In researching a lynching in Santa Rosa Press Democrat of 11 December 1920, this bit of California history was mentioned:
ONE WOMAN LYNCHED
What is reputed to be the only known lynching of a woman in the history of California, occurred in Downieville in 1851. As described by Charles L. Felton, an eye-witness, she was a young woman of Spanish extraction, one of the belles of the camp.
One summer morning as she was standing in front of her cabin an American approached her and addressed her in what she later declared was insulting language. She replied by plunging a dagger into his heart.
An improvised jury was quickly summoned and adjudged her guilty. She was hanged a short time later, saying. “Adios, mis amigos,” as the rope was placed about her neck.
The complete newspaper is found here.