The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-10-06
The Rescue OF Whitaker and Mckenzie
from the Committee OF Vigilance.


From the Alta California Aug. 26l
high degree Of excitement has been raised In this
city this morning by the report that the authorities
made an entrance into the OF the Vigilance Com
pittee before daylight and from its hands Whit
taker and Mckenzie, two Of the most notorious
body
The rescue took place under such singular circum.
to raise doubt in the minds of large mao.
rty as to whether there not collision in the
ter between the authorities and members OF
committee The subject is now undergoing thorough in
yesgaton at the room on Battery street and there
fore forbear ut present making further remark this
point
The committee had scarcely adjourned last night when
the report sprssd through the city that resolution had
been adoptsa to execute the two above named this
morning fhs matter was thoroughly canvassed in knots
ut the Union Hotel and other public places
The circumstances, known by common report are as
At three o'clock this morning Governor McDougal
and Mr.. BRENNAN, Mayor awakened the Sheriff at his
residence and presented him with writ issued by Mr.
Justice Norton OF the SUPP Court commanding him
take bodies OF Whitaker and ana bring
them into court to be dealt with according law Col
Hays and some Of his deputies mmediasly repaired TO
the rooms Of the committee, having declined posse Of
police offered to accompany them The police however
followed with some straggers who wished to the
suit The Sheriff and MIR Caperton walked up stairs and
entered the room, resistance being offered Mr. Ca
peron advanced to the in which the prisoners
confined, announced himself to be the Deputy sheriff.
and called on the two men, Whitaker and MeKenze 20
accompany hip; Col. Has, meantime guarding the
door When the party were about to leave, Mr., Van
tempted to push him from the door but Col Hays told
him he was there to do his duty and he obliged do
IT, and the party permitted to esve Two Of the
members Of the commit e suspectine treacherv had M
the same time let themselves down from the windows
and at orce gave the alarm BY ringing the bell Of the
TIL. little before the break Of day, and immedi-
aely the menbefs came pouring in from all directions
Hearing what had taken place several left in disgust
circumstances detailed The person who had charge
Of the bitterly denounced various propositions
made each more violent than the other but they
adjourned till eight o'clock without taking any action
The BE- toled at bafpast seven, and at eight large
number was In attendance with an excited ovid Of ct
outside
1t under these trying and perilous circumstances
that the moderation and prudence which have charac-
sigpaly prevailed proposition made, the nature
Of which It is to specify further than that II
called for BY the belief that this another Belcher
Kay affair but wise councils prevailed and the COM
mttee resolved to take action further than simply In
shutting an investigation.
Meanwhile the authorities were seized with the most
absurd and ludcrous panic-Absolutey "a II would sp
pear frightened at their boldness various
the schemes for defending the town from the ruthless
and bloody minded members Of the Vigilance Committee
One proposed to mpore the Captain Of the yincennes to
turn his the city and especially the vicinity
Of Battery and California streets Others for
ley Orders issued to repair TO the Presieio and
bring In some Of the honey combed pieces Of ordnance
which grace that interesting ruin Brgsdier General
Addison received hurried commands to get his epau.
ettes In readiness, and that distinguished officer with
humorous smile gave orders TO Captain Howard to have
the guards prepared to do duty at moments notice.
proclamation was issued-a tremendous proclamation
in big capitals and bigger words denouncing the
mtee and asking them TO return to their allegiance
While all this fuss being gone through with, the
committee had dpersed to their various occupations
tee who have held their session ali day WYNN
II Ia needless to say that Colonel Hays and his depu
ties preserved during all this excitement that quiet and
the community and that all the buncombe propositions
and other INDUCED in had their sanction
or consent We doubt II there was one Of them even
armed.
About half past eight, A. NJ, some one, Of course