Arizona citizen., 1871-09-09
FROM THE CHA.
Interesting Account of how Sonora Cattle Thieves were Treated Gadsden and the Devil.

Mexicans started in near Antelope
 Peak on the Gila river to gather up
 cattle, stealing few here and few
 there for near 100 miles up the r1ver,
 avoiding the road by driving out on
 the mesas, and coming ill once day
 to water. They got together about
 100 head by the time they arrived at
 Gila Bend. At this point they took
 the main road for Maricopa Wells and
 the Gila settlements. selling the while
 whatever cattle they could sell. Being
 questioned as to where they were from,
 they answered, "From Sonoita, in So-
 nora" The Custom-house officer at
 Marioopa Wells learning this, at once
 waited upon them or the apparent
 leader, and demanded the duties.
 Ventura Martinez, who acted as spokes-
 man for the party, claimed that the
 stock was all American; had only
 been driven to Sonora in June last on
 account of the want of feed about the
 Fresnal, where they had been herded
 for about year; that they belonged
 to himself and an American, whose
 name when given could not be dei-
 nitely understood, but sounded like
 Weirson, or Wilson. The Collector
 told him that he must secure the pay
 ment of the duties before leaving the
 Wells, which was done by him selling
 sufficient stock and depositing the
 money with Moore < Carr, until in
 structions could be received from the
 main office, etc. On the evening of
 the 26th, MT. Keener and four others arrived at the Wells in search of cattle thieves, not having missed the stock for near week after they had
 been taken, but then discovering the trail and following up to the Wells.
 Here the party learned that the cattle had been taken on towards Sanford.
 On the morning of the 27th, after securing the company of John Rogers (Wagonmaster of Yerkes train), who knew Martinez well, they started in pursuit. The party divided and Rogers and Greenup went directly to Sacaton, while the others followed the cattle trail which seemed to be going out on the Sonora road. From some one met with, Rogers and Greenup learned that a drove of cattle had just arrived some five miles above Sacaton and had stopped there. They at once started to the camp. On arriving in sight of camp, they saw seven Mexi- cans. Rogers turned to Greenup and asked, Do you think we can get away with them all ?" Greenup answered, "Go in, you will always find me close by" They dashed into camp while the Mexicans were gathering up and buckling on their arms. Rogers ordered Martinez to sur render, while he (Martinez), made a move to get behind mesquite tree. "Not another inch." said Rogers, Cor 1 shall kill you" when Martinez gave up his arms. Two of the other three were found i'll camp and disarmed the other, boy was gone. Nol doubt exists i'll my mind but that he had been sent to apprise the other four found in camp of the arrival of the booty and had not yet returned. I am informed that two of these four were Niconor Esca- lante and brother-two gentlemen who long ago should in justice have been taught some trade in the peni- tentiary. have been unable to learn the names of the others. Martinez protested that he had come honestly | by the stock, and demanded that they should be counted, etc. Roders told him not to trouble himself further, that they would take what there were, and at once gave orders to the accom- plices of Martinez to bring them all up, which they did. The stock of the Mexicans appeared so worn down and poor that they were permitted to saddle and mount them. They then started the drove towards Sacaton. 4 few moments only had passed when Martinez had chance to spur his horse and jump behind a small bush, which he did, and flashing his spurs into his horse he flew away at his utmost speed, Rogers following and firing his six shooter at him. The first shot was given him at 8 of about thirty feet, and took effect between the shoulder, @ little to the left of the spine; the next lower down some inches and to the left of the spine. The horse caught the next ball near the coupling, after which,