8 CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES [Proc. 4th Slr. 



financial failures of the year before, and the speculative trans- 

 actions of each busy and exciting day, resulted in an im- 

 mense amount of litigation. News from the outside world 

 was scant, and except for world events of sensational magni- 

 tude the people depended for their news on local happenings 

 and the developments of the courts. In consequence, the local 

 editors of the newspapers were of unique importance, and the 

 court news was greatly sought after by the public. Mr. Hit- 

 tell began by reporting law news for a German paper pub- 

 lished in San Francisco. His previous training now became 

 of great value. The accuracy of his reports, the inclusion of 

 all of the essential points of a judge's decision, the fidelity to 

 facts, soon attracted the attention of the editor of the "Bul- 

 letin." This paper was founded by James King of William 

 in the latter part of 1855, and by its fearlessness in attacking 

 criminals and dishonest men in public life, and by its decency 

 and vigor, in a short time reached the distinction of being the 

 leading newspaper in the city. Mr. Hittell soon became the 

 law reporter for the Bulletin and was such at the time of the 

 assassination of James King of William and the revival of 

 the famous Vigilance Committee in 1856. Though not per- 

 sonally a member of the Vigilance Committee, he was their 

 staunch supporter, their reliable chronicler. He logically be- 

 came the local editor of the Bulletin, which was a position of 

 great responsibility and importance during these stirring- 

 times. He prided himself upon the accuracy of his columns, 

 and no news was printed that was not true and trustworthy. 



He retained his connection with the Bulletin until 1860. 

 The rising tide of disunion had brought California actively 

 into the national contest. In the State were many of South- 

 ern birth or with Southern sympathies, of great energy, re- 

 sources and influence. Mighty and successful efforts were 

 made to keep California in the Union. These were the his- 

 toric days of Baker, Broderick and Starr King. For a year 

 previous and during the first part of Lincoln's campaign, Mr. 

 Hittell was the local editor of the San Francisco Times. He 

 was very patriotic in sentiment, an ardent Union man, and 

 gave valiant service for the cause of human liberty. 



During this period, on June 12, 1858, he married Mis? 

 Elise Christine Wiehe. She was the daughter of Dr. Carl 



