The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1865-09-13
Reign of Terror in Mexico.

Reign of Terror I'm Mexico.
We were yesterday called upon by
Capt. 3. Moore, 81 citizen of New Or
leans, who gave us det:sils Of unusual
interest with regard to matters in
Mexico. In 1861, Capt. Moore. then
master of the ship Ashland, was
wrecked Oh the Pacific coast, with his
wife and three children, took up his
residence at Mazatlan, Mexican city
of about 1900 inhabitants. Just
previously, there had been great in
TUX of Americans and other foreigners
to Mazatlan and that neigl,borhood,
IN consequence Of the encouragement
given by the Juarcz Government, and
apromise that Loun .ftie settlers should
not be subject to taxation for q period
of five Years. The number that emf
grated from California, under the
Juarez dSree. is estimated at 5000.
Some had engaged liz cotton raising,
some in mining. and others i'll mer-
chandize The combined interest Of
these new settlers is represented as
very large.
When tho French Invasion was an
nouuced: the Americans, Of course.
sided with the Liberal party, and
formed themselves into military com
panics in conjunction with the Mexi-
cans. But the Mcxicans, true to their
past history. could not agree among
themselves. Alocal quarrel broke out
among their chiefs. Gov. Morales
WAS obliged to abdicate, and Gen.
Carony took possession of the city.
Previous to that, Gov Vega had been
dcposed. Fhcse local disagreements
resulted in what then was regarded as
= complete reign of terror, and for
four weeks there Was carnival of
blood. The foreign element of the
population, particularly Americans,
We're plundered and slaughtered in n
most reckless manner. Finally, the
French fleet made its appearance one
bright Saturday morning, at 9 o'clock,
and demanded the surrender of the
city. This was refu-ed by the party
who, for the time being, were in
power, and the French retired, with Il
threat of bombardment if the sur
render were not made by Il certain
hour on the following day
During the night, the Liberal forces
withdrew: after giving up the city to
plunder, and us there was no indica-
tion of a compliance with the demand
for the surrender of the place, the
French, on the arrival of the hour
designated, proceeded to pour shot
and shell on the unrcsisting inhabi-
t:snts. Quite a number We're killed
men, women and children; but at
length the Prefect, accompanied by
the Prussian Consul, approached the
feet with a f2g Of truce, and agreed
to the French demand.
Inerenpon the French sent ashore
q large body of marines, who for
mauy took possession OF the city.
Shortly afterwards, Il Mexican force.
in the Imperial service, commanded
by n renegade half-breed of guerilla
notoriety, named Lazado, came in
and was quartered among the people
as a provost guard. The preyions
reign OF terror WAS now intensified
Mexicans who refused to recognize
the new order of things were Shot
down in she streets like dogs, anc
foreigners who sided with the Libe
rails Jared but little better. Seizures
confiscations and butcheries were
everyday occurrences. Everything
was demanded, and nothing paid for
None of the securities--none of tn.
sanctities-of life remained. Wome1
were outraged and murdered Persons
and property were alike insecure