The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1877-12-11


to Invade the Mexican soil In pursuit OF
cattle thieves and other perpetrators on
the Texan frontier, eiSed a similar order
given by Col. Robt. &. Lee aud by Sec
retary Calhoun. The following Letter on
the subjecs written by order Of the Sec
retary Of War John b. Floyd, is the only
one on record that can be found at
present. 1t is as follows:
"ADJUTANT GENERALS OFFICE,
Nv AsHINGPoE, Feb. "a, 1860.
"To Brevet Colonel Robert L. Lee, U. 5. A,
Commanding department Of Texas, san
Antonio, Texas:
"SIR-IntormatIon having reached the War
Department Of the continued depredations OF
Cortinas and his followers on American soil,
the Secretary Of Wars directs that your best
excrtions to pat period to the predatory ope-
rations Of that band Of outlaws,
and that you employ for this parpose. If re-
quired, all the troops under your command
that can possibly be spared for such service.
The most vigorous measures for the capture OF
Cortinas and his band will be resorted to, and,
II necessary, the Secretary directs that they bo
pursued beyond the limits of the United
states. am, sir, very respectfully, your obe-
dent servant,
"lSlgnedl S. COOPER,
"Adjutaut General"
The following letters fully explain the
construction W hich Gen, Lee put upon
the above letter:
sHEADQUARTERs RINGGoLD BARRACKS,
''April Z, 1860.
s'To His Exoellency Andres Trev.s Governor
of the State of ramauipas. Victoria, Mexico.
"SIR: In consequence Or the recent outrages
OF Cortinas and his followers upon persons and
property of American citizens l have been In
strueted by the Secretary OF War Of the United
States to notify the authorities OF MoxIco on
the Rio Grande frontier that they must break
up anu disperse the bands Of banuitti which
have been concerned in these depredations and
nave sought protection within Mexican terri
| tory; anu further, that they will be held re-
| sponsible for the faithful performance of this
plain duty on their part. have, therefore, the
honor to request that Your Excellency will
| cause to be dispersed any bands within the
states under your jurisdiction having Tor their
object depredations upon American BOIL
~ am, with high respect,
"Your obedient servant.
"it. Z. Lee,
"Brevet Colonel, Commanding Department Of
Texas"
"HEADoUARTERs, CAMP AT
"EDINBURG, TEXAS, April Z, 1859.
"To the Civic and Military Authorities of the
City Of Reynosa, Mexico:
"GENTLBHEN-in pursuance Of Instructions
| received from the Honorable Secretary Of Var
| Of the Government OF the United States, here
by notify you that you must break up and dis
perse the bands OF banditti within your juris-
| diction, engaged in committing depredations
upon persons and properly Of American citI-
| zens. and shall hold you responsible for the
faithful performance OF this plain duty on
your part. l have been informed that there
| are now within your jurisdictlon armed follow
ers OF Cortinas, who were engaged in the re-
cent outrages committed by hlm on this side
OF the Rio Grande, prepared to make similar
agaresslons. This state OF things can not
| longer exist, and must be put an end to.
II am with high respect
"4our obedient servant,
'R L, LEE,
| "Brevet Col. Comand'g Dept. Of Texas"
In response to these communication
the Mexican authorities, without seem
ing to take the least ofense, promised
faithful compliance. The troubles OIL
| the Rio Grande have existed since the
close of the Mexican war, and have
always been confined to the lawlesi
bands who inhabit the border States Of
Mexico and have always de1ed the law.
iWl authorities of the country. In sub.
sequent letter to the Adjutant General,
| Col. Lee expresses the belief that the
Mexican authorities are honestly en-.
deayoring to control these laWless
bands; but on account OF the want oil
sufficient military force, and the sympa-
| thy of the populace for Cortinas and his
| followers, tiud IL impossible to make
| much headway. The condition OF fairs
| en- the Rio Grande to-day is the same as
in 1860. Diaz is trying to break up the se
lawless bands, and will no doubt sue
ceed if time is given him to concentrate
sufficient iorce to control the people who
give aid ana oemfort to the outlaws.
General Sheridan will arrive here to-
morrow to consult with the authorities
on the subject, and will, it is expected,
give testimony before the Military Com
mittee.
q