Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-07-22
FURTHER CALIFORNIA NEWS
BY THE BROTHER JONATHAN.
LYNCH LAW IN SAN FRANCISCO.
Corr,onondonce of fbe " v Herald

correspondence " Tue ~. L IIefutU.
SAN Francisco, July 18th, 1851.
The most startling item of intelligence which send
by this steamer is the Lynch law excitement San
Francisco which participated in by large pro-
portion of the most respectable citizens Before the
smeuderng ruins OF the recent extensive conagraton
had been fairly covered, man named Lewis, de-
tected almost in the very act OF setting fire to large
hotel on Long Wharf, and beng arrested by the police
the populace assembled to the number of several thou
sand and demanded that he should be placed in their
hands for punishment. While, however, preparations
were making for storming the station house the pr-
soner was taken out the back way, and conducted 10
place of safety, beyond the reach OF the excited pop
ulace.
This attempt, and the frequent and numerous escapes
from Justice Of the desperate Williams who infes San
Francisco exasperated the property holders that they
assembled privately, to the plumber OF two hun
dred, and enrolled themselves a COMMITTEE Of
Safety tor the protection OF the citizens, the deec-
ton OF criminals, and the faithful execution othe laws
pedgDg their Lives ard property" for the faht,l npr
Torrance OF whatever duty act should be determn.
! ed upon by the ma onty OF the committee BYLAWS
were adopted, officers chosen, and building selected
for holding meetings and the trial OF criminals. The
committee numbered amongst It's members, bankers,
radesmen, auctioneers, and in TACT almost every pro-
tession and calling, except lawyers An organization
was hardly perfected before terrible instance OF their
determination 10 punish CRIME was presented to the CT
ITEMS such should have struck terror tine hearts OF
the prowling villains The circumstances attending the
arrest conviction and execution of robber, are thus
detailed by the Alta Californian of the 18th June:
Great Popular Outbreak-Arrest of a Robber-Ira-
alby Committee of characterization Of the Grim
inal.
Our city on the night OF the 10th instant, was
of one of the most appalling tragedies that has
ever been enacted within its limits an execution hay
ing taken place in the public paza, known as Ports
mouth Square-a body of citizens acting as judges
and executioners and multitude aiding and support
ing them by counenancng the deed by their presence
and non interference The circumstances come cted
he atfai
Owing 10 the vast amount OF crime which has been
perpetiated tor length OF time, and the impossibity
by due process ofaw of procuring the conviction OF
the guilty, basowng adequate punishment when con-
victed or keeping them in safe custody, nanl
Der OF citizens resolved TO take the law into their own
hands. They accordingly organized themselves into
detective and protective force, with fixed determine
ton to punish those whom they should find gully OF
the commission of any feonlous act. They accordingly
procured quarters in building on the corner OF San
some and Bush streets The numerous robberies, bur
glaries and acts of incendlarism induced them 10 form
their determination. About O'Clock on Tuesday
night man carrying bag, containing something APP
parently quite heavy, attracted the attention OF the
Whitehall boatmen their station on Central wharf
He jumped into boat with his bag and pulled out to-
wards the end OF the wharf But few moments
elapsed before Mr.. VIRGIN, a gentleman who keeps
shipping office on the wharf, came down to The boat
stand in pursuit of person who had Just robbed his
office OF small iron safe, containing a considerable
sum OF money. The manrwh the bag at once
suspected, and number OF boatmen started immedi-
aely in pursuit. Alter a sharp pull they overlook him.
when he threw his booty overheard.
Alter very severe struggle party Of boatmen
ceeded in capturing him. while another shed up the bag
which proved to contain the stolen safe He was convey
ed shore, and taken possession OF by some of
the vgilaHt committee, who conducted him promptly 10
their headquarters, where he was tried in presenc of
about eighty members OF The conclave, sitting with
closed doors, by them convicted, and sentenced be
hung in the Portsmouth Square that very night. The
precise mode of trial was, OF course a secret. Dur
ing its progress the citizens had accumulated in great
numbers about the building apd Portsmouth Square