The land of gold; or, Three years in CaliforniaColton, Walter
History
The land of gold; or, Three years in California
Colton, Walter
California -- Gold discoveries; California -- History -- 1846-1850
They were as wild a looking set of fellows as ever entered a civil
tribunal. The chief was over seven feet high, with an enormous blanket
wrapped round him and thrown over the shoulder like a Spanish cloak,
which set forth his towering form to the best advantage. His long black
hair streamed in darkness down to his waist. His features strikingly
resembled those of Gen. Jackson. His forehead was high, his eye full of
fire, and his mouth betrayed great decision. His step was firm; his age
must have been about fifty. He entered the court with a civil but
undaunted air. When asked why he permitted the men of his tribe to steal
horses, he replied that the men who took the horses were not properly
members of his tribe, that they had recently attached themselves to him,
and now, that he had found them horse-thieves, he should cut them. I
could get at no satisfactory evidence that he, or the twenty with him,
had actively assisted those who took off the horses. I delivered them
over to Capt. Mervin, who commanded the military occupation of the town.
The United States troops were formed into a hollow square, and they were
marched into the centre where they expected to be shot, and still not a
muscle shook, and the features of each were as set as if chiselled from
marble. What must have been their unbetrayed surprise, when Capt. Mervin
told them they were acquitted by the tribunal! He then told the chief he
should recognize him as king of the tribe—that he must not permit any of
his men to commit the slightest depredations on the citizens, that he
should hold him responsible for the conduct of his tribe, and that he
must come and report himself and the condition of his tribe every two
moons. To all this the chief fully assented.
They were then taken on board the frigate, where the crew had been
mustered for the occasion. Here they were told how many ships, men, and
guns we had at our command; so much to inspire them with awe: and now
for their good will. The whole party were rigged out with fresh
blankets, and red handkerchiefs for each, which they use as a turban.
The chief was attired in a uniform of one of our tallest and stoutest
officers: navy buttons, epaulets, sword, cap with a gold band, boots,
and spurs; and a silver chain was put about his neck, to which a medal
was attached, recognizing him as the high chief of the tribe. He looked
every inch a chief. The band struck up Hail Columbia, and they departed,
vowing eternal allegiance to the Americans. The sailors were delighted
with these savages, and half envied them their wild life.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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