The Shasta courier., 1854-02-11
Per CRAM, RoGERs 81 Cos ExPREss.]
Regular Wcaverville Correspondence.
Fatal A6ray at Weacerrille--Lasc and Order IN
the Ascendant.
WEAvERrILLE, Feb. z, 1854.

| the Ascendant
WEAvERrlLLE, Feb. 7, 1854.
| EDS. CouRIER:-The want of news to write
about, more than anything else, has caused that
silence which you seem to think may have been
occasioned by drowsy insensibility to this
worlds affairs. We have had our weather eye
open, but have only discovered one remarkable
feature in the winter thus far-that is, the in-
tense coldness OF number of days. We noticed
the thermometer to stand, on the mornings OF
four days at from two to ten degrees below
Zero which was colder than ever before known
here.
The rainy season has not been as prolific as
was expected or desired; and, as conse-
quence, we are experiencing duller times than
we otherwise should. The scarcity of water
has given a backward tendency to almost
erythng; but, as spring draws nigh, our hopes
brighten at the approach of that day which shall
see commenced again and completed that work
which has promised so often to give our mines
the desired water, and our business men that
| .' good time coming" tot
We have the unpleasant duty of chronicling
another death by violence. The affair origin
ated about mining claim. The facts are as fol-
lows as near as we can learn. On Thursday
ast meeting of miners called, about hals a
mile above town, to settle dispute in regard
to claim. While the miners were congrega-
ting, one James Stewart said something about
the claim which was denied by Mr. Henry
Smith, the claimant. who al the same time step
ped towards Stewart. Stewart Immediately
drew his revolver, telling Smith not to advance
any further Smith did not advance, but Stewart
fired, the shot taking effect in the abdomen.
Smith turned to retreat, and in doing SO was
shot again by Stewart, who was following him
closely Smith having no weapon, then closed
on Stewart, felled him to the ground, and assis-
ted III securing him from escape, when he was
at once taken to Jail. Smith died on Friday
morning, and the morning following was bur-
ed Over two hundred persons followed him
to the grave.
Immediately after the funeral the miners held
meeting at the Court House, to take into con-
sideraton the propriety of organizing and try
ing Stewart according to the rules of Judge
Lynch, but being assured on the part of the
county officers that justice should be done, the
meeting adjourned.
On Saturday afternoon Stewards examination
commenced, but was not concluded, on account
of the great excitement prevailing. In the eve
ming another meeting was held, above town,
and resolutions We're adopted to demand the
prisoner on Sunday morning. The Sheriff how
ever, had determined never to release the pris-
oner from his custody, except at the bidding of
the law. and accordingly made every prepara-
ton 10 resist any force that might be brought
against him. tk
The most intense excitement prevailed all Of
Sunday forenoon. AT two o'clock another meet
ing called, at the Court House, and as there
were more people in town than there had been
for long time, disturbance of the most seri-
ous nature was anticipated. Upon trying to pass
resolutions. however, to 90 and take the prisoner
by force, if necessary, the law and order party
out voted the mobocracy. The meeting then
fizzled out Whether it was owing to the rain
at the time, some other canse, unable
to say. Everything then resumed its usual
quietness, save that occasiontd by sundry small
squads of people discussing some point of the
affair. We presume there will be
demonstration on the part of the people. but
that the law will take its course. Let mob be
ever SO we'll meaning it is disgrace to any
community.
Smith has been known here for over year as
a qnIet, peaceable man. He came to this
try from New York in 49, member of Col.
Stevenson's Regiment Stewart is from st.
Louis. Respectfully, Yours.