The record-union., 1896-08-17
A SUFFERS FORT INCIDENT.
How Sam Brannan Presided at a Mur-
der Trial.
Philosopher" Pickett's Killing Of One
Frank Alderman in the Win
ter of 40.

A writer in the San Francisco Post
or Saturday last gives the following
sketch of an early-day incident at SUIT
ter's Fort in this city:
Few persons probably remember the
circumstances leading up to and at
tending the first criminal trial ever held
In Sacramento County after the inaug-
uration of American rule.
Yet there are those now living in this
city who were present when it took
place, and to these as well as the men,
bers of younger generation the story
or the trial and the tragedy Which
caused it should not be uninteresting.
In the early part Of January, 1S49,
when the advance guard of gold seekers
had just arrived in California, Charles
f. Pickett, subsequently known to old
timers as philosopher Pickett" kept
a general store at Suffers Fort.
His establishment was located in the
northeast bastion, another portion of
which was rented and occupied by
Frank Alderman, who had lately ar
rived from Oregon, and gone into the
same line of business.
Owing doubtless to the strong COM
petition between the two stores, the
two owners soon became involved in a
dispute, the ostensible cause being a
question as to the boundaries of their
respective premises From heated
words the quarrel speedily waxed
warmer, and the two men finally came
tosblows.
Alderman was of burly figure, and
had an ungovernable temper, while
Pickett was rather a tfmid man, al
though when occasion required, he
showed very plainly that he would not
allow any one to impose upon him.
Leaning against the side of the room
in which the row occupied was an ak,
and suddenly Alderman seized this and
advanced upon Pickett, holding the
weapon uplifted as if ready to strike.
Believing, and justly, that his life
was in danger. Pickett caught up
shotgun, and, retreating as far as he
could in the room, warned Alderman
not to come nearer.
But his fierce assailant gave no heed,
and when he was about to brain his ad-
versary, Pickett fired, and Alderman
fell dead in his tracks.
AS the killing had manifestly been
done in self-defense, the matter would
have gone no further but for Sam
dealing in merchandise at Suffers S
Fort.
This being the first time that any
serious trouble had occurred in that sec
ton of the country, Brannan declared
that the residents owed it to them
selves to see that justice should be done.
At that time the office of First AL
calde was held by Frank Bates, the Sec
foo Ia inc and
each of these officials on being appeal
ed to by Brannan for a warrant,
promptly resigned rather than issue
it.
The Sheriff also threw up his office,
and for the same reason.
This state of affairs would have dis
couraged an ordinary man, but it had
no effect on Brannan.
The latter called a meeting at his
store, located some eighty yards east of
the fort, in order that the residents
might take the matter under considera-
ton.
The meeting was attended by every
one at the fort, among those present be-
ing p. B. Cornwall, Albert Priest, Cap
tain Dring, James King of William,
Rufus Hitchcock, James H. Toppens,
Thomas Murray and Captain William
IL Warner.
Brannan called the assemblage to or
der. and announced that the first bust
ness before the meeting would be the
appointment of some one to act as AL
calde
Every one who was suggested for the
place declined to take it, and when the
nomination had gone the rounds 1t was
finally accepted by Brannan himself.
Next came the nomination of Pros
ecuting Attorney, which Office likewise
went begging until Brannan agreed to
accept this also.
A. NJ. Tanner was appointed Sheriff,
and a time was set for the trial OF