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Charles E. Boles (1829-ND) http://tinyurl.com/CBoles

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Po8

From "Here I Lay Me Down to Sleep," 1878, and "This Is My Way to Get Money and Bread," 1879.

Reader: Kevin Hearle

California's past is spicy with legends of banditry. But few of these tales are as intriguing as the story of the innovative character known as "Black Bart the Po8." Charles E. Boles was a Civil War veteran who had served with General Sherman during his "March to the Sea." A former forty-niner, Boles returned to California after the war and there adopted the guise of "Black Bart," who famously robbed Wells Fargo strong boxes while leaving behind a bit of verse in exchange. Here are two of his more famous poems.

Here I Lay Me Down to Sleep Here I lay me down to sleep To wait the coming morrow. Perhaps success, perhaps defeat And everlasting sorrow. Let come what will, I'll try it on, My condition can't be worse, And if there's money in that box 'Tis money in my purse.

This Is My Way to Get Money and Bread This is my way to get money and bread. When I have a chance why should I refuse it? I'll not need either when I'm dead, And I only tax those who are able to lose it. So blame me not for what I've done, I don't deserve your curses; And if for some cause I must be hung, Let it be for my verses.

"Black Bart" was eventually captured in San Francisco and sentenced to six years in San Quentin. He served just four before being released early for good behavior.