Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 6, 1875, Volume II
No. 430.
Mr. Fish
to Mr. Foster.
Washington, April 28, 1875.
Sir: I transmit a copy of two letters of the 19th instant, and of the documents by which they were accompanied, addressed to this Department by the chief clerk of the War Department. They relate to recent events on the frontier of Texas. These papers show that parties of raiders, supposed to have come from the Mexican side of the Rio Grande, have recently been unusually active and numerous, and have committed murders and robberies on American soil in that quarter. Although the information afforded may not be sufficiently definite to require a special complaint to the Mexican foreign office, it shows a condition of things on their side likely to lead to continued acts of violence on ours, which must increase the difficulty of preserving the public peace generally in that quarter. As such it is hoped that the serious attention of the Mexican government will be given to the subject, in order that all unauthorized hostilities may be discouraged.
I am, &c.,
Mr. Crosby to Mr. Fish.
Washington City, April 19, 1875.
Sir: I have the honor, in the absence of the Secretary of War, to transmit, for your information, a copy of a communication from Col. Edward Hatch, dated Ringgold Barracks, Texas, March 9, 1875, reporting that the Brownsville Ranchero has published articles relative to the affair at the Solises, reflecting on the troops of that garrison, inclosing letters refuting the statements, and a letter from the nominal editor of that paper explaining why the true statements were not inserted.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Chief Clerk,
To the honorable The Secretary of State.
Colonel Hatch to General Augur.
March 9, 1875.
General: As the Brownsville Ranchero has published articles reflecting discredit on the troops of this garrison relating to the affair at Solises ranch, I have taken the liberty to inclose articles written by the coroner’s jury and sheriff, subsequent to the publication of those reports, also letter from the nominal editor explaining why the true statements were not inserted.
The object of the statements made in the Ranchero is to induce public opinion to look favorably upon the murderers of the soldiers, and undoubtedly published at the instance of their advocate, who has succeeded so far in having the seven men found guilty bailed out upon little or worthless security.
I should be very sorry to cause you any annoyance through the papers, and shall feel exceedingly provoked with myself if I have committed any action in the matter distasteful to yourself.
There are a great many rumors afloat of crossing the river in force; this I do not credit; we are amply able to manage any force that might do so. It is rather humiliating to listen to these constant threats. I believe it would be well for the Government to give you a few more troops, and settle this affair here at once.
I will, to-morrow, send you an official report of affairs here in time for the Wednesday mail.
Since the murder of Fulton, the Americans are panic stricken. We shall, however, in a few days, I hope, give them satisfactory proof that there is no danger. Should any parties cross of considerable strength, I shall consider it fortunate; the troops can then act safely.
Very truly, your obedient servant,
Colonel United States Army.
General C. C. Augur,
San Antonio, Texas.
Members of coroner’s jury to the editor of the Brownsville Ranchero.
February 11, 1875.
Editor of the
Ranchero,
Brownsville, Texas:
Having seen in your paper headed accounts of the fight in Starr County, and as they are manifestly incorrect and written with the design, to reflect upon the military and post-commander of this place, we, the undersigned, members of a coroner’s jury, who were convened at ranch Solises, and held an inquest upon the bodies of the two murdered soldiers and one Mexican at the time, would respectfully request to make the following statement through your columns for the information of the public.
We were summoned by Deputy Sheriff Theodore A. Davis, on the morning of the 27th ultimo, to attend a jury of inquest at the Solises ranch, and proceeded at once to that place; on our arrival we found General Hatch with cavalry encamped there, who had secured men supposed to be implicated, who were immediately turned over to the sheriff; .and others had been requested to remain and await the sheriff’s arrival to give testimony.
We examined all the witnesses on oath carefully, and among them the clerk reported in your paper as being shot, who stated that the soldiers had never shot him or given him or any one trouble, and were orderly during their stay at the ranch; no soldiers came near the store, and that the first firing he heard on the evening of the 26th, was from the ranch into the camp of the soldiers, and that the soldiers did not return the fire, except the sentinel; the soldiers were asleep on the ground; that the soldiers did not return the fire, but that the corporal commanding the squad went to the ranch, and asked why they were being fired into. The next firing he heard was when the soldiers were fired into above the ranch. All witnesses state there had been no trouble with the soldiers, and that the soldiers did not in any manner molest the ranch.
We find seven men of those detained, and several others who were at the time, and are at present, in Mexico, as parties implicated in the foul murder of the two soldiers [Page 902] and one citizen, guilty, as verdict on file at the court-house in Rio Grande City will show this.
We would like to state in addition to the above, that, in our opinion, if the troops had not been under a thorough state of discipline and completely under the control of their officers, when the verdict of the jury was known, and that the murderers were in the hands of the posse of soldiers furnished the sheriff, and at the same time before them the mutilated bodies of the soldiers, who had been first killed in ambush, then horribly disfigured, robbed of everything, nothing could have saved the murderers from instant death.
- E. J. STONER, Foreman of Jury.
- H. G. TACHAN, Member.
- LOUIS HENRY.
- JOSEPH DUNN.
- WILLIAM RICHARDS.
- ALBERT DEAN.
Sheriff Davis to the editor of the Brownsville Ranchero.
Editor Brownsville Ranchero:
That deeming it my duty to arrest twenty-two men at the Solises ranch for murder and as witnesses, General Edward Hatch, commanding at Ringgold Barracks, at my request, was kind enough to furnish me with guard and transportation for twenty-two men from Solises ranch to Rio Grande City, and furthermore, at my request, to guard them for me during the night of the 28th of January. This request was made by me in my capacity as deputy sheriff, as the jail in Rio Grande City was not sufficiently large or secure to hold them. I accompanied the prisoners in person on the way to Ringgold Barracks. On the next morning, when the prisoners were called for, they were at once turned over and not detained by the military, as your paper states. The prisoners were arrested by me; the posse was furnished by the military, at my request.
Deputy Sheriff.
Mr. Mausur to Mr. Tachan.
Mr. J. H. Tachan:
Your letter was handed to Colonel J. L. Haynes, who has written most of the editorial for my paper during the last two years. He has always been on the side of the Mexicans. I never have, and cannot understand his reasoning; and the reason I publish his articles are, first, I hold a federal appointment under him; and, second, I have not paid for my paper in full. I have always been on the side of the Army, even while not one officer in ten nor one soldier in fifty, stationed here give me any material support.
Trusting that you and the gents who composed the jury will understand me, I remain, respectfully, &c.,
Mr. Crosby to Mr. Fish.
Washington City, April 19, 1875.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit for your information, copy of reports of commanding officer, Ringgold Barracks, Texas, and Brigadier-General C. C. Augur, relative to raids by Mexicans into Texas.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
For the Secretary of War, in his absence.
To the honorable The Secretary of State.
Colonel Hatch to the Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of Texas.
March 10, 1875.
Sir: I have the honor to call attention to the inclosed reports. That of Mr. Avery, United States commercial agent at Camargo, Mexico, states what I already know; that there is a body of men numbering from seventy-five to one hundred, now on this side of the river, at a point named Los Diez. On examining the point named, these men are found dispersed among the ranches of the Solesis, Grullia, and Los Diez, their horses picketed or ranging near them; they are represented as citizens of Texas, and should the military make any arrests they will be so considered; until we can catch them in a body armed, we are utterly powerless to make arrests. I inclose a tracing of the vicinity; the region is well known to me; it is a labyrinth of lakes and thickets; the ford at Los Diez being one of the most shallow and best on the river.
The party mentioned at the bend of the Tortuga is on debatable ground, between a large lagoon on the Texas side and the main channel of the Rio Grande. It is presumed that the precedent of the territory at the Bolca bend, decided by the United States court as Mexican territory, confers the same title to this land to Mexico; the territory was not alienated by the change of river-channel subsequent to the treaty of Hidalgo Guadalupe.
Garcia, the chief mentioned, is, or was, a resident of Rio Grande city, an old adherent of Cortinas. Although I have heard many rumors of a raid in force, I am under the impression that Cortinas contemplates some movement, probably revolutionary, in Tamaulipas. Many of the river ranches on the American side are in sympathy with him, and will assist him with men, horses, and, what is quite as necessary, supply his commissariat with stolen cattle. Small parties at various points cross on foot; whether they have crossed to avoid impressment or for the purpose of stealing, I am unable to learn.
Mr. Fulton, reported murdered, was a justice of the peace and hide inspector, and as he has endeavored to enforce the law delegated to him, doubtless accounts for his death.
During the month of February I visited all outposts of the garrison, and I have no reason to change my views as to the manner of assuring security to life and property in the territory adjacent to the Rio Grande; to do so will require an armed force. Whether furnished by the State or Army, this armed force should have authority to enforce such regulations as may be deemed necessary outside of the towns, to preserve good order, and protect the country from marauding bands. Certain points on the river should be designated as crossings, and men and stock should be allowed passage only in daylight, and any attempt to pass otherwise should be held as a violation of rules, and evidence of evil intent.
I would respectfully invite your attention to the fact mentioned in Mr. Avery’s letter, as evidence that the State of Tamaulipas considers the residents of the Solesis and Grullia ranches citizens of Mexico. Trivial as the circumstances may seem at present, grave events might grow out of the case. The absurd ignorance of the authorities of the State of Tamaulipas—extending its laws beyond any first-class power in existence; stretching its municipal authority beyond a foreign boundary; summoning by its local magistrates its citizens, who have acquired the right of domicile in foreign country, to appear before its tribunals, not for crimes committed by the citizens in violation of its own laws, but to obtain evidence to frame an indictment against the armed authority of a neighboring power—show that they believe they still have jurisdiction on this side. The people of the ranches mentioned are Mexicans, and few have declared their intention of becoming American citizens. In this precinct there are nearly a thousand families with eleven registered voters, five of whom are entitled to vote.
I think the necessary arrangements are already made to drive out these marauders, and probably within a week they will all be out of the country. If this band in and about the Solesis, Diez, and Grullia ranches are not over the river by to-morrow they will be driven out.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Colonel 9th Cavalry, Commanding.
Captain Moore to the post adjutant, Ringgold Barracks.
To the Post Adjutant,
Ringgold Barracks:
Sir: On the evening of the 27th instant, about 7 p.m., the sheriff of this county applied to me for a detachment of men to proceed to the ranch of Fulton, about 9 miles [Page 904] below here, a Mexican having just come in and reported that he had seen men firing and running in and around his house and store. I immediately saddled up and with 14 men accompanied the sheriff. Arriving at Fulton about 8.45, we found a group of frightened Mexicans, who reported that six men (Mexicans,) had attacked the store about dark, killing Mr. Fulton and his assistant, a Mexican. The body of the clerk was lying just at the door, shot through the head, and Fulton’s body about 200 yards distant, also shot through the head; he had evidently ran from the store when he had had a struggle with the robbers, from one of which he had seized a pistol and wounded one. They robbed his person, and, with their wounded comrade, crossed the river near the ranch. It is not known how much money was taken. A small sum was found in the drawers of the counter, which was probably forgotten in their haste.
It is the general impression that one or more of Fulton’s employés were accessories, as there were 7 or 8 men in and around the premises at the time of the attack who tell many contradictory stories, although all of them deny all knowledge of the perpetrators. I placed a detatchment of one non-commissioned officer and six privates at the disposition of the sheriff to assist in taking care of the murdered man’s goods. I also offered him as many men as he might require to assist him in making arrests.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Captain 9th Cavalry, Commanding.
Captain Beyer to the post adjutant, Ringgold Barracks.
Roma, Texas, March 1, 1875.
To the Post Adjutant,
Ringgold Barracks, Texas:
Sir: I have the honor to report that during the month of February, 1875, Company C, Ninth Cavalry, performed the usual scouting and patrol duties assigned to it.
The following scouts were made during the month:
Captain Beyer, Ninth Cavalry, with two (2) sergeants, two (2) corporals, one (1) trumpeter, one (1) blacksmith, and seventeen (17) privates, left this camp on the morning of February 10, 1875, on a scout through the following counties or portions of same, Starr, Zapata, Duval, and Webb, returning to Roma, Texas, February 21, 1875; distance marched about three hundred miles.
Patrols were frequently sent out during the month, who patrolled the Rio Grande between here and Carizo.
No report of any cattle-stealing or of depredations committed have reached me.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Captain 9th Cavalry, Commanding Company C.
Captain Beyer to the post adjutant, Ringgold Barracks.
Roma, Texas, March 4, 1875.
To the Post Adjutant,
Ringgold Barracks, Texas:
Sir: Referring to your letter dated headquarters Ringgold Barracks, Texas, March 1, 1875, upon the subject, I have the honor to report that I have good ground to believe that there, are parries living at the following-named ranches fronting on the river, viz, Alamo, Casa Blanco, Loz Arrieroz, Salenenio, Chapeno, Lopinio, Loelee, Clarenio, and Tapozan, who are engaged in cattle-stealing as well as hide-peeling, and that they are aided and abetted by the inhabitants of the above-named ranches. I am further convinced that all the inhabitants of ranches along the river are cognizant of the movements of cattle-thieves, and of the time and places when and where stolen stock is crossed into Mexico.
I have no doubt but that there are some rancheros who would inform the proper authorities relative to the movements of cattle-thieves, and are only deterred from [Page 905] doing so on account of the danger they would run of having their ranches destroyed, and perhaps being murdered by the thieves; but, as a general thing, the rancheros care very little about cattle being stolen as long as the thieves exempt their stock, and only steal from Americans living in the neighborhood of the Nueces River, and other streams in the interior, as can be easily proved by the large number of cattle running at large between the river and the sand prairies bearing Mexican brands, showing clearly that the thieves do not steal cattle from their Mexican friends, living near the river, which they could easily do, but rather go into the interior, and steal from Americans, well knowing that if they stole any stock belonging to Mexicans they could not easily cross the river with their stolen stock, because the Mexicans would guard the various crossings and fords at or near the various ranches on the river.
I would further state that I have never received any information from the resident or civil authorities that would lead to the arrest or capture of cattle-thieves, but on the contrary residents have given the cattle-thieves information relative to the movements of my scouting parties, thereby frustrating all efforts on our part to put an end to cattle-stealing.
All information I have ever received in regard to movements of cattle-thieves was given me by personal friends of mine, who reside in Mier and Guerro, Mexico.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Captain 9th United States Cavalry.
Captain Moore to the post-adjutant Ringgold barracks.
Sir: I inclose a communication from the justice of the peace of precinct No. 4, of this county, inclosing another from the justice of the peace of precinct No. 5, on the subject of a raid from Mexico. As the Los Cuevas country is beyond my boundary, I respectfully refer the papers to post-headquarters, knowing nothing more of the matter than what the communication contains.
Since the recent murder of the justice of the peace of precinct No. 2, (Fulton,) magistrates and others prominent in this county are more or less panic-stricken.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Captain 9th Cavalry, Commanding.
To the Post-Adjutant,
Ringgold Barracks, Texas.
Mr. Bourboi to Captain Moore.
Sir: I received a communication from justice of the peace, precinct No. 5, which I inclose so that you may judge what it contains and act on it; it is a notice that a squad of men, don’t say how many, are ready at the Cuevas, supposed to cross on this side.
I remain yours,
Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 4.
Captain Moore,
Post
Commander at Edinburgh.
Justice Minguin to Justice Bourboi.
To-day, about 8 o’clock, I received news that in the rancho Saint Miguel, Los Cuevas, an armed force are there with the purpose of crossing on this side of the Bravo. It is not known for what purpose or what object, nor the number of men, because I have not received the news by writing but verbally, but it is certain and positive.
To Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 4.
Mr. Avery to General Match.
Camargo, Mexico, March 6, 1875.
Sir: I respectfully submit to you the following information that I have obtained regarding an expedition that is now on foot in this vicinity. My information is derived from persons whom I consider reliable, residents of the ranches below this place, and who are in position to be well posted in the matter, and in imparting the following facts they could have no motive to deceive me.
From what I am told it appears that, some three weeks ago, Cortina sent confidential letters to his retainers and friends, on whom he can rely, requesting them to be prepared with arms and horses for some expedition, of what nature they would be further informed. I am now told that, acting under these instructions from Cortina, many of the rancheros of Los Cuevas and vicinity have already organized, or are preparing to organize on the Texas side of the river, in considerable force. I am told that the appointed place of rendezvous is in a potrero in a bend of the river near Diaz ranch, between the Salis ranch and the river.
What may be the ulterior motive for this gathering, I am not able to state; it may be for the purpose of joining in some revolutionary movement in the State of Tamaulipas, as partisans of Cortina, or it may be for the purpose of making a formidable raid on some point in Texas; but the fact that they have their place of meeting on the left bank of the Rio Grande I consider of sufficient importance to call your attention to the matter.
A resident of La Grulla ranch called on me to-day to translate for him a communication from your headquarters asking a copy of the declaration he had made respecting an outrage committed at his ranch by a party of soldiers. He told me that he and others had been notified to appear at the juzgado to-morrow to give their information respecting the affray between the citizens and soldiers at Solis ranche in January last. This information is called for by the State government. I will endeavor to obtain a copy of the declarations for you.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
United States Commercial Agent.
General Edward Hatch,
Commanding Ringgold Barracks.
Mr. Morel to General Hatch.
General: I am informed by one of Mr. Munguia’s sons that his father, while hunting a manada of mares in the’ bend at the Tortuga, was arrested by a band of armed Mexicans from the other side of the river. He was taken before their commander, when he was released upon promise that he would not say anything to anybody. This old man is an old friend of the chef. The chief of the band is well known in Rio Grande City. His name is José Maria Garza. Chato, the informer, says that they are good many. I understand that he intends coming up the river, as he has another party of men from the tepehuaje that will cross the river as soon as he is near the La Grulla, or Salado. I have requested the justice of the peace to find a man so I might send Captain Moore a letter informing him of the news. The Tortuga is about twelve miles from Edinburgh. I have tried several of my amigos to get upon their horses and go with me, so we might give Mr. Garza and his party an American call, but it is no go, for they say they haven’t the proper weapons to call. Consequently, I think they should be punished as invaders. I will remain at home all day to-morrow, and if you send any troops I will be very glad to take them to the spot.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. S. I just been to see the justice and he refused me a man, on the ground that he had no instructions. I have tried to get some one to go to Edinburgh but they all refuse. Our only hope is from Ringgold Barracks.
Yours, &c.,
General E. Hatch.
Captain Moore to post adjutant Ringgold Barracks.
Sir: In obedience to your communication of the 1st instant, I have the honor to report that during my present tour of duty here, (since January 15, 1875,) I have no information or knowledge of cattle being crossed into Mexico, in the limits of this sub-post; nor have I ever at any time received information from civil officers or others that could lead to the detection of thieves crossing or stealing cattle.
From information derived during my service on the river, I believe that cattle are usually stolen and crossed by residents of Mexico, aided and abetted by friends and allies living along the river on this side. It is hard to believe that cattle could be crossed at many points where it is alleged that they have been crossed without the knowledge, consent, and aid of at least some of the rancheros living there. Even men of good standing do not consider it any business of theirs to give information so long as the cattle being stolen are not their own or friends’; giving as a reason that the thieves would revenge themselves on the informants.
I fully believe that few or no cattle could be stolen or crossed if the rancheros living along the river were vigorously opposed to it, but so long as they give active and quiescent aid to the thieves it will take the whole Army of the United States to effectually stop it.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Capt. Ninth United States Cavalry, Commanding.
To the Post Adjutant, Binggold Barracks, Texas.
Mr. Glarvecke to Mr. Mix.
[Postal card.]
To John E. Mix, Rio Grande City, Texas:
Sir: Tell some officer to tell General Hatch to watch Los Cuevas and immediate crossings, as upward of 150 thieves have gone up to rendezvous at that place, to make a big raid. They intended to dash on Brownsville three nights, but it was frustrated by our vigilance.
More anon.
Yours fraternally,
Captain Moore to General——.
General: * * * * * * * * *
All quiet here. Sam. Russel, from Brazos, has been here for some days settling affairs of Fulton.
I kept a guard at the place until the goods and property were removed. Everybody left the place as soon as the soldiers were withdrawn.
Rhodes, justice of the peace, precinct 5, Hidalgo County, reports a large body of men opposite him, (about nine miles above Santa Maria.) He applied to Captain Purington and myself for troops some days ago. Of course I could do nothing, as it would take a regiment for all who wanted troops. The trouble is, that the scoundrels live in our midst, and when they see a chance to make a haul, send over the river for a few friends, who come over to rob and kill, but I have no faith in any large parties.
* * * * * * * *
Captain, Ninth Cavalry.
Indorsement of Assistant Adjutant-General Taylor.
San Antonio, Texas, March 23, 1875.
A true copy respectfully forwarded to the assistant adjutant Military Division of the Missouri, for the information of the lieutenant-general commanding.
Assistant Adjutant-General.
(In the absence of the brigadier-general commanding.)
Indorsement of Lieutenant-General Sheridan.
Chicago, March 31, 1875.
Respectfully forwarded through Headquarters of the Army.
One would infer from this report that the channel of the Rio Grande has changed and that the people who were once in Mexico are now transferred to the American side of the line; and from their ignorance it is hard for them to realize their changed condition.
The report does not go sufficiently into these details of the troubles to enable me to express a decided opinion on the case.
Lieutenant-General Commanding.
General Augur to Lieutenant-General Sheridan.
New Orleans, La., March 30, 1875.
Lieutenant-General Sheridan,
Commanding Military Division
of the Missouri, Chicago, Ill.:
The following telegram has been received from Colonel Potter, at Brownsville,
“March 29, 1875.
“Brigadier-General C. C.
Augur,
“Commanding Department of
the Gulf, New Orleans, La.:
“There are many reports of a raid on the ranches in the vicinity of Corpus Christi, and of a threatened attack on Corpus Christi. Some ranches have doubtlees been robbed and burned, some people killed and some taken prisoners. The prisoners are reported to have escaped. These marauders have been driven from the vicinity of Corpus by the citizens, and at last accounts were retreating, with the citizens in pursuit. I have sent all my mounted force to intercept the robbers. General Hatch has sent troops for same purpose.
“Many depredations have been committed along the river above this point of late, and several persons have been killed. I believe these robbers are Mexicans and that the most of them are from the other side of the river.
“There are probably several parties out for stealing cattle and robbing ranches. No reliable information as to numbers; will inform you if I learn anything more definite.
“J. H. POTTER,
“Colonel
Twenty-fourth Infantry, Commanding.”
The above telegram came in response to one from me desiring to know if the telegrams in the paper referring to this invasion were true. There appears to be sufficient truth in them to show this to be the most serious raid made by the Mexicans into our territory for many years.
You know as well as I that the Mexican federal government has no control of affairs in the Rio Grande frontier, and is powerless, if so disposed, to restrain these [Page 909] raiders, some of whom are doubtless most of the time residents on our side of the river, and in case of arrest could easily prove themselves to be good and quiet American citizens, and could; cause the officers arresting them to be in turn arrested by the civil authorities for false imprisonment, as is frequently done.
It is not necessary, however, to say anything about the condition of the frontiers to you who have been so long familiar with it.
Colonel Potter has one company of cavalry; Colonel Hatch has five, and were it not that the residents on this side are mostly Mexicans, and in sympathy with the raiders and keep them informed of the whereabouts of the troops, they might accomplish something. They may do as it is, though it will be under great difficulties.
Brigadier-General Commanding.
(Forwarded to headquarters of the Army by Lieutenant-General Sheridan.)
indorsement.
Saint Louis, April 2, 1875.
Respectfully forwarded to the Secretary of War.