After the execution of the two men mentioned, the interesting trial of Durkee for piracy, the settlement by purchase of certain private claims against city land, and the deportation of a number of undesirable citizens, the active work of the Committee was practically over.  It held complete power and had also gained the confidence of probably nine-tenths of the population.  Even some of the erstwhile members of the Law and Order party, who had adhered to the forms of legality through principle, had now either ceased opposition, or had come over openly to the side of the Committee.  Another date of adjournment was decided upon.  The gunnybag barricades were taken down on the fourteenth of August.  On the sixteenth, the rooms of the building were ordered thrown open to all members of the Committee, their friends, their families, for a grand reception on the following week.  It was determined then not to disorganize but to adjourn sine die.  The organization was still to be held, and the members were to keep themselves ready whenever the need should arise.  But preparatory to adjournment it was decided to hold a grand military review on the eighteenth of August.  This was to leave a final impression upon the public mind of the numbers and powder of the Committee.

The parade fulfilled its function admirably.  The Grand Marshal and his staff led, followed by the President and the Military Commanding General with his staff.  Then marched four companies of artillery with fifteen mounted cannon.  In their rear was a float representing Fort Gunnybags with imitation cannon.  Next came the Executive Committee mounted, riding three abreast; then cavalry companies and the medical staff, which consisted of some fifty physicians of the town.  Representatives of the Vigilance Committee of 1851 followed in wagons with a banner; then four regiments of infantry, more cavalry, citizen guards, pistol men, Vigilante police.  Over six thousand men were that day in line, all disciplined, all devoted, all actuated by the highest motives, and conscious of a job well done.

The public reception at Fort Gunnybags was also well attended.  Every one was curious to see the interior arrangement.  The principal entrance was from Sacramento Street and there was also a private passage from another street.  The doorkeeper’s box was prominently to the front where each one entering had to give the pass-word.  He then proceeded up the stairs to the floor above.  The first floor was the armory and drill-room.  Around the sides were displayed the artillery harness, the flags, bulletin-boards, and all the smaller arms.  On one side was a lunch stand where coffee and other refreshments were dispensed to those on guard.  On the opposite side were offices for every conceivable activity.  An immense emblematic eye painted on the southeast corner of the room glared down on each as he entered.  The front of the second floor was also a guard-room, armory, and drilling floor.  Here also was painted the