New-York daily tribune., 1865-07-17
MExICO.
Cortinas on the Frontier-Capiure OF u
Steamer - -Inierview between Coriinas
and Gen. brown.

From late Brownsville papers we take the
following:
CORTINAs on THB FRoNTIER-cAPTURE OF THE
STEAMBOAT BELLE-HER SUBSEQUENT RELEASE.
From The Ms,smoros Ranchero 27th ult.
The Belle left Reynosa. with cotton the 25th inst
and when about one mile below the Dons EsteieEa
Rancho. we-stys Mr.. EiOtt-were hailed by party
Of men and rounded TO. We landed on the Mexican
side Immediately Captain and squad Of men. acting
under authority of Cortnas came board. They first
overhaued and examined the boats papers after which
a general search for instituted. All the
trunks were ransackcd. Some arms belonging TO pas
sengers found and taken, also fnc saddle
belonging to Mr.. Copewood of San Antonio. During
these Investigations and explorations thore was force
on the shore estimated at about 200 men.
Under pretense OF going to Cortnas to obtain perms-
sion for the Belle to proceed the Captain et giving the
boat iu charge of the squad OF soldiers who first went
on board with him.
After an absence of about two hours the Captain
turned with orders for the Belle to 60 up stream and
land the Texas side of the Rio Grande. at the Dona
Estetena Rancho.
When about 100 yards distant from the landing fire
opened on the boat from the shore. The
passengers supposing that a general massacre had
been ordered, commenced leading into the river and
endeayored to reach the Texas side. Two gentlemen
were known 10 be drowned. viz. Messrs. Copewood
and Stephenson OF San Antonio the former is sup
posed TO have been shot while attempting to reach the
Shore
The steamer went up and landed at the Rancho. as
directed when Cortinas and severaof,hs officers came
on board. parey was had with the captain Of the
steamer OF about thirty minutes duration. The fl at
authority of the United States y
During the parley COrinas said he would report the
under consideration TO the Federal Major General
Supposed TO be Steee) before he could allow the
steamer TO proceed This however. was not exac!ed
the following VIII show: Cortinas returned 10 the
Rancho and in about half hour orders received
the captain of the TO report at the headquar
ters OF Cortiuas which he did, at the Rancho. In a
short he returned with written orders releasing
the boat and allowing her to proceed. which she did
without further molestaton. arriving at Matamoros
/ vest
From The Ma-smoros Commerce, 27ih
The so-called Libero Yankee party has had jolly
time; but their pranks are at an end.
MoiEs for Grhit
The steaper Belle has escaped most outrageous and
cowardly attack but three innocent victims have been
murdered. The steamer Senorits has been captured.
and she is lying the other side Of the Rio Grande
at about six miles up the river. The cotton has been
landed and the boat is said to be under repairs or
rather preparations for active war service.
Is that the so.pOm pOusly promised neutrality
Is friend Mr. Brown Of Brownsville going to al
low the enemies OF Mexico certain and easy refuge III
the limits Of his commando
We have been on board the Belle since her return.
and several passen GERS All agree III pronouncing
the attack the most cowardy act OF barbarity ever
perpetraed.
Cortnss not dared TO retain the boat captured by
his gang. The stern representations OF the Captain
who had been called at Cortnass headquarters, on ne
other sidc succeeded in sparing another crime 10 this
already too guilty outlaw.
Cortinas' and his socaed officers 90 freely in the
s,efase that lie issue. bis orders From there to sup
plies victuals and implements easily passed TO
the Mexican shore.
How long is that state OF disorder going to be suf
fered'
Three persons lost their lives in the aray One shot
two drowned Killed in the water by SIX men posted
on board the Senorita captured previously.
T. S-Ihe Senorita and her cargo have been de-
tanned Professionally by the Federal authorities until
tie decision Of Gen. BTswn. But her load Is on the
American soil and il is very suspicious kind OF repair
that she under9oss now.
From The Rsnchero 18th.
IMPORTANT PROM ABOVE.
The Federal steamboat Rio Grande arrived at
Brownsville yesterday from Rio Grande City From
one OF the passengers We learn that the Rio Grande
rounded 10 at the Da Estefans Rancho Cortinass
where she remained for some time. Gen
Brown who was board. sent for Cortinas, who
favored the General with his presence They bad a
eopsultetiQn Il soYe Little Duration when they took
drink together and separated
The steamboat. Senorita still lying at the Da
Estefana Rancho. Her crew came down the no
Grande.
BY the same passenger We were tod that capt JOhh
Vale on his way down from Mier. when within three
miles Of Camareo. was seized by two hercans whom
he well knew. They took him into the chaparal and
depleted him Of about 500 One Of them was de.
termined 70 kill the Captain the other hesiiaied'
After wranglng for some time. they compromised the
matter by Capt. Vale taking an oath not to expose
them, and let him 60