San Francisco News Letter/October 10, 1868
[From the “Hangtown Gibbet”]
A little bit of romance has just transpired to relieve the monotony of your metropolitan life. Old Sam Choggins, whom the editor of this paper has so often publicly thrashed, has returned from Mud Springs with a young wife He is said to be very fond of her, and the way he came to get her was this: Some time ago we courted her, but finding she was on the make, threw her off, after shooting her brother and two cousins. She vowed revenge, and promised to marry any man who would horsewhip us. this Sam agreed to undertake, and she married him on that promise .We shall call on Sam tomorrow with our new shotgun, and present our congratulations in our usual form.
[From the Dog Ranch “Weakly Howl”]
A stranger wearing a stovepipe hat arrived in town yesterday and put up at the Nugget House. The boys are having a good time with that hat this morning. The funeral will take place at two o’clock. Dog Ranche is unhealthy for swells.
[From the Siskiyou “Knock-Down”]
A painful accident occurred in Frog Gulch yesterday which has cast a wet blanket of gloom over a hitherto joyous and whisky loving community. Dave Spigger—or as he was familiarly called Murderer Dave—got drunk at his usual hour yesterday, and as is his custom took down his gun and started after the fellow who went home with his girl the night before. He found him at breakfast with his wife and thirteen children. After killing them he started out to return, but being weary, stumbled and broke his lef. Dr. Bill found him in that condition, and having no wagon at hand to convey him to town, shot him to put him out of his misery. Dave was dearly loved by all who knew him and his loss is a Democratic gain. He never disagreed with any but Democrats, and would have materially reduced the vote of that party had he not been so untimely cut off.
[From the Red Head “Stars and Bars”]
A child of Whisky Ben had an altercation with the Methodist preacher over at Michigan Gulley last sunday, and ended the discussion by caving in his abolition head. The boy has been presented with a new revolver by the Cumberland Presbyterians.
[From the Calaveras “Shrieker”]
The scoundrel who tipped over our office last month will be hung tomorrow, and no paper will be issued next day.
[From the Nigger Hill “Patriot”]
Four babies who had been put into the cage at Hell shaft yesterday while their mothers played a game of draw climbed over the side. We did not learn who won the last pot.
[From the Frog Spring “Herald”]
There is a fellow in town who claims to be the man that murdered Sheriff White some months ago. We consider him an imposter, seeking admission into society above his level, and hope people will stop inviting him to their houses.
(Source: California State Library, Microfilm Collection)
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