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.
Everyone was cheering as people came to get me, I was trapped. Assholes, I hate 'em all. They took me and tied me up. They had no legal authority to do this. They have to ask the ayuntaiento to a final decision like this. We were prosecuted to be hung and were taking to the center of town to be lynched. They stood us up atop a wagon and tied our hands good. I was on the left end, next to the big'n. No one tied ropes 'round our necks yet, they were saying something I couldn't hear at the bottom. All I saw was my father pleading with Markus. They were dragging him away by the force of two men, his attempt failed.
I needed to do something in this opportunity, but there was Goddamn police everywhere and they were armed. I tried real hard to get my hands free, with no luck. I got on my knees and tried to undo the big'ns with my teeth. It was a lil more loose, but still tied. Markus saw me doing that and ordered them to tie the ropes 'round our necks now.
The big'n looked at me while someone moved his mouth gag to over his eyes; what an insult. I was never given a gag, I was spared sight during my hanging. They slowly pushed the wagon back and one by one, we all fell. I fell last, but what would it really matter?
When I fell, I felt like I had no air in my lungs. I was just trying to keep that one breath of air I had; it was all I had left. God, I was lucky I didn't break my neck right then! I thought my life was over! I was a goner! But suddenly, as I look to the side to the big'n, I see his hands above his head. I watched as he pulled himself up to the post above all us. He untied himself!
The police pulled out their guns as I lost sight of him above me. I was being pulled up! I musta been all sorts o' purple. But this man saved my life. I caught my breath and we jumped to the side. The police tried to shoot at us but all that came out of their guns was marmalade! What joy met my eyes!
The big'n just ran, so I followed him. We were getting chased by the whole town now. The big'n was all swerve-y like, and by golly, we outran every single one of thems town folk. I just ran along with him, it was the rush that kept me along with him, I guess.
We ran until it got dark and when we knew we were safe, we stopped running. The first thing he told me was that "It'd be best I go to the mainland Mexico. No one would know me there."
I really didn't reply, I couldn't. I was exhausted. "Name's Red." He started.
"Richard." I mustered, still exhausted.
We walked through a couple towns and it turned out we were going north, not south. It didn't seem to bother him though.
We didn't talk much until we got to another town on the third night. I used the last of my money on another inn and on some food and whiskey and we relaxed on the two beds. He told me how grateful he was though I felt like I didn't contribute much to his survival. Even I or him didn't stay for his friends, they died. We were tired, but for some reason I can't figure out, neither of us could fall asleep. Finally, he came over to me and in one foul swoop, he kissed the living heck outta me!
I never seen it coming and for some reason, I kissed right back. It was so passionate. We were similar in body structure, but it was obvious that he was more muscular. He had short brown hair and the cutest blue eyes I've seen in my life. He had stubble running across his face and had the smell of tobacco on his person. He took off my shirt and I undid his. He has perfect pecks and a beautiful six-pack they my eyes were drawn to.
