Mariposa Democrat., 1857-06-18
TWO nHoniIcInEs.

0u Thursday last Mr. Sc gewiok Deputy Sheriff Of
Tuoumne County passed throug our town, on his way
to Sonora, having in charge Jerry and John Willis,
accused Of numbering named Dutch Harry,
On Moccasin Creek, Tuolumne County. ltappears that
on last Monday week Dutch Harry was passing the
camp of the Williss, which is on the bank Of the
Creek when he was called In and invited to drink
One Of the brothers was absent when he entered, but
returned while their victim was enjoying their hospi
tality II was not Ion before the returned brother
commenced the murderous assault by break ng bottle
Of liquor over the Dutchmans head, who fed from
their tent He had proceeded but lew PAGES from
their tent, when they shot him down, and then going
to him and taking his revolver from his belt they shot
their fallen victim in the face with his own we pom
Leaving their camp in haste they commenced their
flight towards Marposa County. On their road they
met two persons on horseback whom they made ds
mo mt and surrender at the pistols mouth, and then
mounting the tared horses they were their
way to the banks of the San Joaquin. Though their
speed great yet not less hurried was the pursuit
Sedgewick Baker and Petty following their
track eager for their capture. These gentlemen rode
100 miles in thrtysix hours, and succeeded in over
taking the prisoners two miles this side of Fort Miller
They sleeping Conyerses store in the open
air when The officers arrived. So sudden the
prise that they offered resistance but sought safety
in fight Scdgewick opened fire on them as they ran
when Jerry cappng his hand to his side fell to the
earth as though mortay wounded. Thinking they had
killed him the officers continued their search after
John, whom they soon succeeded in oyertaking and
capturing without resistance On going to the spot
where they supposed were lying the moral mains Of
jerry they found the bird had flown and that they had
been sold 1t appears that the officers had
passed. Jerry started to his feet the San Joaquin
River and then made for the upper ferry where he
crossed again to the side Of tho River in order
avoid pursuit but in doing so he fell into the hands Of
Baker, one Of the sheriTs posse, who succeeded in
arresting him without any further trouble 1t was
ptfu sight to see these two homcidos who are bro
TIERS chained together and conducted to the fcon's
abode If sin and crime Thev are very tall and athlet
ic men, John teng six feet two inches in height and
Jerry exceeding his brothers height by four inches
We thought our own County Jill held large number
Of homcidcs but we understand that thrreare twenty.
three persons in the Sonora Jail awaiting their trials
for murder or manslaughter.
Too mnch praise cannot be awarded TO Messrs. Sedge
wick Baker and Petty for the energy fearlessness and
untng zeal displayed by them in the capture of these
two fugtives from justice, and trust that their
ample may be followed by all officers in this County,
when the public service requires that utce should be
vindcated and the lives and property Of citizens
protected from the assaults and robbcres of thieves
and murdereT.
Mr.. Petty, who accompanied Mr.. sedgewiek in pur.
snt speaks Of him rs not only Icing an agreeable
gentleman, but as having evinccd great Judgment,
fmness and ndefaigabe energy in the whole Of this
trying pursuit and dangerous taking Of the prisoners
Public opinion here fully corroborates Mr. Petty's es
mate Of Mr. sedgewicks qualities as an efficient off
GER and must congratulate the citizens of Tuoumne
County in possessing prompt, fearless and capable
a Wind Gator Of the law.