stilled. The + sun shone joyously in the deep blue sky, undimmed by cloud or vapor. All + was hushed in the breathing repose of nature, and the soft and fragrant + air, the still earth, and the unruffled surface of the magnificent bay, + graced and dignified by grand old Monte Diavolo looking down upon it from + its far off border, seemed united together in the same sweet spirit of + devotion. As the day wore on, the bells of the various churches rang out + their summons to the house of God. No unusual movement or sound in the + early morning gave token of that calm solemn, most fearful uprising of the + people which, at a later hour, was to make that day one never to be + forgotten by any who took part in or witnessed its extraordinary events. + The Executive Committee with consummate prudence had kept their plan of + action profoundly secret. + </p> + <p> + At an early hour in the morning the Commander of the force issued orders + to the Captains of Companies to notify their men to appear at Head + Quarters, No. 41 Sacramento Street, at nine o'clock A. M. ready for duty. + Time was of course required to circulate the notice through the City; but + soon the men began to congregate from all quarters and the building, + extensive as it was, by half past ten o'clock, was filled, both above and + below stairs. A most extraordinary assemblage was that which filled those + large halls on that Sabbath morning. Men of every rank, occupation and + condition in society obeyed that summons, and silently took their places + side by side, prepared to do their duty and abide the issue whatever it + might be. Many of these order and peace-loving citizens had never before, + when in health, been absent from church on the Sabbath day or had the + slightest skill in the use of arms, or knowledge of military movements, + yet so really a military people are the Americans, and so completely + overmastered was every man by the sentiment and purpose common to all; + that the precision with which the whole body handled their arms, and + marched without music, was remarked with astonishment even by officers of + the regular army. + </p> + <p> + After a short drill in the Rooms, ammunition was distributed, and orders + issued to load with ball. The companies then moved in succession into the + street. Not a drum was struck, or other instrument of music sounded, but + in silence the various detachments moved by different routes upon the + designated point. Such a body of men have been seldom if ever seen united, + armed, and resolutely bent upon accomplishing such an object. The high and + low, rich and poor, men of all classes, ages, and nations; the merchant, + the dairy man, the professional man, the clerk, the porter, the father and + son, the philanthropist, the patriot, the Christian, all were in the ranks + of this great Company; and with flashing eyes and compressed lips marched + in silence to accomplish what they deemed an absolutely necessary measure + of Retribution and Reform. + </p> + <p> + As the various columns moved through the streets, from the lower to the + upper part of the City, the occasional low but distinct word of command, + and the steady tramp of armed men, attracted attention, and windows and + doorways and sidewalks became filled with silent, wondering awestruck + spectators. From street, lane and alley, they thronged the thoroughfares + in which the troops were moving, and keeping pace with them, in like + silence, moved steadily on. By exactly calculated movements, each division + came upon the ground almost at the precise spot it was to occupy, and upon + deploying into line formed part of a hollow square enclosing the whole + space in which the Prison was situated. A field piece heavily loaded with + grape, was placed in position in front of the iron gate of the Prison. A + body of riflemen marched down Broadway, cleared and took possession of a + house next the Prison, and which commanded its roof, and filled the roof + of the house with sharpshooters. Another body of riflemen were posted on a + bluff in rear of the Jail, and which commanded that side. In the meantime + windows, roofs of houses, and hill tops at a safe distance were crowded + with spectators. Such sounds as must necessarily attend the moving and + getting into position so large a body of men were soon hushed; and in + profound silence, all awaited the progress of events. + </p> + <p> + At length a battalion was marched to the front of the Prison within the + lines, and drawn up on three sides of a square. Detachments from companies + of picked men took post in rear of the square. Soon an empty carriage + followed by two others containing members of the Executive Committee were + driven into the inner square. They alighted and were joined by the + Commander, proceeded up the steps of the Jail, and were admitted into it, + and the door closed upon them. All knew that a demand was then making for + the surrender of one or more prisoners by Sheriff Scannell; and that upon + his answer it depended whether the Prison should be stormed or not. A + formal demand was willingly made upon the Sheriff by the Executives for + the delivery to them of James P. Casey and that he be placed in irons + before such delivery. The Sheriff informed Casey that the Prison was + surrounded by two thousand armed men and that he had no force adequate to + his protection. Casey finally concluded to go with the Committee provided + two respectable citizens would assure him that he should have a fair + trial, and not be dragged through the streets. A pledge to that effect was + given him by the President and other members of the Executive Committee. + The Committee then withdrew from the Prison, and, with their armed escort, + awaited the surrender of the prisoner. City Marshal North having placed + irons upon him, led him to the door of the Prison and delivered him into + the hands of the Committee. He was then placed in a close carriage, Mr. + North, at Casey's request, taking a seat by his side, and two members of + the Executive Committee also occupying seats in it. As the guard descended + the steps of the Jail with the prisoner amid the profound silence of the + armed force, a shout was raised by a portion of the spectators several + blocks off; but a gesture of disapprobation from one of the Committee was + sufficient instantly to restore silence. The Committee arranged themselves + in the carriages; the picked men filed in on each side; a heavy guard + closed in on all sides in square; the people rushed in, packing the + streets with a dense mass; and all moved on in silence to the Committee + Rooms. + </p> + <p> + Profound stillness again reigned around the Prison among the troops and + the great body of spectators who kept their ground in expectation of what + might follow. A part of the troops who had attended the prisoner to the + Rooms, at length returned, and soon after, the carriages again arrived at + the Prison, and the Executive Committee demanded of the Sheriff the body + of Charles Cora, the murderer of Gen. Richardson, the U. S. Marshal. Only + after twice requesting and being granted further time for consideration + and being then peremptorily informed that if he was not delivered up in + ten minutes, the Jail would be stormed, did the Sheriff produce him. He + was brought out in irons, placed with officers in a carriage, the + Executive occupying the others, the whole armed force fell in front, on + the sides and in the rear in a long column; and the whole, accompanied by + a crowd of people, swept on to the Rooms of the Committee. Most deeply was + every one impressed with the fearful responsibility assumed by the actors + in this extraordinary scene, and with the resolute spirit with which they + had thus far prosecuted it. As the procession passed through Montgomery + Street, very many of the spectators were observed to uncover their heads, + apparently impressed by the solemnity of the scene; or perhaps by their + respect for the men who filled the ranks. Arrived at the Rooms, and the + prisoner secured, a large force was detailed for guard and patrol duty, + and the remainder of the troops were dismissed. Thus ended this eventful + day. + </p> + <p> + From Sunday the 18th until Tuesday following, all was quiet upon the + streets. Crowds thronged in silence and deep concern around the Bulletin + Boards whenever a new announcement was made of the condition of the + sufferer. From five o'clock on Tuesday morning it became apparent that he + was sinking; and the public anxiety became momentarily more intense. At + half past one P. M. the dreaded intelligence was communicated that Mr. + King was dead. Immediately every demonstration was made of the deepest + feeling and most profound grief by all classes of the community. Stores, + offices and other places of business were immediately closed. Hotels, + public buildings and many private dwellings were, in an incredibly short + time draped in mourning; and mourning badges were assumed by a large + portion of the population. The bells of the churches and engine houses + were tolled until a late hour. The different flagstaffs, and the shipping + at the wharves and in the harbor displayed their colors at half-mast. + Never did a more general, spontaneous, heartfelt sadness oppress a whole + people, or manifest itself in a more touching manner. The news was + telegraphed in all directions, and from every part of the State came back + responses showing that the whole people felt as deeply as the citizens of + San Francisco, the loss they had sustained: But sorrow was not suffered to + expend itself in respectful but unsubstantial mourning emblems; and while + a great multiture, from five o'clock in the afternoon to a late hour in + the night, were slowly and sadly passing through the room in Montgomery + Block in which their friend lay cold in death, taking a last look at that + face long so familiar upon the streets, but soon to be seen no more on + earth; a Committee was appointed by the citizens, consisting of Messrs + Macondry, Park and Patterson, to receive subscriptions for the benefit of + the widow and six young children of Mr. King, left but slenderly provided + for. The object was nobly accomplished, and the sum of thirty thousand + dollars placed in trust for them. The claim for the widow and the + fatherless having been thus met; a sterner duty was believed to rest upon + the citizens of San Francisco. Formal and deliberate trials of the two + prisoners in the hands of the Vigilance Committee were held by the + Executive Committee as provided by the Constitution; and the evidence + introduced and the result arrived at were laid before the Board of + Delegates for its concurrence or disapproval. Extraordinary precautions + were adopted in and about Head Quarters. The number of men on duty within + and outside of the building was largely increased. A full company of horse + patrolled Sacramento Street day and night. At a block or two above the + Rooms, a company of infantry was drawn up in double rank across the + street. Any one wishing to visit the Rooms for any purpose, was required + to pass to the centre of the company where two soldiers with crossed + muskets barred the way until he had given the password. Everywhere + evidence was presented that the measures to be adopted had been thoroughly + matured; the means abundantly provided, and that the results would be + wrought out with quiet but inflexible determination. + </p> + <p> + On Thursday, the 22d of May, the day broke in clouds over the City; but by + ten o'clock, the clouds had dispersed, and amid sunshine and soft airs the + hours stole on. The funeral of Mr. King was appointed to take place at + twelve o'clock. Great crowds had poured into the City from all parts of + the State, and the streets were black with the masses. Preparations were + making by almost every society in the City for attending the funeral; and + but for another call upon the citizens, it is probable that full two + thirds of the men of San Francisco would have taken part in the + procession, or looked on from the sidewalks. No such demonstration of + profound mourning was ever before witnessed in California. The services in + the church were most solemn and affecting. The funeral procession was more + than a mile in length, and the number of persons in it was estimated at + more than six thousand. Slowly it passed through the City and made its way + to Lone Mountain Cemetery where with Masonic services, and in presence of + the great multitude, standing uncovered and affected to tears, the remains + of the just and good man, the martyr to truth and duty were deposited. + </p> + <p> + But large as was the assembly thus occupied in the upper part of the City + in rendering the last tribute of respect to the loved and lost; a still + larger number had collected in the neighborhood of the Committee Rooms in + the lower part to witness a solemn act of retribution. They swarmed upon + the housetops, filled windows, and such, portion of the streets as was + open to them, and from which they could obtain a view of the proceedings, + and waited in anxious expectation the infliction of the penalty of their + crimes upon the two assassins in the hands of the Committee. From an early + hour in the morning, movements in and around the Rooms had plainly + indicated the purpose for which they were made. Riflemen were stationed on + the roofs of the Committee building and those adjoining. A detachment was + sent out, which cleared and thoroughly searched a building opposite. + Cannon were placed at points to command and sweep the streets in the + vicinity. Cavalry patrolled in all directions, and large bodies of + infantry were gradually placed in position, and formed an immense square + enclosing the entire block, and allowing no new approach to the Rooms. + Ominous preparations were also making in the building by projecting from + two of the second story windows in front, platforms with, hinges just + beyond the window sills, supported by ropes running to the roof of the + building. + </p> + <p> + At a quarter past one, as the funeral procession was leaving the church on + Stockton Street the two offenders against the law of God and man were + placed upon the scaffolds, and, after a few words from Casey, denying + repeatedly that he was a murderer, as charged by the Alta California and + other papers, on the ground that he had been taught always to revenge an + insult or injury, a signal was given and the unhappy men instantly passed + to their account. The whole body of the military, and many of the other + spectators stood uncovered and in profound silence and awe, while this + stern and solemn People's tragedy was enacting. Late in the afternoon the + entire force of armed citizens was drawn up in line on Sacramento Street + presenting a most imposing array; were reviewed by the Commander, and then + marched by companies to the Rooms, deposited their arms, and, with the + exception of guards detailed for further duty, amounting to some three + hundred men, were dismissed. + </p> + <p> + During this period and for some time after strenuous efforts were making + for the discovery and arrest of two men, McGowen and Wightman, who had + been indicted as accomplices of Casey in the murder of Mr. King. Great + anxiety was felt for the arrest of McGowen not alone on account of his + complicity in the murder, but because it was believed that he knew more of + the operations of the ballot box stuffers and other political managers + than any other person, and that if taken, he would be likely to expose + many who had stooped to obtain office or position by his unscrupulous + arts. Long and earnest search was made, but for some time, no trace of him + could be discovered. At length in the latter part of June, it was learned + that he left the City on horseback, disguised as a cattle drover, in + company with an American and a Mexican, and had been seen in Santa + Barbara, a small town on the coast about four hundred miles below San + Francisco. Being recognized, he fled, and was pursued by a party from + Santa Barbara. On receiving the intelligence, the Executive Committee + immediately dispatched twenty resolute men in a fast sailing vessel to + join in the pursuit. On the 16th of July an arrival from down the coast + brought information of his probable escape. His condition was represented + to have been such as to have excited pity for even such a criminal. When + last seen he was dreadfully wearied and chafed by his long ride, was + without a hat to protect him from the fierce rays of the sun, his face + dreadfully burned and blistered, and oppressed with hunger and thirst; and + thus the poor wretch, loaded with guilt, flying from the gallows, with + hate and despair stamped on his face, spurred on in his mad flight. + </p> + <p> + In the first week of June, measures were taken by the State Authorities to + frighten into submission, or to dissolve by force the Vigilance Committee. + The Governor issued a Proclamation declaring the County of San Francisco + in a state of insurrection, and gave orders to the Major General of the + District to make all necessary preparations to suppress the insurrection. + General orders were issued for all lovers of law and order to enlist, + choose officers, and commence drilling. Recruiting stations were appointed + in different parts of the City, and a considerable number of respectable + citizens, and most of the gamblers, bullies and other notorious characters + who had not yet fallen into the hands of the Vigilance Committee, but must + have had very reasonable fears that they soon might, answered to the call. + They mustered no such force however as led to a public exhibition of their + number or condition. General Sherman, being unable to obtain from General + Wood such arms as he deemed necessary for his purpose, soon resigned, and + Volney C. Howard was appointed in his place. In the meantime the Committee + proceeded quietly in perfecting their arrangements. The people, to the + number of several thousand, offered themselves and were added to the + already formidable force. The demonstrations of citizens not professedly + belonging to, however in favor of the organization, were, at this and + subsequent periods, very impressive. An evening meeting was held in front + of the Oriental Hotel, the number present at which was variously estimated + at from five to eight thousand. This great meeting was presided over by + Hon. Baillie Peyton, formerly a distinguished member of Congress, and then + City Attorney. He addressed the meeting, as did Judge Duer and other + leading men. At the close of the meeting, the immense assembly was called + upon to say whether they approved and would support the Vigilance + Committee, and instantly such a thundering "Aye" went up as seemed + sufficient to rend the sky. When the otherwise minded were called, two + "No's" were heard, faintly breaking the profound silence. Several other + meetings came to a like conclusion. Such occurrences, and they were + frequent, greatly strengthened the hands, and encouraged the hearts of the + Executive Committee. Their labors were various and unremitting. They + issued notice to quit to numbers of persons whom it was neither for the + interest nor credit of the community longer to retain. By their Police + they were daily and nightly arresting disturbers of the public peace, + thieves and desperate criminals, whom they quietly deposited in their + strong rooms to be dealt with according to their deserts. To be prepared + for any emergency their Head Quarters were made an armed camp. Barriers + six feet in height, made of sand bags, with cannon planted in the + embrasures, extended along the whole front of the building. Sentinels + paced the roof day and night. Companies were drilling at all hours at Head + Quarters or in their Armories. These defenses were strengthened from time + to time; and others ingeniously contrived were placed in the interior; so + that, at length, in the opinion of an officer of large experience, a very + large force of regular troops would have been required to carry it by + storm. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon of Saturday, June 21st, the perfect quiet of the early + part of the day was broken up by a tempest of excitement of rare + occurrence anywhere. Between three and four o'clock, a Police Officer of + the Vigilance Committee named Hopkins, being ordered with a party of men, + to arrest a man named Maloney, having ascertained that he was then in the + office of Dr. Ashe, Navy Agent, on Washington Street, entered the office + alone, leaving the other officers in the street. A number of persons were + in the room beside Maloney, amongst them Judge Terry, one of the three + Judges of the Supreme Court of California. Hopkins was unable to make the + arrest; and retiring from the room, collected his men, and kept watch in + the street. The party in the room armed themselves and scattered into the + street to make their way to the Armory of the San Francisco Blues. While + passing up Jackson Street, Hopkins attempted to arrest Maloney. Terry + opposed him with a double-barreled gun, which Hopkins attempted to or did, + wrest from him, when Terry immediately struck him on the neck with a bowie + knife, inflicting a terrible wound. Terry and his whole party then ran and + placed themselves for safety in the Blues Armory. Hopkins was immediately + taken into the Pennsylvania Engine House. The news flew with lightning + speed over the City. The bell of the Vigilance Committee Rooms sounded; + and instantly the streets were swarming with members obedient at all times + to its summons. As the sound struck his ear, every man discontinued the + work upon which he was employed. Draymen passing with loads, unharnessed + their horses, mounted and rode off; engines in the great foundries were + stopped, and employers and men started off on the run; builders, pressmen, + shopmen, merchants, professional men, were alike hurrying to the Committee + Rooms. As they arrived, they took arms, were formed in companies, and + reported ready for duty. In a few minutes, a body of cavalry were + thundering through the streets and surrounding the block in which was the + Blues Armory. Then up every street poured companies of infantry at + double-quick time, and took possession of every important point. So + quickly was this done that only some thirty men of the so called "law and + order" party had been able to assemble in the Armory. They were summoned + to surrender, and alter some little parley, concluded to do so. Terry, + Ashe and Maloney were placed in carriages and conveyed to the Committee + Rooms. The other prisoners were then disarmed and they were kept in the + Armory until evening, when they likewise were marched to the Committee + Rooms. + </p> + <p> + While this was enacting, a strong force had surrounded the California + Exchange on the corner of Clay and Kearney Streets, where some seventy or + eighty of the "law and order" men had assembled, and where was a depot of + arms. In front of this building, a battery of artillery was in position + flanked by a detachment of infantry. The commander of the party in the + building was summoned to surrender in five minutes. When four minutes and + a half had expired, the cautionary order of "Artillery, attention" was + heard, and at the same instant the doors were thrown open, and a surrender + made. Every, man was made to present himself at the door, deposit his + musket, strip off his accoutrements, and go back into the room. The arms + were taken to the Committee Rooms, and the building left under a strong + guard. All the other Armories of the "law and order" party were taken + about the same time by other detachments. In less than two hours after the + sounding of the alarm bell, the "law and order" party had surrendered; all + their arms were secured; the leaders of their troops dismissed on parole; + and the rank and file placed in safe keeping; without the shedding of a + drop of blood. The people looked on with astonishment to see with what + precision and dispatch the whole work had been accomplished. At eleven + o'clock the next day, the prisoners, with the exception of a few, who, had + hitherto escaped capture, were dismissed from the Rooms after having been + cautioned against being taken' again. Their appearance as they marched out + of the building and up the street, each man with his blanket strapped + across his shoulders, some with looks of dignified disgust, and others + with a most crestfallen or woebegone expression was ludicrous in the + extreme, and caused hearty laughter and many jokes at their expense. In + addition to the offenders those secured in the Rooms of the Committee, + there were many others at liberty for whom a quiet but unremitting search + was kept up. When any one was found, on the street or in any of his usual + haunts, he was very sure to surrender at the first summons of the officer, + probably for the reason humorously assigned by one of the most bitter + opponents of the Committee, who, after an envenomed tirade against it, was + asked, "Suppose, while talking on Montgomery Street, some one should tap + you on the shoulder, and say, you are wanted at the Vigilance Committee + Rooms, should you go?" "Of course I should," said he, "Indeed," said the + other, "I should not, from your talk, have expected it." "Why," said he, + "you don't think me such a consummate fool as to attempt to buck up + against two thousand men." Sometimes, however numbers gave confidence to + the rowdies, and they ventured, regardless of the lessons of experience, + to indulge in their old practices in public. A public evening meeting was + held in front of Montgomery Block to consider what action should be taken + in reference to certain Officials believed to have been unfairly elected, + and a part of whom at least were charged with maladministration of the + affairs of the City. A Committee had been chosen to request these City + officers to resign, and this Committee were directed to report at an + adjourned meeting in the same place. Before the second meeting was held, + it was understood that an attempt would be made to break up the meeting. + The intended disturbers stationed themselves opposite the Montgomery + Block, and by shouts, groans and noises of all kinds, endeavoured to + interrupt the proceedings. This was borne as long as possible. At last a + party of Vigilantes broke in from the extremity of the crowd, and bore + straight down through it, leaving a clear space behind them, until they + reached the point of disturbance, when they made a charge upon the + rowdies, some of whom drew pistols but were afraid to use them; secured + the leaders and principal bullies, and hurried them off to secure lodgings + in the Committee Rooms. The work was done in a wonderfully short time and + in the most skillful manner; and no further disturbance occurred. + </p> + <p> + The punishments prescribed for offenders by the Committee being only two, + viz, death and banishment, and neither being applicable to the cases of + some of the numerous prisoners now in their hands, these were discharged + after being cautioned not again to offend. The rest, after trial of each + one in the mode prescribed, were sentenced to banishment; were quietly + embarked at night, and so "left their country for their country's good." + </p> + <p> + Perfect quiet now seemed restored to the City. But soon the people were + again roused and horror-stricken by the deliberate murder of Dr. Randal, a + large land owner in various parts of the State, while quietly conversing + with the bar-keeper in the St. Nicholas Hotel, by one Hetherington who, + four years before had been tried for murder, but by some means had escaped + conviction. Several gentlemen were in the room at the time, and were in + considerable danger from the shots fired by him. The alarm being given + City Policemen who first arrived, arrested him; but he was immediately + taken from them by Vigilance Policemen, and at once conveyed to the + Committee Rooms. Two murderers, Hetherington and Brace, were in due time + tried the counsel whom they selected, were procured; and the witnesses + they named, obtained for them. They were condemned, and some time after + publicly executed in open day and in presence of a great multitude in a + public street in the lower part of the City. + </p> + <p> + The case of Hopkins so dreadfully wounded by Judge Terry, was, for a long + time, considered desperate by the eminent surgeons and physicians in + constant attendance upon him. But after long hovering between life and + death; to the astonishment of all, he began slowly to recover, until, at + length, after many weeks of seclusion and intense suffering, in the early + part of August, he was able again to make his appearance upon the streets. + And now that his recovery was assured, the question as to the disposition + to be made of the author of his dreadful sufferings was one of the most + difficult imaginable. It seemed at first impossible that the Executive + Committee should reach a conclusion acceptable to the Board of Delegates, + and in which the whole organization would concur. The meetings of both + branches were frequent, long protracted and stormy. At length a majority + of both Boards determined that though his guilt was unquestionable, under + the circumstances the first penalty prescribed by the Code did not apply. + The second, that of banishment, at first approved itself to a majority of + both Boards, but, after anxious consideration, it was deemed to be + impracticable to carry it out, and make it permanent. It was therefore + decided to dismiss him with a public notice of their belief in his guilt, + and that the people of the largest County in the State were of opinion + that he should resign the Judicial Office he held, and for which they + deemed him unfit. Accordingly at an early hour in the morning his prison + doors were opened, and he was permitted to go at large. In the afternoon + of the same day he took the steamer and returned to his home in Stockton. + No sooner was the decision, and the action of the Executive consequent + upon it, promulgated, than a wild storm of passionate excitement broke + forth, which threatened for several days the very existence of the + organization. But the Delegates met their respective Companies; explained + the action of the two Boards; gave the reasons for it in full; answered + all questions; urged every consideration likely to remove suspicion, allay + passion, and inspire confidence; and finally, with infinite difficulty, + the perilous crisis was passed, and acquiescence, if not entire + satisfaction was secured. + </p> + <p> + A week afterwards, on the 18th of August a public Parade and Review of the + entire force of the Vigilance Committee took place. The several Companies + assembled at their Armories and marched from thence to the Head Quarters + of their Regiments, and thence to Third Street, where the whole force of + Cavalry, Artillery, Riflemen and Infantry, consisting of at least four + thousand men, in black frock coats and pants and caps and white gloves, + were formed in line in double rank, extending a full mile from Market + Street some distance beyond South Park. The line was reviewed by the + Commander and his staff and the Executive Committee, about forty persons + in all, who thundered along it with heads uncovered, at full speed. The + line then broke into columns of companies, and with inspiriting music from + numerous bands, began their march through the City. The sidewalks, windows + and roofs of buildings on the line of march were crowded with spectators. + The scene from the upper part of Clay Street, when the Cavalry and + Artillery, having wheeled into Stockton Street, the whole steep ascent of + Clay Street, between Montgomery and Stockton Streets, was filled from + sidewalk to sidewalk, with the dark moving mass of infantry, was most + imposing; and to very many, of the spectators so touching from memories of + fears, anxieties and terrors for their relatives and friends throughout, + the eventful movement now so happily drawing to a conclusion; as to dim + their eyes with tears of joy, and thankfulness. The march extended through + the principal streets of the City, and was terminated and the line + dismissed at six o'clock in the afternoon. This was the last public + appearance of the Vigilance Committee. + </p> + <p> + In the last week of August, the Executive Committee caused the + fortifications in front of the Head Quarters to be razed to the ground, + threw open the doors and invited public inspection of their rooms, and + disbanded the whole force; retaining however, as they stated in their + Address, the power to defend themselves if attacked; to enforce the + penalty against any banished criminal who should return; and to preserve + the public peace, if it should become necessary. A tap of the bell would + in future, summon the members, if any emergency should require it. + </p> + <p> + On the following third of November, the State arms which had been sent by + the Governor from Benicia to be used by the "law and order" party in + suppressing the Vigilance Committee, but which had been intercepted in the + passage down the river, were restored; and the Governor then withdrew his + Proclamation declaring the County of San Francisco in a state of + insurrection. + </p> + <p> + This great and hazardous experiment of Reforms thus brought to a + conclusion nearly six months after its inception, was planned by some of + the best men in the community.... + </p> + <p> + Happily the right prevailed without civil war. The imminent danger of a + collision between the Committee and the United States authorities which + might have arrayed against them the whole military and naval force at that + station was surmounted by the exercise of consummate prudence. The most + deadly peril of all, the internal dissensions and excessive exasperation + in the ranks of the Committee consequent on the dismissal of Judge Terry + without punishment was, with prodigious effort, finally averted. And then + the determined front of the People thoroughly roused in City and State to + their support, awed and finally crushed the force of organized ruffianism + which had so long held sway, and run riot with impunity.... + </p> + <p> + The approval or condemnation of the extraordinary movement described in + these pages will depend upon the answer given by every person thoughtfully + considering the subject, to the question whether, under our peculiar + institutions, when a community has lapsed into a condition in which the + bad element has become dominant and has succeeded in paralyzing or + perfecting law and justice so that brute force and violence have full + sway, and life and property are entirely insecure, there is any other + conceivable mode in which the well disposed, industrious and orderly + classes can assert their rights and secure their liberties, than the one + adopted by the San Francisco Vigilance Committee in 1856? No other was + suggested at the time, nor, so far as the writer knows, has been since. It + obtained and preserved throughout, the approval, countenance and support + of a large majority of the citizens of San Francisco, and also of the + people of the State of California, as was abundantly shown by the numerous + and continual expressions of sympathy, and proffers of assistance when + needed and at the shortest notice, which were received by the Executive + Committee. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Sketch of the Causes, Operations and +Results of the San Francisco Vigilance Committee of 1856, by Stephen Palfrey Webb + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SAN FRANCISCO VIGILANCE COMMITTEE *** + +***** This file should be named 5802-h.htm or 5802-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/5/8/0/5802/ + +Produced by David Schwan, and David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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