The Placer herald., 1856-05-17
James King of William shot-Probably
Killed. bv Jim Casey.

Killed, Dy jim OdSoy
The city of San Francisco, and in fact the
whole State, has been thrown into an intense
excitement by an outrage of the grossest
nature. We cannot favor mob law In any
shape but could tolerate violence OF the
kind, in this case, more easily than any
former example. The act has probably been
premeditated by Casey for long time, and
the occasion was only lacking. On the l4th
it seemed to have presented itself in resenting
some remarks published in the Bulletin re-
flecting upon Casey. Mr. King referred to
him few days ago as a ballot box stutfer,
and as having served two years in the Sing
Sing prison-the latter is no doubt true, as
the trial is published. The following details,
from below, are all we have space for in this
issue. We pray God, Mr.. Kings life may be
preserved if indeed for nothing better than
to lash this spirit of rufliansm into subsection;
"At half-past o'clock, on Wednesday
last, jim Casey entered the room of the
Erening Bulletin San Francisco, and asked
Mr. King why he had used such language in
reference to him. and told him he would not
allow him to do so again. Mr.. X. replied he
would do so again when occasion required,
and requested Casey to leave the Office
Casey left, and short time after met Mr..
King crossing Montgomery and Washington
streets, when nearly in front of "Phils oys-
ter saloon,' Casey called out to King, 'are
you armed, if so draw and defend yourself
Mr. X. stopped, folded his arms, and said
"are YOU in earnest" Casey said yes" and
again repeated his warning to draw and de-
fend. Mr.. King dropped his arms and made
motion as if to draw his weapon. There
are several versions Of the language used by
both parties at the moment, and it is difficult
to find out the precise words used.
Casey fired a shot from a navy revolver
which took effect in the left breast of Mr.
King, above the nipple, and within few
inches of the shoulder. Mr.. X. exclaimed
ooh, oh, | am shot," and walked into the
Pacific Express office where he was properly
taken care of.
Casey after having discharged his pistol,
down when he drew hisweapon, and was i'm
mediately arrested by Deputy Sheriff Byrne,
and walked off to the City Prison-a great
rush was shortly afterward made to it by an
excited crowd, who blocked up the Court
Yard and avenues to the Prison, crying out
chang HIM. hang him!!' The sheriff and
his officers and the City Marshal were prompt
ly on the spot, and took the prisoner from
the Prison to the County Jail in a hack
An immense crowd had by this time assem-
bed, who directed their steps to the County
Jail, and by the time the Sheriff had arrived
there several thousand persons had assembled
together, repeating the cry of hang him.!'
hang him.
About this time. Thos. S. King, a brother
Of James, mounted a balcony opposite the
Jail and addressed the excited multitude.
Citing the cause of the difficulty, and said,
ave have got to take that Jail, and to do so
we may have to kill those officers, unless
they give way to us. We must hang that
! fellow up The crowd cheercd him tre-
mendously.
From until o'clock, Montgomery ST.,
from Clay to Washington, was the most
crowded thoroughtare ever witnessed.
This was occasioncd by addresses in
favor of taking summary steps to punish the
assaiant BY Lynch Law. At palfpast 6
o'clock Mayor Van Ness arrived at the J all
and addressed the excited multitude, desiring
them to dsperse, that in a moment Of eX-
ctement they might do what years could
not make amendment for Some cried out
"Where's Cora? d--n such Justice, let us
hang him." DC, &c.
During the whole evening, one living mass
of humanity was moving from the Jail to the
place Of shooting. Not till - O'Clock did
the large assembagc dispcrse from around
the Express Office where Mr.. King remained
estimated that in the assembly there was not
less than ten Thousand persons. Several
speakers appearing upon balconies and en-
couragng the people by earnest appeals to
avenge the blood Of their fellow citizen who
had fallen. The question was finally put to
them, as to whether they were ready or not,
and one unanimous "aye" sounded from the
vast throng. The speakers then proposed
that all should retire and arm themselves,
and meet on the Plaza at o'clock. If there
had been any organization amongst the cx-
cited populace the consequences would have
been awful at the Prison.
This building was mounted by strong
force Of Police, Sheriff's posse City Guards,
San Francisco Blues, Wallace Guards, Con
tinenlials and detachment of Light Dra-
goons. The meeting adjourned to the Plaza
and did not effect anything. A company of
military passing through the meeting, were
hooted and Kissed, but passed on not taking
any notice Of the insult. The majority of
the meeting followed the military up to the
County Prison.
From the condition of Mr.. King but little
hopes are entertained of his life. His Doc
tors were of different opinions as to the ex-
tent of his injuries. The pistol ball, which
entered the body above the left nipple Of the
breast, went through the body, passed lit
| tie upwards and came out OF his hack naar