Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-12-17
Texas Pastimss-Bloody and Exciting
Fight with Highwaymsn.


Fight with Highwaymsn.
From the Houston (Texas) Times. Dec. 4.l
This morning the sheriff of Robertson
county, Captain r. Porter, arrived in
this city, accompanied BY his guard, in
charge OF two prisoners. They were
ironed and put in Jail. The character
and conduct Of these prisoners, and the
circumstances Of their capture, are re-
markable and interesting. They are
said to be part Of band Of about
twenty-five regular highwaymen who
infest all this part Of the country, 30
abundant in hiding places, aud who
steal, rob and murder as their criminal
occupations may require.
Not long since, three OF them met
negro man on horseback above 0wens-
vile, Robertson county, coming toward
Bryan. They made him leave the road
and 20 about quarter Of mile into the
woods, where they robbed him Of seventy
five dollars in gold, took his saddle and
clothes, put the old shirt and pants of
one of their number on him, ano made
him mount his horse bareback and turn
. around and go tie other way. They
told him to leave the country or they
would kill him. He wound his way
round and finally reached Owensville,
| and reported the facts to the Sheriff and
the citizens
Captain Porter, the Sheriff, selected
three young men to take the three despe-
radoes. Their names are B. F. Merry
man, William Price and s. L. Forsom.
They secuted for about two weeks, often
aware Of where their game was, but I'M
able to find them on the open prairie,
outside of their hiding places, where
they could engage them with advantage.
At last they surprised one of them at q
house alone, and captured him. When
about ready to depart, the other two APP
peared 10 the distance, riding toward the
house. When a short distance from the
heuse, they seemed to suspect that some
thing was wrong, halted, and turned to
ride off over the prairie. They were
hailed and told to hold on. They asked
what was wanted. The reply was that it
was desired to ask them few questions.
They answered with profsne oaths, ask
ing If our men wanted anything of them,
as they would not turn back. The reply
was, Hold on, we are coming" They
then made off at gallop, our men pur-
suing them.
The two parties were equally matched
in numbers and in arms-both the pur-
sued and the pursuers being armed with
six-shooters and shot guns. Mr.. Forsom
was left in charge of the prisoners,
and Mr.. Merryman and Mr.. Price pur-
sued the flying robbers. Having better
horses than the fugitives, they soon came
within range, and running fight COM
menced. The robbers used their shot
guns at long range withsut effect. They
separated, Merrymsn pursuing one and
Price the other. Merryman fred his
shotgun with deadly aim at his man and
mortally wounded him. he checked his
horse, iismounted, fell rose upon his
knees and fred his pistol at his antago-
mist; bat MerrymaH, knowing that be had
got his man, prudently kept out Of range,
until he lay down, where be was found
dead. Meanwhile, Price overlook his
man, and aiming his gun at him, he sur
rendered They left the dead man on
the prairie, and proceeded to report to
the Sheriff with their prisoners. They
are in irons and in Jail here, and the Jail
is guarded by the soldiers at this post