About ten o’clock January 22, 1851, two desperadoes disguised as Indians, attacked a gentleman named Watkins, near the corner of Powell and Union streets. Their object was without doubt, robbery, and perhaps murder, but their designs were frustrated by the coolness and courage of Mr. Watkins, who instantly presented a Colt’s revolver and fired, wounding one of his assailants severely, whereupon the other took to his heels.
The wounded rascal managed to escape by crawling beneath an untenanted house near by until Mr. W. departed. Our citizens, such as leave occasion to traverse north beach or vicinity late at night, would do well to always be well prepared to give any one who may assail them a warm reception.
