TO THE COPPER MINES. 
213 
Mexico, ‘the Mexican population occupying the eastern 
bank of the Rio Grande in Texas and New Mexico 
were greatly annoyed by the encroachments of the 
Aflnericans, and by their determined eiBforts to despoil 
them of their landed property. This was done by the 
latter either settling among them, or in some instances 
forcibly occupying their dwellings and cultivated - 
spots. In most cases, however, it was done by put- 
ting “Texas head-rights ” on their property. These 
head-rights were grants issued by the State of Texas, 
generally embracing 640 acres, or a mile square, 
though they sometimes covered very large tracts. 
They were issued to persons who had served in her 
wars, like our military land warrants, and also to origi- 
nal settlers. Such certificates are still bought and sold 
in Texas. The owner of them may locate his land 
where he pleases, unless previously occupied, or in 
lawful possession of another. 
With these land certificates, or “head-rights,” 
many Americans flocked to the valley of the Rio 
Grande, and in repeated instances, located them on 
property which for a century had been in the quiet 
possession of the descendants of the old Spanish colo- 
nists. The latter, to avoid litigation, and sometimes 
in fear for their lives, abandoned their homes, and 
sought a refuge on the Mexican side of the river. 
Dona Ana, a modern town on the eastern bank of the 
Rio Grande, being a desirable place, and moreover se- 
lected by the United States for one of its military posts, 
became an attractive point for speculators, and was in 
consequence pounced upon by them, and covered by 
the Texan land warrants. Whether the Mexican occu- 
