The morning call., 1891-12-13
A FRAGMENT
OF a Peculiar Period in the History Of The
SIate Of California.
Written for THE SUNDAY CALL

nc haiueS VI quaint Olu Cali10rni6 min
ing towns-Columbia, Sonora. Coppsropolis,
MUIR hy's. Dutch Flat-will recall TO the
minds OF the early settlers stirring scenes.
Memories will rise of the Flush" times in
the mining camps during the period pre-
ceding the war.
The following incident TRANSFERRED num-
Der of years ago in Tuolumne County.
where some of the first discovered gold
mines were located.
Although happening when 1 was but a
child, the events of that night have left an
ineffaceabe Impression upon my mind.
My father was the editor and publisher
of little newspaper. An Englishnan by
birth, he was an ardent admirer of Ameri-
can institutions and patriotic uphOder Of
the Union. Many and bitter were the pen
fights in those days
My mother had, few years before, left
her girlhood's home in Boston to follow
the fortunes of her husband in glorious
California.
The rough ways OF the mines we're a
revelation to her, and the lack of women's
society serious drawback. Bat after ils
Dr. This and Lawyer That brought their
wives, and built cosy homes, so that in
very short time the nucleus of society was
formed. a schOOl-house was built, and
sunny-faced children began to tread the
thorny path to knowledge.
we llVed IN pleasant, roOmy cottage,
encircled by wide, shady piazza, as it was
fashionable to call it in those days.
The roses my mother planted climbed Ia
the very chimney and hUneysuckle vines
tossed their sweet-scented blossoms in at
the door. Fruit trees mad been set out:
apple, pear, plum and cherry yielded
abundantly, thus early demonstrating the
possibilities of fruIt-grOwing. The surplus
fruit was prepared and spread out on great
trays set upon trestles in the yard to dry
the infancy of now profitable industry,
that of fruit-drying.
Situated on the Mokelumne Hill road, the
stage road then and believe still used as
such, many who have since achieved fame
In various calllDgs have reason to remember
its hearty hospitality. The big Flume'
ran through the yard in the rear of the
house, to my childish mind a mighty river
whose muddy waters | scarce had the nerve
to cross, but my scapegrace brother defed
possible watery death and a most certain
spanking to be able to say that lie had
CROSSED the tiume." Passing the house on
the lett was Chinese settlement, and many
whaling" did those. poor Cinnamon re-
ceiye for presumlng to bathe in the f1ume
the miners objecting to such liberties. The
road led up to the head of the fGme, where,
% using the framework as a gibbet, the al!
too-frequent hanging bees" were usually
held
a few cabins occupied by miners who
"batcned," or by lone women who worked
out, or, like Sairy Camp, nursed, and took
tender care of the native sons and daugh-
tiers of that early date, were scattered here
and there along the road, but near neigh
bors we had none.
One evening father had left home to be
gone short time, leaving mother and l
alone. As it began to grow late our ears
were strained to eaten the sound of his re-
turning footsteps. The moon was shining
clear and full, the air was cool and still,
scarcely sound TO break the calm, unless il
be the shores Of Mage, the ugly brindIed
watchdog. sleeping close by the door, faith
full and trusted to the utmost. He never
barked or jumped like other dogs, he just
grabbed" aud thievish Indians, or Wallies,
as they were called, had learned to give tbs
place wide Der tn.
Mage never interfered with outside affairs,
but woe unto any one trespasSIng on his
particular domain or during fathers alb
sence.
Away in the distance, toward the little
town, we heard sound-not footsteps, bus
confused murmur-gradually approach
shouts, curses, cries of Hang him! Hang
hlm! tramping of many feet, while
above the tumult could be distinguished
the clear, strong tones OF young mans
voice, pleading for mercy and declaring his
innocence. e am not guilty. You are
hanging an innocent mani God is my wit
ness-I am innocentP' But they hurried
him along, unheeding his words. Evidently
amid the thrOng he had not one friend.
Mother mad recognized the sounds, and,
with her heart throbbing with pam and fear,
had thrown herself upon the Lounge and
buried her mead beneath the pillows, telling
me TO do likewise.
Startled and oppressed by fears 1 could
not understand, listened inIently until tbs
sounds died away in the distance They
had gone upthe fiume." In a short time
the rabbe returned to the town and all was
still again, as still as though no tragedy had
marked the passing hour. Old Mage still
slept; IL was no fight of his, it was outside
the fence.
Soon after father returned my tense
nerves relaxed with great relief 70 see him,
and he had all he could attend to bringing
mother out of a dcath-Iike faint
The moon still sheds her radiant light
upon the huge framework of the fiume.
and shines with cruel clearness upon an
object swaylng and swinging in the chill
autumn breeze-the object that was once
a man. with all mans hopes and am
bitlOns.
From out one of the tiny cabins steps
woman. UP she tolls until she reaches tbs
CHASTITY figure, her shawl slips back and
shows her head, with its crown of silver hair,
Gently she touches the fast stiffening hands
and smOothes the palid, disturbed face.
talking all the while to herself in q soft
monotone, Poor lad, poor lad, you are
somebody's boy. and sad would be your
mothers heart did she know of this nights
work"
Kneeling down at the feet she pours ont
her prayers for Gods mercy to this poor
sinner. to her unknown unfortunate, who
has died un blessed and unmourned. Com
mending his soul to Him who knows the Sc
crets she rises and slowly wends her way
hOmeward. All is peace.
Who this unfortunate man was or what
his offense l never have learned. II nv
father knew he never discussed the matter
In my presence.
rhar
details.
This is fragment of peculiar period In
the history of this State-one chapter, a.
least, as it exists in my memory
BETH BRAMBLE