Hanging | laph

LAPOLICE HISTORY

HANGING TRIBUNALS IN LOS ANGELES

“Ever since that earlier day when the mayor of the town had resigned his position in order to go out and lynch a prisoner who was under the protection of the law of the land, Los Angeles was ruled by a lawless mob. It must be acknowledged that the law as administered by the legal courts was not much better than that administered by the lynchers for the reason that the mob elected the judges and the sheriffs and all the rest of the county officers and if they failed to stand in with the rowdies, the gamblers, the saloonkeepers and the squawmen, they couldn’t be reelected.

All this is disagreeable to recall and to record, but it is a part of the city’s history. The people of Los Angeles made that history. They sowed the wind and reaped the whirlwind. “As they sowed so did they reap.” On the Old West Coast, Horace Bell pg. 166

It was shortly after the ambush and brutal murder of Sheriff James Barton that the citizens of the County of Los Angeles mobilized to hunt down and exterminate the band of robbers that perpetrated this awful tragedy. Indeed the entire population was active in searching for the Daniel Flores gang. This intense search included a house by house search of the entire city of Los Angeles by the City Marshal Billy Getman and his Deputy Robert Hester. They started their search at the northeast part of town and worked their way down, arresting 40 possible suspects.

Meanwhile, a short distance outside of the city limits, near the San Gabriel Mission, Cyrus Sanford was attacked by four of the Daniel Flores gang members who managed to flee Los Angeles without detection. They attempted to rob Cyrus however; a gunfight ensued between Cyrus and the four gang members. Luckily for Cyrus, one of his friends named Stockton quickly joined him in the gun fight. The gunfight continued for a while, resulting in one of the gang members named Miguel Soto getting shot in the thigh. Soto became enraged and unable to shoot Cyrus or his friend; he retaliated by shooting Sanford’s horse four times. Then, trying to flee the scene, Soto attempted to mount his horse with his wounded leg but was unable to ride his own horse, so he ran into a nearby marsh and covered up his body with mud and weeds, making his detection almost impossible.

While Sanford and Stockton were searching for Soto, three other men came by and upon learning what happened, they assisted with the search. Unable to locate Soto, they set fire to the marsh, which immediately exposed Soto who was promptly shot the heart and killed. Unable to recognize the robber, they cut off his head and took it to the nearest town which was El Monte, to be identified. Deputy William Peterson examined the severed head and recognized it to have belonged to Miguel Soto, who was arrested earlier in the year by Peterson.

With the three other gang members on the loose, they began searching for the other gang members and found them nearby and arrested them. They learned these three were not only connected to the attempt robbery of Cyrus, but also involved in the murder of Sheriff Barton. The individuals arrested were Juan Valenzuela, Pedro Lopez and Diego Navarro. Upon their capture, word spread and the citizens immediately organized a vigilante court, tried the prisoners and sentenced them to be hung. However, as they attempted to hang the three murders, the rope they used was old and worn and broke in the course of execution. Unable to give the three a proper hanging and not wanting to wait for a suitable rope, the three were given the next best thing and were shot dead. The Los Angeles Star Newspaper commented on the incident as follows: “Thus four of the banditti who recently committed the murder of Sheriff James Barton and his three associates, have expiated their offenses with their lives-and others will follow.”

Indeed, others did follow, for within a month the City of Los Angeles hung over eleven individuals connected with the murder Sheriff James Barton. While the courts handled routine crimes, outrages such as the murder of the Sheriff were handled by the vigilance committees that administered immediate and swift justice.

Vigilance committees were impromptu courts organized shortly after the capture of a violent suspect. Typically, someone would be appointed to serve as a judge, while others were formed into two groups, one representing the victim, or people and one group representing the accused. All available evidence, which was mostly testimony from eye witnesses and the victims were heard. After presenting the evidence, a judgment would be made, which for the city of Los Angeles, was always an immediate hanging. After satisfying their self-imposed requirements, the mob would assemble at the city jail and demand the release of the accused for immediate execution. While there are several recorded attempts to stop these mob hangings by early police officers and jailers, they were without exception overrun.

In the City of Los Angeles, legitimate hangings ordered by a judge after a court hearing, usually occurred on Fridays around noontime. The jail at the time had a yard in the back, which was frequently used to hang prisoners. When a hanging occurred, the two gate doors were simply swung opened exposing the crossbeam. A platform was then placed between the two upright posts and a rope thrown over the crossbeam. The event was attended by a priest, the sheriff and his deputy along with some of the volunteer rifle units for security. Once on the hanging platform the prisoners were allowed to talk to a priest and pray. After talking to the priest, they were allowed to address the crowd. They sometimes were allowed to smoke a cigarette after which their heads were covered. The sheriff would repeat out loud the court order for the execution, then hang the individuals and leave their bodies hanging for a half an hour, after which the bodies were the given to family and friends for burial.

“While it is disagreeable to recall and to record…it is a part of the city’s history.”

Let us go back in time for a moment and relive the hangings of three men who once walked our city streets.

The newspaper called The Los Angeles Star gave a detailed description of some of the hangings that occurred in the city, three are recounted as follows:

James P. Johnson

December 3, 1857, James P. Johnson, today at three o’clock, has been fixed for the execution of this unfortunate man, for the murder of Henry Wagner, in the month of March last. He is fully resigned to his fate and awaits death with calmness. The reverend, Mr. Foreman, is in attendance on him, administering the consolidations of religion. In a conversation we had with Johnson, he reviewed the facts connected with his trial and conviction, and seemed to think that prejudice had considerable influence on the decision, on the part of the witnesses especially and also through public report. Many charges of violence had been made against him, without foundation, and expressions put into his mouth of which he had never made use. The circumstances connected with the killing, he explains in a manner, which would render him guiltless of the charge of murder, and in this connection he bears severely on the principle witnesses for the prosecution. We repeat these observations, because it is only justice to one on the brink of the grave, to enable him to explain the circumstances, which have brought him to so deplorable a fate. And although we have the utmost confidence in the integrity of the witnesses, the impartially of the court and the jury, we can easily conceive how difficult for the ones in his position to admit these qualities. Still, with all these natural feelings, Johnson expressed himself satisfied with the actions of the jurors, as they were constrained by their oath, to decide according to the testimony. With regard to the allegations of violence committed by him elsewhere, he had made explanations which will free the recollection of him from reproach. By request, these are for the present withheld from the public.

Whatever feelings may be entertained against him who commits the most serious offenses known to the laws of man, a visit to the condemned cell is well calculated to soften all aspirates and awaken for the unfortunate inmate the deep sympathies of our nature. We have never made such a visit, but the reflections arise whether hanging is the best disposition to be made of those who commit such offenses against society, and amidst such surroundings we can scarcely admit the proposition. But whilst the law is on the statue book, it behest must be obeyed, and the greater the necessity for a strong control to be kept over our angry passions.

Johnson is to expiate by the sacrifice of his life the commission of an offense which he states was unpremeditated, and unintentional, committed upon one whom he had reason to suppose was about to use a deadly weapon against himself into this condition he has been precipitated by the excitement of intoxication, for had he not acted so hastily, but waited for a demonstration by his poor victim, both we have no doubt, would be this day in the enjoyment of life and friends. But the demon of ardent spirits had possession of him, and thus through intoxication has another sacrifice been furnished to the offended majesty of the law.

Johnson will leave a wife and two young children to the care of a merciful God. During his imprisonment, this poor woman has exhibited the noblest devotion for her husband; her watching have been incessant, her exertions for his relief uninterrupted, nothing daunted by reverse or cold repulse, she continued straining to the last and when further exertions was in vain, her presence mitigated the rigors of the prison.

The final scene is under the management of our excellent Under Sheriff, Mr. W.H. Peterson, who has called for the aid of the Southern Rifles, under Lieutenants, King and Hillgard, and also for the French Military company, under the command of Captain Fargette. Los Angeles Star Newspaper

December 10, 1857, the execution of James P. Johnson, on Saturday last, the extreme penalty of the law was executed upon James P. Johnson. Previous to leaving the prison, Rev Mr. Foreman of the M.E. Church, with a few of his friends, the prisoner engaged in religious exercises. Shortly after two o’clock, the Sheriff and Undersheriff brought the prisoner from the jail, escorted by the Southern Rifles, the California Lancers, and the French Military Company, and proceeded with him to the place prepared for the execution. The scaffold was erected in a hollow of a hill a short distance northwest from the city. There was a very large concourse of people present to witness the execution. The prisoner walked with a firm step from the jail to the gallows, which he ascended coolly and throughout the protracted services on the platform evinced a calmness and firmness of mind truly astonishing. Rev. Mr. Foreman, who with their friends accompanied him, addressed the people, improving the opportunity to impart religious instructions, warning all present to abstain from the intoxicating cup, which had been the cause of leading their unfortunate brother to his untimely end. He then engaged in a singing prayer. After which, the prisoner advanced to the front of the platform and addressed the people at considerable length. We have received the statement which he made to Mr. Foreman, in prison, and as it is more full and explicit than that made to the people; we prefer publishing it to give a report of his address on the occasion. When Johnson ceased speaking, Elder Kerr engaged in prayer, after whom Johnson again addressed the people, briefly, and then supplicated the throne of Mercy in solemn and earnest prayer. Other religious services followed making the occasion one of particular interest and religious solemnity to those who had come to gratify a mere morbid curiosity.

When these exercises were ended, and the time appointed by law for the execution drew near, Johnson called certain of his friends around him, gave them direction concerning his family, and remained in conversation with them until the Sheriff intimated that he must now proceed with his disagreeable duty. The prisoner at once resigned himself to the hands of the officers, and assisted them as far as possible in adjusting the fastening of his arms and legs. This being accomplished, he took leave of his friends his hands were tied behind him, a handkerchief bound around his face and head, and the fatal rope carefully adjusted. The officers then stepped aside and the prisoner was left alone in prayer with his God. His last words were “Lord, to thee I commit my spirit.” The sheriff drew the bolt and James P. Johnson was ushered into eternity. He died instantly. There was not a convulsive struggle of the body. The preparations were carefully made, and the desired stillness pervaded the whole assemblage.

After the hanging the usual time, a coffin was brought and the body cut down and placed into it, which was conveyed to the Monte (El Monte) for interment. Los Angeles Star Newspaper

Luciano Tapia

Luciano Tapia and another individual named Leonardo Lopez robbed and murdered a store keeper named George Pflugart at San Juan Capistrano, on January 22, 1857. Tapia was found guilty in court and after receiving his judgment of death, he was allowed to address the court. The Los Angeles Star newspaper gives the following account:

Luciano Tapia was then brought forward to receive his doom, and in reply to the question what he had to say, why sentence of death should not be passed upon him, replied that although a number of witnesses had been examined, nothing was proved against him, there was no testimony to show that he had committed the act as charged against him.

He was asked if he had any further reason. He said they might hang him if they pleased, but the examination was illegal. The witnesses had visited him and then returned and gave their testimony. That was not right. They should have given their evidence and the description of him before seeing him.

He continued, “Mexicans have frequently been hung on the testimony of men who had never seen them before. Men come and look at one in prison and then go and swear against him. This has often occurred. There is no testimony against me; no one has proved that I committed the murder, only that I was in the town at the time. You may sentence me if please, but the testimony is not sufficient.”

The Court then addressed the prisoner and very fully reviewed the testimony adducted against him, stating that he had a full and fair trial, with counsel appointed to defend him, and that in the opinion of twelve men, the indictment of murder was fully sustained. The court added that he fully concurred in the verdict of the jury.

Judge Hayes then addressed the prisoner, reminding him of the short time before him and hoped that he would spend it so as to secure repentance for the errors of his past life and by the efficacy of his religion secure ever lasting happiness.

The court pronounced sentence, that the prisoner Luciano Tapia, be executed on Tuesday the 16th of February, at three o’clock in the afternoon. The prisoner was then removed. He seemed very weak and was assisted in walking by two officers. He is a tall man, and in full vigor, must have been a formidable foe as indeed his acts prove him to have been. Los Angeles Star Newspaper

Thomas King

December 3, 1857, INQUEST, on Sunday 27th an inquest was held at the Montgomery house, on the body of Lafayette King, before Justice Sackett and the following jury, W.C. Getman, R.A. Hester, W.W. Jenkins, Harvey Rhodes, Francisco de Johnson, D. Marchesseault, and Ely M. Smith. It appears that the deceased and others were playing cards in the Montgomery saloon, when a quarrel arose between him and a young man named Thomas King, which was hushed up.

But was afterwards renewed at the bar, as deceased was about to leave the house and which unfortunately resulted in his almost immediate death. “We find the name of the deceased to be Lafayette King, that he came to his death by means of a knife wound inflicted by Thomas King at the city and county of Los Angeles, on the morning of the 27th day of September, 1857, and that said killing was felonious.”

The accused was brought before Justice Sackett for examination but waived his right, and stands acquitted on the charges. The grand jury will be in session next week, who will take cognizance of the case and designate the charge on which accused shall be tired. Los Angeles Star Newspaper

Judge Norton, one of counsel on behalf of King replied that there was no further motion in the case, and begged that prisoner might have as long time as possible given him to prepare for death.

Judge Hayes then proceeded to pass sentence of death on the prisoner, Thomas King, for the murder of Lafayette King. In doing so, he reviewed the facts in the case and in a most solemn and impressive manner, admonished the unfortunate man to prepare for the great change awaiting him. The killing of the deceased, observed the court, was without excuse; it might have been avoided. Nothing was said by him, nothing was done by him to instigate the killing, and it was a clear case of murder without instigation. Such as act could only arise from malignance of the heart. And malignant, indeed must that heart be to prompt to the brutal murder of one who ever seems to have been the prisoner’s friend.

The Court pressed upon the attention of the prisoner the awful position in which he stood. He appeared to his good feelings, to his sense of religion, and his hopes for happiness, and admonished him to employ the short time allotted him in this world in preparation for the world to come, and by the practice and consolations of religion, to secure his peace with God. In this world there is no hope of escape; but by the soothing counsels of religion, your sins thought red as crimson may be all washed away.

The Judge then pronounced the awful sentence of the law, “That you, Thomas King, be taken back to the place whence you came, there to be detained till Tuesday, the 16th day of February 1858, on which day, at three o’clock in the afternoon, you will be taken to a place to be designated and there be hanged by the neck until you are dead. And may God have mercy upon your soul.”

During his address, the Judge was deeply affected.

The prisoner then arose and addressed the court, nearly as follows:

“Judge, you say that I killed that man in cold blood. Now, sir, I did not. I did it purely in self-defense. I did not commit murder. I know in my own heart I did nothing of the kind.” The prisoner became too much affected for further utterance, and retired in custody of the Sheriff.

Day of Execution for Thomas King and Luciano Tapia

February 20, 1858, Saturday, Execution of Thomas King and Luciano Tapia. The above individuals, convicted of the crime of murder in the month of December last underwent the extreme penalty of the law on Tuesday, in pursuance of the sentence passed on them by the Court.

Thomas King was convicted of the murder of Lafayette King, in this city, on the 26th of September; and Luciano Tapia was found guilty in the county, in the month of January 1857.

The execution took place in the jail yard, in which a number of citizens had assembled. The Southern Rifles were on duty within the yard and the California Lancers and French Company were drawn up on the outside.

Shortly after two o’clock, the prisoners were led from the jail, attended by the very reverend Father Racho and Reverend Father -----; at the foot of the scaffold, the reverend gentlemen engaged in prayer with and on behalf of the condemned, and were deeply affected, especially Father---, with the awful solemnities of the occasion.

On the conclusion of the religious service, the prisoners were led upon the scaffold by Sheriff Thompson and Under Sheriff Peterson, and took their seats on chairs provided for them.

The Sheriff then read the warrants for the execution, which were afterwards read in Spanish by Mr. Peterson.

Luciano Tapia then stood up and addressed a few words to his countrymen, (Sonoranians) advising them to take warning by his fate and to leave this country as it was no place for them adding that he was called to suffer for crimes perpetrated by others.

Thomas King then came forward and addressed the people, he said: “Gentlemen, I have but a few words to say. I am about to die, condemned for the willful murder of a man in the Montgomery saloon, in the month of September last. There is no use saying anything more on that subject now. I need not try to exculpate myself from that charge, for they have adjudged me guilty. None but God and myself knew my intentions and God knows that I did not willfully kill that man. But there is no use in saying anything more about that. We all have to die sometime, but I am to die now and in this manner. If I have offended any one I beg he will forgive me as I now heartily forgive anyone who may have offended me. Gentlemen I beg of you to pray for me, remember me in your prayers to God.”

The officers then approached the prisoners and made preparations for the closing scene. During this time the prisoners were receiving the exhortations of the clergymen and joined fervently in the sacred services. King audibly engaged in prayer to God saying, “Lord, Jesus, into thy hands I commit my spirit, Lord receive my soul, Christ have mercy on me.”

The prisoners were calm and collected, and in their address spoke in a firm one. Tapia smoked a cigarette while on the platform and threw it away only when the officers proceeded to secure his arms.

When all was ready, the fatal rope adjusted, and a cap placed over the face of each, the Sheriff drew the bolt, the platform fell, and the bodies swung from the beam. A few convulsive struggles and the vital spark left.

Immediately after the bodies were suspended, Father Racho addressed a few earnest and affectionate remarks to the assemblage in Spanish and English. He advised all to take warning by the awful example now before them, reminding them that all must die and pressing upon them the necessity of so living in love and service of God, that when their great change shall come they may be prepared for the enjoyment of the heavenly glory.

After hanging fully half an hour, the bodies were cut down, placed in coffins and carried to the Court House, from which they were shortly after conveyed and buried.

A considerable number of people collected on the hills commanding a view of the jail yard. Los Angeles Star Newspaper

Prepared by: Sergeant Roberto Alaniz #23529

Notes:

December 3, 1857, INQUEST, on Sunday 27th an inquest was held at the Mongomery house, on the body of Lafayette King, before justice Sackett and the following jury, W.C. Getman, R.A. Hester, W.W. Jenkins, Harvey Rhodes, Francisco de Johnson, D. Marchesseault, and Ely M. Smith. It appears that the deceased and others were playing cards in the Montgomery saloon,, when a quarrel arose between him and a young man named Thomas King, which was hushed up

But was afterwards renewed at the bar, as deceased was about to leaving the house and which unfortunately resulted in his almost immediate death. “We find the name of the deceased to be Lafayette King, that he came to his death by means of a knife would inflicted by Thomas King at the city and county of Los Angeles, on the morning of the 27th day of September, 1857, and that said killing was felonious.

December 12, 1857, Arrest of Leonardo Lopez, this individual as is stated on our first page, was arrested by the officers of San Jose, after a desperate fight, he having discharged no less than thirteen shots during the struggle. He was brought down here on the steamer surprise by our active Marshal W. C. Getman, and lodged in jail. He has been examined before Justice Sackett, and abundant testimony produced to exhibit his complicity in robbing a store in the vicinity of this city, in the murder of Pflugart, and other crimes. He has been remanded for trial before the District court. At present he is under the care of Dr. Griffin, who has extracted several balls from his body, others remaining for further operations, as the patient shall be able to endure them. Los Angeles Star Newspaper

People vs Luciano Tapia, trial for the participation in the murder of George Pflugart at San Juan Capistrano, January 22, 1857. In this case, Getman submits his bill for serving jury summons to potential juror. He itemizes as follows: $11.00 for serving, $9.00 for delivering notices, and$9.00 for travel, totaling $35.20. He signed his name and lists his title as Sheriff. Peterson is listed as Under Sheriff. Some of the jurors were former Los Angeles City Marshal, A.S. Beard, and George H. Bachelor., Court of Sessions, Docket 337, Decembers 16, 1857, Box 5 1857-1859.

December 12, 1857, District Court of 1st Judicial District, docket #334, People vs. Thomas King, charged with the murder of Lafayette king, on 9-27, 1857 in the Montgomery house, he was hanged.

December 20, 1857, Court of Sessions, People vs. Felipe Canedo, assault with a deadly thing, (weapon), a large brick, on Deputy Robert Hester. He was found guilty with clemency. One year State prison and fined $750.00, he was imprisoned until fine is paid not to exceed two years. The defendant struck officer Hester in the head with a brick, Docket 3343, box 5.

December 26,1857, District Court, First Judicial District, Honorable Benjamin Hayes, on Saturday, the court met pursuant to adjournment. Thomas King, was brought forward and the Judge informed him that he had overruled the motion made by council in his case for a new trial, and inquired if he had any further reason to show why sentence of death should not be passed upon him.

December 10, 1857, The execution of James P. Johnson, on Saturday last, the extreme penalty of the law was executed upon James P. Johnson. Previous to leaving the prison, Rev Mr. Foreman of the M.E. Church, with a few of his friends o the prisoner, engaged in religious exercises. Shortly after two o’clock, the sheriff and under sheriff brought the prisoner form the jail, escorted by the Southern rifles, the California Lancers, and the French military company, and proceeded with him to the place prepared for the execution. The scaffold was erected in a hollow of a hill a short distance Northwest from the city. There was a very large concourse of people present to witness the execution. The prisoner walked with a firm step from the jail to the gallows, which he ascended coolly and throughout the protracted services on the platform evinced a calmness and firmness of mind truly astonishing. Rev. Mr. Foreman, who with their friends accompanied him, addressed the people, improving the opportunity to impart religious instructions, warning all present to abstain from the intoxicating cup, which had been the cause of leading their unfortunate brother to his untimely end. He then engaged in a singing prayer. After which, the prisoner advanced to the front of the platform and addressed the people at considerable length. We have received the statement which he made to Mr. Foreman, in prison, and as it is more full and explicit than that made to the people , we prefer publishing it to give a report of his address on the occasion. When Johnson ceased speaking, Elder Kerr engaged in prayer, after whom Johnson again addressed the people, briefly, and then supplicated the throne of Mercy in solemn and earnest prayer. Other religious services followed making the occasion one of particular interest and religious solemnity to those who had come to gratify a mere morbid curiosity.

When these exercises were ended, and the time appointed by law for the execution drew near, Johnson called certain of his friends around him, gave them direction concerning his family, and remained in conversation with them until the Sheriff intimated that he must now proceed with his disagreeable duty. The prisoner at once resigned himself tot he hands of the officers, and assisted them as far as possible in adjusting the fastening of his arms and legs. This being accomplished , he took leave of his friends his hands were tied behind him, a handkerchief bound around his face and head, and the fatal rope carefully adjusted. The officers then stepped aside and the prisoner was left alone in prayer with his God. His last words were “Lord, to thee I commit my spirit.” The sheriff drew the bolt and James P. Johnson was ushered into eternity. He died instantly. There was not a convulsive struggle of the body. The preparations were carefully made, and the desired stillness pervaded the whole assemblage.

After the hanging the usual time, a coffin was brought and the body cut down and placed into it, which was conveyed to the Monte for interment. Los Angeles Star Newspaper

Judge Norton, one of counsel on behalf of King replied that there was no further motion in the case, and begged that prisoner might have as long time as possible given him to prepare for death.

Judge Hayes then proceeded to pass sentence of death on the prisoner, Thomas King, for the murder of Lafayette King. In doing so, he reviewed the facts in the case and in a most solemn and impressive manner, admonished the unfortunate man to prepare for the great change awaiting him. The killing of the deceased, observed the court, was without excuse; it might have been avoided. Nothing was said by him, nothing was done by him to instigate the killing, it was a clear case of murder without instigation. Such as act could only arise from maliguilty of heart. and malignant, indeed must that heart be that could prompt to the brutal murder of one who ever seems to have been the prisoner’s friend.

During his address, the Judge was deeply affected.

The prisoner then arose and addressed the court, nearly as follows:

Judge, you say that I killed that man in cold blood. Now, sir, I did not. I did it purely in self defense. I did not commit murder. I know in my own heart I did nothing of the kind. The prisoner became too much affected for further utterance, and retired in custody of the Sheriff.

He continued, Mexicans have frequently been hung on the testimony of men who had never seen them before. Men come and look at one in prison and then go and swear against him. This has often occurred. There is n testimony against me, no one has proved that I committed the murder, only that I was in the town at the time. You may sentence me if please, but the testimony is not sufficient.

(start with court dockets in box 5, 345. )

1858

Thomas King was convicted of the murder of Lafayette King, in this city, on the 26th of September; and Luciano Tapia was found guilty in the county, in the month of January 1857.

On the conclusion of the religious service, the prisoners were led upon the scaffold by Sheriff Thompson and Under Sheriff Peterson, and took their seats on chairs provided for them.

The Sheriff then read the warrants for the execution, which were afterwards read in Spanish by Mr. Peterson.

Thomas King then came forward and addressed the people, he said: Gentlemen, I have but a few words to say. I am about to die, condemned for the willful murder of a man in the Montgomery saloon, in the month of September last. There is no use saying anything more on that subject now. I need not try to exculpate myself from that charge, for they have adjudged me guilty. None but God and myself knew my intentions and God knows that I did not willfully kill that man. But there is no use in saying anything more about that. We al have to die sometime, but I am to die now and in this manner. If I have offended any one I beg he will forgive me as I now heartily forgive anyone who may have offended me. Gentlemen I beg of you to pray for me, remember me in your prayers to God.

The prisoners were calm and collected, and in their address spoke in a firm one. Tapia smoked a cigarette while on the plat form and threw it away only when the officers proceeded to secure his arms.

Immediately after the bodies were suspended, Father Raho addressed a few earnest and affectionate remarks to he assemblage in Spanish an English. He advised all to take warning by the awful example now before them, reminding them that all must die and pressing upon them the necessity of so living in love and service of God, that when their great change shall come they may be prepared for the enjoyment of the heavenly glory.

After hanging fully half an hour, the bodies were cut down, placed in coffins and carried to the Court House, from which they were shortly after conveyed and buried.

A considerable number of people collected on the hills commanding a view of the jail yard. Los Angeles Star Newspaper