July 24, 1842
I've long kept this journal and told you my secrets because I aint gon' tell any'n else. Meh.... probably for the best. I'll always keep you on my person though, thats a give it.
I'm 24 and yet to have found a wife. That's been the mass hysteria to my father. He plans on marrying me to some pretty thang from another town but I have no interest. No one ever asked me why I don't want to get married. It can't be forced. It has to be two people meeting each other in a blaze of passion. That's how I see it, I tell you.
Today was a pretty bad day in the mines; Jerry has it out for my head, I swear. Goddamn smart guy though. I think the illusions of having a great life out in California with the gold is what brought me here.... and to amount to what? I miss my old life in Virginia. But then again, I was dirt poor there; Where is my real home, is it here?
July 25, 1842
Oh, man! What a funny tale today! Lil' Joseph put marmalade in the guns again. I tell you, my brother has it out for dem police types. Dad's always told me to respect them savages anyway. They don't do us'a one! That's for sure. But it just kills me when Joey goes and does that. I laugh writing it!
Oh.... also, There's this trial for these thieves tomorrow. Seems mighty big to me. Got no clue how that's going down. Apparently they were trying to rob poor ol' Mr. Wrethold but got caught. Poor fools...
July 30, 1842
By, golly journal! This is a story for the books!
I feel kind of contemporary about myself knowing the past is over and that all is now the present and future to come. But its probably better this way, I'll explain:
The day of the court changed everything. I watched in the courtroom as the criminals were being tethered up at the front near Markus, the leader of our settlement, here. There were three of 'em criminals. One was big, muscle wise, and such. The other two were hiding their faces though. Don't know why, I just gave all my attention to the big'n and boy, did he look ticked!
I wasn't paying attention too much to what Markus was saying to the whole village in the one cramped room. I was just starin' at the big'n. He had his mouth gagged with a black cloth and wearing a rich man's hat. He musta stol'n it.
I snapped back to reality when Markus shouted, "What do we do with these vixens?"
I looked at the big'n. He looked mighty mad at all us folk. Someone shouted, "Hang 'em all!" which was seconded and supported by most all in the room. The big'n opened his eyes all wide. Right then, I saw him staring at me. I felt really bad and all, he was in the prime of his life, the nicest looking face I've ever seen and in a position like a lil' rabbit. But his bright blue eyes were starin' into my very soul!
"No! People, let 'em be! Some jail time'll set 'em right!" I shouted.
Everyone was looking at me then, I tell ya!
"You be quiet now, boy." My father started.
"You best listen to your father, son." Old man Hallow added.
But I couldn't help it. I have been treated like a baby and a second-class citizen all my life. I had to take charge somehow!
"Let 'em go!" I continued.
"Boy, this is your final warning!" Markus yelled, outraged at me.
"No! I don't care! This is autonomy! I was once an American! We don't have values like this. We're a people, so let'm go!"
"We aint American, boy. We's Mexican citizens here in California! Get 'em fellas." Markus finished.