The Placer herald., 1859-07-16
Encounter with NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
Martin killed by the Robbers.--D of
ho Dot 10 oh

/
Martin killed by the Robbers Death of
the notorious "Rattesnake Dick
On Monday evening last, a tragedy was
enacted near this place which has spread a
gloom over the whole surrounding country
resulting as it did, in the death of one of our
most esteemed citizens. The following ac-
count of the affair we obtain from the off
GERS engaged in the atfrav.
On Monday evening about dusk, officer
J. G. Boegs received information that the
notorious "Rattlesnake Dick" An escaped
prisoner accompanied by another, supposed
by some to be "Wabash Dsn," both we'll
known highwaymen, had been seen riding
towards Auburn. Messrs. Bcggs and Barrett
stationed themselves for some time on the
southern approach to the town but saw
nothing Of them.
Under Sheriff George Johnston conceived
a possibility that they might have passed the
town-and taking with him Deputy Sheriff
w. NJ. Crutcher and Geo NJ. Martin, Deputy
Tax Collector, started up the old Illinois
town road. This was shortly after 9, p NJ.
At distance of about mile from town
they discovered two horsemen in front of
them, who, upon the officers approaching
halted, and drew up on the side of the road.
Mr.. johnson not teing certain as to their
identity, rode up to Dick, and addressing
him by name commanded him to surrender.
Dick then turned towards him, exposing his
face to the moonlight, and said "what's up"
and drew his pistol. Johnston recognized
his face and voice, and Immediately fred
upon him. Dick returned the fire, shooting
Johnston through the left hand and severing
his bride rein. During this time Martin
and Crutcber were engaged with Dicks com
rade, the whole five firing as fast as possible.
Mr.. Martin fell at the commencement of the
atfair-shot through the body, and expired
almost instantaneously. Crutcher was slight
ly wounded in the hand, the bullet cutting
across the breast Of his vest, and under his
arm. Dick and his comrade then fled up
the road, and Mr.. Crutcher rode into town
for assistance.
A vast number of citizens repaired to the
fatal spot, and brought the corpse Of the
unfortunate Martin to town.
Parties secured the adjacent country dur
ing the night without success in search Of
the robbers. The next morning the dead
body of Dick was found by the road side
about mile from the scene Of conflict. He
had received from Johnston mortal wound
through the body-but had received his
quietus from bullet through his brain, fired
either from his own hand or that of his
comrade. His body was brought into town
and buried by the Coroner.
Sheriff Bullock and Constable Boggs found
the body on Tuesday morning last after
hunting all night. "Dick" was found as
above stated He was found lying on ina
chere" on pile of brush-a saddle blanket
partly covering him. He had on pair Of
kid gloves, in the right of which was slip
of paper, on which was scrawed with pen.
Gil the following:
"Rattlesnake Dick dies, but never surren-
ders, as all true Britons do"
On the reverse side of the same paper
was written:
"If j. Boggs is dead am satisfied"
There was also found upon the person Of
Dick another letter'as we.perused it, it sent
a thrill OF sorrow to our very heart, to think
that such a being could be allied to the
christian lady who penned it.
SWEET HOME, MARCH 14TH. 1859.
My Dear, Dear Brother: I can scarcely be-