Year: 1871

| We are indebted, for the following reminis-
cence of North Fork, alias Bagdad, in early days,
to one who was there at the time and knows
whereof he speaks. The narrative is almost in
his own words:


In 1855, Bagdad was lively place--much
more SO than any mining camp in the county is
at this time. Unsupported two blacksmith shops,
three hotels, three stores and three saloons
Money circulated freely, for the miners had
plenty of it and must have made it easily, judg-
ing from the way they spent it, on Sundays in
particular At that time a crowd of men (some
of them coming FIVE or six miles, would congre-
gate at the town to have a social chat and drink
with the acquaintances they were sure to meet
| that day. A favorte resort for a certain class
of miners was at Lee & Weeds hotel and store.
Both of the proprietcrs were clever and liberal
minded men, always willing to assist the needy,
ready at any time for fun and froic, and noted
all over the county for practical jokes practiced
on anybody, no matter who, whenever they had
a chance. Lee had the reputation of being very
partial to the ladies, and i: was wonder to all
who knew him that he did not take wife to his
bosom, In the frequent trips to Shasta, which
he was obliged to take to pack in goods, Lee
scraped acquaintance with young lady who
had friends living at Big Flat.


One day the young lady passed by Lee &
Weeds store, on the way to visit her friends
down the river. Lee, of course, came out to
greet her, and promised to call and see her as
as often as convenient


Lee kept his word and soon Dame Rumor had
him on the point of being married. When ques-
toned by the boys, Lee would look rather know
ing and say such thing might happen, but
would always be silent as to when it would take
place.


Knowing himself to be watched, one afternoon
he dressed in broadcloth, saddled two horses
one with side-saddl the other,
and started for Big Flat.


During his absence, those left to watch him
spread the news " Lee is going to be married
be ready to give him grand chariuari" The
boys gathered in from all sides and, not having
a supply OF mggical instruments, resorted to a
lot of tom-iron in front of blacksmith shop
Everything in readiness, the return of Lee and
his lady was looked for.


Before night, the pair rode through town and
alighted at the house, in front of which an ca
ger crowd had collected expecting to catch
glimpse at the BRIDES face, but she was closely
yelled and studiously concealed her features, to
their great disappointment.


AT eight o'clock, the boys started out to make
the first demonstration, determined to see the
brGe create noise that even the inmates of
a certain unmentionable place would not toler-
ate. Surrounding the house, at preconcerted
signal they rendered the opening overture, last
ing about fifteen minutes. Resting awhile,
another round brought out Dave Weed who,
with profusion of courtesy, invited them all to
enter and refresh themselves, complimenting
them highly for their voluntary musical enter
tainment. Two or three hours passed with alter
nate concerhzing and drinking.


Finally, one. of the crowd, incensed at the
tardiness of Lee in not bringing his wife before
the company, expressed his opinion pretty loud
ly, and his exclamation " Where is Lee why in
HI don't he bring his wife out? Let's go in
and fetch her out" found an echo in the mud
died brains of his companions. All made a
| plehh lOI tnc puCh IOOiuj hueIc htc ulcI Lutu
saying, " Be quiet, l will produce my wife forth
with, )" and stepping into another room returned
leading her by the hand, still closely yelled, and
addressed the assembiage thus


Gentlemen, ahem, l now make you all ac-
quainted with my wife, and request you to al
low me to retire for the night. My partner will
entertain you as long as the liquors and cigars
hold out"


The crowd made night of it, but in the morn
had lessened in numbers. Some had succumoed
to king alcohol others had gone home, but
thirty or forty were still on hand. Breakfast an
nounced, there was a general rush for the din
ing room, each eager to secure a seat at the ta-
BILE and get a peep at the bride.


Mr.. Weed coming in says: " Gentlemen,
please make room for Lee and WIFE"


The newly-wedded couple made their appear
ance and set themselves side by side at the head
of The table, she still wearing the veil over her
face All eyes were fixed upon the yelled fe-
in apparent anger towards his better-half, ad-
dressed her in these words:


Madam, you are entirely devoid of good
manners; you disregard my wishes you have
grossly nsulted my friends present-friends who
have shown their respect for you and me regard
less of time and money, in procuring for us
musical amateur performance that lasted all
night, the remembrance of which can never be
extinguished, for the sweet sounds are still ring
ing in my ears. You have persistently kept
your face veiled and hid, l therefore command
you that ebominable veil to remove, and dis
close the face of one whom have honored to be
the wife of Crayen Lee"


The veil dropped but instead of the expected
lovely feminine countenance, the beardless and
somewhat red features of the well-known " Jim,