Old West Book Review: Texas Devils: Rangers and Regulars on the Lower Rio Grande
Texas Devils: Rangers and Regulars on the Lower Rio Grande, 1846-1861, by Michael L. Collins, University of Oklahoma Press, (405) 325-3200, $19.95, Paper. Photographs, Notes to the Chapters, Bibliography, Index.
This book is a carefully researched account of the turbulent times along the Lower Rio Grande in Texas from 1846-1861. The author delves into these fifteen years filled with conflict between Anglo ranchers, homesteaders and businessmen at odds with the Hispanic people after the Mexican War. New International boundaries pointed to trouble when people lost their old homelands and the Republic of Texas established a new government as well as new political rules.
The author creates a page-turner that reads in places like an exciting novel. With measured cadence and vivid word descriptions, the warring factions are brought to life. He explains how the Rangers were hired to defend the homeland, protect the new border and keep the peace. Understandably, the Mexican people were mostly filled with resentment toward these armed posses riding across their old homeland. Known by the Mexicans as Ids diablos Tejanos, or Texas Devils, these men patrolled the countryside often clashing with Mexican bandits and roving Comanches. Here are details regarding the various battles, what happened, who lived and who died. Often young Rangers were brutally murdered, their hacked remains left rolling in the sun.
In retaliation, the Rangers were known to exact their own brand of vengeance, and sometimes committed atrocities with equal savagery upon those they fought against. The book aims to tell the Ranger story with fairness, dispelling some of the romanticized myths surrounding the early Ranger companies.
Important leaders of the Ranger units are given biographical coverage as to their places in history. Some had political ambitions; some were mercenaries interested in land and plunder. Still others, like Major Samuel Heintzelman and Col. Robert E. Lee were military gentlemen performing their duties in Texas with dignity, and who were destined to fight in terrible battlefields back east.
A clear and sentimental portrait is drawn here regarding Robert E. Lee who left his beloved Virginia plantation (now Arlington National Cemetery) in service to his country. He knew the winds of war would call him home to face heart wrenching decisions that would linger to the end of his days.
Too, this Ranger story includes the well known Juan Cortina known on the border as the “Red Robber.” The son of wealthy Mexicans who owned vast ranch lands, he became a champion for the Mexican cause after his mother lost most of their land to gringo lawyers and speculators after the Mexican War. Filled with bitterness and revenge, he led his Mexican followers against the Texas Rangers. Somewhat of a Robin Hood, he became an illusive adversary much loved by the Mexican people.
The author points out that injustice on both sides of the border conflict were experienced by many people. In 1860 Civil War broke out in the United States, and Texas went with the Confederacy. So much turmoil ensued due to that cause, the fighting on the Texas border settled down since there was a much larger conflict to deal with. Meanwhile, old myths and fables die hard because we all need our heroes. However, still to this day Anglos and Hispanics on the Lower Rio Grande have their reasons to mistrust one another. Even after 150 years, there is still much work to be done. Western history readers will reflect on what is written here long after turning the last page. You can grab Michael’s book HERE.
Editor’s Note: The reviewer, Phyllis Morreale-de la Garza is the author of many books about the Old West including Hell Horse Winter of the Apache Kid, Silk Label Books, P.0. Box 700, Unionville, New York 10988 Ph. (845) 726-3434 www.silklabelbooks.com
*Courtesy of Chronicle of the Old West newspaper, for more click HERE.
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