In the spring of 1849 a small band known as the Texan company started for the southern mines. Among the members was one Richard C. Barry, who had obtained the title of major during the Mexican war, where he commanded a company of Texan rangers. Attracted by stories of the marvellous richness of the Tuolumne diggings, Major Barry and his party went to what is now known as Sonora. Emigration increased rapidly, and it became necessary that there should be a town organization, and Major Barry was chosen one of the justices of the peace. The position was one that gratified his pride, and filled the measure of his ambition ; he required his orders to be nnplicity obeyed, and the great dignity of his position to be respected. Justice Barry was a stout, red-faced man, of medium height, with an air of great resolution. His literary and legal attamments may be determined from the record of his rulings taken verbatim et liberatim from his docket, which consisted of loose scraps of paper carried about in his hat and pockets. His intrepidity and integrity of character elevated him to an office where coura^'e and resolution were often demanded. His court was omnipotent, and if disrespect was shown it a fine of from ten dollars to twenty ounces was imposed In his processes, forms, and ruling, he displayed a jiistesse de r esprit truly charming, as the following transcripts from his docket show.
Begin with case numbered 101. "In a caze where one James Knowlton brings sute again joss Sanchis fer felonously, and surreptiously, taking, stealing, and robbing the said James Knowlton, late of San Francisco. One buckskin purs or sack of gold-dust of the value of $4,000.
"After heering the evidence projuced in the case, I demand of Jose Sanchis whether he was going to plead guilty or not. Jose answered me thus, you find out. For which insolent, and abominable contempt of court I find him 3 ounces, and adjudged him
