New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-05-21
A FILLIBUSTER CHIEF.

Henry A. Crabbe the leader of party Of Calos
MIA adventures who, according TO report, were cap
tured in the Mexican territory and shot as hlbuste
was young-probably not more than thirty-dve-and
a man of much talent. He arrived in California Dot
long after the discovery Of the gold mines and settling
in Stockton became prominent man there. he was
good lawyer and trstrate politician. His Southern
blood and tastes his hatred of freesoism, and his
Jealous Slavery-propogandsm made him popular With
the majority of the Stocktonans, aud they cecst
him to represent them in the Legislature He imne.
diaely became a leader and soon the leader OF the
Wing party in that body. He was the author OF the
bill to provide for the recapture Of slaves brought into
California by their masters previous to the admission
of the State into the Unon-though Slavery never
was lawful in the territory, and had been expressly
prohibited by the Constitution nearly year before
the admission Mr.. Crabbe also the author OF
secret circular issued by the Wing members OF tho
Legislature in 1852 addressed to Wing editors aad
leaders, advising a division of the State. This
was Pro-Slavery measure though the circular
declared on the part Of the signers desire that there
should be no excitement in regard 10 Slavery and e.
pressed hope that the State to be formed out u
Southern California would frame Constitution without
any mention Of that subject. The circular veg
cunningy worded, and was signed by several persom
whose views differed very much from those of xr.
Crabbe 90 the Slavery question. Mr. C.'s term %
State Senator expired in 81 50; after which timsh'
held no public Office; but his activity As psty
leader did not abate. In 1855, when the KDowNoih'
nQs had the majority in the Legislature, he was ncI!
to Gov Foote, the most popular candidate with the
party for the United States Senatorshp; but some Of
the Northern Nothipgs thought better thstths
he, bav M Sans torz me
and Crabbe. Six or seven years ago Mr. G. fixed his
eyes upon Sonora and has kept them fixed there eve
since He was probably one Of the chief plottersd
the first expedition of Walker. At any rate, be ws's
warm friend of the expedition. The Stockton paper
under his influence always bitter against those who
denounced the fiIibusters. About the year 1919 ne
married Senorita Ainsa, the daughter OF uerchan'
IN Gan Francis co who had reno ed tbither from Hermo
zUlo Sonora. Senior Ainss the father, was wealthy
and very respectsbe gentleman; and bis daughter was
nrobably very well worthy Of Sir. Crabbe even II shs
had NOT offered him an opportunity to connect him'sh
With one Of the fret families of province which Dc
had chosen a, q field for his ambition Mr.. g. hsi
engaged rs passage on the vessel in which filibasd
walker made his first forsy from San Francisco up'n
Le unfortunate Lower Calomians; but after the ves
81 had u1ived Mt the mouth ofthe harbor Crabbe dr
oyered that the expedition was evidently hostile
in its character that he could not go in it without ~
ing compromised and he returned TO San Fran0s'
il tug, plot or perhaps small boat. Well his e'
reer is ut on end! He much ADLER man 'n''
Walker, at least a. writer and party msnase'
and probably be would have made better Gsoe'N
But his ambition itched for the glory OF ex'en'n'
the area of freedom and the dominion OF slaSep
and his blood has paid the penalty. Peace be % :"
ashes, and to all fillibusters'