They came in rather fast,
most of them law-breakers seeking protection, and a small minority of
reputable citizens honestly opposed to Vigilante methods. But the
armories were bare of rifles and ammunition. Sherman dispatched a hasty
requisition to General Wool, reminding him of his promise. Days passed
and no arms arrived. The new recruits were calling for them. Some of
them drilled with wooden staves and were laughed at. They quit in
disgust. Then Sherman went to Sacramento. Something was wrong. Johnson,
nervous and distraught, showed him a letter from General Wool. It was
briefly and politely to the effect that he had no authority to issue
arms without a permit from the War Department.
Sherman, always for action, seized his hat. "Come," he said, as though
the Governor were a subaltern. "We'll go to Benicia. We must have a talk
with General Wool." And the Governor went.
But Wool, though courteous, proved obdurate. The militia remained
unarmed.
CHAPTER XLVIII
SHERMAN RESIGNS
On Saturday, June 7, Benito found Coleman sitting at his desk in the
executive chamber of Fort Gunnysacks. His usually cheerful countenance
wore an anxious look, a look of inner conflict.
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