But shoulder to shoulder they came together, Fierce Alboni and fat Dandini, (But I had forgot the last were shot; No matter, it don't hurt the tale a jot.) Onward come the terrible crew! Waving their poignards high in air, As the Captain had hanging beside him there, Crack, and his blade from point to heft None remain but old Rubini, In prolonging, as long as they can, a fight, As some men love, when a bird is trussed, A beautiful play of tierce and carte, In hopes that from mere fatigue in the end His dexter leg, as a sort of ballista. He threw the whole force of his hob-nailed brogue! When old Rubini lay in a spasm, From the merciless kick of that iron brogan. As some old Walton, with line and hook, But finds so many poking about, Under the roots, and stones, and sedges, In the middle, and near the edges, Eager to bite, so soon as the hackle, To fish where trout are so easily caught; So Captain Davis gets tired at last Of fighting with those that drop down so fast, Sixteen men do depose and say, "That in December, the twentieth day, They were standing close by when the fight occurred, The above ballad made its round from the Knickerbocker Magazine, referring to a desperate fight between. three miners, prospecting after a vein of gold-bearing quartz, and eleven robbers, as had been published in the newspapers of El Dorado county in December, 1854, and at that time had caused quite some controversy on account of the credibility in the affair. The Captain's gallant deeds in Rocky Canyon are rendered in imperishable verse, abounding in wit, sprightliness and humor. His name will live in song, if not in story, long after his strong arm and undaunted heart are cold, pulseless and stiff. CHAPTER XXXI. INDIAN TROUBLES. EL DORADO INDIAN WAR OF 1850 AND 1851. About the middle of summer, 1850, some Indians had been killed in the neighborhood of Johnson's ranch, situated about six miles above Placerville on the emigrant road. It was rumored at that time, that no provocation on the side of the Indians had given cause to such occurrence, but that it had been done with a view to stir up the Indians to commit some out-get hold of, from there up on Weber creek toward the rage or depredation in retaliation, and then have the mountains, crossed the American river near Brockstrongest measures taken against them; a permanent less' bridge, and brought their booty in safety; one or military post to keep them under control was probably two more miners were killed on this retreat. the least what those parties did expect. If so, the Renewed lamentations and complaints were made, scheme worked well enough, the Indians revenging | followed by a flood of urgent petitions for protection, themselves, killed several miners, whereupon the settlers and the consequence was the organization of another and miners complained in a petition to the county and army to fight and punish the incorrigible Indians. State, asking for relief from the ravages of the Indians. Sheriff William Rogers was again appointed commanThree companies of militia were consequently mus- der-in-chief and Major A. W. Bee, Quartermaster of tered out, one from Mud Springs, and two from Pla- the expedition, which was accompanied by Chas. cerville, the whole army was placed in command of Leake. It caused no difficulty to fill the ranks of Sheriff William Rogers, as Paymaster, B. F. Ankenny the companies, as many young men looked at this being Quartermaster of the expedition, and as soon campaign as a change from the monotonous work in as the companies were organized they marched up the diggings, and the grand time which the camping towards Johnson's ranch there to go in camp, await-life of the first expedition had occasioned, enticed ing the appearance of the enemy. In the meantime, them to enlist. This done they were sent out in purfor several weeks, J. C. Johnson, (by contemporaries suit of the Indians, and to secure a better result than called "Jack," or "cock eyed Johnson,") who kept a the first campaign had, Bob Carson was accompanying store and trading post on his ranch, had the undis- the militia in the capacity of an Indian scout. The puted revenue from the whole camp, but no Indians whole of this army went into camp again at Johnson's turned up. The ardor of those Indian fighters being ranch, giving Johnson the benefit of their stay, and not yet abated, after about four weeks of easy camping smaller bodies were sent out reconnoitering and hunting life, the officers in charge of the expedition came to after the aborigines. After one of these reconnoitering the understanding that they had to do something, and trips the report was sent down to Placerville that the it was decided to go in pursuit of the savages, hunt-militia had met the enemy and had made an attack ing them up in their own hiding places. Order was with the result of a good many killed on the side of given to break camp, and soon after the whole army the Indians; the report did not mention if there was was on the march scouring the country in the direc- any loss on the other side. This report, however, it tion of Fiddletown, but as far as to the county line seems, was only manufactured to stimulate the townno Indians came in sight, and finally giving up the people; by making researches for the battle field no pursuit removed back to Mud Springs, where the army such thing could be detected, and some time after was disbanded. Thus ended the first Indian war ex- Carson, the scout, declared it as nothing better than pedition of El Dorado county, with considerably dif- a hoax. ferent result from the intention under which it was commenced to punish the outbreak of the Indians. The official report gave one Indian killed. Dr. Miller, of Placerville, accompanied the expedition as an army surgeon, but his services were not often required for, at least not in the direction where he was employed for. After all, this campaign was on the best way to end just as fruitless as the first one, and to avoid this result the commander and staff decided to try to compromise with the Indians. The services of Smith,* an old trapper and Indian scout, who was very familiar with Indian habits and languages, were asked for, and he ratified the negotiations for peace with the enemy. Thus ended the second and last bloodless Indian war in El Dorado. The Indians, however, had not given up hostility, they only had waited their time, undisturbed higher up in the mountains, while they would not dare to The Indian war matter came up in the State operate agressively the few against a couple hundred | Legislature, in session in 1855, to settle the outstandwell armed. But so soon as the army was disbanded ing war claims and to look after the accounts of the they left their hiding places and came down on a raid officers of both expeditions. The voluminous report through Diamond Springs township; they shot at a gives the following figures for the expenses of the miner in his cabin which stood on a gulch near Martinez creek and committed lots of other outrages, always avoiding the populated villages or clusters of houses, but annoying the lonesome miners' cabins. This raid was extended as far down as Mud Springs, and returning they drove all the stock what they could war: The first El Dorado expedition, Rogers, Paymaster, paid out,. William .....$23,171 83 *For distinguishing this man Smith from others of the large family of the Smiths, the early day's miners called him "Peglegged" Smith, from the wooden leg he wore. The Board of Examiners of military war use of intoxicating liquors; and whereas, from the $1,495 50 best information we can obtain, such seems to have been the cause of the recent unfortunate disturbance 1,185 00 in which several of these Indians lost their lives. Therefore, be it $25,852 33 Resolved, That every man who sells intoxicating liquors to Indians, endangers the safety of the community, degrades his own character, and outrages the feelings of humanity. Resolved, That we do know there are such men in this neighborhood, and we hereby pledge ourselves to use the utmost vigilance to ferret them out and bring them to justice, and that we will not fail to observe that Indians go to certain houses sober, and leave those houses drunk. Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings be posted at this place (American Flat), Columbia, Irish Creek, and other places in the neighborhood, and also be published, etc. J. E. SILL, Chairman. PITMAN S. PRICE, Secretary. Col. Bee's bill as paid for horses and mules for the second expedition amounted to. $19,060 00 On Christmas day, 1850, a young man from Pilot Hill, by the name of Avery, took his rifle and went out to kill a deer; but about a quarter of a mile from Bayley's he was murdered by Indians for his gun, which they carried off. The camp became alarmed at his not returning and some went out to look after him, but not finding any trace of the missing man, returned and gave the report that in Resolved, That henceforth we will denounce and their belief Avery had been killed by Indians. A discountenance every person, white or black, who meeting was held in the evening and A. L. Parker, shall furnish Indians with liquors, under any pretense once a Texas ranger, was appointed captain of a or for any purpose whatever, and more particularly company, which at daylight sallied forth for the those who are in the habit of buying liquors at the Indian camp, surrounded it and captured the chief stores and conveying them stealthily to Indian and five others; but no threatening whatever could ranchos for vile and sinister purposes. move them to confess what they had done with Avery, notwithstanding his rifle was found in searching the camp. The prisoners, one of them being a boy 12 years old and the son of the chief, were taken to Pilot Hill. One of the party understanding the Indian language took the boy aside and after promising him that he should be sent to the Eastern States for his safety, and to be educated, he took them to the spot where Avery's body had been secreted under a pile of leaves and sticks. He had been shot May 14, 1855, was an exciting day among the three times and his brains were beaten out; most all Diggers. Difficulties had existed among the different his clothing were taken away also. The body was bands in this vicinity for some time past. A Diamond brought to Pilot Hill, but no coroner being present, Spring Indian had taken unto himself a Hangtown an inquest was not held, but the Indians put on trial. squaw, and perhaps, finding her a great deal worse J. D. Galbraith was elected Judge, and he empan- than he anticipated, took occasion to chastise her for elled a jury, and five Indians started for court; one some real or imaginary offense. Whereupon her of them broke and ran, but at his third jump he fell brother, "Pueblo Jim," no doubt admiring and fully down dead, five balls had pierced his heart. After a endorsing the sentiment, that "He who lays his hand speedy trial the jury found a verdict of murder upon a woman, save in the way of kindness, is a against the remaining four, and the Judge sentenced wretch whom it were base flattery to call a coward," them to an immediate execution. They were placed with a chivalry worthy of imitation, sought out the on a wagon and by this means carried under a tree ungallant husband and inflicted upon him severe and by removing the wagon, Pico, chief of Piutes, corporal punishment. He afterwards attacked Jim and three of his braves, were launched into eternity. with a knife, inflicting upon him several severe At a public meeting held at American Flat, on wounds. Jim recovered, killed his antagonist, and August 26th, 1854, to take into consideration the was finally himself slain by a relative of his victim. best means of suppressing the supply of spirituous On the above stated date the Diggers were assembled liquors to Indians, either by gift or sale, the following for a "big cry" in memory of their departed friend, preamble and resolutions were adopted: on a hill in the immediate vicinity of Placerville, when a fight growing out of the circumstances above narrated occurred, in which one squaw was killed and two A ROW AMONG THE DIGGER INDIANS. WHEREAS, We believe that most of the scenes of violence and bloodshed enacted in our midst by Indians residing among us, originate in the excessive Indians mortally wounded. CHAPTER XXXII. GENERAL ELECTION, SEPTEMBER 3D, 1851. [*Denote those who were elected.] 3,072 2,628 FOR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. 2,909 2,915 2,691 2,650 *J. W. McCorkle... GENERAL ELECTION, NOVEMBER 2D. 1852. (PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.) In consequence of the unusual mortality among the Diggers during the winter of 1855-6, a general order was issued by "Captain John," for the assemblage of the tribes in this and adjoining counties, to For Governor the following vote was given in the meet in the city of (Placerville) to hold a "cry," county: for the purpose of propitiating the Great Spirit in *John Bigler.. their behalf. On the 21st of March, the city was P. B. Reading.. thronged with Indians, the 22d having been designated by Captain John for the ceremony. They had prepared a large enclosure on the hill back of the American Quartz mill, their camp-fires surrounding it completely. The prelude to the opening of the fandango was the grand reception of the Auburn Indians, who, to the number of 150, participated in the ceremonies. They came in procession to within a half mile of the encampment, and halted to dress. The chiefs were continually yelling forth orders, and runners were constantly passing from tribe to tribe. W. S. Sherwood. A fantastical spectacle did they present, with their J. W. Gregory gaudy headdresses, when once more in motion. The T. J. Henley Hangtown Indians opened column for their guests to Andreas Pico.. pass through into the corral. The strictest silence was observed-not a word was uttered until the Auburn Indians had squatted on the ground, when all collected inside, and then arose a slow, mournful hum, mingled with groans, from the leaders, which at last broke out in a prolonged, unearthly wail from the multitude. Old and young appeared stricken with intense, uncontrollable grief and fear, exhibiting apparently deep contrition for past offenses to their Deity. This lasted for half an hour, then the fandango regularly opened. ELECTORS FOR FRANKLIN PIERCE (DEMOCRAT.) ELECTORS FOR WINFIELD SCOTT (WHIG.) J. C. Fall.. J. E. Hale.. 6,106 6,100 6,099 6,083 5,142 The ring was cleared, and the Auburn Indians invited to open the ball. Some twenty stepped forward, led by a brawny old time-keeper, who stepped upon a short plank, underneath of which a singular instrument was placed in the ground, that gave a clear, ringing sound every time he stamped on it. Their dance consisted of heavy, muscular contortions of the body. number would occupy the ring. ively hot, which caused the perspiration to roll off Greenwood Canyon, their glistening copper hides in streams. With but few Saratoga, intermissions, the dance was kept up until midnight. Somerset, Nothing occurred to mar the harmony and good order which prevailed. Not one drunken Indian was seen. The number present was estimated at 600. Quite a large number of ladies and gentlemen visited the Johntown, encampment during the day. Cold Springs, King's store, Chili Bar, Kelsey, Long Bar (North Fork), 66 No. 2, No. 3, Green Springs, Greenwood Valley, Ford's Bar, Condemned Bar, Newtown, Grizzly Flat, Cedarville, Gardner's store, Pilot Hill, |