The Placer herald., 1859-11-12
Attempt to Rob the Express---Two of the
Robbers Killed.

Information reached this place on Tuesday
morning, by the Yankee Jim stage, that an
attempt had been made about daylight on
that morning, by four hghwaymen, to rob
the Forest Hill stage, of Wells, Fargo & Co.'S
box of treasure, and that two of them had
been killed.
1t seems the design of the robbers became
known to Daniel G. Gay, a detective police
man of Sacramento, who in connection with
officer O'NeiI, Of hat city, proceeded to
to Forest Hill. and after acquainting Wells,
Fargo & Co.'S agent there, of the fact, they
took passage in the stage for the purpose of
giving the robbers proper reception. The
stage left Forest Hill and stopping as is Gus
tomary, at Todd's Valley, the treasure box
and passengers were left behind, and the
stage started for Smiths Ranch, the only
persons aboard being the officers and the
driver.
The attack and fight that subsequently
followed is correctly given by the Sacra-
mento Standard, from which we copy:
"The coach was stopped in the fine grove
after ascending the hill between Todd's Val
lev and Auburn. fopr ..orpcd out rom
behind the trees, one caught the horses by
the head, one approached the driver to de-
mand the treasure boxes, and the remaining
two stood one on each side Of the coach
with revolvers leveled. 1t was scarcely light
enough to distinguish objects, and the Off
GERS, who were inside tie coach, being IN
able to take sure aim while in the coach,
got out and fired, each at his man, bringing
them to the ground together. The man
O'NeiI fired at was killed instantly; he was
an American-name known only to the
officers. The man officer Gay shot, was
Spaniard named Francisco Lunez we'll
known desperate, almost second Joaquin.
AS he fell, he discharged one barrel of his
pistol at the officer, but fortunately missed
his aim. When the robber fell, Little
Dave" the driver jumped off his box AID
went to the Spaniard, who was lying on the
ground, to get his pistol; when the robber
who, although MORALLY wounded, seemed
determined to die game, raised almost in
his death struggle. aud fired another barrel
Of his pistol, the ball taking effect in Dawes
thumb. The officers pursued the two re-
manning robbers as far AZ prudence would
admit"
The American killed was named White,
lately out Of the State Prison, to which place
he was sent from Msriross county. several
years ago. Before dying Luaez called the
| officers to hin sad shook hands with them.
4 lie seemed 10 be conscious that 'he had in
some manner been betrayed Ivy one Of iss
eorfedesates-t,y ao means an unreasonable
superstition
The bodies of White and Lures were
taken 10 Todds Valley and buried, short
time after their death.
So fsr uothissg has Been heard of the two
naea ~ho raa away They have. go doubt,
eseased frea tine cosmty.
6saaiag nobheraes &ss~e beon 90 frequent
aud successful i'm this county, tssst ta'e nesutt
! of the 'abs~e affair &as given rise to general
oengratulaaien- The .eaty ceguet enpuessed
4 ia alat the ethers did mot areet the same
\ tate, rs cold head is the .amly sure corrective
\ for the abandoned williams who isdest the
1 shighways, ready to sob and Kill witl,art ame-
wecatian.
Exnsg PxxxEay-Mr. K;mbas, Si.e
County, dllscter, paid';ute Che County EReas
| any on Enesasy last $sa ,ooc De, being 'the
isrcest asn Quart .df noGey seuer paid aHto tslle