Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1842-06-14
From the N. 0. Picayune.
SKETCHES OF MEXICO.

SKETCHES OF MEXICO.
THE FREEBooTERs.-Numberless
are the stories told Of the banditti infes-
ting the high roads Of Mexico, end not
few Of them glow with singularity
aud interest.
Not long since,six travellers were in
the diligence between Jalapa and Perote
having among them several thousand
dollars in gold, Of which fact the free
hooters became duly informed through
their spies, .who are ever on the alert.
The travellers, however, had old knowl-
edge sufficient to teach them caution
and the necessity Of going prepared for
danger. They accordingly armed
themselves with pistols and double-bar'
relied guns, keeping lively look out
along the road as their journey pro-
crossed.
A Mexican diligence is similar m al.
most every respect to common Amer
lean post coach or mail stage, aud a
stranger from the United States, taking
has seat in one Of them, while all else
around him is nearly the antipodes of
what he has been accustomed TO, feels
old sensation revive, as he once more
finds something that looks like home.
No better stages are used anywhere
than are those employed upon the
roads Of Mexico, and for the best rea-
son in the world, which is that they are
oil TrUy manufacture, and nnIsu1u 1"
the best possible style, excelling in
neatness, comfort and durability; the
latter quality being particularly neces-
sary in this mountainous region.
AS was anticipated band Of some
eighteen or twenty robbers appeared
in secluded winding Of the road, and
were not long in mani(esting their de-
sign. Without much ceremony the
gentlemen Of the road saluted the dill
igence with discharge of firearms
which, passing of without serious eff
feet, the travellers did not return, but
waited for a nearer approach OF their
enemies, who, on this occasion, were
all on foot. The diligence moved on
slowly climbing the road, while the
thieves continued to follow, and the
six passengers sat calmly watching,
with their fingers on their triggers, for
chancs to"blaze away" The thieves
discharged another volley, and this
time their balls entered the body of the
diligence, but without injury to any
one. 1t was now returned by a salute
from the six double-barrelled rifles, al
which the cowardly rOgues nearly
broke their worthless necks in their
anxious expedition TO more distant
ground. Again, however, they were
daring enough to tally and FIRE when a
shot passed through the coat sleeve
of one Of passengers, sligtly grazing
the flesh. Again the double barrelled
guns were popped off, and still with
no further effect than to set the bandit
n hurrying neck and heels out of the
way. The diligetce continued mo-
wing on, and the robbers following, in
this manner Keeping up sort Of Skin
mlshIng fire for several miles, when al
length a sharp aim from the coach lard
one OF the rascals out, and put a stop
to hostiities at once. for the robbers
then disappeared and were not seen
again. The freebooters this time pot
nothing for their rascally work but fhe
trouble Of burying their dead COM
rade.
On another occasion, and it wa:
but few months ago, the diligence,
was proceeding with nine passenger
along the same road, when II was or
dered to stop by two rnf7ans, whit
suddenly darted into the road from ;
thIcket, and pointed their weapons a
Tue driver. Here the result was very
opposite to what we have just related
EUne OF the passengers were armed
al were immediately terror-stricken
SHo the driver obeyed the Geebcoters
Jelnana Instantly, for fear Of being She
Nown from his seat. The poor fellow
SPlsng to the ground with all speed
aIu stood at the head Of his team
wnlle the bewildered and trembling
passengers quietly' submitted 10 b.
Plundered. One Of the thievcs remain.
60 on ms horse, while the Other xitt
ms carOine cooked in one hand. wa,
OVsy searching the pockets and bag.
eage Of the travellers with the otbero
Ano thus piece ofconsummate andac;.
c,ba - que s'de' and cowardice on III,
O'nsr TOOK place in full daylight