Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1849-02-22

from IN
CALIFORNIA


We publish to-day letter from Captain Folsom to
Major General Jesup, dated San Francisco December
IS, 1913.
This believe. is the latest intelligence from that
region, and we much regret 10 say, the least favorable
that we have had respecting the cal and moral condi
ton of the population Blu; we deeply depore the state
of things at California; that is such does much sur
prise US. though we have permitted ourselves hope
heretofore that other unavrabe accounts that have been
received might have been somewhat Exaggerated We
now tear that they not. One thing Certain that
matters will not mend until civil government is given
to Californla-one strong enough repress licenous
and TO punish crime; liberal enough be popular
and at the same time well adapted the state Of the
country. Wherever there is much mining done in search
of the precious metals, there is much vice and mmo
rality and the stringent laws cannot prevent it
what, then, is to be expected where there laws?
San FRANCIsco CALIFORNIA
December o. 1913.
MY DEAR SIR Comm odore Jones has but this mo-
ment informed me that the Ohio will sail to-day for
Mazatlan, and take the opportunity for forwarding a
few public letters. also enclose two or three pri-
vae letters this being the only means of getting them
to the States. VIII you please to have them sent to
the post office in Washington 3?
Since last wrote to you, the affairs of this country
have been constantly getting worse. We have no go
vernment here, either civil military and the coun-
try is full of lawess men,who committing the most
shocking outrases Murders and ro0beries are of dali
y, and might almost say of hourly occurrence. Not
arrival occurs from the north SOUTH the interior
but notifies the community of new acts of villainy
which go UNPUBLISHED. Within six weeks more than
twenty murders have occurred i'll white population
of less than 5000 souls. The people are now acting
IN self defence and four five days since three men
were hung by Lynch law sixty miles from this place.
1t of the last Importance that the distressing condi
ton of California should be impressed upon those at
Washington who have the power to apply remedy.
The people are now preparing to organize provision
al government, but should Con-
gress give us territorial organization at the present
session. it will supersede the popular local organza
ton taking place. but which cannot 90 into effect
before the ensuing summer. The United States reven-
laws in force here, and will Weld an income
of say $4,000 the ensuing and perhaps and
four fhs of this amount will be collected at this port
Much dissatisfaction exists at the payment of such
tax on the part of the inhabitants without either
government representation. This feeling is gam
ing ground from day to day,
wrote you very long semi-ofical letter some time
since, September 49, going at length into the hsto
ry of the gold mines | trust that you have
received that communication, as it accompanied
other official papers, all of which l am inform
ed, were correctly sent from Mazatlan to Vera
Cruz about six weeks since l have only time now to
inform you that everything stated in that letter has
been more than realized up to this date. The gold
mines continue to be rich before although the
rainy has caused many to suspend their work.
There can be doubt but that at least 100000 of
gold at SIG per ounce troy. has been taken from the
mines. The most accurate estimates am able to make
show that ST. 100000 of it has gone from this port
One vessel took 100000 Two-thrds of all that has
beed exported has gone to foreign countries, and
consequently, to foreign mints
| am, dear sir, in great haste; yours truly.
| j. L. FOLSOM.
! General JEsUP,
Washington, D. c.