Morris tribune. [volume] (Morris, Minn.) 1880-2000, 1883-03-24
Relies OF Texan Pirates.

The Corpus Christi Crexas) Caller,
the 18th of February, has the following:
A few days ago, in grading the side of
the hill in front of the Presby terian
church in this city, there was brought to
the surface what appears to be the point
Of an elephants tlIsk about six inches in
length, and the horn of rhinoceros
about the same length. On the latter
were found several etchings represent
ing Spanish lady dancing the fandango
to the music of tambourine performed
by Portuguese female, ship at anchor
a rope-entwined anchor, and a female
waving flag, on which are seven stars.
Further excavations near the same spot
brought up the skull, several ribs and
portion of the spine of man evidently of
gigantic mould.
The discovery of these relics of bygone
ages set speculation afioat as to how they
came to be in the place where they were
unparthed. After diligent pumping of
old settlers and minute research 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, 1876, La Sale, the French
,discoverer, with fleet of three vessels
having on board a colony intended for
the mouth OF the Mississippi river,
driven from his course landed at Padre
Island. Becoming satisfied that they
were driven far west of their destina-
ton, they re-embarked and turned The
prows of their vessel eastward. Several
families destined for the new colony,
heartily sick of their sea experience,
asked to be left here, were granted per-
mission, and put ashore with provisions
and farming implements.
For nearly 200 years this little colony
struggled to maintain its foothold at the
upper end of the Padre Island. In
dams, Mexicans and want kept their
number at low figure. In December
1920, a terrible gale visited the remnant
of the little colony, during which a yes
selwas wished ashore on the Island. 1t
proved to be a felucca belonging to the
squadron of Jean Lahtte. The colon |
list secured three men from the wreck,
who proved to be in character, we'll fit |
ted for the service of the renowned pi-
rate. Their names were Pierre LACROSSE.
Baptiste and Joseph Aronux, nicknamed |
Hercules On account of his immense |
stature and prodigious strength. From
CliV tluIUClO VA Vic WICChCo lCluCCd luSy
constructed small vessel and were for |
years after the disappearance of Lafitte |
engaged in depredating on the COM
merce of the gulf, leading many to be-
ieve that LATTE was still alive, and at |
his old trade. SO thoroughly acquainted |
were they with the shoals. channels and |
islands ON this part of the gulf that it |
was impossible to capture them. As |
further precautionary measure they, in |
1910, removed their headquarters to a |
point now designated as McGloin'sB Bluff, /!
and in those turbulent days their
retreat was as safe as /
human foresight could possibly |
have selected. During their hours of |
leisure they amused themselves etching
familiar scenes on gold and silver plates,
ivory, ETC., captured in their many dep
relations on the commerce Of the gulf.
Early in 1916 this portion of the gulf
was visited by cyclone and tidal wave