The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-07

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6.-The State
department is in receipt Of the de-
tails OF the pursuit by the Mexican troops,
and final killing OF the notorious bandit,
Eraclio Bcrnal, the slayer Of Leon Bald
win, for whose death his widow il now
pressing claim for indemnity against the
Mexican government. The story OF the
life and death of this remarkable robber is
romantic in the extreme. lie was born
thirty-eight years ago in the state Of Sina-
loa, Mexico, and during his early man
hood bore ting reputation OF an industrious
and law-abiding citizen. Twelve years
ago he was arrested and convicted OF a
crime OF which he was afterward proved
innocent smarting with shame and hui
initiation he seized desperate chance,
and effected his escape from prison. He
then swore a solemn oath that his future
career would amply revenge the wrongs
he had suffered, and that II again impris-
oned ii would be for good cause.
lie left the Villages behind him, and
lay in hiding in the mountains, until he
gathered about him IA wild and lawless q
band Of cutthroats as ever followed des-
perale leader. Bernal's great staturef per-
feet ignorance OF fear and q rude but keen
sense OF justice made him at once admired
and respected by the villains with whom
he had surrounded himself. lie set out
at once upon systematic career OF pillage
and violence, at inst combining himself TO
waylaying stage coaches, robbing the pas
sengers and killing those who offered re-
sistance. Growing holder as his band be-
came larger, he descended upon outlaying
hamcts, and often laid whole villages
under contribution, carrying Oft by force
everything that was denied him.
Young girls were frequently kidnapped
and taken TO the mountain Businesses Of
the band, where they were held until
heavily ransomed. His journeys were
made NJ night, and his favorite way Of pill
laying town was 10 select one twenty or
thirty miles from hiscamp and, after hard
ride, fall upon II like q wolf just nj day
break After the death OF Leon Baldwin,
Bemals band threatened the lives Of n
number OF Mexican mule-packers unless
they would leave the service OF the Amer
leans. Several refused 20 do 40 and were
killed. Crippin Garcia and George Avon,
relatives OF the dead men, started ont at
once In search Of the outlaws den. They
found Bcrnal, surrounded by few follow
es, encampcd on the top Of mountain.
In the hope OF capturing him alive they
returned 20 the mines, where a few sol
dieB were stationed under Juan Fernan-
dez. With these men Fernandez set out
for the camp OF the outlaws. The inhab-
iiants Of a neighboring village, Antonio
del Caro-, were aroused and number Of
them organized aud placed under the COM
mand Of Juan llcmnL Under the guild
ancc OF Garcia and Avon, the little band
toilcd mp the mountain side under cover
Of night. Aftcf porilous climb among
rocks and ravincs they arrived near the
summit, where they formed Gordon around
the camp. Catching sight OF q swarthy
face among the rocks Garcia fired his rifle,
the signal Tor the attack. Bcrnal himself
led several impctuous charges. against the
villagers, and fought desperately for moro
than an hour. The conflict was hand-to-
hand, aud Bernal was finally separated
from his band Having cmpticd his
revolver and rifle, ho clubbcd with
the latter and rushed at Garcia, who
| lcyclcd his pistol and shot the outlaw dead
| Tho reward Of $1,000 offered by the State
OF Sinaloa for Bcnal's head has been paid
to Garcia. The death Of Bcrnal has greatly
relieved the tororized provinces Of Sinaloa
and Durango. and the mining operations
Of the American and other companies are
being carried ON without fear Of molcsta-
ton. This improved state Of anais has
been mainly brought about through the
appeals Of Mr-. Baldwin, aud the American
residents Of those provinces recognize and
appreciate her efforts In their behalf.
The aory Of the cold blooded murder Of
Mr.. Baldwin WIS told In the New York
World Of January - last lie was super.
inicndcnt Of a mine In the State of Duran
20, owned and operated by Americans
One day last autumn, when near the mine,
he was fired upon by couple OF Bornars
gang, but managed TO get into the tunnel.
lie was not much hurt. Tho bandits APP
preached the mine and parleyed with the
native miners. Finally they promised
| Mr.. Baldwin not 90 hurt him II he would
come out aud talk with them. Thinking
they were after money aud that immunity
from further molcstation could bo obtained
by liz payment, Mr. Baldwin went ont 20
meet them, and u few minutes later was
/ s.lt N..I - 49,. Iuultt.