Weekly Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1853-1861, 1855-11-08
VOLUME Nv.
Texan Troubles with the Indians.

Texan Troubles with the Indians.
Our Southern exchanges furnish us with
detailed accounts Of some Of the difficulties
the border settlers Of Texas are ,mpelIed to
contend with. From what we gather, it ap-
pears that the outrages of the Indians have
been so great, and so frequent, as to drive
Governor PEAsE to the necessity of calling
out a company of volunteers, 10 assist the
United States troops in furnishing the ma
rauding parties who infest the regions border
ing on Mexico. The Indians, emboldened
by the iinpunity with ;vhieh they could de-
vastate the countfy'aIong the'poOrIy guarded
frontier. have accustomed themselves to cross
ing in large numbers from their Mexican re-
treats beyond the Rio Grande, aud spreading
terror among our settlers, slaughtering with
out mercy, men, women and chiIdIen, of every
age 1t has even been suspected that the
Mexicans themselves, disguised as Indians,
have taken part in these inhnman forays, and
that theparties engaged find protection across
the river from the Mexican authorities.
On the second day Of last month, Capt |
CALLAHAN, Of San Antonio, in command of
Ill Volunteer Rangers, entered the Mexican
Territory, receiving, as he declares, the most
friendly professions of good will from the
Mexican officials. The events which trans
pired. however, have given the Captain good |
reason for the belief that he was basely de-
eeived By the people Of Mexico and their Of |
fetal authorities On being informed that the !
expedition would not interfere with Mexican
rights, but was intended only to punish the
Indians, who it was thought found protection
within their borders, they made no objee-
ton whatever to its progress. Their friend
shipit seems, however, was only designed to
lead the Texans into the snare set for them
By. the Tipas, which would have succeeded
in their destruction but for the indomitable
bravery Of the men under Capt. CALLAHAN,
who fought their way through seven or
times their numbero of Indians.
The circumstances OF the encounter are
about as follows: e
On the Sd day of last month the Texans
under Capt. CALLEHAS having crossed the
Rio Grande, proceeded on their march In the
direction of San Fernando, in the neighbor-
hood Of which The enemy were encamped.
At about three O'Clock IN the afternoon an
effort was made by the seemingly accidental
appearance Of three Indian Chieftains, and
their fight, TO decoy the Americans in per-
slut, and Of course, draw them into an am
buscade. Capt. C. was upon his guard, and
instead Of following, formed his men into
line of battle and awaited the attack OF the
enemy. These were composed of both
Mexicans and Indians, and amounted to sew
eral hundred in number. They at once en-
erged from the woods, and filing in front and
to the right and left of the Texans, at once
opened brisk and continuous fire. As we
stated, Capt. Callahan Immediately ordered
charge, and cut his way through the op-
posing forces, killing some thirty or forty
of their number. The following is his own
description:
"W Whilst making the charge, the lcft flank
of the enemy, which extended for near
half mile, came in our rear and opened ON
us a very severe fire, during which four of
our gallant men were killed. The front and
right flank on which we charged, after gall
Ing fire, fed before rs, leaving us in possess
sion of the position which 1t was our object
and determination to gain. Then we dis
covered that Our enemy numbered some six
or seven hundred, rs all their footnen were
concealed in the timber and had not adyanc-
r ed in view on the prarie.
NY men formed in a strong position be-
meath the hank Of small creek on which
the enemy had been eneamped, and their
whole force coming up against US, we contin-
tinued the battle for about three hours, when
they fed in the direction of San Fernando,
leaving, as we heard this evening, some 50
killed and with the loss OF 100 wounded
This we learn from some Mexicans who were
engaged in the battle. The same Mexicans
have also informed me that the actual num-
Der of our enemy was $50 men. After the
retreat of the enemy, which was about dark,
we, supposing that they would come on rs
again before day, with large reinforcements,
fell back TO the Rio Grande, where we would
be safe from any number Of men and any
quantity of artillery they might bring against
rs. Approaching The town of Piedras Nc
eras about sunrise, we took possession of it
and now occupy a position opposite Eagle
Pass. on the west bank Of the Rio Grande.