Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-05-31
EDITORS CORRESPONDENTS
PARRAs, Mexico, April I6. 1874

fARRAS, MEXICO, April 10, lS4S
we have had no satisfactory intelligence from
Queretaro during the week. Congress was still
without quorum, and have my doubts whether
they will be able to get one. The fact is there are
two parties in the country working against peace.
one Is the military party, and the other (Which is
indeed not small One) made up of Mexicans who
are tired OF pronunciamenos and revolution amonpst
themselves, and are anxious to come under the 90
vernment of the United States. They desire Ts.
therefore, to conquer and possess the whole conn
try; and if we will not do that, then thew wish In
keep us here as long as they can. fearing the an
archy and bloodshed which is sure to ensue npor,
the withdrawal of our troops. Such is the condi
ton OF Mexico at present, and whether it would be-
any better If incorporated into our Union, think
Is exceedingly questionable, unless standing armv
Were kept amongst them constantly This of course
would DO altogether Inconsistent with our Republi-
canlsIn, and is conclusive against our havipG anv
political connexlOn with them
Some OF our officers enjoyed fine treat al the
splendid residence OF Don Manuel Ibarras, about
hve miles from Parras, few days ago. They
were invited out to witness feats of hofsemansbin
and skill In the use Of the asso and other Mexican
sports. was not able to attend, on account of bu
sness, but have had astonishing accounts of the
exhibition from officers who were present. The
sports of the day opened by catching wild bulls.
which had been penned for the occasion As one
vi theiu was let Out, the nOrSemen would dash flu
riously after him, armed with asso and spear. and
soon the animal would become greatly enraoed and
make fight, frequently unhorsing the rider There
were seemingly many har-breadth escapes in this
part of the SPORT but the Mexcans did not so regard
them. When one of them became endorsed and the
enraged animal made at him, the Mexican would
stand composedly with his blanket in hand. and bv
dexterous fling throw it the head of the bull
and then jump aside, thus binding his eyes and
preventing his pursuit. Soon another of the mount
ed men would ride up, and with the point of bis
spear lift off the blanket, when the contest ,voulJ
be renewed. Then another part of the play BEGAN.
While the bull was In hot pursuit Of one of the
party, another would ride up after the animal seize
1t by the tail, twist it under his thigh, and then
with one bound of his horse toss the bull heels over
head many feet before him, and ere he could reco-
yer others with their lassos, thrown al a GALLON
would secure him, head and feet, so that he wouId
be at their mercy. In this predcament. a stIonp
glrth was put around the body Of the animal and
the ropes dsengaged, and as he was in the act of
rising, Mexican accGutred, with immense spurs.
jumped upon his back and off he dashed with ali
the rage and madness the bull was capable of exhi-
biting.
These sports over, the company rode ont under
the mountain, TO witness the dexterity Of the Mex
leans in lassong game and, incredible as it NAV
appear, they actually succeeded in catching a deer
In full chase! This is said to be a common prac
tice with them, and am told they catch foxes in
the same manner.
The health of the company has been quite good
here. We have rarely had a man on the sick list
Yours, SC.