The Portland daily press., 1877-12-18
RIO GRANDE RAIDS.
Texas Militia Surrendered by n Mob at
I'll PasO-U. 9. Troops Sent to Their Re
Iief-The Salt Works QuarreI Rexixed.

Texas Militia surroundered by n Mob at
I'll Paso-U. 9. Troops Sent to Their Re
Iief-The Salt Works Quarrel Revived.
NEW YORK, Dec. 17.-Kernan's Washing
ton despatch says that about midnight last
night Congressman Mills of Texas received the
following despatch from Gov. Hubbard at Aus
tin, Texas:
night that our state troops are surrounded and
will be massacred unless relief can be had at
once. Ask the Secretary of War to please or
der his troops in New Mexico to make forced
marches for their relief. They are American
citizens. Answer.
In reply to the above Mr. Mills by authority
OF the Secretary of War this morning sent the
following:
Troops are now moving under orders from
here with all possible speed from Fort Bayard,
Fort Stanton, Fort Davis and Santa Fe. Re-
lief must soon be had.
A San Antonio despatch states that the
Mexicans in great numbers from both sides of
the river began war on Americans at San Eli
sario near Ell Paso. The state troops under
Sergeant Ellis interfered and were Whipped
and Ellis and five prigates killed Mexicans
are thought to be about six hundred strong and
defy resistance.
Late dispatches indicate that the trouble at
San Elisario was renewed by Mexican mill
tary officer who took command of the mob
upon pretext that Howard had returned to that
place. 1t believed Howard and the rangers
are well entrenched and can only be starved
out or blown up, and can hold the fort till
troops from New Mexico arrive.
1t is confidently believed the attack was wan
ton and unprovoked and suggested by desire
of vengeance upon Howard and invited by the
recent action of the Washington government
countermanding orders to cross the Rio Grande
in pursuit of raiders just at a time when the
whole Mexican people were afiame with indig-
nation and hatred. They think fear alone in
spired the orders.
A despatch dated Ell Paso gives the follow
ing as the beginning of the trouble: Howard
who killed Cards, left here Wednesday with
the intention OF serving papers upon parties
taking salt from the salt lakes. Arriving at
San Elisario he sought protection of the Texan
rangers as the town was in possession of a mob
of MexicaDs from both sides of the river
Capt. Blois's U. s. troops were refused en-
trance to the town and Howard and the ran
gers were co1ralled. No communication is al
lowed with them. Occasional shots were fred
between the mob and rangers on the street and
on Friday there was fighting all day.
A special from M. G. Harrett Texas, says:
Last night the stage north was jumped by
ea. A lieutenant just from West Point as
signed to the 10th Infantry, lost watch and
other valuables. 1t is stated he had s.the
drop on one OF the robbers, but by the advice
OF the passengers , RETAINED from shooting as
robbers asked for the paymaster whom thew
were seeking. They cut open the maiIsacks
aud robbed them. 1t is the opinion that the
fighting at San Elisario is signal for gem
eral guerilla attack. Mexicans have threat
ened invasion and if they have commenced it
it will require hard fighting and heavy cost in
men and money to drive them back.
CHICAGO, Dec. 17.-Oficial information re-
ceived at the military headquarters this after
poon shows that the mob at San Elisario con-
s,sts OF about 300 citizens of Ell Paso county,
Texas; that no Mexcans have crossed the river
to take part in the trouble, and that the Mex
lean authorities have given positive orders