sary the occasional crossing of the border by our troops." General Ord was informed that he was "at liberty, in the use of his own discretion, when in pursuit of a band of marauders, and when his troops are either in sight of them or upon a fresh trail, to follow them across the Rio Grande, and to overtake and punish them, as well as retake stolen property. . . ."[1]
This was the famous Ord order. It was hardly issued before the United States Government had to complain that Diaz troops had driven a band of Lerdists across the river into Texas, where they were attacked and dispersed. American officers asked whether they should cross to punish the offending forces. They were instructed not to cross, but a prompt disavowal was demanded.
The Ord order meanwhile created a widespread protest in Mexico, and under date of June 18, 1877, the Mexican government ordered its forces to resist any crossing and to "repel force by force, should the invasion take place.[2] In August a band of Mexicans raided the county seat of Starr County, Texas. American forces followed them to the river and the Governor of Texas demanded the extradition of the criminals, a demand supported by the United States Government. Mexico now made a serious effort at reparation, but the border officials had little respect for the demand made upon them. Some of the raiders were arrested and surrendered, although the extradition treaty did not de-
