The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1872-08-23
JOAQUIN Miller-Some "reminiscences
OF the Poet Of the Sierras.
From the Yreka (Cal0 Journal.


The poets pedigree and place of birth
are generally known. He has many
queer habits and eccentricities, but
there is enough of the noble and gener-
Gus in his composition to compensate
for his faults, whatever they may be.
first saw him at the mines on Mead.
ans Creek, California. He was then
fresh from the wilds of Oregon. His
long tow. colored hair reached to his
shoulders, and, taken altogether, he
was about the greenest looking speci
men around these diggings. Literature
was then as now his ambition, and he
kept constantly scribbling.
/ was several times favored with a
sight of his manuscript, some Of which
thought had peculiar merit but most
of his writings neither gods nor men
could understand. He knew nothing
of the laws of versifcation, nor indeed
of the rules of grammar, and when told
by me that he must reconstruct his
poetry, observing rythmical arrange
ment of words, and giving each line a
certain number Of feet, according to
the kind of verse, his astonishment was
great, and, thinking by my amazed APP
pearance over his quaint lines that
meant to disparage his talents, he in.
dignantly snatched the manuscript
from the table, exclaiming "Oh, d-n
the rith-um and measurement there's
the ideas, and | know what poetical Ii.
cense means"
His many eccentricities made him a
butt for ali the rough jokes on the
creek. When smarting under some OF
these taunts, | have often seen his
flushed face express the keenest pain.
Soon, however, he found most effec-
tual way TO check such insults. He
bought a long, heavy Colts revolver,
which at full cock he would level at the
face of the person attacking him, who,
thinking he meant mischief, thereafter
would let him alone.
In the year 1859 Joaquin worked for
Hurst & Co., on CHEEKY creek. The ras.
cally Hurst would not pay him, and,
being ruffian and bully, attempted
to frighten him away. Joaquin again
revolver, and with the most satisfactory
success. He also mounted horse be-
longing to Hurst & Co., which he rode
off and sold, paying himself with the
proceeds, and thereby obtaining sub
stantial and poetical justice. The law,
however, did not recognize such an ir.
regular proceeding, but rather consid-
cred it in the light Of felony. Hurst
procured warrant for his arrest, and
accompanied Sheriff Bradley, of Dead
wood, to put it in execution. Joaquin's
cabin was then at McAdam's Creek.
The poet was smoothing his cherished
tresses when he saw the men approach.
ing, and, reluctantly dropping the
brush, he leisurely started up the noun
tain. Not needing Bradley's order to
halt, that officer fired two shots from
his pistol. Joaquin replied by shooting
twice at Hurst, who was still approach
ing the fugitive. Joaquin not being
needed, that officer received bullet
through the thigh that just grazed the
main artery, which stopped further pur-
suit.
The poet, thoroughly disguised with
civilization, shook the dust of Mead.
ans Creek from his feet, and in the
pursuit of liberty and happiness, we
next hear of him among the Indians of
Pit River Valley, where report said he
went extensively into the "horse bust.
ness" with poor Lo, until the Sheriff
of Shasta county made him "more
trouble