Daily Alta California, Number 45, 15 February 1857 — Interesting Letter from Los Angeles. [ARTICLE]

INTERESTING LETTER FROM LOS ANGELES.

NEWS OF THE PAST FORTNIGHT--FULL ACCOUNT OF THE ARREST AND EXECUTION OF THE ROBBERS--ATTACK OF THE ROBBERS UPON THE EXECUTIONER --- FORTY MEN CAPTURED AT CAMPO SANTO— ARREST OF CHINO BAILLOS, THE MURDERER OF BARTON — HIS CONFESSION—GALLENT CONDUCT OF DON ANDREAS PICO— TEN OF THE ROBBERS KILLED— ESCAPE OF JUAN FLORES, JESUS ESPINOSA AND ANOTHER OF THE LEADERS OF THE BAND --- THEIR SUBSEQUENT RECAPTURE AND EXECUTION --- CONFESSION OF ESPIONOSA ---THE JAIL FILLED WITH PRISONERS AWAITING TRIAL— GREAT SUFFERING AMONG THE STOCK — THE PLAINS STREWED WITH DEAD CATTLE. January 29.--For a few days past everybody has been anxious to hear from the various parties now in pursuit of the robbers. We are yet ignorant of what may be doing. No blow has yet been struck here, but events accumulate. News has coe* of the killing of the ruffian Miguel Soto, and the sentence of three others to be hung. at San Gabriel ; also, the arrest of twenty more upon suspicion or to be used as witncsses. The excitement is intense. L — rushed into the school-room and informed me ; I had to adjourn immediately, for in these times, when everybody is so bloodthirsty, I can't bear to be locked up. It is fortunate that Barton and confreres were killed — it needed as great a calamity to move the selfish Anglo blood, that is here only greedy for money. For months these gangs of desperadoes have infested this city and county, robbing, stealing and killinr, almost with impunity, for when one of them has been braosrht to the courts, the lawyers and judges have almost uniformly found some way for him to get loose again ; but now that a great calamity has befallen the city, in the loss, not only of their civil officers, but of four good citizens, all the world is excited. It is a healthy excitement , and will lead to happy results. The clouds of barbarism that have so long hung over us are about to be swept away. We may look for health to the public morals, for the heart of the whole people is roused. We will yet have happy days here, and ere long we will enjoy the fruits of the many sacrifices we have been called upon to make. The blood that has been shed will not have been shed in vain. The news from the Mission is expected with impatience. The people are gathered in knots about the streets, advancing a thousand conjectures, in the absence of the truth— so prone is human nature to speculate upon events they would foreshadow. " Four robbers already as good as dead. The chances are that at least half of the other twenty will hang also." These are the conclusions. The human heart has all at once become a tiger. There is not dark blood enough in all California to pay for the four murdered men. We shudder at their fate and we urge on vengeance because we have not yet any victims. God grant that in this crusade against crime we do not prove ourselves devils. Here comes Jake Metecar! Four men have been hung at the Mission, after having been proved to be robbers. Osburn was judge, and his conduct of the cases was characteristic and satisfactory. Having heard the evidence against the criminals, he rose and put the question to the people — " All who are in favor ot hanging the prisoners will hold up their hands." His own hand was the first up, and was followed by all the people. The criminals were led to execution ; but the rope was defective, snd two of them fell to the ground. As they fell, Osburn drew his pistol and fired ; but the man at whom he fired jumped upon him, seized his pistol and returned the fire, which had no effect. He was instantly shot down by the people. Osburn never was nearer his end ; the desperado who attacked him had nothing to lose, and he hoped for vengence. ¶ The news of these acts was followed by a fearful report, incedible at first, but reiteration soon produced consternation and dismay all through the city, and some very ludicrous scenes occurred: Rumor said that the natives of the Mission were to join the natives of the Pueblo, and ravage and murder indiscriminately. All the women and children at dark were seen rushing into central houses. After a great deal of anxiety they were : safely stored ; and then the men rushed together, here and there, many of them fearful, seeking for advice or comfort, or for someone to knock them down. The sun was long past behind the hills, and the young moon was shining dimly, when a rumor spread that a body of men were collecting near the plaza, and another in the hills ; pistols and rifles, and guns were brought out, and discharged and reloaded; the noise was incessant and frightful to the Californians. There was really more danger from friends than enemies, from careless shooting. There were very few calm men. Some were thinking how they might escape massacre ; some blustered and cursed the Californians ; some cursed their guns, and others wanted guns ; some who wished to arrange a plan of action, were cursing the pusilanimity of the few and the noise and bluster of the many. At length, four companies were formed—English, Dutch, Irish and French volunteering. A rendezvous was appointed— from which we were allowed to go for blankets and return for orders. Then a picket of six men was asked for, to guard the ladies and children — these would be stationed in the middle of the city, and there was to be no fighting. They needed but six, but twelve offered themselves as victims. The rest of us were marched off to the Montgomery, where we expected to be sent directly against the enemy. We remained some time, and were then requested to keep sober through the sight, and be ready to report for orders at four o'clock tomorrow morning. It was now ten or eleven o'clock. The town was quiet, except the noise of the volunteers — no enemy had yet appeared, and it was doubtful whether any would come. So, without much fear — a double guard having been placed about town— we turned in. In the meantime several anxious prayers went up that the soldiers who had been asked for might come from Fort Tejon. Thus, after a day of stirring events, in which several of the fiercer passions of our nature had been intensely excited, we laid down to unquiet rest. Jan. 30. — This has been a day of fearful anguish to many people, for events have taken place which reveal to the natives, especially the unruly ones; the strongest power. This morning at four o'clock we were on the ground, armed with pistols, muskets, rifles, knives, &c. Our companies silently formed and marched to surround the town. We took our way to the Campe Sante, where we deployed through vineyards and swamps, stationing ourselves some thirty steps apart. The cordon once formed we gradually contracted till the whole upper portion of the town was encircled. Our orders were to shoot down any man who should attempt to escape without a pass. At the break of day we were all posted, silently awaiting for "something to turn up." Getman, the Marshal, and his party then commenced the search. It was a morning of consternation. It was long before any mum ventured to come out. They looked out and saw the cordon, then shrunk back, and those who were guilty sought concealment. They were taken by surprise. They never supposed the Americans would do different from what they had always done. They had been robbing and killing for months and no notice taken of them — the Americans were at least afraid of them — and the brutal assurance which had heretofore beguiled them, now foreook them. The Marshal entered each house, and as he found a villain, quietly tapped him on the shoulder and motioned to the guard, who silently marched him off to jaiL Thus the search continued till eleven o'clock, A. M., when a respite was granted, and it was found that some forty prisoners were secured, and among them some noted villains. Nothing important has occurred through the day. The people are gathered in knots, and one would think, from their talk, that they were mere blusterers. There is a quiet calmness in town unusual of late. What a delightful thing is confidence ? Faith in our own safety. To hear people talk to-day, one would think they never had a scare — that they had ever been heroes— but then everybody is under arms. Last night I saw men who were really calculating their chance of escape in the general massacre that was to take place. To-day they have forgotten the fears they expressed, because they are surrounded by daylight. Well, I have always read that darkness is a strong trial even to a brave man ; it must be a terror to a coward. There is much anxiety among the Califomians. I have been to the jail. Many women have been there, bringing little comforts to their friends among the prisoners. When did woman fail in charity or in alleviating the sufferings of man? God bless her ! Jan. 31. — The company of soldiers from Fort Tejon, so anxiously expected, have at length come in. Many now console themselves that they will hereafter escape guard duty. The movements to-day are all firm but quiet. Arrests continue to be made. Thoughts, words, acts, dreams, are now all of robbers and murderers. What a joyous time we will have hanging the rascals ! Not one shall escape; and what a merciless crowd we have got hold of to wreak vengeance upon ! If human sacrifices can give rest to the unquiet souls of the dead, they will soon be at ease, for a hecatomb of victims are ia readiness. The thirst for blood increases, and as each new prisoner is carried to jail, his name and acts are made known and magnified. There is little sober judgment in the people ; but they have resolved that there is no protection in the Courts or the law, and they are now about to make some notable examples. There is much excitement against lawyers, for it is declared, and with truth, that it is through their intervention that the present evils in a great measure exist. They, however, are considered necessary evils, and will not be disturbed. Nothing important has turned up to-day ; but it is determined that to-morrow morning another search shall be instituted in the lower part of the city. January has past. To this community it has been a most eventful month. The last days of December gave promise of abundant rain; there were many days of wet; the prayers to San Vicente were answered, and hope revived ; the earth burst with the fecundatory principle, and the green herbage everywhere peeped through soil, and humed into sunlight, O, it was glorious, to think that these barren hills, whose sands the winds had for so many months been rolling in clouds into the sky, would soon be clothed in green. The lean cattle seemed to snuff the coming food ; the birds sung more blithe, and everybody said—" One week of such weather, and we are safe ;" we had the weather, but we are not safe; for four wseks the weather has been extraordinary; the sky is cloudless, and much of the time summer heat has prevailed ; the last week the heat has been intensely oppressive. The earthquake, which for a time held the people in fear, has subsided, or ceased to frighten every body ; probably fifty shocks have been experienced ; many people are very timid, and would rush out of doors night or day. The last shock occurred about 2 A. M., and shook our house severely. D______ jumped out of bed, crying to me that "he would be damned if he'd stay in the house any more ;" he seized his pants and made for the door; I turned over and went to sleep. In the morning, D______ was asleep in his own bed. The steamer did not come for a long time — 21 days. The detention was food for conjecture, particularly as to the fate of San Francisco. The steamer came — it brought us no news, except the election of Gwin and Broderick as Senators. It excited but little remark ; the long agi tated question was settled; now, it is presumed, the Assembly will go to work for the people ; the next day the whole thing was forgotten. Personally, the mail brought me no news ; Mrs. H. says she will be here on the next boat ; it has been the next boat for a long time. I wish she would come, for she is a pleasant gossip. The steamer arrived when we were mourning for Barton, and she took away many persons who were fearful of the times. Drought and famine, and robbers, had disgusted many ; it is a vagrant county; everybody comes here, stays a day or two, then leaves; some come because they are sick, and they go away for the same reason; others come, thinking they can get in upon somebody and live without work, they leave because the people will not appre ciate genius ; others come with assurance that they can make business, and they leave satisfied that the necessities of the community must regulate its business. But, notwithstanding, so many go away, our numbers increase, and we have joyous times. We consider these days as our last, and the world with its follies and realities, as things to be taken with considerable allowance for exaggeration, but still the best that can be had, and not to be thrown away. To keep myself in humor with myself, I have a little school, which relieves me of many of the leisure and morbid thoughts I used to prey upon. Feb. 1. — Sunday— How beautiful is the air, the sky, the earth ; warm and sunny are the smiles of nature. The day opened with another concentric circle upon the lower portion of the city. The vineyards and all hiding places were looked into. Numerous arrests were made. About 9 o'clock a great cloud and a dark column of horsemen were seen approaching from below. They soon reached the jail. It proved to be a portion of Andres Pico's party bringing prisoner Chino Baillos, the murderer of Hogart, and also one of the murderers of Barton and company. The news spread from mouth to mouth, and then was a rush to see the bold and daring young rascal; the streets became blockaded. He has disclosed the names of all the band, and made a clean breast of his crimes. Soon after he was put in jail, the same party took him out, and started for the passes at Tuginga, where he promises to show the retreat of the rest of the band. He was taken in San Juan by his own country-men and parcnts. But little confidence has ever been felt for their professions ; but they have done nobly, and the Americans are under a lasting debt of gratitude to them. This general search has unlocked the memories of everybody, who, during the last three months, had been robbed or assaulted. They have been afraid to tell, because the thieves have had immunity in our courts. If brought to trial, some quibble has been found in the law by which the villains have again been turned loose, and many people hare endured wrongs, fearful of further outrage should they complain. But now that certain punishment is ahead— by the people— the names and acts all come out, and all the outrages of years past are to be atoned for at once. The magnitude of the atonement will bear a lasting effect upon the robbers. Don Andres Pico was sent out, because it was believed by many that tbe face of a Californian was the only one that could operate effectively ; and nobly did he fulfill his promise. He went to San Juan, and trailed the robbers into the mountains. The robbers separated into small parties, to avoid detection ; but the scent of a hound was never surer than that of Andres. He came upon them in their fastnesses, and slaughtered and captured them in detail. Three he disposed of on the spot, and four he brought in. Two of these last are to be used as spies; one (Chino,) was captured by a lasso. They relate that Barton fought like a lion after he was disabled, and that two men were killed and one wounded in the fight. The wounded man was brought to this city, and died, and was actually buried at the same time that we buried Barton and Baker. Thus, ten of the robbers are known to be killed, and then are four in custody, and several others of them are said to be coralled by Juan Thompson and others, between here and San Fernando. Little is said to have begged that they would leave him to die by himself, after be was shot in the stomach. They repeat that be begged this as a favor. But they mocked him in his death agony, and fired into his face Nemesis was swift this time. 2 and 3— lt is clearing up as if it intended to rain. Should it rain, it would seem as if God might yet renew his smiles on this county. Rain, however, cannot save the stock, for all its value is now is its hides, 2,000 head are said to have died at Chino. . The usual haunts of cattle are strewn with dead carcasses.' It is frightful to go out into the plains. The search for bad men continues ; and the jail is full. The examination commenced yesterday, and is very close. Seven were discharged. The evening bring, us eadting news of Pico and the robbers. The town is in a perfect rage at the escape of three prisoners Juan Flores, the captain, Jesus Espinosa, and another; and the worst of it is, they escaped from our own men. Pico trailed the robbers to San Juan, and from here he sent out scouts into the canons to search for ths robber den. After laying about for several days, his spies ease in with certain news. He started for it, in the Santa Ana mountains, and is the long and deep Cañada Santiago, discovered six, who,

on his approach, fled to the top of the mountain on their horses. From this retreat, Flores accosted Pico, applying to him all the classical epithets ia the Spanish language, and that we know is very euphonious. He commenced firing at him also, with guns and pistols. Pico thinking that, perhaps, there; were a larger number of them than appeared, sent an express for the Monte company, who were guarding a cañon some five miles distant. They came ; and as they ascended the hill, three of tbe robbers surrendered, while Juan Flores and two others, precipitated thomselves down a steep cañon on foot, and escaped. Dereming it impossible that they could escape, Pico went to San Juan to send up men to surround the mountain. There were many Americans, 40 Indians, with rifles, and the Californians, beleagering the mountain. At length the three robbers were discovered, and taken prisoners by the Monte company. It was their intention to bring the six prisoners into town, guarded by the Indians, Pico and the Monte company, 150 strong, and on arriving here, to form a circle, snd hang them all before the people. (He sent in word that he would be here to-day with them. Thinking the Monte men would watch more effectually over them than his own pooplo, he placed them in custody of the Monte men, who have a reputation for being savage.) They tied the hands of two of them, while they allowed Flores to have the use of bis bands, because be was wounded in the wrist. They arrived at Lodaca Yorba's night before last, and rested. The three robbers slept under one blanket, and untied each othen hands. About ten o'clock, they broke sway, and had got an hours start before their absence was discovered. They made ineffectual search. Word was seat back to Andres, who tore his hair, swore a thousand carajos, seized his two remaining prisoners, marched them back into the canyon, and hung them to the branches of a tree, where they now remain. The ears are on exhibition at the Montgomery. Thus three of the desperadoes are at liberty, through the carelessness of the guard; and we lose the spectacle of hanging, which in these dull times we need to keep up a healthy circu lation of tbe vital parts. Flores reports that Daly was a brave man. and was near killing him. Daly made the charge boldly with Barton, but his mule stampeded, and thus he became separated. When in the pursuit he saw he could not escape, he dismounted, fired his gun twice, killing Flores' horse. Then he drew his pistol, and he and Flores advanced towards each other on foot. Flores says he claimed the honor of dispatching him himself, and the band stood by while he did it. His thirst for American blood is so great that he wished to do all the killing himself. He and Daly struggled hand to hand for mastery, aad Flores was near being overcome. Daly's foot slipped and he fell, when Flores shot him dead in the mouth. In this excitement no one thinks for a moment that this county is disorganised; the officers are all killed or unqualified. The only law recognised is that of public safety; and the only escape of an accused man is his innocence. Justice is not hoodwinked; she avenges with open eyes. 4th. Clouds, clouds; the wind southerly; a sprinkling, and the air cool. To-day the escape of Flores is all the rage; Indeed it was an outrage. How glad everybody is that it happened with the Monte men— those frontier savages, who have spent their whole lives fighting Indians ! Thus, the other day they came in here to see what we slowmoving citizens were doing ! Monte is not popular just now, because just at the moment when they were desired to be ferocious, they took a freak of being kindhearted. Hurrah! hurrah! there goes a shout! something has broke ! Here comes Laraid, and the school room is all in commotion. Pancho Johnson and Ylacio Varela have re-taken Flores ! They are leading him into town, tied band and foot, and a rope round his neck. The Monte is forgotten now; now for a hanging. We'll surely have a spectacle ; but softly, some one whispers; perhaps they'll hang out there, and not again risk bringing him in. A brave villain is Flores. He broke from his guard sixty miles below town, nearly naked, he it caught today, thirty-five miles on the road to Santa Barbara, and eighteen horses are recovered; stolen since his escape. He has run the gauntlet the whole distance; his escapes are marvellous, but his industry and perseverance are not appreciated here. This evening the town is grouped together again, but now it it to say that Juan Flores is caught. In tbe language of the bewildered Dutchman, we exclaim, " Vat a beeples !" 5th. — After breakfast it began to rain. It is delightful to see it; for it is unnatural to see anything naked except the truth; and when everything else is clothed, the hills and plains ought to correspond, Every one says the rain has " set in jstt right," and will continue several days. What glorious times we shall have when the flowers come, and the grass affords a carpet on which we can roll like young boys again. Just now it would be impossible to pass a day without saying something of the robbers. It is the universal topic of conversation everywhere. Flores was brought in to-day. The rush to see him was equal to the arrival of the steamer. Every one has some new incident to relate, lt is said to have been Yankee curiosity that cut off the ears of the two hung by Pico. The parties had left the bodies l5 miles behind them, when a Monte man resolved upon the trophies; he turned back alone — rode ten miles, and his horse gave out; he walked five miles to the cañon, took off the ears, and walked back to his horse, which had recovered in his absence. Barton's watch was found on Flores. Baker's horse has also come in. 6th. — The rain it past, succeeded by that same cold, dry, northwest wind. There was a sweet shower yesterday, which greatly encouraged the grass and cows. 7th. — The people are getting impatient at the delay in hanging the rascals that are congregated in the jail. The thirst for blood is insatiable with a great many, and a broad distinction is made between Califomians and Americans. Americans are not made amenable to the people, although there are as many villains among them as the others. On Wednesday, a party started for Santa Barbara in search of Jack Powers, who is identified with several robberies here. On tbe way, at San Buenaventura, they seized Jesus Espinosa, a convict who was at the killing of Barton — who had escaped from the Monte men — and hung him to the branch of a wide-spreading tree, in the Mission village. They also seised and hung, at Santa Barbara, Berryesaa, a murderer; but they did not find Jack; he was always too cunning to be caught. Jack's career has been one of crime for years, and there are few who would not be glad to assist his exit. 9th — Yesterday was a quiet day. There was a rumor of a band of eight well armed robbers being near in the hills; but it did not cause any very great alarm. It it considered pretty safe now to traverse the country. To day the people have come in from the Monte, expecting there will be a hanging. The triangle was struck at one o'clock, calling the people together. There was a general rush, for everybody is interested in the proceedings. Judge Scott stated that there were some twenty prisoners now in jail, some of whom might be able to prove their innocence by a little delay. As they were secure, he moved that they be allowed until next Saturday, at 12 o'clock, to prove their innocence. Considerable opposition was made by the Monte men, but the motion was sustained, and the people dispersed. From the Los Angeles Star Extra we glean the following additional particulars : Expedition to Santa, Barbara— Execution of Two Men. On Tuesday, the 2d of February, a party, consisting of five persons, started out on an expedition to Santa Barbara. Near the Mission of San Buenaventura they surprised a party of the robbers in ambush, and succeeded in arresting one of them, who proved to be the notorious Jesus Espinosa, one of the gang who murdered Sheriff Barton. He was tried by the people and condemned to death. He was accordingly executed; previous to which he made a confession of his participation in the crimes charged against him. Confession of Espinosa,. The following is a translation ot the letter of Rev. Father Serrano, and the confession of Espinosa : In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. I, Domingo Serrano, curate of the Catholic Church In the Mission of San Buenaventura, having heard the confession of Jose Jesus Espinosa, native of Monterey River, aged about seventeen or eighteen yean; and considering the benefit which may result tn the numerous unfortunates who are imprisoned upon suspicion of robberies and murders, recently committed in or about Lot Angeles, by divulging some part of tbe confession, and having under consideration, at the same time, that it might serve to quiet and tranquiliie the feeling of the community, which is much excited by the belief of numerous secret companies or societies; and having taken into consideration the before mentioned, I have accordingly with deep solicitude labored to obtain his consent in the presence of witnesses, that I might reveal a part of what 1 had heard in confession, and that it all might be substantiated by him as true; and believing it to be the most advisable, 1 have made it in writing, and after reading, was signed ,by the culprit, the witnesses and myself, which it as follows : I, Jose Jesus Espinoia, fully convinced that after a few hours I shall have ceased to exist, and shall appear befcre the presence of God, to give a strict account of all the actions of my life, most truthfully say that we, the thieves and murderers, are but ten persons, namely : Antonio Maria Vareles or Chino, Andres Fontes, Juan Catabo, Juan Flores, Santos , Santiago Silvas, Leonardo Lopez, and the remaining one, which I only know as the "Ardillero," and who 1 confess is innocent, as he joined us after we had committed all the crimes. I also affirm that our organization dates back one month, or little less, in which time we have committed four murders, near, but not in, San Juan. We have stolen from three stores in San Juan, taking away goods and money, which, with that taken from the murdered persons, t think might exceed also, and about ten horses. This is the truth, which I sign with a cross before my name, as I cannot write. † Jose Jesus Espinosa. On the return of Mr. E. H. Ruebottom and party from Santa Barbara, they proceeded to the house of a man named Berryessa, whom they arrested and brought to trial. It appears this man had been tried and found guilty of a murder, in Santa Clara County ; had been ordered to be executed, and that he had been actually hung up, but being cut down before life become extinct, tbe body was given over to his friends who effected bis resuscitation. The mark of the rope still remained on his neck. Since then, he committed another murder. These facts having been proved satisfactorily, he was also condemned and executed. Besides these, Juan Flores, the captain of the gang, it in custody, awaiting execution. Making in all twelve persons, whose lives had been devoted to robbery and murder. A meeting of the citizens of Los Angeles was held on Monday, February 9th, when it was resolved to postpone action in the case of Juan Flores and others, now in jail, till Saturday next, the 14th inst. Vaxcablk Kxomsh Works.— A costly collection of beautiful books, all English editions, imported through the well known house of Daniel Gibbs & Co., will be sold to-morrow by Duncan & Co. at 11 A. M. The catalogue embraces -400 lots, richly illustrated works, comprising the Wilkie gallery, Vemon gallery, and other rare works of great merit. The Southern Vixetards Moving.— The Sea Bird brought up yesterday from Los Angeles 20,600 choice grape vines, consigned to Duncan A- Co., and will be sold at auction on Tusday next. - Board of Scpesvisobs. — The Board of Supervisor* met yesterday— the session wa» a long one. Our report of their proceedings is unavoidably crowded out of this morning's issue. Meeting. — A meeting of the Young Men's Christian Association will be held this evening, at the German Church, on Dnpont street, near Pin-.' Thanks.— We are indebted to James Mulhare for a file of New York Tribune' t, through the Pacific Express.