glers began to settle, two alcaldes were chosen, a first and a second, following the Mexican fashion.
Among the storekeepers of the place w^as one Pickett, afterward surnamed "the philosopher," so that Philosopher Pickett, which, indeed, is but another name for Fool Pickett, became famous throughout California. Now Pickett unfortunately shot a man dead in self-defense; and Pickett must be tried for it. It was the duty of Bates, first alcalde, to place the homicide under arrest. But Pickett was a man of pronounced proclivities; and to handle him roughly was regarded a little dangerous. Bates promptly resigned office. The second alcalde, Fowler, was then urged to perform the same duty, and he also resigned.
Sam Brannan, the man of emergencies, and one who feared neither philosopher nor fool, was then the chief merchant of the place, his store bemg in an adobe building east of the fort. Brannan called a meeting of the people to consider the matter. This was before the days of popular action jure divino, when to punish informally was infinitely worse than not to punish at all; hence it was thought necessary to hold an election for the purpose of filling the vacancies caused by the resignation of the trembling officials. One alcalde, however, was deemed sufficient, and Brannan was chosen for the position. A prosecuting attorney was likewise required, but no one seemed to relish the office, as each person nominated immediately declined and proposed another. Finally Brannan was obliged to accept that office also. A sherifl' was then elected, the offender arrested, a jury empanelled, and the trial begun. On being brought into court, which was held in a room on the western side of the fort, Pickett was requested to lay his arms on the table, which he did. On the same table stood a plentiful supply of brandy and a pitcher of water, of which judge, jury, prisoner, and spectators partook at pleasure during the trial; the brandy, from its rapid dis
