The Placer herald., 1862-05-03
wslla WaIla Correspondence.
Fort WALLA WALLA, April 18th, 1867

WalIa Wa1la Correspondence.
FoRT WALLA WALLA, April 18th, 1852.
NM Dear MitcheH:-'Tis just six months ago
to-day, since the "Auburn Greys" left your town
amid the gratuatons and good byes of friends,
for the general rendezvous at Placerville Then
we thou ght shortly to be placed upon the battle
feld-to see something of "the pomp and cir
cumstance of the war'-to do what in us laid,
and if need was die for an imperiled county
We we're disappointed, yet have borne the disap-
pontment with as little grumbling as men, stu
ated rs you know us to have been, could be ex-
pected to give utterance to. The Paymaster has
at length reached us Qor the first tme,) and
things begin to seem again rose-cOlorcd and
bright. But l don't want to write letter.
would simply pen a statement which l know you
will be glad (and sorry) to receive.
The first melancholy incident. the first sod cas-
ualty that has befallen our Company, since its
mastering into service, happened last Thursday
night a small party of soldiers went to the
theatre in town, and having taken 4 little re-
treshment. and feeling quite jublant over the
just-received intelligence Of the Federal victory
at Newburn, NC, were disposed to enjoy vividly
the dramatic representation of Susan Robinson ct
al Umbrage was taken and a quarrel sought by
sundry sour secessionists (Of which the town is
FULLY Blows and shooting quickly followed
The close of the performance, and III the melee,
John B. Loutzenhiser was killed-shOt through
the heart.
The affray was premcditated, commenced and
trugicallv cOnsummated by u gang OF rOwdles
and gamblers, who boldly and exultingly pro-
claim themselves secessiOnists; who have persls-
tently annoyed md insulted he soldiers whenever
opportunity offercd who look upon the volunteers
with feelings of hate and really entertain sort
of contempt for their cOurage-the first, born OF
their treason-the latter OF their ignorance
They have occasioned great deal of annoyance
to the garrison during the entire winter. In oil
a. ., Of
citizens of the valley, u large majority OF whom
arc disunOnists in sentiment, manitesting it both
by word and action.
With the Company, LOutzenhser was unlver-
sal favorte. In the flush of youth (only 29 years
of age,) overnowing with health, strength, ac-
tivity energy and vitality, burning with love
of country, and anxious to do something tor her
in her hour of danger, he has perished in
wretched, pitifu broil, of which the cause is not
"tomb enough and continent, to hide the slaln.
Had he fallen upon the battlefield, the banner
of the republic streaming over him, doing ana
dying for holy freedom, not a particle OF bitter
ness would mingle with our grief. l read the
funeral service at his grave on Saturday, and l
could not help, nay, did not try to help, feeling,
rs | read that it had pleased Almighty God to
take our brother from the carth" that it had
pleased some miserable scamps and traitors that
he had been murdered-the only drawback to
their pleasure being that three OF their number
were severely wounded.
He enlisted from Illnoistown. where. l under
stand, sister (Mrs Keck) and probably "a
nearer one still and dearer one yet than all
other,' will deeply, perhaps wildly mourn his
untimey loss Ansil Hubbard. from Dutch Flat,
was severely wounded in the thigh "a bad case,
but will, the surgeon says, recover. One Che
rokee Bob" we'll known in the criminal annals
of Californ ia who sponged his way up from San
Francisco TO Vancouver from the soldiers, took
an active part in the atfray, against those who
fed him; and it is quite certain that the bullet
which wounded Hubbard, perhaps the one by
which LOutzenhiser was slain. came from his
pistol.
The soldiers were much enraged; yet the Gairi-
son has never been so quiet as during the after
noon and evening of the funeral. They had con
suited together, and as the coroner : inquest had
failed in determining anything satisfactorily,
they determined to avenge the murder by taking
and furnishing those who, from the testimony
taken before the coroncrs jury. they knew were
guilty of participation in The bloody affair, and
who. most likely, were the very dOers of the
bloody deed-"Chcrokce Bob" and Mr.. Porter. a
deputy sheriff This morning, at early daybreak.
seventy men. we'll armed, marched from the Gar
rison, under whisky excitement. but with firm.
deliberate resolve. procee led to the town. sur
rounded the buildings where these villains most
do congrcgate, compelled the sheriff to assist in
the search. and made thorough hunt for Mr..
Cherokee Bob" But the lirl had flown. He
lett Tor unknown some time utGl ny tne pnl
previous having. in some manner, + ceived an
intmaton of the impending peril. Porter being
badly wounded, aud his recovery deemed as yet
doubtful WAS not molested. Several non-com-
missioncd officers of two companies were of the
notwithstanding corps. Its mission having
been concluded (not accompished) the party re-
turned to quarters. All was conducted quietly
and orderly. though. had single shot been fired
one blow struck. or solitary obstacle interposed,
the event, very probably, would have been san
culinary and destructive. Neither Col. Lee, nor
any officer of the command. had either knowledge
or intimatOn that such action was to be had
have written this, not only because it will be OF
interest to you. but because the newspaper pub
lished in Walla Wala representing the interest
Of the class to which have before referred, and
surrounded by, and partaking of that sentiment
so prevalent here, is predsposed. and doubtless
will, give preudiced. partial and garbed history
of the whole matter. which will reach California
correspondence took place to-day between the
Mayor Of the town and Col. Lee. copies OF which
l send you. Tell my kind regards to the friends
there. Good bye. Yours in great truth
]. w. SCOBEY.
MAYORS LETTER.
Cry CotJNCII CHAMBER