In all
the streets men on foot and horseback were constantly passing and
repassing, apparently engaged in their ordinary pursuits; but a close
observer could detect by the interchange of a word, a motion, or a
significant glance, that they had a mutual understanding and a common
purpose, and were on the alert and quick and observant of all that was
passing.
On Saturday evening, May 17th, in consequence of a telegraphic dispatch
from Mayor Van Ness earnestly requesting his presence, Governor Johnson
arrived in the City from Sacramento. He was met by General Sherman whom
he had appointed Major General of the Militia, Ex-Mayor Garrison and
some others. After a long conference with the Executive Committee at two
o'clock in the morning, he went with a sub-committee of that body to the
Jail. The Sheriff agreed that a detachment of ten men of the Vigilance
force should be permitted to enter and remain in the Jail to satisfy the
people of the safe keeping of the prisoner. It was agreed the Committee
should not take advantage of the permission to wrest the prisoner from
the hands of the Sheriff, but that if they should resolve such a course,
they would withdraw their guard.
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