Author: dave

SUNDAY MAY 5th 1850

Through the Mercy and goodness of our Merciful God we are again permitted to behold the beautiful Month of May with all her Rosies and posies. Such at least as California affords, although they bear not the varied callers and perfumes that once delighted our Sences in the highly Cultivated Gardens at home. Still God our heavenly farther Shows us Much Mercy in beautifying the land of California as he does, this wicked place, this Gambling hole, this School of Robers and Merders, that the Power of God might desend upon this Place and give the dry bones a Shakeing.

The Wet Season is now entirely over and the water in the earth is fast falling. Sow that a party of Men have been enabled to get one of the holes down on the flat.        they where at work yesterday and took out five Ounces. Our 2 pumps of 20 feet length are completed and we intend to recommence operations to Morrow          Two rumers have been circulating through the Camp this week and have caused a considerable of excitment. One was that three or five frenchmen came into camp on Saturday of last week, with 24 pounds of Gold which they had accumulated during the week at Some place unknown to any but themselves. Parties have been out all this week in Search of the place but without Success. The Second report was this      two Mexicans came into Woods digings very Much disabled.          they told the following Story. They Said that five of them Set out from the Senoreing Camp about three weeks previous for the Snowy Mountains about Sixty Miles distant. They Succeded in finding a very rich place, and in a Short time dug 400 pounds of Gold, and to keep it Safe they beried it in Some Seacret place.

Shortly after Indians discovered them and attacted them. The Mexicans hid from them, and at night returned, dug up their gold and beried it in a More Secure place, where they thought no one would find it but themselves.   they then Set out for Woodes digings for help, but on their way they was again attacted by the indians, and three of the five was killed.

The two remaining ones, arived at the town Some what disabled as before Stated. a party of 500 Men Set out Shortly after armed and equiped for war, the Mexicans went with them. One of the Expresses arived on Tuesday last. Got one letter from Mrs L of Sing Sing. I am thankful to hear thet they are all well, dated February 18th 1850

SUNDAY the 12th

The weather continues dry and increasingly warm it is indeed pleasent. The Oaks that but a few weeks ago bore no appearance of life atall, Now look green and flerishing      in fact Nature is improving fast all around us.

One of our Articles of our By Laws was violated yesterday by a Rum Seller who Managed (Secreatly) to Sell Some of his Poison to Some Indians and finally resulted in the Stabbing of one of their number. Two of them drank, till they could hardly Stand but the one that appeared the most intoxicated Still craved for more. his companion would not let him have it, and this caused a quarel, which lasted Some length of time, and (as I said before) ended in one of them being Stabbed in the breast. Fortunately the point of the knife Struck on the brest Bone, thus preventing him from receiving a fatal wound. I do hope the first Man who was the cause of this quarrel will Soon be discovered and punished Severly for his disobedience of the Law, which prohibits any man from Selling liquor to the Indians.

Mr Burn’s Express came into camp last Wednesday the 8th inst. He brought one letter for Me dated the 12th of August 1849. This is a long delay, which plainly Shows that Something is rong in the Post Office arrangements   it is hoped that so great an evil will Soon be remedied by better Management. This letter was from L.W.H. of N .Y.

SUNDAY 19th

Time waits for no man. how true and yet how Seldom we think of the fact.          every week every day every hour yes every Moment brings us nearer to our graves

Evry beating pulse we tell

leaves but the number less.

Another week has passed, and Still our lives our health is Spared to enjoy the delightful weather which God has been pleased to bestow upon us.    from him cometh every good and perfect gift.

We tried our pumps on the Flat the forepart of the week but found it impossible to keep the Holes clear of water, conse­quently we had to abandon them for the present.

A large fire has occured lately at Sanfrancisco by which a large amount of property was destroyed. Thinking my trade would be good (in consequence of the fire) I had partly made up my mind to Set out for that place, but previous to going I thought I would prospect a little in the Gulches, and on Wed­nesday we found a place where we thought we could do very well. This caused me to give up the Idea of going to Sanfrancisco which (By the way) was fortionate for me as I have Since learned that business is very dull at that place .      among the Gold that we got these three last days we found three peaces, the Smallest weighing between 7 and 8 Dollars the Second in Size between 8 and 9, the third and largest of the three weighed near $20. this peace is the largest we have found Since we have been in the Mines. This Gulch has been worked at the lower end but not at the upper end although it has been prospected in many places at different times and by different persons, but the Gold laying here and there in pockets they did not happen to Strike upon any of them and consequently thought the revines would not pay.  but the day we prospected it we where fortunate enough to hit upon a very rich pocket, which convinced us there was gold in the Gulch. Wrote a letter to L. W. of N Y on Monday the 13th

SUNDAY 26

The past week has been one of no Small degree of excitement, in consequence of Some difaculties growing out of a tax imposed upon all foreigilers working in the Mines by a law recently passed by the Legeslature of the State a monthly Tax of 20 dollars payable in advance.       The particulars as far as I could learn are as follows. Last Monday the 20th one of the Collecters of Foreign Fines or Taxes, entered the Senorean camp (about 25 Miles from this place) for the purpose of attending to his duties at that place.  there are but a very few Americans there, but a large Number of Mexicans Chilians Frenchmen, and other Foreigners, who exhibited a disposition to resist the Said Tax by refuseing to pay the Sum and one Mexican went so far as to Stab the Collecter twice, but not very Seriously the Mexican then drew a Pistol.       an American by Stander Seeing the dangerous Situation of the collecter, drew a bowen knife and nearly Severed the Mexicans head from his body.    The Foreigners then began to collect in considerable number, Armed and equiped, Making quite a warlike appearence. The French appeared to take the lead in the rebellion Sending Expresses to the Various camps in the Naborhood in Post haste calling on all their French Brothern to turn out with their arms. and repair forth with to the Senorean Camp. I happened in town when the Express arived at this Place (Stoutenburgh Placer) it was in the Evening and a considerable of Exciement pervaded the Camp.  the French Mexicans and other Foreigners collected fast armed to the Utermost with Guns Pistols Knives etc   here and there could be Seen parties of them talking together in a very Exciteing Manner . The American Citizens Stood gaseing with asstonishment upon them. The expression of their Countenances Seemed to Say, are these I See before Me frenchmen bearing the deadly weapons of war! is it true that the french a people So highly Esteemed by the Americans here to for!the Brothers of Lafayette (the Bosom Friend of Washington) can it be possible that they have taken up arms against us! Seting our Laws at defiance, and Ordering   Our Brother Americans to leave a certain portion of the country within a Specafied time, is all this true!  A Silant voice seemed to answer yes it is even So. But their Soliloquy did not rest here. They raises their Eyes to the Pole of Liberty and beheld there (Gracefuly waveing in the Gentle breeze) the Glorious Flag of our Union, the Stars and Stripes the Glory of Washington, and the Banner of the Free and Experienceing Something of the Spirit of a Patriot, They would utter aloud, Shall that Flag ever be disgraced by Foreign hands. Will it Ever be Struck to Foreign Powers, No, No, Not as long as there is American Blood to protect it. It Shall continue to wave on the Land of the Free and the home of the Brave. There was about 300 of them that Marched out of this placer thet night, with the intention of reaching Senora that Night or the next Morning. The Principle Actors in the affair Stuck up Notices along the Principle Roads Notifying all American Citisens to leave a portion of the Country therein Specified within 24 hours or they would have to fight but the Yankie had to Much of the Spirit of their Forfathers to be Robbed of their just right in this way.     the Next day (Tuesday) the Foreigners Collected together at Senora to the Number of between 2 and 3,000 Strong.  the American Flag was taken down and the French put in its place. This Step aroused the Americans, they rallied and Soon Mustered a Small force (Some Say 100 and others 300). They Met a Short distance from Senora, Chose their Officers and commenced their March within regular Order (armed with Rifles)  they entered the Town took down the French Flag and replaced the Stars and Stripes. but where were the French Mexicans Chilians etc.    they Fled in disorder without Makeing the least resistance whatever. Their Guilty Consciences told them that they were on the rong Side and could not face those who Marched forth for right and Justice . The Mexicans (or Many of them at least) laid their Arms aside came to the Americans and told them they were Satisfied with the laws of the Country, and were willing to pay the tax required when called for, The principle Ringleader (a Frenchman) was arrested and found Guilty, his fate will be determined by a Jury of twelve and it the general impression that he will be hung. The Rioters Finding no Success returned to their various Stoping places. And the Americans finding Peace again restored disbanded and returned to their homes. The Americans have Since held Meetings at the various Camps for the purpose of takeing into consideration the late Conduct of the Foreign Miners, and to pass Such resolutions as they Should think proper in regard to it, and Some of them have pass resolutions quite Severe a Meeting was conviened at this Placer for the Same purpose last evening, Some few Circumstances were related concerning the Movements of the Foreigners, etc.

A Letter was then produced written by the Judge or Justice of the Peace at Senora. Stateing that he had recieved a letter from a french Man resideing at Stoutenburgh Placer, wherein he Apologized (in behalf of his Brother Frenchmen)for their late Conduct, Stateing that they had been decieved by a Frenchman at Senora who wrote them letters Stateing that they had difacul­ties with the Americans and that Several Frenchmen had been killed, and Called on them all to turn out armed and Equiped as they did. In consideration of these facts, the Meeting thought best to appoint a commitee of Eleven to erivestegate the Matter fully and form Such resolutions as they in their Judgment Should See fit, and to present the Same to an adjourned Meeting for their adoption or rejection (as the case may be) to be held Next Saturday Evening .

I have now to relate a Murder that took place last Wednesday night   the circumstances as related by one who made his escape from the Murderers are as followes, he with a friend (both French) agreed to go to Stockton togather, and as the Nights were very pleasent, they Set out at 10 O Clock in the Evening thinking they would thus evade the hot Sun.   he had Money with him to the amount of $5,000 but his companion had none of any consequences.       they traviled on till about 4 or 5 Miles from this place.     they were then traveling by Some large Oaks when Sudenly a Gun was fired and his companion fell.     having presence of Mind he fell also but, two or three more Shots was fired while he was laying on the ground but none touched him     the Fireing then ceased, and he heard them reloading       he then Sprang to his feet and ran through the Brush followed by the Murderers but he hid himself and although they passed Several times near him they did not find him .      he returned to this place unhurt his companion was found the next day where he was Shot and berried under a tree near by .    this deed was done (no doubt) by one of their own Countrymen who knew that they were going to Stockton , and knew also that one of them had Money.  but they Shot the one that had no Money and the Other escaped by the interposition of an all wise providence. What Shall it proffit a Man though he gain the whole world and loose his own Sole.

Very pleasent weather. We have a cool breeze every day here which Makes it very comfortable indeed, it Springs up generaly about 9 0 Clock A M and continues till Eve. We have had two Thunder Storms this Spring very Slite however, one yesterday, and one about a week ago. We gave our Holes on the flat (or one of them at least) a trial the past week, and am happy to Say with Success, and it bids fare to be very rich indeed. We worked 2 days in it, and washed 165 Pans of dirt and got $1031-50 cts or 5 pound 4 ounces, 9 penny weights and a few grains at $16 per Oz. (of Gold)  It is very hard working these Holes now on account of the water, there being about 6 or 7 ftt to pump out every Morning, before we get it down and then it takes two pumps constantly at work to keep it Clear So that the Men can Shovel out the dirt.  it is the Opinion of the good Judges that this Flat is the Richest peace of Ground in the Southern Mines. An Adjourned Meeting of the American Citizens of the place was held according to the Adjournment.       last Evening, the Meeting was informed that Some of the Foreigners of this placer had refused to pay their fines saying that the Ameri­cans Must remember that the Foreigners are the Strongest Party.  The Citizens passed a resolution that they Should all assist the officers in the discharge of their duties, and if the Foreighners Still refused to comply with the Law, to drive them from the Mines etc. A frenchman Shot himself today in the following acidental Manner.   he with a friend took their guns and Set out into the woods in cearch for Game      on the way they Sat down to rest laying their guns by their Side the pour fellow (whoes fate I am now discribing) took hold of his Gun and drew it towards him with the Muzel just below the Elbow of his Left Arm     the trigger caught in Something and discharged his piece   the Contents passed through his arm entering just below the Elbow in front and came out above the Joint, back. Shattering the Bone in a Most horrorable Manner. I Saw the wound and it appears to Me imposable for the Man to live unless his Arm is amputated. So Much for Breaking the Sabbeth which God has So Strictly forbiden in his holly word.

Thus for the Lord hath lead us on, thus for his power prolongs our days and every Morning and Evening doth Make known Some fresh Memoreal of his Grace.

The poor French Man Mentioned last week as having Shot himself acidently, died yesterday afternoon from the affects of the wound.

The weather continues very fine, very dry but cool and pleasent   the grass is all drying up for want of rain.  I am happy to State that we had divine Service to day at our tent, preaching by Mr Spreg the Number of attendance was about 30.  It is our intention to prepare a place expressly to hold religous Meetings every Sabbeth in a grove near our Tent.  We trust it will be the means of drawing many there who would otherwise be drinking Gambleing and carousing all the day. It is our prayer that good will be done here in the wilderness in the name of the Lord nothing is impossible with God. Mr Burns Express arrived in town last Tuesday the 11th     recieved a letter from my friends in 11th St N Y dated Dec 12th, and Mailed an answer on the 17th     the largest lump of Gold we have found So far Weighs $186.00

The past week has been one of hard labour and fatigue with us owing to our Hole on the flat caveing in, in consequence of which we have not been able to collect any Gold. We have had News of a very extensive fire at San Francisco   More so than any that have previously occoured.  A place was selected last Monday near our tent to hold religous Meeting   two large Oaks Shade the Spot.      at the Butt of one of the Trees we erected a Bench and in front a Stand for the Speaker, and upon the ground in front of the desk we placed a number of logs parallel to each other for the accomadation of the hearers.    we had our first Meeting on the Ground today, and I was pleased to see so many come out to hear the word of God. Not withstanding it was not Generaly known, we had about 75 or 80 people present. Mr Small of Ten- Spoke from these words, 0 Lord what is the Man that thou art Mindful of him. in the afternoon preaching by Mr Atwood Text Lo I Stand at the door and knock if any Man will open unto me I will come in unto him and Sup with him and he with me.

The weather for a few days past has been oppresively warm More So than we have before experrienced, Since we have been in the country.  We had two prayer Meetings this week at our little place of Meeting in the grove and we have reason to belive that God was with us.       though far from home and far from friends Still our Blessed Lord deigns to Make one in our Midst. A Meeting of the Citizens of this place was held last evening for the purpose of considering the utility of Cutting a Canal through the center of the Flat, in order to dreen the vast quantity of water there in.  the work was resolved upon and a commencement will be Made to Morrow July 1.     if this work has the affect that we think it will it will be the means of facilitateing our business here very Much.     there will be probably over 100 Men at work on it if So it will take but a Short time to complete the job.  The Subject caused a considerable of debate at the Meeting three or four individuals opposeing it very Strong.  These persons Spoke of the contemplated canal as allmost a useless undertaking, owing they Said to a ledge of rocks (at a lower part of the Flat) through which the canal would have to pass. they presented to the people’s imagination huge Rock directly in the way, and many other difaculties to numerous to Mention   in fact they Made it out as an almost imposability but the People were informed by those in favour of the question that Rocks could be blasted, and by Unity of Sperit and wiling hands the work could be accomplished, and when accomplished it would be the means of Saveing much labour to every man and it would be to every Man a great Saving of time, as all very well know who have attempted to work their Holes with Pumps.

On Monday Morning Early a large number of Men assembled on the Flat to commence the drain. Each company took a Section the length of which was governed according to their numbers, the whole length of the canal is                                     Yards, 170 Men were at work on it the first forenoon, and it was the opinion (Publicly Spoken) by the Opposers that but a very few would offer their Services.  I must Say however, the number exceeded our most Sanguine expections. Every man worked hard, and at 11 0 Clock A M. We all went to the lower end of the canal to See how they were geting along with the ledge of rocks before Mentioned. We found that they had got through the worst of it, and we asertained also that it would not be nesesary to use Powder at all. Every Man was much pleased to See how rapid the work had gone on.  Water was already runing from the Canal into the crick, we then formed ourselves into a procession and Marched through the town.  gave three cheers for those formost in the enterprise, and dispersed for dinner. By wednesday night, the water was runing very rapidly the full length of the Canal. Strange to Say those who were So opposed to the drain upon witnessing the progress of the work thought better of the enterprise and Sent Men to work upon it. I Must here relate a diffaculty between the wites and the Indians, which resulted in the death of one of the latter besides two or three wounded . A Calcuttian who has been in this place for Several days past came runing into the Store at Douglases Flat, (about 2 Miles from this place) and reported to those there that the Indians had robed him of $1900.00 and Some cloths. the Miners heared his pitiful Story and did not know  whether to believe it or not, but they resolved to go to the Indian camp and See  So they prepaired their Arms and Started. the Indians in the nabourhood Seeing the excitment, Started whooping and yelling for their camp.  the whites pursued, taking their whooping and yelling as proof, that they had been doing Something rong.          the Indians Armed with Bowes and Arrowes, and what few guns they had, made their appearance upon a high Mountain, near their Village, and appeared to Show fight by Skulking along amoug the bushes.   the whites advanced up the Mountain, and tried to get an inter­view with their chief, but the Indians feering them (as I suppose) would not permit them to do So, but would fire an ocasional Arrow among the whites           one of them had an Arrow come so near it just Missed his Sholder and another fell at his feet.       He perceived the direction from which the Arrows came.     he prepaired his gun and watched for the Indian.      he soon Saw him Slowly rising from behind a bush and preparing to dart another arrow at him but the Ball from the White Mans Rifle was too quick for him it passed through his Body and laid him low Several more Shots was fired wounding Some, and the rest fled. The Whites then returned to the indian village and extinguished a fire that had been kindled there, by Some one unknown, and then returned to their own camp. This Occu:red on Tuesday and on Wednesday they brought the Calcuttian up to this place to have him Examined by a court of Justice, He was convicted (By posative proof) of having told a lie causing the death of an Indian, and the wounding of others. he was Sentenced to be whiped at post a certain number of lashes by the Sherif, and a certain number by the Indian Captain, and then Set at liberty which was accordingly done, and peace was again restored