EL PASO. 157 
for the fast filling record of crime. The peaceable 
Mexicans hastened to pack their little store of worldly 
wealth, and, with their wives and children, fled from 
the rapidly depopulating village. Every new outrage 
escaping the notice of those in authority gave addi- 
tional boldness to the desperate gang surrounding us. 
None dared stir from home without being doubly 
armed, and prepared to use their weapons at a 
moment's warning ; for the turning of a corner might 
bring one to the muzzles of a dozen pistols. 
After several murders had been committed, and 
horror and dismay filled the breasts of the orderly 
part of the community, it was resolved to ask for 
assistance from the military post at San Eleazario, 
six miles distant. A note was written by the Quarter- . 
master and the engineers, giving a history of what 
had occurred, and representing the alarming condition 
of things at the time. The messenger returned with 
an answer from the commanding officer, declining to 
furnish any assistance, on the ground that the applica- 
tion should first be made to the civil authorities.* 
In the evening, a dancing party was given in the 
place, an almost nightly amusement in all Mexican and 
*I am indebted to a gentleman of high standing connected 
with the Commission for the particulars of the death of Mr. Clarke, 
and the trial and execution of his murderers. He was stationed at 
Socorro when the events transpired, and was often brought in contact 
with the principal actors in them. He attended the trial of all, and 
took down the confession of Young, the man last executed. From 
others equally conspicuous, and who were also residents there at the 
time, I have received similar accounts. I do not think, therefore, there 
is any exaggeration in the narrative, but believe that what is stated is 
strictly true. 
