For some time a band of Mexican horse…
source date: 1890
availability: public-domain

For some time a band of Mexican horse thieves under the leadership of the notorious Santiago Montez, alias Jim Kirk, have infested the big Hatchet mountains. On Wednesday of last week the deputy sheriff at Hachita accom- panied by Andy Price of that place succeeded in capturing Montez, who was riding around the town drunk and flourishing a pistol. Montez told the officers that he would lead them to the rendezvous of the band which was com- posed of four or five Mexicans and one Ameri- can. Under one pretext or another he deferred going until near nightfall when they started for the camp of the outlaws. They were accom- panied by a detail of soldiers who were scouting for Indians and rode along together. Montez watched his opportunity and putting spurs to the quick little mustang he was riding, got away from the party. The officers fired several shots at close range but missed him. It is said the soldiers joined in the fusillade but did no better shooting than the civil officers and the fugitive escaped.