Hangtown: Secrets & Schemes: Book Two of the Hangtown Series

By John Pratt Bingham

The Hangtown series is the story of Zach Johnson's search for his soul. Zach struggles with morals, religion, sex, and love. In book two, Zach confronts the repressive forces of the Nativist Party; endeavors to understand  why God allows suffering; and is dumbfounded by  a series of dreams his love, Claire McCarthy, has. The adventure unfolds in Hangtown, a 1852 California mining town. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Bingham
• Release date: Jan 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9780997006124

John Pratt Bingham

John writes at the intersection of psychology and spirituality. He has a master's degree in each field. He has an interest in dreams, the Chargers, women's volleyball, and his six children and nine grandchildren.

Book preview

Hangtown

Secrets & Schemes

––––––––

John Pratt Bingham

But the stars that marked our starting

fall away.

We must go deeper into greater pain,

for it is not permitted that we stay.

—Dante Alighieri

Only a life lived in a spirit

that accords with our highest ideals

is worth living.

—C. G. Jung

Hangtown

Secrets & Schemes

––––––––

Book Two in the Hangtown Series

––––––––

John Pratt Bingham

––––––––

BINGHAM BOOKS

Copyright © 2018 by John Pratt Bingham Books

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from John Pratt Bingham.

Published by John Pratt Bingham Books

www.binghambooks.com

First Edition

ISBN-13 978-0-9970061-2-4 (paper)

ISBN-13 978-0-9970061-3-1 (electronic)

Copyedited by Lynette M. Smith of All My Best

Cover Design by Dave Fymbo of Limelight Book Covers

Photograph on back cover by Gretchen Taylor

Book Design by Mark D’Antoni of eBook DesignWorks

This is a work of historical fiction. While some historic names, characters, places, and incidents are used, they are nonetheless either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Table of Contents

Tuesday, January 13, 1852

Wednesday, January 14, 1852

Thursday, January 15, 1852

Friday, January 16, 1852

Saturday, January 17, 1852

Sunday, January 18, 1852

Monday, January 19, 1852

Tuesday, January 20, 1852

Friday, January 23, 1852

Saturday, January 31, 1852

Sunday, February 1, 1852

Friday, February 6, 1852

Sunday, February 15, 1852

Wednesday, February 25, 1852

Wednesday, March 10, 1852

Saturday, March 13, 1852

Monday, March 15, 1852

Wednesday, March 17, 1852

Tuesday, March 23, 1852

Wednesday, March 24, 1852

Thursday, March 25, 1852

Saturday, March 27, 1852

Sunday, March 28, 1852

Monday, March 29, 1852

Saturday, April 3, 1852

Friday, April 16, 1852

Saturday, April 17, 1852

Wednesday, April 21, 1852

Friday, April 23, 1852

Saturday, April 24, 1852

Sunday, April 25, 1852

Tuesday, April 27, 1852

Hangtown: Secrets & Schemes is dedicated to

Susan Bingham Romig

1

Tuesday, January 13, 1852

Zach hesitated before climbing the stairs to Matilde’s bedroom.

I just married Claire and promised I’d stay away from Matilde. But she’s asked me for a favor. She needs my help.

That’s the window that’s stuck, Matilde said, pointing to it as they entered. As you can see, there’s nothing to restrain the rain. I’m afraid all that water coming in will ruin my dresser. Do you think you can get the window closed?

I’ll see what I can do, replied Zach, as he leaned over the dresser to study the problem.

I’ll get some towels, Matilde said, dashing out of the room.

Lightning flashed as Zach pulled on the window. I’ll get this done as quickly as I can. I’m not comfortable being here.

Zach banged the top of the open portion of the window twice, and it slid down a few inches. He gave it another whack and the window closed.

Thank you, she said, as she rubbed by him with the towels.

I have to leave now, said Zach.

Matilde hopped to her feet. Not until I show you my appreciation.

She kissed him tenderly.

That wasn’t necessary, Zach mumbled.

You can’t leave now. Your shirt is wet, she said as she unbuttoned it. I’ll put it by the fire to dry.

That’s considerate of you, he said, but I need to get back to work. Your kiss was more than enough to say thank you.

Nonsense, replied Matilde, removing his shirt. The rain is increasing in intensity. You can wait here until the tempest passes.

I must go, he said halfheartedly.

Your pants are wet too, she said, as she untied them. They’ll feel better after they’re dry.

Zach acquiesced as she pulled his pants to the floor.

I see you find me desirable, cooed Matilde. Let me show you how much I desire you. Claire has no right to complain. She’s just had uninhibited sex with Max. If you think she did it to save the town’s money, you’re more naïve than I think you are.

Before Zach could respond, Matilde slipped out of her clothes and lay on the bed. She drew Zach close and whispered, Kiss me.

The touch of her soft lips thrilled him.

I shouldn’t be doing this, he thought, as they caressed.

A clap of thunder directly overhead interrupted their enchantment.

This is wrong, Zach said, sitting up. I must go.

No, it’s not, she responded. This is what we both want. Relax and enjoy yourself. We’re just getting started. Kiss me again.

I’m married, said Zach, getting out of bed. I love Claire. How could I betray her like this?

Zach dressed and ran all the way to the newspaper office, oblivious to the cloudbursts that accompanied him.

***

Hi, Zach. I see the heavens opened up, said Dave, his pressman. I bet you’re glad to be out of the storm.

More than you know, replied Zach. I got caught in a deluge. When the lightning came, I ducked into the El Dorado Hotel.

It looks like you did more there than avoid the rain, said Dave, grinning. Your shirt isn’t buttoned right, and when you left here it was tucked in. Had a little hanky-panky, did you?

No. I had to relieve myself while it was raining and did so quickly. I didn’t take the time to tuck my shirt back in, said Zach.

Your story would be more believable if you didn’t reek of perfume, laughed Dave. Tell me what happened.

I picked up the mail and was returning to the office when the rain began. The lightning sent me into the El Dorado Hotel, which I thought would be a safe haven. I was sitting alone at the bar when Matilde appeared. She was wearing one of those suggestive dresses Claire made for her, said Zach. She offered me a drink.

What’d you say? asked Dave.

I told her I didn’t have time for a drink, that I needed to return to work as soon as the storm passed, said Zach.

What happened next?

She asked me to do her a favor.

I can imagine what that was, said Dave, shaking his head.

The window in her bedroom was open and wouldn’t close. There was nothing to stop the rain from coming in. She asked me to fix it.

Couldn’t Flann do that? asked Dave.

Normally he would, replied Zach. But he was in Plymouth buying wine. I was the only one around. She took me by the hand and led me upstairs to her room.

That Jezebel! said Dave. Why don’t I have your luck?

She tried to bed me, said Zach. I was sorely tempted. In the end, I was able to resist doing something I’d regret later. What kind of man am I, that I’d even consider being with her? I’m not looking forward to telling Claire. She’ll never trust me again.

You’d better tidy up before you go home, said Dave. I believe you didn’t poke Matilde, but I’m not sure Claire will believe you.

2

Wednesday, January 14, 1852

Zach didn’t sleep well. When he awoke, he went to a private place in his temporary home to read Morning Prayer.

Let’s see what the assigned lesson for today is. Romans 2:17–29. I wonder what Paul has to say.

But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast of your relation to God and know his will and determine what is best because you are instructed in the law, and if you are sure that you are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth, you, then, that teach others, will you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You that forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You that abhor idols, do you rob temples? You that boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? For, as it is written, The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.

Circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law; but if you break the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. So, if those who are uncircumcised keep the requirements of the law, will not their uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then those who are physically uncircumcised but keep the law will condemn you that have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly nor is true circumcision something external and physical. Rather, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly, and real circumcision is a matter of the heart—it is spiritual and not literal. Such a person receives praise not from others, but from God.

Holy shit! According to Paul, I’ve dishonored God by what I’ve done, to say nothing of how my actions will affect Claire. I must tell her, but I don’t want to hurt our new marriage over something as trivial as this. After all, what I did with Matilde wasn’t really adultery; it was just a dalliance. It’d be cruel to make Claire suffer by telling her.

***

When Zach entered his office, Roberto was talking with Dave, Chen, and Lee.

Thump! said Roberto. That’s the sound the cage makes as it hits the ground, trapping the bear inside. Roberto was telling the men how he captures a grizzly bear for his bull and bear fights.

The only dangerous part occurs when the bear is moved from the log cage that’s ensnared him into the iron cage that’ll be his home in transit, he continued. If the bear breaks free, someone has to shoot him. No one wants that, so I’m careful making the transfer. I haven’t had a problem yet. So, who’s with me?

I’ll help, said Dave. You make capturing a grizzly bear sound easy, but I doubt it is. I’m imagining years from now telling my grandchildren how I helped capture a big old bear. I can see the expression on their faces now. He grinned.

Yes, you can count on Lee and me too, said Chen, speaking for his Chinese colleague. This sounds exciting. When do you want to do it?

Bears like to hibernate till spring, said Roberto. I think we should plan on going to Sly Park at the end of March. I’ve had success finding grizzly bears there. In the meantime, I want to finish building the grandstands that sit on top of the animal’s holding pens."

Getting the grandstands built before spring shouldn’t be a problem, said Dave. This Saturday I can come to Circus Hill to help you, but right now I have to get back to work. I’ve a lot of typesetting to do before we print tomorrow.

Thanks, Dave. I’ll see you Saturday morning, said Roberto. Chen, Lee, time to get back to work.

After the men left, Dave asked Zach, What did Claire say when you told her about Matilde?

I couldn’t bring myself to tell her, said Zach. I need time to settle my emotions.

Things will work out for the two of you. It may take her a while, but she’ll forgive you.

Before Zach could reply, the front door flew open. It was Kay.

Zach Johnson, I just heard you married Claire. That’s not okay with me, and I want you to annul the marriage immediately. You owe it to your son to marry me so he can be legitimate.

Kay, nothing has changed. I have no intention of marrying you, said Zach.

If you won’t marry me, then I’ll marry someone else. My son is going to have a father. This other man will raise and discipline little Zach and I won’t let you spend time with him. Is that what you want, to have nothing to do with your son?

Of course it isn’t, but I won’t be blackmailed into marrying you. When you calm down, I’m sure we can find an arrangement that’ll work for both of us and the boy.

I’ve had it with you! Trust me on this, your son will never know you’re his father, screamed Kay, as she ran out of the office and down the street.

That’s one angry woman, said Dave.

I didn’t tell her anything I haven’t told her before, said Zach. She just wants her own way, and when I won’t give it to her, she has these emotional outbursts. As unpleasant as these eruptions are for me, I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like for my son to have to deal with them on a regular basis. Ugh!

I know what you mean. I wouldn’t want a woman like that to be my mother.

How are you and Mary getting along? asked Zach. I appreciate Mary helping Claire to heal.

We’re good. Mary’s excited that it won’t be long before she takes over Johnny Studebaker’s shop. She can hardly wait.

You’ve got your hands full of construction jobs, don’t you? Let’s see, you’re helping Roberto, you’ve promised Pastor White you’d help rebuild his church, and you’re going to convert Johnny’s Studebaker’s wheelbarrow shop into a laundry for Mary. Right?

That’s right, said Dave, shaking his head as he chuckled. Because of everything I’ve committed to doing, I had to tell Pastor White not to count on me on a regular basis. Fortunately, there are a lot of experienced builders in his congregation who can help him, so I don’t feel bad about stepping away. I told him I’d like to make a sculpture of Nurse Morris that he can display on the church grounds. He liked that idea.

Claire told me she’s going to make a sketch of Nurse Morris that you can work from. She’s eager to help you.

Her sketch will make the statue possible. I’ve never made a sculpture before and I don’t have drawing skills, so Claire’s rendering will provide me with what I need. If I can envision the statue, I’m confident I can make it, said Dave. It’s the least I can do to honor her after all she did for Mary and so many others.

Zach and Dave worked for a while, and then Zach asked, What are you typesetting?

I’m working on an ad the Rev. Flavel Mines sent us. Trinity Episcopal Church on Pine Street in San Francisco is holding its first services on the twenty-fifth of the month. Rev. Mines paid for an ad announcing the Church’s opening that he wants run both this week and next. I don’t understand why he’d want an ad here; Hangtown to San Francisco is a long way to go for a Sunday service.

It is a long way, but I’m thankful we have a new advertiser, said Zach. Joe will be excited to learn a new Episcopal congregation has formed. He wants to organize one here in Hangtown.

When does your brother complete his training?

He’ll be ordained sometime this spring. I’m hoping he’ll be in Hangtown early in the summer. I think you’ll like him; he’s a good guy.

I’m looking forward to meeting him and having him bless your marriage. Do you plan to invite Kay to the blessing? asked Dave, almost doubling over in laughter.

Oh, that’s funny. Can you imagine what she’d do? It gives me the chills to think about it. I’m eager for Joe to get here. I miss him a lot.

What’s this week’s editorial going to be about?

I’m writing about welcoming immigrants to Hangtown, said Zach. I’d like Hangtown to receive them with open arms. After all, many of them will become our friends and neighbors—or, as with you, they’ll become someone we fall in love with and marry.

***

"It was after six o’clock when Dave and Zach called it a day. They walked together through the chilly air to Claire’s boarding house; Zach to take Claire home, Dave to take Mary to dinner. Both women were impatient to see their men.

Hi, Claire, Mary, said Zach. Claire, are you ready to head home?

Yes, it’s been quite a day, she said. I’ve a lot to tell you.

Let’s get started. We can talk on the way; I’m ready for something to eat, he said, reaching to open the door.

Hello and good-bye, Claire, said Dave with a wink. Mary, are you ready to go? I’m hungry too.

Yes, Dave, I’m almost ready. I’ll grab my coat and be right back. I’d like to go to the Virginia House; is that all right with you? One of my cousins works there. He told me they’ve a curry lamb plate we have to try.

Curried lamb, huh? I’m not a spicy food guy, but I’ll give it a try.

Enjoy your meal, said Claire. I’ll be interested in hearing if the curried lamb is as good as advertised.

Zach and Claire walked a block up Cedar Ravine, crossed the street, and entered their temporary home, the Cedar Ravine Hotel. It was small, but comfortable and quiet. They wanted to find a house to buy, but hadn’t come across one they both liked.

Zach and Claire entered the hotel dining room. The room was decorated with dark red wallpaper offset by shiny white molding and pictures of every President, which were carefully placed on the walls. Zach and Claire chose a table under a picture of James Polk. They ordered their meal and continued talking about their day’s activities over a glass of Zinfandel.

The fittings went well. Not many changes were required, which is always nice. However, when Mabel White, Pastor White’s wife, told me of their vacation in San Francisco, the fear of God filled me.

Really? What’d she say?

As the two of them were walking along the waterfront, a man sprinted up behind her, grabbed her purse, pushed her to the ground, and dashed off.

Is Mabel okay?

She’s scraped from hitting the ground, and she’s still frightened, but that’s all. It helped that there was nothing of value in her purse. After they walked a short distance, they found it. It was empty.

Did either of them get a good look at the man? asked Zach.

Mabel didn’t, but Pastor White did. He told the clerk at their hotel what happened and the clerk told the Whites he might be able to help them. The clerk wanted to know how old the man was, what he looked like, and what he was wearing.

What’d he do with that information?

The clerk belongs to a group of citizens that call themselves the Vigilance Committee. He wrote down what Pastor White told him and said he’d report it to the Committee. At breakfast the next morning, the Whites were told the Committee had found the man, recovered her possessions, and punished the thief for what he’d done.

I don’t like mob justice, said Zach, but at least she got her possessions back.

I’m glad we aren’t living in San Francisco. It’s a scary place.

I don’t want to live in San Francisco either, said Zach. I love it here in Hangtown. When I interview ex-Governor John McDougall at breakfast tomorrow, I’ll ask him how dangerous a place San Francisco really is. Since he lives there and has had dealings with the Vigilance Committee, he should know if it’s safe or not.

I like to go to San Francisco once or twice a year to check out the fashions they have on display, but I won’t go if it isn’t safe.

I don’t want you to go if it isn’t safe, said Zach. I’ll know more after my meeting.

After a brief pause, Zach said, I’ve some news for you too.

What’s that? asked Claire.

The Hangtown Merchants Association is planning on honoring me at their annual dinner Sunday night as the Hangtown Hero of the Year. Jeb Stuebe, the Association President, told me if Max had gotten away with the money he stole, a lot of Association members would’ve been ruined.

Oh, Zach, how wonderful for them to honor you. I’ll have to wear something special.

I’m sorry they aren’t honoring you too, said Zach. When I told Jeb your actions were as instrumental in saving the money as mine were, he disagreed. He said you didn’t do anything special or out of character. ‘Once a prostitute, always a prostitute.’ I wanted to punch him in the face.

As long as you understand what I did and why I did it, that’s good enough for me, said Claire, taking Zach’s hand in hers.

I do. I love and respect you for what you did. I have something else to tell you and this is difficult for me.

What’s that, my love? she asked, giving Zach’s hand a gentle squeeze.

I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but I have to do what I believe is right. Don’t you agree?

Of course, said Claire. What’d you do?

Kay recently told me that Red fired her because she no longer could work the hours he demands. Her morning sickness limits her.

What’s that got to do with you?

I’ve given Kay money to offset what she’s no longer making, confessed Zach. After all, if I hadn’t gotten her pregnant, she wouldn’t have lost her job.

I don’t like the idea of you giving money to Kay, but she’s clearly in need. How much have you given her?

So far I’ve given her twenty-six dollars.

What do you mean, so far? Are you planning on giving her more? How much more? How long do you intend to support her?

I don’t know how long I’ll need to support her—at least until the baby is born, perhaps after that. I haven’t thought that far ahead, said Zach, rubbing his chin.

The longer you support her, the more dependent on you she’ll become. You’re a generous man for wanting to help her, but you’ve got to know when to stop. The newspaper can’t support her family and ours too. You’re going to have to tell her when you’re going to stop, because I won’t have her leeching off us any longer than necessary.

I obviously need to give this more thought, but I feel better having told you. I’ve been reluctant because I was afraid of your reaction.

Zach, now that we’re married, we’re a team. We need to work together on these things. I’m glad you told me. Why don’t you and I figure out how much we can afford to give her and set a limit? We’ll tell her we can do this much, but no more.

That makes sense, but working with Kay isn’t easy. Just this morning she burst into the newspaper office and demanded I annul our marriage. She threatened me by saying if I don’t marry her, she’ll marry some other man, and he’ll raise little Zach as his own. She said she wouldn’t allow me to see my child and she wouldn’t tell little Zach I’m his father. When I told her again that I wouldn’t marry her, she let out a deafening wail and ran out of the office. Dave was stunned; he’d never witnessed anything like that.

I’m not happy about supporting her, but I won’t allow her to pull us apart either. If we can stay together as a team, make decisions that work for both of us, I think we’ll be fine, said Claire. Just don’t make any more unilateral decisions, okay? If you do, I’m afraid you’ll be handing Kay the power to come between us and destroy our marriage. Do you understand what I’m saying?

I understand. I can’t tell you how relieved I am you’re not yelling at me. I hate it when you do. It makes it hard for me to bring up matters that are difficult to talk about. On the other hand, I like the idea of the two of us being a team and making joint decisions. Let’s go to our room. I want to show you how much I love you and appreciate your support.

That’s an excellent idea, responded Claire. Being your partner in and out of bed is what I want.

3

Thursday, January 15, 1852

Zach awoke early, read Morning Prayer, and left to meet the recently retired governor, John McDougall, at Wakefield’s.

Morning, Lucy, said Zach. I’d like a table for two in a quiet corner.

Governor McDougall is already here and is waiting for you over there, said Lucy Wakefield, pointing to a table near the front door where the governor was shaking hands with the other patrons.

"Governor McDougall, I’m Zach Johnson, the owner and publisher of The New Republican newspaper here in Hangtown."

Pleasure to meet you, Mister Johnson. I’m an Independent Democrat, not a Republican; I hope we can get along. I’m not looking for another duel, he said, with a grin and slap on Zach’s back.

I’m not here to stir up trouble, but I would like to hear about what went on with you and A. C. Russell, said Zach, sitting across from the handsome man in his mid-thirties.

After ordering, Governor McDougall began speaking about how A. C. Russell, the editor of The San Francisco Picayune, had been constantly antagonistic to his policies.

I grew tired of his relentless criticism and, four days after leaving office, we had a duel. His shot missed me, but I hit his hand and he went whimpering off. My confidence was strong after that, so I challenged another critic to a duel. He chickened out and told the police, who arrested me to prevent the duel from happening.

I thought duels were legal, said Zach. I’m surprised the police arrested you, especially with you being governor and all.

You’re correct, dueling is legal. The imbeciles in the state legislature tried to pass a law making it illegal, but I vetoed it. Shit, man, it seems obvious to me that all the duelers eventually will kill each other off, so a law stopping it isn’t needed.

When Lucy brought them their breakfast, Governor McDougall asked if she had any whiskey.

I’m sorry, Governor, said Lucy, I don’t serve alcohol.

That’s too bad. I like to start my day with a shot.

Zach knew the governor had a reputation for being earthy, but this request caught him by surprise.

When I was a miner at the start of the gold rush, Governor McDougall explained to Zach, I found whiskey to be my best friend. Never has a bottle said no to me, refused to accompany me wherever I went, or said critical things to me. I love whiskey.

Zach sought to refocus the conversation by asking McDougall to tell him about the Vigilance Committee.

I didn’t care for those bastards, the Governor began. Indeed, in one of my last proclamations, I condemned their lawlessness. They’d just lynched two dumbass criminals and had another criminal they planned to execute. I needed to take a stand against their defiance of San Francisco’s elected leaders, but all I could do was issue a proclamation condemning their actions. They ignored my proclamation and hanged the fellow the next day. Without a state police to enforce my will, there was nothing I could do to stop them—and they knew it. That made me furious.

How did the Vigilance Committee get so strong? asked Zach.

The Vigilance Committee was a response to San Francisco’s government not being able to stop all the crime that was going on. It’s entirely England’s fault, if you ask me.

England’s fault? I don’t understand.

England shipped a substantial number of their most ruthless criminals halfway around the world to Van Dieman’s Island and to New South Wales. When these men finished serving their time, they boarded ships that brought them to San Francisco. As the Sydney Ducks’ numbers grew, they became impossible to control.

Sydney Ducks? Who are they? asked Zach.

That’s the name given to the criminals England deported who’ve made their way here from Down Under. If the British had dealt with their own scalawags instead of shipping them off, San Francisco wouldn’t have the lawlessness it has. The Sydney Ducks assault and rob people, murder at will, and start fires to distract the police and firemen, which allow the thugs freedom to plunder shops and homes. The Sydney Ducks are vicious, coldhearted barbarians.

What does the Vigilance Committee do that city officials can’t?

The Committee operates outside the law, city officials can’t. The Committee made it known right from the start they’d see to it that no thief, burglar, incendiary, or assassin escaped punishment. Whenever the Vigilance Committee believed the police or the courts were too lenient on someone, they’d break into the jail, remove the prisoner, and exact a harsh punishment. As Governor, I couldn’t allow this. If California is going to be a society governed by the rule of law, we can’t have people taking the law into their own hands.

I agree. How effective has the Committee been?

Right from the start the Committee’s tactics were successful. The sharp reduction in crime relieved and delighted the people of San Francisco. The Committee’s achievements led to a rapid growth in their membership.

At least the Sydney Ducks were restrained. Is it still dangerous for someone like my wife to visit San Francisco?

Your wife doesn’t need to stay away. She’ll be okay. If she goes to San Francisco to rob or murder, then she’ll clash with the Vigilance Committee. But law-abiding citizens don’t have anything to worry about. If you ask me, their influence has peaked. I doubt they’ll be around by the end of the year. The local authorities can handle things now. I hate to admit it, but the Vigilance Committee has done a good job of bringing crime under control. Don’t quote me on that. That comment is off the record.

Fair enough, replied Zach. I won’t print it.

There’s a political movement you should keep your eye on though.

Oh, what’s that?

I’m speaking of the Nativist Party and their super secret Order of the Star Spangled Banner, or OSSB, as they refer to it, said the Governor. The Nativists want the country to be free of all outside influences. ‘Americans must rule America’ is one of their favorite slogans.

Who are the outside groups they want to remove?

Roman Catholics and the Chinese are their primary targets in California, said McDougall. Back east it’s the Irish and German immigrants who are Catholics.

Why do they want America free of Roman Catholics? asked Zach. My wife is a Roman Catholic.

Catholics are a threat because they’ll do whatever the Pope tells them to do, said McDougall. The Nativists are Protestants, poor merchants and factory owners, who are afraid the massive influx of Irish and German immigrants will enable the Catholics to win elections and force the Protestants to do whatever the Pope decrees. The thought of that has the Nativists terrified, and they’re committed to forcing Catholics out of America. I heard not long ago a group of Nativists tarred and feathered a Catholic priest in Maine as a warning to other Catholics to get out and stay away. Here’s another example of their distorted thinking. Nativists insist public schools have compulsory readings from the Protestant Bible. They think this will change Catholic children into Protestants. Nativists are cabbage heads.

What kind of person joins their organization? asked Zach, trying to hold back a laugh.

To be a member, you have to be a White man, a Protestant with Protestant parents, and not married to a Catholic woman. You couldn’t belong if you wanted to, chuckled McDougall.

I don’t want to be a Nativist. I disagree with everything they advocate.

"I want you to keep an eye on them because their popularity is growing. They’re particularly strong in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, where Catholic immigrants have settled in large numbers. Because the Catholics arrive poor and without jobs, they’re crowded into tenements. Unable to support themselves, they commit crimes at alarming rates. The Nativists promise to bring an end to their lawlessness and to purify America by driving all the foreigners out. They’ve already begun their cleansing campaign by attacking Irish and German neighborhoods, including their churches. Instead of condemning the Nativists for these bloody raids, the public’s response has been admiration and appreciation. I find the Nativist activity disturbing. What happened to the rule of law this country was founded on?

This puts my wife in a dilemma. She’s from Boston and fantasizes about returning in order to be safe from the lawlessness in California. Returning to Boston isn’t going to provide her with the safety she wants, is it?

Not as long as the Nativists are active there, said the Governor.

How active is the OSSB in California?

There’re politicians in San Francisco and Sacramento who are running for state office on the Nativist platform. Beware of them. They’re just getting started, but like their brethren back east, they thrive by using falsehoods to breed hatred and fear.

Falsehoods?

Yes. One of the most successful methods the Nativists use for attracting new members is by distributing lurid literature that’s full of lies, said McDougall. Recently it was revealed that the author of one of their trashy pamphlets pretended she was an escaped nun. This woman described in shocking detail what’s supposed to be going on inside convents. Get this, she wrote nuns secretly bury their unwanted babies in the dark corners of the abbey. Nuns having secret babies—can you believe the inanity they’re peddling? Yet her book has sold over three hundred thousand copies! This is the kind of rubbish the OSSB uses to stir up fear and hatred toward Catholics. When the fear and hatred has taken hold, the Nativists present themselves as the only party capable of restoring America to what it used to be. The Nativists are dangerous because they’re full of guile.

I’ll have to interview one of the Nativists and ask about the OSSB, said Zach.

Don’t bother. Whenever a Nativist is asked about the OSSB, he’s been told to say, ‘I know nothing.’ Those of us who deal with the Nativists regularly refer to them as the Know Nothing Party.

Know Nothing Party, said Zach. That’s not the name of a Party I want to belong to.

They’ve talked that feeble old man Daniel Webster into running for President on their ticket. They hope his reputation will carry them to victory. I have my doubts, but he should get a lot of votes.

Where do you stand on immigration? asked Zach.

I’m as much for California being for Americans as the next guy. Hell, I supported laws prohibiting Negroes from entering California, and I took aggressive action against the Indians. I made sure the State Treasury reimbursed local governments like Marysville and Shasta City for the bounties they paid for Indian scalps. While I did what I could to keep the number of primitives to a minimum, I supported Chinese immigration. They’re a cut above these other folks. We need the Chinese to fill the state’s labor shortage and to settle the land. Shit, I told the legislature that the Chinese are one of the most worthy classes of all our newly adopted citizens. The Chinese are peculiarly suited to the climate and character of California. But, wouldn’t you know, those nitwit legislators didn’t agree with me. To discourage more Chinese from entering California, the legislature has plans to pass measures that’ll make Chinese lives more difficult than they already are. I’d veto that legislation if I were still in office, but my successor, John Bigler, was elected because he’s anti-Chinese. He’ll sign the restrictive measures into law. That nincompoop claimed the Chinese are morally and intellectually inferior to everyone and are the cause of all society’s ills. What crap that is! We live in disquieting times. You may want to interview Bigler and hear his intolerant attitudes for yourself. He was a newspaper owner and editor before he got into politics, so you have something in common.

I’m glad you support the Chinese, said Zach. Some of my closest friends are Chinese. From what you say about Governor Bigler, it appears he and I have very little in common.

I’m glad you feel that way. Be sure to vote for me next time I run for office. I need your support. You’ll have to excuse me now; I need my morning whiskey. I spotted a gambling hall on my way here. I can kill two birds with one visit. Thanks for breakfast. The Governor rose from his chair, shook Zach’s hand, and bolted out the door.

Do I have time to tell Claire about my meeting? No, Dave needs my help so we can distribute the paper tomorrow.

***

How’d the interview with Governor McDougall go? asked Dave when Zach walked into the office.

"McDougall is an interesting man. He’s not lacking for self-confidence, and he doesn’t put on airs. He was a soldier, miner, and merchant before he entered politics, which makes him easy to talk with if, and I repeat if, you don’t disagree with him. He’s thin-skinned and holds a grudge. He told me about a duel he had with a newspaper editor who was repeatedly critical of him and of a second