Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1855-12-22
California Netus.
LATER FROM CALIFORNIA.
ARRIVAL OF THE NORTHERN LIGHT.

ARRIVAL OF THE NORTHERN LIGHT
Gen. VIM. ii. Richardson, United States
Marshal, for the Northern District Of Cali
fornia, was assassinated at San Francisco on
the night of the 18th of November, by an
italian gambler. named Cora. i
Isaac b. Wall, Collector of the Port OF
Monterey, had been murdered near San Luis
Chispo, together with companion, named
Thos. Williamson. i
The murder of Gen. Richardson had caused
intense excitement ut San Francisco, and
strenuous efforts were being made. by certain
parties. to get the assassin out Of the hands
of the authorities. for the purpose of Lynch
ing him. but these attempts had been frus-
trated by the frmness Of the Sheriff.
Mr.. Williamson, who was killed in compa-
nv with Collector Wall. was the Assessor OF
Monterey county. The murderers OF the
latter gentleman were supposed to be party
of Mexicans and trader, named Garcia
Pursuit was made by party Of Americans,
under the Sheriff Of the county. and the muir
derers overtaken at Salina, when fight en-
sued, during which two Of the Sheriffs party
were killed.
The Indian difficulties in the, North con-
tinued A battle had been fought on Bogue
River between 200 Indians and 400 Regulars,
under Capt. Smith, Of Fort Lane. The fight
lasted nine hours, when the troops were obli-
ged to retreat, with the loss of l6 killed and
25 wounded. Gen. Wool had proceeded to
the scene Of trouble.
The dates from Salt Lake are to the
l1th of October. Difficulties had occurred
between the Mormons and the Eutaw In
dians. Several Mormons had been murdered.
The miners are awaiting the rainy season,
and not much gold is coming in.
FURTHER FROM CALIFORNIA.
Horrible Murder Of the United Ststes Marshal
Intense Excitement in San Francisco
Threats Of the Populace 10 Lynch the Iur-
derer.
[From the san Francisco Hearald1
One of the most cowardly and heartess
acts Of murder that we have been called upon
to record was committed on Saturday evening
in public thoroughfare in one of the most
frequented sections of the city. The victim,
William II. Richardson, was gentleman
highly esteemed by n large circle of friends
in this city. and occupied high official posi-
ton in the State. From all we are able to
gather, it appears that Mr.. Richardson had
some triAing difficulty with man named
Charles Cora. Mutual friends interfered in
the matter, and il was supposed that the diff
Guilty had been amcably adjusted
About 6 o'clock last evening Messrs.
Richardson and Cora were noticed standing
in front of McAllisters building on Clay
street, below Montgomery street Several
persons to whom both parties were known
were standing near by, and presently Mr..
Richardson was heard to remark "Well it
is all right?' Cora replied "Yes." They
continued to converse in low tone some
minutes, and by this time Cora had taken
hold of the coat collar of the other with the
left hand. Richardson suddenly exclaimed :
What are you going to do? Don't shoot
me; | am unarmed" At this Cora produ-
ced small single barreled pistol, and before
he could be prevented, shot Richardson
through the heart
The action was so sudden and unexpected,
that the witnesses were for q moment paral-
yzed, and Cora held his victim against the
wall of the house for the space of few Sec
onds, and then suddenly relapsed his grasp,
walked away. but was arrested and placed in
the custody Of officer Russell, who fastened
with him to the Police station. Richardson
was taken into the drug store Of Messrs.
Keith Co., at the corner of Montgomery
and Clay streets, where he expired almost
Immediately An immense crowd Immediately
congregated in that vicinity, and it was
found necessary to take the body Of the mur-
dered man to some more secluded place
and it was finally taken to the private office
of the Clerk of the United States District
Court BY this time very large and excited
crowd had assembled, completely blocking
up the passage of Montgomery street
for q distance Of two blocks.
At this time there could not be less thar
three thousand persons present. The ut
most excitement prevailed. 'Fhe fearful cry
of Hang him hang him ~ was raised. The
public pulse beat at n feversh rate, and it j:
more than probable that If the culprit hat
been within reach, he would have been exc
cuted on the spot. Several persons addres
sed the assemblage in favor of hanging Cori
at once while others counseled submission tC
the laws, and spoke in favor of the mainten
ance Of law and order 1t was finally put Il
yote-a storm of ayes and noes followed. i
was found impossible 20 decide whether ther,
had been ma jority in favor or againt hang
ing without recourse to law. The assembly
shortly after broke up into little knots, il
which the enorNity Of the crime which hat
Just been committed was discussed in a very
excited manner. Others rushed to the sta
tlon-houSe in order to ascertain what disposi
tion had been made OF the prisoner.
In the meantime Cora was conveyed 4
the Station house, and on being searched
two Deringers were found on his person, one
OF which had but recently been discharged
When the crowd began to gather about tn,
Station house, the officers became alarmed
for the safety of their prisoner, and determin
ed upon placing him in the county Jail fol
greater security. lie was accordingly re
moved there. During the whole of these pro
ceedingS, Cora displayed the utmost coolnes;
and seemed never to have lost his presenc,
Of mind. During the walk from the Station
house to the County Jail, he appeared some
what agtated and apprehended that h,
might be taken out of the hands of the off
GERS by the excited people, frequently look
ing back to ascertain if he was pursued.
The Coroner's Jury which subsequent
sot upon the body, returned verdict Of pre-
meditated murder againt Cora.