America’s Last Emperor: Rope

Chapter Eight

Hanging of John Jenkins by the first Vigilance Committee, courtesy of the Museum of the City of San Francisco.

June 10th, 1851

Norton closed up the office near the Genesee at the end of the day on Tuesday and steeled himself for the walk to Brannan’s warehouse. He checked his pistols and walked up First Street. He paused at the corner of First and Mission, but it looked like the Union Foundry was closed up today — only the guard was on duty and he tipped his hat at Norton.