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R E POU T 
 
 UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS, 
 
 APPOINTED TJNDER 
 
 JOINT RESOLUTION OF CONGRESS APPROVED MAY 7, 1872. 
 
 n 
 
 DECEMBER 10, 1872. 
 
 WASHINGTON: 
 
 GOVERNMENT PEINTINa OFFICE. 
 
 1872, 
 
66 L 
 
E E P R T 
 
 UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS^ 
 
 AITOINTED UNDER 
 
 Joint rcsohition of Congress, approved May 7, 1872. 
 
 Washington, D. C, December 10, 1872. 
 
 Sir: The Uuited States Coiuniissiouers to Texas, appointed imder 
 joint lesolutiou of the Senate and Honse of Eepresentatives of the 
 United States in Congress assembled, approved by the President on 
 May 7, 1S72, have the honor to snbniit the following report. 
 
 The dnties enjoined npon them are defined in that resolution, and 
 ■will be found in the following copy herein set out : 
 
 [RESOLUTION NOT OF GENERAL NATURE— No. 4.] 
 
 JOINT EESOLUTIOX appointini; commissioufrs to inquire iuto depredations on the frontiers of the 
 
 State of Texas. 
 
 Whereas there are comphiints of many depredations having been committed for 
 several years jiast npon the frontiers of tlie State of Texas, by bands of Indians and 
 Mexicans, who crossed the Rio Grande River into the State of Texas, mnrdering the 
 inhabitants or carrying them into captivity, and destroying or carrying awaj' the 
 property of the citizens of said State; as also that bands of Indians have committed, 
 and coiitinne to commit, like depredations on the property, lives, and liberty of the 
 citizens along the northern and northvrestern frontiers of said State: Therefore, 
 
 Eesolred h>i the Senate and House of Beiireseniaiivcfi of the United States of America in 
 Conf/ress asseml)led, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby, 
 authorized and empowered to appoint three persons to act as commissioners to inquire 
 into the extent and character of said depredations, by whom committed, their residence 
 or country inhabited by them, the persons murdered or carried into captivity, the char- 
 acter and valne of the property destroyed or carried away, from what iiortious of said 
 State, and to whom the same belonged. 
 
 Sec. 2. That it shall be the duty of said commissioners, or a majority of them, as 
 soon as practicable, to proceed to the frontiers of said State and take the testimony, 
 under oatli, of such vsitnesses as may appear before them, after having given notice for 
 ten days previous, by publication in the nearest mnvspapers of the time and place of 
 their meeting, of all snch depredations, \vhen, where, by and niton whom committed, 
 and shall make up and transmit to the President full reports of their said investiga- 
 tions. 
 
 Sicc. 3. That said commissioners shall be entitled to and receive as compensation for 
 their services the sun* of ten dollars per day each, and their traveling expenses to 
 each, fur and during the time tl^ey shall be engaged iu said service ; and the sum of six 
 thousand dollars, or su much tfujreof as may be necessary, be, and the same is hereby, 
 appropriated to pay the expenWs of said iuvestigation. and said commissioners. 
 
 Aiiproved ilay 7J 1872. 
 
 Under the authority above given the commissioners assembled at 
 Xew Orleans, Louisiana, on July o and 0, 1872, and, after effecting an. 
 organization, proceeded to that part of the State of Texas iu which the 
 alleged disorders called for the earliest attention. 
 
ti KEPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 
 The public sessions of tbe couuiiission, duly advertised, were com- 
 menced on July 30, and continued until October 3, 1872, at ^Ybicb time 
 tbe amount of testimony, number of claims, and gravity of tlie present 
 situation of affairs on tbe frontier demanded a return to Wasbingtoii 
 for tbe submitting' of a report (if only preliminary in cbara(;ter) to tbe 
 Department. Tbe fact tbat tbe appio[)riation at tbe disposal of tbe 
 commission was exbausted would bave obliged tbe step above men- 
 tioned, apart from any otbcr considerations. 
 
 Tbe Rio Grande frontier was traversed by tbe commissioners from Point 
 Isabel to Rio Grande City, personal examination of tbe localities of tbe 
 reported outrages tbus being made. The continual ]>resence at Browns- 
 ville of parties aggrieved and the amount of official business thus seek- 
 ing the commissioners prevented them from reaching any other part of 
 the territory named in tbe joint resolution than the river-frontier above 
 mentioned. 
 
 The depredations referred to nuiy be generally divided, according to 
 class and locality, into — 
 
 First, the cattle-stcalinfj along the Rio Grande. 
 
 Second, the Indian depredations on the line of the Rio Grande. 
 
 Third, the Indian depredations on the northern and north tvestern frontiers 
 of the State of Texas. 
 
 Tbe cattle-stealing outrages on the Rio (irande may be divided into 
 two classes: 
 
 First, those occurring between its mouth and Laredo, and 
 
 Second, deprcnlations committed on that line between Laredo and El 
 Paso. 
 
 The Indian depredations on the Rio Grande are alleged to be tbe acts 
 of the Kickai)0()s, Lipans, Seminoles, ('arrizo and other Indians operat- 
 ing against tiie persons and pro])erty of Texan frontier settlers, from 
 their secure haunts in Mexi(;o, tbe states of Cliibuahua and Coabuila 
 which have given these scattered tribes a refuge, if not comfort and 
 protection. 
 
 The work performed by tbe commissioners has been a careful and 
 thorough examination of the cattle-stealing disorders and other depre- 
 dations on the Lower Rio Grande, and on tbe tract lying between thtit 
 part of tbe boundary -line and tbe Nueces River. 
 
 By reference to the evidence and documents in tbe possession of tbe 
 commissioners it will be seen tbat the facts set forth herein are estab- 
 lished beyond a doubt, and they represent, with conbdence, a state of 
 lawlessness on that portion of the frontier which has come under their 
 immediate observation calling for tbe serious and immediate consid- 
 eration of this Government. 
 
 Tbe Indian depredations on tbe Rio Grande, with the important sub- 
 ject of the menaced frontier, have been readied only collaterally, but tbe 
 commissioners feel warranted in presenting their views on tliis point. 
 
 Tbe extent and gravity of the reported disorders on the Upper Rio 
 Grande, and the continued outrages of Indians on the northern and 
 north-western frontiers, call for the most careful examination in future, 
 these remote regions being difticult of access, travel only possible in 
 stages, and, from tbe nature of tbe case, much time must be expended 
 before a definite and full report can be made. The most urgent letters 
 have been received from this part of the State, but tbe commissioners 
 
REPORT OF UNITED STATES COiDIISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 6 
 
 were unable to to do luoretlian assure the writers that the earliest at- 
 tention would be paid to their needs. 
 
 In the thinly i)opulated portions of Texas referred to the suffering's 
 of the settlers are grievous. lienioved from every oi)portunity of idle 
 or vicious life, and scattered over :\ country subject to continual Indiau 
 incursion, they are a class of citizens whose exposure to outrage is 
 very great. The lack of communication prevents a speedy presentation 
 of their claims, and the commissioners respectfully submit that every 
 opportunity should be given to these scattered people, by the personal 
 visits of the proper parties, to place on record their losses. 
 
 From the information in the i)Ossession of the commissioners, there 
 is little room left for doubt that in the future much valuable testimony 
 may be obtained from these sufferers who cannot leave unguarded 
 homes to travel long distances to any point of assembly; and that 
 two or more years will be the shortest time in which a thorough ex- 
 amination of all the branches of the work to be performed by this com- 
 mission can be made. 
 
 The labor assigned by the resolution creating the commission is one of 
 great magnitude, as will be seen on examination of the vast territory to 
 be traversed in the prosecution of their investigation, which comprehends 
 the counties bordering the Eio Grande in tiers of three deep, and those 
 on the northern and northwestern frontiers of the State of Texas, sub- 
 ject to Indian incursions, embracing in all an area of over one hundred 
 and twenty-live thousand square miles. 
 
 Eeferriiig to the region personally traversed, and to those depreda- 
 tions, Vvhich have been thoroughly examined, the commissioners report 
 in obedience 'to instructions the ibllowing facts touching the condition 
 of affairs on the Lower Eio Grande frontier: 
 
 The country lying hdiccen the Nueces Blver and the Bio Gmnde, and its 
 
 local interests. 
 
 The tract of lon<l lying between the Nueces and Eio Grande rivers, 
 comprises (on the Lower Eio Grande) the counties of Cameron, Hidalgo, 
 Starr, Webb, La Salle, Encinal, Duval, Zapata, Live Oak, McMullen, 
 and Nueces, a tract of land three hundred miles long, and from one to 
 two hundred miles in width. 
 
 The assessment-roll of 1870 sbov, ed in these counties an ownership of 
 nearly five million acres of land. This region is one vast prairie, and 
 is given up to the raising of beef-c;,ttle for the general markets of the 
 country, and also the breeding of horses. 
 
 Between the Nueces and Eio Grande Elvers, the Arroyo Colorado, 
 a salt-water inlet, divides the grassy prairie between it and the Nueces 
 from the sandy desert stretching on its other side along the Eio Grande. 
 This sandy tract bears only the mesquit shrub — the vegetation due to 
 the winding Eio Grande forming a thin fringe along its low banks. 
 This dry waste was formerly considered to be an efficient safeguard 
 to the interior of Texas, and would so prove in any case save that of 
 organized and expert bauds of marauders who, by strength and audacity, 
 would dare to penetrate one hundred or more miles into an adjoining 
 territory. 
 
 In the tract thus described, although thinly settled, (large ranches, 
 many miles apart, dotting it here and there only,) the assessment-roll of 
 1870 showed an ownership in the counties named of 299,193 cattle, and 
 73,593 horses, although there was no return made of the stock in Live 
 Oak and McMullen Counties. The very peculiar custom of the owners 
 
4 EEPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 
 as to the lierding- of their stock, (which roams on tlie luifeiiced ranges,) 
 as well as their interest in giving in their property for assessment, for- 
 bids them making an overstatement of their cattle, while horses, more 
 carefnlly gnarded, are given in at a fairer ennmeration. 
 
 Uiifenced, save in a few isolated ii^stances, the stock-ranges of this 
 region give subsistence to hundreds of thousands of cattle in excess of 
 the assessed number; and under the intluence of the "northers'' these 
 cattle, in grazing, move toward the south and west; large numbers thus 
 inove down into this region from the valley of the upper Eio Grande 
 and irom ranches beyond the Xueces. Once crossing the Nueces Eiver 
 they mingle with the local herds, largely increasing their numbers, re- 
 maiiiing thus strayed nutil the agent of the owner enters them in his 
 annual report, and, according to his instructions sells them or returns 
 them to their distant owners. The neighboring counties of Goliad, 
 liefugio, San Patricio, Karnes, Atascosa, and Uvalde, contribute thous- 
 ands to the once countless herds in occnpancy of this region, or to be 
 reached through it. The Texas cattle range over great reaches of prairie, 
 often in dry seasons going a day's march for water, returning to their 
 accustomed pastures. 
 
 Once yearly they are driven np by the rancheros, examined, branded, 
 separated, the estrayed stock moved on toward their owners or dis- 
 posed of, and an account, as near as may be, taken. The distances 
 traversed in search of the cattle of one herd are surprising, from 50 to 
 150 miles being not unusual. Ownership) is determined by the brands 
 a[>plied and tiie peculiar ear-marlc, a record of brands and earmarks 
 being required by law to be kept in the county clerks' oftice. These 
 brands are also published in the various newsj)apers of the region as 
 a standing advertisement. V\lien a herd is sold, the sale of the brand 
 is recorded. In gathering the stock, the increase following the old cat- 
 tle is assumed by natural law to be theirs, and is so branded. The 
 custom is to sei)arate for sale four year old steers, the feumles being 
 always retained in the herds for breeding. The stock-raisers' association 
 of Western Texas, a body composed of the parties controlling the great 
 cattle-raising interests of this region, regulates the methods of hand- 
 ling the herds, decides on rules for common inotectiou, and, in attempt- 
 to maintain an etticient private po lice, has shown a commendable zeal 
 in protecting the interests represented by its members. In giving per- 
 sonal and ofhcial notice to the various State and Mexican authorities, 
 in suggesting and attemi)ting to nudce efl'ecti\'e a fair system of hide 
 inspection, and in other respects, the associated stock-raiaers of West- 
 ern Texas have exhausted every means at their disposal calculated to 
 make the business protect itself. 
 
 The character of the occupation in which they are engaged, the present 
 value of cattle in Texas, the scarcity of lumber, together with the peculiar 
 features of land-tenure, prevent, as a rule, the iencing of their ranges, 
 many of them being owned in common by various rancheros holding 
 complicated titles, llanches of from 10,000 to 200,000 acres are here em- 
 ployed solely for stock-raising. This region, by reason of irregularity 
 of the seasons, is ill adapted to agricultural pursuits, and is devoted 
 entirely to grazing. Freights are high, the country has no railroad 
 communication, and tlie Texan ox, a source of moderate protit to the 
 breeder, passes through many hands, and pays toll to different local 
 companies before reaching the northern consumer. Sometimes winter- 
 ing in Kansas, at other times taii.en north and fattened, this great cattle 
 interest is taxed for traissportation to an extent which well-nigh preclude 
 the possibdity of the realization of any profit. 
 
EEPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 5 
 
 The stock-raisers, iu tlie region referred to, are a liberal aud iu- 
 dnstrious class of citizens, placed in a tryinQ- position, and the hard 
 labor of years is represented in their flocks and herds. The laud they 
 own has no value unless peaceable possession is assured them. The 
 good feeling existing among them as a class is put in evidence by their 
 general willingness to exchange powers of attorney, to protect, as far 
 as possible, their mutual interests iu the recovery of strayed or stolen 
 stock. The advantages to be derived from co-operation on the part of 
 owners will be seen in the i'act that cattle bearing the brands of King 
 & Kenedy, Hale & Farker, T. Hines Clark, and other owners of large 
 herds, have been traced for hundreds of miles along the Rio Grande, 
 and on the Mexican side from Monterey to Bagdad, either by the move- 
 ments of the strayed or stolen cattle or handling of hides stripped 
 from them. 
 
 Refereuce to the report of the third annual fair of Texas, held at 
 San Antonio, shows that a herd of seventy-five tliousand cattle will 
 ordinarily range o\'er an area of country one hundred miles long and 
 lifty miles wide. With expert thieves depredating on tliis property, 
 it is easy to see that the damage must amount to millions of dollars. 
 Herds numbering 5(>,00() and 75,000 are not unusual iu Western Texas. 
 The stock-raiser, living on his isolated ranch, shows his pros[)erity in 
 continually augmenting his herds of breeding-cattle by purchase, aud 
 acquiring lauds for their subsistence. The yearly income is derived, 
 from the sale of the steers tit for market. 
 
 The employmeut of fr/)m 25 to 300 men in the management of these 
 herds is not unusual, a id a thorough examination of the system as 
 it exists (and it cannot be changed but by the growth of population, 
 improvement of cattle, establishment of railroad-lines, and fencing the 
 vast praries) convinces the commissioners that the stock-raisers of 
 Western Texas are legitimately engaged in a business of the greatest 
 local importance, indirectly affecting the whole interests of the country, 
 and making subservient to the uses of man a vast area of territory- which 
 would otherwise be an unin^oductive waste. 
 
 With large ca])ital, immense herds of cattle, and men aud material 
 in proportion, it is the conviction of the commissioners that this interest 
 is one of sufficient magnitude to have extended over it the protecting 
 arm of this Government, otherwise, although now of national impor- 
 tance, it must soon perish at the hands of bands of freebooters, who 
 find a safe refuge on the convenient shores of our sister republic of 
 Mexico, aud the residents of this frontier left stripped of the fruits of 
 years of thrift and industry. Where possible, stock-raisers inclose land 
 as I'npidly as their means will allow, and in one case, forty miles of 
 fence, between two arms of Cor})us Christi Bay, have been recently 
 built, inclosing the vast herds of Mifflin Kenedy. The prosperity of 
 this region rests on the basis of quiet occupation of the stock raiiges 
 and eflicient protection. Where local irregularities do not at all aftect 
 this business it can only be some fatal external intluence which will 
 bring ruin on men thus legitimately engaged. The general features of 
 horse-raising do not differ from the plan pursued with regard to cattle, 
 save that more care is necessarily taken with the herds. Needed in 
 large numbers for continual use, the herds of horses are generally ke]>t 
 around the headquarters of the owners, and are thus more effectually 
 protected. As large numbers of horses are used and worn out in the 
 herding of cattle, this species of property (although a valuable adjunct 
 to the cattle interest) is seldom a source of income. 
 
 The commissioners, having endeavored to sketch out the vast extent 
 
6 REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS, 
 
 of tbe interests involved, proceed, ^Yith direct reference to the facts, to 
 an examination of the past and i)resent condition of the stock-raising- 
 interests of the Rio Grande frontier. 
 
 At the close of the war of the rebellion these plains were covered 
 with vast herds of cattle, largely increased bj the years of the war, as 
 the northern market was closed and cattle for the confederacy were ob- 
 tained from Xorthern and Eastern Texas. The evidence of all the ex- 
 perts examined before the commission establishes the alarming fact that 
 in this region the nnmber of cattle to-day is between one-third and 
 one-fourth of the nnmber in 18'»0. 
 
 The rate of increase of cattle in Texas is 33^ i^er cent, per annnm, as 
 shown by the concurrent testimony of nearly one hundred witnesses 
 examined before the commission, embracing experts of every kind, 
 citizens disinterested and parties in interest. This opinion is fully con- 
 firmed b}' W. G. Kingsbnry's " Essay on Cattle-liaising," report 3d an- 
 nual fair of Texas, (page 41;) also by Major Sweet's pamphlet, (isage G;) 
 also by Texan Almanac, (page L'OO.) 
 
 The annual sales of beef cattle but seldom, if ever, exceed one-half the 
 yearly increase, as the evidence goes to show that the cows are always 
 kept for breeding purposes, that no local disease, drought, or unusual 
 sales have oc.^urred calculated to reduce these herds below their average 
 numbers; an<l the records of these counties show but little, if any, com- 
 plaint of local cattle-stealijig. 
 
 The commissioners feel fully warranted in expressing the opinion that 
 for years past, especially since 1800, and even before, armed bands of 
 Mexicans have continually employed the safe refuge of an adjoining- 
 territory and the favorable liver frontier to cross from Mexicio into 
 Texas, in strong parties, collect and drive away intolMexico unnnmbered 
 herds of cattle from this region. These thieves have, with astonishing- 
 boldness, penetrated at times 100 miles and even farther into Texas, ami 
 by day and night have carried on this wholesale plundering, emj)]oying- 
 force and intimidation in all cases where resistance or remonstrance was 
 met with. Confederates living along the banks of the river have been 
 used in this nefarious trade, while honest residents have been forced to 
 kee}> silence or fiy. 
 
 The Mexican bank of the liio Grande (Bravo) is occui>ied by numbers 
 of ranches, fnrnishing a convenient rendezvons for these nsarauders, from 
 whence they carry on openly their operations, often leading to conliicts. 
 Pursnit to the river-bank in many cases has been mocked at ; the inetl'ect- 
 ual eftbrts of customs officers ami inspectors have been jeered at, and this 
 region made to snffer from the continual scourge of these thieves. The 
 butchers of the frontier Mexican towns, the stock-dealers, and, in numy 
 cases, the heads of the various ranches on the Mexican side, have par- 
 ticipated in the profits, encouraged the work, and protected the 
 olfenders. The Mexican local authorities, as a rule, civil and military, 
 have been cognizant of these outrages, and have (with one or two lionor- 
 able exceptions) protected the offenders, defeated with technical objec- 
 tions attempts at recovery of the st(»len i)roperty, assisted in maintaining 
 bands of thieves, or directly and o[>enly have dealt in the plunder or 
 appropriated it to their i)ersonal uses. In all cases coming before 
 these corrupt oiFicials, thoroughl^^ acquainted by personal and official 
 notification and ])ul)lic iiotoriety of this serious and continual breach of 
 international rights, they have either protected the criminal and shared 
 with him the property stolen, or else have confessed an inability to 
 check the outrages and punish the offenders. 
 
REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. < 
 
 The local autlioiides of ]\latnmoras, Mier, Bagdad, Caiiiari>o, and 
 otlier fi'ontier Mexiciu towns have been repeateilly notified of these 
 ooniplieations; the United States and Mexican military anthorities have 
 corresponded thereon ; the supreme government of JMexico has been 
 duly apprised of the state of the border by earnest corresi)ondence of 
 United States civil and military officers, transmitted through the Amer- 
 ican minister, to which attention is specially called; and in the opinion 
 of the commissioners, with the excei)tion of the tardy recall of General 
 Juan N. Cortina, (in March, 1872,) no step tending toward an auncable 
 and honest vindication of the Mexican people has been taken ; while to 
 evince her good faith and earnest desire for the enforcement of the laws, 
 tlie State of Texas has lately organized and maintained a system of cattle 
 and hide inspections, in which un<lertaking she is ablv seconded by the 
 Stock Kaisers' Assotriatiou of Western Texas. Private i)arties have 
 api)ointed local agents to i)rote(!t their interests, the local press has ap- 
 pealed ineffectually to the reason of the Mexicans, and called in vain for 
 the execution of tlie laws. 
 
 That the action of the loca.l Mexican autl!oriti<^s, has been characterized 
 by {lui)licity, connivance at fraud, or a comjdete subserviency to a corrui)t 
 military rule, there seems to be but little room left for douVit; while the 
 records of the military authorities of Mexico, occui)ying the frontier, 
 (especially the nyime of General Juan I^epomu(;ene Cortina from 
 1870 to 1872,) is one which calls for immediate action on the part, 
 of the Mexican government in disavowing the a(;ts, disgracing the of- 
 fi'uders, and effecting with the victims of these highhanded outrages 
 such an adjustment of their claims as impartial justice requires. 
 
 Under the frying circumstances of beiug confronted on the opposite 
 bank of the Kio Grande by a foreign army, wdiich has given protec- 
 tion tor a series of years to the invaders of American territory, the 
 United States has through its officers kept peace, preserved neutrality, 
 and acted with candor and justice, mindful of its long established 
 friendly feeling for a sister republic. The left bank of the Kio Grande 
 1ms always been sought as a base for insurrectionary operations against 
 the ephemeral govei'uments of Mexico, and the United States has in all 
 Ci'.ses acted with commendable prouiittuess in maintaining strict neu- 
 trality. 
 
 Wlnie the United States has improved every opportunity to execute 
 in good faith her treaty obligations and settle on an equitable and just 
 basis all existing ditierenees with the republic of Mexico, and the State 
 of Texas has taxed her treasury to execute laws unnecessary save to 
 repel the invasion of her territory by Mexican outlaws who have made 
 life and property unsafe on her soil — the theater of their cold-blooded 
 and brutal murders, the evidence adduced before the commission war- 
 rants the conclusion that the indifference on the part of the Mexican 
 government touching her international obligations and the condition of 
 affairs on her northern frontier, has been studied. 
 
 The harassing question oi' ^he Zoiui Libra it does not fall within 
 the province of the commissioners to examine, but they feel called on to 
 notice the extension of this zone in opposition to the most friendly re- 
 monstrances of the United States, as another evidence of the si)irit which 
 has characterized the jxdicy of the jMexican government in its dealings 
 with the United States for a series of years. 
 
 In giving a resuaie of the evidence taken before the commission 
 touching the disorders on the frontier, we trace their cause i)rinmrily to 
 the effete and corrupt, and, in many instances, powerless local civil 
 authorities of Northern Mexico, the almost universal demoralization of 
 
8 REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 
 the iiiliabitants of the Mexican frontier, tlie supremacy of a corrupt 
 and overbearing- military influence, giving form and aid to the lawless 
 expeditions that have been set on foot in Mexico for years past to 
 invade and plunder the exposed frontier of Western Texas, the un- 
 friendly legislation on the ]>artof the law-making- i)o\ver of the republic 
 of Mexico, which has made the Zona Libra, on the right bank of the 
 Rio Grande, a depot on our immediate line for the reception of goods, 
 duty free, to be smuggled over our borders, with the annual loss to us 
 of millions of revenue, or the alterimtive of studding this portion of 
 our western boundary with an expensive army of customs-inspectors. 
 The establishment of this "tree zone,"j;(?r se, militated against tlie com- 
 mercial interests of the United States; and when followed up by the 
 appointment of Brigadier-General Juan iST. Cortina to the command of 
 the line of the Bravo, in 1870, where he remained in command until 
 March, 1S72, the terror of the residents of the Texan frontier, and the 
 aider and participant in a series of lawless acts, the action of the 
 ^Mexican authorities in this regard can only be interpreted as a direct 
 blow at the commerce of our western frontier; and the maintenance of 
 a military force there, under the leadersbi[) of a commander whose 
 career for murder, arson, and robbery finds no parallel in the annals 
 of crime, and whose retention in the command of the northern trontier 
 of Mexico -puts in evidence the inability of the ]\[exican government to 
 cope with this outlaw and his followers, or else his assignment to this 
 ]>osition by his government for the performance of a work which had 
 for its object the annihilation of the commercial and industrial interests 
 of our south-western frourier. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF CATTLE-STEALING. 
 
 The testimony in the possession of the commission bearing- on the 
 operations of the cattle-thieves infesting' the banks of the Lower Eio 
 Grande, shows a total loss of 827,sr)l),3();3y'Lc_^ inchuling stock stolen, per- 
 sonal outrages, and the destruction and spoliation of other proi)erty. 
 
 A detailed statement of each claimant is set forth in one hundred and 
 two petitions, and supi)orted by the evidence of three hundred and 
 lilty-four witnesses. 
 
 The amount of property taken and destroyed, the long continuance 
 with imjnuiity of these outrages upon our soil by Mexicans crossing our 
 borders, in the ])reseuce of the Army of the United States and the au- 
 thority of a sovereign State of this Union, are matters of sufiicient public 
 concern, in our judgment, to require at our hands, even at the risk of 
 being- considered tedious, a statement in detail of the manner in which 
 these cattle-thieves have carried on their illicit traftic for so many years, 
 in defiance of the civil and military authorities charged with the duty 
 of giving- protection to the lives and property of the residents on our 
 frontier. 
 
 The character and extent of the territory on Mhich these depredations 
 have been committed for so umny years past ofi'er facilities for the 
 commission of crime to an extent not to be found in any other part of 
 this country. Expeditions for the i)urpose of cattle-stealing in Texas 
 liave generally been organized on the right bank of the Kio Grande, in 
 the State of Tamaulipas, although not unfrequently, as a change of base, 
 in the State of Coahuila. The usen engage<l in this work are Mexicans, 
 well mounted, carrying hre-arms of the most approved pattern, and n.ot 
 unfrequently belong to the regular army of Mexico. 
 
 Thoroughly acclimated and accustomed to the hardships and exposure 
 
REPORT OF UNITED STATES CO^MMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 9 
 
 incident to a frontier life, these bandSj.-raounted, armed, and provisioned 
 for Ihe expedition, have but the shallow waters of the Uio Grande and <i 
 journey of from one to three days before them, olten witiiout water for man 
 or beast, ere they reach the grazing regions of the iS[ueces, and t he n nmerous 
 herds of cattle to be found in that valley. Systematic in all their move- 
 ments, and thoroughly conversant with the routes of travel and the water- 
 holes leading to the grass regions, these bands, when ready, lose no time 
 in dividing themselves into squads, averaging five or more, according 
 to the circumstances surrounding them, and, crossing at dillerent points 
 the Kio Grande, a stream whose sinuosities describe every point of the 
 compass, they enter the dense mesquit fringing its banks, and emerge 
 from it into the highways, or continue on their Journey under its cover, 
 as may best suit their purpose, until they reach the place of rendezvous, 
 designated by scouts previously sent out. 
 
 Having made their selection of cattle from the herds, not unfrequeutly 
 to the number of sixteen hundred, according to their necessities and the 
 circuujstances of the case, no time is lost in VHishing them without rest 
 under the cover of night (or in open day, if strong enough to resist 
 attack) to the river, a point having been previously designated for this 
 l)urpose, at which they are met by confederates coming from the Mexi- 
 can bank, with every facility, including decoy cattle, boats, &C., for the 
 rapid transit of their booty to Mexican soil, where it is used by the 
 Mexican army, disposed of to the butchers of Matamoras, Mier, and 
 Camargo, sold in open market lor the benefit of the thieves, or, after 
 being rebranded, used to stock the ranches on the Mexican frontier. 
 The crossing of these bands of Mexicans in small squads into Texas at- 
 tracts no attention there, for it is within the bounds of thepiobabilitie.s 
 of the case to estimate the Mexicans as composing at least SO per cent, 
 of the entire population of the frontier of Western Texas. 
 
 The expedients resorted to by these thieves to avoid detection, and 
 more es]>ecially the dissemination of such information as would enable 
 stock-raisers to organize and pursue them, varies according to the exi- 
 gencies of their situation. Localities where cattle are being selected 
 from herds have every approach, used for miles around, guarded with 
 members of these bands, who in various ingenious w;;ys succeed m 
 warning olf passers-by, not unusually taking life to ac(;omi>lish their 
 ]an-pose. Where the distance is so great as to make it necessary to 
 occupy more than one day or nighr, as the case njay be, in driving the 
 stolen cattle to the river, they are corralled at some unfrequented point 
 on the way, and pickets thrown out for miles around as additional safe- 
 guards against surprise. Instances have occurred where private resi- 
 dences situated on the route traveled by these bands have been placed 
 under guard, to i)revent information of the movements of the tiiieves 
 from being known until the stolen cattle had been driv^en a sufdcient 
 distance to make successful ])ursuit impossible. 
 
 AVith the posts occupied by the United States forces on this extensive 
 frontier, in some instances hundreds of miles apart, and generally garri- 
 soned by infantry, with not more than one sheriff to every fifty miles of 
 the territory exposed to these incursions, the facility with which these 
 bands have carried on their operations lor so many years, in defiance of 
 all authority, should no longer be wondered at. 
 
 For a more full understanding of tlie system of cattle-stealing, which 
 has well-nigh broken up the business of stock-raising on the immediate 
 fiontier of Western Texas, we direct particular attention to the following 
 extracts from the evidence taken before the commission. 
 
10 REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 
 Extracts from the evidence tcdrn before the commissioners in rmard to 
 
 cattJe-steaJing. 
 
 1S59. 
 
 Ignacio Garcia loses one liundred cattle, three yoke oxen, and thirty 
 to t'oity mares, stolen by armed Mexicans under Juan N. Cortina. — (See 
 deposition No. 17.) 
 
 Carlos Esparza loses six hundred cattle and eiii'lity horses, stolen by 
 armed Mexicans under Juan IS". Cortina. — (See deposition No. 18.) 
 
 Thaddeus M. Rhodes loses forty horses, stolen by armed Mexicans 
 under Juan N. Cortina. — (See deposition No. 21.) 
 
 18G1. 
 
 William Bnrl-e, (now lieutenant of State police.) saw, in the spring' of 
 18G1, two to three hundred Texan cattle being driven off to Mexico by 
 forty to fifty armed iMexicans. The cattle were sold at Camargo, IMex- 
 ico. — (See tleposition No. 4.) 
 
 William BurJce saw eighty Texan cattle crossed by armed Mexican 
 thieves into Mexico, near Los Nogales, Mexico. — (See deposition No. 4.) 
 
 Ramon Rodriguez saw herds of Texan cattle driven over into Mexico 
 by organized bands of cattle-thieves, in 18G1. — (See deposition No. 58.) 
 
 1SC5. 
 
 Villi lam T>i'rl-c saw two hundred Texan cattle crossed into IMexico by 
 seven armed cattle-thieves, three miles below Brownsville. — (See depo- 
 sition No. 4.) 
 
 William I). Tliomas saw stolen herds of Texan cattle in ^lexico, near 
 Matamoras, in 1805. — (See deposition No 10.) 
 
 Ramon Rodriguez saw armed bands of Mexican thieves drive over to 
 Mexico herds of Texan cattle. — (See deposition No. ^S.) 
 
 18G0. 
 
 Frani: Bylcr saw forty stolen Texan cattle at Esteiito Eancho, in Mex- 
 ico, in six armed Mexicans. — (See deposition No. 50.) 
 
 Frank Byler saw, at Monterey, Mexico, stolen catile belonging- to T. 
 Hines Ciark, of Texas. — (See deposition No. 50.) 
 
 Alexander ]\I. Sanders testifies that, in 18G<i, and later, droves of stolen 
 Texan cattle, from thirty to two hundred in number, were crossed and 
 sold at Camargo and Mier, Mexico. Some were sold by civil authorities. 
 Witness recovered two stolen cattle, in 18(JG, at lloma, from Pablo Oliv- 
 arez, who was taking tliem to Mexico. — (See deposition No. 28.) 
 
 Yincente Salazar saw armed Mexican thieves gather and drive away 
 a herd of cattle from Louis llenaud's ranch in Texas.— (See deposition 
 No. 70.) 
 
 18G7. 
 
 Elder B. Barton recaptured, fifty miles from Brownsville, twenty-eight 
 head from a herd of three hundred and fifty stolen Texan cattle, which 
 were being driven away by Mexican thieves. — (See de]>osition No. 42.) 
 
 James F. tSeott saw cattle stolen from T. H. Clark in Mexico.— (See 
 deposition No. G7.) 
 
REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 11 
 
 1868. 
 
 W. I). Thomas saw Louis Lopez, a Mexican cattlethief, with one hun- 
 dred liead of stolen Texan cattle, within a mile of Matamoras, Mexico, 
 in May. The cattle were sold to Airiola or Carriola, a butcher of Mata- 
 moras, for $2 a head. Carriola says : "I bought them ; I do not care a 
 d — n." — (See deposition No. IG.) 
 
 W. 1). Thomas saw one Ensualdo with four or 13 ve hundied stolen 
 Texan cattle, driving- them along a road near Matamoras, in Mexico, 
 and is threatened by him, — (See deposition No. 10.) 
 
 W. D. Thomas testitles that Carriola, a butcher of Matamoras, in Sep- 
 tember advanced $2.0 to one Palacios to bring him twenty stolen beeves 
 from Texas. — (See deposition No. 10.) 
 
 Inspector Thomas J. Handy saw a lai'ge herd of Texan cattle success- 
 fidly crossed at xignas Negras, into ]\Iexico, by armed Mexican cattle- 
 thieves, after a skirmish. — (See deposition No. 32.) 
 
 Justo Lopez saw eighty head of stolen Texas catt/e, near llancho 
 ''■ Los Naraiijas," being driven over to Mexico by armed cattle-thieves. 
 He dared not interfere. — (See deposition No. 33.) 
 
 1869. 
 
 Yiotor Moreli w'ith assistance, recaptured several herds of cattle from 
 Mexican cattle-thieves near Eio Grande City. — (See deposition No. 157.) 
 
 Cccilio Vela, near El Jabaliu, in Texas, thirty miles below Kio Grande 
 City, recaptured thirty-three head of stolen Texan cattle from Mexican 
 thieves. — (See de])Osition No. 100.) 
 
 Henry Klahn, appointed to represent the citizens of Western Texas, 
 as a resideut hide-inspector at Matamoras, was assisted by Judge Au- 
 gustin Menchaca, was resisted by one Longoria, a hide-dealer, Judge 
 Menchaca being succeeded by General Don Pedro Hinojosa. The in- 
 spector was notihed by the latter that he could not support hiui with 
 assistance, and the inspector resigned, returning to Texas. — (See deposi- 
 tion No. 170.) 
 
 1870. 
 
 Francisco Martinez found Mexican cattle-thieves in possession of the 
 dwellings on the " Saino rancho" in Texas. The family of Sehor 
 Becerra, the resident, were under guard. Martinez, escaping to neighbor- 
 ing ranches, with the assistance of friends, attacked the thieves and re- 
 captured some stolen cattle. Forty-two were recaptured ; over one 
 liuudred had been crossed into Mexico, and were not recovered. — (See 
 deposition No. 5.) 
 
 Juan Sanchez confirms the precediug evidence ; was present, and as- 
 sisted in the light. — (See deposition No. 7.) 
 
 W. I). Thomas, at Eancho Laguna Tio Cano, saw herds of cattle driven 
 oft" nearly every week in 1870, atid did not dare to interfere with the 
 armed thieves. — (See deposition No. 10.) 
 
 Carlos Esparza testihes that he, with Ignacio Garcia, recaptured one 
 hundred cattle from armed Mexican cattle-thieves. — (See deposition 
 No. 18.) 
 
 Justo Lopez saw J. M. Martinez (now deceased) successfully cross two 
 to three hundred stolen cattle into Mexico, near Las Cuevas. — (See 
 deposition No. 33.) 
 
 Anycl Aguirre saw seven stolen cattle, belongiug to Alexander Wier- 
 biski, of Texas, near Mesquitito, in Mexico. — (See deposition No. 31.) 
 
12 EErORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 
 ApoUlnarlo Hernandez (tlieu a Mexican soldier) saw fi\'c liundrecl 
 stolen Texan cattle crossed into Mexico, by cattle-thieves, at La Tiolsa 
 ranch, in June. Nicholas Solis (then alcalde of the Soliseiio precinct, 
 State of Tamaulipas, and D. Peiia bought the cattle of the thieves for 
 $2.50 a head, and sold them to JJyouisjio Cardenas (now alcalde of JMata- 
 moras) for $5 each. — (See deposition No. 37.) 
 
 Thomas Bcijnon recaptured a herd of stolen cattle from anned thieves 
 from Mexico, near Laiiuua Ulanca. in Texas. — (See deposition Xo. 83.) 
 
 Cecilia Vela, near San Jose, in Starr County, Texas, (forty-rive miles 
 from Itio Gra.nde City,) recaptured from Mexican cattle tliieves fifty 
 stolen cattle. — (See deposition No. 100.) 
 
 Cecilio Vela, two or three months after the preceding- occurrence, near 
 San Jose, recaptured sixty-seven head of stolen cattle irorn six armed 
 thieves, who abandoned the cattle and tied. — (See deposition No. IGO.) 
 
 Cecilio Vela recaptured twenty-eight stolen cattle near La Grulla, in 
 Texas, the Mexican thieves escaping. — (See deposition No. 100.) 
 
 Cecilio Vela recaptured from armed Mexican thieves thirteen head 
 and his son eighteen head of stolen cattle, near Las Comitas, the thieves 
 escaping. — (See deposition No. 100.) 
 
 1S71. 
 
 Ron. Thomas F. Wilson, L^nited States consul at Matamoras, while 
 traveling in Texas, between Laredo and Eagle Pass, saw ]>eople driving- 
 cattle tov.ard Mexico ; supposed them to be thieves. — (See deposition 
 No. 2.) 
 
 William Barl'G (lieutenant of State police) saw five hundred Texan 
 cattle crossed into Mexico, at Las Cuevas, by thieves. There were 
 thirty to sixty arsned men with the herd. Burke shot at the thieves. — 
 (See deposition No. 4.) 
 
 William Bnrl-e (lieutenant of State police) testifies that armed Mexi- 
 can cattle-thieves drove over two hundred stolen Texan cattle into 
 Mexico, at Los Grullos rancho, in Starr County. Burke and Henderson 
 (State police) went to Camargo, j\lexico, and claimed the cattle as 
 stolen. Alcalde Elijio Garcia, of that idace, refused on technical grounds 
 to deliver them. — (See deposition No. 4.) 
 
 Inspectors Albert Dean and T. J. Handi/, United States customs ser- 
 vice, in March, went to Las Cuevas ranch ; found armed Mexican 
 thieves crossing cattle over the river, and were iired on. They saw 
 thirty to fifty cattle on the Mexican bank, Just crossed, and ten to twenty 
 in the water crossing. Five or six remained on the Texan side. — (See 
 deposition No. 0.) 
 
 Carlos Esparza and Ifpiaeio Garcia captured, near Calaboso ranch, 
 fifteen or twenty cattle from armed JMexican thieves, after a fight. They 
 captured also a Mumber of liorses and saddles. One hundred cattle had 
 been crossed. — (See deposition No. 18.) 
 
 Thaddens M. A7;or?e.s, justice of the peace, sent a posse, and recaptured 
 forty stolen cattle fromarmed Mexican cattle-thieves, A. de Leon, their 
 leader, escaping.— (See dei)osition No. 27.) 
 
 Benito Garcia saw one Jurado, a Mexican cattle-thief, cross a large 
 drove of stolen cattle into Mexico, near San Pedro ranch.— (See deposi- 
 tion No. 23.) 
 
 Alexander Wierhiski saw armed Mexican thieves with forty-eight 
 stolen cattle; pursued them, and recaptured the cattle. — (See deposition 
 No. 25.) 
 
 Anaclito Padrou, a soldier in the Mexican army, was sent by General J. 
 
EEPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 13 
 
 ]!:>f. Cortina to protect the crossings of vstolen cattle at Tabuacbal rancho, 
 on tlie Mexican side, in June, 1871. Two hundred cattle were there 
 crossed. They were stolen ironi Texas, and were personally ajtpropriated 
 by General Cortina. — (See dei)Osition No. L'G.) 
 
 Blcardo Florcn, in June, 1871, attacked the Lugo or Lubo brothers 
 and their party of Mexican cattle-thieves, near lieparo ranch, in Texas; 
 killed Lubo, and recajitured two hundred stolen cattle, which were 
 delivereil to Judge J. Galvan, of Brownsville, Texas, for sale on owners' 
 account. — (See deposition No. 27.) 
 
 Alexander 31. Sanders testMiQS that, in 1871, a herd of stolen cattle, 
 being crossed into jNIexico by cattle-thieves, stampeded, and eighty of 
 the cattle returned to the Texan side. — (See deposition No. 28.) 
 
 Inspector Thomas J. Handy, United States customs service, contirms 
 the testimony of Inspector Albert Dean as to the crossing of the herd of 
 stolen cattle at Las Cuevas in 1871. — (See deposition No. 32.) 
 
 ApoUinario Hernandez (a soldier of the Mexican army) saw one hun- 
 dred stolen cattle penned at Santa liita, in Mexico, twelve miles from 
 Matamoras, on September 13, 1871. Captain Sabas Garcia, Mexican 
 army, and Secundo Garza (a soldier of Cortina's) were in possession of 
 them. Cortina was there personally dividing the stock. — (See deposi- 
 tion No. 37.) 
 
 Ap<dUnario Hernandez (a soldier of the Mexican army) testifies that 
 the Holguines brothers, notorious IMexican cattle-thieves, crossed four 
 or five hundred stolen cattle into jMexico at Los Fresnos or Kucia ran- 
 cho. Chief Justice Trinidad G. Doria, of Matamoras, imprisoned the 
 Holguines, who were captured; Cortina liberated them. — (See deposi- 
 tion No. 37.) 
 
 ApoUinario Hernandez (a former soldier of the Mexican army) saw a 
 herd of stolen Texan cattle at the Chiltipin raucho iu Mexico. — (See 
 deposition No. 37.) 
 
 Ramon Garcia saw a herd of three hundred stolen Texan cattle near 
 the Arroyo Colorado, in Texas, being driven away toward Mexico by 
 Captain Sabas Garcia (Mexicau army) and one Gregorio Villareal. — 
 (See deposition No. 48.) 
 
 Giirmesiendo Castaneda saw, in July, 1871, frequent droves of stolen 
 Texan cattle crossed into Mexico at Eucias rancho, in Cameron County, 
 Texas ; he saw two or three herds crossed iu the day-time, (one of one 
 hundred and another of two hundred head,) the thieves generally 
 crossing them at night. — (See deposition No. 51.) 
 
 Francisco Jlunf/Hia saw three hundred stolen cattle, in the possession 
 of eight armed thieves, pass Cotillo ranch going to Mexico on July 2, 
 1871. — (See deposition No. 57.) 
 
 Ramon Rodrigiiez^m the fall of 1871, saw Captain Sabas Garcia, of the 
 Mexican army, driving away a herd of two hundred and fifty stolen 
 Texan cattle. — (See deposition No. 58.) 
 
 Ramon Rodriguez., in September, 1871, aided in capturing- Juan Paz 
 (a Mexican cattie-thief) with thirty-tive head of stolen Texan cattle, near 
 Santa liosa ranch, iu Texas. — (See deposition No. 58.) 
 
 Carlos Castaneda saw at Eucias ranch (thirty miles from Brownsville) 
 in July two droves crossed of one hundred and two hundred head of 
 stolen cattle by armed thieves, who took them to Mexican soil. — (See 
 deposition No. 59.) 
 
 Lonis Renaud (captain of a company raised by stock-raisers' associa- 
 tion of Western Texas) exchanges shots at Calabozo rancho with armed 
 thieves, under command of Lubo or Lugo, who were driving cattle into 
 Mexico from Texas. — (See deposition No. 88.) 
 
14 EEPOET OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 
 Jacinto Hernandez follows a berd of stolen cattle to the river. They 
 were talveii from near lieytamitas by the Lubos or Lngos and their fol- 
 lowers. — (See deposition No. 1(39.) 
 
 Inspector Thomas C. Sheldon, United States customs service, on duty 
 March 4, 1871, near Banco ranch, in Te^xas, saw eighty armed men cross- 
 ing a herd of about five hundred cattle, and was warned by a friend not 
 to api)roach, as the thieves were looking for him. ]\Iany of the thieves 
 thus engaged were soldiers under General J. N. Cortina's command. — 
 (See deposition No. 8.) 
 
 1872. 
 
 Captain Sahas Garcia, ]\Iexican army, brags that he crossed four hun- 
 dred stolen cattle from Texas into Mexico on another occasion, on July 
 5, 1871*. — (See deposition jSTo. 8.) 
 
 Inspector Sheldon, on April 1, 1872, sleej)ing at Eucias ranch, on the 
 Texan side of the river, in a corral, was awakened near daylight by the 
 noise of shots, and saw fifty armed Mexi(;an thieves pass, driving abont 
 four hundred stolen cattle, which they crossed successfully. Tlie in- 
 spector, being alone, (tould not prevent the raid. — (See dejiosition No. 8.) 
 
 Antonio Gutierrez, on February 10, 1872. stop[)ed Mexicans driving 
 away some stolen cattle, recapturing eight belonging to Alexander Wier- 
 biski and two of Vera brothers. — (See deposition No. 10.) 
 
 TV". i>. Thomas, on February 25, 1872, went to Stillman's ranch, and 
 found peo[>le excited, from three to four hundred cattle, driven by 
 thieves from Mexico, having passed. He endeavored to raise men to 
 pursue them. Failing in this, was shot at by the thieves as he proceeded 
 on hisjournei", but followed at a distance the stolen herd, which passed 
 by Irwin's ranch, going toward Mexico. — (See deposition No. IG.) 
 
 "^ Thaddens M. lihodes^ justice of the peace, sent men to recapture a herd 
 of stolen Texan cattle, which were being driven away by a band under 
 Kaiael. Five hundred cattle were recaptured, the thieves escaping. — 
 (See deposition No. 21.) 
 
 Ihaddeus M. Rhodes, justice of the peace, sent another posse to pursue 
 Mexican thieves under the same leader, Eafael. One hundred cattle 
 were crossed by them at La Bolsa; some broken-down cattle were recap- 
 tured. — (See deposition No. 21.) 
 
 Alexander M. Sanders saw many stolen Texan horses in Camargo, 
 Mexico. Cortina's orderlies and soldiers were mounted on them. — (See 
 deposition No. 28.) 
 
 Antonio Tigerina testifies that, in February, 1872, armed Mexican cat- 
 tle-thieves gatliered a herd of Texan cattle near his ranch, ten or twelve 
 miles from Brownsville. Having alarmed his neighbors, he proceeded 
 to Matamoras and Ibund some of the thieves selling a portion of the 
 stolen herd to Dyonisio Cardenas, a butcher, (now alcalde of Matamoras.) 
 Obtaining assistance from the police, he searched for the remainder of 
 the cattle, having friends with him. Finding them at Carriola's, (another 
 dealer's,) and being fired on by the thieves, Tigerina and friends charged 
 the thieves and recovered the cattle. — (See dei)osition No. 31.) 
 
 Antonio Tigerina was at the fight with Mexican cattle-thieves at the 
 Calaboso rancho. — (See deposition No. 31.) 
 
 Inspectors Handy and Sheldon, United States customs service, saw sev- 
 enty to eighty armed Mexicans, in Mar-h, 1872, on the Mexican bank of 
 the*^ river, "opposite Floridas rancho. These men had five to six hundred 
 stolen cattle in their possession. Men were in military uniforms, armed 
 with sabers, revolvers, and repeating weapons. Covering parties were 
 
REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 15 
 
 drawn np in military order. As the cattle Lad been crossed, the in- 
 spectors, without help, dared not interfere. — (See deposition No 32.) 
 
 Gregorio ViUarcal testihes that a large lot of stolen Texan cattle for 
 General J. N. Cortina were brought in 1872 to him at Camargo, Mexico, 
 hy J. and J. ]\I. iSosa. — (See deposition xs"©. 47.) 
 
 Ramon Garcia testified that stolen Texan cattle were delivered to 
 General Cortina at Esterito rancho, on the Mexican side, in 1872. — (See 
 de])ositiou No. 48.) 
 
 Jacinto Hernandez, on January 15, 1872, near Arroyo Colorado, in 
 Texas, met live armed Mexicans, and following them thirty, driving- 
 four hundred stolen Texan cattle toward Mexico. — (See deposition No. 
 53.) 
 
 Francisco Rodrif/ncz met, on Jfarch 20, 1872, between Cotillo and Santa 
 Eosa ranches, six Mexican soldiers, who detained him, although he was 
 on the Texan side. The same day a large herd of stolen cattle was 
 driven over to Mexico. — (See deposition No. 5G.) 
 
 Francisco Mungnia saw, in the spring of 1872, five hundred stolen 
 Texan cattle crossed by seven armed Mexicans into Mexico, between 
 Cotillo and Santa llosa ranches. — (See deposition No. 57.) 
 
 Francisco Mungnia saw one hundred stolen Texan cattle crossed into 
 Mexico by six armed iMexicans at a point six miles southeast of Santa 
 Eosa ranch. — (See deposition No. 57.) 
 
 Francisco Mungnia saw three hundred stolen Texan cattle crossed into 
 Mexico, between Cotillo and Santa Eosa ranches, by a band of Mexican 
 cattle-thieves under Captain Trinidad Gonzales, Mexican army. — (See 
 deposition No. 57.) 
 
 Peter Champion, at Floridas rancho, on March 4, 1872, found the 
 roads picketed by Mexican cattle-thieves, skirmishers thrown out, and 
 was captured and detained until the stolen cattle were crossed. Sehor 
 Montalba and others were also captured. Large numbers of Mexican 
 soldiers were engaged in this affair. — (See deposition No. 71.) 
 
 John Fitch saw, in April, 1872, armed Mexican cattle-thieves gather 
 a herd of stolen Texan cattle in the Nueces stock-range, near Caudelario 
 ranch, eighty miles from the river. — (See deposition No. 82.) 
 
 Pedro Wallace de Donghertij saw, in May, 1872, at La Canela ranch, in 
 Mexico, (belonging to General John N. Cortina,) large numbers of cattle 
 evidently stolen from Texas. — (See deposition No. 111.) 
 
 Victor Morel recaptured from armed Mexican cattle-tliieves a herd of 
 thirty totifty cattle, between two and three miles from Eio Grande City, 
 in Texas. The thieves belonged to Cortiua's command, and v»eie 
 sent by him. — (See deposition No. 157.) 
 
 Pedro Vela recaptured tiity head of stolen Texan cattle at Los Ma- 
 gueyes rancho, from Mexican cattle-thieves, in May, 1872. The cattle 
 were then taken to Edinburgh, and sold for the benefit of the owners. — 
 (See deposition No. 159.) 
 
 Pedro Vela reca})tured, from JMexicau cattle-thieves, twenty-seven 
 head of cattle, at a point near Soldado rancho, in Texas. — (See deposi- 
 tion No. 159.) 
 
 Evidence hearing no date. 
 
 William BnrJ^e, lieutenant of State police, has seen stolen herds of 
 cattle crossed into Mexico, often, at Prietas ranch, three miles below 
 Brownsville. On one occasion he gave the names of the thieves to the 
 Mexican authorities, who did not punish the offenders. He went to 
 General J. N. Cortina personally. The general promised to punish the 
 
IG REPORT OP UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 
 tliieves, but did not, save in the case of one man, against whom lie liad 
 a personal grudge. — (See deposition No. 4.) 
 
 William Bnrlce, lieutenant of State police, testifies that the Mexican 
 cattle-thieves, when raiding into Texas, are well armed and prepared 
 to fight. — (See deposition No. 4.) 
 
 WUl'iam Burke, lieutenant of State police, followed into IMexico a herd 
 of stolen Texan cattle, which were driven across and sold at the town 
 of Mier. He dared not, for his life, interfere. — (See deposition No. 4.) 
 
 Francisco Martinez testifies that one J. M. Martinez, a Mexican cattle- 
 thief, stocked, by plunder from Texas, a ranch near Matamoras with 
 over one thousand stolen cattle. After the killing of the said Martinez, 
 some of the cattle were recovered. — (See deposition No. 5.) 
 
 Albert Dean, inspector United States customs, testifies that cattle are 
 stolen and crossed continually from Texas to Mexico, these cattle 
 being sold for from $'3 to $7, in Mexico ; has seen stolen cattle crossed 
 six or seven times at Los Cuevas ranch. — (See deposition No. G.) 
 
 Juan Sanchez testifies that cattle are sold for Irom ^'2 to 85 each on 
 the Mexican bank of the Kio Grande. — (See deposition No. 7.) 
 
 Justo Lopez has seen stolen cattle crossed into Mexico from Texas, 
 by thieves, weekly, since 1805. — (See deposition No. 12.) 
 
 Marcos Sanchez has seen droves of Texan cattle crossed into Mexico, 
 by thieves, frequently; these herds from four to five hundred in num- 
 ber. — (See deposition No. 13.) 
 
 Scveriano Hinojosa has seen stolen cattle crossed by thieves into Mex- 
 ico ; frequently two hundred in a herd.-— (See dei)osition No. 14.; 
 
 IV". i>. Thomas saw a cai)tain in the Mexican army driving, along a 
 road on the jMexicau side of the river, a herd of four hundred stolen 
 cattle. The ca])tnin said: " The ' gringos' are raising cows for me." 
 Cattle are worth $4 a head on the Mexican side. — (See deposition 
 No. 10.) 
 
 Ignacio Garcia, for several years past, has heard, at Calabozo ranch, 
 near the river, of cattle being crossed at night over to Mexico. The 
 armed thieves, coming froui Mexico, raid sometimes a hundred miles ■ 
 into Texas. Cattle are worth 83 a head on the Mexican side of the 
 river. — (See deposition No. 17.) 
 
 Thaddeus M. A'// of?a', justice of the peace, testifies that Kafiiel Hinojosa 
 and J. M. Aldape were notorious cattle-thieves, raiding from Mexico. — 
 (See deposition No. 21.) 
 
 Alexander Wierbisli testifies that eight luDidred .cattle, stolen from 
 Texas, were sold by the Mexican cattle-tliieves at Ceralso or Aguas 
 Negras for $1,50 a head. He has gone twenty times to the city of Mat- 
 amoras, Mexico, to seek for his own cattle, it being publicly known that 
 on these occasions stolen herds from Texas had been brought in ; found 
 the rumors verified. No legitimate beef trade can be carried on in 
 Northern Mexico. In Monterey (by reast)n of the sni)ply of stolen Texas 
 cattle) beef is cheaper than at'MatanuMas. The long Mexican local wars 
 have almost exhausted their own herds, but the current price of beef is 
 much less than in Texas. — (See deposition No. 25.) 
 
 Ahbato Longoria testifies that cattle are worth two to five dollars a 
 head on the .Mexican side. — (See deposition No. 30.) 
 
 Antonio Tigerina testifies that the stealing of Texan cattle by Mexi- 
 cans existed in 1805, continued in 1806, augmented till 1808, and since 
 then continues very grievons. In 1870, '71, '72, he has seen many 
 stolen herds Irom Texas on the Mexican side. On one occasion he fol- 
 lowed fifteen or sixteen armed Mexican cattle-thieves, who were driving 
 
EEPOET OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 17 
 
 off four hundred cattle to Las Cuevas ranch, where they crossed them 
 into Mexico. — (See deposition No. 31.) 
 
 A)if/el Agulrre saw at Mesquitito ranch, in Mexico, some cattle out ot 
 a herd of two or three hundred which had been stolen and successfully 
 crossed. — (See deposition No. 34.) 
 
 Henrii iSb)ieon testities that cattle are worth six to seven dollars each 
 on the ^Mexican side. — (See deposition No. 3G.) 
 
 AjwUinario Hernandez saw the Holguiues brothers (notorious Mexi- 
 ican cattle-thieves) cross 100 stolen cattle at Mogotes ranch, the stociv 
 being- sold to Bon Dyonisio Cardenas, (now alcalde at Matamoras,) for 
 $2.50 a head. Witness gives the following names of notorious cattle- 
 thieves : Antonio Blangel, Captain Sabas Garcia, (Mexican army,) Se- 
 guudo Garza, Juan Garcia, Holguines Brothers, (Andres and EsuKn-ing- 
 ildo,) one Jnrado, (now dead,) one Librado, Lugo or Lubo Brothers, 
 (now dead,) Perales Brothers, (Sylverio and Pedro,) and Francisco Vil- 
 lareal. All the above-named thieves operated across the river-line be- 
 tween the Bolsa ranch and Brownsville, say sixtv miles. — (See deposition 
 No. 3S.) 
 
 Elder B. Barton saw fifteen or twenty armed JMexican cattle-thieves 
 driving' oft' two hundred cattle at Olivas, over one hundred miles within 
 Texan line. — (See deposition No. 42.) 
 
 Gregorio YlUareal saw (he being a soldier in the Mexican army) cat- 
 tle being crossed by thieves from Texas into Mexico. He Imt, helped 
 to drive henls of these cattle to Palito Blanco, (a ranch of General J. 
 N. Cortina;) also has seen these stolen herds sold to butchers on the 
 Mexican side. General J. N. Cortina, in marching his forces to Camargo 
 and back in 1871 and 1S72, fed them on beef stolen from Texas. The 
 following ranches on the Mexican bank of the Eio Grande are notorious 
 haunts for thieves and cattle-stealers : San Eafael, Las Cuevas, Potrero 
 de San Eafael, Tapehuaje rancho, Eancho Villareales, San Francisco 
 rancho, Pefiitas rancho, El Esterito, Anzalveras rancho, Los Jabon- 
 cillos, Keynosa Vieja, El Barrancas, El Ebano, El Cha])ital, Los Pelados, 
 La Bolsa, El Prdniita, Solisena, (a notorious den: Nicholas Soils, al- 
 calde of the Soliseiio precinct, at this place levied a black-mad on all 
 stolen cattle of 25 cents a head for the use of the corrals and yards, in 
 which he was protected by General J. N. Cortina,) La Paiingaua, Ca- 
 poti?, Potrero, aiid other ranches. — (See deposition No. 47.) 
 
 Franeis^eo Mnngiiia was chased by armed cattle-thieves while on 
 Texan soil, on July 10, 1871. Cattle are worth 8L50 a head and upward 
 iu the frontier borders of IMexico. — (See deposition No. 57.) 
 
 Bamon Rodrkjuez, with his companion, Desiderio Castaneda, were pur- 
 sued by armed cattle-thieves, numbering fiiteen, who had crossed from 
 Mexico and were on Texan soil. Cattle are worth from $1.50 npward 
 iu Mexico. — (See de[)osition No. ^^.) 
 
 Nicliolas Cluvmpion testifies that nmny droves of stolen Texan cattle 
 have been crossed by Mexican thieves over the river at Floridas rancho, 
 armed JMexicans coming to the bank to cover the crossing of the herds, 
 and proti'ct the thieves. — (See deposition No. 70.) 
 
 Juan Levricr saw, between 1805 an<l 1871, stolen Texan cattle crossed 
 by armed bands of jMexieaus at El Arenal Tranciuil, on the river. — (See 
 dei)osition No. 78.) 
 
 John Fitch has seen armed Mexican cattle-thieves on various occa- 
 sions steal cattle from the Texan ranges. — (See deposition No. 82.) 
 
 Henderson WiUi{im,s\s sons are forced to abandon herding cattle on the 
 ranges in Texas, belonging to then), on account of the irruptions of 
 cattle-thieves from jNlexico. — (See deposition No. 139.) 
 
18 REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 
 Vmccnie Carazos was tlireateiiod personally by Mexican cattle-tbieves 
 ciniin^il' from the river-banks. — (Hee deposition No. 155.) 
 
 Engcnio Zamora lias otten met armed Mexican cattle-tbieves, witli 
 bands of stolen Texan cattle in their possession, near Kio Grande city, 
 in Texas, and was forced to Hy for his life. — (See deposition No. 158.) 
 
 Cccelio Vela met near liio Grande (Jity armed Mexican cattle-thieves, 
 and was forced to fly for his life. — (See deposition No. 100.) 
 
 Jusfo Lopez, notitied by a friend of the danger, liavini;- lost cattle by 
 thefts of the armed Mexican banditti, dares not reclaim tiiem on the 
 Mexican side. — (See deposition No. 1G4.) 
 
 Bias ^^asquez repeatedly saw armed cattle-thieves near Cax)itaneno 
 rancho, in Texas. — (See deposition No. 204.) 
 
 1^'iehohis CItanno saw herds of stolen Texan cattle repeatedly brouj^ht 
 nito lia.gdad, ^lexico, and sold there by thieves while he was a resi- 
 dent. — (See deposition No. 213.) 
 
 Note. — The same cattle, which, as testified above, are valued and 
 sold at from !$1.50 to $7 on the Mexican side, are worth from ^12 to $15 
 per head on the Texan river-border, and there is no discordance on 
 this point. The lon<i;-continned wars on the northern frontier of Mexico 
 have broken np their original herds of breeding-cattle, and whereas 
 cattle are sold lor an average of $5, the testimony of all witnesses 
 examined on this point is confirmed by the uatnral conclusion that the 
 beef sold at these ruinous i)rices must be stolen from Texas, and is 
 sold for less than cost, as even on the grassy Texan i>rairies the esti- 
 mated cost to the owner of a four-year old steer is seven dollars. (See 
 Major Sweet's pamphlet, page 7.) The business of cattle-dealing and 
 butchering is evidently in Northern Mexico based on a su}»ply of stolen 
 Texan cattle. 
 
 OPINIONS (FROM THE EVIDENCE) AS TO CATTLE-STEALING. 
 
 Justo Lopez gives his estimate (from observation and judgment) of 
 the number of stolen cattle crossed between the city of Brownsville 
 and Point Isabel, in the last seven years, fixing the number at 00,000. — 
 (See deposition No. 12.) 
 
 Marcos iSanchcz confirms, in opinion, the above. — (See deposition 
 No. 13.) 
 
 Sererairo Hinojosa gives the same estimate. — (See deposition No. 1-1.) 
 
 Jacinto Hernandez is of the same ojunion. — (See deposition No. 15.) 
 
 Thaddem M. L'hodea J. P., estinuites that in 1808, 1801), and 1870, 3,000 
 
 head ])er month of stolen cattle were crossed into Mexico, by thieves 
 
 (foming from there, in the fifteen miles ot river-line above and below 
 
 Edinburgh.. — (See deposition No. 21.) 
 
 NicJiol((s Champion estimates that 20,000 head of stolen cattle have 
 been crossed into Mexico yearly, in 1871 and 1872, at or near Floridas 
 ranch on the Kio Grande. — (See dei)osition No. 70.) 
 
 FACTS OBSERVED BY THE UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS. 
 
 On September 6, 1872, the steamer San Juan, ascending the Eio 
 Grande, (the United States commissioners to Texas being on board,) 
 passed LasCuevas, a notorious rendezvous of cattle-thieves, between 7 and 
 8.30 a. m. At a bend of the liver, half a mile above i.as Cuevas, a herd of 
 cattle was seen on the Texan bank in the possession of ])ersons evidently 
 cattle-thieves. The spot was not a legal crossing-place, (no customs 
 
REPOET OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 19 
 
 officer beiDg present as required by law.) A number of cattle were in 
 a corral by the bank, being crossed over to the Mexican side. A con- 
 siderable force of Mexicans was discovered, some naked, (prepared to 
 direct the cattle in swimming-,) and others in possession of a boat on 
 the river. Mounted men were also in the (;orral, and examination with 
 a glass showed the fact that some had retired under cover of the thick 
 undergrowth. From the appearance of the banks, a large number of 
 cattle "had been crossed, and from thirty to fifty were yet on the Texan 
 side. There being no troops on board the steamer, it was impossible to 
 attemi)t recapture. This crossing was effected within fifteen miles of 
 the station of a company of mounted United States infantry, and under 
 cover of "Las Cuevas" settlement on the Mexican side. 
 
 An official menroranduai of the fact was made by the recorder of the 
 commission, being signed by the president and himself. 
 
 JSTestor Maxan, E. Dougherty, and Mifflin Kenedy, (all of Brownsville, 
 Cameron County, Texas,) were witnesses of the entire occurrence. 
 
 DOCUJIENTARY REFERENCES. 
 
 1. Extract from letter of Brevet MajorGeneral E. S. Mackenzie, Colonel 
 Fourth Cavalry, United States Army, to assistant adjutant-general, 
 Department of Texas, fronr Kinggold Barracks, Texas, date September 
 :12. 1807. — (See do(;ument 14, current file, United States commission 
 to Texas:) 
 
 " Cattle-stealing is practiced to an outrageous extent." 
 
 2. Extract from letter of John Dix, sub-assistant commissioner Bureau 
 Freedjsien, Ket'ugees an«l Abandoned Lands, to assistant adjutantgeir- 
 eral, Department of Texas, from Corpus Christi, December 31, 1807 : 
 
 " A vast amount of cattle have been stolen, from 1805 to 1807." 
 
 3. Eeport of Lieutenant Colonel A. McD. McCook, Tenth Infantry, 
 United States Army, to assistant adjutant-general, Department of 
 Texas. — (Document 3, current tile, United States commission to 
 Texas.) 
 
 4. Letter of Lieutenant-Colonel A. McD. McCook, Tenth Infantry, 
 LTnited States Army,' to Consul Thomas F. Wilson, August li, 1871. 
 
 [Extract.] 
 
 " There is in existence on tliis frontier a system of cattle-stealing 
 which, if i)ersisted in, will be disastrous to the stock-raising interests of 
 Texas, and may lead to a predatory war on either side of the river, 
 eventually producing a (H>ntlict between the two nations.'" — (See Foreign 
 Eelatious, 1871, page 0,j8,j 
 
 IMPORTATION OF HIDES FROM MEXICO. 
 
 In their eftbrts to get all the data possible having any bearing on the 
 objects of their n^ission, the commission were not unmindful of the im- 
 portance of obtaining the statistics of the movements of hides between 
 the United States and Mexico. No article enters into the commerce of 
 our southwestern frontier of more value and commanding importance 
 than dry and wet hides. The handsome profits derived from the capi- 
 tal employed in the illicit traffic which has been carried on in this spe- 
 cies of property by frontier merchants and speculators, ha;* emboldened 
 them in their operations to an extent which has been the means of fur- 
 nishing evidence corroborative of that taken before the commission, and 
 
20 IJEPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONEES TO TEXAS. 
 
 of sueli an iii]]>ortaiit cliaracter as to eutitle it, in oni- jndgment, to very 
 great consideration at our bands. 
 
 When hides, imported into this countr^^ through the custom-houses 
 on the frontier of Texas, are entered, they are at once inspected, as to 
 ilie brands they bear, by inspectors ai')pointed under the cattle and hide 
 inspection laws of Texas. An examination of the results of these iu- 
 spections, as put in evidence by the record kept by the cattle and hide 
 inspector of the district of Cameron County, Texas, shows that of the 
 numberof hides entered at the custom-house at Brownsville from Mexico, 
 fully -5 per cent, bore the brands of Texas stock-raisers, and that at 
 least 1*5 per cent, bore brands that had evidently been altered or other- 
 wise defaced. 
 
 The evidence of all the witnesses examined before the commission on 
 this point, establishes the fact that Texas cattle are never sold in any 
 jiumbers, if at all, to goto Mexico; and that cattle are worth on an 
 average $10 a head moie in Texas than they are sold for in the n^arkets 
 on the northern frontier of ]\lexico. In the customs district of Brazos 
 Santiago, com})rising the Lower llio Grande, the records show an entry 
 of 1^7!i,25(> hides, imported from Mexico from ISOG to 1872; while the 
 records of the district of Corpus Christi, the outlet of the ports of liio 
 Grande City, Eoma, Carrizo, and Laredo, show an entry of 158,688 beef- 
 hides imported from Mexico through the above ports. 
 
 This documentary evidence bears with great weight on the extent and 
 character of the depredations that have been committed on the people 
 living on the frontier of Western Texas, and when taken in connection 
 with the fact that the impoitation of hides from Mexico into the United 
 States through these frontier ports is but seldom done, save when the 
 carrying tonnage between Mexican ports and the commerc'al centers of 
 the United States and Euroi>e is insufficient to meet the demands of 
 shipjiers, it bears impartial witness of the extent and i)roportions of tlie 
 traffic whic!i is carried on in the hides of animals stolen from American 
 owners. 
 
 Where the entry of hides imported from Mexico at one American 
 l)ort, as in the case of Brownsville, shows that, of the whole number 
 entered, at least 25 per cent, bore American brands, and that at least as 
 large a percent, bore brands that had been altered and otherwise defaced, 
 and this in the face of the customs officers of the United States, and 
 tiie cattle and hide inspectors of Texas, it would not be unreasonable 
 to estimate at a much larger per cent, the hides bearing American 
 bia.nds which have been exported from Mexico directly to Europe, New 
 Orleans, New York, a'.id other markets. 
 
 The commission was unable to examine the records of the cattle 
 ami hide inspection district of Nueces County, and consequently are un- 
 able to report the per cent, of the whole number of beef-hides import* d 
 fiom Mexico, through the customhouse at Corpus Christi, which bore 
 American brands. The cattle and hide inspection law of Texas has 
 been in operation but little over a year, and owing to defects in it which 
 prevented the recovery of vstolen cattle and the seizing of stolen hides, 
 powers of attorney being required, and the distance being so great be- 
 tween theraiudies scattered here and thereover a frontier several hundred 
 miles in length, this law, as a means for suppressing crime and detecting 
 the thieves that infest the Kio Grande frontier, has, in a measure, been 
 barren of results. It has not unfrequently occurred that men charged 
 with the duty of enforcing this law have given false inspection-certifi- 
 cates, ami assisted in every way in their power men notoriously known 
 to be engaged in having and selling stolen hides. In one instance, 
 
EEPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 21 
 
 coming under tlie observation of the commission, certificates were i.ssued 
 by an inspector, dated at Brownsville, certifying that inspections, actu- 
 ally made by liim in Matamoras, Mexico, were made in the cattle and 
 hide inspection district of Canieron County, Texas. 
 
 In this case the testimony shows that the inspector has not only beeu 
 known to issue his certificates in Mexico, in order that the hides miglit 
 not be exposed for inspection on being entered at the Americau cnstom- 
 house, but has actually, in cases where wet hides were to be inspected, 
 rolled two and three together and passed them as one, without inspec- 
 tion. The presumption of fraud on the part of this American oliQcer, 
 in this case, was so great as to canse his indictment in the conrts of 
 Texas, where nierchants and dealers in this property buy hides, one by 
 one, from thieves who kill cattle for the skins only, and intiuence the 
 inspecting officer by bribing him to pass the stolen iiroperty through 
 his district. The only remedy suggesting itself is more rigid laws and 
 tlie appointment of honest men to enforce them. An examination, herein 
 referred to, of one lot of stolen hides, seized under a search-warrant, 
 shows that the brands of fifty different American stock-raisers, scattered 
 over several hundred miles of territory, are represented. 
 
 The following extracts from the testimony taken before the commis- 
 sion will more fully exhibit the extent of the depredations of this class. 
 Particular attention is called to documents 25, 26, and 38, on file with 
 the commission. 
 
 EXTRACTS FR03I THE EVIDENCE. 
 
 Bominich Lively has detected hides bearing his brand in process of 
 importation and shii)meut. — (See deposition ISTo. 9.) 
 
 Herman 8. Boel; dei)uty cattle and hide inspector, district of Cameron 
 County, has detected stolen hides belonging to JDominick Lively in 
 course of shipment. — (See dejiosition No. 11.) 
 
 George W. Lour, when cattle and hide insj^ector, observed the ship- 
 ment of 370 dry hides direct to Liverpool, England, on ship Mary Doug- 
 lass, in December, 1871. Many of these hides bore American brands, 
 and witness believed them to be stolen. — (See deposition No. 22.) 
 
 Alexander Wierhisli has detected his stolen hides being imported for 
 shipment. — (See de[)osition No. 25.) 
 
 ApolUnario Hernandez found General Juan N. Cortina, in August, 
 1871, at Santa Fe, near Matamoras, Mexico, engaged in fraudnlently 
 rebrandiug stolen cattle, with a brand manufactured to deface the old 
 marks, and which was not his legally recorded personal brand. — (See 
 deposition No. 38.) 
 
 Louis Renand, as depnty inspector of hides and cattle, testified that 
 20 per cent, of the hides imported from Mexico are stolen, others pur- 
 posely defaced. Tlie cattle and hide inspection laws are defective and 
 need amendment. — (See deposition No. 88.) 
 
 Charles J. Murphy, cattle and hide inspector, under the laws ot Texas, 
 from September, 1871, to July, 1872, has seen stolea hides (the property 
 of Captain Richard King, of liancho Santa Gertrudes, Nueces County, 
 Texas) being im[)orted from Matamoras. He had no power to opeii the 
 hides, which were rolled u|). The deputies of witness seized a lot of 
 stolen hides (in process of importation) on Fel)ruary 20, 1872. Eoberfc 
 Kingsbury, justice of the peace, at Brownsville, tlirough his de[)uty, 
 H. S. llock, inspected hides at Matamoras, Mexico, under the laws of 
 the State of Texas, and gave certificates of inspection, (from his oftice.) 
 under which they were shij)ped. 
 
22 IJEPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIOKERS TC* TEXAS. 
 
 On November 20, 1871, at Matamoras, Mexico, H. S. Eock (deputy of 
 Bobert Kingsbury) again inspected hides at Matamoras, Mexico, and 
 they were shipped under certificate from Brownsville. 
 
 Milmo & Co. and H. E. Woodhouse & Co., of Matamoras, Mexico, 
 were the shippers. The witness endeavored to seize the above lot of 
 hides, and was prevented. He was not allowed to examine them ; was 
 prevented by the certificate given as above described. An indictment 
 was presented in a court of Texas for this offense. — (See deposition No. 
 117.) 
 
 Herman S. Rod; deputy inspector of hides and cattle for the district 
 of Cameron County, Texas, admitted in his testimony the inspections 
 referred to above. — (See deposition No. 121.) 
 
 Note. — The detailed evidence of H. S. Bock shows that the hides 
 imported from j\[exico, which passed under his ofiicial scrutiny, and as 
 noted in his records, bear brands representing" nearly every stock-raiser 
 in AVestern Texas. 
 
 From August 15, 1871, to the date of his testimony, (August 20, 1872,) 
 Deputy Inspector Bock has seized forty-two stolen hides and recorded as 
 stolen (he having no power to seize them) four hundred and forty-eight 
 hides, which were imported from time to time, mostly shipped by Mil- 
 mo & Co. and H. E. Woodhouse & Co., of Matamoras, Mexico. These 
 hides bear the brands of tifty different stock-raisers of Western Texas; 
 the largest number belonged to Bichard King, of Bancho Santa Ger- 
 trudes, Nueces County. 
 
 Valentine J. Clarl-, acting for the stock-raisers' association of Western 
 Texas, seized, on August 2;>, 1872, as stolen property, under a search-war- 
 rant, an invoice of hnles shipped by J. G. Kelsey, of Bio Grande City, to 
 Brazos Santiago, in i>ossession then of the Bio Grande Transportation 
 Company. There were 1,015 hides in the invoice; 201 of these were 
 distinctly recognized and seized as stolen, and about 50 were recognized 
 as stolen which the agent was not empowered to seize. Thei)arLiculars 
 are fully detailed in the evidence of witness. — (See deposition No. 127.) 
 
 DOCUMENTS FOR REFERENCE. 
 
 1. Statement of hides imported into the customs district of Corpus 
 Christi, Texas, from 1807 to 1872.— (No. 25, current tile.) 
 
 2. Statement of hides imported into the customs district of Brazos 
 Santiago, Texas, from 1800 to 1872.— (No. 20, current file.) 
 
 3. Printed copy cattle and hide inspection law of the State of Texas. — 
 (No. 38, current tile.) 
 
 1. Letter of George H. Abbott, special agent of the Treasury De- 
 jiartment, to the honorable Secretary of the Treasury, El Paso del 
 Norte, October 31, 1872, detailing a seizure of cattle for violation of rev- 
 enue laws. — (No. 10, current file.) 
 
 CONDUCT OF THE MEXICAN AUTHORITIES. 
 
 That the local authorities of Northern Mexico (civil and military) 
 have been aware, tor years past, that lawless expeditions were being 
 constantly set on foot in their midst to invade American territory for 
 jdunder and the commission of crime, the evidence taken before the 
 coinnnssion fully establishes. 
 
 The military authorities, it will be seen, have not only tolerated this 
 system of plunder, so long carried on by Mexican citizens on the property 
 and interests of citizens of Texas, but have encouraged the thieves by 
 
EEPORT OF UNITED STATES COilMISSIONEES TO TEXAS. 23 
 
 using" the Mexican avniy to assist in getting tlie stolen proi)ert.v on 
 Mexican soil and sharing' in the proceeds. This condition of attairs has 
 existed for years. During the administration of President Buchanan 
 these frontier complications and outrages assumed so serious a character 
 as to induce the Secretary of War, in 1800, to issue orders to Colonel 
 E. E. Lee, then commanding- the Department of Texas, to notify the 
 Mexican authorities that they would be held responsible for the enforce- 
 ment of the laws against these thieves and bandits. Colonel Lee not 
 only notified the Mexican officials on the line of the Bravo as iustructed, 
 but also issued orders to his subordinates to see that the Mexican au- 
 thorities performed their duty, and to that end, if necessary, to cross 
 into Mexico. 
 
 Whatever might have been ihe temporary effect on the Mexican 
 authorities at that time of the firm stan<l taken by the United States 
 in giving i)rotection to its citizens ag-ainst these Mexican outlaws, the 
 continuance of General Juan ^. Cortina, the protector of the lawless 
 bands, in the command of the line of the Bravo, from 1870 to 1872, goes 
 to show, on the part of the Mexicau authorities, a wautou disregard of 
 the authority of this Government and of the rights of its citizens. A 
 history of General Cortina's career while iu command of the army occu- 
 pying the uortliern frontier ot Mexico, and prior to that time, would be, 
 in a great part, but a history of the wrong and outrages which have 
 been committed with imi)unity, for years past, on the residents of our 
 southwestern frontier. The following extract from a communication 
 addressed to the Congress of the United States by the Secretary of 
 War, of date April 30, 1870. has an important bearing on the conduct 
 of the Mexican authorities, and is fully sustained by the evidence taken 
 before the commission, showing, as it does, the position and character 
 of an officer cliarged by the supreme government of Mexico for the two 
 years ending March, 1872, with the grave responsibilities incident to the 
 command of the line of the northern frontier of that republic. 
 
 Secretary Belkna]), referring to General Cortina, says: 
 
 This extraordinary character was a soldier under General Arista at the time General 
 Taylor's army arrived on the Rio Grande ; was at one time lieutenant under Garcia, but. 
 being detected selling horses given him foi a remount, was dismissed; murdered his 
 employer, Sir- Somerville, in lf?47; committed robberies in Texas in l!-!4y ; had an indict- 
 ment pending against him in 18M in the Cameron County court of Texas; continued 
 to commit depredations in Texas in IKoy; was then an outlaw, and for his numerous 
 robberies was again indicted iu the Cameron County court iu the spring of 1859. 
 
 For a history of detail of the career of General Cortina on the border 
 iu 1859, reference is made to depositions 10, 18, 21, 71, 70, 84, 85, 87, 95, 
 90, 110, 117, 177, 190, 197, 198, 201, 213, as well as to report of Major 
 Heintzelman, United States Army, on the Cortina raid of 1859. (Ex. 
 Doc. No. 81, House of Representatives, first session Thirty-sixth Con- 
 gress, vol. 12.) 
 
 The civil administration of officers on the northern frontier of the 
 republic of Mexico, with an exception or two, has been conducted al- 
 most wholly in the interest of the demoralized and lawless population 
 living on that frontier, to which may be added the odiuuj of its com- 
 plete subserviency to a military regime having probably no parallel in 
 the history of tiie age for its utter disregard of human life and high- 
 handed exercise of power. In cases brought before these officials by 
 citizens of the United States for the recovery of stolen property, they 
 have invariably defeated the ends of justice, either by a technical cou- 
 struction of the law, or by confessing their unwillingness or inability to 
 grant relief. It is in evidence before the commission that officers 
 alcaldes) before whom suit had been brought for the recoverv of stolen 
 
24 EEPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 
 property, have ruled iii tlie interest of tlie thief and shared with him 
 tlie pro|)erty stolen. The circumstances connected with the quasi trvdl 
 and imi>eachment of Judge Augustin Menchaca, district judge of the 
 ytate of Tamaulipas, before the legislative branch of the government 
 of the city of j\Iatanioras, on October 25, 1809, furnish a sad com- 
 mentary on the maimer of punishing crime and rewarding virtue on the 
 right bank of the Eio Grande. In ISOU the citizens of Brownsville, 
 Texas, through a communication, requested Judge jMenchaca to co- 
 operate with them in their efforts to prevent illi(,'it traffic in stolen cattle 
 and their hides. 
 
 They were informed by him that he would do all in his power to sus- 
 tain them in their laudable etibrts, and that any person duly commis- 
 sioned to represent them at Matamoras would be recognized and sus- 
 tained by him in the discharge of his duty. During- the same year 
 Henry Klahn, a citizen of Brownsville, was commissioned by Judge J. 
 Galvan, of that city, to reside in Matamoras and look after the interests 
 of the .stock-raisers of Western Texas. Mr. Klahn reported to Judge 
 Menchaca for duty, was promptly and courteously received, and after 
 being' instrumental in the recovery in several instances of property 
 stolen in Texas and carried into Mexico, (IMr. Klahn's duties ou]y ex- 
 tended to the detection of thieves and pointing- out stolen proi>erty to 
 Mexician ofticers authorized to make seizure,) was finally confronted 
 with a public sentiment so hostile to his longer continuance in the dis- 
 charge of his duties as to make it necessary for him to resign. This 
 outburst of poi)ular indignation on the part of the people of Matamoras 
 Avas not alone directed at Mr. Klahn, but was brought to bear with such 
 vigor on Judge ]\Ienchaca, because of hiseflbrts to enforce the laws and 
 punish crime, as to cause the legislative branch of themuuicii>ality of 
 Matamoras to adojit resolutions ad<lressed to the supreme government 
 of the State of Tamaulii)as, asking- Judge j\renchaca's remoAal or im- 
 ])eachment, and which tinaliy forced him to resign and seek a refuge in 
 Europe. The evidenc*^ in the possession of the commission bears with 
 marked severity on the indifference with which the supreme govern- 
 ment of Mexico, for years i)ast, has permitted her northern frontier to 
 offer an asylum to bands of marauders organized to invade and plunder 
 American territory. The earnest correspondence on the ])art of the 
 (iovernment of the United States in regard to these outrages, as shown 
 as far back as 1852, in a letter from Hon. C M. Conrad, Secretary of. 
 War, to Hon. P. H. Bell, governor of Texas, (i)age 71. Letter of Hon. 
 W. W. Belknap, Secretary of War, to the Congress of the United States 
 on the claims of the State of Texas, April 30, 1872,) and followed by in- 
 structions as firm in character as those issued by the Secretary of War 
 to Colonel R. E. Lee, United States Army, commanding- department of 
 Texas, in 18G0, taken in connection Avith the communications of Hon. 
 Tliomas F. Wilson, United States consul at ^latamoras, and Lieutenant- 
 Colonel A. McU. McCook, United States Army, commanding the line of 
 the Eio Grande, forwarded through Hon. Thonms H. Nelson, United 
 States uiinister to Mexico, and General Miguel Palacos, then command- 
 ing- the Plaza of JMatamoras, to the supreme government of Mexico, and 
 the long- continuance of General Juan X. Cortina, so notoriously offen- 
 sive to the Government of the United States, in command of the line of 
 the Bravo, estops the government of the republic of JNIexico, in the 
 Judg-inent of this commission, from pleading ignorance of the serious 
 nature of the complications which have existed on the northern frontier 
 of that republic for years past, and which have made, during that time, 
 life and property unsafe on our southwestern frontier. 
 
REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 25 
 
 REFERENCES AND EXTRACTS FROM EVIDENCE AS TO THE CONDUCT 
 OF THE MEXICAN FRONTIER AUTHORITIES. 
 
 References from letter of the Secretary of War on ^^ claims of the State of 
 'Texas.'''' \Ex. Doc. No. 277, second session Forty- Second Contjress, House 
 of Bepresentatives.) 
 
 1. "The Mexican goverument bas been notified of the alleged com- 
 plicity of its officers in these frontier disturbances," &e., &c. — (See letter 
 of Hon. C. M. Conrad, Secretary of War, to Hon. P. H. JJell, governor 
 of Texas, September 30, 1852, p. 71, Ex. Doc. No. 277.) 
 
 2. Colonel R. E. Lee, United States Army, commanding Department of 
 Texas, was directed on March 2, ISOO, to notify the Mexican authorities 
 on the Rio Grande frontier that they must break up the bands of ban- 
 ditti, &c., &c., and that they would be " held responsible for the faith- 
 ful performance of this plain duty on their part.'" — (See Ex. Doc. iS"o. 
 277, p. 29.) 
 
 3. Alarm created by the orders of March 2, 1860, in Matamoras, and 
 the authorities were expected to act "more efficiently in breaking up 
 the bands of Cortina, who had been outraging the Texan frontier." 
 —(See Ex. Doc. No. 277, p. 29.) 
 
 4. C'olonel R. E. Lee, United States Army, notified the Mexican au- 
 thorities of his authority, and of their responsibility, on April 2, 1800. 
 —(See Ex. Doc. No. 277, p. 30.) 
 
 5. Colonel R. E. Lee, United States Army, on April 9, 18(50, issued an 
 order directing his subordinate officers to see that the ^Mexican authori- 
 ties fulfilled their obligations. — (See Ex. Doc. No. 277, p. 30.) 
 
 G. The Matamoras authorities were thus notified, and special notifica- 
 tion given to the civil and military authorities of Keynosa. — (Sec Ex. 
 Doc. No. 277, p. 30.) 
 
 Extracts from evidence tal-en before the co7nmissio)icrs. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel A. McB. McCooJc, Tenth Infantry, United States 
 Army, conmianding Fort Brown, addressed, on August 2, 1871, a com- 
 munication to Consul Thomas E. Wilson, at IMatamoras, transmitting 
 transcri})ts of records of the district court of Cameron County, Texas, 
 setting forth various indictments against General Juan N. Cortina, 
 Mexican army. A predatory war was feared as tlie r«\sult of the con- 
 tinued cattle-stealing and other outrages on Texan life and pro})erty. 
 (For the correspondence see above-described letter, and also letter of 
 Lieutenant-Colonel McCook to General J. J. Reynolds, as well as the 
 reply of Consul Thomas F.* Wilson to Lieutenant-Colonel McCook, 
 ])!>. 058 and 059, Foreign Relations, 1871.) — (See also deposition No. 1, 
 for full details.) 
 
 Thomas F. Wilson, United States consul at Matamoras, testifies that 
 he transmitted the letter of Lieutenant-Colonel McCook to General 
 jNliguel Palacios, who forwarded it, without delay, to the supreme gov- 
 ernment of Mexico, also telegraphing the substance of the letters to 
 President Benito Juarez. 
 
 President Juarez, thus fully notified in August, 1871, did not remove 
 General Juan N. Cortina until March, 1872. 
 
 The 8U[)reme government was also notified through the United States 
 minister at the city of JMexico, Hon. T. H. Nelson, of the alleged com- 
 plicity of Genera! rJuan N. Cortina. — (See deposition No. 2.) 
 
 The Mexican civil authorities of Matamoras replied to a demand for 
 
2G EEPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 
 catlle-tliieves made by WiJUani Bnrl:e, (lieutenant of State police,) who 
 named the offenders, " that they had no right to give tliem up." Tbe 
 men were not punished. — (See deposition No. 4.) 
 
 FrcDicisco Martinez testified that the Matamoras authorities had notice 
 for four years of unchecked depredations on the cattle of Sehor Fran- 
 cisco Yturria, of Brownsville, Texas. — (See dei)osition No. 5.) 
 
 Juan ISandiez applied for assistance to the Matamoras antlioi'ities in 
 1870. They admitted they were unable to stop the cattle depredations 
 complained of. — (vSee dejiosition No. 7.) 
 
 Inspector Thomas C. ^Iichloii saw Captain Sr.bas Garcia, of the Mexi- 
 can army, at the raid near Banco ranch, on March 4, 1S72. Alcalde 
 Nicholas Solis had 20 men to assist in that crossing of stolen cattle. — 
 (See deposition No. 8.) 
 
 Justo Lopez testifies that stolen cattle fror/i Texas were <lriven over 
 into Mexico almost weelil}', with the knowledge of the jMexican local 
 authorities. 
 
 Tlie attention of the " encargados " or heads of the ranches on tbe 
 Mexican siih^ of the river was repeatedly called to the use of their 
 ranches for cattle-stealing, and they claimed they could not stop it, 
 ■while, in fact, they shared the plunder. — (See deposition No. 12.) 
 
 il/arc'o.S' >SVf»t'/;^'~ says that the local autliorities and " encargados '' of 
 ranches are guilty of assisting the thieves. — (See deposition No. 13.) 
 
 iSeceyuDiolIinojosa. testifies that the crossings into Mexico of the stolen 
 cattle have been with the sufferance aiul consent of the local JMexican 
 authorities. — (See dei)osition No. 14.) 
 
 Jacinto Hernandez thinks the authorities, by proper action, could have 
 captured 00,000 stolen cattle in tlie last seven years. — (See deposition 
 No. lo.) 
 
 W. I). Thomas recognizes Captain F. ]\Ii]an, JMexican army, in pos- 
 session of a herd of stolen Texan cattle. — (See deposition No. 10.) 
 
 W. I>. Thomas testifies to systematic fraud on the part of the civil au- 
 thorities of J\iatamoras as to the inspection of cattle. Orders were given 
 to the JMexican register of brands at Matamoras to record, in transfer 
 only, the lost !)rands on cattle, so as to enable stolen cattle to be re- 
 branded and sold. The civil and military authorities were in collusion 
 with the thieves from 180.") to 1807, during the residence of witness in 
 the city of JMatamoras. — (See dei)osition No. 10.) 
 
 Carlos Esparza swears that Pedro Jurado (captain under Cortina) was 
 engaged in cattle-stealing. Cortina's overruling iniluence prevents anj^ 
 well-minded oflicial from doing his duty. — (See de])osition No. 18.) 
 
 Alexander Wierbisld notifie(l Don Dyonisio Cardenas, first alcalde of 
 Matamoras, that he (Cardenas) was buying and handling stolen cattle. 
 Cardoias rej^lied, " 1 don't care where they come from; I will buy 
 them." — (See deposition No. 25.) 
 
 Alexander M. iSandcrs testifies that the continual depredations could 
 have been checked, for when one J. M. JMartinez, (a Mexican cattle- 
 thief,) after stocking his ranch near Matamoras with cattle stolen from 
 Texas, attacked tlie residence of Senor Chai)a, on the Mexican side, he 
 was prom})t)y caught and killed. — (See de{)0siti()n No. 28.) 
 
 ■Alexander M. tSander>i saw Colonel J. JM. JMenchaca separate from a 
 herd of stolen Texan cattle at Guardado, some cattle belonging to a 
 Mexican friend ; no attem[)t was made l>y this officer to notify Texan 
 owners of the loss of their property. 
 
 The alcalde of Camargo, JMexico, admitted to witness that he d^rred 
 not disobey Cortina. — (See deposition No. 28.) 
 
 Abbato Longoria testifies that orders having been received by local 
 
REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 27 
 
 . antljorities to suppress (Mittle-stealing, souie obeyed tliem aud some did 
 uot. — (See deposition IS^o. 3(1.) 
 
 Antonio Tigerina saw, in 1870, 1S71, and 1872, herds of stolen Texan 
 cattle, at different times, in the possession of Don Dyonisio Cardenas, 
 lirst alcalde of Matamoras, IMexico. — (See deposition l^o. 31.) 
 
 Antonio Tigerina,m the interests of Texan stock-raisers, endeavors to 
 get a general power of attorney from them to recover stolen cattle from 
 the Mexican holders. The local Mexican authorities will not allow him 
 to act under such authority. — (See dei)osition ]No. 31.) 
 
 Antonio Tigerina testifies that Don Dyonisio Cardenas, first alcalde of 
 Matamoras, buys stolen cattle of the thieves. — (See dei)osition No. 31.) 
 Antonio Tigerina testifies that in February, 187L', Carriola, a butcher of 
 Matamoras, buys stolen Texan cattle of thieves. The Mexican (rivil and 
 military authorities have uot tried to stop the depredatious. — (See depo- 
 sition j^o. 31.) 
 
 Thomas J. Mandg, mounted inspector United States customs, recog- 
 F/ized iMexican soldiers in arms covering the crossing of stolen cattle 
 at Floridas rancho, in March, 1872. — (See deposition No. 32.) 
 
 Crespin I'eiia testifies that Francisco Perez, {alias " Cliicon,") who 
 brutally murdeied J\Ir. Joseph Alexander, of Brownsville, at Eeparo 
 rancli in Texas, on August 12, 1872, and escaped into Mexico, was a 
 sub-lieutenant of Cortina's troops. — (See deposition No. 37.) 
 
 ApoUinario Hernandez testifies as to Don Dyonisio Cardenas bujing 
 stolen Texan cattle of thieves, or their receivers. — (See deposition No. 
 38.) 
 
 ApoUinario Hernandez testifies that J. M. Mederano, a Matamoras 
 butcher, deals in stolen cattle. Dealers generally in Matau)oras buy 
 these cattle witliout scruples. Cardenas is the heaviest buyer. — (See 
 deposition No. 38.) 
 
 Franeis C. Mason testifies that, while quietly and peaceably engaged 
 with several comi)anions in sailing on the Ifio Grande, in the summer 
 of 1872, the party was shot at by a IMexican sentinel : they were forced 
 to land, were insulted, taken to Matamoras, detained over-night, aud 
 released without satisfaction of any kind. — (See deposition No. 39.) 
 
 EmiVio C. Forto was with the party, and confirms the preceding. — (See 
 deposition No. 4((.) 
 
 Charles R. Chase confirms depo-sitions 39 aud 10 ; was a member of the 
 party. — (See two depositions numbered 41.) 
 
 Gregorio ViUareal testifies that, on one occasion, the Matamoras 
 authorities, having captured 118 cattle from thieves who had brought 
 them from Texas, only admit the capture of 18 head; General Cortina 
 obtaining tlie remainder for his personal use. — (See deposition No. 47.) 
 Gregorio ViUareal saw during the occupation of Mief by Colonel Ar- 
 rocha, Mexican army, 100 stolen Texan cattle, penned up there for the 
 use of his troops. Colonels Arrocha and Meuchaca <lid not, however, 
 like Cortina, directly authorize cattle stealing. — (See deposition No. 47.) 
 Ramon Garcia recognized Captain Sabas Garcia, JMexican army, at 
 the Arroyo Colorado, in Texas, in charge of a party of armed thieves. — 
 (See dei)osition No. 48.) 
 
 Ramon Garcia recognized Pedro Jurado, P. Lubo, aud E. p]zcharrete, 
 (ofticers of Coitina's forces,) as engaged in cattle-stealing, at the Cala- 
 bozo ranch in March, 1872. The Mexican local authorities are implicated 
 in these thefts. — (See deposition No. 48.) 
 
 James F. iScoft declares that the attempts of stock-raisers to recover 
 their stolen property from Mexican holders have been made ineffectual 
 by the collusiou of Mexican ofticials.— (See deposition No. 49.) 
 
28 RErORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 
 Ram 0)1 Rodriguez saw Captniii Sabas Garcia in possession of a herd 
 of stolen Texan cattle. — (See deposition No. ~)S.) 
 
 Peter Champion was captured at Floridas ranch by armed men who 
 were crossing stolen Texan cattle, in March, 1872, and saw many Mexi- 
 can soldiers engaged therein. — (See deposition No. 71.) 
 
 Casimiro Trt»ia?/o, having a power of attorney to recover stolen Texan 
 cattle, visits Matamoras and lindsalarge herd in pens belonging to Don 
 Dyonisio Cardenas, alcalde. In order to ])revent detection, the cattle 
 were turned out of the pen and scattered; witness, on this account, 
 oidy recovered one animal, — (See deposition No. 77.) 
 
 John Fiteh saw 40 stolen Texan cattle penned np atMier, in Mexico. 
 lvei)resenting himself as an agent, he endeavored to recover the cattle, 
 and was refused by the civil authorities. — (See deposition No. <SL*.) 
 
 Francisco Solis saw Ci[»riano Flores and J. j\1. Martinez, (soldiers 
 nnder General Cortina,) in Texas, stealing and driving away cattle to 
 Mexico. — (See deposition No. 8G.) 
 
 General Don Fedro Hinojosa (then lirst alcalde of Matamoras) called 
 on Kichard King, of ranclio Santa Gertrudes, Nueces County, Texas, 
 at his hotel in Brownsville, and offered to King a sum of money to buy 
 the right of legal ownership in all cattle of King's brands, then on the 
 IMexican side of the river, in the hands of thieves or their receivers. 
 King retiised to sell any such right. Witness testities that it is person- 
 ally unsafe to attempt to reclaim property before the local ^Mexican au- 
 thorities. — (See deposition No. 89.) 
 
 Alexander Wierbii^l^i linding stolen cattle ])eniUMl up in Matamoras, in 
 18G0, api)lied to Don Dyonisio Cardenas (lirst alcalde of the city) for the 
 l)roperty, and was tohrthat " there was no law to compel the delivery 
 of the cattle." Legal proceedings were instituted by witness and con- 
 tinued until the judge owned to witness he dared not give Judgment for 
 the return of the cattle. The effort was thus a failure. — (See deposi- 
 tion No. 100.) 
 
 John McAllcn followed a herd of stolen cattle to Matamoras, in 18(iO, 
 or 1807. He applied to the alcalde, F. Colbert, and was refused the 
 pio})erty ; being imprisoned, he was glad to get back at all. — (See depo- 
 sition No. 113.) 
 
 W.W. Staples testities that Don Cornelius Sais (the mayor of Camargo, 
 Mexico) admitted to him the presence of stolen Texan cattle in Camargo. 
 He thought he knew parties who held them.— (See de])osition No. 132.) 
 
 W. lf. IStaples received on one occasion a friendly message froiiT 
 Colonel J. Arrocha, Mexican army, who admitted that there were horses 
 in his camp there which had been stolen from StajMes. The officer 
 promised to try and send them back; he did not do so. — (See <leposition 
 No. 132.) ' ^ 
 
 Antonio J. Yznaf/a testilies as to an attempt made in 1800 to induce 
 the Mexican autliorities to allow an insitector to reside- at Matamoras to 
 rei)reseut the stock-raisers of Western Texas. The attempt failed through 
 the hostility of the Matamoras ofticials and public to any such measure. — 
 (See deposition No. 138.) 
 
 ir////<n» A>//^, justice of the peace, testifies, that in the case of a 
 murderous raid on Clarksville, Texas, in 1801), (inspectors Hammond 
 and rhel])S being killed, and various robberies committed,) he reported 
 the fact to the captani of the port at Bagdad, IMexico, (from which place 
 the arnu'd Mexicans came,) and also to the authorities of jMatamoras, 
 who did not even send out a scout or search for the offenders, and made 
 no iiHjuiry tending to a prosecution of the otienders.— (See dei)osition 
 No. 132.) ' 
 
RErORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 29 
 
 Henry Khdtn, iu ISGO, was appointed by Judge Galvan, of Brownsville 
 on Ijelialf of tlie stock-raisers of Western Texas, with L. M. Sliedd, to 
 reside at Matamoras and act as an inspector of animals and Lides, with 
 a view to the suppression of cattle-stealing. The Mexi<.'an authorities 
 promised co-operation ; Klalin assumed his duties, and in making an in- 
 quiry into the character of certain property held by one Longoria, a 
 hide-dealer, was resisted by him ; Judge Augustin Menchaca ])laced a 
 sentinel over the property of Longoria, and tried to support Klahn in 
 his in(j airy. In a short time Judge Menchaca was forced to resign. 
 Dou Pedro Hinojosa was appointed district judge of the State of Ta- 
 maulipas, to succeed Menchaca; this judge notified Klahn privately 
 that he could not support him, and the inspector was forced to abandon 
 his duties, returning to Texas. 
 
 Witness testifies that Don Dyonisio Cardenas (alcalde at Matamoras) 
 is by general repute a buyer of stolen cattle. — (See deposition No. 172.) 
 Adoljfhu.s Glaevccke testifies that he re])orted to General Carbajal (then 
 chief commander of the line of the Bvavo) the night before the raid of 
 Cortina on Brownsville, (September 28, 1851),) that it would occur, and 
 begged him to arrest Cortina, who would use Mexican troops raised and 
 armed by that governuient for its legitimate service, to invade Texas 
 and outrage the border. The next day the attack occurred, and witness 
 went to General Carbajal, who was still in Brownsville, (wliere he had 
 been visiting,) and begged him to go out and arrest Cortina, who then 
 had possession of the town. General Carbajal refused to do so, and said 
 that he feared Cortina would not recognize his authority. — (See de]30si- 
 tion No. 177.) 
 
 Charles Best., an American citizen, is arrested on his steamer, then 
 lying on the ways at Bagdad, Mexico, in April, 1807. An affray having 
 occurred at the ship-yard, witness, an innocent man, was arrested, 
 struck, and (only through the intercession of a friend) was finally liber- 
 ated, the alcalde and captain of the port having, notwithstanding his 
 entire innocence, ordered him to be confined. All the Ameiican work- 
 men in the ship-yard, seven or nine in number, were arrested, tied two 
 and two, and marclied forty miles to Matamoras. Only two men were 
 guilty, they escaping, and these innocent parties were imjirisoned and 
 roughly treated for nine days at Matamoras, one of their number being- 
 kept nearly thirty days, and a final trial by a military court being forced 
 on them. — (See deposition No. 181, and also that of the sufferers, 180 
 183, 209, and 212.) 
 
 F. J. FarJcer testifies that the official copj- of the proceedings of the 
 city council of Matamoras, Mexico, filed and numbered 10, with the 
 records of the commission, was obtained through private channels after 
 due application had been refused, and that in the record of said pro- 
 ceedings, (the impeachment of Judge Menchaca for his assistance to 
 Inspector Klahn,) the name of Don Dyonisio Cardenas (who should 
 appear therein as under criminal charges) was intentionally omitted. — 
 (See deposition No. 181.) 
 
 Adolphvs Glaevecl-e applied in 18(J5 to the alcalde of Matamoras for 
 cattle stolen from him, and was refused; also api)lied in 1805 to the 
 civil authorities at Bagdad for 17 head of his cattle, then at that place, 
 being also refused. — (See deposition No. 207.) 
 
 Macedonia Lnera distinctly recognized Ildefonso Salinas (captain Mex- 
 ican army) as the man who robbed Albert Champion's stage station, at 
 La Torn na, in Texas, in February, 1871. — (See deposition No. 211.) 
 
 Joseph Walsh, au American citizen, a resident of Matamoras, having 
 made settlement with his debtors, Gilgan & Co., of Matamoras, they 
 being indebted to him in the sum of $115,000 on three acceptances 
 
oO EErORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 
 for $45,000, .'B-jOjOOO, and §50,000, commenced proceedin.qs against .said 
 firm to enforce the payment of tbe tiist obligation, wliicli was not ]>aid 
 on maturity, (January 1, 1SG9,) be baving protested it before a notary 
 of tbe place. An arbitration baving been proposed by tbe debtors, 
 T»"itness (consented to it, agreeing to receive in settlement goods to tbe 
 value of §145,000, and security in certain ^'baciendas" or estates. 
 AYitness was placed in possession of tbe goods, tben in a warebouse, but 
 tbe otber parties delayed taking stock and fulfilling tbe arbitration, 
 whicli, by a limitation of tbirty days, became void. Due notice baving 
 been given, and tbe otber ])arties refusing to fulfill tbeir agreement, 
 witness continued proceedings on tbe original acce[>tances. 
 
 Tbe debtors commenced a vexatious suit on an item properly allowed 
 in tbe settlement on wbicb tbe acceptances were based, and, witb con- 
 nivance of tbe officials, caused witness to be forcibly dispossessed of 
 tbe goods and property be beld to secure bis Just claim. 
 
 In tbe absence of witness tbe cross-suit was referred to an arbitration 
 at Monterey, wbic-b resulted in a declaration tbat witness was not liable 
 for tbe item on wbicb be was sued. Tbe papers were returned to tbe 
 local autborities of Matamoras, and were by tliem referred for assess- 
 ment to a in'ivate attorney of tbe otber i>arty to tbe suit. Said papers, 
 abstracted from tbe legal arcbives at Matamoras, still remain in tbe 
 possession of tbis agent of tbe otber party, at a distance of some bun- 
 dred miles from tbe city of Matamoras. Witness bas repeatedly ap- 
 l)lied for tbe i)apers, or even a reading of tbem, and been denied. 
 
 Witness appealed bis case to tbe supreme court of tbe State of Ta- 
 maulipas, and finally impeacbed for corruption tbe fiscal or attorney 
 general of tbe state. Wii.ness was advised by bis lawyers to cease 
 proceedings, as tbe courts were notoriously under tbe intluence of tbe 
 bribes of bis opponent. Witness bas not been able to, and cannot, 
 collect bis just claim, and ascribes it to a connivance witb tbe otber 
 party in tbe case. He bas been forcibly dispossessed of goods once 
 delivered to bim, and certain estates (beld as security) bave been sold 
 for less tban tbeir value by tbe autborities, baving been bougbt in by 
 tbe otber party. — (See deposition No. 352.) 
 
 Documents on file with the United States commission for reference. 
 
 Special reference is uiade to documents 17,18,10,20,21, (current 
 file United States conunission to Texas.) 
 
 Tbese documen.ts sbow tbe fact of notice baving been early given to 
 tbe civil autborities of Matamoras as to tbe grievous cbaracter of tbe 
 losses suifered by Texas stock-raisers. 
 
 Document 17 is a petition of a committee of tbe citizens of Browns- 
 ville to tbe president of tlie city council of Matamoras, on tbe subject 
 of cattle-stealing. 
 
 Document 18 is a communication of a committee of tbe citizens of 
 Brownsville to Judge Augustiu Mencbaca, (district judge State of 
 Tamaulipas,) asking bis co-operation in suppressing tbe disorders de- 
 scribed tberein. Tbe reply of Judge Mencbaca is annexed to tbe peti- 
 tion. 
 
 Document 19 is a copy of tbe proceedings of tbe city council of the 
 city of Matamoras, wbicb describes tbe action of tbe judge, and the 
 fact of numerous arrests following the inspections of Inspector Klahu, 
 who had been acting witb the assistance of the judge. The proceedings 
 led to the impeachment of Judge Mencbaca on October 25, IStlO, and 
 the appointment of a successor, who did not interest himself in the mat- 
 
REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 31 
 
 ter. Depositions 138 and 184 describe tbe result of the efforts and tlie 
 I'act tliat Judge Meucbaca was forced to leave Mexico, reuiaining in 
 Europe some time. 
 
 Document 20 consists of two letters from Tbomas F. Wilson, United 
 States consul at Matamoras, to Don D^onisio Cardenas and F. J. 
 Parker, on tbe same general subject. 
 
 Document 21 is a petition of a committee of tbe citizens of Browns- 
 ville to Judge Meucbaca, asking bis formal co-operation. 
 
 Extracts from, evidence taken touching General Juan N. Cortina. 
 
 'William Burl-c (lieutenant of State police) testifies tbat Cortina is 
 a leader of tbieves and bandits, protecting tbem. j\Iany of bis soldiers 
 were recognized in Texas by witness. — (See deposition No. 4.) 
 
 Inspector Albert Dean testities tbat be bas seen Cortina receiving and 
 interviewing tbieves at bis beadquarters. — (See deposition No. 0.) 
 
 Inspector Thomas C. iSheldon testified tbat Captain Sabas Garcia 
 (Mexican army) bragged to bim of stealing and crossing 400 cattle, in 
 July, 1871, saying tbat be bad Cortina's permission to raid on Texas. — 
 (See deposition No. 8.) 
 
 Marcos Sanchez testifies tbat Cortina, after entering tbe regular army 
 of Mexico, sent bis followers to steal cattle from Texas. This was 
 admitted by tbe '' encargados^' or superintendents. — (See deposition 
 No. 13.) 
 
 W. I). Thomas testifies tbat tbe present cattle depredations are a con- 
 tinuation of tbe troubles of 1859. and are mainly directed by Cortina. 
 In 180G be organized a force for anotber raid on Texas and attack on 
 Brownsville, but was disturbed by bearing tbat Colonel Ford bad 
 organized tbe citizens of Brownsville to resist it. — (See deposition No. 
 IG.) 
 
 Ifjnacio Garcia testifies that Cortina has giown ricb by plunder, and 
 tbat be gathers tbieves and bandits around bim. — (See deijosition 
 No. 17.) 
 
 Carlos Esparza testifies tbat Cortina received personally most of tbe 
 stolen cattle crossed at tbe Calabozo rancbo, in 1871. lie bas prosti- 
 tuted bis command, and enriched himself. — (See deposition No. 18.) 
 
 Caetano li.odrif/uez testifies tbat Cortina sent a lot of fine cows, stolen 
 from Mrs. Jane Weyman by bis followers in 1850, to bis own ranch, 
 El Soldadito. — (See deposition No. 20.) 
 
 Thaddeus M. liliodes, ^iuf^t'w.e oi the peace, testifies tbat Cortina was 
 assisted in his attack on Brownsville, in 1850, and operations on the 
 border then, with, men, munitions, and assistance furnished from Mata- 
 moras. — (See deposition No. 21.) 
 
 Thaddeus M. Rhodes declares tbat Cortina agreed to take care of the 
 cattle-thieves in Mexico it they would take care of themselves in Texas. 
 It is notorious that Cortina bas stocked bis ranches, Canela, Soldadito, 
 Caritas, Palito Blanco, and others, with cattle stolen irom Texas. — (See 
 deposition No. 21.) 
 
 Benito Garcia testifies to a fraudulent return made of tbe cattle cap- 
 tured at Calabozo ranch from tbieves, by the Mexican authorities. 
 Cortina got one hundred, and only eighteen head were accounted for, 
 when in fact one hundred and eighteen head were captured. Cortina 
 has enriched himself by plunder. — (See de[)ositiou No. 23.) 
 
 Anaclito Padron was detailed by Cortina, in 1870 or 1871, as one of a 
 squad of soldiers sent to Tahuachal to receive a drove of stolen cattle 
 Irom his agents and escort them a safe distance from the river. This 
 
32 KErORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 
 was done, and the cattle delivered to liisiirivate vaqueros. — (See depo- 
 sition No. 2G.) 
 
 AnacUto Fadron, in 1871, was sent as one of a sqnad of liis soldiers by 
 Cortina, to Lagnna, near Mataaioras, to escort a herd of stolen Texan 
 cattle to his ranch Palito Blanco. It was done. — (See deposition l^o. 
 20.) 
 
 Alexander 21. Sanders heard Cor'ana ask for stolen cattle at Guardado 
 ranch, in December, 1871, or January, 1872. When told they had none 
 he said, '' It is strange you have none.'' Cortina's orderlies were mounted 
 on stolen horses at Cauiargo in 1870. — (See deposition No. 28.) 
 
 Ton/as Vasqitez deposes that Cortina is the protector of thieves and 
 rascals. — (See deposition No. 29.) 
 
 Antonio Tiijerina testities that Cortina has enriched himself through 
 his position. — (See deposition No. 31.) 
 
 ApoUinario Hernandez testities that Cortina i^rotects Nicholas Soils, 
 (a corrupt alcalde,) and receives stolen beef from him. A black-mail of 
 25 cents a head on stolen cattle for use of corrals is levied by Solis. 
 
 Witness saw General Cortina personally rebranding cattle at Santa 
 Fe, in August, 1871, with a brand manufactured for the purpose of 
 evading i)roper inspection at Matamoras. 
 
 Witness saw General Cortina at Santa Rosa on September 13, 1871, 
 taking toll of 100 stolen cattle. Ca[>tain Sabas Garcia, of Cortina/s 
 brigade, with, other followers of his, were in i^ossession of the herd. 
 General Cortina used to ])ersonal!y classily the stolen herds, sending 
 fat steers to market, and the cows and young stock to his ranches. — 
 (See deposition No. 38.) 
 
 Gregorio VUlareal saw Cortina conferring, at various times in 1871 
 and 1872, with (he Holguines brothers, who were notorious thieves. 
 — (See deposition No. 47.) 
 
 Gregorio VUlareal^ wlien a soldier, under his orders, was sent several 
 times by Cortina to escort cattle from the Laguna (a prairie near Mata- 
 moras) to various ranches belonging to the general ; these orders being 
 executed. Tne cattle were notoriously known to be stolen from Texas. 
 — (See deposition No. 17.) 
 
 Gregorio VUlareal testifies that Cortina equipped the Lubo brothers 
 (notorious thieves) for a cattle-stealing raid on Texas in 1871. The 
 Lubos weie captured with a loss of their outfit. Cortina requested 
 Yillareal to go to Brownsville and buy in the saddles and equipments, 
 which were sold at public auction. Tliis witness refused to do. — (See 
 deposition No. 47.) 
 
 Gregorio YiUareal testifies that Cortina retains, on his ranches, stolen 
 horses belonging to Josiah Turner and others, some of these animals 
 having been ineffectually claimed as stolen. He authorizes his soldiers 
 and followers to steal from Texas, and said " Let Texan property come 
 over here." He has made use of his hangers-on for private assassina- 
 tion. Is continually surrounded by a squad of armed men, and has 
 grown rich by plunder. — (See deposition No. 47.) 
 
 J. 0. Thompson deposes to the names of various thieves and agents 
 of Cortina. — (See deposition No. 74.) 
 
 . Yictor Morel testities that Cortina took from him, pistol in hand, the 
 sum of $200 in gold, in December, 1859. This money had been robbed 
 from the body of Captain N. P. Si)ear, killed by Cortina's followers at 
 liio Grande City, in December, 1859, and deposited in a safe at a store 
 where Morel was clerk. — (See deposition No. 157.) 
 
 Eugenio Zamora testifies that Cortina has sent his agents and thieves to 
 
EEPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 66 
 
 Texas to steal cattle. His policy is to induce thieves and marauders to 
 join his forces — (See deposition No. lo8.) 
 
 Fcdro Vela testifies that the cattle depredations in Texas anjifmcnted 
 "wonderfully when Cortina was in command. — (See dejtosition No. luO.) 
 
 Fedro Vchi deposes that General Cortina sent word to the lawless 
 dwellers at ''Las Cuevas" (on the Mexican side) that if they stole from 
 Texas, it was all right, but if they depredated in Mexico he would hang- 
 all offenders. — (See deposition No. 159.) 
 
 John »S'. Ford testifies that Cortina is guiltj^ of murder, rob1)ery, and 
 falsehood. Witness gives a history of the so-called Cortina raid in 1850. — 
 (See deposition No. 201.) 
 
 Albert Champion interviewed Cortina in September, 1871, as to cer- 
 tain horses stolen from witness's stage-station at La Torrena. Ildefonso 
 Salinas (a captain of Cortina's) having been distinctly recognized as the 
 commander of the armed thieves by Champion's hostler, Macedonio 
 Luera, (deposition No. 211,) Champion accused said Salinas before the 
 general, offering to introduce his witness, blindfolded, and have him pick 
 out the thief. Cortina declared that Salinas was in camp on the night 
 of the robbery, and said, " You have some spite against Captain Salinas." 
 After tedious diplomatic correspondence, Cortina linally (under strin- 
 gent order from the minister of war) restored six broken-down horses 
 but of nine which had been stolen, and witness is informed and believed 
 he had them all the while iu his possession and in use. — (See deposition 
 No. 210.) 
 
 DOCUIMENTS OF REFERENCE. 
 
 1. Transcript of indictments against Juan N. Cortina and others for 
 murder, arson, robbery, assault to kill, &c., &c. — (Document 27, current 
 file, United States commission.) 
 
 2. Printed report of a grand jury of Cameron County, Texas. — (Doc- 
 ument 31, current file. United States commission.) 
 
 3. Proclamation to the inhabitants of the Kio Grande (printed) issued 
 by General Juan N. Cortina in 1872. — (Document 35, current file, United 
 States commission.) 
 
 4. Translation of document 35. — (Document 3(1, current file, United 
 States cou] mission.) 
 
 5. Letter Secretary of War on claims of the State of Texas. Pages 
 23 to 31. — (Forty-Second Congress, second session. Ex. Doc, No. 277, 
 House of Eepresentatives. 
 
 MURDER AND VIOLENCE BY MEXICANS AND INDIANS. 
 
 This subject is difficult of investigation and will be referred to as 
 follows : 
 
 First. Murders and violence by armed bands of Mexicans. 
 
 Second. Murders, violence, and kidnapping- by Indians. 
 
 The first has been reached directly, but imperfectly ; and the second, 
 principally by the collection of information and valuable data, a tran- 
 script of the military records having been placed on file by the courtesy 
 of Brigadier-General C. C. Augur, United States Army, commanding 
 the Department of Texas. 
 
 Murders and violence hy the Mexicans. 
 
 The state of the Texan frontier, and the frequent omission of the legal 
 formalities in case of death by violence, prevent an accurate report on 
 this subject of inquiry. 
 3 
 
34 RErORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 
 Eecords are imperfect or missing. Any rnle laid down will exclude 
 many cases. The people are iamiliar with violent deatli, and as many 
 murders are traced only by the tiuding of the body on the prairie, it is 
 im})ossible to obtain a careful record, or even direct evidence. The 
 destruction of records during the war of the rebellion is another obstacle, 
 and the commission has made but little progress in this regard. The 
 general verdict of citizens as to the condition of the country shows a 
 frightful risk from the operations of the armed Mexican raiders, who, if 
 not Ki)ecially seeking to murder, will nevertheless at any time take life 
 without pity or reuiorse. 
 
 The records of Cameron County, Texas, show, in the ten years from 
 1853 to 18G3, eight indictments for murder. 
 
 The same records i)rove that in the six years from ISGO to 1872 there 
 were forty indictments for murder presented. Here is an alarming in- 
 crease of the gravest crime, and it demands explanation. 
 
 The growth of cattle-stealing is synonyuious with that of other vio- 
 lent crime, and the records referred to (Docs. 29 and 30, current file, 
 United States commission) show the same increase in indictments for 
 cattle-stealing. An examination of the records show that most of the 
 criminals were Mexican's, and a majority were Mex can citizens. 
 
 The direct evidence taken before the commission describes a number 
 of murders, some of them peculiarly brutal and unprovoked, most of 
 them being traceable to the JMexican communities on the right bank of 
 the river. 
 
 The testimony of all witnesses questioned is unanimous as to the fact 
 of life being unsafe, even within the corjiorate limits of iirownsville. 
 
 The murder of rJose{)li Alexander, on August 11, 1872, at Kelampago 
 ranch, Texas, by one Francisco Perez, (alias Chicon,) who is. or has 
 been, an ofticer under Cortina, (see deposition 37,) is fully described in 
 depositions Nos. 30 and 37. The commissioners attended the inquest, 
 and also received a copy of the proceedings of a meeting of citizens of 
 Brownsville, which was held with a view to ask of the General Govern- 
 ment protection for the future. (See Document 21, current file. United 
 States commission.) 
 
 The unavenged nuirder of Inspectors Hammond and Pheli)s, United 
 States customs service, which occurred at Clarksville, Texas, in 18GU, 
 (see depositions Kos. 147 aiul 111*,) turuislies a grave accusation against 
 the hx'al authorities of liagdad and Matamoras, who did not even make 
 inquiry lor the offenders, who came in force from the Mexican side. 
 
 The mortality among American ofticials on the Eio Grande Irontier 
 has been alarming, xill these nuirders are directly Mexican, as in the 
 case of Inspector Dupont, murdered in sight of Brownsville, in 18G0 or 
 1870; the shooting of Sheriff llobert Shears in July, 1850, by Cortina 
 personally ; the shooting of the sheriff of Hidalgo County by Ensualdo, 
 a Mexican, in 18G1 : and the recent wounding of the sheriff" of Webb 
 County, at Bio Grande City, recently, as well as many other instances 
 of outrage, all proving the utter insecurity of life on the frontier. 
 
 Peculiar atrocity characterized the nuirder of Messrs. Murdoch and 
 Hatch, two highly esteemed citizens of the Nueces Valley, in August 
 and September, 1872, during the sessions of the commission at lirownis- 
 ville, (not a hundred miles distant.) It is to be regretted that these 
 cases liave not as yet been reached ofticially hy the commission. The 
 verdict of the coroner's jury in both these cases was to the effect that 
 armed Mexicans had taken away the lives of these inoffensive citizens. 
 Mr. Murdock having been burned and Mr. Hatch shot. 
 
 The murder of Carl Specht. at San Fernando Creek, near Corjius 
 
REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 35 
 
 Cliristi, Texas, on July 30, 1872, by arrned Mexicans who waylaid and 
 attacked Ricliaid King- and party, is fully described in Deposition 80. 
 
 The violence of the attack is manifested by the fact that thirty to 
 forty shots were flred. A number passed through the and)ulance and Mr. 
 Specht (the traveling couii)anion of Captain King) was instantly killed. 
 That the attack wasdirected against Eichard King is undoubted, as he 
 was then coming to Brownsville to give his evidence before the com- 
 mission. The fact that one of the heaviest losers by the depredations 
 has been once attacked, (see deposition No. 89,) and when afterward 
 journeying to testify before the United States commission was forced 
 to coiue under heavy i)rivate escort, (see deposition No. 89,) .shows that 
 the cattle-thieves are determined to prevent, if possible, the facts from 
 being placed on record. 
 
 Murders, violence, mid Icidnapping hy Indians. 
 
 The commission has, as yet, but reached the subject of Indian de- 
 predations indirectly. The region suiiering from such incursions not 
 having been visited, their remarks refer to a work yet to be performed 
 the necessity of energetic action is apparent however, even after indirect 
 examination. 
 
 The Kickapoo, Lipan, Seminole, Carrizo, and Santa Rosa Indians 
 figure in a dark record, which cannot be presented here oflicially. These 
 Indians are scattered along the right bank of the Rio Grande and 
 operate unceasingly on its upper valley. Some of these tribes, as the 
 Kickapoos, were former residents of the United States and it is clear 
 that the pacification of the border cannot be accomplished until they 
 are returned to the iiroper reservations set aside for them by the United 
 States, and every effort is recommended on the part of the Genen 
 Government to compel their return. 
 
 Depositions Nos. 1 and 2 show that the country about Laredo is 
 laid under contribution by the Kickapoos. Depositions Nos. 21 and 28 
 show the former outrages committed on the residents of this region by 
 Indians and deposition 216 gives a history of the murder and kid- 
 napping of the Stringfield family at San Jose Ranch, in Texas, in Sep- 
 tember, 1870. This last-named outrage was committed by Kickapoos, 
 who were traced to Mexican soil ; (see document 8, current file, United 
 States commission.) 
 
 Deposition No. 2 shows the murder of various shepherds to have been 
 committed by Kickapoos in 1871 ; they being followed to their camp, in 
 Mexico, by a customs officer of that country, whose deposition on the 
 subject is filed as a paper of (document 14, current file, United States 
 commission.) 
 
 • The fact of the fostering of the Kickapoos by tbe authorities of the 
 state of Coahuila, Mexico, is proven by the developments made in the 
 unsuccessful attempt to induce them to returm to the United States. 
 (See deposition No. 2.) (See also pp. CIS and 049, Foreign Relations, 
 1871.) The commissioners not being able, as yet, to personally examine 
 the subject of the outrages of the Kickapoos and obtain a mass of direct 
 evidence, nevertheless gained personal knowledge, and formed opinions 
 supporting the statements of William Schuhardt, connnercial agent of 
 the United States at Piedras Negras, Mexico, in his letter of May G, 
 1871, to B. J. Gautier, esq.. United States vice-cousid at Matamoras. 
 (See Foreign Relations, 1871, p. 043.) 
 
 The military records of the Department of Texas contain valuable 
 data on the subject of the general outrages, for years past, on the per- 
 
36 REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 
 fiGiis and property of Texan citizens and residents, committed by those 
 Indians, who hiy the extended frontiers of the State under continual 
 contribution. 
 
 Document 14 (current file, United States commission) is a transcript of 
 the records referred to, (courteously furnished by Ihigadier-General C. 
 C. Augur, commanding- dei)artmeiit of Texas,) and covers the records 
 of the departuient headquarters from 18G5 to the i)resent time. 
 
 The various papers are therein tabulated, and, as a reference, will 
 prove the harassing character of Indian incursion on the Texan borders. 
 These i)apers confirm the conclusion already arrived at by the commis- 
 sion, that the return of theKickapoo Indians to the reservations assigned 
 to them by the United States Government is necessary to the peace of 
 our southwestern frontier. 
 
 The opinions of the United States military otficers, now on duty on 
 the Ivio Grande frontier, coincide with those expressed on pages 4, 21, 
 22, 25, 75, 77, and 90, of Letter of the Secretary of War on the 
 claims of the State of Texas, (Ex. Doc. No. 277, Forty-second Congress, 
 second session,) by Governor Smith, of Texas, the department com- 
 mander. General Twiggs, Lieutenant Holabird, and others as to the 
 ex])osed condition of tlte southwestern frontier, the character of utter 
 lawlessness of the Indian tribes hanging on its Hank, and the measure 
 of protection extended to them by the different States of ISTorthern 
 Mexico, in which by invitation, sufierance, or tacit consent of the au- 
 thorities, they have taken up their residence. 
 
 Extracts from the evidence as to mnrders and rioJence by Mexicans. 
 
 E. B. Barton testifies that Thompson and a companion were mur- 
 dered by Mexicans near Las Olmas in 1850. — (See dei)Osition jSTo. 42.) 
 
 Francis M. (JampheU testifies that W. P. Neall was murdered by Mexi- 
 cans in 1859 ; also a young Mexican murdered at Brownsville, 1859 ; 
 also a Mexican shot, 1859. — (See de})osition No. 84.) 
 
 Victor Morel testifies that Captain N. P. Si^ear, William Robinson, 
 and John Box were murdered in 1859 by Mexicans, at or near llio 
 Grande City. — (See deposition No. 157.) 
 
 Indictments show the following persons to have been murdered at or 
 near Browns^ille in 1859 by Mexicans: 
 
 1. Kobert Shears, wounded July 13, 1859. 
 
 2. V. Garcia, murdered September 28, 1859. 
 
 3. R. S. Johnson, nuirdered September 28, 1859. 
 
 4. George Morris, murdered September 28, 1859. 
 
 5. J. Monies, murdered November 25, 1859. — (See Doc. 27, current 
 file.) 
 
 ir. B. Thomas testifies that James Dunn and Richard Rowland were 
 murdered, and the sheriff of Hidalgo County wounded, at Granjero 
 Ranch, by Mexicans, in 1801. Leonicio Eusualdo was one of the mur- 
 derers. — (See deposition No. 16.) 
 
 WiUiam Bnrhe, lieutenant of State police, testifies that a number of 
 United States soldiers were murdered by Mexicans in 1804 and 1805. 
 A courier of the Fourth Wisconsin Volunteers was killed at San Martin 
 Ranch in 1804 or 1805 ; his body shamefully mutilated. Eben Cobi) 
 was murdered seven miles from Brownsville in 1805 or 1800. — (See 
 deposition No. 4.) 
 
 William Burl-6 testiiies that Dr. Morse, United States Army, was 
 murdered by Mexicans about five miles from Brownsville, and a German 
 
IIEPOET OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 37 
 
 Dained Buniiester, about twelve miles from the same city. — (Seedeposi- 
 tiou No. 4.) 
 
 Louis Bcnand testifies that J. C. Eosa and Cecilio Gomez were mur- 
 dered at Sabiuito Kauclio, in Texas, in 1800, by armed Mexicans under 
 Leandro Eamirez. — (See deposition Xo. 88.) 
 
 James F. Scott testifies that A. J. Cook was murdered on tbe bigbway, 
 in the Nueces Valley, in 1807, by Mexicans. — (See deposition No. O^.) 
 
 WiUiam Burke, lieutenant of State police, testifies that Ius[)ector 
 Dupont was murdered in sight of Brownsville, by Mexicans, in 1809 or 
 1870 —(See deposition No. 4.) 
 
 WiUiani Kelly, justice of the peace, testifies that Inspectors Ham- 
 mond and Phelps were murdered, and Inspector Eyan wounded, at 
 CUirksville on December IS, 18()1), by armed Mexicans, who crossed from 
 Bagdad for the purpose. — (See deposition No. 149.) 
 
 Mary G. ClarJ: confirms the above. The Mexicans robbed her resi- 
 dence and murdered Inspector Ilamuioud in her presence. — (See deposi- 
 tion No. 147.) 
 
 WiUiam Burlce, lieutenant of State police, testifies that Br. Cleveland 
 was murdered by Mexicans seventy miles from Brownsville in 1870. — 
 (See deposition No. 4.) 
 
 William. Burke, lieutenant of State police, testifies that in 1871 John 
 Clark and Pat Fox were murdered by Mexicans, eight and seventy-five 
 miles respectively from Brownsville, as well as Inspector McLaughliu, 
 killed in Live Oak County. — (See deposition No. 4.) 
 
 William Burke, lieutenant of State police, testifies that Inspector 
 Miller was wounded by Mexicans at White's ranch in 1871. — (See de- 
 position No. 4.) 
 
 Bichard King testifies to the murder of Carl Specht, his traveling com- 
 panion, on July 31, 1872, near Corpus Christi, Texas. It was dark when 
 the attack on the ambulance was made; witness believes the murderers 
 to have been Mexicans. — (See deposition No. 89.) 
 
 Henry Simeon and Crespin Pena testify to the murder of their com- 
 panion Joseph Alexander, of Brownsville, on August 11, 1872, near 
 Eelampago ranch, by one Francisco Perez, (alias " Chicon,") a sub- 
 lieutenant of Cortina's forces. The murderer was mounted, ami stopped 
 the ambulance, tiring without the slightest provocation at Mr. Alexander, 
 killing him instantly, and immediately escaping to Mexico. — (See depo- 
 sitions Nos. 30 and 37.) 
 
 No date given. 
 
 Victor Morel testifies that an American named Packett, also J. W. 
 TJten and a. number of others, at Eio Grande City, were murdered by 
 Mexicans. — (See deposition No. 159.) 
 
 Note. — Unofdcial mention is made of the murders of Captain Hatch, 
 Mr. Murdoch, and a shoemaker, name unknown, at Corpus Christi, all 
 these being by Mexican marauders or desperadoes, and occurring, as 
 well as the murders of Alexander and Specht, while the United States 
 commission was in session at Brownsville. Sheriff Martin was also 
 shot at Eio Grande City by a Mexican escaping to that Territory. 
 The details of these cases have not been obtained. 
 
 Extracts from the evidence and. references touching murder and violence 
 
 by Indians. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel A . McD. McCook, Tenth Infantry, U. S. A., testifies as 
 to the Kickax)oo Indians, their habits, haunts ; that they live near Santa 
 
38 L'EPORT OF FXITED STATES COMMISSIONEKS TO TEXAS. 
 
 Eosa,iD the State of Coalinila, from whieli point tlioy raid on the Upper 
 Eio Grande Valley. Tliey are fostered by the State authorities, and 
 refuse to return to the United States. 
 
 About Deeember 1, 1871, they raided into Texas, killed one or two 
 herders iu the employ of l)on Santos/Benavides. They ])luudered and 
 returned to Mexico, being trailed by Senor M. Castanedo, a Mexican 
 customs official, as far as their cami) in Mexico. — (See deposition 1; 
 see deposition of Senor Castaiiedo in Doc. 14, taken before S. Jarvis.) 
 
 Thomas F. Wilson, United States consul at Matamoras, confirms the 
 above. Witness saw at "El Sauz'' rancho, thirty-five miles above 
 Laredo, a man dangerously wounded by Kickapoos, who had attacked 
 and robbed the ranch the day before — disguised Mexicans supposed to 
 have been of the party. There is a track of sixty to eighty miles o4:' river 
 frontier between El Sauz rancho and Eagle Pass untenanted on account 
 of the continual raids of these Indians. The Carrizo rancho is strongly 
 guarded and fortified against these continual incursions. — (See depo- 
 sition Xo. 2.) 
 
 TJiaddeiis M. Bhodes testifies that the Carrizo Indians are noted cattle- 
 thieves. Eafael or Boca Chica, one of their chiefs, was a great thief. 
 
 In 1852 Indians from Mexico raided into Texas and broke up a grow- 
 ing settlement at Edinburgh, murdered about ten Americans, and iu a 
 skirmish wounded one of a party of rangers, sent to pursue them. 
 State troops were called out at heavy expense, and kept in service four 
 or six months. The Indians were from Lal3olsaand San Lorenzo, Mexico. 
 The State expended $80,000 iu defensive measures, and the pilfering of 
 these scattered Indians from the Mexican side has been kept up ever 
 since. — (See deposition No. 21.) 
 
 Alexander M. ISanders testifies that the Comanche Indians murdered 
 Anastasio Cancamuela and others at Gonzakma ranch, attacking it in 
 1838. 
 
 Louis McGrath and wife were murdered by Comanches, near Laredo, 
 in 1858. 
 
 Comanches also murdered a number of shepherds in 1858, in Texas. 
 
 In 1800 three persons traveling from Corpus Christi were killed by 
 Indians from Mexico, near Encinal, in Starr County. These Indians also 
 attacked Spencer's ranch. — (See deposition No. 28.) 
 
 AjwUinario Hernandez testifies that the Carrizo Indians from Tam- 
 aulipas, Mexico, are cattle-thieves, and raid iuto Texas. — (See depositio^i 
 No. 37.) 
 
 James Loic testifies that in September, 1870, a band of Kickapoo 
 Indians murdered, at San Jose ranch, Texas, Thomas and Sarah String- 
 field, wounded their eldest daughter and carried away two sons into cap- 
 tivity, aged respectively two and eight years. — (See deposition No. 210.) 
 
 The Iiidians referred to above passed out of Texas into Mexico, and 
 were trailed by abandoned animals, &c. — (Letter of iMajor T. E. Ander- 
 son, Tenth Infiintrv, to acting assistant adjutant general Department 
 of Texas, October 10, 1870. 
 
 Doeiimenfary references. 
 
 1. Series of reports and tables showing continual murder, theft, and 
 outrage on the Upper Bio Grande, the result of Indian depredations 
 from Mexico, as well as details of Indian incursions in other parts of 
 Texas.— (Document 14, current file. United States commission.) 
 
 The Lipaus raid on Texas from Mexico, are backed by Mexican author- 
 ities ; these officers are notified of their grave responsibility by Captain 
 
REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 39 
 
 "Wilcox, United States Army. — (See letter of Captain Wilcox, Septem- 
 ber 11, 1SC7 ; see report to assistant adjutant general Department of 
 Texas, September 11, 1807.) 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 In submitting a report of their investigations into tlie alleged out- 
 rages committed on tbe ]>ersous and property of the citizens of Texas 
 by armed bands of Mexicans and Indians, which is necessarily exjno-te 
 in its character, the commissioners are thoroughly impressed with its 
 shortcomings in fully grasping- the serious complications which have 
 disturbed the peace and quiet of our southwestern border for so many 
 years past. Extending back for twenty years and over a superficies 
 exceeding one-half of the entire area of territory in the State of Texas, 
 these frontier troubles are traceable directly to an unwise system of 
 legislation regulating the commerce of the right bank of the IJio Bravo, 
 which has made that frontier a rendezvous for the lawless, and a base 
 of operations for an illicit traffic with the interior of Mexico and the 
 United States, detrimental alike to the commercial i>rosperity of the 
 two governments, and to the unorganized condition of society on the 
 two banks of the Eio Grande, its natural sequence. 
 
 The great difticulty experienced in dealing with the disorders incident 
 to this frontier, is fully explained in the mistaken policy heretofore 
 l^ursued in attempting to deal rather with the effect than the cause. 
 To the absence of wholesome laws and honest agents to execute them 
 may be traced the cause of these frontier feuds, while their effect is 
 seen in a demoralized and unorganized condition of society, and the 
 insecurity of life and property. That the civil authorities on the right 
 bank of the Kio Bravo have been powerless to enforce their police regu- 
 lations and to suppress the lawless bands that have operated from that 
 frontier on the lives and i)ro])erty of the citizens of Texas, is notori- 
 ously true, and, in the judgment of the commission, this condition of 
 affairs on our southwestern border has assumed such a serious char- 
 acter as to merit consideration on the part of the United States as to 
 the propriety of adopting such measures as will i)rotect its territory 
 from the incursions of hostile exi)editions coming from a neighboring 
 power unable to enforce law and suppress violence v,ithin"its own 
 borders. These outrages, when conjmitted within the borders of 
 Texas, should i)roperly receive consideration at the hands of the 
 local tribunals. "The perpetrators of these acts," says Mr. Conrad, 
 Secretary of War in 1851*, " whether JMexicans or Auiericans, are not 
 public enemies, to be encountered by the Army of the United States, 
 but private malefactors, to be arrested and punitshed by the civil author- 
 ities of Texas." How far the rule laid down by Mr. Conrad, and un- 
 questionably correct under ordinary circumstances, holds good in con- 
 sidering the measures necessary to protect our extensive and sparsely 
 populated southwestern frontier, should be considered in connection 
 with the causes which have brought these border difiiculties to the no- 
 tice of the Governments of the United States and Mexico. On the 17th 
 of March, 1858, a decree was issued by the sui)reme government of 
 Mexico establishing a "free zone," its first article i)roviding that "all 
 foreign merchandise intended for consumption in the city of Matamo)as 
 and the other towns upon the bank of the Kio Bravo, Beynosa, Camargo, 
 Mier, Guerrero, and Monterey Laredo, and the reciprocal commerce of 
 these towns, shall be free from all imports, except the municipal and 
 those collected to defray the expenses of the state." From the 
 
40 REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 
 test of the first article of this decree it Avill be seen that a free 
 zone six miles in width, and extending along the entire northern 
 frontier of the State of Tamanlipas, is established, into which goods 
 can be imported from foreign conntries free of duty. The right of the 
 government of Mexico to regulate its cjommerce to meet the necessities 
 of its treasury, cannot be questioned unless this right is exercised in di- 
 rect conliict with its treaty stipulations with, and the peace and good 
 order of, a neighboring power. To what extent the decree of 1858, 
 issued by the sui>reme government of Mexico, comes in contiict with the 
 treaties now existing between the United States and that power, and 
 its observance tends to disturb the peace and good order on the right 
 and left banks of the llio (^rande, is a question calling for the most 
 serious consideration on the part of the Government of the United 
 States. The Constitution and laws in force iu this country and Mexico, 
 at the time of the ratification of the existing treaties between the two 
 governments, formed the basis of the rule of intercourse between the 
 two countries. The constitution of the republic of Mexico, at the time 
 this decree was issued, as well as at the itresent time, prohibited the 
 granting of " privileges " to one State of the union not enjoyed by all 
 the States alike. Tiiat the " free zone" grants privileges to the inhab- 
 itants of the northern frontier of Mexico not enjoyed by the people 
 of any other i)art of that republic, cannot be controverted. That 
 this "privilege" is granted so as to establish a depot for smuggling 
 on our immediate borders, and is given to no other section of that 
 country, is ecjually true. In violation of the spirit, if not the letter 
 of the' existing treaties between the United States and Mexico, 
 and in its operations inducing smugglers, adventurers, and thieves to 
 flock to the right bank of the Eio liravo, from whence they depredate 
 on our exposed frontier, under the protection of the Mexican civil and 
 military authorities, this decree, iu its effect on the commerce and peace 
 of the frontier, merits, in the juilgmeut of the commission, the earnest 
 and serious consideration of this Government. To such an extent did 
 this decree encourage snuiggliiig and lawlessness, that eminentMexican 
 authority, at one time, estimated the floating population in the city of 
 Matamoras at over forty thousand ; and so bold were these outlaws iu 
 their operations, that within two years after the decree establishing this 
 "free zone " was issued, they, to the number of three or ibur hundred, 
 under the leadershii* of General Juan X Cortina, crossed from Mexico^ 
 into Texas, attacked the city of Brownsville, murdered several citizens, 
 engaged the United States troops between that city and liinggold Bar- 
 racks, plundered the country through which they passed, and retired 
 into Mexico. 
 
 For the better protection of our frontier against these bands of out- 
 laws, until measures can be adoi)ted by the United States to prevent 
 their recurrence in the future, the commission recommend the employ- 
 ment of a suflicient force of cavalry to enforce law and protect life and 
 property on the Bio Grande. And should the best interests of the 
 country make it inexpedient to weaken the posts now garrisoned by 
 this class of troops, it is recommended that a regiment of volun- 
 teers be raised, on the western frontier of Texas, for its protection, to 
 be officered by officers of the Eegular Army of the United States, de- 
 tailed for the'pnrpose, and to be used under the direction of the com- 
 manding geneial of the Department of Texas. The strict discipline 
 of the Kegular Army would, in our judgment, restrain the very 
 natural tendency of volunteers to avenge indiscriminately individual 
 wrongs. The commission, in making up their rei»ort, have taken 
 
REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 41 
 
 cum grano salis many of the representations and mncli of the testimony 
 given by persons residing on this frontier, mindful of tlie long-established 
 friendship existing between the United States and the sister republic 
 of Mexico; and that since the standard of Castile, after an ascendency 
 of three hundred years, disappeared forever from the continent, the 
 republic of Mexico has been rent with civil commotion, conspiracies, and 
 insurrections. The commissioners have endeavored to point out with 
 impartiality, in connection with the conduct of that government, the 
 prime causes of these frontier complications, which, in their opinion, are 
 ingrafted in the long-established frontier policy, and have been enforced 
 by the army of that republic. • 
 Kespectfully submitted. 
 
 THOMAS P. EOBB, 
 F. J. MEAD, 
 RICHARD H. SAVAGE, 
 United States Commissioners to Texas, 
 Hon. Hamilton Fish, 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 J. Class A.— Cortina raid, ]8o9. 
 
 2. Class B. — Casual losses of horses and cattle. 
 
 '.i. Class C. — Imprisonment and outrage. 
 
 4. Recapitulation. 
 
 5. List of petitions. 
 
 (J. List of depositions. 
 
 7. List of documents. 
 
 8. Schedule of indictments for murder and other outrages on the Rio Grande frontier, 1853 
 
 to 1872. 
 
 Class A. — Claims resulting from the Cortina raid of 1859. 
 
 Claimant. 
 
 Property taken or destroyed. 
 
 Value in 
 coin. 
 
 Total. 
 
 16 
 
 28 
 
 31 
 
 Mrs. Jane Weyman, 
 Brownsville. 
 
 A. J. Y z n a g a, 
 Brownsville. 
 
 [Claimant has other 
 claim, Class B, 
 embraced in peti- 
 tion 16.] 
 
 Peter Champion, 
 Florida ranch, 
 Cameron County. 
 
 [Claimant has other 
 claims, Class B, 
 in petition 28.] 
 
 Francis M. Camp- 
 bell, Brownsville. 
 
 [Petitioner has 
 claim for damages, 
 Class C, embraced 
 in petition 31.] 
 
 GO cows, at$20 
 
 Damages, loss of their rental, at $3 
 per day 
 
 40 cattle, at ftlo 
 
 S horses, at $50 
 
 Merchandise 
 
 Tools 
 
 Ritle 
 
 Musket 
 
 Saddle and bridle 
 
 Damages of every kind 
 
 Value of crops, animals, fences, 
 household goods, dry-goods, gro- 
 ceries, clothing, arms, money, &c., 
 taken by Cortina's men 
 
 House and fences and utensils 
 
 burned and crops destroyed 
 
 70 yoke oxen stolen, at $40 
 
 10 horses, at $45 
 
 I saddle-horse, rifle, revolver, and 
 knife 
 
 Deduct one yoke oxen reclaimed from 
 Mexico 
 
 $1,200 
 3,600 
 
 600 
 400 
 17 
 25 
 ]2 
 5 
 20 
 
 ] , 079 
 5, 000 
 
 3, 504 
 
 4,000 
 
 2, 800 
 
 450 
 
 200 
 
 7,450 
 40 
 
 1,800 
 
 6,079 
 
 3,504 
 
 7,410 
 
44 EEPOET OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 Class A. — Claims resulting from the Cortina raid of 1850 — CoutinnecL 
 
 Claimant. 
 
 Mifflin Kenedy, 
 Brownsville. 
 
 Mifflin Kenedy, 
 Brownsville. 
 
 W. D. Thomas, 
 Lap^nna Tic Cano 
 raucliero, Came- 
 ron County. 
 
 [Stock losses, with 
 increase and cal- 
 culated, claimed 
 in Class B. ] 
 
 Nicholas Channo, 
 Rodeo Prietas ran- 
 cho, Cameron 
 County. 
 
 .Josiah Turner El 
 Galveston rancho, 
 Cameron County. 
 [Petitioner has 
 further claims in 
 Class B.] 
 
 Francis R e a s t, 
 Whi tesborough, 
 Graj^son County. 
 [Informal claim.] 
 
 [Informal, received 
 by mail "certified 
 to on honor."] 
 
 De.'jcription of propert;>-. 
 
 Lost by Cortina raid, 3,135 head 
 original stock from " San Salvador 
 de Tule " rancho in 1859, which, 
 witli calculated increase until 
 LS72, amounts to 66,880 head, at 
 |5IU - 
 
 18 saddle-horses, at $60 
 
 Merchandise stolen from store 
 
 40 hides stolen , 
 
 Attack on steamer Ranchero, and 
 damages claimed for interruption 
 of business, &c 
 
 House burned by Cortina's men in 
 1859 , 
 
 80 saddle-horses stolen, at ."jiiCO 
 
 Cart , 
 
 4 mules, at $25 
 
 3 saddles, at $10 
 
 1 harness 
 
 2 yoke oxen, at .$40 
 
 4,300 cattle, at filO in 1.-59 
 
 Increase on said cattle to 1872, 
 
 87,433 cattle, at $10 
 
 Value of house goods, &c., (1) 
 
 Loss of time, suffering, and damages, 
 
 {^■) 
 
 100 cattle stolen, at $10 
 
 Increase claimed, 2,13.'), at $10 
 
 Interest, &c., on, (1 and 2) 
 
 Dwelling and store-houses burned.. 
 
 Merchandise stolen 
 
 Household and kitchen furniture. ... 
 
 Outhouses and fences 
 
 27 head of cattle, at $8 
 
 1 7 hogs, at $3 
 
 2 yoke oxen, and cart 
 
 2 shot-guns 
 
 1 Colt's pistol 
 
 2 fine rifles - - 
 
 1 ferry-boat 
 
 Clothing 
 
 Money, (coin) , 
 
 Damages and injuries 
 
 Value in 
 coin. 
 
 38, 800 
 
 1, 080 
 
 7(50 
 
 120 
 
 250, 000 
 
 1,500 
 
 4,800 
 50 
 100 
 30 
 35 
 80 
 43, 000 
 
 874,330 
 
 5, 000 
 
 5, 000 
 
 1 , 000 
 
 21,330 
 
 1 , 000 
 
 600 
 
 2, 100 
 
 300 
 
 750 
 
 216 
 
 51 
 
 150 
 
 80 
 
 25 
 
 40 
 
 175 
 
 250 
 
 74 
 
 2, 000 
 
 Total. 
 
 1670, 760 
 
 250, 000 
 1,500 
 
 922, 425 
 
 33, 330 
 
 6,811 
 
 1,906,619 
 
REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 45 
 Class B. — Casual losses of horses and cattle by theft. 
 
 Claimant. 
 
 Dominick Lively, 
 Brownsville. 
 
 Alexander Wierbis- 
 ki, Brownsville. 
 
 James H. Green, 
 Brownsville. 
 
 9 John A. Williams, 
 Live Oak County. 
 10 C ii a r 1 e s Fischer, 
 Brownsville. 
 
 11 James F. Scott, 
 Nueceii County. 
 
 12 Frank Byler, Nueces 
 County. 
 
 13 Thomas H. Clark, 
 Banquete, Nueces 
 County. 
 
 14 I Martha A. Rabb, 
 Banquete, Nueces 
 County. 
 
 15 Henry A. Gilpin, 
 Fenitas ranch, 
 Nueces County. 
 
 16 Antonio J. Yznaga, 
 Brownsville. 
 
 [See Class A for 
 other items.] 
 
 17 John M c A 11 e n , 
 Brownsville. 
 
 18 Mary Churchill 
 Lavaca County. 
 
 19 Martha Byler, Ran- 
 cho Mazanta, Nue- 
 ces County. 
 
 20 Louis R e n a ii d 
 Brownsville. 
 
 Description of property. 
 
 100 cows, at $10 
 
 Value of four horses, and damages, 
 1870 to 1872 
 
 10,500 cattle, at .$10, lost or stolen by 
 
 Mexicans since August 20, 1866.. . 
 
 Increase lost to claimant 
 
 21 head of horses and mules, taken in 
 
 1867 and 1b69 
 
 Damages, breaking up business as 
 mail-carrier 
 
 Stock to the amount of . 
 
 39 horses, taken in 1870 and 1871 
 
 Damages, breaking up business as 
 mail-carrier 
 
 5,000 head of cattle, taken since 
 
 August 20, 1866, at §10 
 
 Increase lost, 20,000, at $10 
 
 6,000 head of cattle, taken since 
 
 August 20, 1866, at $ilO 
 
 Increase, 24,000, at $10 
 
 20,000 head of cattle, taken since 
 
 August 20, 1866, at $10 
 
 Increase, 80,000, at $10 
 
 20,000 head of cattle, taken since 
 
 August 20, 1866, at $10 
 
 Increase, 80,000, at $10 
 
 6,000 head of cattle, taken since 
 
 August 20, 1866, at $10 
 
 Increase, 24,000, at $10 
 
 10,913 cattle, taken from 1859 to 1872 . 
 
 at $10, (increase included) 
 
 50 head of horses, at $60 
 
 4,000 cattle, taken from 1666 to 1872, 
 
 at $10 
 
 Increase, 16,000, at $10 
 
 250 horses taken, at $60 
 
 500 cattle, taken from July 1, 1869, to 
 
 1872, at $10 
 
 Increase lost, 550, at $10 
 
 500 head of cattle, taken since Au- 
 gust 20, 1866, at $10 
 
 Increase, 2,000, at $10 
 
 Increase of his original stock, 1855 to 
 1872, less cattle now on hand and 
 sold, 8,344, at $10 
 
 Value in 
 coin. 
 
 $1,000 
 .500 
 
 105,000 
 245, 550 
 
 2,000 
 2,500 
 
 1, 500 
 
 2, 000 
 1,500 
 
 50, 000 
 200, 000 
 
 60, 000 
 240, 000 
 
 200, 000 
 800, 000 
 
 200, 000 
 
 800, 000 
 
 60, 000 
 240, 000 
 
 109, 130 
 3, COO 
 
 40, 000 
 
 160,000 
 15,000 
 
 5, 000 
 
 5, 500 
 
 5, 000 
 20, 000 
 
 83, 400 
 
 Amount. 
 
 $1,500 
 350, 550 
 
 4, 500 
 
 2,500 
 
 3,500 
 250, 000 
 300, 000 
 1, 000, 000 
 1,000,000 
 300, 000 
 112, 130 
 
 215,000 
 10,500 
 25, 000 
 83, 400 
 
46 REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 Class B. — Casual losses of horses and cattle by theft — Continued. 
 
 Iz; 
 
 22 
 
 23 
 
 24 
 
 Claimant. 
 
 26 
 
 29 
 
 30 
 
 33 
 
 34 
 
 R. King & Co., 
 Brownsville. 
 
 Ricliard King:, Santa 
 Gertrudes, Nueces 
 County. 
 
 Hale & Parker, 
 Brownsvill. 
 
 Martin S. Culver, 
 Banquete, Nueces 
 County. 
 
 Henderson Williams, 
 Live Oak County. 
 
 Albert Champion, 
 Brownsville. 
 
 Nicholas Champion, 
 Floridas ranch, 
 Cameron County. 
 
 Peter Champion, 
 F 1 o r i das ranch, 
 Cameron County. 
 
 [ See class A for 
 other items.] 
 
 Jose D. Garcia, 
 Santa Rosalio 
 ranch, Cameron 
 Couuty. 
 
 William Washintjton 
 Staples, Live Oak 
 County, Echo 
 post-office. 
 
 Simon Celaya, 
 Brownsville. 
 
 Ellen Pugh, Oak- 
 ville. Live Oak 
 County. 
 
 Description of (property. 
 
 108,336 cattle stolen between 1866 
 and Noveaiber ] 1, 1869 
 
 Increase. 1869 to 1872 
 
 3,328 horses, between 1866 and 1869, 
 at |;6U 
 
 Increase, 1869 to 1872, 1,996 head . .. 
 
 Losses between November, 1869, and 
 1872, after deducting present stock 
 sales, including increase, 33,827 
 cattle, at $10 
 
 Losses of horses, same calculation, 
 978, at . 160 
 
 6,000 head of cattle, taken between 
 20th August, 1866, to 1872, at $10 . 
 
 Increase lost, 24,000, at $10 
 
 260 horses, at $60 
 
 5,240 head of cattle, taken since Aug- 
 ust 20, 1866, at $10 
 
 Increase lost, 4,845, at $10 
 
 Value in 
 coin. 
 
 $1,08.3,360 
 1,083,360 
 
 199, 680 
 119,760 
 
 338, 270 
 
 58, 68t 
 
 60, 000 
 
 240, 000 
 
 15,600 
 
 4,435 cattle, taken siucc August 20, 
 
 1866, at $10 a head 
 
 Increase, 14,640, at $10 , 
 
 Stock and increase, 1857 to 1872, less 
 stock on hand, 38,200 
 
 Horses and increase, 1857 to 1872, 
 1,920 horses, at $30 
 
 Cattle and increase, 1859 to 1872, less 
 stock on hand, 17,720, at $lu 
 
 Horses and increase, same calcula 
 tion, 1,008, at $30 
 
 Cattle and increase, 1859 to 1872, de- 
 ductingstock on hand, 19. 150 head, 
 at$i0 '. 
 
 Horses, 1859 to 1872, same calcula- 
 tion, 2,400, at $30 
 
 Cattle and increase, 1852 to 1872, 
 less stock on hand, 13,066 cattle, 
 at $10 
 
 20 yoke oxen stolen, at $50 a yoke. .. 
 
 Cattle stolen 20th August, 1866, to 
 
 1872, 2,175 head, at $10 
 
 Increase lost, 8,675, at $10 
 
 6 horses at $125 
 
 Loss of original stock and increase, 
 Augsut 20, 1866, to 1872, 3,282 
 cattle at $10 
 
 1,280 cattle stolen, August 20, 1866, 
 
 to 1872, at $10. 
 Increase lost, 3,000, at $10 
 
 52, 400 
 
 48, 450 
 
 44, 350 
 146,400 
 
 Amount. 
 
 382, 000 
 57, 600 
 
 177, 200 
 30,240 
 
 191,500 
 
 72, 000 
 
 130, 660 
 
 1,000 
 
 21,750 
 
 86, 750 
 
 750 
 
 32, 820 
 
 8,200 
 30, 000 
 
 $2, 486, 160 
 
 396, 950 
 
 315, 600 
 
 100,850 
 
 190, 750 
 
 439, 600 
 
 207,440 
 
 263, 500 
 
 131,660 
 
 109,250 
 
 32, 820 
 
 36, 200 
 
EEPOET OF UNITED STATES COIMMISSIOXERS TO TEXAS. 47 
 Class B. — Casual losses of horses and cattle hy theft — Contimied. 
 
 Claimant. 
 
 Thomas Pugh, Oak 
 ville, Live Oak 
 County. 
 
 Patrick Pngh, Oak- 
 ville, Live Oali 
 County. 
 
 Catherine Wallace, 
 S a u Diego, 
 Duval County. 
 
 E. J. Nickcrson, 
 Buena Vista 
 ranch, Nueces 
 County. 
 
 Thomas W. Uzzell, 
 Nueces County. 
 
 Justo Lopez, 
 "Topo" Ranch, 
 Cameron County. 
 
 Juan Perez, Santa 
 Rosalia ranch, 
 Cameron County. 
 
 Juan Salinas, El 01- 
 mito ranch, Cam- 
 eron County. 
 
 Francisco Yturria, 
 Punta del Monte 
 rancho, Cameron 
 Coum.y. 
 
 Adolphus GUevecke, 
 Capitaueua ranch, 
 Cameron County. 
 
 Cornelius Stillman, 
 Santa Rosa ranch, 
 Cameron County. 
 
 Description of property. 
 
 1,280 cattle stolen, August 20, 186G, 
 
 to 1872, atflO 
 
 Increase lost, 5,000, at $10 
 
 350 cattle lost, August 20, 1866, to 
 
 1872, at $10 
 
 Increase lost, 1,400, at $10 
 
 Loss, by theft, of 1,800 cattle, from 
 
 August 20, 1866, to 1872, at $10 
 
 Loss, by theft, of 200 horses, in same 
 
 time, at l|40 
 
 Increase lost — 
 
 3,500 cattle, at $10 
 
 400 horses, at $40 
 
 Stallion stolen in 1869 
 
 Stallion stolen in 1871 
 
 Stallion stolen in 1 872 
 
 Stolen since August 20, 1866, 47 
 horses, at $ 45 
 
 Mare stolen June 1 , 1 866 
 
 7 horses stolen, 1870 and 1871 
 
 Cattle stolen since April 1, 1871, 500, 
 at $10 
 
 60 cattle, at $10 
 
 Increase, 1860 to 1870, (900) 
 
 26 horses and increase, I860 to 1872, 
 
 416, at fay 
 
 Deduct for 30 cattle, now ou hand, 
 at $10 
 
 Cattle and increase, 1857 to 1872, 
 3,520, at $10 
 
 Deduct for 50 head on hand and sold 
 at $10 
 
 Cattle to the value of $2,000 stolen 
 since 1869 
 
 1,500 cattle stolen, since August 20, 
 
 1866, at $10 
 
 Increase of above loss, 6,000, at $10.. 
 
 800 cattle lost since 1869, at $!(• 
 
 Increase of these to 1872, 800 
 
 1,500 cattle, in 1859, and their in- 
 crease to 1872, less 300 now ou 
 hand, (31 ,700 cattle, ) at $10 
 
 50fine horses, stolen since 1859, at $60 
 
 10,880 cattle, at $10, original head 
 and increase, stolen from 1859 to 
 1872 
 
 100 saddle horses, at $60, stolen in 
 1 859, and since 
 
 Damage at Santa Rosa 
 
 Value in 
 coin. 
 
 ^12,800 
 50, 000 
 
 3, .500 
 14, 000 
 
 18, 000 
 
 8,000 
 
 35, 000 
 16, 000 
 
 275 
 350 
 
 400 
 
 2,115 
 
 415 
 
 ,000 
 
 600 
 9,000 
 
 12,480 
 
 22, 080 
 300 
 
 35, 200 
 500 
 
 2, 000 
 
 15,000 
 60, 000 
 
 8,000 
 8,000 
 
 317,000 
 3,000 
 
 108,800 
 
 6,000 
 114,800 
 
 Amount. 
 
 >, 800 
 
 17, 500 
 
 77, 000 
 
 3,140 
 
 5, 490 
 
 21,780 
 
 34, 700 
 2, 000 
 
 91,000 
 320, 000 
 
48 REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 Class B. — Casiial losses of horses and cattle hy theft — Contiuned. 
 
 Claimant. 
 
 Laiireles rancho 
 Neuces County. 
 
 Dimas de Torres Ve- 
 lasquez, A uaceuas 
 Altas rancli, Cam- 
 eron County. 
 
 Lino Saldana, Buena 
 Vista ranch, Cam- 
 eron County. 
 
 Juan Torre Valle, 
 Los Indios ranch, 
 Cameron County. 
 
 W. D. Thomas, La- 
 guna Tio Cano 
 ranch, Cameron 
 County. 
 
 [See Class A for 
 other items.] 
 
 George Krau.se, Ca- 
 pitanena ranch, 
 Cameron County. 
 
 Josiah Turner, El 
 
 Galveston ranch, 
 
 Cameron County. 
 
 [SeeCla,ss A for 
 
 other items. ] 
 
 Henry Scott, Refu- 
 gio County. 
 
 Perry Doddridge, 
 Encinal and Tu- 
 loso ranchos, Nu- 
 eces County. 
 
 William B. Hatch, 
 Ingleside rancho, 
 San Patricio 
 County. 
 
 Calvin Wright, 
 "Lost Ferry" 
 rancho, Nueces 
 County. 
 
 Reuben Curtis, Cur- 
 tis rancho, Nue- 
 ces County. 
 
 Joseph Wright, jr., 
 E speranza 
 rancho, Nueces 
 Couuty. 
 
 Description ofi property. 
 
 Loss, 14,440 in J868, and their cal- 
 culated increase, (38,506 total,) at 
 
 m ■ 
 
 7,89:5 head of cattle, stolen since 1868, 
 at iji]0, or stock and increase, less 
 amount on hand 
 
 550 cattle, and their calculated in- 
 crease from August 20, 1866, 2,580, 
 at $10 
 
 188 cattle, and their increase since 
 August 20, 1866, 1,040, at $10 ... 
 
 94 head of horses, stock, stolen 1859, 
 at $60 and $30, (42 horses, at $60 ; 
 52 mares, at $30) 
 
 Value mares and iuprease, 1,009, at 
 $30 -. 
 
 1 50 cattle, stolen in 18.59 
 
 Increase to 1 872, 3, 050, at $ 1 
 
 800 hogs, stolen in 1859, at $2 
 
 Increase, 16,266, at $2 
 
 60 head of cattle, in 1854, at $10... 
 
 Increase lost, 1854 to 1872, 3,780 head, 
 
 at$10 
 
 50 flue horses, stolen from 1866 to 
 1872, at $60 
 
 Lo.ss, 25 saddle-horses in 1860, at $75, 
 Interest on above, 8 per cent, to 1872. 
 
 Loss 1 40 head mares, at $50 
 
 Increase lost, 900, at $20 
 
 Original stock of August 20, 1866, 
 
 stolen, 12,000 cattle, at $10 
 
 Increase lost, 28, 000, at $10 
 
 Original stock of 1866, 3,500 cattle, 
 at$IO 
 
 Increase lost, 10,000 cattle, at$'/0.. 
 
 Original stock of August 20, 1866, 
 
 stolen, 6,500 cattle, at $10 
 
 Increase lost, 26,000 cattle, at $10. . 
 
 Original stock of August 20, 1866, 
 
 stolen, 1,900 cattle, at $10 
 
 Increase lost, 6,500 cattle, at $10.. . 
 
 Original stock of August 20, 1866, 
 
 stolen, 1,000 cattle, at $10 
 
 Original stock stolen, 60 horses, at $40 
 Increase lost — 
 
 2,000 cattle, at $10 
 
 200 horses, at $40 
 
 Value in 
 coin. 
 
 $385, 060 
 
 78, 930 
 
 25, 800 
 10,400 
 
 2,520 
 
 33, 270 
 1 , 500 
 
 30, 500 
 1,600 
 
 32, 532 
 
 600 
 37, 800 
 
 3,000 
 
 1,875 
 
 1,800 
 
 7,000 
 
 18,000 
 
 120,000 
 
 280, 000 
 
 35, 000 
 100, 000 
 
 65, 000 
 260, 000 
 
 19,000 
 65, 000 
 
 10,000 
 2, 400 
 
 20, 000 
 
 8, 000 
 
 Amunt. 
 
 $499, 860 
 78, 930 
 
 25, 800 
 10, 400 
 
 101,922 
 
 38, 400 
 3,000 
 
 23, 675 
 400, 000 
 135, COO 
 325, 000 
 
 84, 000 
 
 40,400 
 
65 
 
 66 
 
 67 
 
 68 
 
 69 
 
 71 
 
 72 
 
 73 
 
 74 
 
 EEPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONEES TO TEXAS. 49 
 Class B.— Casual losses of horses and cattle hy f/«^Y— Continued. 
 
 Cliimant. 
 
 Margaret JM e u 1 y , 
 Meuly's, Pintas 
 rancho, Nueces 
 Coimty. 
 
 Thomas O'Connor, 
 Connor's rancho, 
 Refugio County. 
 
 Robert D r i s c o 1 1 , 
 Cliocolate ran- 
 cho, Refugio 
 County. 
 
 Estate, J. J. Alsop, 
 Alsop's ranclio, 
 Nueces County. 
 
 Mosely James Terry, 
 Choat's rancbo, 
 San Patricio 
 County. 
 
 Samuel H. Smith, 
 Aransas rancho, 
 San Patricio 
 County. 
 
 Younge Coleman, 
 Coleman's rancho, 
 San Patricio 
 County. 
 
 Heirs of David Gar- 
 ner, (deatl,) Bra- 
 gado rancho, San 
 Patricio County. 
 
 Alouzo A. Deavalon, 
 Murdock's rancho, 
 Nueces County. 
 
 John Washington 
 Vineyard, Ingle- 
 side rancho, San 
 Patricio County. 
 
 Desciiption of jjroptrty. 
 
 Value in 
 coin. 
 
 Original stock of August 20, 1866, 
 stolen. 12 000 cattle, at $10 
 
 Original stock horses, 4:^, at $40 
 
 Increase claimed on 48,000 cattle, at 
 $10 
 
 Original stock of 1866 stolen, 30,000 
 cattle, at $10 
 
 Increase claimed, 120,000 cattle, at 
 $10 
 
 Original stock of August 20, 1866, 
 stolen, 18,500 cattle, at $10 
 
 Increase claimed, 72,000 cattle, at 
 $10 
 
 Original stock, 1866,lost, 3,500 cattle, 
 
 at $J0 
 
 Original stock, 53 horses 
 
 Increase lost — 
 
 14,000 cattle, at$10 
 
 212 horses, at $40 
 
 Original stock of 1866 lost- 
 
 6,000 cattle, at $10 
 
 300 horses, at $40 
 
 Increase claimed — 
 
 20,000 cattle, at $10. ... 
 1,000 horses, at $40 
 
 Original stock of 1866, 8,500 cattle, 
 at$10 
 
 Increase lost, 30,000 cattle, at $10... 
 
 Original stock of 1866 — 
 
 10,000 cattle, at $10.. 
 
 500 horses, at $40 
 
 Increase lost — 
 
 40,000 cattle, at $10.. 
 
 2,000 horses, at $40... 
 
 Original stock of 1866, 5,500 cattle, 
 
 at $10 
 
 Increase, 20,000, at $10 
 
 Original stock of 1866— 
 
 5,500 cattle, at $ 10 
 
 35 horses, at $60 
 
 Increase lost, 20,000 cattle, at i 
 
 Original stock of 1866— 
 
 3,500 cattle, at $10... 
 
 2,000 horses, at $40.. 
 Increase lost — 
 
 14,000 cattle, at $10.. 
 
 8,000 horses, at $40.. 
 
 $120,000 
 1,720 
 
 480, 000 
 
 300, 000 
 1,200,000 
 
 185, 000 
 720, 000 
 
 35, 000 
 2, 120 
 
 140,000 
 
 8,480 
 
 60, 000 
 12,000 
 
 200, 000 
 40, 000 
 
 85, 000 
 300, 000 
 
 100, 000 
 20, 000 
 
 400, 000 
 80, 000 
 
 55, 000 
 200, 000 
 
 55, 000 
 
 2, 100 
 
 200, 000 
 
 35, 000 
 
 80, 000 
 
 140, 000 
 320, 000 
 
 Amount. 
 
 $601,720, 
 
 1,500,000' 
 
 905, 000 
 
 185, 600 
 
 312, 000 
 
 385, 000 
 
 600, 000 
 255, 000 
 
 257, 100 
 575, 000 
 
50 EEPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 Class B. — Casual losses of horses and cattle hi/ theft — Continued. 
 
 Claimant. 
 
 Cornelius C. Cox, 
 Cux's raucho, Live 
 Oak County. 
 
 Henry W. Berry, 
 Puerta de Agua 
 Dulce r a n e b o, 
 Nueces County. 
 
 Heirs of E. P. 
 White, (died,) 
 White's rancho, 
 San Patricio 
 County. 
 
 M a t h e w Givens, 
 Givens's rancho. 
 Live Oak County. 
 
 Thomas M.Colemau, 
 Coleman's rancho, 
 San Patricio 
 County. 
 
 James D. Re ed, 
 Reed's rancho, Go- 
 liad County. 
 
 Fanny A. Richard- 
 son, Richardson's 
 rancho, Nueces 
 County. 
 
 William Woodson 
 Wright, Banquete 
 ran cho, Nueces 
 and Duval Coun- 
 ties. 
 
 Alice J. Clark, 
 Clark's r a ncho, 
 Nueces County. 
 
 John H.Wood, Chil- 
 tapin rancho, 
 Refugio and San 
 Patricio Counties. 
 
 Thomas C.Wright, 
 Wright's rancho, 
 Nueces County. 
 
 Description of property. 
 
 Original stock of 1866 — 
 
 3,075 cattle, at |I0 
 
 89 horses 
 
 Increase lost — 
 
 12,300 cattle, at §10 
 
 356 horses, at .$40 
 
 Original stock of 1866, 2,500 cattle, 
 at$10 
 
 Increase lost, 10,000 cattle, at SlO. . . . 
 
 Original stock of 1866, 10,000 cattle, 
 at $10 
 
 Increase lost, 40,000 cattle, at §10 
 
 Original stock, 1866, 1,500 cattle, at 
 $10 
 
 Increase lost, 4,500 cattle, at §10 
 
 Original stock, 1866, 8,000 cattle, at 
 
 §10 
 
 Increase lost, 10,000, at §10 
 
 Original stock, 1806, 6,500 cattle, at 
 
 §10 - 
 
 Increase lost, 26,000 cattle, at §10... . 
 
 Original stock, 1866, 800 horses, at 
 §iO 
 
 Increase lost, 3,000, at §40 
 
 Original stock, 1866, 13,000 cattle, at 
 §10, 
 
 25 horses, at $75 
 
 Increase lost, 50,000 cattle, at §10. .. 
 
 Original stock, 1806, 6,000 cattle, at 
 
 §10 
 
 50,000 horses, at §40 
 
 Increase lost, 24,000 cattle, at $10.. 
 200 horses, at §40 
 
 Original stock, 1866, 27,000 cattle, at 
 
 §10 
 
 2,500 horses, at §40 
 
 Increase lost, 108,000 cattle, at §10.. 
 10,000 horses, at |40 
 
 Original stock, 1866, 1,200 cattle, at 
 §10 
 
 12 horses, at §40 
 
 Increase lost, 4,000 cattle, at $10 .... 
 
 Value in 
 coin. 
 
 §30, 750 
 3, 560 
 
 123, 000 
 14,240 
 
 25, 00(J 
 100,000 
 
 100, 000 
 400, 000 
 
 15,000 
 45, 000 
 
 80, 000 
 100,000 
 
 65, 000 
 260, 000 
 
 32, 000 
 120,000 
 
 130, 000 
 
 1,875 
 
 500, 000 
 
 60, 000 
 
 2,000 
 
 240, 000 
 
 8,000 
 
 270, 000 
 
 100,000 
 
 1 , 080, 000 
 
 400, 000 
 
 12, 000 
 
 480 
 40, 000 
 
 Amount. 
 
 §171,550 
 125, 000 
 500, 000 
 
 60, 000 
 180,000 
 325, 000 
 152, 000 
 
 631,875 
 
 310, 000 
 
 1,850,000 
 52 480 
 
REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 51 
 Class B. — Casual losses of horses and cattle hy theft — Continued. 
 
 Claimant. 
 
 Sterling N. Dobie, 
 Dobie's rancho, 
 Live Oak County. 
 
 Thomas John 
 Noakes, M o 1 1' s 
 rancho, Nueces 
 County. 
 
 William Hobbs, 
 rancho at Guildes 
 Mott's, Nueces 
 County. 
 
 Benjamin A. Ben- 
 nett, Bennett's 
 rancho, Nueces 
 County. 
 
 Henry Scott, ran- 
 cho Refugio, Ref- 
 ugio County. 
 
 Josiah Elliff, Meu- 
 ly's rancho, Nue- 
 ces County. 
 
 William L. Rogers, 
 rancho Moraillo, 
 Nueces County. 
 
 Mary E. Dreyer, 
 Dreyer's rancho, 
 Nueces County. 
 
 Frost Thorn Allen, 
 San Vicente 
 rancho, Nueces 
 County. 
 
 William Miller, Pas- 
 saloto rancho, 
 Bee County. 
 
 Description of property. 
 
 Original stock, 1866 — 
 
 4,000 cattle, at $10 
 
 125 horses, at $40 
 
 Increase lost — 
 
 16,500 cattle, at $10 
 
 5U0 horses, at $40 
 
 Original stock, 1866, 1,000 cattle, at 
 $10 
 
 Increase lost, 4,000 cattle, at $10 
 
 Original stock, 1866 — 
 
 1,500 cattle, at $10 , 
 
 30 horses, at $40 
 
 Increase, lost — 
 
 6,000 cattle, at $10 , 
 
 120 horses, at $40 
 
 Original stock, 1866, 7,000 cattle, at 
 
 $10 
 
 Increase lost, 28,000 cattle, at $10. .. 
 
 Original cattle, 1866— 
 
 3,000 cattle, at $10 
 
 200 horses, at $40 
 
 Increase lost — 
 
 12.000 cattle, at $10 
 
 800 horses, at $40 
 
 Original stock, 1866 — 
 
 400 cattle, at $10 
 
 1 6 horses, at $50 
 
 Increase lost, 1,600 cattle, at $10 
 
 Original st6ck, 1866— 
 
 1,000 cattle, at $10 
 
 800 horses, a l $40 
 
 Increa.se lost — 
 
 4,000 cattle, at $10 
 
 3,200 horses, at $40 
 
 Original stock, 1S(!6 — 
 
 6,000 cattle, at $10 
 
 20 horses, at $50 
 
 Increase lost, 17,000 cattle, at $10... 
 
 Original stock, 1866 — 
 
 5,000 cattle, at $10 
 
 200 horses, at $40 
 
 Increase lost — 
 
 20,000 cattle, at $10 
 
 800 horses, at $40 
 
 Original stock, 1866, 8,000 cattle, at 
 |10 
 
 Increase lost, 30,000 cattle, at $10 . .. 
 
 Value in 
 coin. 
 
 $40, 000 
 5, 000 
 
 165, 000 
 20, 000 
 
 10, 000 
 40, 000 
 
 15,000 
 1,200 
 
 60, 000 
 4,800 
 
 70, 000 
 
 280, 000 
 
 30, 000 
 8, 000 
 
 120, 000 
 32, 000 
 
 4,000 
 
 800 
 
 16,000 
 
 10,000 
 32, 000 
 
 40, 000 
 
 128, 000 
 
 60, 000 
 
 1,000 
 
 170,000 
 
 50, 000 
 8,000 
 
 200, 000 
 32, 000 
 
 80, 000 
 300, 000 
 
 Amount. 
 
 $230, 000 
 50, 000 
 
 81,000 
 350, 000 
 
 190,000 
 20, 800 
 
 210,000 
 231 , 000 
 
 290, 000 
 380,000 
 
52 REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 
 Class B. — Casual losses of horses and cattle hy theft — Continued. 
 
 o 
 
 d 
 
 Claimant, 
 
 Description of property. 
 
 Value in 
 coin. 
 
 Amount. 
 
 96 
 
 Jnlia McGregor 
 Vetter, Nueces 
 County. 
 
 J. Williamson Moses, 
 the Charco Largo 
 rancho, Nueces 
 County. 
 
 Eliza A. Smith, 
 Batysville ran- 
 ch o, Nueces 
 County. 
 
 George Allen, Allan- 
 dale rancho, San 
 Patricio County. 
 
 Sebastian Be all, 
 Beall's rancho, 
 Live Oak County. 
 
 James Lo\ve,Lowe's 
 rancho, McMul- 
 len County. 
 
 Original stock, 1866, 3,500 cattle, at 
 $il0 
 
 $35, 000 
 140,000 
 
 
 
 Increase lost, 14,000 cattle, at ^10 
 
 Original stock, 1866 — 
 
 1,800 cattle, at $10 
 
 $175,000 
 
 97 
 
 18,000 
 20, 000 
 
 70, 000 
 60, 000 
 
 
 500 horses, at $40 
 
 
 
 Increase lost— 
 7,000 cattle, at !|10 
 
 
 
 1 ,500 horses, at $40 
 
 
 
 Original stock, 18G6, 2,0C0 cattle, at 
 §10 
 
 168, 000 
 
 9S 
 
 20, 000 
 45, 000 
 
 
 Increase lost, 4,500 cattle, at $10 
 
 Original stock, 1866, 26,000 cattle, at 
 $J0 
 
 65, 000 
 
 99 
 
 260, 000 
 850, 000 
 
 
 Increase lost, 85,000 cattle, at $10 . .. 
 
 Original stock, 1866 — 
 
 4 500 cattle, at $10 
 
 1,110,000 
 
 100 
 
 45, 000 
 32, 000 
 
 90, 000 
 64,000 
 
 
 800 horses, at $40 
 
 
 
 Increase lost — 
 
 9,000 cattle, at $10 
 
 
 
 1 ,600 horses, at $40 
 
 
 
 Original stock, 1866 — 
 
 25 000 cattle, at $10 
 
 231,000 
 
 101 
 
 250, 000 
 
 5,400 
 
 300, 000 
 
 
 1 35 horses, at $40 
 
 
 
 Increase lost, 30,000 cattle, at $10. .. 
 
 r,nr. aoo 
 
 
 
 
 
 25, 049, 722 
 
 Class C. — Imprisonment and outrage. 
 
 a 
 
 a; 
 o 
 d 
 
 Name. 
 
 Class of outrage. 
 
 Amount. 
 
 4 
 
 Francis C. Mason, Browns- 
 ville. 
 
 Emilio C. Forto, Browns- 
 ville. 
 
 Charles R. Chase, Browns- 
 ville. 
 
 Arrest while on the waters of the Rio 
 Grande, and unjust detention and im- 
 
 $25, 000 00 
 
 5 
 
 Same cause of complaint .... 
 
 25, 000 00 
 25,000 00 
 
 7 
 
 Same cause of complaint ...... ...... .... 
 
 
 
EEPEOT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 53 
 Class C. — Imprisonment and outrage — Continued. 
 
 a 
 .2 
 
 a 
 
 o 
 6 
 
 Name. 
 
 Class of outrage. 
 
 Amount. 
 
 8 
 
 Jules Gerard, Speakesville, 
 La Vaca County. 
 
 Francis M. Campbell, 
 Brownsville. 
 
 Mary Catherine Clark, 
 Clarksville, Cameron 
 County. 
 
 William Mevius, Browns- 
 ville. 
 
 George Marc, Brownsville . . 
 
 William Baker, Browns- 
 ville. 
 
 William Kelly, Browns- 
 ville. 
 
 Joseph Walsh, Matamoras. 
 
 Same cause of complaint . 
 
 $25,000 00 
 
 100,000 00 
 
 2, 000 00 
 
 100,000 00 
 
 31 
 32 
 
 47 
 
 Damages claimed for his imprisonment 
 during the Cortina raid of 1859 
 
 Robbery of her house at Clarksville on 
 December 18, 18i)6, of money, jewelry, 
 &c., by an armed band of Mexicans ... 
 
 Outrage at Bagdad, Mexico, and his sub- 
 sequent unjust imprisonment at Mata- 
 
 48 
 
 
 100,000 00 
 
 55 
 
 
 100, 000 00 
 150,000 00 
 
 56 
 
 Same cause of complaint, his imprison- 
 
 102 
 
 Negation of justice by the Mexican au- 
 thorities at Matamoras, Mexico 
 
 251,022 97 
 903,022 97 
 
 RECAPITULATION. 
 
 ClassA $1,906,619 00 
 
 Class B 25,049,722 00 
 
 ClassC 913,022 97 
 
 27, 859, 363 07 
 
 List of petitions. 
 
 
 1872. 
 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 3 
 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 
 3 
 
 5 
 
 7 
 
 4 
 
 August 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 6 
 
 August 
 August 
 
 10 
 10 
 
 7 
 
 August 
 
 13 
 
 8 
 
 August 
 
 13 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 August 
 August 
 
 14 
 15 
 
 11 
 
 August 
 
 17 
 
 Dominick Lively 
 
 Jane Weyman 
 
 Alexander Wierbiski . 
 
 Francis C. Mason 
 
 Emilio C. Forto , 
 
 James H. Green 
 
 Jules Gerard . 
 
 Charles R. Chase 
 
 John R. Williams 
 
 Charles Fischer 
 
 James Ferguson Scott 
 
 $1,500 00 
 
 4,800 00 
 
 350,550 00 
 
 25,000 00 
 
 25,000 00 
 
 4,500 00 
 
 25,000 00 
 
 25,000 00 
 
 2,500 00 
 
 3,500 00 
 
 250,000 00 
 
54 REPOET OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 List of petitions. — Contiuned. 
 
 1872. 
 
 
 August 
 
 17 
 
 August 
 
 17 
 
 August 
 
 17 
 
 August 
 
 17 
 
 August 
 
 17 
 
 August 
 
 2U 
 
 August 
 
 20 
 
 August 
 
 20 
 
 August 
 
 24 
 
 August 
 
 26 
 
 August 
 
 28 
 
 August 
 
 28 
 
 August 
 
 28 
 
 August 
 
 ^8 
 
 August 
 
 28 
 
 August 
 
 28 
 
 August 
 
 28 
 
 August 
 
 29 
 
 August 
 
 oO 
 
 August 
 
 30 
 
 August 
 
 :io 
 
 August 
 
 ol 
 
 August 
 
 :j| 
 
 August 
 
 :n 
 
 August 
 
 31 
 
 August 
 
 31 
 
 August 
 
 31 
 
 August 
 
 31 
 
 September 10 
 
 September 12 
 
 September 12 
 
 Septeuibei 
 
 13 
 
 September 14 
 
 Septembei 
 
 16 
 
 September 16 
 
 Septembei 
 
 18 
 
 Septembei 
 
 21) 
 
 September 21 
 
 Septembei 
 
 21 
 
 September 21 
 
 Septembei 
 
 21 
 
 Septembei 
 
 24 
 
 September 24 
 
 Septembei 
 
 2o 
 
 Septembei 
 
 •2b 
 
 Septembe 
 
 •27 
 
 Septembe 
 
 •2b 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 Frank Bvler 
 
 Thomas H. Clark , 
 
 Martha A. Rabb 1^.. 
 
 Henry A. Gilpin 
 
 Antonio J. Yznaga 
 
 John McAlleu, (guardian) .. 
 
 Mary Churchill 
 
 Martha Byler 
 
 Louis Reuaud 
 
 R. King & Co -. 
 
 Richard King 
 
 Hale & Parker 
 
 Martin S. Culver 
 
 Henderson Williams 
 
 Albert Champion 
 
 Nicholas Champion 
 
 Peter Cliampion 
 
 Jose D. Garcia 
 
 William Washington Staples 
 
 Francis M. Campbell 
 
 Mary C. Clark 
 
 SJmon Celaya 
 
 E Hen Pugh 
 
 Thomas Pugh 
 
 Patrick Pugh 
 
 Catherine Wallace 
 
 E. J. Nickerson 
 
 Mifflin Kenedy 
 
 Thomas W. Uzzell 
 
 Justo Lopez 
 
 Juan Perez 
 
 Juan Salinas 
 
 Francisco Yturria 
 
 Adolphus Glaevecke 
 
 Cornelius Stillman 
 
 William Mevius 
 
 George Marc 
 
 Mifflin Kenedy 
 
 Dimas de Torres Velasquez . 
 
 Lino Saldana 
 
 JuanT.Valle 
 
 W. D.Thomas -. 
 
 George Krause 
 
 William Eaker 
 
 William Kelly 
 
 Nicholas Channo 
 
 Josiah Turner 
 
 Henry Scott 
 
 Perry Doddiidge 
 
 William B. Hatch et al 
 
 Calvin Wright 
 
 Reuben Curtis 
 
 Joseph Wright 
 
 Margaret Meuly 
 
 Thomas O'Connor 
 
 Robert Driscc^ll 
 
 Estate of J. J. Alsop 
 
 M. J.Terry 
 
 Samuel H. Smith 
 
 Younge Coleman 
 
 Estate of D. Garner 
 
 Alonzo A. Deavalon 
 
 $300,000 OU 
 
 1,000, 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 1,000, 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 300, 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 118,209 
 
 00 
 
 215, 
 
 COO 00 
 
 10, 500 00 
 
 25,000 00 
 
 83, 440 00 
 
 2, 436, 
 
 160 00 
 
 396, 
 
 950 
 
 00 
 
 315, 
 
 600 
 
 00 
 
 100,850 00 
 
 190, 
 
 750 
 
 00 
 
 439, 
 
 600 
 
 00 
 
 207, 
 
 440 00 
 
 267, 
 
 004 
 
 00 
 
 131, 
 
 660 
 
 00 
 
 109, 
 
 250 00 
 
 107 
 
 4I0 00 
 
 2, 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 32, 8-20 
 
 00 
 
 38, 200 
 
 00 
 
 62 
 
 800 
 
 00 
 
 17 
 
 500 
 
 00 
 
 77 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 3 
 
 140 
 
 00 
 
 ()70 
 
 760 
 
 00 
 
 5 
 
 490 
 
 00 
 
 21 
 
 780 
 
 00 
 
 34 
 
 700 00 
 
 •> 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 91 
 
 000 00 
 
 320, 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 499 
 
 860 
 
 00 
 
 100 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 100 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 250 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 78,930 00 
 
 25 
 
 800 
 
 00 
 
 10,400 00 
 
 103 
 
 422 
 
 00 
 
 38 
 
 400 
 
 00 
 
 100 
 
 000 00 
 
 150,000 00 
 
 922 
 
 425 
 
 00 
 
 36 
 
 330 
 
 00 
 
 28,675 00 
 
 400,000 00 
 
 135 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 325 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 84 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 40 
 
 coo 
 
 00 
 
 601 
 
 720 
 
 00 
 
 1,500 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 905, 000 
 
 00 
 
 185 
 
 600 
 
 00 
 
 312 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 385 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 600,000 00 
 
 255 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 257 
 
 100 
 
 00 
 
EEPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 55 
 List of petitions — Continued. 
 
 Petitioner. 
 
 Amount. 
 
 1852, 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 3 
 October 3 
 October 3 
 October 3 
 Ocfober 3 
 October 3 
 November 21 
 November 21 
 November 21 
 November 22 
 Auo'ust 28 
 
 .1. W. Vineyard 
 
 C. C. Cox 
 
 II. W. Berry 
 
 Estate of E. P. White 
 
 Matbew Givens 
 
 Thomas M. Coleman 
 
 J. D. Eced 
 
 Fanny R. Ricbardsou 
 
 W. W. Wright 
 
 Alice J. Clark 
 
 John H. Woods 
 
 T. C. Wright 
 
 S. N. Dobie 
 
 T. J. Noakes 
 
 William Hobb» 
 
 B. A. Bennett 
 
 Henry Scott 
 
 Josiah EllitY 
 
 W. L. Rogers 
 
 Mary E. Ureyer . . 
 Frost Thorn Allen .. 
 
 William Miller 
 
 Julia M. Vetter 
 
 J.W. Moses 
 
 Eliza A. Smith 
 
 George Allen 
 
 Sebastian Beall 
 
 James Lowe 
 
 Joseph Walsh 
 
 Francis Reast * 
 
 Total 
 
 $575, 
 171. 
 
 000 00 
 550 00 
 
 ]25, 
 
 000 
 
 GO 
 
 500. 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 (jO, 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 180, 
 
 000 
 
 GO 
 
 325, 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 152, 
 
 000 
 
 GO 
 
 6.51, 
 
 875 
 
 00 
 
 310, 
 
 000 
 
 GO 
 
 ] , 850 
 
 GOO 
 
 00 
 
 52, 480 
 
 CO 
 
 230 
 
 000 
 
 GO 
 
 50 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 81 
 
 000 CO 
 
 350,000 00 
 
 190 
 
 000 
 
 GO 
 
 20 
 
 800 
 
 00 
 
 21(t 
 
 000 00 
 
 231 
 
 000 
 
 GO 
 
 29U 
 
 GOO 
 
 00 
 
 380 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 175 
 
 GOO 
 
 00 
 
 1G8 
 
 GOO 
 
 GO 
 
 65 
 
 Goy 
 
 00 
 
 1,110 
 
 GOG 
 
 00 
 
 231 
 
 000 
 
 00 
 
 555 
 
 400 
 
 00 
 
 251 
 
 022 
 
 97 
 
 (5 
 
 811 
 
 GO 
 
 27, 859, 3G3 97 
 
 List of depositions. 
 
 Date. 
 
 1672. 
 
 
 July 
 
 30 
 
 August 
 
 1 
 
 August 
 
 3 
 
 August 
 
 5 
 
 August 
 
 
 August 
 
 o 
 
 August 
 August 
 
 5 
 5 
 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 
 5 
 5 
 5 
 
 August 
 
 o 
 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 
 August 
 
 5 
 5 
 6 
 6 
 6 
 
 Name of witness. 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel A. McD, McCook, United 
 
 States Army. 
 Thomas F. Wilson, United States consul, 
 
 Matamoras. 
 
 William Burke, lieutenant State-police 
 
 Francisco Martinez 
 
 Albert Dean, inspector United States customs. 
 
 Juan Sanchez 
 
 Thomas C. Sheldon, inspector of customs 
 
 Dominick Lively, deputy sheriff, &c 
 
 Antonio Gutierrez 
 
 Herman S. Rock, deputy hide-inspector 
 
 Justo Lopez 
 
 Marcos Sanchez 
 
 Severiano Hinojosa 
 
 Jacinto Hernandez 
 
 W. D. Thomas 
 
 Iguacio Garcia 
 
 Carlos Esparza 
 
 * Informal. 
 
 To support — 
 
 General evidence. 
 General evidence. 
 
 General 
 Petition 
 General 
 Petition 
 General 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 General 
 General 
 General 
 General 
 .General 
 General 
 General 
 
 evidence. 
 
 43. 
 
 evidence. 
 
 43. 
 
 evidence. 
 
 1. 
 
 1. 
 
 1. 
 
 evidence. 
 
 evidence. 
 
 evidence. 
 
 evidence. 
 
 evidence. 
 
 evidence. 
 
 evidence. 
 
56 EEPOET OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 List of depositions — Continued. 
 
 1872. 
 
 
 August 
 
 f) 
 
 August 
 
 6 
 
 August 
 August 
 
 (i 
 
 7 
 
 August 
 
 / 
 
 August 
 
 / 
 
 August 
 
 8 
 
 August 
 August 
 
 8 
 8 
 
 August 
 August 
 
 9 
 9 
 
 August 
 
 August 
 
 10 
 10 
 
 August 
 
 12 
 
 August 
 
 12 
 
 August 
 
 12 
 
 August 
 
 12 
 
 August 
 
 13 
 
 August 
 
 13 
 
 August 
 August 
 
 13 
 14 
 
 August 
 August 
 
 14 
 14 
 
 August 
 
 14 
 
 August 
 
 14 
 
 August 
 August 
 
 15 
 15 
 
 August 
 
 15 
 
 August 
 
 IG 
 
 August 
 
 l(i 
 
 August 
 August 
 
 17 
 17 
 
 August 
 
 17 
 
 August 
 August 
 
 17 
 
 17 
 
 August 
 
 17 
 
 August 
 
 17 
 
 August 
 
 17 
 
 August 
 
 17 
 
 August 
 
 17 
 
 August 
 
 17 
 
 August 
 
 17 
 
 August 
 
 17 
 
 August 
 
 17 
 
 August 
 
 19 
 
 August 
 August 
 
 19 
 19 
 
 August 
 
 19 
 
 August 
 
 19 
 
 August 
 
 19 
 
 August 
 
 19 
 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 
 19 
 19 
 19 
 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 
 20 
 20 
 20 
 20 
 21 
 22 
 22 
 22 
 
 Mrs. Jane Weyman 
 
 Caetano Rodriguez 
 
 Thaddeus M. Rhodes, justice of the peace 
 
 George W. Lowe 
 
 Beuito Garcia 
 
 Faustino do la Garza 
 
 Alexander Wierbiski 
 
 Anaclito Padron 
 
 Ri carda Flores 
 
 Alexander M. Sanders 
 
 Tomas Vasquez 
 
 Abbato Longoria 
 
 Antonio Tigcrina 
 
 Thomas J. Handy, inspector of customs . 
 
 Justo Lopez 
 
 Angel Aguirre 
 
 Rudolfo Aguirre 
 
 Henry Simeon 
 
 Crespin Pena 
 
 Apollinario Hernandez 
 
 Francis C. Mason 
 
 Emilio C. Forto 
 
 Charles R. Chase, (two depositions) 
 
 Elder B. Barton 
 
 Mifflin Kenedy 
 
 Charles Fischer 
 
 James H. Green 
 
 Juan Rodriguez 
 
 Gregorio Villareal 
 
 Ramon Garcia 
 
 James F. Scott 
 
 Frank Byler 
 
 Frank Byler 
 
 James F. Scott 
 
 Jacinto Hernandez 
 
 Gurniesiendo Casteneda 
 
 Vicente Cavazos 
 
 Francisco Rodriguez 
 
 Francisco Muuguia 
 
 Ramon Rodriguez 
 
 Carlos Castaneda ., 
 
 Francisco Munguia 
 
 Ramon Rodriguez 
 
 Mateo Nunez 
 
 Frank Byler 
 
 Frank Byler 
 
 Frank By ler 
 
 Valentine J. Clark 
 
 James F. Scott 
 
 James F. Scott 
 
 James F. Scott 
 
 Nicholas Champion 
 
 Peter Champion 
 
 Teodoro Garcia 
 
 John Mc Allen 
 
 John O. Thompson 
 
 Eld-r B.Barton 
 
 Timoteo Soils 
 
 Casimiro Tamayo 
 
 Juan Levrier 
 
 Vicente Salazar 
 
 Francisco Cantu 
 
 Petition 2, 
 Petition 2. 
 General evidence. 
 General evidence. 
 General evidence. 
 General evidence. 
 Petition 3. 
 General evidence. 
 General evidence. 
 General evidence. 
 General evidence. 
 General evidence. 
 General evidence. 
 General evidence. 
 Petition 3. 
 Petition 3. 
 Petition 3. 
 General evidence. 
 General evidence. 
 General evidence. 
 Petitions 4, 5, 7, 8. 
 Petitions 4, 5, 7, 8. 
 Petitions 4,5,7, 8. 
 Petition 4G. 
 Petition 3. 
 Petition 10. 
 Petition 6. 
 Petition 6. 
 General evidence. 
 Petition 16. 
 Petition 11. 
 Petition 11. 
 Petition 12. 
 Petition 12. 
 Petition 16. 
 Petition 16. 
 Petition 16. 
 Petition 16. 
 Petition 16. 
 Petition 16. 
 Petition 46. 
 Petition 46. 
 Petition 46. 
 Petition 46. 
 Petition 13. 
 Petition 14. 
 Petition 15. 
 Petition 11. 
 Petition 13. 
 Petition 14. 
 Petition 15. 
 Petitions 26, 27, 28. 
 Petitions 26, 27, 28. 
 Petitions 26, 27, 28. 
 Petition 17. 
 Petition 17. 
 Petition 17. 
 Petitions 26, 27, 28. 
 Petition 20. 
 Petition 20. 
 Petition 20. 
 Petition 16. 
 
EEPORT OF UNITED STxiTES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 57 
 List of depositions — Continued. 
 
 1872. 
 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 Avigust 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 Aiigust 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 Auo'ust 
 
 22 
 22 
 22 
 22 
 23 
 23 
 23 
 24 
 26 
 26 
 26 
 26 
 27 
 27 
 27 
 27 
 27 
 27 
 27 
 27 
 27 
 28 
 28 
 28 
 28 
 28 
 28 
 28 
 28 
 28 
 28 
 28 
 28 
 23 
 '28 
 28 
 29 
 29 
 29 
 29 
 29 
 29 
 29 
 29 
 29 
 29 
 29 
 30 
 30 
 30 
 30 
 30 
 30 
 30 
 30 
 30 
 30 
 30 
 30 
 30 
 30 
 30 
 
 Tomas Hinojosa 
 
 Johu Fitch 
 
 Thomas Beynoa 
 
 Francis M. Campbell 
 
 Ouofro Soils 
 
 Francisco Solis 
 
 Merced Keudon 
 
 Louis Renaud 
 
 Ricliard King 
 
 Mifflin Kenedy 
 
 Reuben Holbeiu 
 
 Louis Renaud 
 
 Thomas Beynou 
 
 John Fitch 
 
 Josiah Turner 
 
 Desiderio Castaiieda 
 
 Frank Byler 
 
 James F. Scott 
 
 Frederic Frank 
 
 Bland Chamberlain 
 
 Henry A. Gilpin 
 
 Juan Perez 
 
 Felipe Martinez 
 
 Jose D. Garcia 
 
 Reuben Holbein 
 
 Alexander Wierbiski 
 
 Richard King 
 
 Thomas Beynon 
 
 John Fitch 
 
 Bland Chamberlain 
 
 Pedro Wallace de Dougherty 
 
 Elder B. Barton 
 
 John Mc Allen 
 
 Nicholas Champion 
 
 Peter Champion 
 
 Florencio Vidal 
 
 Charles J. Murphy 
 
 Santiago Alvarez 
 
 Anselmo Longoria 
 
 Juan Miguel Longoria 
 
 Santos Longoria 
 
 Tomas Sandoval 
 
 Vittorio Sondoval 
 
 Herman S. Rock, inspector of hides 
 
 Richard King 
 
 Reuben Holbein 
 
 Valentine J. Clark 
 
 Martin S. Culver 
 
 Henderson Williams 
 
 John Fitch 
 
 James F. Scott 
 
 William W. Staples 
 
 Martin S. ^Julver 
 
 Henderson Williams , 
 
 Henderson Williams 
 
 Martin S. Culver 
 
 James F. Scott , 
 
 Antonio Yznaga 
 
 Martin S. Culver 
 
 Martiu S. Culver 
 
 Martin S. Culver 
 
 Frederic Frank , 
 
 Petition 16. 
 Petition 12. 
 Petition 12. 
 Petition 49. 
 Petitions 26, 
 Petitions 26, 
 Petitions 26, 
 Petition 20. 
 Petition 2!. 
 Petition 21. 
 Petition 21. 
 Petition 20, 
 Petition 21. 
 Petition 21. 
 Petition 21. 
 Petition 46. 
 Petition 21. 
 Petition 21. 
 Petition 21. 
 Petition 21. 
 Petition 21. 
 Petition 29. 
 Petitions 29, 
 Petition 42. 
 Petition 22. 
 Petition 22. 
 Petition 22. 
 Petition 2<'.. 
 Petition 22. 
 Petition 22. 
 Petition 23. 
 Petition 23. 
 Petition 23. 
 Petitions 26, 
 Petitions26, 
 Petitions 26, 
 Petition 22. 
 Petition 39. 
 Petition 39. 
 Petition 39. 
 Petition 39. 
 Petition 39. 
 Petition 39. 
 Petition 22. 
 Petition 39. 
 Petition 39. 
 Petition 22. 
 Petition 24. 
 Petition 24, 
 Petition 24. 
 Petition 24. 
 Petition 30. 
 Petition 30. 
 Petition 25. 
 Petition 2a. 
 Petition 25. 
 Petition 25. 
 General. 
 Petition 15. 
 Petition 12. 
 Petition 19. 
 Petition 19. 
 
 27, 23. 
 27, 28. 
 27, 28. 
 
 42. 
 
 27, 28. 
 27, 28. 
 27, 28. 
 
58 EEPOET OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 List of depositions — Contiuued. 
 
 1872. 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 September 
 September 
 ScjJtember 
 September 9 
 September 9 
 September 9 
 September 13 
 September lo 
 September 13 
 
 'September 13 
 
 September 13 
 September 13 
 September 13 
 September 13 
 September 13 
 September 14 
 September 14 
 September 14 
 September 14 
 September 16 
 September 10 
 September 1(3 
 September 16 
 September 16 
 September 18 
 
 September 18 
 
 September 18 
 
 September 18 
 
 September 19 
 
 September 20 
 September 20 
 
 September 21 
 September 21 
 September 21 
 September 21 
 September 21 
 September 21 
 September 21 
 September 2) 
 September 21 
 vSeptcmber 23 
 September 23 
 
 Lino Barseuas 
 Juan A. Kamirez . . . 
 
 Placido Vera 
 
 Antonio Yznaga 
 
 Mary C.Clark 
 
 W. "W. Staples 
 
 William Kelly 
 
 Henderson Williams 
 
 W.W. Staples 
 
 Henderson Williams 
 Ultimio Sepulveda. 
 
 W.W. Staples 
 
 Henderson Williams 
 
 Mifflin Kenedy 
 
 Victor Morel 
 
 Eugenio Zamora 
 
 Pedro Vela 
 
 Cecilio Vela 
 
 Eamou Gaiza 
 
 Alexander Wierbiski 
 Alexander Wierbiski 
 Justo Lopez 
 
 Alexander Wierbiski 
 
 Jose D. Garcia, (appended to petition 43) . 
 Felipe Martinez, (appended to petition 43). 
 
 Juan Perez, (appended to petition 43) 
 
 Juan Sauchez 
 
 Jacinto Hernandez 
 
 Yudalacio Trcviuo 
 
 Francisco Yturria 
 
 Henry Klabn 
 
 ]"'rancis M. Campbell 
 
 Pedro Lucia 
 
 Jesus Tamayo 
 
 Mariano T. Garza 
 
 Adolphus Glaevecke 
 
 Stephen Powers 
 
 Ellison Covert 
 
 William Mevius. 
 
 Charles Best . . . 
 Mifflin Kenedy. 
 George Marc. .. 
 
 Francis J. Parker. 
 Pedro Cortina 
 
 Manuel Eesendo 
 
 D. G. Ramirez 
 
 Lino Saldana 
 
 D. G. Ramirez 
 
 Juau Torre Valle 
 
 Dlmas de T. Velasquez 
 
 D. G. Ramirez 
 
 Liua Saldaila 
 
 D. T. Velasquez 
 
 M. Kenedy 
 
 Edward Downey 
 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 General 
 General 
 General 
 General 
 General 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 
 3L 
 
 31. 
 31. 
 
 s 16, 46. 
 32. 
 34. 
 32. 
 34. 
 35. 
 35. 
 6. 
 36. 
 36. 
 31. 
 
 evidence, 
 evidence, 
 evidence, 
 evidence, 
 evidence. 
 41. 
 42. 
 41. 
 
 Petition 29. 
 
 Petition 43. 
 Petition 43. 
 Petition 43. 
 Petition 41. 
 Petition 41. 
 Petition 44. 
 Petition 44. 
 General evidence. 
 Petition 39. 
 Petition 44. 
 Petition 44. 
 Petition 31. 
 Petition 45. 
 Petition 31. 
 Petitions 47, 48, 55, 
 
 and 56. v 
 
 Petitions 47, 48, 55, 
 
 and 56. 
 Petitions 47, 48, 55, 
 
 and 56. 
 Petitions 47, 48, 55, 
 
 and 56. 
 Petitions 47, 48, 55, 
 
 and 56. 
 General evidence. 
 Petition 44. 
 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 
 49. 
 49. 
 
EEPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 59 
 List of depositions — Coutiuued. 
 
 1872. 
 September 23 
 September 23 
 September 24 
 September 24 
 September 24 
 September 24 
 September 24 
 September 24 
 September 24 
 September 25 
 September 25 
 September 25 
 
 September 25 
 September 2(J 
 
 September 26 
 
 September 
 
 27 
 
 September 
 
 27 
 
 September 28 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 2 
 
 October 
 
 •> 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 October 
 
 3 
 
 George Thompson . . . 
 Cornelio Vasquez. . . . 
 
 W.D.Thomas 
 
 John S.Ford 
 
 Nicliolas Chamio . . . . 
 
 Ysidro Martinez 
 
 lUas Vasquez 
 
 John S. Ford 
 
 George Krause 
 
 Adolphus Glaevecke . 
 
 Henry Klahn 
 
 Wilham Baker 
 
 Albert Champion . 
 Macedonia Luera. 
 
 William Kelly 
 
 Nicliolas Cbanno 
 
 Mifflin Kenedy 
 
 Jeremiah Galvan 
 
 James Low 
 
 E. J. Nickerson 
 
 Avaristo Galvan 
 
 Faustiuo Garza 
 
 Juan Pena 
 
 Findley H. Dubose 
 
 Warren Wallace 
 
 Thomas M. Coleman 
 
 Eufus Dickey 
 
 H.Scott 
 
 Ramon Nabairro 
 
 Juan Cisnero 
 
 Cesario de Yroba 
 
 Perry Doddridge 
 
 Frost T.Allen 
 
 H L. Dreyer 
 
 William 13. Hatch 
 
 Amos E. Hatch 
 
 William E. Allen 
 
 Calvin Wright 
 
 William Black • 
 
 Henry D. Allen 
 
 C. Lovenskiold, (attorney) 
 
 T.Hiues Clark 
 
 William Wallace Wriglit.. 
 
 Joseph Wright, jr 
 
 T. C. Wright 
 
 Frost Thorn Allen , 
 
 Margaret Sleuly 
 
 Joseph Wright, jr 
 
 John Uhlinger 
 
 Thomas O'Connor 
 
 T.H.Clark 
 
 Valentine J. Clark 
 
 Robert DriscoU 
 
 A.J. Martin 
 
 Tobias C. Wood 
 
 J.S. Ellifif .. .-_ 
 
 Joseph Wright, jr 
 
 W.W.Wright 
 
 M.J.Terry 
 
 Petition 49. 
 Petition 45. 
 Petition 53. 
 Petition 49. 
 Petition 45. 
 Petition 33. 
 Petition 33. 
 Petition 53. 
 Petition 54. 
 Petition 54. 
 Petition 53. 
 Petitions 47, 48, 55, 
 
 and 5G. 
 Petition 53. 
 Petitions 26, 27, and 
 
 28. 
 Petitions 47, 48 55, 
 
 and 56. 
 Pe'ition 57. 
 Petition 46. 
 General evidence. 
 Petition 101. 
 Petition 38. 
 Petition 38. 
 Petition 38. 
 Petition 14. 
 Petition 11. 
 Petition 37. 
 Petition 37. 
 Petition 37. 
 Petition 59. 
 Petition 59. 
 Petition 59. 
 Petition 59. 
 Petition 60. 
 Petition 60. 
 Petition 60. 
 Petition 61. 
 Petition ^l. 
 Petition 61. 
 Petition 62. 
 Petition 62. 
 Petition 62. 
 Petition 63. 
 Petition 63. 
 Petition 63. 
 Petition 64. 
 Petition 64. 
 Petition 64. 
 Petition (io. 
 Petition 65. 
 Petition 65. 
 Petition 66, 
 Petition 66. 
 Petition 66. 
 Petition 67. 
 Petition 67. 
 Petition 67. 
 Petition iJS. 
 Petition ()8. 
 Petition ()8. 
 Petition 69. 
 
60 EEPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONEES TO TEXAS. 
 
 List of depositions — Continued. 
 
 258 
 
 2G0 
 
 261 
 
 262 
 
 263 
 
 264 
 
 265 
 
 236 
 
 267 
 
 263 
 
 269 
 
 27U 
 
 271 
 
 272 
 
 273 
 
 274 
 
 275 
 
 276 
 
 277 
 
 278 
 
 279 
 
 280 
 
 281 
 
 232 
 
 2S3 
 
 284 
 
 285 
 
 286 
 
 287 
 
 288 
 
 289 
 
 290 
 
 291 
 
 292 
 
 293 
 
 294 
 
 295 
 
 296 
 
 297 
 
 298 
 
 299 
 
 300 
 
 301 
 
 302 
 
 303 
 
 304 
 
 305 
 
 306 
 
 307 
 
 308 
 
 309 
 
 310 
 
 311 
 
 312 
 
 313 
 
 314 
 
 315 
 
 3S6 
 
 317 
 
 31b 
 
 1872. 
 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 
 Samuel H.Smith 
 
 F.H.Dubose 
 
 S. H. Smith 
 
 F.H.Dubose 
 
 M.J.Terry 
 
 Yonug-e Coleman 
 
 T.M. Coleman 
 
 T. O'Connor 
 
 S. H. Smith, (agent) 
 
 M.J. Terry 
 
 Alonzo A. Deavalon 
 
 Joseph Wright, jr 
 
 Henry L. Dreyer 
 
 J. W. Vineyard 
 
 Benj. L. Vineyard 
 
 Paniilo Chapa 
 
 Mathew Givens 
 
 T.Hiues Clark 
 
 William Black 
 
 Henry W, Berry 
 
 Alonzo Montgomery 
 
 Wilhelm Brannwinkel 
 
 T. M. Colemua, (gnardian). .. 
 
 T. M. Coleman 
 
 Rufus J. Dickey 
 
 Mathew Givens 
 
 T.Hines Clark. _. 
 
 .Toseph Wright, jr 
 
 Thomas M. Cdeinan 
 
 Robert DiiscoU 
 
 Tobias C. Woo J 
 
 Chas. Lovenskvioed, (agent). 
 
 T.Hines Clark 
 
 Thomas O'Connor 
 
 Fanny R. Richardson 
 
 T.Hines Clark 
 
 W. W. Wiight 
 
 W. W. Wright 
 
 H.D. Allen 
 
 T. Hines Clark 
 
 Valentine J. Clark, (agent) . 
 
 T. Hines Clark 
 
 William W. Wright 
 
 Tobias D. Wood, (agent). 
 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petitiuu 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Robert Driscoll \ Petition 
 
 Tobias D. Wood 
 
 T. Charles Wright 
 
 Frost T. Allen... 
 
 Joseph Wright, jr 
 
 John S. McCampbell, (agent) 
 
 Mathew Givens 
 
 T. Hines Clark 
 
 Thomas J. Noakes „ 
 
 Frost T. Allen 
 
 Joseph Wright, jr 
 
 William Hobbs 
 
 Joseph Wright, jr 
 
 Frost T. Allen .' 
 
 B. A. Bennett 
 
 W. W. Wright 
 
 T. H. Clark 
 
 Henry Scott 
 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 
 69. 
 69. 
 
 70. 
 70. 
 70. 
 71. 
 7.1 
 71. 
 72. 
 72. 
 73. 
 73. 
 73. 
 74. 
 74. 
 74. 
 75. 
 75. 
 75. 
 76. 
 76. 
 76. 
 77. 
 77. 
 77. 
 78. 
 78. 
 78. 
 79. 
 79. 
 79. 
 HO. 
 80. 
 80. 
 81. 
 81. 
 81. 
 82. 
 82. 
 82. 
 83. 
 83. 
 83. 
 84. 
 84. 
 84. 
 85. 
 85. 
 85. 
 86. 
 86. 
 86. 
 87. 
 87. 
 87. 
 88. 
 88. 
 88. 
 89. 
 89. 
 69. 
 90. 
 
EEPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 61 
 List of depositions — Continued. 
 
 Date. 
 
 Name of witness. 
 
 To support — 
 
 1872 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 September 28 
 September 28 
 September 28 
 September 28 
 September 28 
 September 28 
 September 28 
 September 28 
 September 28 
 November 22 
 October 31 
 November 5 
 
 Tobias D.Wood 
 
 Robert DriscoU 
 
 Josiah Elliff 
 
 W. W. Wrij^ht.. 
 
 Joseph Wright, jr 
 
 William L. Rogers 
 
 Frost T. Allen 
 
 T. Hines Clark 
 
 Mary E. Dreyer 
 
 Henry L. Dreyer 
 
 Henry Allen 
 
 Frost. T. Allen 
 
 Joseph Wright, jr 
 
 H. L. Dreyer 
 
 S. H. Smith, (agent)... 
 
 Findley II. Dubose 
 
 M. J. Terry 
 
 Julia M. Vetter 
 
 Julius Henry 
 
 J. Williamson Moses .. 
 H. G. Jennings, (agent) 
 
 Clemente Flores .. . 
 
 Florencio Vidal 
 
 Cornelio Vasquez 
 
 George Allen 
 
 Amos S. Hatch 
 
 V.J.Clark 
 
 Sebastian Beall 
 
 James Lowe 
 
 Jackson S. Franklin... 
 
 James Lowe 
 
 Sebastian Beall 
 
 Jackson S. Franklin... 
 
 Joseph Walsh 
 
 William Turner 
 
 Francisco Palacio 
 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 Petition 
 
 90. 
 
 90. 
 
 91. 
 
 91. 
 
 91. 
 
 92. 
 
 92. 
 
 92. 
 
 93. 
 
 93. 
 
 93. 
 
 94. 
 
 94. 
 
 94. 
 
 95. 
 
 95. 
 
 95. 
 
 96. 
 
 9fi. 
 
 97. 
 
 98. 
 
 57. 
 
 57. 
 
 57. 
 
 99. 
 
 99. 
 
 99. 
 
 100. 
 
 100. 
 
 100. 
 
 lOl. 
 
 101. 
 
 101. 
 
 102. 
 
 53. 
 
 53. 
 
 List of documents on file. 
 
 When filed. 
 
 Description. 
 
 1872. 
 July 30 
 
 July 
 July 
 
 August 
 August 
 
 30 
 30 
 
 July 30 
 
 July 31 
 
 July 31 
 
 July 31 
 
 August 7 
 
 Letter of Lieutenant-Colonel A McD. McCook, United States Army, 
 
 to assistant adjutant-general Department of Texas. 
 Letter of the same to T. F. Wilson, United States consul at Matamoras. 
 Report of the same to the assistant adjutant-general Department of 
 
 Texas. 
 Letter of the same to Captain Mifflin Kenedy. 
 Letter Lieutenant-Colonel A. McD. McCook to Consul T. F. Wilson. 
 Letter of Consul Wilson to General Miguel Palacios. 
 Reply of General Miguel Palacios to Consul Wilson's letter, (No. 6.) 
 Letter Major J. R. Anderson, United States Army, to the assistant 
 
 adjutant-general sub-district of the Rio Grande. 
 Letter L. H. Box to Judge Jeremiah Galvan. 
 Letter L. H. Box to Colonel H. B. Clitz, commanding sub-district 
 
 Rio Grande. 
 
62 REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXAS. 
 List of documents on file — Continued. 
 
 No. 
 
 Descri])tion. 
 
 11 
 
 12 
 
 13 
 
 14 
 15 
 
 16 
 17 
 
 18 
 
 19 
 
 20 
 
 21 
 
 22 
 
 23 
 24 
 
 25 
 
 26 
 
 27 
 
 28 
 29 
 
 30 
 31 
 32 
 
 33 
 
 34 
 
 35 
 36 
 37 
 38 
 39 
 40 
 41 
 42 
 43 
 44 
 45 
 
 46 
 
 1872. 
 August 
 
 August 
 August 
 
 August 
 August 
 August 
 
 13 
 
 13 
 13 
 
 14 
 24 
 
 28 
 
 September 14 
 
 September 14 
 
 September 14 
 September 1 4 
 
 September 14 
 
 September 14 
 
 September 18 
 September 18 
 
 September 23 
 
 September 23 
 
 September 23 
 
 September 27 
 September 27 
 
 September 27 
 October 3 
 October 3 
 
 October 3 
 
 October 
 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 October 
 
 December 4 
 
 Letter Rafael Gonzalez to William Schubardt, United States commer- 
 cial agent at Piedras Negras. 
 
 Translation of the above. 
 
 Copy dispatch No. 81, William Schubardt, United States commercial 
 agent, to the Department of State. 
 
 File of twenty-three documents on Indian outrages. 
 
 Power of attorney for recovery of stolen cattle to C. Tamayo. 
 
 Official copy of proceedings of a meeting of citizens of Brownsville. 
 
 Letter of committee of citizens of Brownsville to the president city 
 council, Matamoras. 
 
 Letter same committee to Judge A. Menchaca, of Matamoras, (B, ) 
 and bis reply, (C.) 
 
 Copy proceedings city council of Matamoras, Mexico. 
 
 Letter Consul T. F. Wilson to Don Dyonisio Cardenas ( 1 ) and Consui 
 Wilson (2) to F. J. Parker. _ 
 
 Petition of committee of citizens of Brownsville to Judge A. Men- 
 chaca. 
 
 Circular Frank E. McManus, district attorney fifteenth judicial dis- 
 trict of Texas, to rancheros. 
 
 List of claims certified to, formerly, by H. D. Howlet, notary public. 
 
 General affidavit of F. E. McManus, district attorney fifteenth judicial 
 district, (with list of indictments.) 
 
 List of bides imported into district o Corpus Christi, Texas, 1867 
 to 1872. 
 
 List of hides imported into district of Brazos Santiago, Texas, 1866 
 to 1872. 
 
 Certified copies twelve indictments against Juan N. Cortina, for 
 murder, &c. 
 
 Printed extract from Two Eagles, published at Laredo, Texas. 
 
 List indictments, 1853 to 1872, for violent crime, Cameron County, 
 Texas. 
 
 Synoptical tables of the above indictments, from 1853 to 1872. 
 
 Printed report grand jury Cameron County, November, 1859. 
 
 Printed copy memorial of E. Downey, mayor. Senate Mis. Doc, No. 
 19, 2d Sess. 4Jst Congress. 
 
 Report on JSIexican invasions and of grand jury, Hidalgo County, 
 Texas, April 5, 1872. 
 
 The Cameron County grand jury on the border war, (printed,) April 
 22, 1872. 
 
 Printed original proclamation Juan N. Cortina, August 22,' 1872. ^ 
 
 Printed translation Cortina's proclamation. A. Ximenes translator. 
 
 Sample newspaper, with advertised stock-brands. 
 
 Printed copy hide and stock law. 
 
 Ranchero newspaper, August 5, 1871, account of cattle theft and fight. 
 
 Brownsville Ranchero, July 28, 1872, advertised notices. 
 
 Laredo Two Eagles, August 7, 1872, advertised notices. 
 
 Brownsville Ranchero, August 13, 1872, murder J. Alexander. 
 
 La Voz Publica, Matamoras, editorial on the American press. 
 
 Translation of No. 43. 
 
 Brownsville Sentinel, September 10, 1872, editorial and account murder 
 of Captain Hatch. 
 
 Extract letter of George H. Abbott, October 31, 1872, to the Honorable 
 Secretary of the Treasury. 
 
REPORT OF UNITED STATES COMMISSIONERS TO TEXxVS. 63 
 Schedule of indictments for murder and outrage on the Bio Grande frontier. 
 
 (Document 29.) 
 
 1853 to 1863. No. 
 
 Murder 8 
 
 Assaults 8 
 
 Conspiracy to murder 1 
 
 Cattle-stealing 12 
 
 Thefts, robbery, burglary 7 
 
 Bringing stolen property into State 3 
 
 Total 39 
 
 Note. — The records from 1848 to 1853 were destroyed in the war of the rebellion. 
 
 (Document 30.) 
 
 1866 to 1872. No. 
 
 Murder 40 
 
 Assault 62 
 
 Conspiracy to murder ,. 3 
 
 Cattle-stealing 102 
 
 TheftSj robbery, and burglary ]73 
 
 Bringing stolen property into State 4 
 
 Total 384 
 
 Note. — No grand jury was empanneled between 1863 and 18G6, owing to the war. 
 
 o 
 

 
 
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