New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1852-07-31
American. nj AcnpulcO.

To the Editors Of The ~ Y. Tribune;
On my return to the city, day or two
SINCE read in your paper of the I'D instant, the
letter Of the American Consul at Acapulco, giving
an account OF his arrest and Imprisonment by the
Mexican officials of that city. know nothing of
the cause or Justice Of the arrest of Mr.. Rice.
except what is stated in his letter; but can
bear witness to the correctness Of that portion of
his letter in which he says "no American is safe
here; daily insults and abuses are heaped upon
us, as have witnessed the facts
When, on my way from California we put into
Acapulco, on or about the LIST day of June. I
went on shore to the Consuls Office. TO mail a
letter. On my return to 20 on board, saw
Mexican with large sheath knife, making violent
and repeated thrusts at one Of our passengers.
who was about to get into a small boat, in com.
pany with cur captain and others. Apprehend-
ing bloodshed, another OF our passengers at
tempted to part them by calling on the Mexican
to stop, and by putting an umbrella between them
whereupon the Mexican turned upon the new
conner and made several violent thrusts with the
knife, and would probably have done hi injury.
had not his umbrella which he used in selfdefense
been longer than the knife. When the Mexican
found he could not effect his purpose with his
knife, he picked up stone and let drive with all
his might, hitting his opponent on the left eye-
brow, making his mark so legibly that it will be
visible Tor lifetime, and at the same time draw
ing blood proiusely. Not content with what he
had done, he threw several more stsnes with
great violence, but without injury to any one. At
Tins stage OF the combat the captain of our steamer
and several others nterfered when the Mexican
retreated INTO the office, or quarters of the Cap
TIM OF the Port, near at hand.
4 r. Al
grs called on the Captain of the Port to complain
OF the Outrage, they were told that the first assault
was made by the Americans, and no notice what
ever was taken Of it.. The assault was the moro
outrageous as the Americans are liable to fine and
imprisonment if they carry firearms on shore,
even in self defense, while the Mexicans always
have large knife about them and thus have the
advantage.
The cause OF the anger and assault was as |
was informed, that the Americans would not get
into the Mexican boat to 20 on board the steamer
and when an attempt was made to shove him
into the boat, he showed the Mexican away-and
then out came the knife.
Ii was probably fortunate that the passengers
had, at the request of the captain left their pis-
tolls on board, when they went on shore, or there
might have been more bloodshed.
When the Consul was informed of the matter
he said that the Americans must defend themselves,
as they could not get even tardy justice by APP
peahDg to the Mexican authorities and ! am
quite sure that shall not again go on shore at
Acapulco without having the means of sefde-
tense in my pocket nor would ! advise others to
do so.
1t is possible that the Americans may have some
times been the sggressors, but am not aware Of
the fact; yet, do know, frommy own observation
that Acapulco is very different looking place in
July 1852, from what it was in July 1919, when
first visited it, and the improvements have been
made mainly by the visits an expenditures of Amer
leans on their way to and from California, and
therefore they should not be subjected to brutal
violence from the citizens, while prohibited from
using the means of selEdefense.
Respectfully yours, d. X. MINOR.
Hoicdyd Uote, Mar FORK, July 49,