The Shasta courier. [volume] (Shasta, Calif.) 1852-1872, 1853-04-09
Terrible Tragedy---One Man Shot and
Another Hung.

On w edneSuay morning last, q difficulty Oc-
Cured at gambling table in the Trinity House
in this place, between James holland. a Monte
dealer, and Alex. Murdoch, ESQ.,, a citizen OF
Whisky Greek, which, we are sorry to say, re-
suited in one of the most terrible tragedies that
has ev er occurred in this place.
II seems, from the evidence adduced at the
trial, that holland had drawn several cards upon
Mr.. NJ, and thus cheated him Of the sum of forty
mildest manner, demanding to be treated fairly
in the game At this time Mr. NJ had his hand
upon his pistol as it hung in his scabbard by his
side. n however refused to return the money,
but left his seat and went behind the bar, where
without its being noticed. he secured pistol.
and walking up to MIR. u, said, you have a
pistol, defend yourself" accompanying the
words. or rather preceding them, with shot.
Mr.. n. dropped almost simultaneously dead.
The bah entered the upper lobe of the right
thence striking the back bone on the right side,
passed between the third and fourth ribs, and
rested in the muscles Of the back.
Sheriff Corsaut, with that promptness which
always characterizes that gentleman in this sort
of thing was on the ground in his night clothes,
and had hold Of the prisoner in less than two
minutes after the report of the pistol.
- Immediately after the fatal shot the murderer
conducted himself in a manner brutal and un-
feelingsto a degree almost ncredible-dancing
jumping and laughing around his victim with
the greatest glee, and Boosting of the deed as
one ofhs Jobs" His only excuse for the act
was, that Mr.. NJ had his pistol in his hand at the
time, and he did the act in self-defence. But his
own partner, friends and associates, testified
that Mr.. NJ. made no motion during the whole
affair to use his pistol and holland himself con-
fessed, before being hung, that he had no fear
that NJ. would shoot.
With these facts before the iurv. he was of
course ordered to be hung at once However
we mag regret the circumstances that induced
those gentlemen engaged in this affair to take
the law in their own, hands, we have no word
save of appreciation for their condcct-approba-
ton fuli aud complete They men in whose
confidence, and we know that they We're i'm
PEELED in this course by conscientious sense of
duty to this community, with hope by one ter
rblc example, to put stop to this habit of use
ing pistols on every occasion of personal diff
Guilty.
The murderer was hung in accordance with
the verdict, at 6 o'clock on evening Of the 9th
inst. Owing to the knot having been placed
improperly, when the trap door fell the rope
drew against the side of his chin and he conse-
quently died most horrible death, struggling
an unusual length of time while hanging. Thus
has ended the life of young but very bad
hearted man.
holland was formerly bar-keeper in Good
win & York's Bowling Saloon
The following are the proceedings of the Peo-
pies Court. as furnished us by the Secretary:
SHASTA, April 6, 1853.
At meeting of the citizens called for the
purpose of inv esli eating the of the prisoner,
James Noland. charged with the murder of
Alex. Alurdock this morning. On motion of
Mr.. Doll, MIR. Feely was appointed chairman of
the meeting, and Mr.. DAWSON appointed Secre-
chosen to Try the prisoner as to his guilt.
1t was moved and seconded that Il committee
of twelve citizens be appointed guard TO
conduct the prisoner to the place of trial. to wit
the Shasta Hotel
1t was moved and seconded, that Mcssrs. Doll
and Mix be appointed to select the above COM
mlitee carried.
The following gentlemen were then chosen
the committee TO take charge of the prisoner:
hcI,
tosh, Miers, kirkhan, French, Cartright, Bass,
Rowe, Melville.
On motion, the meeting was resolved into
committee of the whole to support the commit
tee of twelve previously appointed: carried
unanimously.
After short absence, the committee returned
and made the following report, accompanied by
the Sheriff with the prisoner.
:" The committee, according to orders, had
called upon Mr.. Corsaut, the Sheriff, and he
fused to deliver the prisoner to the committee
unless the committee pledged themselves that
the prisoner should have a fair and impartial
trial by jury of his countrymen."
The report of the committee was accepted,
and committee discharged.
Ii was moved and seconded. that Mr. Corsaut
have leave TO witho raw, having faithfully dis
charged his duty.
On motion of Mr.. DOLL the thanks of the
meeting was given to Mr.. Corsaut
On motion of Mr.. Doll the prisoner al
lowed the privilege of choosing counsel and
bringing testimony TO support his case; carried.
The chairman appointed Mr.. Mia to wait on
the Coroner and obtain the evidence given on
the inquest held by him this morning.
On notion Mr.. Mix was chosen Sheriff for
this special occasion.
On motion, w. S. krkham was substituted,
| at the request of Mr.. Mix; carried.
The Sheriff selected number of gentlemen,
from whom the following were chosen as jurors,
with the appreciation of the prisoner:
Messrs. Baker, Gage, Stoddard, Phelps, Aus
ton, Vary, Galland. J. A. Price, Capt. Weather
low. John Gibson, John Mol and Mr.. Russell.
| Messrs. Benty Cooley and Martinez were