We are most heartily, profoundly glad to add here that at least one of the assassins (Worden) who planned and executed the wreck of that train and the murder of their fellow-beings has been sentenced to pay the penalty with his life, and that over the lives of six others the same fate hangs. May full justice be meted out to them.
CHAPTER IX.
AT THE AMERICAN RIVER BRIDGE.
TOWARD evening B Company received orders to be in readiness to relieve the company on guard at the bridge over the American river. This was hailed as glorious news both by those who had already been there and those who had lived in anticipation of this trip to that paradise of posts. Even to a stranger the eagerness of the men, as they rolled their blankets or packed their haversacks, would plainly indicate some pleasant duty about to be performed. Now, in the minds of many, a grave question arose, prompting those, at least, who had already served at the bridge to avoid all collisions with the captain, namely, “Who should remain behind, in charge of the street and tents?”
Deep was the thought on this vexing subject, when the astounding news spread through the street that Max Claussenius had volunteered to remain in charge. Wonderful self-sacrifice! Of all deeds the most heroic of the campaign!
At six o’clock the upper and lower track guards were relieved, our boys from the upper guard joining the company as it fell in in heavy marching order, preparatory to boarding the train for the bridge. Having received his orders, the Captain led the company to the train, on which we were quickly hurried off toward the bridge.
LIEUT. MCIVER, U. S. A., MAJ. GEO. R. BURDICK, COL. W. P. SULLIVAN.