New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-04-08
The Capture Of Nlatamoros.


During the frat twelve hours of yester-
day the sun shone upon two governments
en- the western banks of the Rio Grande-
early, in the day on the disputed possession
Of the representatives of the recognized
government of Mexico; later upon the VIC
torious banners Of the revolutionists under
command of Don Porfirio Diaz.
The history Of the revolution, as acted in
this immediate vicinity, in brief, lie as fol-
lowe: General Dlaz came to this city some
two months since, and at once the air filed
with rumcrs Of revolution. General Diaz
remained here come time, to all appear.
auces leading the life of gentleman of
means and leisure. About ten days since
he joined an armed party of a1herente,
then in urdisputed possession Of Reyrosa,
some sixty miles above here and Mata-
morae. on the Rio Grande. From thence
he moved to Palo Blancc, some twelve miles
from here. On the post road leading to Mon
terev.
Early yesterday morning the Disz people
made an investment of the city of Matamo-
GO6 auo 64 AAWO0AotO UttdSA Vu tNC Cilys
entering on the Monterey road. On Diaz'
approach tia National Guard made over
lures to the invaders. and at once turned
their guns upon the city they had been
armed and depended upon to defend.
General do Lsbarrs, the commanding
officer of the government forces on this part
of the line, seeing his main dependence turn
their backs to the enemy and their guns on
him. escaped with his staff and body guard
icomposed of officers and men from the
regular army to this side of the river. and
they were all made prisoners by General
Potter, commanding at Fort Brown. Gen
eral Christie. comma nding detachment of
troops of the regular army, posted in .
small !unstte in the Casa Mata, near the
river. and directly acroes the city from the
Monterey road, made a determined resist
snce and very credl able fight with the
now almost victorious revolutionists. After
an hours engagement Christie lowered his
hag. The fight was ended, and Disz in
possession of the revenue, ETC., of Matamo-
rae. the third city of entry in all Mexico.
As near as can be ascertained the casul-
tea were about seven killed ard thirty
wounded. This think q very liberal esti-
mate of the killing; but as near the actual
number as can be ascertained. General
Diaz l am told, complimented Christie and
bis small band upon their heroism, and at
once placed the officers on parole within
the limits of the city.
M 40 <h> ALL VusH .ot <Lo~
seven hundred men, and these very imper-
fectly armed and with no artillery; 80 that
but for an evident understanding of assis-
t.nce from the revolving National Guard, his
attack would have ended in worse than
disaster .and rout, but with their timely
now at his command about 1900 men. These
he will be able to increase by volunteers
(tha, in Mexico willingly fock to a victori.
ems banner) to about 5000. With the
greater portion Of this command he pre-
poses to march upon Monterey. OF course
ne hopes for much, and freely promises
more.
General Potter placed General Labarra
on parole, who at onoe took up his quarters
in Brownsville, his family being granted
the privilege of Joining him, his officers
and men being placed in camp in the garri.
son of Fort Brown.
Under instructions from the Secretary of
the Navy, the Rio Bravo, under command
of Captain johnson, United States navy,
left Fort Brown and took station on the
western bank Of tie river. to aid United
States Consul Wilson in the protection OF
America ns and foreigners generally.
To day the city is quiet, and the mer-
chants are opening their places of business,
and some l find. 80 far from being dis
ooursged, talk of better times and An increase
of business. One significantly remarked to
me that revolutions always made business
better for those that lived through them.
Brownsville, Texap, April 3, 1876.