 On March 10, 1854, Placer County District Attorney Philip W. Thomas shot Dr. J.P. Dickson of San Francisco in a duel outside of the city of Sacramento. A week prior, Thomas made disparaging remarks about J.B. Rutland, a clerk in the state treasurer’s office. Rutland wrote a letter challenging the district attorney to a duel and had his friend, Dickson, deliver it.
However, Thomas did not accept the challenge because he did not recognize Rutland as a gentleman. Dickson then submitted his own challenge, which Thomas accepted. The duel was set to take place March 10, 1854, in Sacramento County. The Sacramento County sheriff caught wind of the duel and sent a deputy to stop the affray. The dueling party had two men set up a mock duel to fool the deputy. H.O. Ryerson and Hamilton Bowie took 10 paces, turned and fired, purposely missing each other. The deputy arrested Ryerson and took him back to Sacramento while the true dueling party met near a place called Oak Grove.
Both men agreed to take 15 paces before turning to fire. Thomas fired a fraction of a second before Dickson and his bullet was true, entering the doctor’s right side and passing through his lung. Dickson’s shot hit the ground just in front of Thomas. Dickson died the following morning.
On April 28, 1854, Thomas was arrested by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office for violation of the Dueling Law. He posted $5,000 in bonds and was released. He was never tried, and he continued to serve as Placer County district attorney until 1861.
Photo: From our collection: Doctor’s bag, c. 1900
 Whether it’s representing your community or sharing your expertise on topics like agriculture or parks, there are always opportunities for you to help advise county leaders on the issues that matter to you most. Recruitment is open now to fill seats on the following committees or commissions, among others. Learn more and apply
Current recruitments include:
 Don’t miss the fun coming this next week in...
Roseville: March 22 – Nature Quest: Games Day at Miner’s Ravine Preserve, Food Truck Mania
Rocklin: City Strategic Plan Workshop
Lincoln: Celebrate National Quilting Day
Auburn: Auburn Winds "All Over The Map" Concert, St. Patrick's Day Parade and Dinner, March 20 – Suds & Buds Volunteer Hangout, March 22 – Broom Battle at Canyon View Preserve, Envision Auburn 2045, March After Hours Networking Mixer - Chamber of Commerce Event
North Lake Tahoe: Aprés in the Village at Northstar California
...and many Placer County Library and Placer County Museum events.
Visit our regional partners to discover more of the fun happening right here in Placer County!
Placer County Visitors' Bureau
North Tahoe Community Alliance
Tahoe City Downtown Association
The Arts Council of Placer County
Placer Valley Tourism
PlacerGROWN
Placer Wine Trail
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