The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 45, July 1941 - April, 1942 Page: 15
409 p. : ill., maps ; 24 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
The Laredo City Election and Riot of 1886
sive; but now they saw their wives and daughters in imminent
danger and were ready and willing to defend them. Many
who had come over stopped at the top of the hill leading up
from the ferry, waiting for the next one-half hour to pass,
when it would be dark and they could go about in safety; but
at sight of the troops they at once descended, and crossed at
once back to Mexico, evidently disappointed at missing such a
fine opportunity to resume their old tricks."32
There is no authentic record of the number killed and wounded
during the fight, each side endeavoring to carry off their dead
and wounded in order that the other side would not know their
casualties.33 Among the known killed were Herman Poggenpohl,
Ricardo Gonzalez, Henry Baker, a policeman, Thomas Donavan,
Librado Guerrero, Estevan Hernandez, Ram6n Rodriguez, Camp
Burdett, Gregorio SAnchez, Pancho GonzAlez, and Francisco
Garcia, who died later from wounds. Among the most promi-
nent wounded were Plutarco Ortiz and Cayetano de la Garza.
The death of Herman Poggenpohl was most unfortunate. He
was a prominent ranchman and of the Bota party, but, accord-
ing to the late Judge H. G. Dickinson, was not in the proces-
sion. Mr. Poggenpohl, with Judge Dickinson and others, had
gone into Judge Dickinson's office when the firing commenced.
After the noise had died down, they all went out on the side-
walk to view the result of the fight. While they stood there the
battle was renewed, mainly by snipers firing from the roof tops,
and bullets began spattering on the wall about them, and Poggen-
phol remarked that it "was getting too hot." As they turned to
go back into the house, Poggenpohl was struck in the chest, the
bullet ranging downward and lodging just under the skin on
the back. Dr. A. W. Wilcox was called and removed the bullet,
but medical skill failed to save him and he died a few days later.
Telegrams were immediately dispatched to Governor Ireland
and to the Adjutant General. Martial law was declared in
Laredo, and the State militia ordered out."' Brigadier General
A. S. Roberts in command, with his staff of Major Rolla P.
32San Antonio Express, April 10, 1886.
331In a statement to the writer, Hon. B. J. Leyendecker, an active Guarache
and a participant, at present representing Webb County in the Legisla-
ture, says there were some sixty killed and a greater number wounded,
but as they fell they were removed and secretly buried.
"4San Antonio Express, April 9 and 10, 1886. Report of the Adjutant
General of the State of Texas, December, 1886, pp. 48-49.15
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 45, July 1941 - April, 1942, periodical, 1942; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth146053/m1/21/: accessed April 20, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.