The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-10-06
Another Outrage,

The following narrative IS from Texas PIPER
Capt, Hollins ough, 10 be sent to look INTO il: &
Five gentlemen arrived in San Antonio, Sept.
4th, who are just returning from California. hav-
ing come by the overland route from MAINTAIN,
on the Pacfc-their names and places of resi-
dence as follows:
Richard NJ. Head, Bib rounty, Georgia John
". Cole, Holly Springs, Mississippi; JAS. School
field, Hamilton county, Tennessee; David Spring,
Forth Smith, Arkansas.
From these persons we learn the following pain.
full disclosurr: In the city Of Dnrango, Mexico,
they lea rnrd in private manner that there we're
some Anne rcans in the city prison, and they fer
wards got permission 10 visit them. They found
them in large stone dungeon Of so filthy de-
scription that almost impossible for visitors
TO remain in the entrance way but few minutes.
The AmerIcans in confinement were three in mum,
Der, and their names and former place Of resi-
dence were as follows: William Shirley, Broom
county, New York William Rodgers. Stark
county, Ohio; John Gaines, Dayton. Montgomery
county, Ohio These rncn have been IN this filthy
dungeon four gears and three months, and during
two years Of this time they were chained down TO
the noor. in total darkness, where they could not
any person but The one Who fed them their
starving allegiance. At The end Of two years the
huge chains around their ankles and wrists had
ae0rn TIE flesh of The bone, and such was their hor
rid condition, that their chains were removed TO
save their lives and keep them 10 misery The long
or. The flesh is partly healed over these wounds.
leaving The most heart-sIckening scars, which
were all seen by the five persons whose names
mentioned above.
Phey state that they were imprisoned on the
charge Of numbering and robbing man for his
money, and they state also, that from some facts
which they are in possession of, the person who
committed the murder escaped. They have been
trying to get trial, but hearing is refused them.
They have written letters to The Anne rican Minis.
ter in Mexico several times, and they have rea.
sons 10 believe that he has never received hem.
Our Intorma nts learned from many respectable
SPaniards in Durango that it was impossible to
&c, evidence to convict them; and the great mass
of The people believe them innocent. The young.
est of these prisoners. John Games, of Dayton
Ohio is only II years Old The interview which
our informants had with them, was heart-thril-
ling scene-and on taking leave, they begged them
in the most feeling manner to relate their circum-
stances to the American people, and if possible,
TO send news to their friends Of their condition,
and send them relief.
The above statement ia OF the most reliable
character-these persons witnessed il with their
own eyes, and they are persons of undoubted ye--
racity, and some Of them have long been known
to some Of our citizens.
For the sake of humanity. let there bs some.
thing done in this matter. II citi7rn Of the
United States has any protection abroad lat it be
known. For what object do we have a Minister
in Mexico! Our government should regard the
rights OF each citizen of our country, and hold
them sacred as the rights Of one of The States
of cur Union.
Let the alarm be sounded 10 the ear Of every
American citizen that three Of their brothers are
confined without cause, and are furnishing with
hunger and dying in chains in dark loathsome
dungeon in The city OF Durango, M"xico.- Team.