[2] On the evening of July 23, 1862, there was a prison breakout by up to 300 inmates,[3] later regarded as one of the biggest and bloodiest in American history, with Chellis being taken hostage.
This escape was no exception and a large posse tracked down the escapees; Chellis was released relatively unharmed in the process.
[6] According to a letter to the California Secretary of State from a resident of Myrtle Creek, Chellis, who was unknown to him, had appeared at his house on September 9.
[6] Chellis was suffering from a urinary stricture and other health problems, which made him nearly unaware of his surroundings and unable to care for himself.
[6] He had no information with him indicating whether he had any relatives, and if so where, so Buick asked for the Secretary of State's assistance in attempting to notify Chellis's family.