The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1852-05-22
Exciting News from Rio Grande City and Roma

Exciting News from Rio Grande City and Roma.
From the Brownsville Rio Bravo, of the 2sth ut.
1uo Men Hung by the Citizens-Sir
.Mricaas Shot IN Probable
Murder of T. H. Harris, of Roma.
A party of gentlemen arrived last
evening from Rio Grande city, from
whom we learn the extraordinary events
which form the caption of this article.
For want Of room we are obliged to
give only the facts without any of the
attendant circumstances and particulars.
1t seems that Mr.. Patten, gentleman
from Brazos, Texas, formerly from Mis-
souri,, started from Rio Grande City for
the purpose of overtaking some stock
which was being driven into the interior,
and stopped to sleep at a noted camping
ground called "The Wells" Here were
encamped two Mexicans and a boy
When MIR. Patten was asleep he was set
upon and his brains beaten out by these
fellows. for the sake of his money and
effects. Information to this effect having
been given by the boy, party of citizens
started out in pursuit, and one of the fell
lows was taken.
After a regular trial he was hung BY
the citizens Of Rio Grande City, in pres
cnce of the whole people-all concurring.
Just before his execution, he made other
confessions, from which a party parted
from Roma, crossed the river, and return
ed with the other fellow who had assisted
at the murder of Mr.. Patten. After the
same formalities had been extended to
him, he was also hung at that place.
But the work was not yet finished-jus-
tlcc was to be administered to others "a
party started out and near the scene of
the murder, charged upon and killed six
more of the villains, who have been in
the habit, for long time, of committing
similar depredations in the vicinity. We
have neither space nor inclination to COM
ment upon these events. Those abroad
can know nothing of our situation, and
the necessity for such acts. 1t is suffi-
c'ent to say that the whole people concur
red in the execution.
We have yet to record another proba-
bic murder, and probably by the same
gang of robbers or one of its various
ramifications. Mr.. Thos. H. Harris, of
Roma, left Rio Grande City for this
place about sixteen days ago, and has not
since been heard from. There is scarce
ly doubt as to his fate.
If things go on at this rate, not Mexi-
can, III short time, will be suffered to
live upon this side of the river.
SiDoa yrrifiprr tho obnx,o 1.yo b,,,o .oo,,
letter from Rio Grande City, in which
it is stated, that the murderers confessed
that party to which they belonged, was
organized on the other side of the river
for the express purpose Of numbering
Americans on this side of the river, and
that large number of the gang are still
on this side.
tFrom the Same
.Mrican Erruption-.4mcrican Settlers
Dricen from their Homes.
The house of Mr.. A. V. Edmondson
was attacked on Friday last, while the
inmates, including himself and two or
three other persons, were totally uncon-
scious of any danger. Upon going to the
door, Mr.. Edmondson saw that the house
was completely surrounded by Mexican
robbers, who, upon his appearance, COM
menced firing upon the house. Selling
his arms, which were unfortunately not
in condition for use, he called upon the
others to follow him, and made rush
through the line and succeeded in making
his escape unhurt. Many shots were
fired after them, but none took effect
one man, however, had three ball holes
through his shirt. Proceeding to rancho
at some distance they obtained assistance,
but returned too late to effect their pur-
pose.
The place had been completely robbed
OF everything it contained-all the house.
hold furniture, provisions, clothing, down
"a 1ho S,n.llast aXt;olos ,..a.s 1