hubert howe bancroft - Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History ...

310 PERIOD OF CIVIL WAR. 4
system which would have ended in guerrilla warfare,
had it not been promptly checked. 32
The intelligence received in June that Lincoln was
renominated excited extraordinary enthusiasm. The
remainder of the summer was a political joust," in J
which there was much confident anticipation on one ^
side, and some rather feeble attempts to seem confident
on the other. Frequent processions were indulged
in, and almost any night, as the election drew
near, the democratic broom-rangers of San Francisco,
as they were facetiously named, paraded the streets, J
following after a band playing Dixie Land, Johnny
Comes Marching Home, or other popular songs of
the confederates during the war. Then came the
momentous days of the presidential election. Every
precaution had been taken to prevent any disturbance
at the polls. Business was suspended, drinking-places \
closed, and additional police placed on duty. The
city was dressed in the national colors, and the
weather being bright presented an inspiring appearance.
Every face met upon the streets wore a look
of earnest and suppressed feeling. Even ordinary
conversation was carried on more quietly than usual.
There was no doubt of California, but there was
anxiety about the east, for the copperhead influence *
had been increasing there also. Late in the day the
82 An organization was formed among the farmers and residents in Santa
Clara county for procuring volunteers for the confederacy, and also the
money to support them. Several robberies were perpetrated on the stageline
from Placerville to Carson in Nevada. In June 1864, two coaches were
robbed by a party of eight men, who secured eight Backs of bullion, and a i
box of treasure. Their captain sent a receipt to Wells Fareo, & Co., for
S cash, signed ' B. Henry Tngram, com d'g co., C. S. A. Dep't sheriff
Staples, of El Dorado, was killed in arresting some of the gang. Sheriff
Adams, of Santa Clara co., and a Mr Conney, were wounded in the capture
of others. Thomas B. Poole was tried and hanged for killing Staples.
Mountain Democrat, Sept 30, 1S65. A number of the organization were arrested
at a democratic meeting in San Jose in Aug. Hnya Cat Pol; vii. 72.
Three union men in Tulare co., were killed because of their union sentiment.
Among 100 guests at some springs in Santa Barbara co., were only two i
union men One left to avoid trouble, and the other, a Carolinian, who had j
left his state to avoid rebellion, was killed. Four other union men who accompanied
him as far as Texas, were murdered there for their loyalty.
^Dartini He/lee. Hispan. Amer., 1-4.