turbulence in repelling the more savage invaders from beyond the border, and to help in counteracting the intrigues of certain cliques which still labored to form an independent republic of the northern states.[1] This project had no hopes of success, partly owing to the need of assistance from the southern provinces against their great affliction, Indian raids. Operations of local troops and flying corps availed little against the fleet and wily Apaches and their confrères, equipped as they were with superior arms, provided by avaricious traders, and colonies and missions could make but slow impression.[2] Under such circumstances it seemed pardonable for the provincial authorities in their desperate strait to listen to the proposal of a company of adventurers from the United States. which offered to kill hostile Indians at two hundred dollars each.[3] Journals of the southern states not so afflicted naturally became the medium for a loud cry against the 'blood contract,' alleging, among other reasons, that it left the door open for numerous abuses, such as robbery, spoliation, and attacks on friendly Indian villages, which might stir up civil war. It was argued in answer that no other effective means existed,
- ↑ The commandant at Matamoros reported in June 1849 that a conspiracy had been discovered, emanating from refugees at Brownsville, and proposing to start the movement. Their manifesto, which bears a strong resemblance in its opening to that issued by the U. S. in 1776, declared the seven northern states independent of Mexico, on the ground of corrupt administration and political changes, oppressive exactions by usurping rulers and their disorderly armies, forcible encroachments on the church and faith and personal 1roperty and rights, and disregard for the interests and sufferings of the northern states. The nine articles may be consulted among other places in Universal, July 10, 1849; Cent. Am. Papers, v. 43, etc.
- ↑ For plans and manœuvres to check the invasion, see Dublan and Lozano, Leg. Mex., v. 487-8; Arrillaga, Recop., 1849, 125-6; Id., Recop. Ley., Dec. y Circ., 123-31; U. S. Govt Doc., Cong. 31, Ses. 2, H. Ex. 1, pt ii. 18-67; Monitor Rep., Aug. 8, 1849, etc.; and for comprehensive account, Hist. North Mex. States, ii., this series; Castañeda, Plan Defensa, 1-27; Pinart Coll.
- ↑ With $50 more for warrior prisoners, and $150 for boys and girls under 14, $50 less if dead, and right to all spoils taken from the Indians, the leader of the party being responsible for all effects taken from or damage done to peaceful inhabitants. República, July 4, 1849; El Toro, June 5, 1849. The legislature of Chihuahua approved the proposal, although hesitating at the bid for killing women. Durango adopted substantially the same measure, while preferring to give original owners of recovered stock the privilege tɔ redeem it at $3 for horses and $3 for mules. Dur., Registro Ofic., June 25, 1843, et seq.
