The Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii) 1840-1841, 1841-12-04
'URDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1911.

of cash, and party of nine well armed
were chosen committee to follow us for
that laudable purpose. They followed us
several miles until VIC stopped to break
fast, when seeing the display of our arms
and our constant vigilance, Zone of us be-
ing on the look out on each side) they
thought better of their plan and conclu-
ded to postpone the execution Of it, But
determined not to have their trouble for
nothing, they attacked the coach which
we met going to Perote, with gentle
mans private carriage, in which were
himself and lady, and stripped them Of
every thing, even to the lady's ear rings.
Had it not been for our apparent strength
and the display of our arms, we should
have been attacked This occurrence
gave us something to talk about, which we
stood greatly in need Of, and led to an
interesting conversation with the drivers
respecting their adventures on this road
The one who drove us down had been at
tackled and robbed fourteen times. Most
of the drivers know the fellows, but are
obliged to be silent, as they would be
obliged to leave the road if they informed
against them. Two or three of the dri-
vers have been shot as lesson to the 9TH
ers, and they have profted by it. One Of
them who had very spirited team Of
horses, ran away from them several times,
as they were drawn up to stop him. AT
last they sent word 10 him that if he re-
peated the manGuvre, his life would not
be worth an hours purchase. Knowing
their ability to perform the threat, the
next time he saw them ranged up in the
road before him, he attempted to pull up,
but his horses having been used to going
at full speed at this level place, became
unmanageable and he dashed by them at
his usual rapid rate. The first two fired
at him, not intending to hit him, but he
could not stop the frightened animals.
The second couple as he passed took de-
liberate aim, and shot him through the
head. He fell dead from the box, when
the robbers rode off without doing any
farther mischief. This has had the effect
intended, and now the drivers stop when
ever the robbers make their appearance.
1t is strange that the Government of this
country cannot find some means by which
to rid the country of these fellows. Not
stage passes that they do not know the
number of passengers and their means of
defence. One cannot walk in safety
mile from this town of Jalapa, without
carrying arms, and have frequently been
cautioned against going far alone, even in
the day time, lest should have q rencon-
tire with some Of these gentlemen of the
road
The walks about Jalapa are very pleas
ant. The town is built on the side of the
mountain, and appears to great advan-
tage from distance. Much taste is dis
played by the Mexicans in building, and
in laying out their grounds and roads.
One of the roads which lead out from the
city is laid out with remarkable ncatncss,
and it is the favorite promenade. 1t is
paved with small stones with broad side
walks, and enclosed by adobe walls, plas.
tered and whitewashed, having large pill
lars of the same material about twelve feet
apart, on which were placed urns, having
an oriental and pleasing appearance. The
top Of the wall is made in curves from