Weekly Trinity journal., 1857-08-15
A California Life-Phase.


In locking back at the many remarkable events
to which the discovery Of gold gave birth in CAL
iforua, We not unfrequeutly find it difficult mat
ter to realize occurrences which have been part
of our own observation, and feel disposed to
question the integrity Of recollection rather than
give credence TO the wild, dreamlikc shadows of
the past which steal across the vision in the mind
quiet moments, strangely contrasting with all
other life scenes, and appearing far more like
stories of Eastern superstition and cnchantmcnt
than the we'll authenticated realities OF civilized
peoples social life. The same causes which inn
parted new life and vigor to the dormant ener-
gies of the man of business, gave to every faculty
OF the mind renewed force and originality and re
animated every tagging purpose OF lite. The
merchant learned to make or break in q month,
and net await the result In the slow process of
years. Every thing was conducted on new princ-
pies. The gambler invented new games to fleece
the unwary, the robber new tactics the murderer
new and bolder means Of taking life. A story
was told us not long ago, which is peculiarly CAL
ifornian in character.
One of our prominent citizens who settled here
in lS49 and accumulated respectable fortune in
short time sent for his wife in 1851, and was
awaiting her arrival by steamer which was then
dnc. He drank to the event until half seas over,
and then paid visit to u house OF illiame, where
alas he was already too well Known, aha socS
forgot wife. steamer and every thing else. Learn
u
business, we do not know which, il either, but who
was at least his enemy, planned and carried out
u most accomplished bit Of revenge. 1t was II
o'clock ut night, and the steamer had scarcely
touched the wharf. when the wife Of the tipsy
husband was banded into carriage by gente-
manly appearing man, who represented himself
as the friend OF Mr.. t.. and informed the lady
that a five minutes drive would convey her TO
the mansion prepared for her, where she would
find her husband, suffering from some trifing i'll.
ness which prevented him from leaving the house
al such time OF night. The carriage stopped at
house ON Washington street, and the lady was
shown into handsomely furnished parlor. Sew
eral ladies were in tho room MI dressed in Che
extreme of extravagance and the wife wondered,
but said nothing The gentleman inquired for
MIR. T., but was told that he was not in the house
He insisted to the contrary. and upon informing
one of the females that the lady with him wished
to see the gentleman on business which admitted
of no delay, and slipping fifty dollar piece into
her hand, she motioned the now alarmed wife to
follow. AS soon as Mrs. r. left the room the
man who accompanied her departed and drove
rapidly away. The wife assembled the stairs, and
in q moment was usbered into the presence OF her
guilty lord. He was not alone. All was amaze
ment ; but the wife neither screamed nor tainted
She comprehendcd all, and without speaking u
word, turned and left the house.
Mr.. Il. in vain sued for pardon he attempted
to explain, but his wife would listen to nothing
but divorce, which in due time she procured -
He then sought 10 discover the man who had
brought all this upon him, but for months could
obtain no clue to the perpetrator He gambed,
drank and squander1d his means with reckless.
ness At length accident put him upon the track
Of the man he so burned to lay eyes upon. lie
followed him through several States and meeting
him In Kentucky, made him cripple for life
He then returned to this State, where he is living
now. lie mingles with his ielow-men and bears
cheerful front, but his whitening hairs and
wrinkled brow tell of great grief nj the heart.
Golden Era.