The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1857-04-23

From the Los Angeles Star, Feb. 2s.
Execution Of the Bandit Chief
Flores at Los Angeles.
On Saturday last the people Of this city,
and large number from the principal towns
OF the county, assembled together for the pur.
pose Of determining what should be done with
Flores and the other prisoners then in JAIL
After good deal Of talking vote was taken,
and II was resolved, without dissenting voice,
that Flores should be executed forthwith.
twas resolved to hand the other prisoner.
over to the authorities, their crimes being only
attempts at murder, burglary, and horse steal
ing. We had intended to make some remarks
as to how this decision was secured--to notice
the inference justly deducible therefrom-but
we have had so much Of this OF late that we
have no disposition to return 10 the sub
ject.
On the adjournment of the meeting the peo-
pie marched to the jail, and took possession oi
Flores. He had been expecting this visit. In
short time he was led out, and was received
by Capt Twists company, who guarded him
to the place Of execution. These were follow
cd by Capt. Targets company (French) the
whole escorted by large company Of mount
ed Californians and Americans. Rev. Faith
er Raho and Rev. Vicente Llover, were also
in attendance, and accompanied the prisoner
TO his last scene. The prisoner walked with
hrmaess, and seemed as much composed as
any man in the crowd.
The distance from the Jail to the hill on
which the scafold is erected, is about quar-
ter Of mile. The prisoner was dressed in
white pants, light vest, and black merino sack
coat. He was young man, about % years
OF age, and Of pleasing countenance. There
was nothing in his countensnce to indicate the
formidable bandit which he had proved him.
self.
On arriving at the place Of execution, the
prisoner was led to the foot Of the gallows
still accompanied by his spiritual guides, the
armed men forming hollow square, suppor-
ted by the cavalry in the rear. His arm.
were then tied to his body, and thus pinioned
he firmly ascended the drop He expressed a
wish to address the people, who instantly be.
came silent. His remarks were interpreted
and merely to the eifect-tEat he was now
ready to die; that he had committed many
crimes, and that he died without having ill-will
against any man, and hoped that no one would
bear ill-will against him. He repeated thar
he was now ready to die. Observing some
persons among the crowd whom he had known
he called one or two towards him, and gave
some final directions, leaving his body to them.
He then..handed white handkerchief 10 one oi
the attendants, and wished his face to be GOV.
cred with it, which was done. His legs were
then b,und, and the rope adjusted about his
neck, during which he continued in converse.
tion with those in his immediate vicinity. Th.
handkerchief was placed over his head, the at
tendants took farewell Of him, and the
body of Flores swung in the air. The
fall was too short and the unfortunate wretch
struggled in agony for considerable time
In bis last despairing efforts, the rope around
his arms slipped above his elbows, and he
grasped the rope by which he was suspended
1t required considerable effort to release his
hold. After . protractsd struggle, very pam.
ful to behold, the limbs became quiet, and f.
nally stiff in death. Thus ended the briel
but stormy life Of the bandit captain Juar
Flores. After hsnging some time, physician
examined the body, and declared there was nc
pulse. The body was kept hanging for about
an hour, and was then handed over to those
who had engaged to take charge Of it. AZ.
ter which the people dispersed. The execu
tion took place at about 2 O'Clock p. NJ.