The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1850-10-10
The Late Riot at Sacramento City.


Hon. WIN. NJ. Gwin, Senator in Con-
gress from California, has received letter
from the Lieutenant Governor Of that State,
Of which the following is a copy, giving an
authentic account of the late riot at Sacra-
mento City, between the Squatters and
Landholders. r0 .>
STEAMER SENATOR, Aug. II.
My DEAR SIR am now on my way to
Bencia, to solicit of Gen. Smith the aid of
his troops to quell large !awIess mob, who
are now threatening the destruction Of the
lives and property Of the citizens Of Sacra-
mento City; and, as the steamer leaves for
Panama Tomorrow, | avail myself of the
opportunity of a friend, who is going to the
States, to write and give you the detail of
the horrible massacre that is now going on
in that city.
For some time past the squaters have
taken possession of a large portion of the
town lots belonging to various persons who
had bought and paid Cor the property, and
the excitement consequent thereon has been
increasing gradually, and to-day the crisis
broke forth. Some two days since large
meeting of the squatters took place, and
they resolved that as the State was not adj
mitted, the laws created by the Legislature
were of no force, and that they would re-
sist until death any mandate coming from
any of our courts. On yesterday the Sher-
1T elected some Of them from the property
Of Mr.. Rodgers, and several resisted his
authority; two of them were brought before
the County Judge for thus acting, and were
committed to the Jail or prIson-shlp.
| This morning they organized to the num-
to of hD kaI
kets and small arms, aud aided by a large
number ready to assist them, all armed,
they marched through The streets in regular
military style, their leader on horseback,
with a sword; they went to several places
from which they had been recently eIected,
and took possession; then they wendell their
way to the prison-ship to release the two Of
their number that were imprisoned on yes
ter,lay. When near the ship they were
met by the Mayor, (Bigelow,) who was on
horseback, endeavOring To rally a posse to
dispense them. At this instant a general
firing commenced; the firing became general
in ], X and Fourth streets, The citizens
running to and fro-in every direction.
The Sheriff, noble fellow, mounted his
horse and did all in his power To assemble
a posse; but the panic was too great; none
were prepared for what had come upon
them. ! did all could to assemble force
and before left issued call for all 10 as
se,nhle in front Of the City Hotel; had the
cannon drawn up and loaded, and runners
sent for all the arms that could be found.
! also issued notice for all the nom combat
ants TO keep out Of the streets; and, after
accomplishing this, started for the steamer
Senator, which | had detaiued to wait or
orders, and Immediately put out to &c,
troops from Gen. Smith. left at the soil
citation OF large number Of citizens, who
thought that could exert a greater infln-
elce TO get the troops here. When left
the firing was still going on, and The great.
est CONSERVATION prevailed. will he uT
with the troops by one O'Clock Tonight
As the steamer left there was cry to fire
the town, and God only knows what viii be-
done before get back. | left Mayor Bige
low badly wounded. Mr.. w oodand, AM
two others that | saw, were lying dead ant
several wounded. The leader Of the mo.
| was shot dead from bis horse. safsTi 15s
l will meet the steamer Gold Hunter n
} Suson Bay, take her back and get tb,
troops, provided Gen. Smith will let then
, go, which have some fear Of Hexha
, acted very strangely in the difficulties W,
/ have had tn. preserve law and order. hs
: This is one of the results of our non-ad
, mission. A fearful crisis is at hand shou.
Congress refuse US admission at this ses
r sion. The only protection to our lives an
: property is to take possession of The Gus
toms. aI La haste, yours, &c. t1 =
mo - alsnsi aJNo.a McDOUGAL.
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