San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1883-03-15
Relies OF Gulf Pirates.
Corpus Christi TEX Caller.

brought to the surface what appeared
10 be the point of an elephants tusk
about six inches in length, and the
horn of a rhinoceros, about the same
length. On the latter were foun5
several etchings, representing Span.
ish lady dancing the fandango, to the
music of a tambourine performed bv
a Portuguese female, u ship at an.
cher, a rope-entwined anchor, and a
female waving flag on which were
seven stars. Further excavations
near the same spot brought the skull.
several ribs, and portion of the
spine of man, evidently of gigantic
mold. '.
The discovery of these relics of by.
gone ages set speculation afioat as to
how they came to be in the place where
they were unearthed. After diligent
pumping of old settlers, and minute
reseach into the history of the dark
ages of Southwest Texas we have
,built,up the following as probably the
most lucid explanation of the strange
find:
In January, 1886, La Sale, the
French discoverer, with u feet of
three vessels, having on board colo
ny intended for the mouth of the
Mississippi River, driver from his
course, landed at Padre Island. Be-
coming satisfied that they had been
driven far west of their destination,
they re embarked and turned the
prows of their vessels eastward. Sew
eral families destined for the new
colony, heartily sick of their sea ex-
perience, asked to be left here, were
granted permission, and put ashore
with provisions and farming imple-
ments.
For nearly 1O0years this little colo
ny struggled to maintain, its foothold
at the upper end of Padre Island.
Indians, Mexicans, and want kept
their number at low figure. In
December, 1920, a terrible gale visit
ed the remnant of the little colony,
during which vessel was washed
ashore on the island. 1t proved to
be felucca belonging to the squad
ron of Jean Jaftte. The colonists
secured three men from the wreck,
who proved to be, in character, well
fitted for the service of the renowned
pirate. Their names were Pierre
Largosso, Paul Baptiste and Joseph
Arnoux, nicknamed Hercules on &C.
count of his immense stature and
prodigous strength. From the tim
bers of the wrecked felucca, they con-
structed small vessel and were for
years after the disappearance of La
ftte engaged in depredating on the
commerce of the gulf, leading many
to believe that Laftte was still alive
and at his old trade. So thoroughly
acquainted were they with the shoals,
channels, and islands Of this part OF
the gulf that it was impossible to
capture them. AS a further precau-
tionary measure, they-in 184O-re.
moved their headquarters to q point
now designated as Nc Gloin's Bluff
and in those turbulent days their re-
treat was as safe as human foresight
could have selected. During their
hours Of leisure they amused them,
selves etching familiar scenes on gold
and silver plates, ivory, etc., captured
in their many depredations on the
commerce of the gulf.
Early in 1916 this portion OF the
gulf was visited by a cyclone and t.
dial wave such as no man ever Wit
messed before and never will unless
our promised March tornado should
prove true. When the water had rs
en- so high as to menace their safety
the party tore down their house, con-
structed from it a raft, and placing
women and children in the boat, the
men took the raft, on which was
loaded their valuables, and were dry
EN- to the Corpus Christi bluff. Inc
boat upset before reaching the land
and all on board were drowned. Inc
raft struck the hill near the present
residence of Mr.. Gussett, and so fierce
was the waves that in few moments
it was dashed to pieces. Two men me
reached the bank in safety. Inc
balance, with the accumulated sponS
of twenty years, went to the Bottom
No sign of treasure OF of the qn1ot,
tunate men was ever found. 1t was
supposed that the hill had cayeG Ii
and buried them, theory that the
late excavation may partially prove