d places fixed by
law. As a judge of the highest court of the country, I should be
ashamed to look any man in the face if I allowed a ruffian, by threats
against my person, to keep me from holding the regular courts in my
circuit."

Terry's murderous intentions became a matter of public notoriety, and
members of Congress and Senators from the Pacific Coast, in interviews
with the Attorney-General, confirmed the information derived by him
from other sources of the peril to which the United States judges in
California were subjected. He, in consequence, addressed the following
letter on the subject to Marshal Franks:

"DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE,
"WASHINGTON, _April 27, 1889_.

"JOHN C. FRANKS,
"_United States Marshal, San Francisco, Cal._

"SIR: The proceedings which have heretofore been had in the
case of Mr. and Mrs. Terry in your United States Circuit Court
have become matter of public notoriety, and I deem it my duty
to call your attention to the propriety of exercising unusual
precaution, in case further proceedings shall be had in that
case, for the protection of His Honor Justice Field, or
whoever may be called upon to hear and determine the matter.
Of course, I do not know what may be the feelings or purpose
of Mr. and Mrs. Terry in the premises, but many things which
have happened indicate that violence on their part is not
impossible. It is due to the dignity and independence of the
court and the character of its judges that no effort on the
part of the Government shall be spared to make them feel
entirely safe and free from anxiety in the discharge of their
high duties.

"You will understand, of course, that this letter is not for
the public, but to put you upon your guard. It will be proper
for you to show it to the District Attorney if deemed best.

"Yours truly,

"W.H.H. MILLER,
"_Attorney-General_."

A month later the Attorney-General authorized the employment of
special deputies for the purpose named in the foregoing letter.

CHAPTER XII.

FURTHER PROCEEDINGS IN THE STATE COURT.--JUDGE SULLIVAN'S DECISION
REVERSED.

Mrs. Terry did not wait for the release of her husband from jail
before renewing the battle. On the 22d of January, 1889, she gave
notice of a motion in the Superior Court for the appointment of
a receiver who should take charge of the Sharon estate, which she
alleged was