It may be difficult for the Mexican government, under existing
circumstances, to prevent such incursions, but it is expected that every
practicable effort will be made for that purpose.
You, may exercise your discretion as to the time and the manner of
bringing the subject to the notice of that government.
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Winslow to
Mr. Hunter.
Commercial Agency, United States,
Guerrero, Mexico, September 26, 1871. (Received October
28.)
No. 9.]
Sir: I have to report that, on the 18th
instant, a party of about seventy-five Indians, supposed to be
Comanches, made a sudden descent upon the ranches contiguous to
Laredo, in Webb County, Texas, near to the high road leading from
that place to San Antonio. A party of Indians first attacked the
ranch of Rafall Arispe, fifteen leagues from Laredo, on the road to
San Antonio, called the Pintas. Here they carried off, as captives,
two children of Cecilio Benevedis, and one of Siriac Gonzales, both
of Guerrero. They also stole fifty tame horses, and burned some
outhouses, and killed a great many cattle. The inhabitants betook
themselves to the houses, and were not attacked. They next proceeded
to the Alamito, the ranch of Benito Garcia, a citizen of Laredo, and
destroyed a flock of sheep belonging to Refugio Benevedis, of
Laredo, and murdered two shepherds. From thence they proceeded to
the Bessero, the ranch of Cassimero Benevedis, and stole twenty-five
horses. The people, terrified, fled to a house, and shut themselves
in; but unfortunately one boy was overtaken, and killed by two
pistol-shots.
The fourth ranch attacked was that of Antonio Sanches, about three
leagues farther on. Here they carried off all the tame horses on the
ranch, amounting to one hundred.
The only person in the ranch at the time was a woman, but she alone,
with a rifle, fought the Indians, and succeeded in severely wounding
one of them, who was carried off by his companions, and was
afterward found dead. Here the Indians divided into two parties. The
larger party crossed the Nueces River, and are at present attacking
the ranches on the Rio Frio, and the Atascosa Creeks, in Bexar
Country, and committing depredations of which we know nothing
certain at present.
The other party retraced their steps with their stolen booty, making
a circuit near the Nueces River; from thence started for the Rio
Gran de River, and attacked the ranche of José Maria Rodrigues,
carrying off a large number of horses. Near the latter ranch General
Quiroga, of Laredo, was attacked by them, while measuring a tract of
land with eight men, but succeeded in warding off the attack, as his
party were well armed with rifles. In the Cerietos Blancos, five
leagues farther on, they stole five horses and captured a mule
saddled, and with arms, from a ranchero, whom they murdered.
At short distance above Laredo the same party attacked the Sous
ranch, of Nicolas Sanches; killing one of the shepherds, and
wounding another mortally with two arrow-shots, that penetrated his
body. The women and children shut themselves up in their houses, and
were not attacked. The Indians then re-crossed the Rio Grande into
Mexico with their stolen horses.
An eye-witness describes them as a part wearing blue woolen pants and
purple jackets, and the rest as dressed in the usual Indian costume.
They are known to have been well armed with rifles, as they left
behind in the Pintas, the first ranch they attacked, a considerable
quantity of ammunition. Their chief object seems to have been to
obtain horses with which to mount a larger force, to make new raids.
Large flocks of sheep pasture over that district of the country,
into which the Indians have recently entered, and the farmers, who
are at present engaged in shearing, are in fear of a general
uprising of the Indians, and ask for aid, as there is no adequate
force to protect them at present.
I would suggest that a large force of cavalry be stationed along the
river Rio Grande, as there is no security to property below, from
the cattle-thieves who cross over from Mexico, and carry off
thousands of cattle every month, and farther up the river, from
hostile Indians who cross over also from Mexico, and destroy every
year lives and property.
Due representation should be made to the Mexican government to put a
stop to the evils that now exist.
I have stated the facts as far they have come to my knowledge, and
submit them to your consideration.
I am, &c.,
CHARLES WINSLOW,
Commercial Agent
United States.
