Mobile Register

July 9, 1861

Page 2

Later from the Rio Grande

The Galveston Civilian, of the 29^th ultimo, has the following news taken from the Fort Brown (Brownsville) Flag, of latest date:

Mr. Smith, who was tried by a court martial at Ringgold Barracks, for the killing of Stanhope, and convicted, has since made his escape into Mexico. We understand that Col. Ford disapproved of the proceedings of the court martial.

Capt. Littleton mustered his Ranger company out of the State service, on Sunday morning, and immediately mustered them into the Confederate service for twelve months. Out of sixty-nine men only eight or nine refused to enter the Confederate service, and most of those who refused, did so because they desired to go where they could see more of the war than is to be found lying about this section of the country.

We learn that there is considerable fever and ague and diarrhea prevailing in this city and among the troops in the garrison. There is nothing dangerous in these things, however, if the people only take ordinary care of themselves.

The authorities of Rio Grande City have issued an order that no Mexican shall travel about the county of Starr, without [sic] he has a pass from the justice of the peace.

A company of minute men have been organized in Starr county, to escort travelers from Rio Grande City to Edinburg.

Capt. Littleton has left for the scene of the late Cortina difficulties, in Starr county, with a portion of his command, leaving one detachment of his Rangers at Carricitos, and another below the city of Brownsville.

Capt. Nolan’s command still maintains order and inspires a wholesome fear between Rio Grande City and Carizo. Horsehead, the six foot nigger [sic], who assists Wild Cat in governing the Seminola-Africano colony, opposite Eagle Pass, arrived in Matamoras last Saturday, and is daily to be seen sunning himself in the fashionable promenades of our great and thrifty commercial rival.

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]