Soldiers and Sailors infected by gold fever
Colonel Richard Mason (19)
- Colonel Richard B. Mason succeeded Kearny as governor on May 31, 1848. He served that position until April 13, 1849. Combating the desertion of soldiers and sailors from their posts, on July 25, 1848, he issued a proclamation to civilians to assist in turning in those who had deserted.(20)
"Persons employed at the mines are reminded that up to this time they have enjoyed the high privilege of digging gold on government land without charge and without hindrance. In return for this privilege they are bound to assist in apprehending deserters and of giving notice to the nearest military officer where they are concealed.
A dragoon force will soon be at the mining district and will traverse it in every direction, to arrest deserters from the army and navy and to apprehend such citizens as harbor or employ them."(21)
- Despite these measures, the desertions continued, and no dragoon forces ever appeared at the mines, mainly because no one was left to be employed in one.
