Arkansas true Democrat., 1860-02-29
Startling News from Brownsville

Startling News from Brownsville.
 Under this exciting head, the Anserican Fzoq, extra, of the 5th instant, records the latest events on the frontier of which we have already had brief mention, by tele- graph:
 Last night two couriers, T. N. Strayhorn and Nat White arrived from the steamer Ranchero, with dispatches from Major Heintzelman, U. $. A., from Col. Ford, commanding the rangers, and Lieut.. Lang don, U. S. A., and letter to Capt. Ken nedy, from Edward Downey, Esq, written at the instance of Capt. Martin, of the Ranchero, which contain the startling in- formation that the steamer was attacked at place called the Balsa, thirty-six miles above this city, at ? o'clock yesterday, by Mexcans from the Mexican side of the Rio Grande, at which none have been surprised, since it was known that the Ranchero had a valuable freight and was unprepared to with stand an attack from any considerable force.
 Col. Ford and Capt. Littleton, who left this place with their companies on Thurs day last, arrived opposite the steamer al-
 
 they met Major Tobin and Capt. Tomlin- son. with their forces, who had been the means, says Mr. Downey, in his letter, of protecting the boat on her trip down from Rio Grande city. Shots were exchanged between the rangers and Mexicans, during which, Col. Ford says, one of my men was mortally wounded;" and finding that the steamer could not be protected other wise, he says, "I have determined to cross the river"
 From Mr. Strayhorn, of Ford s command we have obtained the following condensed statement which we regard as altogether re- liable:
 Upon the landing of the rangers on the | left bank of the river, who had been com pelled to cross under fire from the enemy, severe conflict ensued; the rangers slowly advancing, until the enemy made stand about three -fourths of a mile above the boat, on the bank of the river at which place an active engagement took place and lasted without intermission for three-quar- ters of an hour. During which time a messenger arrived and called to the guard on this side for an immediate supply of Sharpes rifle cartridges, which were i'm mediately crossed over to him in the steam CTS small boat; he also brought dispatch from Col. Ford, directing the steamer to ascend the river for the purpose of bringing her cannon to bear upon the enemy, who, the courier said, was strongly 'torted up" near the river bank. A few minutes before the courier left the fight had ceased; /; from what cause is unknown; but we sus pect Col Ford had fallen back to await the arrival of the steamer with the cannon.
 Since the receipt of this information the most intense excitement prevailed on both sides of the river, and the war feeling has been raised to higher pitch than ever. We are assured that the authorities of Mat amoras have sent out, since l l o'clock last night, two or three armed parties; whilst | Col. Lockridge who was upon the eve of departure for New Orleans, feeling that his services might be needed, started in com pany with some twenty-five more voun- teers, at o'clock P. NJ. to-day, up the river; so that from all appearances, the ball is open and war has really com menced.
 Robbery has followed robbery, murder has followed murder, invasion has followed invasion, perfdy has followed perfidy, in such quick succession, during the past four months, that our American population is in state of frensed bewlderment, not knowing and little caring what curse is to fall upon the Rio Grande valley.
 Latest from the Seat of War.
 On the evening of the 9th, the day before the Arizonia sailed, an express came down from Brownsville, with the intelligence that Cortna had again crossed to the Ameri can side, followed by Col. Ford, with the rangers. In crossing he fell in with the mail rider from Rio Grande city, whom he robbed, but let him pass without personal injury. At last accounts the guerrilla chicttan was about thirty miles above | Brownsville, on the American side of the river, with force of some three hundred men.
 At the time the express rider left, the river steamer, Ranchero, had not yet reached Brownsville.