The Ranchero [Corpus Christi, TX], October 27, 1860
There are many rumors afloat in regard to there being a large body of armed men, mostly from other counties, in the upper portion of this, with the avowed intention of running off every Mexican inhabitant. We hope the rumor may prove untrue, although it is founded on almost positive authority. If it is true, it is a species of high-handed agrarianism, which must inevitably meet with the hearty condemnation of every citizen who loves his country and her laws; and we would remind those who are engaged in this unlawful business, that their acts are in defiance of the very letter of the law, to which all should submit, and to which every citizen owes allegiance.
From what we can learn, this sad state of affairs is brought about by representations being made of the menacing attitude of certain parties, in which there is no truth. We hope the sober second thought will bring the conclusion that it is better to be vigilant under the law as a standard of morals, than to be vigilant under “higher law” with no such standard. Drive off the Mexicans and the trade with Mexico will be stopped, which will destroy the commercial interests of this place, as well as the cotton interests of this county, as our planters have to depend principally upon Mexican labor.